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Wang LL, Cheng Q, Newton ND, Wolfinger MT, Morgan MS, Slonchak A, Khromykh AA, Cheng TY, Parry RH. Xinyang flavivirus, from Haemaphysalis flava ticks in Henan Province, China, defines a basal, likely tick-only Orthoflavivirus clade. J Gen Virol 2024; 105:001991. [PMID: 38809251 PMCID: PMC11165663 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001991] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne orthoflaviviruses (TBFs) are classified into three conventional groups based on genetics and ecology: mammalian, seabird and probable-TBF group. Recently, a fourth basal group has been identified in Rhipicephalus ticks from Africa: Mpulungu flavivirus (MPFV) in Zambia and Ngoye virus (NGOV) in Senegal. Despite attempts, isolating these viruses in vertebrate and invertebrate cell lines or intracerebral injection of newborn mice with virus-containing homogenates has remained unsuccessful. In this study, we report the discovery of Xinyang flavivirus (XiFV) in Haemaphysalis flava ticks from Xìnyáng, Henan Province, China. Phylogenetic analysis shows that XiFV was most closely related to MPFV and NGOV, marking the first identification of this tick orthoflavivirus group in Asia. We developed a reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR assay to screen wild-collected ticks and egg clutches, with absolute infection rates of 20.75 % in adult females and 15.19 % in egg clutches, suggesting that XiFV could be potentially spread through transovarial transmission. To examine potential host range, dinucleotide composition analyses revealed that XiFV, MPFV and NGOV share a closer composition to classical insect-specific orthoflaviviruses than to vertebrate-infecting TBFs, suggesting that XiFV could be a tick-only orthoflavivirus. Additionally, both XiFV and MPFV lack a furin cleavage site in the prM protein, unlike other TBFs, suggesting these viruses might exist towards a biased immature particle state. To examine this, chimeric Binjari virus with XIFV-prME (bXiFV) was generated, purified and analysed by SDS-PAGE and negative-stain transmission electron microscopy, suggesting prototypical orthoflavivirus size (~50 nm) and bias towards uncleaved prM. In silico structural analyses of the 3'-untranslated regions show that XiFV forms up to five pseudo-knot-containing stem-loops and a prototypical orthoflavivirus dumbbell element, suggesting the potential for multiple exoribonuclease-resistant RNA structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Lan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Qia Cheng
- Children’s Medical Center, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, Changsha, PR China
| | - Natalee D. Newton
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael T. Wolfinger
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Research Group Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- RNA Forecast e.U., Vienna, Austria
| | - Mahali S. Morgan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrii Slonchak
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexander A. Khromykh
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- GVN Center of Excellence, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tian-Yin Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Rhys H. Parry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Yuan JM, Su J, Zhang ZH, Sun B, Jiao XL, Zhang X, Zhai YP, Chen YJ. Initial study and phylogenetic analysis of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Nantong, China along the route of avian migration. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 92:871-883. [PMID: 38656472 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00916-5] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The growing concern about migratory birds potentially spreading ticks due to global warming has become a significant issue. The city of Nantong in this study is situated along the East Asia-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), with numerous wetlands serving as roosting sites for migratory birds. We conducted an investigation of hard ticks and determined the phylogenetic characteristics of tick species in this city. We utilized three different genes for our study: the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene, the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2), and the mitochondrial small subunit rRNA (12 S rRNA) gene. The predominant tick species were Haemaphysalis flava (H. flava) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (H. longicornis). Additionally, specimens of Haemaphysalis campanulata (H. campanulata) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (R. sanguineus) were collected. The H. flava specimens in this study showed a close genetic relationship with those from inland provinces of China, as well as South Korea and Japan. Furthermore, samples of H. longicornis exhibited a close genetic relationship with those from South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the USA, as well as specific provinces in China. Furthermore, R. sanguineus specimens captured in Nantong showed genetic similarities with specimens from Egypt, Nigeria, and Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ming Yuan
- Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 226007, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Su
- Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 226007, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zhi-Hai Zhang
- Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 226007, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 226007, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xue-Li Jiao
- Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 226007, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 226007, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun-Peng Zhai
- Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 226007, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Jie Chen
- Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 226007, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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Luo S, Yang S, Liu A, Wu H, Gao L, Wu X, Dong Y, Li B, Ma W, Peng L, Bao F. Serological and molecular epidemiological investigation of Mediterranean spotted fever in Yunnan Province, China. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 118:105560. [PMID: 38262571 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105560] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Given the limited research and its potential hazards, the study aimed to determine the prevalence of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) caused by Rickettsia conorii (R. conorii), a tick-borne disease, in Yunnan Province, China. METHODS Through stratified sampling across five distinct regions in Yunnan, 5358 blood samples were obtained from the general healthy population. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were employed for analysis. RESULTS IFA identified 27 (0.50%) subjects with immunoglobulin G (IgG) positivity; none were positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) via ELISA. PCR detected one individual with R. conorii outer membrane protein A (ompA). Significant seroprevalence variation was observed, particularly in Southern Yunnan (P = 0.032), with R. conorii subsp. conorii confirmed in the PCR-positive sample. CONCLUSIONS This research reveals a correlation between MSF prevalence, geography, and climate in Yunnan. The paucity of prior studies underscores MSF's potential diagnostic challenges in the region. Comprehensive understanding of the pathogen's distribution is pivotal for intervention. Given the study's scope and Yunnan's unique setting, additional research is advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyi Luo
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shuyue Yang
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Aihua Liu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Province Key Laboratory of Children's Major Diseases Research, The Affiliated Children's Hospital, Kunming, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650030, China; Yunnan Demonstration Base of International Science and Technology Cooperation for Tropical Diseases, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hanxin Wu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Li Gao
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xinya Wu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yan Dong
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Bingxue Li
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Weijiang Ma
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Li Peng
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Fukai Bao
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Province Key Laboratory of Children's Major Diseases Research, The Affiliated Children's Hospital, Kunming, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650030, China; Yunnan Demonstration Base of International Science and Technology Cooperation for Tropical Diseases, Kunming 650500, China.
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Wu Y, Zhou Q, Mao M, Chen H, Qi R. Diversity of species and geographic distribution of tick-borne viruses in China. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1309698. [PMID: 38476950 PMCID: PMC10929907 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1309698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tick-borne pathogens especially viruses are continuously appearing worldwide, which have caused severe public health threats. Understanding the species, distribution and epidemiological trends of tick-borne viruses (TBVs) is essential for disease surveillance and control. Methods In this study, the data on TBVs and the distribution of ticks in China were collected from databases and literature. The geographic distribution of TBVs in China was mapped based on geographic locations of viruses where they were prevalent or they were detected in vector ticks. TBVs sequences were collected from The National Center for Biotechnology Information and used to structure the phylogenetic tree. Results Eighteen TBVs from eight genera of five families were prevalent in China. Five genera of ticks played an important role in the transmission of TBVs in China. According to phylogenetic analysis, some new viral genotypes, such as the Dabieshan tick virus (DTV) strain detected in Liaoning Province and the JMTV strain detected in Heilongjiang Province existed in China. Discussion TBVs were widely distributed but the specific ranges of viruses from different families still varied in China. Seven TBVs belonging to the genus Orthonairovirus of the family Nairoviridae such as Nairobi sheep disease virus (NSDV) clustered in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and northeastern areas of China. All viruses of the family Phenuiviridae except Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) were novel viruses that appeared in the last few years, such as Guertu virus (GTV) and Tacheng tick virus 2 (TcTV-2). They were mainly distributed in the central plains of China. Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) was distributed in at least fourteen provinces and had been detected in more than ten species of tick such as Rhipicephalus microplus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, which had the widest distribution and the largest number of vector ticks among all TBVs. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) and Lymphatic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) were two potential TBVs in Northeast China that could cause serious diseases in humans or animals. Ixodes persulcatus carried the highest number of TBVs, followed by Dermacentor nuttalli and H. longicornis. They could carry as many as ten TBVs. Three strains of Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) from Inner Mongolia Province clustered with ones from Russia, Japan and Heilongjiang Province, respectively. Several SFTSV strains from Zhejiang Province clustered with strains from Korea and Japan. Specific surveillance of dominant TBVs should be established in different areas in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rui Qi
- Institute of Microbiome Frontiers and One Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Jasik KP, Kleczka A, Franielczyk A. Histopathological Aspects of the Influence of Babesia microti on the Placentas of Infected Female Rats. Vet Sci 2024; 11:18. [PMID: 38250924 PMCID: PMC10819886 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is perceived mainly an animal disease; however, awareness that Babesia spp. parasites that can cause diseases in humans is increasing significantly. Babesiosis is spread by the bite of an infected tick (Ixodes spp.), but it can also be transmitted by transfusion of infected blood and from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth. The parasites multiply in the bloodstream and destroy red blood cells. This study aimed to assess the influence of Babesia microti on the histological structure of the placenta. Histopathological material collected from pregnant rats infected with Babesia microti was used in the experiment. Microscopic images of the placentas were assessed by Mallory staining and by using methylene blue-stained semi-thin sections. In addition, FISH was used to detect parasite DNA. The presence of piroplasms in both maternal and fetal vessels was demonstrated. Babesia microti infection caused vacuolization of syncytioblasts and cytotrophoblasts, accumulation of collagen fibers in placental villi, and increased adhesion of erythrocytes to the vascular walls. These results indicate that Babesia may influence the course of pregnancy and invite further research on the mechanism of piroplasm penetration into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof P. Jasik
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ostrogórska 30, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
| | - Anna Kleczka
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ostrogórska 30, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
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Su S, Hong M, Cui MY, Gui Z, Ma SF, Wu L, Xing LL, Mu L, Yu JF, Fu SY, Gao RJ, Qi DD. Microbial diversity of ticks and a novel typhus group Rickettsia species (Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b) in Inner Mongolia, China. Parasite 2023; 30:58. [PMID: 38084939 PMCID: PMC10714680 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks can carry multiple pathogens, and Inner Mongolia's animal husbandry provides excellent environmental conditions for ticks. This study characterized the microbiome of ticks from different geographical locations in Inner Mongolia; 905 Dermacentor nuttalli and 36 Ixodes persulcatus were collected from sheep in three main pasture areas and from bushes within the forested area. Mixed DNA samples were prepared from three specimens from each region and tick species. Microbial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and α and β diversity were determined. The predominant bacterial genera were Rickettsia (54.60%), including Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b (19.33%) and other Rickettsia (35.27%), Arsenophonus (11.21%), Candidatus Lariskella (10.84%), and Acinetobacter (7.17%). Rickettsia bellii was identified in I. persulcatus, while Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b was found in D. nuttalli from Ordos and Chifeng. Potential Rickettsia and Anaplasma coinfections were observed in the Ordos region. Tick microbial diversity analysis in Inner Mongolia suggests that sheep at the sampling sites were exposed to multiple pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Su
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Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010059 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Mei Hong
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Meng-Yu Cui
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Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010059 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Zheng Gui
- First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun 130021 China
| | - Shi-Fa Ma
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Hulunbuir Mental Health Center Hulunbuir 022150 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Lin Wu
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Beijing Guoke Biotechnology Co., Ltd 102200 Beijing China
| | - Li-Li Xing
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Department of Infection Control, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010000 China
| | - Lan Mu
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Jing-Feng Yu
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Shao-Yin Fu
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Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Science Hohhot 010031 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Rui-Juan Gao
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Dong-Dong Qi
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Hulunbuir Mental Health Center Hulunbuir 022150 Inner Mongolia China
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Ma H, Ai J, La Y, Zhao X, Zeng A, Qin Q, Feng S, Kang M, Sun Y, Li J. Hemalin vaccination modulates the host immune response and reproductive cycle of Haemaphysalis longicornis. Vet Parasitol 2023; 323:110051. [PMID: 37866015 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110051] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis can transmit high varieties of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), and a primary strategy for preventing the transmission of those TBPs is to control ticks. Hemalin, a thrombin inhibitor of the Kunitz-type family and a crucial component in H. longicornis feeding process has been isolated from parthenogentic ticks. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of a recombinant Hemalin (rHlHemalin) vaccination as an anti-tick vaccine against H. longicornis in rabbits to find a new candidate for an effective tick control. In this study, mouse splenocytes were isolated and used to investigate immune responses after rHlHemalin stimulation. The rabbits were vaccinated with the rHlHemalin protein. After tick challenges, body weight at engorgement, egg mass, and the reproductive cycle of H. longicornis were evaluated. To confirm the vaccination, the passive immunization tests of α-rHlHemalin sera were performed. The results showed that the rHlHemalin protein could stimulate cytokine production in mouse splenocytes. Vaccination assay revealed that the periods from tick infestations to egg-hatch in the vaccination group were significantly longer than those in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group (P = 0.0003). In addition, the tick body weight at engorgement (P = 0.0019) and egg mass at 10 days after oviposition (P = 0.0232) were higher than those in the PBS group. These findings were consistent with the current passive immunization results and suggest rHlHemalin vaccination extended the reproductive cycle in H. longicornis but did not decrease the body weight at engorgement or weight of egg mass. Therefore, it is debatable whether Hemalin vaccination is highly-effective anti-tick vaccine or not. However, due to the importance of thrombin inhibitors in tick blood feeding and blood digestion, additional inhibitor-based vaccines should be developed aiming to find an effective and environmentally friendly biological strategy to combat ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jingkai Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yansha La
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Ankang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Qi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Shangjiali Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China.
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Falahi S, Abdoli A, Kenarkoohi A. Maternal COVID-19 infection and the fetus: Immunological and neurological perspectives. New Microbes New Infect 2023; 53:101135. [PMID: 37143853 PMCID: PMC10133021 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2023.101135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoneuropsychiatry is an emerging field about the interaction between the immune and nervous systems. Infection and infection-related inflammation (in addition to genetics and environmental factors) can act as the etiopathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs). Exposure to COVID-19 in utero may be a risk factor for developing NPDs in offspring in the future. Maternal immune activation (MIA) and subsequent inflammation can affect fetal brain development. Inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and autoantibodies can pass through the placenta and the compromised blood-brain barrier after MIA, leading to neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation also affects multiple neurobiological pathways; for example, it decreases the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Fetal sex may affect the mother's immune response. Pregnant women with male fetuses have been reported to have decreased maternal and placental humoral responses. This suggests that in pregnancies with a male fetus, fewer antibodies may be transferred to the fetus and contribute to males' increased susceptibility/vulnerability to infectious diseases compared to female infants. Here, we want to discuss maternal COVID-19 infection and its consequences for the fetus, particularly the neurological outcomes and the interaction between fetal sex and possible changes in maternal immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahab Falahi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Azra Kenarkoohi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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