New Spiroplasma in parasitic Leptus mites and their Agathemera walking stick hosts from Argentina

Here we report the presence of Spiroplasma 16S rRNA in populations of two parasitic Leptus mites (Leptus sayi; Leptus lomani) and their Agathemera walking stick hosts. In walking sticks Spiroplasmas were detected in the gut, as well as muscle-tissues, but not in eggs. Throughout Argentina 15.4% of L. sayi populations and 14.3% of L. lomani populations surveyed screened positive for Spiroplasma. Phylogenetic analyses (ML, BCMC) place all sequences within the Ixodetis group. Most sequences form a well-supported sister subclade to the rest of Ixodetis. We briefly discuss the role of Leptus mites in the natural transmission of Spiroplasma.

Graphical abstractNew Spiroplasma genotypes characterized from Argentine ectoparasitic Leptus mites and their Agathemera walking stick hosts form a well-supported sister subclade to the previously defined Ixodetis clade.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We molecularly characterized Spiroplasma from Argentine ectoparasitic Leptus mites and their Agathemera walking stick hosts. ► We assessed phylogenetic placement of the host and parasite Spiroplasma genotypes in relation to previously defined clades. ► Most Argentine Spiroplasma sequences form a well-supported sister subclade to the rest of the Ixodetis clade. ► The potential role of Leptus mites in Spiroplasma transmission is discussed.