Biology subjects

Moemenbellah-Fard, M. D.

Publications and source records attributed to Moemenbellah-Fard, M. D..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Metagenomic profiling of bacterial endosymbionts in wild mutant and permethrin-susceptible head lice shows an expanded microbiota in the resistant strain

BackgroundHuman head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis de Geer) are known to harbor diverse maternally inherited bacterial symbionts. These endosymbiotic bacteria may contribute to insecticide degradation, potentially helping lice withstand particular environmental pressures. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), this study investigated the bacterial symbionts present in wild head-louse populations and characterized their phylogenetic relationships in mutant and permethrin-susceptible strains. MethodsHead lice specimens were collected from 10 locations across Fars Province, Iran. Following DNA extraction, the samples were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the resulting amplicons were sequenced to detect mutations in specimens from each location. Lice were then classified according to the presence or absence of mutations and subjected to NGS to characterize the symbiotic bacterial communities in mutant and putatively permethrin-susceptible strains. ResultsMutant strains were detected at only three sampling stations. Bioinformatic analysis of the nucleic acid sequences revealed three exons and two introns, with an expected amplicon length of 582 bp. NGS analysis showed that Candidatus Riesia pediculicola (Arsenophonus), belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria, was the predominant bacterial genus. Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were the second- and third-most abundant phyla, respectively. Most of the remaining 25 bacterial taxa were associated with the mutant strain. Additionally, two previously unreported bacterial genera were deposited in GenBank. ConclusionsThe distinct distribution of Arsenophonus species between susceptible and mutant head-lice strains--along with the greater abundance of Escherichia, Shigella, Lawsonella, and Megamonas in mutant strains--highlights the need for advanced metagenomic analyses to determine how these endosymbionts may help their hosts withstand specific environmental disturbances.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2026

Repellency effects of nanoliposomal gels bearing Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) or Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oils against the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi

BackgroundThe development of safe and effective plant-based repellents is crucial to control malaria transmission, particularly given the spread of insecticide resistance in major vectors like Anopheles stephensi. Essential oils (EOs) are promising candidates, yet their high volatility and hydrophobicity limit their efficacy. This study aimed to design and evaluate nanoliposomal gels containing Syzygium aromaticum (clove) or Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) EOs to enhance their repellent durability against An. stephensi. MethodsThe chemical profiles of the EOs were determined via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Nanoliposomes bearing 3% of each EO were made ready with the ethanol injection method, and incorporated into a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gel. Formulations were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, viscosity, and chemical interactions (FTIR). Repellent efficacy was evaluated using the arm-in-cage method, recording the complete protection time (CPT) for nanoliposomal gels (LipoGel 3%), in comparison with nonformulated EOs and the gold-standard repellent, DEET (40%). ResultsGC-MS analysis identified eugenol (79.51%) and terpinen-4-ol (73.53%) as the major constituents of clove and tea tree EOs, respectively. Nanoliposomes exhibited sizes of 82.3 {+/-} 3 nm (clove) and 102 {+/-} 4 nm (tea tree), with narrow size distributions. The clove LipoGel demonstrated a significantly enhanced CPT (341 {+/-} 17 min), which was statistically comparable to 40% DEET (351 {+/-} 16 min, P>0.05). In contrast, the nonformulated EOs resulted in only 45 min of protection, highlighting the critical role of the nanocarrier system. ConclusionThe nanoliposomal gel formulation, particularly containing clove EO, represents a potent and safe botanical alternative to conventional synthetic repellents. This approach offers a promising strategy for integrated vector management, warranting further field-based investigations.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2026

Endosymbiont Wolbachia infection prevalence in biting midges of the family Ceratopogonidae in Southwest Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectivesTo estimate the pooled prevalence of Wolbachia infection in biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) across Southwest Asia and to evaluate ecological and biological factors associated with infection patterns. Study DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis. MethodsA comprehensive search of international and regional databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, SID, MagIran) was conducted without date restriction. Eligible studies included those using molecular techniques to detect Wolbachia in Ceratopogonidae collected from Southwest Asia. Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to assess variations by country, species, altitude, habitat type, and sex. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using I{superscript 2}, Cochrans Q, and Eggers tests in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. ResultsTwenty-four studies comprising 14,832 midges from six countries were included. The pooled prevalence of Wolbachia infection was 32.6% (95% CI: 28.4-36.9%; I{superscript 2}=78.3%). Iran showed the highest prevalence (38.2%), and Culicoides imicola was the most frequently infected species (36.8%). Higher prevalence was associated with lower altitudes (<500 m; P=0.012), rural habitats (P=0.034), and female midges (P=0.008). Limited evidence suggested the presence of cytoplasmic incompatibility and reduced bluetongue virus competence in infected midges. ConclusionsWolbachia infection is common among Ceratopogonidae in Southwest Asia and is influenced by ecological and biological factors. These findings highlight the potential of Wolbachia as a biocontrol tool in regional vector management, underscoring the need for further experimental and strain-level studies.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2026

Hitchhiking Microplastics Through Mosquitoes as Unseen Vehicles of Terrestrial and Aerial Transfer: Experimental Evidence

BackgroundMicroplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental concern that extends beyond aquatic systems into terrestrial food webs. The mosquito Anopheles stephensi, a major malaria vector in Asia and the Middle East, undergoes complete metamorphosis and offers a useful model to examine cross-stage MP transfer. However, the physiological consequences of such exposure remain poorly understood. MethodsFluorescent polystyrene microplastics (1 {micro}m) were administered at six concentrations (0-300 mg L-1) under controlled laboratory conditions. Larvae were reared on standard fish pellets, and adults were maintained on a 10% sucrose solution. Fluorescence microscopy tracked MP ingestion and transfer across life stages. Larval weight, developmental timing, and survival were analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square tests. ResultsOntogenic transfer of microplastics was confirmed from larvae to pupae (100%) and adults (94%). Increasing MP concentrations accelerated development by 1-2 days but significantly reduced survival, with mortality rising from 12% in controls to 64% at 300 mg L-1. Body weight declined consistently in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). ConclusionThis study provides the first experimental evidence of ontogenic MP transfer in An. stephensi. Microplastic exposure alters development and survival, potentially affecting mosquito population dynamics and vectorial capacity, highlighting the need to incorporate MP pollution into vector ecology models.

ecology↗