1
|
Dos Santos JC, Garcia MV, Duarte PO, Oshiro LM, Martins FI, de Oliveira Souza Higa L, de Lima ÁA, Andreotti R. Babesia bigemina (smith and Kilbourne, 1893) detection in Amblyomma sculptum (Berlese, 1888) ticks in the Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. Parasitol Int 2024; 102:102912. [PMID: 38852768 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102912] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Ticks parasitize various hosts, including humans, and are known to transmit pathogens that can be harmful not only to animals but also to humans. To evaluate the possible presence of pathogens in ticks, we aimed to collect and identify tick fauna specimens in Lagoa Comprida Municipal Natural Park, an anthropogenic urban area located in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A total of 1216 ticks, of which 51.2% were Amblyomma sculptum, 1.2% were Amblyomma dubitatum, and 41% were Amblyomma spp. were collected. These results show that the prevalence of A. sculptum is significantly higher than that of A. dubitatum across all four seasons. Molecular analyses revealed positive samples for the genus Babesia, including the confirmation of Babesia bigemina in an A. sculptum specimen, marking the first record of this relationship. This unexpected finding demands greater attention and deeper analysis in the context of the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joelly Corrêa Dos Santos
- The Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, - UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Tick Biology Laboratory, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Álvaro Aragão de Lima
- The Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, - UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso Sul - UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Renato Andreotti
- The Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, - UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Tick Biology Laboratory, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sousa ACP, Suzin A, da Silva Rodrigues V, Rezende LM, da Costa Maia R, Vieira RBK, Szabó MPJ. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and rickettsiae associated with wild boars in a rural area of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101016. [PMID: 38644046 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101016] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Wild boars or feral pigs are classified by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Resources (IBAMA) in "Category I of invasive exotic species". They cause economic losses, harm the environment, serve as hosts and reservoirs for several zoonotic disease agents, and provide a blood meal for tick species that act as vectors for zoonotic diseases. The objective of this study was to identify tick species on wild boars, assess host-seeking ticks in the related environment, and identify other potential tick hosts coexisting with wild boars on a farm located in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the presence of rickettsiae in these arthropods and assess the exposure of wild boars to rickettsiae species from the Spotted Fever Group and Rickettsia bellii through serology. A total of 3585 host-seeking ticks from three species (Amblyomma sculptum - 41.58%; Amblyomma dubitatum - 0.39% and Rhipicephalus microplus - 0.05%) were collected in the environment and A. sculptum was the most abundant species. Thirty-one wild boars were evaluated, resulting in the collection of 415 ticks, all of which were A. sculptum. Rickettsia DNA was not detected in samples of A. sculptum and R. microplus from the environment or in A. sculptum ticks from wild boars. However, all A. dubitatum ticks (n = 14) had Rickettsia bellii DNA confirmed by the species-specific PCR protocol. Out of the 31 serum samples from wild boars, 24 reacted with at least one Rickettsia antigen. Among these, seven individuals exhibited a reaction to a probable homologous antigen (PHA) of three rickettsiae species: R. rickettsii (n = 3), R. amblyommatis (n = 3) and R. rhipicephali (n = 1). Despite the high prevalence of seroreactivity, titers were low, indicating limited exposure to Rickettsia spp. Camera traps generated 874 animal records, capturing a total of 1688 individuals. At least 11 species of birds and 14 species of mammals (12 wild and two domestic) shared the environment with wild boars and potentially shared ticks with them. These findings provide baseline information for understanding the sharing of ticks and tick-borne pathogens between wild boars and other animals within the Cerrado biome. Further studies are necessary to monitor the potential and actual risk of wild boars to harbor infected ticks and their role in the transmission and maintenance cycle of Rickettsia spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Prado Sousa
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Adriane Suzin
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinícius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laís Miguel Rezende
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Costa Maia
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Brauner Kamla Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Clínica e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nogueira BCF, Campos AK, Muñoz-Leal S, Pinter A, Martins TF. Soft and hard ticks (Parasitiformes: Ixodida) on humans: A review of Brazilian biomes and the impact of environmental change. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106598. [PMID: 35841953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Records of accidental parasitism by ticks in humans from Brazil are scarce, with most being reported by researchers who are parasitized during their research and by professionals who work with animals. In order to compile these records, an extensive literature review was carried out. Our revision includes studies published between 1909 and 2022, including nine species of the Argasidae family and 32 species of the Ixodidae family that were reported biting humans in the six biomes of the Brazilian territory. The species with the highest number of records of human parasitism was Amblyomma sculptum, followed by Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, and Amblyomma brasiliense. The Atlantic Forest was the most frequent biome where human parasitism occurred, probably due to the greater number of inhabitants, universities, and researchers in the region; however, this does not mean that this biome is more conducive to the development of ticks and their parasitism in humans. In addition to Amblyomma ovale, a vector of Rickettsia parkeri in the country, two of the main species that act as vectors of Rickettsia rickettsii, A. sculptum, and Amblyomma aureolatum, have been reported, which is quite worrying considering that the wide distribution of the species and life stages most frequently mentioned in parasitism (i.e., nymphs and adults) are the ones that favour pathogen transmission. This research provides a significant contribution to the knowledge of tick species associated with human parasitism in Brazil; however, due to environmental change potentiated by deforestation and fires, it is expected that there will be a geographic expansion of some tick species and the pathogens that use them as a vector and an increase in human parasitism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Artur Kanadani Campos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Adriano Pinter
- Departamento de Laboratórios Especializados, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Departamento de Laboratórios Especializados, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil; Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
de Paula LGF, do Nascimento RM, Franco ADO, Szabó MPJ, Labruna MB, Monteiro C, Krawczak FDS. Seasonal dynamics of Amblyomma sculptum: a review. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:193. [PMID: 35668507 PMCID: PMC9169286 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05311-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amblyomma sculptum is a hard tick that is associated with domestic animals and the transmission of Brazilian spotted fever. This association has motivated several field studies on this ixodid tick within its distribution area in South America. Thorough knowledge of the seasonal dynamics of A. sculptum in different ecological scenarios is required in order to better understand the biological characteristics of this tick and develop techniques for the control and prevention of diseases transmitted by this vector. In this article, we systematically review the seasonal dynamics of A. sculptum and tick collection methodology. METHODS A systematic search of the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Scielo databases was carried out for articles (including dissertations and theses) on the population dynamics of A. sculptum. The inclusion criterion was the report of seasonal dynamic studies on A. sculptum through surveys carried out for at least 1 year with, as methodology, tick collection in the environment and/or tick count/collection on A. sculptum primary hosts (horses or capybaras). Studies carried out before the reclassification of Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato in 2014, which referred to Amblyomma cajennense in areas where it is currently known that only A. sculptum occurs, were also included. Articles meeting the inclusion criterion, but not available in online databases, were also added based on the authors' experience on the subject. Sixteen articles and one thesis were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. RESULTS Most of the studies were carried out in the southeastern region of Brazil, with a few also carried out in the northeast, center-west and south of Brazil and northwest of Argentina. Five techniques/methods were applied across these studies: CO2 traps, dragging, flagging, visual searches and tick counting on animals, used alone or in combination. CONCLUSION Seasonal dynamics of A. sculptum was found to be similar in almost all of the areas studied, with larvae predominating during the autumn, nymphs in the winter and adults in the spring and summer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Gabriella Ferreira de Paula
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moreira do Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Artur de Oliveira Franco
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, 74.605-050, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil.,Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, 74.605-050, Brazil
| | - Felipe da Silva Krawczak
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil. .,Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, 74.690-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Prado RFS, Araújo IM, Cordeiro MD, Baêta BDA, da Silva JB, da Fonseca AH. Diversity of tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) in military training areas in Southeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e001322. [PMID: 35648978 PMCID: PMC9901875 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022027] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens belong to one of the two main groups of occupational biohazards, and occupational exposure to such agents puts soldiers at risk of zoonotic infections, such as those caused by rickettsiae. There are few studies on acarological fauna and occupational risk in military areas in Brazil. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the diversity of ticks present in the military training areas of municipalities in the Southeast Region of Brazil. The ticks were collected from the selected areas using the dragging and flagging techniques as well as by visual detection on the operators' clothing, and environmental information was also recorded. A total of ten species were collected from the 66 surveyed areas, belonging to five genera and nine species: Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma aureolatum, Dermacentor nitens, Rhipicephalus spp., Ixodes spp. and Haemaphysalis spp. The frequent presence of tick species in military training areas along with traces and sightings of wild animals, most commonly capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), in most of the studied areas, indicates high levels of exposure of the military to tick vectors of spotted fever group rickettsiae and the possible occurrence of infections among the troops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubens Fabiano Soares Prado
- Hospital Veterinário, Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras – AMAN, Resende, RJ, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
| | - Izabela Mesquita Araújo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
| | - Bruna de Azevedo Baêta
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
| | - Jenevaldo Barbosa da Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri – UFVJM, Unaí, MG, Brasil
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Serpa MCDA, Luz HR, Costa FB, Weck BC, Benatti HR, Martins TF, Correa LS, Ramirez DG, Rocha V, Dias TC, Correa LR, Brasil J, Brites-Neto J, Nievas AM, Suzin A, Monticelli PF, Moro MEG, Lopes B, Pacheco RC, Aguiar DM, Piovezan U, Szabó MPJ, Ferraz KMPMB, Percequillo AR, Labruna MB, Ramos VN. Small mammals, ticks and rickettsiae in natural and human-modified landscapes: Diversity and occurrence of Brazilian spotted fever in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101805. [PMID: 34411793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We studied communities of small mammals and their ticks in endemic (E) and non-endemic (NE) areas for Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), aiming to infer if diversity parameters of parasites and hosts could be related to occurrence and prevalence of rickettsial infection, especially Rickettsia rickettsii. We compared E and NE areas in human-modified landscapes (HMLs) and natural areas (BIO) with no report of BSF cases. Composition and equitability were important components of diversity explaining differences among areas. The marsupial Didelphis albiventris was dominant in HMLs, but not in natural areas, and this opossum was the main host for the tick Amblyomma sculptum, principal vector of R. rickettsii, especially in E areas. Communities of ticks were dominated by A. sculptum, followed by Amblyomma dubitatum in E areas. In NE areas, this dominance was inverted, with more A. dubitatum than A. sculptum infesting small mammals, but the numbers of ticks were much lower than in E areas. Composition and abundance of ticks in natural areas were very dissimilar from HMLs, with the lowest tick burdens. Didelphis albiventris in E areas presented higher seroprevalence and endpoint titres against R. rickettsii than in other areas. At least three Rickettsia species, non-pathogenic to humans, were detected in natural areas (Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia amblyommatis and 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae'), and only one non-pathogenic species in HMLs (R. bellii). Our results suggest that higher diversity of ticks, hosts and rickettsiae could be relevant factors in buffering the effect in BSF occurrence. Particularly for D. albiventris, its importance has to be quantified in further studies considering the epidemiological scenario of BSF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carolina de A Serpa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hermes R Luz
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia, Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia do Renorbio, Ponto Focal Maranhão, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Francisco B Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Bárbara C Weck
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hector R Benatti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Laboratórios Especializados, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lidiani Silva Correa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz' Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diego G Ramirez
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vlamir Rocha
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago C Dias
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Ribeiro Correa
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Jardel Brasil
- Unidade de Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Americana, SP, Brazil
| | - José Brites-Neto
- Unidade de Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Americana, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Nievas
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriane Suzin
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação de Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Patricia Ferreira Monticelli
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Estela G Moro
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Lopes
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Richard C Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Aguiar
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Ubiratan Piovezan
- Embrapa Pantanal, Corumbá, MS, Brazil; Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | - Matias P J Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Katia Maria P M B Ferraz
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre R Percequillo
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz' Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa N Ramos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
de Siqueira SM, da Costa Maia R, do Nascimento Ramos V, da Silva Rodrigues V, Szabó MPJ. Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma sculptum (Ixodidae) infestation of Nellore cattle (Bos taurus indicus) in a farm of the Brazilian Cerrado: seasonality and infestation patterns. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 84:659-672. [PMID: 34138398 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00636-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We herein describe zebuine cattle tick infestation in a farm in southeast Brazil with an examination accurate enough to detect tick immatures and species other than R. microplus. Cattle were inspected monthly for ticks from May 2015 to May 2017 and 7604 ticks were collected along 276 bovine inspections. Rhipicephalus microplus was the dominant species (7197 specimens, 94.5% from the total), but Amblyomma sculptum was also collected (407/5.5%). Horse tick infestations were evaluated for comparison purposes of A. sculptum infestations of a primary host sharing pastures with bovines. Ticks were counted on the left side of 4-12 horses every 3 months from October 2015 to October 2017. Overall, 68 horse inspections were performed and 1702 ticks were collected: Dermacentor nitens (805 specimens/47.3% of the total), A. sculptum (733/43.1%) and R. microplus (164/9.6%). Overall mean tick abundance on bovines was low if compared to that of taurine cattle and counting revealed four annual generations of R. microplus. The interval between infestation peaks was 3 months, irrespective of the season, and an increase in tick counts from spring onward, as described in the south of Brazil, was not seen. Amblyomma sculptum infestation abundance was minor but constant and in high prevalence. Cattle infestation with A. sculptum seems to depend on pasture sharing with other domestic and wild hosts that are its primary hosts and provide engorged females to complete their life cycle. The impact of such tick sharing among several host species on tick-borne pathogen transmission remains to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Maciel de Siqueira
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Mato Grosso, 3289/Campus Umuarama - Bloco 2S, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-314, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Costa Maia
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Mato Grosso, 3289/Campus Umuarama - Bloco 2S, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-314, Brazil
| | - Vanessa do Nascimento Ramos
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Mato Grosso, 3289/Campus Umuarama - Bloco 2S, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-314, Brazil
| | - Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Mato Grosso, 3289/Campus Umuarama - Bloco 2S, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-314, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Mato Grosso, 3289/Campus Umuarama - Bloco 2S, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-314, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dantas-Torres F, Melo MF, Sales KGDS, Sousa-Paula LCD, da Silva FJ, Figueredo LA, Labruna MB. Seasonal dynamics and rickettsial infection in free-living Amblyomma dubitatum in the Atlantic forest biome in north-eastern Brazil. Acta Trop 2021; 217:105854. [PMID: 33561429 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105854] [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: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The genus Amblyomma is the most representative tick genus in Brazil and some species act as vectors of pathogenic organisms to animals and humans. Information on the seasonal dynamics of Amblyomma spp. as well as on rickettsial organisms infecting these ticks in some regions in Brazil is still fragmentary. Herein, we investigated the seasonal dynamics and rickettsial infections in Amblyomma dubitatum ticks collected in the Atlantic forest biome in north-eastern Brazil. Using carbon dioxide traps, ticks were collected monthly for two consecutive years. In total, 15,789 ticks were collected: 69 females (0.4%), 116 males (0.7%), 1,067 nymphs (6.8%), and 14,537 larvae (92.1%). All nymphs, females and males were identified as A. dubitatum, whereas larvae were identified as Amblyomma spp. Larvae were more frequent in summer (77% of the larvae collected), whereas nymphs were collected with similar frequency in summer (32.8%), autumn (30.0%) and spring (28.4%). Adults were more frequent in spring (47.6%). A total of 648 ticks (485 nymphs, 60 females, and 103 males) were tested by PCR for the gltA gene of Rickettsia spp. and 87 (13.4%; 95% CI: 10.9-16.3%) were positive. A consensus sequence (size, 350 bp) of 66 gltA gene sequences indicate that the organism detected herein is similar to Rickettsia tamurae, Rickettsia monacencis and Rickettsia sp. strain Pampulha. One of these positive samples was also positive for the ompA gene of spotted fever group rickettsiae, but attempts to sequence the amplicon were not successful. We also tested this sample by a PCR targeting the rickettsial htrA gene, but no amplification product could be detected. This study indicates that A. dubitatum may be a common tick in areas where capybaras are present in north-eastern Brazil, occurring during the whole year. It also suggests the circulation of a spotted fever group rickettsia in this A. dubitatum population, whose identity has yet to be determined.
Collapse
|
9
|
Arrais RC, Paula RC, Martins TF, Nieri-Bastos FA, Marcili A, Labruna MB. Survey of ticks and tick-borne agents in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) from a natural landscape in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101639. [PMID: 33360385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101639] [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: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated ticks and tick-borne agents in 104 captures of the maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (50 different individuals and 54 recaptures) in the Serra da Canastra National Park (SCNP), a Cerrado preserved area in southeastern Brazil, from 2005 to 2012. From the 104 capture events, a total of 1,206 ticks were collected on 94 occasions (90.4 %), and identified into five species: Amblyomma tigrinum (77.3 % of all collected ticks), Amblyomma sculptum (16.6 %), Amblyomma ovale (0.1 %), Amblyomma brasiliense (0.1 %), Rhipicephalus microplus (0.1 %), and Amblyomma spp. larvae (5.8 %). Molecular analyses of A. tigrinum adult ticks revealed the presence of 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae', Rickettsia parkeri sensu stricto, two different haplotypes of 'Ca. Midichloria sp.', and a Hepatozoon canis haplotype. Molecular analyses of maned wolf blood samples revealed two distinct haplotypes of Hepatozoon spp., one identical to the H. canis genotype that was detected in the A. tigrinum ticks, and a Hepatozoon americanum-like haplotype. None tick or blood samples yielded amplicons through PCR assays targeting the genera Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, Rangelia, Cytauxzoon, and Theileria. Maned wolf serum samples were tested by immunofluorescence assay against antigens of five Rickettsia species (R. parkeri, R. rickettsii, R. amblyommatis, R. rhipicephali, and R. bellii) and Ehrlichia canis. Among 78 serum samples (45 captures plus 33 recaptures), 74 (95 %) were reactive to at least one Rickettsia species, with R. parkeri eliciting the highest endpoint titers. Some maned wolves that were recaptured during the study were shown to seroconvert to R. parkeri. Serum-reactiveness to E. canis was detected in 36 % (16/45) maned wolves. During the study, general clinical signs of tick-borne diseases were not found in any of the captured animals, indicating that they were under a good health status in the SCNP, despite of been exposed to ticks (mostly A. tigrinum) and some tick-borne agents (Rickettsia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia). The results of the present study might represent baseline data for the conservation of the maned wolf in its natural habitat, which should be used to interpret further studies about ticks and tick-borne diseases in maned wolves within human-modified landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo C Arrais
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rogério C Paula
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Carnívoros, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Ministério do Meio Ambiente, Atibaia, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Laboratórios Especializados, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Nieri-Bastos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Arlei Marcili
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina e Bem-Estar Animal e Saúde Única, Universidade Santo Amaro, R. Prof. Enéas de Siqueira Neto, 340 - Jardim das Imbuias, São Paulo, SP, 04829-300, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Labruna MB, Faccini JLH. The nonparasitic phase of Dermacentor nitens under field conditions in southeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2020; 29:e008620. [PMID: 33112361 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dermacentor nitens is a one-host tick that uses domestic equids as main hosts. Herein, the nonparasitic phase of D. nitens was evaluated under field conditions in Pirassununga, São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil. By exposing engorged females of D. nitens to field conditions (grass plots) for 24 consecutive months, this tick species was able to complete its nonparasitic phase by producing host-seeking larvae in the pasture throughout the year. Preoviposition and egg incubation periods were longer during autumn and winter months than during the other months. The number of larvae generated by engorged females was in most of the times lower during autumn and winter months, as demonstrated by lower egg hatching values. Such conditions could be linked to lower mean temperatures and rainfall. Larvae with the longest longevity hatched from the eggs with the shortest incubation periods. An apparent synchronism of larval hatching during spring was observed from the eggs laid by females during late winter and autumn, which is consistent with the phenomenon of "spring rise". The results indicate that D. nitens can complete up to five generations per year in southeastern Brazil, providing baseline data to develop future protocols for the appropriate control of D. nitens on horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - João Luiz Horácio Faccini
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Suzin A, Vogliotti A, Nunes PH, Barbieri ARM, Labruna MB, Szabó MPJ. Free-living ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Iguaçu National Park, Brazil: Temporal dynamics and questing behavior on vegetation. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101471. [PMID: 32723660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Basic knowledge of species, ecological preferences and behavior of ticks in preserved rainforests are scanty. We herein describe species richness, seasonal activity, altitude influence and questing height of ticks along 3375 m of animal trails within the largest remain of inland Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, the Iguaçu National Park (INP). Altogether, 2954 ticks from nine tick species were collected; Amblyomma brasiliense Aragão (49.09% of the specimens), Amblyomma coelebs Neumann (29.08%), Amblyomma incisum Neumann (12.49%), Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley (5.21%), Amblyomma ovale Koch (2.64%), Amblyomma longirostre Koch (0.20%), Ixodes fuscipes Fonseca (0.17%), Ixodes loricatus Neumann (0.07%) and Amblyomma dubitatum Neumann (0.03%) (Ixodida: Ixodidae). There was an evident seasonal influence on tick host-questing activity, with each tick stage prevailing in a season before the following one, and a general trend of one tick generation per year. Adult tick questing height mode on vegetation showed a correspondence between tick species and preferred host size and height. Adult ticks quested higher than immatures, but several larval clusters were found high enough to seek for large-sized hosts as well. Nymphal and adult tick questing height increased significantly at higher altitudes within the park. Amblyomma incisum and A. coelebs were more abundant at higher and lower altitudes, respectively. The knowledge on tick species richness, ecological preferences and behavior herein obtained provides baseline information to understand tick-borne disease epidemiology occurring at landscapes under a strong anthropogenic impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Suzin
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Vogliotti
- Instituto Latino-Americano de Ciências da Vida e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA), Foz Do Iguaçu, Paraná 85866-970, Brazil
| | - Pablo Henrique Nunes
- Instituto Latino-Americano de Ciências da Vida e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA), Foz Do Iguaçu, Paraná 85866-970, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais 38400-902, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Retrospective and new records of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) from the state of Maranhão, an Amazon-Cerrado transition area of Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100413. [PMID: 32862893 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Brazilian state of Maranhão is located in a transition area of the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, where there is a rich fauna of vertebrates. This study aimed to update the list of the ticks occurring in Maranhão, through a compilation of literature records and examination of three tick collections, plus the addition of unpublished collections of ticks from road-killed animals during recent years. Our results indicate that the tick fauna of Maranhão includes 26 species: seven in the family Argasidae (Antricola guglielmonei, Argas miniatus, Ornithodoros cavernicolous, Ornithodoros hasei, Ornithodoros mimon, Ornithodoros rietcorreai and Ornithodoros rudis); and 19 in the family Ixodidae (Amblyomma auricularium-provisional, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma naponense, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma triste, Dermacentor nitens, Ixodes luciae, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato). Eleven of the above species are reported for the first time in Maranhão. We consider previous reports of Ornithodoros talaje and Amblyomma pseudoconcolor in Maranhão as misidentification with O. hasei and A. auricularium, respectively. Until 1958, only 11 tick species were reported in Maranhão, with no additional reports until 2009. During 2010-2019, 15 additional species were reported. We also highlight the importance of ticks for public and veterinary health in Maranhão.
Collapse
|
13
|
Binder LDC, Tauro LB, Farias AA, Labruna MB, Diaz A. Molecular survey of flaviviruses and orthobunyaviruses in Amblyomma spp. ticks collected in Minas Gerais, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 28:764-768. [PMID: 31576974 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Due to anthropic environmental changes, vector-borne diseases are emerging worldwide. Ticks are known vectors of several pathogens of concern among humans and animals. In recent decades, several examples of tick-borne emerging viral diseases have been reported (Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Powassan virus, encephalitis virus, heartland virus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus). Unfortunately, few studies addressing the presence of viruses in wild ticks have been carried out in South America. With the aim of detecting flaviviruses and orthobunyaviruses in ticks, we carried out molecular detection in wild ticks collected in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. No Flavivirus-positive ticks were detected; however, we detected activity of Orthobunyavirus in 8 Amblyomma tick specimens. One of those individuals was positive for Bunyamwera orthobunyavirus, which represents the first report of this virus among ticks in South America. Further studies related to the ecology of zoonotic diseases are needed to increase knowledge of this topic, including attempts at viral isolation, full genome sequencing and biological characterization. In this way, we will obtain a better picture of the real risk of ticks as a vector for viral diseases for humans and animals on our continent, where no tick-borne viral disease is known to occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina de Campos Binder
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Laura Beatriz Tauro
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Virology "Dr. J. M. Vanella", National University of Córdoba - UCO, Córdoba, Argentina.,Institute of Subtropical Biology, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - CONICET, National University of Misiones, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Adrian Alejandro Farias
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Virology "Dr. J. M. Vanella", National University of Córdoba - UCO, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Adrian Diaz
- Arbovirus Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Virology "Dr. J. M. Vanella", National University of Córdoba - UCO, Córdoba, Argentina.,Institute of Biological and Technological Research, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - CONICET, National University of Córdoba - UCO, Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|