title: Symbiosis in an overlooked microcosm: a systematic review of the bacterial flora of mites.
abstract: A dataset of bacterial diversity found in mites was compiled from 193 publications (from 1964 to January 2015). A total of 143 mite species belonging to the 3 orders (Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes and Trombidiformes) were recorded and found to be associated with approximately 150 bacteria species (in 85 genera, 51 families, 25 orders and 7 phyla). From the literature, the intracellular symbiont Cardinium, the scrub typhus agent Orientia, and Wolbachia (the most prevalent symbiont of arthropods) were the dominant mite-associated bacteria, with approximately 30 mite species infected each. Moreover, a number of bacteria of medical and veterinary importance were also reported from mites, including species from the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Bartonella, Francisella, Coxiella, Borrelia, Salmonella, Erysipelothrix and Serratia. Significant differences in bacterial infection patterns among mite taxa were identified. These data will not only be useful for raising awareness of the potential for mites to transmit disease, but also enable a deeper understanding of the relationship of symbionts with their arthropod hosts, and may facilitate the development of intervention tools for disease vector control. This review provides a comprehensive overview of mite-associated bacteria and is a valuable reference database for future research on mites of agricultural, veterinary and/or medical importance.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool,146 Brownlow Hill,Liverpool L3 5RF,UK.
authors.forename: Kittipong
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chaisiri
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool,401 Great Newton Street,Liverpool L3 5RP,UK.
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: McGarry
authors.affiliation: CNRS CIRAD AGIRs, Centre d'Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos,Vientiane, Lao PDR.
authors.forename: Serge
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morand
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool,146 Brownlow Hill,Liverpool L3 5RF,UK.
authors.forename: Benjamin L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Makepeace
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D008925:Mites / Q000382:microbiology*; D013559:Symbiosis
keywords: Acari; Cardinium; Rickettsiales; Symbionts; allergy; microbiota