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Luz HR, de Campos CEC, Costa-Junior LM, Santos ES, Hass A, Sousa DM, de Moares E Silva RM, Rocha JM, Albuquerque GR, Argolo AJ, Zacariotti R, de Paula CD, Pereira LCM, Nicola PA, Faccini JLH, Horta MC, Nogueira RMS, DallAgnol LT, Labruna MB, Martins TF. Ticks parasitizing cold-blooded animals from three different Brazilian biomes; with note for males of Amblyomma rotundatum. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102377. [PMID: 39013352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Ticks parasitize a wide variety of wild animals, including amphibians and reptiles. In addition to the possibility of microorganism transmission to these hosts, ticks can also cause severe bleeding, and high parasitism can lead to death. Therefore, knowing the diversity of ticks parasitizing amphibians and reptiles is important for conservation and preservation measures for these vertebrates. In the present study, we report parasitism by ticks in amphibians and reptiles from different Brazilian biomes (Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest). Ticks were collected from amphibians and reptiles deposited from the Herpetological Collection of the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís (Maranhão State), the State University Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus (Bahia State), and the Federal University of São Francisco Valley (Univasf), Petrolina (Pernambuco State). Additionally, ticks were collected from amphibians and reptiles captured and road-killed in the Amazon biome, at Maranhão and Amapá States. Specimens of ticks were photographed under a Zeiss stereomicroscope (5.1 zoom). Map with the locations were made using the Qgis program. Overall, 1973 specimens of amphibians and reptiles were examined. A total of 927 ticks were collected: 98 larvae, 421 nymphs and 408 adults. Six species of ticks were identified: Amblyomma rotundatum and Amblyomma dissimile the most frequent, and Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma nodosum and Amblyomma humerale, occasionally. Surprisingly, a total of twelve males of A. rotundatum were collected. Here we report new records of association between cold-blooded animals and ticks and reinforce the absence of A. dissimile in the Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes. Additionally, we report new records of A. rotundatum males on reptiles in the Amazon biome. This last record allows us to speculate about a possible association of A. rotundatum males with reptiles and the Amazon biome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermes Ribeiro Luz
- Parasite Control Laboratory. Post-Graduation Program in Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Biodiversity and Conservation, Health and Environment of Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA 65085-580, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Eduardo Costa de Campos
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Herpetology Laboratory, Bionorte Network Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Federal University of Amapá, Rod. Juscelino Kubitscheck, km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, Macapá, AP 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Livio Martins Costa-Junior
- Parasite Control Laboratory, Health and Environment of Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA 65085-580, Brazil
| | - Ercileide Silva Santos
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Herpetology Laboratory, Bionorte Network Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Federal University of Amapá, Rod. Juscelino Kubitscheck, km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, Macapá, AP 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Adriani Hass
- Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA 65085-580, Brazil
| | - Dauana Mesquita Sousa
- Parasite Control Laboratory, Health and Environment of Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA 65085-580, Brazil
| | - Ruth Myrian de Moares E Silva
- Parasite Control Laboratory. Post-Graduation Program in Biodiversity and Conservation of Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA 65085-580, Brazil
| | - Josiane Moreira Rocha
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, State University of Santa Cruz, Rod. Jorge Amado, Km 16 - Salobrinho, Ilhéus, BA 45662-900, Brazil
| | - George Rego Albuquerque
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, State University of Santa Cruz, Rod. Jorge Amado, Km 16 - Salobrinho, Ilhéus, BA 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Antonio Jorge Argolo
- Postgraduate Program in Zoology, State University of Santa Cruz, Rod. Jorge Amado, Km 16 - Salobrinho, Ilhéus, BA 45662-900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - João Luiz Horacio Faccini
- Parasite Control Laboratory. Post-Graduation Program in Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Biodiversity and Conservation, Health and Environment of Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA 65085-580, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leonardo Teixeira DallAgnol
- Post-Graduation Program in Health and Environment, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA 65085-580, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil; São Paulo State Department of Health, Pasteur Institute, São Paulo, SP 05402-000, Brazil
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Alvarez-Londoño J, Giraldo-Noreña DF, Martínez-Sánchez ET, Rivera-Páez FA, Matta NE. Molecular survey of Rickettsia spp. in ticks infesting wild animals in six departments in Colombia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102381. [PMID: 38981408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are a globally distributed group of hematophagous ectoparasites that parasitize terrestrial vertebrates such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Ticks are vectors and reservoirs of pathogens that play an important role in wildlife and human health. Rickettsia is one of the bacteria transmitted by ticks, which some pathogenic species can cause rickettsiosis, a zoonotic disease that can cause serious harm to humans and animals. More information is necessary on the interactions between ticks and wildlife despite the fifty-seven ticks species already identified in Colombia. The objective of the present study was to determine the associations between ticks parasitizing wildlife and bacteria of the genus Rickettsia in six departments of Colombia. One hundred eighty-five ticks (80 larvae, 78 nymphs, and 27 adults) were collected from 55 wildlife species (amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles). Nine tick species were identified, and Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia felis, 'Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi' and Rickettsia parkeri were detected. Our results contribute to the current knowledge of tick-associated rickettsiae and the role of wildlife in their transmission dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan Alvarez-Londoño
- Grupo de Investigación Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A 275, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia; Maestría en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A 275, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Daniel Felipe Giraldo-Noreña
- Grupo de Investigación Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A 275, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Estefani T Martínez-Sánchez
- Grupo de Investigación Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A 275, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia; Doctorado en Ciencias-Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A 275, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Fredy A Rivera-Páez
- Grupo de Investigación Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10 A.A 275, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Nubia E Matta
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá. Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología, Grupo Caracterización genética e inmunología. Carrera 30 No. 45-03, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
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De Jesus CE, Harman MEA, Sutton A, Bredin S, Romagosa CM, Wisely SM. Spatially limited pathogen pollution in an invasive tick and host system. Biol Invasions 2024; 26:2037-2047. [PMID: 38947421 PMCID: PMC11213802 DOI: 10.1007/s10530-024-03291-9] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Expansion of global commerce has facilitated pathogen pollution via the transportation and translocation of invasive species and their associated parasites and pathogens. In Florida, imported cane toads (Rhinella horribilis) were accidentally and intentionally released on multiple occasions. Early populations were found to be infested with the invasive tick, Amblyomma rotundatum, yet it is unknown if these ticks dispersed with their hosts as cane toads spread throughout much of the state. The objectives of our investigation were to (1) determine if there are fewer tick infestations on toads at the periphery than at the core of their distribution as predicted by founder effect events, and (2) identify if ticks were infected with exotic pathogens. We captured toads from 10 populations across Florida. We collected ticks, vent tissue, and tick attachment site tissue from each toad, then tested samples for bacteria in the genus, Rickettsia. We found that 3/10 populations had toads that were infested with A. rotundatum, and infested individuals were in the earliest introduced populations at the core of their distribution. Pathogen testing confirmed Rickettisa bellii in ticks, but not in toad tissues. Haplotype networks could not clearly distinguish if R. bellii in Florida was more closely related to North or South American strains, but host-tick associations suggest that the pathogen was exotic to Florida. Our investigation demonstrated that an invasive species facilitated the introduction of parasites and pathogens into Florida, yet the invasive tick species encountered limitations to dispersal on this host species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-024-03291-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E. De Jesus
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Madison E. A. Harman
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Amber Sutton
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Stephen Bredin
- Biology Department, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA USA
| | - Christina M. Romagosa
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
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Barbosa BEP, da Silva YH, Lima GAC, Monte CSLE, Correia TR, Balthazar DDA. Parasitism by Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with blefaritis on a red-footed tortoise ( Chelonoidis carbonarius) in Rio de Janeiro state - case report. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2023; 45:e001123. [PMID: 37484207 PMCID: PMC10359045 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm001123] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Amblyomma rotundatum is a tick species commonly found on reptiles and amphibians. In Brazil, investigations of this ectoparasite have indicated its distribution across all Brazilian biomes, although it is concentrated in certain locations. In this context, the objective of the present study was to describe a case of parasitism by A. rotundatum in a red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) in the state of Rio de Janeiro. A female red-footed tortoise (C. carbonarius), seized by the environmental police, was parasitized by a tick in the left periocular region. The tick was manually removed, preserved in 70º GL ethanol, and sent for identification at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). Based on the morphological evaluation Dantas-Torres et al. (2019), Barros-Battesti et al. (2006) and Lampo et al. (1997), a diagnosis of a female specimen of A. rotundatum was made. In conclusion, this study reports the first case of A. rotundatum parasitizing C. carbonarius in the state of Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the presence of periocular blepharitis associated with this parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ygor Henrique da Silva
- Veterinarian, Resident. Programa de Residência em Medicina Veterinária - Diagnóstico em Parasitologia Animal. Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel Alcides Capucho Lima
- Veterinarian, Resident. Programa de Residência em Medicina Veterinária - Diagnóstico em Parasitologia Animal. Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | - Thais Ribeiro Correia
- Veterinarian, DSc. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal (DPA), IV, UFRRJ. Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
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Polo G, Luz HR, Regolin AL, Martins TF, Winck GR, da Silva HR, Onofrio VC, Labruna MB, Faccini JLH. Distribution modeling of Amblyomma rotundatum and Amblyomma dissimile in Brazil: estimates of environmental suitability. Parasitol Res 2020; 120:797-806. [PMID: 33068151 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06924-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The number of reports of tick parasitism in amphibians and reptiles has increased over the past few years, including new host and location records for Amblyomma rotundatum and Amblyomma dissimile. However, knowledge of the geographical distribution remains incomplete, and in many regions of Brazil, the presence of these vectors has not been investigated. Several candidate models were built using a correlative maximum entropy approach, and best-fitting models were selected based on statistical significance, predictive ability, and complexity based on current climatic trends and future projected climate changes. Final models showed a good ability to discriminate A. rotundatum and A. dissimile current and future potential distributions. The entire country had higher predicted suitability for A. rotundatum while A. dissimile was mainly restricted to the Amazon and Pantanal biomes. A. rotundatum is a species with enormous potential for dissemination in the next decades, potentially through the legal and illegal transport of reptiles and amphibians. The proposed model is useful for targeting surveillance efforts increasing the efficiency and accuracy of future ecological research and tick management efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Polo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Heath, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Grupo de Investigación en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Hermes R Luz
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia do Renorbio, Ponto Focal Maranhão, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - André Luis Regolin
- Department of Biodiversity, Spatial Ecology and Conservation Lab (LEEC), Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Campus Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Heath, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisele R Winck
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hélio R da Silva
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valeria C Onofrio
- Special Laboratory of Zoological Collections, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Master's Program in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Heath, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João L H Faccini
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Mendoza-Roldan J, Ribeiro SR, Castilho-Onofrio V, Grazziotin FG, Rocha B, Ferreto-Fiorillo B, Pereira JS, Benelli G, Otranto D, Barros-Battesti DM. Mites and ticks of reptiles and amphibians in Brazil. Acta Trop 2020; 208:105515. [PMID: 32407792 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on the parasitic associations of mites and ticks infesting reptiles and amphibians through a multifocal approach. Herein, reptiles (n= 3,596) and amphibians (n= 919) were examined to ensure representativeness of the Brazilian herpetofauna megadiversity. The overall prevalence was calculated to better understand which were the preferred hosts for each order of Acari (Trombidiformes, Mesostigmata and Ixodida), as well as to determine which orders frequently parasitize reptiles and amphibians in Brazil, and their host specificity. Infestation rates were calculated [prevalence, mean intensity (MI) and mean abundance (MA)] for each order and species, determining which mites and ticks are more likely to be found parasitizing the ectothermic tetrapod fauna. Parasitic niches and preferred locations were recorded to help identify specific places exploited by different Acari, and to determine the host-parasite adaptations, specificity, and relationships in terms of co-evolution. In total 4,515 reptiles and amphibians were examined, of which 170 specimens were infested by mites and ticks (overall prevalence of 3.8%). Trombidiformes mites were prevalent in lizards (55.3%), followed by Ixodida on snakes (24.7%). Mesostigmata mites were the less prevalent, being identified only on Squamata reptiles (4.3% on snakes, 2.4% on lizards). In amphibians, Ixodida ticks were the most prevalent (63.2%), followed by Trombidiformes (34.6%), and lastly Oribatida (2%). From the 13 species of Trombidiformes identified, Eutrombicula alfreddugesi (19.9%) was the most abundant in terms of number of host species and infested individuals. Specimens of Ixodida, yet more common, showed low preferred locations and different values of infestation rates. Co-infestations were recorded only on snakes. Lizard mites generally adhered to the ventral celomatic area (Pterygosomatidae), and some species to the pocket-like structures (Trombiculidae). Lizards, at variance from snakes, have adapted to endure high parasitic loads with minimum effects on their health. The high number of mites recorded in the digits of toads (Cycloramphus boraceiensis, Corythomantis greening, Cycloramphus dubius, Leptodactylus latrans, Melanophryniscus admirabilis) could lead to avascular necrosis. Frogs were often infested by Hannemania larvae, while Rhinella toads were likely to be infested by Amblyomma ticks. Of note, Rhinella major toad was found infested by an oribatid mite, implying first a new parasitic relationship. The effect of high parasitic loads on critically endangered species of anurans deserves further investigation. Our results add basic knowledge to host association of mites and ticks to Brazilian reptiles and amphibians, highlighting that routine ectoparasite examination is needed in cases of quarantine as well as when for managing reptiles and amphibians in captivity given the wide diversity of Acari on the Brazilian ectothermic tetrapod fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo Mendoza-Roldan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil; Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Stephany Rocha Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil; Master's Program in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, and Doctoral Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, 04829-300, Brazil
| | - Valeria Castilho-Onofrio
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil; Master's Program in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, and Doctoral Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, 04829-300, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Rocha
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Bruno Ferreto-Fiorillo
- Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo. CEP 13418900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Felestin Sq., Hamedan, Iran
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
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de Oliveira GMB, Araújo ADC, Santos JR, da Silva IWG, Labruna MB, Horta MC. Lack of seasonality of Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: Ixodidade) on Rhinella jimi (Anura: Bufonidae) in a semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1350-1353. [PMID: 29934040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Amblyomma rotundatum is an ixodid tick strictly associated with cold-blooded animals, among them the toad Rhinella jimi. This work aimed to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of larvae, nymphs, and adults of A. rotundatum parasitizing R. jimi in an area within the semi-arid Caatinga Biome of northeastern Brazil. Monthly sampling from February 2014 to January 2016 resulted in a total of 592 R. jimi toads captured and inspected for infestation by ticks, which were counted and identified. After the procedure, the toads were released with their ticks at the same capture site. During the study period, a total of 658 A. rotundatum were counted, comprising 497 larvae, 110 nymphs, and 51 females. The two-year mean abundances of larvae, nymphs, and adults were 0.84, 0.19, and 0.09, respectively. The two-year mean infestation intensities of larvae, nymphs, and adults were 3.65, 1.45, and 1.34, respectively. Comparing the monthly values of prevalence, mean abundance, and mean infestation intensity of A. rotundatum life stages, differences were observed between the first and second year of study; however, with no clear seasonal pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glauber Meneses Barboza de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Andreina de Carvalho Araújo
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Josenilton Rodrigues Santos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Ivo Wesley Gomes da Silva
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, FMVZ-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Claudio Horta
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil.
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Kelehear C, Hudson CM, Mertins JW, Shine R. First report of exotic ticks (Amblyomma rotundatum) parasitizing invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) on the Island of Hawai‘i. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:330-333. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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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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Mailho-Fontana PL, Antoniazzi MM, Barros-Battesti DM, Jared C, Campbell JA, Brodie ED. Toad Parotoid Pores Shelter Tick Larvae. SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-16-00024.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Luz HR, Faccini JLH, Silva HRD. Patterns of parasitism by Amblyomma rotundatum (Ixodidae) on Rhinella schneideri (Bufonidae) in islands of São Francisco River, Minas Gerais, Brazil. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2015000600016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract: We sampled ticks from specimens of the rococo toad Rhinella schneideriby flannel dragging on two Islands located in the São Francisco River near the Três Marias hydroelectric dam, southeastern Brazil. A total of 120 toads was examined, of which 63 (52.5%) were parasitized only by Amblyomma rotundatumtotaling 96 larvae, 163 nymphs and 134 females. The burden of parasitism ranged from one to 43 ticks, with a mean intensity of infestation of 6.2±5.5 ticks per host. The tick A. rotundatumexhibited highly aggregated distribution. Peak abundance of larvae and nymphs occurred in the dry season (May to September), whereas peak abundance of females occurred in the wet season (October to April). We collected most ticks near the head and hind limbs of R. schneideri. The finding of two engorged A. rotundatumnymphs in the same resting places of two toads and the absence of this species in the dragged areas suggest a nidicolous behavior at the studied site.
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