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Tian D, Cui XM, Ye RZ, Li YY, Wang N, Gao WY, Wang BH, Lin ZT, Zhu WJ, Wang QS, Liu YT, Wei H, Wang YF, Sun Y, Shi XY, Jia N, Jiang JF, Cao WC, Liu ZH. Distribution and diversity of ticks determined by environmental factors in Ningxia, China. One Health 2024; 19:100897. [PMID: 39345728 PMCID: PMC11439557 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, and represent an increasing threat for human and animal health. Considering the complex natural environments of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, we expect the diverse tick species in this region. Here, we conduct a field survey on parasitic and host-seeking ticks. A total of 10,419 ticks were collected, which belonged to nine species of four genera. There were significant differences in terms of vegetation index, altitude, and seven climatic factors among the four tick genera -Hyalomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, except between Haemaphysalis and Ixodes, where no significant differences were observed in these factors. The ecological niche modelling revealed that the suitable habitats for Hyalomma asiaticum was in the northwest Ningxia, with annual ground surface temperature as the most important factor. The suitable area for Dermacentor nuttalli was in the southwest and eastern regions of Ningxia with elevation as the highest contribution. D. silvarum was best suited to the southern Ningxia also with elevation as the most important factor. The four tick species including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Hae. qinghaiensis, Hae. japonica, and Ixodes persulcatus were best suited to the southernmost Ningxia with annual precipitation as the main factors for Hae. longicornis and elevation for the other three ticks. The results of predicted potential distribution of different tick species provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the region. Furthermore, the subsequent impacts of the Greening Program to regain forests and grasslands from former agricultural lands in Ningxia on tick population dynamics deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Tian
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Run-Ze Ye
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yu-Yu Li
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Wan-Ying Gao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Bai-Hui Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Zhe-Tao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qiu-Shi Wang
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, PR China
| | - Ya-Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hua Wei
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yi-Fei Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Zhi-Hong Liu
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
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Ma H, Ai J, Kang M, Li J, Sun Y. The life cycle of Dermacentor nuttalli from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under laboratory conditions and detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1126266. [PMID: 36908514 PMCID: PMC9998488 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1126266] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor nuttalli has been a focus of study because tick-borne pathogens have been widely identified in this tick from northern and southwestern China. The aim of this study was to characterize the life cycle of D. nuttalli under laboratory conditions and to detect spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia in the midgut and salivary glands of both field-collected and first laboratory generation adults. D. nuttalli ticks were collected in the field on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from March to April 2021 and their life cycle was studied under laboratory conditions. Tick identify was molecularly confirmed, and SFG Rickettsia were detected in the midgut and salivary glands of males and females by PCR targeting different rickettsial genes. The results showed that the life cycle of D. nuttalli under laboratory conditions was completed in an average of 86.1 days. High positivity of Rickettsia spp. was detected in the midgut and salivary glands of both males (92.0%) and females (93.0%) of field-collected D. nuttalli ticks. However, a relatively lower positivity (4.0-6.0%) was detected in first laboratory generation adults. Furthermore, sequencing analysis showed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained in this study shared 98.6 to 100% nucleotide identity with Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii isolated from Dermacentor spp. in China. Phylogenetic analysis of Rickettsia spp. based on the gltA, ompA, ompB and sca4 genes revealed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained could be classified as belonging to R. slovaca and R. raoultii clades. This study described for the first time the life cycle of D. nuttalli from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under laboratory conditions. Two species of SFG Rickettsia were detected in the midgut and salivary glands of males and females in both field-collected and first laboratory-generation adults of D. nuttalli. Our study provides new insights into pathogen detection in ticks in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the relationships among hosts, ticks, and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jingkai Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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Yang X, Zhao Y, Chuai X, Cao Q, Meng H, Liu J, Chen Z. The life cycle of Hyalomma scupense (Acari: Ixodidae) under laboratory conditions. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102019. [PMID: 35963189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The life cycle of Hyalomma scupense on rabbit hosts was investigated under laboratory conditions. Hy. scupense exhibited one- and two-host life cycles of 163.2 and 161.4 days, respectively. The incubation of eggs required an average period of 52 days, which was the longest period among the four developmental stages. The average time for pre-feeding of larvae was 3.5 days. It took 20 days for larvae to become engorged nymphs and 52.3 days to become engorged females. The duration of the pre-feeding, feeding, pre-oviposition, and oviposition stages of female adults was 2.3, 13.5, 27.5, and 27.9 days, respectively. The average weight of engorged females was 390.0 mg (ranging from 129.3 mg to 828.6 mg), which was 28.95 times the weight of unfed females. There was a positive relationship between the weight and the number of eggs laid by engorged females (r = 0.927). The reproductive efficiency index (REI) was 8.63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, China.
| | - Yuqi Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China
| | - Xia Chuai
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China
| | - Qiao Cao
- Shijiazhuang Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050041, China
| | - Hao Meng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China
| | - Jiaze Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China
| | - Ze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, China.
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Fracasso G, Heylen D, Matthysen E. Male mating preference in an ixodid tick. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:316. [PMID: 36071436 PMCID: PMC9450281 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05419-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mate choice is a fundamental element of sexual selection and has the potential to shape the evolution of traits. Mate choice based on body size has been shown to be a common trait in several arthropod species. In hard ticks, a taxon of medical and veterinary importance, engorgement weight is positively correlated with reproductive output but it is unknown whether adult males show mate choice. Here, we experimentally investigated whether males (i) use chemical cues to choose their mating partner, (ii) consistently choose for the same female individual and (iii) prefer females with highest weight after feeding. Methods We used two experimental setups which allowed chemical communication between ticks: (i) a horizontal tube preventing physical contact with the female and (ii) an arena where tactile cues were allowed. In total, we tested 62 different triads in 124 tests (66 tests in the horizontal tube and 58 in the arena) composed of one male that could choose between two engorged females. Specifically, we tested 42 triads in the tube and 46 in the arena; 24 triads were repeatedly tested in the tube while 38 triads were tested in both setups. Results We found no preference for individual or heavier females in either setup. However, in the horizontal tube setup, males significantly preferred females that were not visited by them in the previous test. Conclusions Our results suggest a lack of male mate choice despite heavier females having higher fecundity. However, future studies should take into account that males may recognize the potential mating partners they previously met. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Fracasso
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium. .,Eco-Epidemiology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Dieter Heylen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Eco-Epidemiology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.,Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Erik Matthysen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Fracasso G, Heylen D, Van Dongen S, Elst J, Matthysen E. Predictors of individual performance and evolutionary potential of life-history traits in a hematophagous ectoparasite. Evolution 2022; 76:799-816. [PMID: 35238032 PMCID: PMC9314103 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the intraspecific variation of parasite life-history traits and how this variation may affect parasite fitness and evolution. We investigated how life-history traits predict success of individual tree-hole ticks Ixodes arboricola and estimated their evolutionary potential, as well as genetic correlations within stages and phenotypic correlations within and across stages. Ticks were followed individually over two generations while allowed to feed on great tits Parus major. After accounting for host and tick maternal effects, we found that short feeding times and high engorgement weights strongly increased molting success. Molting time was also positively correlated with feeding success in adults. In larvae and nymphs, we found negative phenotypic correlations between engorgement weight and both feeding and molting time, the latter supported by a negative genetic correlation. We found sex-related differences in feeding time (longer in male nymphs) and molting time (longer in male larvae but shorter in male nymphs). Also, time since the last feeding event (set experimentally) reduced larval and nymphal fitness, whereas it increased adult female fitness. Furthermore, we found significant heritability and evolvability, that is, the potential to respond to selection, for engorgement weight and molting time across all stages but no significant heritability for feeding time. Our findings suggest that variation in tick fitness is shaped by consistent individual differences in tick quality, for which engorgement weight is a good proxy, rather than by life-history trade-offs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Fracasso
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkB‐2610Belgium
| | - Dieter Heylen
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical BioinformaticsHasselt UniversityDiepenbeekB‐3590Belgium
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyPrinceton UniversityPrincetonNew Jersey08544
- Eco‐Epidemiology Group, Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpB‐2000Belgium
| | - Stefan Van Dongen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkB‐2610Belgium
| | - Joris Elst
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkB‐2610Belgium
| | - Erik Matthysen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkB‐2610Belgium
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Zhang Y, Zhang X, Liu J. Ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) in China: Geographical distribution, host diversity, and specificity. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 102:e21544. [PMID: 30859631 PMCID: PMC6850514 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites, which not only directly damage through bites but also transmit many pathogens. China has a high diversity of tick species, 125 species have been reported, including 111 hard tick and 14 soft tick species. Many of the ticks are important vectors of pathogens, resulting in zoonoses. The dynamics of ticks are affected by both the host and habitat environment. However, systematic studies on the geographical distribution, host diversity, and specificity of ticks are limited in China. To achieve this goal, the relevant available data were summarized and analyzed in this study. Ticks are distributed in all parts of China and Xinjiang has the most records of ticks. The distribution of ticks in adjacent areas is similar, indicating that the habitat environment affects their distribution. Most ticks are widely distributed, whereas some species are endemic to their distributed regions. Ticks are parasitic on mammals, birds, and reptiles, of which mammals are the main host species. Overall, most ticks parasitize different hosts, only a few ticks have strict host specificity, such as ticks that are specifically parasitic on reptiles and bats. In addition, environmental changes and control efforts also influence the dynamics of ticks. These results can better reveal tick biological traits and are valuable for tick control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan‐Kai Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Xiao‐Yu Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Jing‐Ze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life SciencesHebei Normal UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
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Yang J, Liu Z, Niu Q, Liu J, Han R, Liu G, Shi Y, Luo J, Yin H. Molecular survey and characterization of a novel Anaplasma species closely related to Anaplasma capra in ticks, northwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:603. [PMID: 27884197 PMCID: PMC5123347 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1886-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma spp. are tick-transmitted bacteria that infect a wide variety of wild and domestic animals. These pathogens exhibit a high degree of biological diversity, broad geographical distribution, and represent a serious threat to veterinary and public health worldwide. Results A novel Anaplasma species was identified in Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis (Ixodidae) in northwestern China and was molecularly characterized by comparison of 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL gene sequences. Of the 414 samples tested, 24 (5.8%) were positive for this Anaplasma species. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene, this organism has been found to be closely related to and exhibit the highest sequence similarity with A. capra (99.8–99.9%) that was identified in goats and humans in northern China, but was distinct from other known Anaplasma species. Sequence analysis of the gltA and groEL genes revealed that this Anaplasma species was distinct from A. capra considering the lower sequence identity (88.6–88.7% for gltA and 90.6–91.0% for groEL) and a divergent phylogenetic position. Therefore, we described this Anaplasma species as A. capra-like bacteria. Conclusions The present study reports a potential novel Anaplasma species closely related to A. capra in H. qinghaiensis in northwestern China. The zoonotic potential of A. capra-like bacteria needs to be further determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingli Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Junlong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaoxu Shi
- China Agricultural Veterinary Biological Sciences and Technology Co., Ltd, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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Levin ML, Schumacher LBM. Manual for maintenance of multi-host ixodid ticks in the laboratory. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 70:343-367. [PMID: 27651325 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0084-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Use of laboratory animals as hosts for blood-sucking arthropods remains a time-proven and the most efficient method for establishment and propagation of slowly feeding ixodid ticks, despite introduction of techniques involving artificial feeding on either animal skins or synthetic membranes. New Zealand White rabbits are usually the most accessible and most suitable hosts routinely used for establishment and maintenance of a large variety of multi-host tick species. Here we describe standard procedures for maintaining colonies of multi-host ixodid ticks by feeding all developmental stages (larvae, nymphs, and adults) upon New Zealand White rabbits. When needed, the same procedures can be easily adapted to other species of laboratory or domestic animals from mice to dogs and goats. A summary of our experience in maintaining laboratory colonies of Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes pacificus, Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, Dermacentor occidentalis, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus with descriptions of the complete laboratory life cycles and reliable production of uninfected ticks under standardized conditions has been published by Troughton and Levin (J Med Entomol 44:732-740, 2007). Here we provide step-by-step recommendations for various procedures used in the maintenance of ixodid tick colonies based on over 20 years of experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Levin
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS G-13, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4018, USA.
| | - Lauren B M Schumacher
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS G-13, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4018, USA
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9
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Van Oosten A, Matthysen E, Heylen D. Mating strategies and multiple paternity, assessed by microsatellites, of the dispersal-limited, ectoparasitic tree-hole tick, Ixodes arboricola. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:593-602. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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10
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Ma M, Chen Z, Liu A, Ren Q, Liu J, Liu Z, Li Y, Yin H, Guan G, Luo J. Biological Parameters of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) Fed on Rabbits, Sheep, and Cattle. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 54:301-5. [PMID: 27417084 PMCID: PMC4977778 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.3.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In order to determine the effect of various hosts on feeding performance of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, we used 3 mammalian species as hosts, cattle (Qinchuan), sheep (T an), and rabbits (Japanese white rabbit) for infest-ing ticks. Five hundreds of R. microplus larvae were exposed to each animal (3 animals/host species). Tick recoveries were 11.0%, 0.47%, and 5.5% from cattle, sheep, and rabbits, respectively. The averages of tick feeding periods were not significantly different on cattle, sheep, and rabbits, 28.8, 25.3, and 26.7 days, respectively. The average weights of individual engorged female from cattle, sheep, and rabbits were 312.5, 219.1, and 130.2 mg, respectively and those of egg mass weights each to 85.0, 96.6, and 17.8 mg. The highest egg hatching rate was in the ticks from cattle (96.0%), fol-lowed by those from rabbits (83.0%) and sheep (19.2%). These data suggest that rabbits could be as an alternative host to cultivate R. microplus for evaluating vaccines and chemical and biological medicines against the tick in the laboratory, although the biological parameters of ticks were less than those from cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miling Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
| | - Ze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
| | - Aihong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
| | - Qiaoyun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
| | - Junlong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
| | - Zhijie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
| | - Youquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, P. R. China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
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Ghosh M, Sangwan N, Sangwan AK, Kumar R, Gaur RS. Sexual alteration in antioxidant response and esterase profile in Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks. J Parasit Dis 2016; 41:106-111. [PMID: 28316396 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-016-0758-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to reveal physiological link between sex specific engorgement pattern and evading mechanism of ticks against oxidative stress as well as acaricides. Quantitative determination of nitric oxide radical scavenging, superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations in salivary gland and gut extracts of male and female Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks established significant variation in antioxidant responses between two sexes of the ticks. Higher activity of these antioxidants and GSH depletion in females clearly indicate stronger antioxidant defense in female ticks which is to combat host mediated oxidative assault during feeding for greater engorgement and reproductive stress. The females are also better equipped with the mechanism of acaricide resistance as evidenced by higher expression of esterases than males in unfed whole tick extracts in current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayukh Ghosh
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
| | - Nirmal Sangwan
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
| | - Arun K Sangwan
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
| | - Ruchi Singh Gaur
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004 India
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Novel spotted fever group rickettsiae in Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis ticks from Gansu, Northwest China. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:146. [PMID: 26968160 PMCID: PMC4788852 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1423-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rickettsia spp. are obligate intracellular bacteria and well known as transmitted by arthropods. These pathogens have a broad geographic distribution and a high degree of biological and clinical diversity. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected from Gansu, where Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were previously reported in ticks and ruminants. Methods A total of 1,583 questing Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis ticks were collected and tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. gltA gene by PCR. Samples positive for gltA were examined by specific primers targeted for the ompA gene of SFG rickettsiae. The infections were further validated by sequencing and positive samples were genetically characterized based on the gltA and ompA genes. Results In total, Rickettsia spp. infection was found in 179 (18.5 %) H. qinghaiensis tick pools by using PCR and primers specific for the gltA gene. Of those, 157 (16.3 %) tick pools were positive for SFG rickettsiae by PCR based on ompA gene. Amplification and molecular analysis of the nucleotide sequences of gltA and ompA genes indicated three potential novel spotted fever group rickettsiae in H. qinghaiensis ticks. These three potential novel spotted fever group rickettsiae were clustered together in a subgroup, which represents a sister taxon to and separates from other known four SFG rickettsiae subgroups. Conclusions This study revealed a high infection rate of SFG rickettsiae in H. qinghaiensis ticks in northwest China. Three potential novel spotted fever group rickettsiae classified into a novel SFG rickettsiae subgroup were identified and named “Candidatus Rickettsia gannanii” related strains in recognition of the location where it was first detected.
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The more the merrier – experimental evidence for density-dependent feeding facilitation in the bird-specialised tick Ixodes arboricola. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:187-193. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Tan AWL, Francischetti IMB, Slovak M, Kini RM, Ribeiro JMC. Sexual differences in the sialomes of the zebra tick, Rhipicephalus pulchellus. J Proteomics 2015; 117:120-44. [PMID: 25576852 PMCID: PMC4374903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ticks rely exclusively on vertebrate blood for their survival. During feeding ticks inject into their hosts a sophisticated salivary potion that overcomes host hemostasis and adverse inflammatory responses. These mediators may also enhance pathogen transmission. Knowledge of the tick salivary protein repertoire may lead to vaccine targets to disrupt feeding and/or parasite transmission as well as to the discovery of novel pharmacological agents. Male saliva may also assist reproduction because males use their mouthparts to lubricate and introduce their spermatophores into the females' genital pore. The analyses of the sialomes of male and female ticks independently allow us to understand the strategy used by each gender to feed successfully. We sequenced cDNA libraries from pools of salivary glands from adult male and female Rhipicephalus pulchellus feeding at different time points, using the Illumina HiSeq protocol. De novo assembly of a total of 241,229,128 paired-end reads lead to extraction of 50,460 coding sequences (CDS), 11,277 of which had more than 75% coverage to known transcripts, or represented novel sequences, and were submitted to GenBank. Additionally, we generated the proteome, from the salivary gland extracts of male and female R. pulchellus, yielding a total of 454 and 2063 proteins respectively which were identified by one or more peptides with at least 95% confidence. The data set is presented as an annotated hyperlinked Excel spreadsheet, describing 121 putative secreted protein families. Female and male specific transcripts were identified. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE This annotated R. pulchellus database represents a mining field for future experiments involving the resolution of time-dependent transcript expression in this tick species, as well as to define novel vaccine targets and discover novel pharmaceuticals. Gender specific proteins may represent different repertoires of pharmacological reagents to assist feeding by each sex, and in males may represent proteins that assist reproduction similarly to seminal proteins in other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina W L Tan
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
| | - Ivo M B Francischetti
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20852, USA.
| | - Mirko Slovak
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 842 06 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0614, USA; University of South Australia, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20852, USA.
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