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Szczotko M, Antunes S, Domingos A, Kubiak K, Dmitryjuk M. Tick-Borne pathogens and defensin genes expression: A closer look at Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 160:105231. [PMID: 39043336 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The immune system of ticks, along with that of other invertebrates, is comparatively simpler than that of vertebrates, relying solely on innate immune responses. Direct antimicrobial defence is provided by the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including defensins. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in defensin genes expression between questing and engorged Ixodes ricinus (def1 and def2) and Dermacentor reticulatus (defDr) ticks, in the presence of selected pathogens: Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis in the natural environment. After pathogen screening by PCR/qPCR, the expression of defensin genes in pathogen positive ticks and ticks without any of the tested pathogens, was analysed by reverse transcription qPCR. The results showed an increased expression of defensin genes in I. ricinus ticks after blood feeding and I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks during in cases of co-infection. In particular, the expression of defensins genes was higher in questing D. reticulatus than in questing and engorged I. ricinus ticks, when borreliae were detected. This study contributes to uncovering the expression patterns of defensin genes in the presence of several known tick pathogens, the occurrence of these pathogens and possible regulatory mechanisms of defensins in tick vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Szczotko
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
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Dyab AK, Mohamed SAA, Abdel-Aziz FM, Gareh A, Osman F, Elgohary FA, Hassan EA, Alsowayeh N, Alzaylaee H, Ahmed AARS, Bravo-Barriga D, Elmahallawy EK. Microscopic and molecular detection of piroplasms among sheep in Upper Egypt. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1373842. [PMID: 38860006 PMCID: PMC11163088 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1373842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Blood parasites pose a significant threat to livestock production in southern Egypt, yet there is a scarcity of information regarding their circulation and epidemiology in sheep in this region. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of blood parasite infections in sheep in Assiut governorate, Upper Egypt. Methods A total of 400 blood samples were collected from sheep of varying ages and genders. The preliminary screening for the presence of piroplasms, mainly Babesia and Theileria spp., via microscopic examination, followed by investigation of the potential risk factors linked with the exposure to infection. Moreover, molecular identification of both parasites on some of positive samples was performed using PCR targeting Babesia 18S rRNA and Theileria annulata Tams1 gene. Results The microscopic examination revealed that among the examined sheep, there was an overall prevalence of blood parasites at 44% (176 out of 400), with Babesia spp. observed in 14% (56 out of 400) and Theileria spp. in 30% (120 out of 400). Furthermore, the infection rate was non-significantly higher in young animals (50%) compared to adults (38.5%) (P = 0.246). Male sheep exhibited a significantly higher vulnerability to both parasites' infection (63.3%) compared to females (35.7%) (P = 0.011). Interestingly, the prevalence of both blood parasites was significantly higher during the cold season (66.1%) compared to the hot season (15.9%) (P = < 0.001). The molecular analysis identified the presence of Babesia ovis and Theileria annulata among a subsample of the positive sheep's bloods films. The identified species were recorded in the GenBank™ databases and assigned specific accession numbers (OQ360720 and OQ360719 for B. ovis), and (OP991838 for T. annulata). Conclusions Taken together, this study confirms a high prevalence of piroplasmosis and offers epidemiological and molecular insights into blood parasites in sheep from Upper Egypt, highlighting the importance of detecting these parasites in various hosts and their competent vectors (ticks).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Kamal Dyab
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Assiut, New Nasser City, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sara Abdel-Aal Mohamed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed Gareh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Fathy Osman
- New Valley Lab, Department of Parasitology, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), New Valley province, Egypt
| | - Fatma A. Elgohary
- Department of Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ehssan Ahmed Hassan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Alkharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, El-Sheikh Zayed, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Noorah Alsowayeh
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind Alzaylaee
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abd Al-Rahman S. Ahmed
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
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Ali S, Ahmad AS, Ashraf K, Khan JA, Rashid MI. Insights into the involvement of male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in transmitting Anaplasma marginale, lumpy skin disease virus and Theileria annulata. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:167. [PMID: 38761254 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04022-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Ticks can transmit viruses, bacteria, and parasites to humans, livestock, and pet animals causing tick-borne diseases (TBDs) mechanically or biologically in the world. Lumpy skin disease virus, Anaplasma marginale, and Theileria annulata inflict severe infections in cattle, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. The study investigated the potential transmissions of LSDV, A. marginale, and T. annulata through male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in cattle calves. Two 6-month-old Holstein crossbred calves designated as A and B were used. On day 1, 15 uninfected female ticks (IIa) and infected batch of 40 male ticks (I) were attached on calf A for 11 days. Filial transmission of the infections was observed in female ticks (IIb) collected from calf A, where 8 female ticks had been co-fed with infected male ticks. The blood sample of calf B was found positive through PCR for the infections. The larvae and egg pools obtained from the infected ticks were also tested positive in PCR. The study confirmed the presence of these mixed pathogens and potential intra-stadial and transovarial transmissions of A. marginale, T. annulata, and LSDV in male and female ticks of H. anatolicum and experimental calves to establish the feasibility of infections through an in vivo approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikandar Ali
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah Saghir Ahmad
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Ashraf
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jawaria Ali Khan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Ali S, Ahmad AS, Ashraf K, Khan JA, Imran Rashid M. Rearing of Rhipicephalus annulatus ticks on rabbits for the biological transmission of Anaplasma marginale. Vet World 2024; 17:903-910. [PMID: 38798298 PMCID: PMC11111724 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.903-910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Anaplasma marginale is an obligate intraerythrocytic rickettsial parasite that infects cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. There is no evidence that A. marginale inoculation can be used to culture Rhipicephalus annulatus in rabbits. This study aimed to determine the molting of R. annulatus larvae, nymphs, and adults on rabbits as well as nymphs and adults of R. annulatus on calves with or without A. marginale. Transstadial, horizontal, and transovarial transmissions of A. marginale in R. annulatus reared on rabbits and calves were evaluated. Materials and Methods Engorged female ticks were collected from field samples of A. marginale-infected and non-infected cattle. We divided the eight rabbits into two groups: A and B. Group A rabbits were infected with A. marginale through parenteral inoculation, whereas Group B rabbits were kept as a control. The "clean rabbits" in Group B were observed for tick rearing without A. marginale. Polymerase chain reaction was used to screen A. marginale in rabbits and stages of tick. The complete life cycle of R. annulatus with or without A. marginale was observed on rabbits. Results A 6.5-day longer life cycle was observed in ticks harboring A. marginale than in ticks without A. marginale. To observe transstadial transmission, transstadial, horizontal, and transovarial transmissions of A. marginale in R. annulatus ticks were experimentally observed in one clean calf fed separately with infected nymphs and female adult ticks. Conclusion We experimentally observed transovarian, transstadial, and transovarial transmission of A. marginale in R. annulatus ticks as a biological vector reared on calves and rabbits. We used rabbits as a model animal for rearing R. annulatus ticks and culture of A. marginale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikandar Ali
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah Saghir Ahmad
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Ashraf
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jawaria Ali Khan
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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McCarthy ML, Wallace DI. Optimal control of a tick population with a view to control of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:18916-18938. [PMID: 38052583 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
In some regions of the Americas, domestic dogs are the host for the tick vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and spread the tick-borne pathogen Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in humans. Interventions are carried out against the vector via dog collars and acaricidal wall treatments. This paper investigates the optimal control of acaricidal wall treatments, using a prior model for populations and disease transmission developed for this particular vector, host, and pathogen. It is modified with a death term during questing stages reflecting the cost of control and level of coverage. In the presence of the control, the percentage of dogs and ticks infected with Ri. rickettsii decreases in a short period and remains suppressed for a longer period, including after treatment is discontinued. Risk of RMSF infection declines by 90% during this time. In the absence of re-application, infected tick and dog populations rebound, indicating the eventual need for repeated treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve L McCarthy
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Murray State University, 203A Industry & Technology, Murray KY 42071, USA
| | - Dorothy I Wallace
- Department of Mathematics, Dartmouth College, 27 N. Main Street, 6188 Kemeny Hall, Hanover, NH 03755-3551, USA
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Athira KK, Anis KV, Aneesh EM. Molecular characterization of Amblyomma geoemydae using CO1 mitochondrial gene to validate phenotypic taxonomical evaluation. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:376-386. [PMID: 37181408 PMCID: PMC10088647 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01582-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal ectoparasites are linked to the spread of serious medical and veterinary important pathogens. Our research intends to close the knowledge gap concerning the numerous ectoparasites that inhabit animals in Wayanad. Ectoparasites in animals brought to the veterinary dispensaries in Wayanad were retrieved and identified morphologically and molecularly. Using a high-quality stereomicroscope, the taxonomic features of the four following species were examined and identified: Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Rhipicephalus annulatus, R. microplus, and Amblyomma geoemydae. The important disease vector A. geoemydae was reported for the first time in Kerala. The important phenotypic characters of the highlighted species A. geoemydae are the edge of the basis capituli is circular without cornua, and the hypostomal dental formula is 2/2. The taxonomically identified four species were subjected to CO1 gene sequence analysis. The evolutionary relationship was inspected through the neighbour-joining method, and the phylogenetic tree was built through the Maximum Likelihood method. The present study has also estimated the diversity index of R. microplus, R. annulatus, H. bispinosa, and A. geoemydae. Among them, R. microplus 0.36638 have reported with the maximum diversity index score. The significance of the study is the presence of Lyme disease vector A. geoemydae, in the Wayanad District of Kerala, and it is the first report of the species from where an outbreak of Lyme disease occurred in 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumichiyil Kumaran Athira
- Centre for Research in Emerging Tropical Diseases (CRET-D), Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala India
- Department of Zoology, Christ College Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala India
| | | | - Embalil Mathachan Aneesh
- Centre for Research in Emerging Tropical Diseases (CRET-D), Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala India
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Onzere CK, Herndon DR, Hassan A, Oyen K, Poh KC, Scoles GA, Fry LM. A U.S. Isolate of Theileria orientalis Ikeda Is Not Transstadially Transmitted to Cattle by Rhipicephalus microplus. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040559. [PMID: 37111445 PMCID: PMC10142041 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Theileria orientalis Ikeda has caused an epidemic of bovine anemia and abortion across several U.S. states. This apicomplexan hemoparasite is transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks; however, it is unknown if other North American ticks are competent vectors. Since the disease movement is largely determined by the host tick range(s), the prediction of the T. orientalis spread among U.S. cattle populations requires determination of additional competent tick vectors. Although Rhipicephalus microplus has mostly been eradicated from the U.S., outbreaks in populations occur frequently, and the U.S. remains at risk for reintroduction. Since R. microplus is a vector of Theileria equi and T. orientalis DNA has been detected in R. microplus, the goal of this study was to determine whether R. microplus is a competent vector of T. orientalis. Larval R. microplus were applied to a splenectomized, T. orientalis Ikeda-infected calf for parasite acquisition, removed as molted adults, and applied to two T. orientalis naïve, splenectomized calves for transmission. After 60 days, the naïve calves remained negative for T. orientalis by PCR and cytology. Additionally, T. orientalis was not detected in the salivary glands or larval progeny of acquisition-fed adults. These data suggest that R. microplus is not a competent vector of the U.S. T. orientalis Ikeda isolate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia K Onzere
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - David R Herndon
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Amany Hassan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Department of Animal Medicine, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Alexandria, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Kennan Oyen
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Karen C Poh
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Glen A Scoles
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Lindsay M Fry
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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