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Elango A, Shriram AN, Raju HK, Kumar A. Study on the Ixodid ticks species diversity (Acari: Ixodidae) on domestic ruminants in different agro-climatic regions of Tamil Nadu. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:73. [PMID: 38336895 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03912-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
A survey of Ixodid tick species diversity on domestic ruminants was conducted in seven agro-climatic regions of Tamil Nadu State, India. Tick surveys were conducted on domestic ruminants such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat in seven districts of Tamil Nadu. The overall tick infestation was 38.8%, 5.8%, 14.6%, and 40.8% on cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats, respectively. A total of 8068 ticks from 18 species belonging to four genera were recorded. Overall, Haemaphysalis intermedia was the predominant (51.38%) tick species which has a wide host range. The most prevalent tick species in cattle and buffalo were Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus (25.41%) and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (56.69%), respectively. Haemaphysalis intermedia was the most prevalent in ticks in sheep (70.35%), goat (70.35%), and dog (55.79%). In the present study, local anomalies such as the ectromely of one leg and the absence of adanal plates were observed in Rh. haemaphysaloides. The study also found that local anomaly such as protuberances in the hind tarsal and atrophy of the adanal plate was observed in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. In addition, a general anomaly with three atrophy caudal appendages was also observed in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The overall prevalence of anomalies in Rh. haemaphysaloides and Rh. (B.) microplus was 0.3% (3/971) and 0.4% (3/678), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyanar Elango
- Division of Vector Biology and Control, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ICMR-Vector Control Research CentreGOIIndira Nagar, Medical Complex, Puducherry, 605 006, India.
| | - Ananganallur Nagarajan Shriram
- Division of Vector Biology and Control, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ICMR-Vector Control Research CentreGOIIndira Nagar, Medical Complex, Puducherry, 605 006, India
| | - Hari Kishan Raju
- Climate Change, GIS and VBD Stratification/Mapping, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ICMR-Vector Control Research CentreGOIIndira Nagar, Medical Complex, Puducherry, 605 006, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Health Research, ICMR-Vector Control Research CentreGOIIndira Nagar, Ministry of Health& Family Welfare, Medical Complex, Puducherry, 605 006, India
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 605102, Chennai, India
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Luz HR, Labruna MB, Pacheco RC, Gianizella SL, Nunes PH, Szabó MPJ, Gerardi M, Teixeira RHF, da Silva SC, Kmetiuk LB, Pesenato IP, Marcili A, Faccini JLH, Martins TF. Morphological anomalies in hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102219. [PMID: 37399629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Tick abnormalities have been unusual in nature, and they can be divided into local and general. In the present study, external morphological anomalies were described in 31 individual adult ticks of 15 different species of Ixodidae, which were collected on wild hosts (20 ticks), domestic hosts (7 ticks), and in the environment (4 ticks) in 11 states of Brazil from 1998 to 2022. Among the 31 tick specimens, 14 (45%) were categorized as local anomalies, and 17 (55%) as general anomalies. The ticks were taxonomically identified into 14 species of Amblyomma, and one species of Rhipicephalus. Local anomalies included malformations of scutum/alloscutum, ectromely, leg atrophy, and a third ectopic spiracular plate. General anomalies included opisthosoma duplication, no expansion of dorsal alloscutum in engorged females, and gynandromorphism; the latter is described for 13 tick specimens. Morphological anomalies in Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma humerale and Amblyomma longirostre are reported for the first time. Although the results herein expand the list of anomalous tick species in the Neotropics, future studies should be conducted to clarify the origin of these anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermes R Luz
- Post-Graduation Program in Health and Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO) from the Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Richard C Pacheco
- Post-Graduation Program in Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Sergio L Gianizella
- Laboratory of Zoology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Pablo H Nunes
- Latin American Institute of Life and Nature Sciences, Federal University of Latin American Integration, Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | - Matias P J Szabó
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Monize Gerardi
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo H F Teixeira
- Municipal Zoological Park "Quinzinho de Barros", Sorocaba, SP, Brazil; University of Sorocaba (UNISO), Sorocaba, SP, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Wild Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ) of the São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvio C da Silva
- Pasteur Institute, São Paulo State Department of Health, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Louise B Kmetiuk
- Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Isabella P Pesenato
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arlei Marcili
- Post-Graduation in Medicine and Animal Welfare, Doctorate in Single Health, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João L H Faccini
- Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences from the Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Pasteur Institute, São Paulo State Department of Health, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Hrazdilova K, Danek O, Hrbatova A, Cervena B, Noskova E, Adamik P, Votypka J, Mihalca AD, Noureddine M, Modry D, Zurek L. Genetic analysis challenges the presence of Ixodes inopinatus in Central Europe: development of a multiplex PCR to distinguish I. inopinatus from I. ricinus. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:354. [PMID: 37814284 PMCID: PMC10561450 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05971-2] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ixodes ricinus is an important vector of several pathogens, primarily in Europe. Recently, Ixodes inopinatus was described from Spain, Portugal, and North Africa and then reported from several European countries. In this study, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to distinguish I. ricinus from I. inopinatus and used in the surveillance of I. inopinatus in Algeria (ALG) and three regions in the Czech Republic (CZ). METHODS A multiplex PCR on TROSPA and sequencing of several mitochondrial (16S rDNA, COI) and nuclear markers (TROSPA, ITS2, calreticulin) were used to differentiate these two species and for a subsequent phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Sequencing of TROSPA, COI, and ITS2 separated these two species into two subclades, while 16S rDNA and calreticulin could not distinguish I. ricinus from I. inopinatus. Interestingly, 23 nucleotide positions in the TROSPA gene had consistently double peaks in a subset of ticks from CZ. Cloning of these PCR products led to a clear separation of I. ricinus and I. inopinatus indicating hybridization and introgression between these two tick taxa. Based on a multiplex PCR of TROSPA and analysis of sequences of TROSPA, COI, and ITS2, the majority of ticks in CZ were I. ricinus, no I. inopinatus ticks were found, and 10 specimens showed signs of hybridization. In contrast, most ticks in ALG were I. inopinatus, four ticks were I. ricinus, and no signs of hybridization and introgression were detected. CONCLUSIONS We developed a multiplex PCR method based on the TROSPA gene to differentiate I. ricinus and I. inopinatus. We demonstrate the lack of evidence for the presence of I. inopinatus in Central Europe and propose that previous studies be re-examined. Mitochondrial markers are not suitable for distinguishing I. inopinatus from I. ricinus. Furthermore, our data indicate that I. inopinatus and I. ricinus can hybridize, and the hybrids can survive in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Hrazdilova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Danek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Hrbatova
- CEITEC, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Cervena
- CEITEC, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Noskova
- CEITEC, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Adamik
- Department of Zoology, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Votypka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mechouk Noureddine
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - David Modry
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ludek Zurek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- CEITEC, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Okely M, Bakkes DK, Chitimia-Dobler L. Morphological abnormalities in Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma rufipes (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan, Egypt. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 88:225-241. [PMID: 36309608 PMCID: PMC9666321 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00747-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports anomalies in Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma rufipes adults collected from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan, Egypt, between January and June 2022. A total of 52 adult ticks displayed one or several local and/or general anomalies. A wide variety of local anomalies was observed including atrophy of one or multiple legs, ectromely, absence of accessory adanal and subanal plates, fusion of adanal and accessory plates, and presence of sclerotized formation in the ventral plate, as well as abnormalities of the spiracle, anal groove, festoon, parma, and posteromedian groove. General anomalies comprised of asymmetries and gynandromorphism. Local anomalies were documented among H. dromedarii and H. rufipes, whereas general anomalies were documented only from H. dromedarii. The present work represents the first report of deuterogynander intrigue gynandromorphism in H. dromedarii, as well as the first report of morphological abnormalities in H. dromedarii and H. rufipes from Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Okely
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
| | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
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Borde JP, Glaser R, Braun K, Riach N, Hologa R, Kaier K, Chitimia-Dobler L, Dobler G. Decoding the Geography of Natural TBEV Microfoci in Germany: A Geostatistical Approach Based on Land-Use Patterns and Climatological Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11830. [PMID: 36142105 PMCID: PMC9517139 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Tickborne-encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially life-threating neurological disease that is mainly transmitted by ticks. The goal of the present study is to analyze the potential uniform environmental patterns of the identified TBEV microfoci in Germany. The results are used to calculate probabilities for the present distribution of TBEV microfoci in Germany based on a geostatistical model. Methods: We aim to consider the specification of environmental characteristics of locations of TBEV microfoci detected in Germany using open access epidemiological, geographical and climatological data sources. We use a two-step geostatistical approach, where in a first step, the characteristics of a broad set of environmental variables between the 56 TBEV microfoci and a control or comparator set of 3575 sampling points covering Germany are compared using Fisher's Exact Test. In the second step, we select the most important variables, which are then used in a MaxEnt distribution model to calculate a high resolution (400 × 400 m) probability map for the presence of TBEV covering the entire area of Germany. Results: The findings from the MaxEnt prediction model indicate that multi annual actual evapotranspiration (27.0%) and multi annual hot days (22.5%) have the highest contribution to our model. These two variables are followed by four additional variables with a lower, but still important, explanatory influence: Land cover classes (19.6%), multi annual minimum air temperature (14.9%), multi annual sunshine duration (9.0%), and distance to coniferous and mixed forest border (7.0%). Conclusions: Our findings are based on defined TBEV microfoci with known histories of infection and the repeated confirmation of the virus in the last years, resulting in an in-depth high-resolution model/map of TBEV microfoci in Germany. Multi annual actual evapotranspiration (27%) and multi annual hot days (22.5%) have the most explanatory power in our model. The results may be used to tailor specific regional preventive measures and investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P. Borde
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, D-79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Praxis Prof. Dr. J. Borde & Kollegen, Gesundheitszentrum Oberkirch, Am Marktplatz 8, D-77704 Oberkirch, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Glaser
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Klaus Braun
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Nils Riach
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Rafael Hologa
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Klaus Kaier
- Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 26, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- German National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, D-80937 München, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Straße 34, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- German National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, D-80937 München, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Straße 34, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Reynolds C, Kontschán J, Takács N, Solymosi N, Sándor AD, Keve G, Hornok S. Shift in the seasonality of ixodid ticks after a warm winter in an urban habitat with notes on morphotypes of Ixodes ricinus and data in support of cryptic species within Ixodes frontalis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 88:127-138. [PMID: 36282440 PMCID: PMC9663398 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00756-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was initiated to assess the seasonality and to investigate the morphology of questing ixodid ticks in an urban habitat in Central Europe, Hungary. A neglected part of a large cemetery, with sparse tree covering and dense lower vegetation, was sampled monthly from February 2019 to May 2021. All ticks were analyzed morphologically, and selected specimens by amplifying and sequencing two genetic markers. During the study 3818 ticks were collected, including Ixodes ricinus (n = 2772), Ixodes frontalis (n = 350) and Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 696). Ixodes ricinus adults and nymphs showed year-round activity, whereas H. concinna was not active during winter months and early spring. Most I. frontalis nymphs were collected in late winter and early spring, whereas the peak activity of larvae was during late autumn. Interestingly, during the spring, the peak activity of I. ricinus adults and nymphs was later (in May) when preceded by a warm winter in 2020. In contrast, the 2019 and 2021 spring activity peaks occurred in March and April after sharply rising temperatures in February. This shift in the peak activity of I. ricinus coincided with the initiation of questing activity of H. concinna. Three notably different morphotypes and four malformed specimens of I. ricinus were found. However, these were not significantly different in their mitochondrial haplotypes and phylogenetic clustering from typical specimens of this species. On the other hand, I. frontalis was represented by two remarkably different haplogroups, between which in the nymph stage there were no recognizable morphological differences, suggesting the status of these as cryptic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Reynolds
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
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Kazim AR, Low VL, Houssaini J, Tappe D, Heo CC. Morphological abnormalities and multiple mitochondrial clades of Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (Ixodida: Ixodidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 87:133-141. [PMID: 35817879 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00731-w] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides is endemic in South and Southeast Asia, and it is known to parasitise domestic animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, and dogs. Despite infestation on multiple hosts, little attention has been paid to its morphological and molecular variation. The present study describes local morphological abnormalities for the first time in R. haemaphysaloides from Malaysia, and highlights the presence of three cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) operational taxonomic units with 0.46-9.81% distances within the so-called R. haemaphysaloides in Malaysia, Thailand, and Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rahman Kazim
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Van Lun Low
- Higher Institution of Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jamal Houssaini
- Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dennis Tappe
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chong Chin Heo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
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8
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Laatamna A, Bakkes DK, Chitimia-Dobler L. Morphological anomalies in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from dogs in steppe and high plateaus regions, Algeria. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 83:575-582. [PMID: 33661417 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00599-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present report describes morphological anomalies in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. collected from dogs between February 2017 and May 2019 in the steppic region of Djelfa and high plateau area of Bordj-Bou-Arreridj in Algeria. Out of 1043 ticks from 147 infested dogs, four adult ticks (0.38%), collected from four dogs, exhibited local morphological abnormalities. One male displayed ectromely of leg I left, and the other three specimens exhibited multiple associated anomalies in idiosomas and exoskeletons, festoons, stigmas (spiracles), as well as in adanal and accessory plates. This report provides additional exemplars of morphological abnormalities in tick populations of Africa, particularly North Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdElkarim Laatamna
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorisation of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, BP 3117, Moudjbara Road, Djelfa, Algeria.
| | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Borde JP, Kaier K, Hehn P, Matzarakis A, Frey S, Bestehorn M, Dobler G, Chitimia-Dobler L. The complex interplay of climate, TBEV vector dynamics and TBEV infection rates in ticks-Monitoring a natural TBEV focus in Germany, 2009-2018. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244668. [PMID: 33411799 PMCID: PMC7790265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important tick-borne viral disease in Eurasia and causes disease in humans and in a number of animals, among them dogs and horses. There is still no good correlation between tick numbers, weather conditions and human cases. There is the hypothesis that co-feeding due to simultaneous occurrence of larvae and nymphs may be a factor for the increased transmission of the virus in nature and for human disease. Based on long-term data from a natural TBEV focus, phylogenetic results and meteorological data we sought to challenge this hypothesis. METHODS Ticks from an identified TBE natural focus were sampled monthly from 04/2009 to 12/2018. Ticks were identified and pooled. Pools were tested by RT-qPCR. Positive pools were confirmed by virus isolation and/or sequencing of additional genes (E gene, NS2 gene). Temperature data such as the decadal (10-day) mean daily maximum air temperature (DMDMAT) were obtained from a nearby weather station and statistical correlations between tick occurrence and minimal infection rates (MIR) were calculated. RESULTS In the study period from 04/2009 to 12/2018 a total of 15,530 ticks (2,226 females, 2,268 males, 11,036 nymphs) were collected. The overall MIR in nymphs over the whole period was 77/15,530 (0.49%), ranging from 0.09% (2009) to 1.36% (2015). The overall MIR of female ticks was 0.76% (17/2,226 ticks), range 0.14% (2013) to 3.59% (2016). The overall MIR of males was 0.57% (13/2,268 ticks), range from 0.26% (2009) to 0.97% (2015). The number of nymphs was statistically associated with a later start of spring/vegetation period, indicated by the onset of forsythia flowering. CONCLUSION There was no particular correlation between DMDMAT dynamics in spring and/or autumn and the MIR of nymphs or adult ticks detected. However, there was a positive correlation between the number of nymphs and the number of reported human TBE cases in the following months, but not in the following year. The hypothesis of the importance of co-feeding of larvae and nymphs for the maintenance of transmission cycle of TBEV in nature is not supported by our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P. Borde
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, University of Freiburg Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg i.Br., Germany
- Praxis Dr. J. Borde / Gesundheitszentrum Oberkirch, Oberkirch, Germany
| | - Klaus Kaier
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center – University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philip Hehn
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center – University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Matzarakis
- Research Centre Human Biometeorology, German Meteorological Service, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Frey
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, München, Germany
| | | | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, München, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, München, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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10
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Shuaib YA, Isaa MH, Ezz-Eldin MIE, Abdalla MA, Bakhiet AO, Chitimia-Dobler L. Morphological abnormalities in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from domestic animal species in Sudan. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 82:161-169. [PMID: 32809185 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Morphological abnormalities in ticks have rarely been reported in nature. The existing knowledge about anomalies in ticks collected in Africa is very sparse. In this paper, we describe abnormalities in Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus ticks collected from cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and horses in Kassala and North Kordofan states, Sudan, between January and August 2017. A number of 15 adult ticks displayed one or several local anomalies, such as ectromely, abnormalities of the ventral plates, and body deformities, besides newly described multiple cuticula scars. This study presents the first report of local anomalies in ticks belonging to three genera in Sudan and highlights the need to investigate the association between such morphological abnormalities and tick biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassir Adam Shuaib
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | | | | | | | - Amel Omer Bakhiet
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum North, Sudan
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11
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Molaei G, Little EAH. A case of morphological anomalies in Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from nature. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 81:279-285. [PMID: 32500391 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We describe a case of morphological anomalies in Amblyomma americanum, a medically important species associated with several human diseases and medical conditions. Based on morphological characters using dichotomous morphological keys, high-resolution light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy imaging, the tick was identified as Am. americanum nymph exhibiting various morphological anomalies including ectromely associate with asymmetry, olygomely (lack) of the fourth left leg, and schizomely (bifurcation of palpus) on the right side. We believe this is the first report of the presence of several spontaneous anomalies in one Am. americanum specimen. Morphological identity of the specimen was corroborated by DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial 16S region. We discuss recent reports of morphological anomalies in ixodid ticks and emphasize the significance of additional studies of teratology in medically important tick species and its potential implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, P.O. Box 208034, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Eliza A H Little
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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12
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A seven-legged tick: Report of a morphological anomaly in Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) biting a human host from the Northeastern United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101304. [PMID: 31564642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cases of morphological anomalies in the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae), have recently been reported from the Northeastern and upper Midwestern United States, potentially complicating identification of this important vector of human disease-causing pathogens. We hereby report a case of a morphological anomaly in I. scapularis, biting a human host residing in Norwich, Connecticut. Using a dichotomous morphological key, high-resolution and scanning electron microscopy images, as well as DNA sequencing, the tick was identified as an adult female I. scapularis with three legs on the left side of the abdomen versus four on the right side, which we believe is the first case of ectromely in an adult I. scapularis. Using diagnostic genes in polymerase chain reaction, the specimen tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agents for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, respectively, and also showed evidence of a rickettsial endosymbiont. Here we discuss recent reports of morphological anomalies in I. scapularis, and emphasize the significance of additional studies of teratology in this important tick species and its potential implications.
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13
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Abnormal Development of Hyalomma Marginatum Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Induced by Plant Cytotoxic Substances. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11080445. [PMID: 31357471 PMCID: PMC6723890 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11080445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing application of toxic plant substances to deter and fight ticks proves the need for investigations focused on the elucidation of their impact on the developmental stages and populations of these arthropods. We examined the course of embryogenesis and egg hatch in Hyalomma marginatum ticks under the effect of cytotoxic plant substances. The investigations demonstrated that the length of embryonic development of egg batches treated with 20 μL of a 0.1875% colchicine solution did not differ significantly from that in the control group. Colchicine caused the high mortality of eggs (16.3%) and embryos (9.7%), disturbances in larval hatch (8.1%), and lower numbers of normal larval hatches (65.6%). In 0.2% of the larvae, colchicine induced anomalies in the idiosoma (67.6%) and gnathosoma (22.5%) as well as composite anomalies (8.5%). The study demonstrates that cytotoxic compounds with an effect similar to that of colchicine can reduce tick populations and cause teratological changes, which were observed in the specimens found during field studies. Since there are no data on the toxic effects of active plant substances on other organisms and the risk of development of tick resistance, a strategy for the use of such compounds in tick control and the management of plant products should be developed.
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Balinandi S, Mugisha L, Bbira J, Kabasa W, Nakayiki T, Bakkes DK, Lutwama JJ, Chitimia-Dobler L, Malmberg M. General and Local Morphological Anomalies in Amblyomma lepidum (Acari: Ixodidae) and Rhipicephalus decoloratus Infesting Cattle in Uganda. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:873-877. [PMID: 30576463 PMCID: PMC6467642 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Morphological abnormalities in ticks seem to be rare phenomena in nature, and are underreported in Africa. In this article, we describe general and local anomalies in two Amblyomma lepidum females and one Rhipicephalus decoloratus female collected from cattle in Moroto and Kasese districts, Uganda. One A. lepidum specimen displayed metagynander gynandromorphism with the presence of both male and female features in the same organism. The second A. lepidum female showed slight asymmetry and lacked a genital aperture. The R. decoloratus displayed multiple anomalies that included asymmetry on the right side in association with ectromely, chitinous formations and constrictions on the left side. This article presents the first report of metagynander gynandromorphism, as well as genital aperture absence which is not linked to gynandromorphism, in A. lepidum collected from cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Balinandi
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemrging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Ecohealth Research Group, Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance (CEHA), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Johnson Bbira
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Kabasa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Teddy Nakayiki
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemrging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemrging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Department of Virology-Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Maja Malmberg
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- SLU Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Andersen NS, Bestehorn M, Chitimia-Dobler L, Kolmos HJ, Jensen PM, Dobler G, Skarphédinsson S. Phylogenetic characterization of tick-borne encephalitis virus from Bornholm, Denmark. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:533-539. [PMID: 30704909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea has been known as a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) natural focus for more than 60 years. TBE in humans is diagnosed on a regular basis either in inhabitants or tourists of the island. Other areas in Denmark have been suggested as possible risk areas of TBE. Despite the long-known endemicity on Bornholm and the possibility of the virus circulating in other areas, no data on the prevalences of TBE virus (TBEV) in ticks, or adequate molecular characterization and phylogenetic studies are available for the circulating TBEV strains. This study aimed to detect TBEV in ticks collected on the island of Bornholm and other possible risk areas, with the attempt to isolate the circulating viruses for molecular and phylogenetic analysis and confirm the presence of virus in the predicted risk areas. From 2014 to 2016, 9321 I. ricinus (nymphs, females, and males) were collected by flagging 31 locations in Denmark. The ticks were pooled and tested for TBEV by qPCR. The envelope gene of the detected TBE virus strains was amplified and sequenced by RT-PCR. After successful virus isolation, whole genome sequencing was performed. Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences was done by the Maximum Likelihood method. One pool of 11 females and one pool of eight males from a total of 34 tick pools collected from the northwestern shore of lake Rubinsøen on Bornholm tested positive, resulting in a local estimated point prevalence of 0.6% [CI95% 0,1-1.85%] in this microfocus. We were not successful in confirming any other of the predicted TBEV-endemic areas. Alignment of the two complete E genes from Bornholm revealed identical sequences. Virus isolation and whole genome sequencing were succeeded from one of the positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolated virus had the closest phylogenetic relationship to TBEV sequences detected in Eastern and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Skaarup Andersen
- Clinical Centre of Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløvsvej 21.2, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Malena Bestehorn
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Hans-Wolff-Strasse 34, DE-70955, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany; German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Hans-Wolff-Strasse 34, DE-70955, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany; German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Jørn Kolmos
- Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløvsvej 21.2, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Per Moestrup Jensen
- Department of Plant- and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Hans-Wolff-Strasse 34, DE-70955, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany; German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Sigurdur Skarphédinsson
- Clinical Centre of Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark
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Kunze U. Report of the 20th annual meeting of the International Scientific Working Group on Tick-Borne Encephalitis (ISW-TBE): ISW-TBE: 20 years of commitment and still challenges ahead. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:13-17. [PMID: 30172555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The 20th Meeting of the International Scientific Working Group on Tick-Borne Encephalitis (ISW-TBE) - a group of neurologists, general practitioners, clinicians, travel physicians, virologists, pediatricians, ecologists, and epidemiologists - was held under the theme "ISW-TBE: 20 years of commitment & still challenges ahead". On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the ISW-TBE several key topics in TBE were extensively discussed, among them current epidemiological developments and investigations, expansion of risk areas, clinical aspects and cases, traveling and mobility, and latest news on TBE vaccination. The main goals that have been achieved by the ISW-TBE so far are, among others, an increased awareness in endemic and non-endemic countries, an increase of vaccination rates in various countries, getting TBE acknowledged and established as a travel-related risk, and building contact with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Kunze
- Institute for Social Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
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- Institute for Social Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
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Molaei G, Little EA. A nine-legged tick: Report of a morphological anomaly in the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) from the northeastern United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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