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Ghafar A, Davies N, Tadepalli M, Breidahl A, Death C, Haros P, Li Y, Dann P, Cabezas-Cruz A, Moutailler S, Foucault-Simonin A, Gauci CG, Stenos J, Hufschmid J, Jabbar A. Unravelling the Diversity of Microorganisms in Ticks from Australian Wildlife. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020153. [PMID: 36839425 PMCID: PMC9967841 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020153] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a significant threat to the health and welfare of humans and animals. Our knowledge about pathogens carried by ticks of Australian wildlife is limited. This study aimed to characterise ticks and tick-borne microorganisms from a range of wildlife species across six sites in Victoria, Australia. Following morphological and molecular characterisation (targeting 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase I), tick DNA extracts (n = 140) were subjected to microfluidic real-time PCR-based screening for the detection of microorganisms and Rickettsia-specific real-time qPCRs. Five species of ixodid ticks were identified, including Aponomma auruginans, Ixodes (I.) antechini, I. kohlsi, I. tasmani and I. trichosuri. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA sequences of I. tasmani revealed two subclades, indicating a potential cryptic species. The microfluidic real-time PCR detected seven different microorganisms as a single (in 13/45 ticks) or multiple infections (27/45). The most common microorganisms detected were Apicomplexa (84.4%, 38/45) followed by Rickettsia sp. (55.6%, 25/45), Theileria sp. (22.2% 10/45), Bartonella sp. (17.8%, 8/45), Coxiella-like sp. (6.7%, 3/45), Hepatozoon sp. (2.2%, 1/45), and Ehrlichia sp. (2.2%, 1/45). Phylogenetic analyses of four Rickettsia loci showed that the Rickettsia isolates detected herein potentially belonged to a novel species of Rickettsia. This study demonstrated that ticks of Australian wildlife carry a diverse array of microorganisms. Given the direct and indirect human-wildlife-livestock interactions, there is a need to adopt a One Health approach for continuous surveillance of tick-associated pathogens/microorganisms to minimise the associated threats to animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Ghafar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Nick Davies
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Mythili Tadepalli
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Amanda Breidahl
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Clare Death
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Philip Haros
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Park, P.O. Box 97, Cowes, VIC 3922, Australia
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Charles G. Gauci
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Jasmin Hufschmid
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
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Weaver GV, Anderson N, Garrett K, Thompson AT, Yabsley MJ. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Animals, Wild Pigs, and Off-Host Environmental Sampling in Guam, USA. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:803424. [PMID: 35087891 PMCID: PMC8787080 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.803424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Guam, a United States of America (USA) island territory in the Pacific Ocean, is known to have large populations of ticks; however, it is unclear what the risk is to wildlife and humans living on the island. Dog (Canis familiaris), cat (Felis catus), and wild pig (Sus scrofa) sentinels were examined for ticks, and environmental sampling was conducted to determine the ticks present in Guam and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in hosts. Methods and Results: From March 2019-November 2020, ticks were collected from environmental sampling, dogs, cats, and wild pigs. Blood samples were also taken from a subset of animals. A total of 99 ticks were collected from 27 environmental samples and all were Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick. Most ticks were collected during the dry season with an overall sampling success rate of 63% (95% CI: 42.4–80.6). 6,614 dogs were examined, and 12.6% (95% CI: 11.8–13.4) were infested with at least one tick. One thousand one hundred twelve cats were examined, and six (0.54%; 95% CI: 0.20–1.1) were found with ticks. Sixty-four wild pigs were examined and 17.2% (95% CI: 9.5–27.8) had ticks. In total, 1,956 ticks were collected and 97.4% of ticks were R. sanguineus. A subset of R. sanguineus were determined to be the tropical lineage. The other tick species found were Rhipicephalus microplus (0.77%), Amblyomma breviscutatum (0.77 %), and a Haemaphysalis sp. (0.51%). Blood samples from 136 dogs, four cats, and 64 wild pigs were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing methods. Five different tick-borne pathogens with the following prevalences were found in dogs: Anaplasma phagocytophilum 5.9% (95% CI: 2.6–11.3); Anaplasma platys 19.1% (95% CI: 12.9–26.7); Babesia canis vogeli 8.8% (95% CI: 4.6–14.9); Ehrlichia canis 12.5% (95% CI: 7.5–19.3); Hepatozoon canis 14.7% (95% CI: 9.2–28.8). E. canis was detected in one cat, and no tick-borne pathogens were detected in wild pigs. Overall, 43.4% (95% CI: 34.9–52.1) of dogs had at least one tick-borne pathogen. Serological testing for antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. showed prevalences of 14.7% (95% CI: 9.2–28.8) and 31.6% (95% CI: 23.9–40), respectively. Conclusion: Four different tick species were found in Guam to include a Haemaphysalis sp., which is a previously unreported genus for Guam. Dogs with ticks have a high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens which makes them useful sentinels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve V. Weaver
- Wise Owl Animal Hospital, Micronesian Exotic Specialty Services, Tamuning, GU, United States
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Genevieve V. Weaver
| | - Neil Anderson
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kayla Garrett
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Alec T. Thompson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Egan SL, Taylor CL, Austen JM, Banks PB, Northover AS, Ahlstrom LA, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ, Oskam CL. Haemoprotozoan surveillance in peri-urban native and introduced wildlife from Australia. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100052. [PMID: 35284862 PMCID: PMC8906138 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon L. Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Casey L. Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Camperdown, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jill M. Austen
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter B. Banks
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Camperdown, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Amy S. Northover
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Liisa A. Ahlstrom
- Elanco Animal Health, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, 2113, Australia
| | - Una M. Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- Corresponding author.
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Barbosa AD, Austen J, Portas TJ, Friend JA, Ahlstrom LA, Oskam CL, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ. Sequence analyses at mitochondrial and nuclear loci reveal a novel Theileria sp. and aid in the phylogenetic resolution of piroplasms from Australian marsupials and ticks. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225822. [PMID: 31851687 PMCID: PMC6919580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The order Piroplasmida encompasses two main families: Babesiidae and Theileriidae, containing tick-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical importance worldwide. While only three genera (Babesia, Cytauxzoon and Theileria) comprising piroplasm parasites are currently recognised, phylogenetic studies at the 18S rRNA (18S) gene suggest that these organisms represent at least ten lineages, one of which comprises the relatively unique and highly diverse Theileria spp. from Australian marsupials and ticks. As an alternative to analysing 18S sequences alone, sequencing of mitochondrial genes has proven to be useful for the elucidation of evolutionary relationships amongst some groups of piroplasms. This research aimed to characterise piroplasms from Australian native mammals and ticks using multiple genetic markers (18S, cytochrome c, oxidase subunit III (cox3) and cytochrome B (cytB)) and microscopy. For this, nearly complete piroplasm-18S sequences were obtained from 32 animals belonging to six marsupial species: eastern bettong (Bettongia gaimardi), eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor), quokka (Setonix brachyurus) and Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii). The organisms detected represented eight novel Theileria genotypes, which formed five sub-clades within the main marsupial clade containing previously reported Australian marsupial and tick-derived Theileria spp. A selection of both novel and previously described Australian piroplasms at the 18S were also successfully characterised, for the first time, at the cox3 and cytB loci, and corroborated the position of Australian native theilerias in a separate, well-supported clade. Analyses of the cox3 and cytB genes also aided in the taxonomic resolution within the clade of Australian Piroplasmida. Importantly, microscopy and molecular analysis at multiple loci led to the discovery of a unique piroplasm species that clustered with the Australian marsupial theilerias, for which we propose the name Theileria lupei n. sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D. Barbosa
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília—DF, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Jill Austen
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Timothy J. Portas
- Veterinary and Research Centre, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - J. Anthony Friend
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Albany, WA, Australia
| | | | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Una M. Ryan
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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McCann KM, Grant WN, Spratt DM, Hedtke SM. Cryptic species diversity in ticks that transmit disease in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 10:125-131. [PMID: 31463190 PMCID: PMC6706653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of a broad range of pathogens in Australia. Many tick species are morphologically similar and are therefore difficult to identify using morphology alone, particularly when collected in the larval and nymphal life stages. We report here the application of molecular methods to examine the species diversity of ixodid ticks at two sites in southern New South Wales, Australia. Our taxon sampling included six morphologically characterised adult stage voucher specimens of Ixodes trichosuri, Ixodes tasmani, Ixodes fecialis and Ixodes holocyclus (the paralysis tick) and ~250 field collected specimens that were in the larva or nymph stage and thus not morphologically identifiable. One nuclear and two mitochondrial amplicons were sequenced using a combination of Sanger and Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Phylogenetic relationships were estimated using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Two clades with strong bootstrap and Bayesian support were observed across trees estimated from each of three markers and from an analysis of the concatenated sequences. One voucher specimen of I. trichosuri was located in one of these clades, while the other I. trichosuri voucher specimen was in a second clade with the remaining three identified species, suggesting these morphologically similar ticks may represent different cryptic species. Unidentified specimens were found across both clades, and molecular divergence of many of these is equal to or greater than that observed between identified species, suggesting additional unidentified species may exist. Further studies are required to understand the taxonomic status of ticks in Australia, and how this species diversity impacts disease risk for livestock, domestic animals, wildlife and humans. Ticks genetically closely related had distinct morphological features. Remarkable genetic diversity of tick species collected. Rapid evolution of morphological characters in Ixodes. Understanding tick relationships could improve control of disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty M. McCann
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Warwick N. Grant
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - David M. Spratt
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, 2601, Australia
| | - Shannon M. Hedtke
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
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Loh SM, Egan S, Gillett A, Banks PB, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ, Oskam CL. Molecular surveillance of piroplasms in ticks from small and medium-sized urban and peri-urban mammals in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:197-203. [PMID: 29988853 PMCID: PMC6032040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Natural landscape alterations as a consequence of urbanisation are one of the main drivers in the movements of wildlife into metropolitan and peri-urban areas. Worldwide, these wildlife species are highly adaptable and may be responsible for the transmission of tick-borne pathogens including piroplasms (Babesia, Theileria and Cytauxzoon spp.) that cause piroplasmosis in animals and occasionally in humans. Little is known about piroplasms in the ticks of urban wildlife in Australia. Ticks from long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta; n = 71), eastern-barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii; n = 41), northern-brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus; n = 19), southern-brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus; n = 4), bandicoot sp. (n = 2), flying foxes (Pteropus sp.; n = 3), black rats (Rattus rattus; n = 7), bush rats (Rattus fuscipes; n = 4), brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula; n = 19), ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus; n = 12), short-eared possums (Trichosurus caninus; n = 6), possum sp. (Trichosurus sp.; n = 8), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes; n = 12) were analysed using piroplasm-specific 18S primers and Sanger sequencing. Seven Ixodes tasmani ticks from long-nosed bandicoots and bandicoots sp., three I. tasmani ticks and one Ixodes holocyclus tick from brushtail possums, and one Haemaphysalis longicornis tick from a red fox were positive for piroplasms. New genotypes, with sequences sharing 98% nucleotide similarities with Theileria sp. K1 detected in a burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur), were identified from bandicoot ticks. New genotypes were detected in ticks from brushtail possums, which shared 98% similarity with a Babesia sp. (JQ682877) previously identified in marsupials. Theileria orientalis was identified in the H. longicornis tick from the red fox. Babesia and Theileria spp. in the ticks parasitizing bandicoots and brushtail possums clustered closely with respective Babesia and Theileria clades derived from Australian marsupials. This represents the first detection of piroplasms in ticks parasitizing brushtail possums and a red fox in Australia. First characterisation of novel Babesia sp. in ticks from brushtail possums in Australia. First detection of Theileria orientalis in tick on a red fox in Australia. Theileria sp. derived from Australian marsupials form a unique clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-May Loh
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Siobhon Egan
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amber Gillett
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Beerwah, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter B Banks
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Una M Ryan
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter J Irwin
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Charlotte L Oskam
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Greay TL, Zahedi A, Krige AS, Owens JM, Rees RL, Ryan UM, Oskam CL, Irwin PJ. Endemic, exotic and novel apicomplexan parasites detected during a national study of ticks from companion animals in Australia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:197. [PMID: 29558984 PMCID: PMC5859549 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2775-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apicomplexan tick-borne pathogens that cause disease in companion animals include species of Babesia Starcovici, 1893, Cytauxzoon Neitz & Thomas, 1948, Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 and Theileria Bettencourt, Franca & Borges, 1907. The only apicomplexan tick-borne disease of companion animals that is known to occur in Australia is babesiosis, caused by Babesia canis vogeli Reichenow, 1937 and Babesia gibsoni Patton, 1910. However, no molecular investigations have widely investigated members of Apicomplexa Levine, 1980 in Australian ticks that parasitise dogs, cats or horses, until this present investigation. RESULTS Ticks (n = 711) removed from dogs (n = 498), cats (n = 139) and horses (n = 74) throughout Australia were screened for piroplasms and Hepatozoon spp. using conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing. The tick-borne pathogen B. vogeli was identified in two Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille ticks from dogs residing in the Northern Territory and Queensland (QLD). Theileria orientalis Yakimov & Sudachenkov, 1931 genotype Ikeda was detected in three Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann ticks from dogs in New South Wales. Unexpectedly, the exotic tick-borne pathogen Hepatozoon canis James, 1905 was identified in an Ixodes holocyclus Neumann tick from a dog in QLD. Eight novel piroplasm and Hepatozoon species were identified and described in native ticks and named as follows: Babesia lohae n. sp., Babesia mackerrasorum n. sp., Hepatozoon banethi n. sp., Hepatozoon ewingi n. sp., Theileria apogeana n. sp., Theileria palmeri n. sp., Theileria paparinii n. sp. and Theileria worthingtonorum n. sp. Additionally, a novel cf. Sarcocystidae sp. sequence was obtained from Ixodes tasmani Neumann but could not be confidently identified at the genus level. CONCLUSIONS Novel species of parasites in ticks represent an unknown threat to the health of companion animals that are bitten by these native tick species. The vector potential of Australian ticks for the newly discovered apicomplexans needs to be assessed, and further clinical and molecular investigations of these parasites, particularly in blood samples from dogs, cats and horses, is required to determine their potential for pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telleasha L. Greay
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
- Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Alireza Zahedi
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Anna-Sheree Krige
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Jadyn M. Owens
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Robert L. Rees
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Una M. Ryan
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
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Loh SM, Paparini A, Ryan U, Irwin P, Oskam C. Identification of Theileria fuliginosa-like species in Ixodes australiensis ticks from western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) in Western Australia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:632-637. [PMID: 29439876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Piroplasms, including the genera Babesia and Theileria, are intra-erythrocytic protozoa that are generally transmitted by ticks and are the aetiological agents for piroplasmosis in animals, as well as humans, worldwide. In Australia, numerous studies have been conducted on piroplasms in domestic animals; however, less is known about these protozoa in ticks from native wildlife. The present study characterised piroplasms in Ixodes australiensis (n = 119) and Amblyomma triguttatum (n = 35) ticks collected from kangaroos in Western Australia (WA). Approximately 7.6% (9/119) (95% CI 2.8-12.2) of the I. australiensis ticks were positive for piroplasms using nested-PCR at the 18S rRNA locus, whereas no piroplasm 18S rDNA was detected in the A. triguttatum ticks. All sequences from I. australiensis ticks were identical. Using a 852 bp multiple nucleotide alignment at the 18S rRNA variable region, sequences shared 97.6%, 94.3%, 93.5% and 93.4% pairwise identity with Theileria fuliginosa, Theileria brachyuri, Theileria penicillata, and a Theileria sp. (K1), derived from a burrowing bettong or boodie (Bettongia lesueur), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Theileria sp. from I. australiensis clustered together in the marsupial-associated Theileria group, with T. fuliginosa as closest sister species. Hence, we conclude that this is the first observation of T. fuliginosa-like species in I. australiensis ticks parasitising kangaroos in WA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-May Loh
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrea Paparini
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Una Ryan
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Irwin
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Charlotte Oskam
- Vector and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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9
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Molecular detection and characterisation of Babesia and Theileria in Australian hard ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:471-478. [PMID: 29331578 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Babesia and Theileria are intraerythrocytic protozoans of the phylum Apicomplexa. These species are capable of infecting wild and domestic animals and have historically caused great economic loss in the agricultural industry. In recent years human babesiosis has been deemed an emerging zoonosis in North America, Europe and Asia. The first locally acquired case of babesiosis in Australia, caused by Babesia microti, was reported in March 2012. A number of native Babesia and Theileria species have been identified in Australian marsupials, however their associated tick vectors and threat to human health is unknown. In the present study DNA was extracted from 1154 ticks collected from across Australia. PCR was used to amplify a Babesia and Theileria-specific partial region of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Twenty-nine sequences were obtained from ticks belonging to the genera Ixodes, Haemaphysalis and Bothriocroton. The sequences were closely related to Babesia macropus, and Theileria recently identified in marsupials and monotremes. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods showed that Australian Babesia and Theileria species form monophyletic groups.
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Barbosa A, Reiss A, Jackson B, Warren K, Paparini A, Gillespie G, Stokeld D, Irwin P, Ryan U. Prevalence, genetic diversity and potential clinical impact of blood-borne and enteric protozoan parasites in native mammals from northern Australia. Vet Parasitol 2017; 238:94-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Paparini A, Macgregor J, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ. First Molecular Characterization of Theileria ornithorhynchi Mackerras, 1959: yet Another Challenge to the Systematics of the Piroplasms. Protist 2015; 166:609-20. [PMID: 26599724 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Piroplasms, tick-transmitted Apicomplexa of the genera Theileria, Babesia and Cytauxzoon, are blood-borne parasites of clinical and veterinary importance. The order Piroplasmida shows a puzzling systematics characterized by multiple clades, soft polytomies and paraphyletic/polyphyletic genera. In the present study, screening of platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), was performed to infer the parasite molecular phylogeny. DNA was extracted from blood, ectoparasites and tick eggs and the 18S rRNA- hsp70-genes were used for the phylogenetic reconstructions. Microscopic analyses detected pleomorphic intra-erythrocytic organisms and tetrads consistent with previous descriptions of Theileria ornithorhynchi Mackerras, 1959, but observation of possible schizonts could not be confirmed. DNA sequences obtained from blood and ticks allowed resolving the systematics of the first piroplasm infecting a monotreme host. Molecularly, T. ornithorhynchi formed a novel monophyletic group, basal to most known piroplasms' clades. The ancestral position of this clade, isolated from an ancient lineage of mammalian host appears particularly fascinating. The present paper discusses the inadequacies of the current molecular systematics for the Piroplasmida and the consequences of incomplete sampling, morphology-based classification and ambiguous microscopic identifications. Likely when the current sampling bias is rectified and more sequence data is made available, the phylogenetic position of T. ornithorhynchi will be further contextualized without ambiguity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Paparini
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, School of Veterinary & Life Sciences, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, 6150, Australia.
| | - James Macgregor
- College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150
| | - Una M Ryan
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, School of Veterinary & Life Sciences, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter J Irwin
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, School of Veterinary & Life Sciences, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, 6150, Australia
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Donahoe SL, Peacock CS, Choo AYL, Cook RW, O'Donoghue P, Crameri S, Vogelnest L, Gordon AN, Scott JL, Rose K. A retrospective study of Babesia macropus associated with morbidity and mortality in eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and agile wallabies (Macropus agilis). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:268-76. [PMID: 26106576 PMCID: PMC4475855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Detailed description of novel Babesia infection causing mortality in macropods. First report of this infection in agile wallabies. Information on the geographical incidence of this disease in the eastern states of Australia. Comprehensive review of the clinical signs and pathology of the disease.
This is a retrospective study of 38 cases of infection by Babesia macropus, associated with a syndrome of anaemia and debility in hand-reared or free-ranging juvenile eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) from coastal New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland between 1995 and 2013. Infection with B. macropus is recorded for the first time in agile wallabies (Macropus agilis) from far north Queensland. Animals in which B. macropus infection was considered to be the primary cause of morbidity had marked anaemia, lethargy and neurological signs, and often died. In these cases, parasitised erythrocytes were few or undetectable in peripheral blood samples but were sequestered in large numbers within small vessels of visceral organs, particularly in the kidney and brain, associated with distinctive clusters of extraerythrocytic organisms. Initial identification of this piroplasm in peripheral blood smears and in tissue impression smears and histological sections was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy and molecular analysis. Samples of kidney, brain or blood were tested using PCR and DNA sequencing of the 18S ribosomal RNA and heat shock protein 70 gene using primers specific for piroplasms. The piroplasm detected in these samples had 100% sequence identity in the 18S rRNA region with the recently described Babesia macropus in two eastern grey kangaroos from New South Wales and Queensland, and a high degree of similarity to an unnamed Babesia sp. recently detected in three woylies (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) in Western Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Donahoe
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia ; Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Christopher S Peacock
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia ; Telethon Kids Institute, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008, Australia
| | - Ace Y L Choo
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Roger W Cook
- Regional Veterinary Laboratory, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Wollongbar, New South Wales 2477, Australia
| | - Peter O'Donoghue
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sandra Crameri
- Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Geelong, Victoria 3219, Australia
| | - Larry Vogelnest
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
| | - Anita N Gordon
- Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Jenni L Scott
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Karrie Rose
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia ; School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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Zobba R, Nuvoli AM, Sotgiu F, Lecis R, Spezzigu A, Dore GM, Masia MA, Cacciotto C, Parpaglia MLP, Dessì D, Pittau M, Alberti A. Molecular Epizootiology and Diagnosis of Porcine Babesiosis in Sardinia, Italy. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:716-23. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Zobba
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Nuvoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Sotgiu
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberta Lecis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Spezzigu
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gian Mario Dore
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Antonio Masia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Carla Cacciotto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Dessì
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Pittau
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alberto Alberti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Thompson RCA. Parasite zoonoses and wildlife: One Health, spillover and human activity. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:1079-88. [PMID: 23892130 PMCID: PMC7126848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
This review examines parasite zoonoses and wildlife in the context of the One Health triad that encompasses humans, domestic animals, wildlife and the changing ecosystems in which they live. Human (anthropogenic) activities influence the flow of all parasite infections within the One Health triad and the nature and impact of resulting spillover events are examined. Examples of spillover from wildlife to humans and/or domestic animals, and vice versa, are discussed, as well as emerging issues, particularly the need for parasite surveillance of wildlife populations. Emphasis is given to Trypanosoma cruzi and related species in Australian wildlife, Trichinella, Echinococcus, Giardia, Baylisascaris, Toxoplasma and Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
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