1
|
Schoville SD, Burke RL, Dong DY, Ginsberg HS, Maestas L, Paskewitz SM, Tsao JI. Genome resequencing reveals population divergence and local adaptation of blacklegged ticks in the United States. Mol Ecol 2024:e17460. [PMID: 38963031 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17460] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Tick vectors and tick-borne disease are increasingly impacting human populations globally. An important challenge is to understand tick movement patterns, as this information can be used to improve management and predictive modelling of tick population dynamics. Evolutionary analysis of genetic divergence, gene flow and local adaptation provides insight on movement patterns at large spatiotemporal scales. We develop low coverage, whole genome resequencing data for 92 blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, representing range-wide variation across the United States. Through analysis of population genomic data, we find that tick populations are structured geographically, with gradual isolation by distance separating three population clusters in the northern United States, southeastern United States and a unique cluster represented by a sample from Tennessee. Populations in the northern United States underwent population contractions during the last glacial period and diverged from southern populations at least 50 thousand years ago. Genome scans of selection provide strong evidence of local adaptation at genes responding to host defences, blood-feeding and environmental variation. In addition, we explore the potential of low coverage genome sequencing of whole-tick samples for documenting the diversity of microbial pathogens and recover important tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi. The combination of isolation by distance and local adaptation in blacklegged ticks demonstrates that gene flow, including recent expansion, is limited to geographical scales of a few hundred kilometres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean D Schoville
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Russell L Burke
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Dahn-Young Dong
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Howard S Ginsberg
- United States Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Woodward Hall - PSE, Field Station at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lauren Maestas
- Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Edinburg, Texas, USA
| | - Susan M Paskewitz
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jean I Tsao
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moudgil AD, Nehra AK, Langyan N, Kumar V, Vohra S. Population structure and haplotype network analyses of Hyalomma anatolicum based on the large subunit ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:259. [PMID: 38958790 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08279-x] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Hyalomma anatolicum, an Anatolian hard tick is a well-recognized vector involved in the transmission of various pathogens to animals and humans. The present study elucidated the population structure and haplotype network of H. anatolicum based on the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequence. The population structure and haplotype network analysis of 75 sequences archived in the GenBank, including the 15 sequences generated herein, yielded 24 haplotypes. Haplotype 1 (Hap_1) was the predominant haplotype consisting of 45 sequences from India, China, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, and Tajikistan. The complete haplotype network exhibited a stellate conformation, highlighting a recent population expansion. The overall dataset, together with the sequences corresponding to India, China, and Pakistan, showed a high haplotype (0.638 ± 0.065, 0.671 ± 0.103, 0.753 ± 0.099, and 0.854 ± 0.061, respectively) and low nucleotide (0.00407 ± 0.00090, 0.00525 ± 0.00196, 0.00680 ± 0.00233, and 0.00453 ± 0.00056, respectively) diversity, further emphasized a recent population expansion. The neutrality indices including Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D, and Fu and Li's F for the complete dataset (- 2.661, - 6.008, and - 5.649, respectively) as well as for the sequences from India (- 2.223, - 3.414, and - 3.567, respectively) were negative, suggesting deviation from neutrality and a recent population expansion. The present study provided novel insights into the population structure and haplotype networks of H. anatolicum based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, and the different tests inferred a low genetic differentiation and suggested a recent population expansion of this economically important tick species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aman D Moudgil
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India.
| | - Anil K Nehra
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Narender Langyan
- Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of Haryana, Panchkula, 134109, India
| | - Sukhdeep Vohra
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ali A, Khan M, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Paguem A, Chitimia-Dobler L, Pienaar R, de Castro MH, Mans BJ. Description of a new tick species, closely related to Amblyomma javanense (Supino, 1897), associated with Varanus bengalensis (Squamata: Varanidae) in Pakistan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102361. [PMID: 38880004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102361] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The genus Amblyomma contains the highest percentage of reptile-associated ticks, and comprises approximately nine subgenera. One of these subgenera is Adenopleura, which also encompasses Amblyomma javanense, and its type species Amblyomma compressum. This study describes a new Amblyomma species associated with Bengal monitor lizards (Varanus bengalensis) based on morphology and its mitogenome in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Reptiles belonging to different genera were examined for Amblyomma ticks and only the monitor lizard was infested with ticks in the District Bajaur. Collected Amblyomma cf. javanense ticks were analyzed and formally described as a new species. Overall, 57 A. cf. javanense ticks were collected on monitor lizards (4/27) with a 15% prevalence of infestation, 2.1 mean abundance, and 14.3 mean intensity. Ticks comprised males (n = 23, 40%), females (n = 14, 25%) and nymphs (n = 20, 35%), while no larvae were found. BLAST analysis of A. cf. javanense sequences showed the following maximum identities; 98.25% with undetermined Amblyomma species based on 12S rRNA, 96.07% with A. javanense based on 16S rRNA, 99.56% and 90.95% with an Amblyomma sp. and A. javanense, respectively, based on ITS2. Moreover, the mitochondrial genome of A. cf. javanense showed maximum identities of 80.75%, 80.48% and 79.42% with Amblyomma testudinarium, A. javanense, and Amblyomma sp., respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of A. cf. javanense revealed that its 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA are closely related to an Amblyomma sp. and A. javanense, respectively, from Sri Lanka, its ITS2 is closely related to A. javanense from China and an Amblyomma sp. from Sri Lanka, and its mitogenome is closely related to A. javanense and Amblyomma sp. from China. The pairwise distance analysis resulted in divergence of 0-1.71% (12S rRNA), 0-17.5% (16S rRNA), 0-9.1% (ITS2) and 0-20.5% (mitochondrial genome). We also contributed the full-length mitochondrial genome sequence of A. compressum and showed that this species does not share a most recent common ancestor with A. javanense. As the subgenus Adenopleura is paraphyletic, this study could help to understand the systematics and phylogeny of this taxon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
| | - Mehran Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashal M Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Archile Paguem
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Rickettsiology and Virology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich 80937, Germany; Infection and Pandemic Research, Fraunhofer Institute of Immunology, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ronel Pienaar
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Minique H de Castro
- The Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council-Biotechnology Platform, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Ben J Mans
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alale TY, Sormunen JJ, Vesterinen EJ, Klemola T, Knott KE, Baltazar‐Soares M. Genomic signatures of hybridization between Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus in natural populations. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11415. [PMID: 38770117 PMCID: PMC11103643 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11415] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Identifying hybridization between common pathogen vectors is essential due to the major public health implications through risks associated with hybrid's enhanced pathogen transmission potential. The hard-ticks Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus are the two most common vectors of tick-borne pathogens that affect human and animal health in Europe. Ixodes ricinus is a known native species in Finland with a well-known distribution, whereas I. persulcatus has expanded in range and abundance over the past 60 years, and currently it appears the most common tick species in certain areas in Finland. Here we used double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing on 186 ticks (morphologically identified as 92 I. ricinus, and 94 I. persulcatus) collected across Finland to investigate whether RAD generated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can discriminate tick species and identify potential hybridization events. Two different clustering methods were used to assign specific species based on how they clustered and identified hybrids among them. We were able to discriminate between the two tick species and identified 11 putative hybrids with admixed genomic proportions ranging from approximately 24 to 76 percent. Four of these hybrids were morphologically identified as I. ricinus while the remaining seven were identified as I. persulcatus. Our results thus indicate that RAD SNPs are robust in identifying both species of the ticks as well as putative hybrids. These results further suggest ongoing hybridization between I. ricinus and I. persulcatus in their natural populations in Finland. The unique ability of RAD markers to discriminate between tick species and hybrids adds a useful aspect to tick evolutionary studies. Our findings align with previous studies and suggest a shared evolutionary history between the species, with instances of individuals possessing a considerable proportion of the other species' genome. This study is a significant step in understanding the formation of hybridization zones due to range expansion potentially associated with climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theophilus Yaw Alale
- Department of BiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Biodiversity UnitUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Jani J. Sormunen
- Department of BiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Biodiversity UnitUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | | | - Tero Klemola
- Department of BiologyUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - K. Emily Knott
- Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ali A, Khan M, Ullah Z, Numan M, Tsai KH, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Tanaka T. First record of Alectorobius coniceps (Ixodoidea: Argasidae) and Dermacentor sp. (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae) in Pakistan. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1326734. [PMID: 38292134 PMCID: PMC10824997 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1326734] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alectorobius species are soft ticks primarily infesting birds, such as swallows, while Dermacentor species are hard ticks mainly infesting mammals, such as small ruminants. This study for the first time reported on the morphological and molecular bases of two tick species, namely A. coniceps and a Dermacentor sp. in Pakistan. The former species was examined in swallows' nests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while the latter species was examined in small ruminants in Balochistan province. In total, 25 ticks were collected, with 14 ticks morphologically identified as A. coniceps (males = 9 and females = 5) and 11 ticks identified as Dermacentor sp. (males = 7 and females = 4). Following morphological identification, molecular identification was gained by obtaining 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences for these ticks. The BLAST results for the 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences from A. coniceps shared a maximum identity of 97.46% and 96.49% with the same species from Malta. The BLAST analysis of the 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences from Dermacentor sp. showed maximum identities of 98.42% and 97.45% with Dermacentor pavlovskyi from China. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA and cox1 of A. coniceps showed a close evolutionary relationship with the same species. The case of Dermacentor sp., based on 16S DNA and cox1, indicated a close evolutionary relationship with Dermacentor pavlovskyi from China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mehran Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Ullah
- Department of Zoology, University of Loralai, Loralai, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Numan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
El-Alfy ES, Abbas I, Saleh S, Elseadawy R, Fereig RM, Rizk MA, Xuan X. Tick-borne pathogens in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence in dromedaries. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102268. [PMID: 37769585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102268] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid TBPs. Several TBPs have been detected in dromedary camels, raising concerns regarding their role as natural or maintenance hosts for tick-borne pathogens. Insubstantial evidence exists regarding the natural infection of camels with Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. Based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a pooled prevalence of 35.3% (95% CI: 22.6-48.1%) was estimated for Anaplasma, which was the most frequently tested TBP in dromedaries, and DNA of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, and A. platys-like were isolated, of which ruminants and dogs are reservoirs. Similarly, the estimated pooled prevalence for the two piroplasmid genera; Babesia and Theileria was approximately equal (10-12%) regardless of the detection method (microscopy or PCR testing). Nevertheless, Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, and Theileria annulata DNA have frequently been detected in camels but they have not yet been proven to be natural hosts. Scarce data detected Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) DNA in blood of dromedaries, although ticks of the genus Ixodes are distributed in limited areas where dromedaries are raised. Interestingly, a pooled seroprevalence of 47.7% (26.3-69.2%) was estimated for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and viral RNA was detected in dromedary blood; however, their contribution to maintain the viral transmission cycles requires further experimental investigation. The substantially low incidence and scarcity of data on Rickettsia and Ehrlichia species could imply that camels were accidentally infected. In contrast, camels may play a role in the spread of Coxiella burnetii, which is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols emitted by diseased animals and contaminated environments. Bactrian camels showed no symptoms due to the examined TBPs, meanwhile, clinical disease was seen in alpacas infected with A. phagocytophilum. Similar to dromedaries, accidental tick bites may be the cause of TBP DNA found in the blood of Bactrian camels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abbas
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Somaya Saleh
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Rana Elseadawy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ragab M Fereig
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jama MM, Hussein HA, Abdi SM, Feyera T. Participatory and Conventional Investigation of Tick Infestation in Camels and Cattle of Somali Pastoral Areas, Eastern Ethiopia. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:5840827. [PMID: 38146315 PMCID: PMC10749723 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5840827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are a common parasite that affect many animals by causing slowed growth, reduced milk output, and financial losses for industries that depend on animal hides and skins. From June to December 2017, participatory and conventional investigations on tick infestation in camels and cattle were conducted in Kebribayah and Afdem districts of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and density of ticks in these animals and establish strategic control measures to enhance livestock productivity and livelihoods in pastoral areas. The current study found that the prevalence of tick infestation in Kebribayah and Afdem districts was 83.3% and 86.8%, respectively. Rhipicephalus pulchellus (48.9%) was identified as the most common tick species in camels and cattle, followed by Amblyomma gemma (26.3%), Hyalomma truncatum (11.6%), Amblyomma lepidum (6.7%), and Amblyomma variegatum (6.5%). Among the variables considered, age and body condition score were significant risk factors (p < 0.001). Tick density varied depending on the recorded months and seasons (p < 0.001), with the highest mean tick density occurring in November (32.69 ± 21.750) and during the wet season (28.56 ± 19.750). Livestock owners in Kebribayah and Afdem ranked topical acaricide application as the most effective tick control method, followed by ivermectin injections, with the traditional hand removal method being the least effective. These rankings were consistent across both districts, and there was moderate agreement among livestock keepers from both regions regarding the best method. Afdem livestock keepers had slightly weak agreement on high tick burden in spring (W = 0.475, p = 0.127), and Kebribayah livestock keepers showed slightly strong agreement in tick burden across seasons (W = 0.700, p = 0.038), with spring having a significantly higher burden than winter. Consequently, participatory appraisal indicated that ticks were important and prevalent ectoparasites in the study area. Finally, strategic tick control appropriate for specific management and production environments should be implemented biannually in wet seasons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamoud Mohamed Jama
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jigjiga University, P.O. Box 1020, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
| | - Hassan Abdi Hussein
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jigjiga University, P.O. Box 1020, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
| | - Shaban Mohamed Abdi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jigjiga University, P.O. Box 1020, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
| | - Teka Feyera
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jigjiga University, P.O. Box 1020, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Benyedem H, Hajji T, Romdhane R, Obara I, Mhadhbi M, Sebai E, Elati K, Chaari S, Rekik M, Darghouth MA. Genetic diversity of Hyalomma marginatum in Tunisia is not influenced by the bio-climate. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3013-3025. [PMID: 37823993 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07990-5] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important ectoparasites responsible for the transmission of several pathogens with significant medical, veterinary, and economic impacts. Climate and social changes have generated substantial changes in ticks' distribution, abundance, and activity patterns, including ticks belonging to the Hyalomma marginatum species. Knowledge on the genetic structure and dynamics of H. marginatum populations might contribute to a better understanding of their current and future evolution under the effects of anthropogenic factors and eco-climatic changes. In the present study, we investigated the genetic structure and phylogenetic distribution of H. marginatum across three bioclimatic regions in Tunisia using two mitochondrial markers (16S and 12S rRNA). The molecular investigations were based on 47 adult H. marginatum ticks collected from humid, upper semi-arid, and sub-humid regions of Tunisia. Our results revealed a genetic diversity of 0.278% and 0.809% using the 16S and 12S markers, respectively. The low genetic diversity that we observed raises the hypothesis of a bottleneck event occasioned by a reduction in the size of the tick population under the effects of environmental factors and/or human activities. This hypothesis is supported by the population's demographic history analysis, which revealed a clear deviation from neutrality and supports the occurrence of a bottleneck event followed by a demographic expansion. The fact that most 16S and 12S variability was present in the ticks from the humid bioclimatic zone may suggest that those ticks represent the ancestral population. Overall, the analysis has shown that the phylogenetic clusters do not correspond to the bioclimatic zones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayet Benyedem
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Tarek Hajji
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Bio-Geo-Resources (LR11ES31), Higher Institute of Biotechnology - Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Rihab Romdhane
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Isaiah Obara
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Moez Mhadhbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Essia Sebai
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Khawla Elati
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Str. 8, Berlin, Germany
| | - Soufiene Chaari
- Laboratoire Pharmaceutique Vétérinaire MEDIVET, Soliman, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gutiérrez-Wong JR, Rosado-Aguilar JA, Rodríguez-Vivas RI. First report of acaricidal efficacy from plumbagin on larvae of Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus resistant to conventional acaricides. Exp Parasitol 2023; 255:108632. [PMID: 37832775 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The problem of resistance to acaricides in ticks such as Rhipicephalus microplus and R. sanguineus has motivated the search for control alternatives, such as the use of extracts and secondary metabolites from plants. Plumbagin is a natural product present in plants such as Plumbago zeylanica L., Diospyros kaki, and D. anisandra, of which acaricidal activity has been reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the acaricidal efficacy of plumbagin on larvae of R. microplus and R. sanguineus resistant to conventional acaricides. Larvae from engorged female ticks, collected from naturally infested dairy cattle and domiciled dogs, in Yucatan, Mexico, were used. The larval packet test and the larval immersion test were performed to detect acaricide susceptibility. Both tick populations were detected as resistant to cypermethrin and amitraz. Then, the modified larval immersion test was used and plumbagin was evaluated at concentrations of 1%, 0.5%, 0.25%, and 0.125% (%w/v), obtaining a mortality of 100% in the four concentrations for both tick species. Subsequently, lower doses of plumbagin were evaluated at concentrations of 0.0625%, 0.03125%, 0.015625% and 0.0078125%, obtaining mortalities of 100 to 36.26% for R. microplus and 100%-5.33% for R. sanguineus. Using Probit analysis, lethal concentrations at 50% (LC50), 99% (LC99) and confidence intervals at 95% (CI95%) were calculated. R. microplus showed a LC50 of 0.011% (CI95%: 0.010-0.011) and LC99 of 0.019% (CI95%: 0.018-0.022). R. sanguineus presented a LC50 of 0.017% (CI95%: 0.015-0.018) and CL99 of 0.031% (CI95%: 0.027-0.036). It was concluded that plumbagin has high acaricidal efficacy against larvae of R. microplus and R. sanguineus resistant to amitraz and cypermethrin. R. microplus larvae were significantly more susceptible to LC50 and LC99 compared to R. sanguineus. This is the first report on the acaricidal efficacy of plumbagin on larvae of R. microplus and R. sanguineus resistant to conventional acaricides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Gutiérrez-Wong
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km15.5, Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - J A Rosado-Aguilar
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km15.5, Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - R I Rodríguez-Vivas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km15.5, Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abouelhassan EM, Kamel MS, Chitimia-Dobler L, Bakkes DK, Okely M. Molecular screening of Amblyomma species (Acari: Ixodidae) imported from African countries to Egypt, with the first report of Amblyomma latum from the ball python, Python regius (Squamata: Pythonidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:123-132. [PMID: 37552406 PMCID: PMC10462515 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00829-9] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Amblyomma species are non-endemic ticks in Egypt, which have been recorded from imported animals. This study was carried out in 2022 to monitor Amblyomma spp. from dromedary camels, cattle, and snakes in Egypt. During this study, 400 camels, 200 cattle, and two snakes (Pythonidae) were inspected for tick infestation. Collected specimens were identified based on morphological characters and confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the 12S rRNA gene. Camels were infested by adult specimens of Amblyomma variegatum and Amblyomma lepidum, but no Amblyomma spp. were collected from cattle. Amblyomma variegatum showed high genetic similarity to other A. variegatum from Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé (> 99.99%), and A. lepidum showed high genetic similarity to other A. lepidum from Israel and Sudan (99.99%). Amblyomma latum is recorded in Egypt from the ball python snake for the first time and showed high genetic similarity with South African A. latum (99.87%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman M Abouelhassan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Marwa S Kamel
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | | | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum - EPV, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mohammed Okely
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zamiti S, Mhadhbi M, Dhibi M, Darghouth MA, Ben Said M. Development and field evaluation of PCR assays based on minimum length Bm86 cDNA fragments required for Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma tick species delineation. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1209210. [PMID: 37456966 PMCID: PMC10340088 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1209210] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus ticks are important genera that can transmit diseases to both animals and humans, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and several types of spotted fever. The accurate identification of tick species is essential for the effective control and prevention of tick-borne diseases. However, traditional identification methods based on morphology can be challenging and subjective, leading to errors. The development of DNA markers has provided more precise and efficient methods for tick species identification, but the currently available markers have limitations in their discriminatory power and sensitivity. To address this need for more sensitive and specific markers, this study aimed to identify two minimum sequence fragments required for tick Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus species identification using the Bm86 cDNA marker, which has previously been shown to be in perfect agreement with the current taxonomy of hard ticks based on its complete sequence. Methods Based on our in silico determination that a minimum sequence of 398 bp for Rhipicephalus spp. (from 1487 to 1884) and 559 bp for Hyalomma species (from 539 to 1097) was necessary for species delineation, two distinct PCR assays were developed to apply these sequences in practice. Results and discussion Discrimination between species within each genus was achieved through sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis following the sequencing of the two PCR products. Subsequently, their performance was evaluated by testing them on the field-collected ticks of the Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus genera obtained from various host animals in different geographic regions of Tunisia. The use of shorter partial sequences specific to the tick genera Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma, which target the tick's RNA banks, could represent a significant advance in the field of tick species identification, providing a sensitive and discriminatory tool for interspecific and intraspecific diversity analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Zamiti
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Moez Mhadhbi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Mokhtar Dhibi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moudgil AD, Nehra AK, Vohra S. Phylogeography and demographic dynamics of Rhipicephalus microplus from North India. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023:105464. [PMID: 37301335 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus microplus, a hematophagous vector prevalent in the tropics and subtropics, is responsible for huge economic losses throughout the globe. However, the taxonomy of the tick species, especially prevalent in north India and south China has been challenged in the recent past. The present study attempted to assess the cryptic status of R. microplus ticks of north India based on two mitochondrial markers; the 16S rRNA and cox1 gene sequences. The phylogenetic tree corresponding to both markers demonstrated the presence of three distinct genetic assemblages/ clades of R. microplus. The present study isolates (n = five and seven for the cox1 and 16S rRNA gene sequences, respectively) from north India along with other isolates from India assorted in the R. microplus clade C sensu. Based on the median joining network analysis corresponding to the 16S rRNA gene sequence, 18 haplotypes were recorded, exhibiting a stellate shape, which was indicative of rapid population expansion. For the cox1 gene, the haplotypes corresponding to clades A, B and C were distantly placed with two exceptions. While performing the population structure analysis, low nucleotide (0.04745 ± 0.00416 and 0.01021 ± 0.00146) and high haplotype diversities (0.913 ± 0.032 and 0.794 ± 0.058) were recorded for the different clades of R. microplus based on the cox1 and 16S rRNA mitochondrial markers, respectively. Eventually, high genetic differentiation and low gene flow were recorded among the different clades. A negative value for the neutrality indices (Tajima's D = -1.44125, Fu's Fs = -4.879, Fu and Li's D = -2.78031 and Fu and Li's F = -2.75229) corresponding to the 16S rRNA gene for the overall dataset evinced an expansion of population size. Based on the detailed studies, it was inferred that the R. microplus tick species circulating in north India belonged to clade C sensu, similar to that of the species prevalent in the other parts of the country as well as in the Indian subcontinent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aman D Moudgil
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India.
| | - Anil K Nehra
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India
| | - Sukhdeep Vohra
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana 125004, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
An Updated Review of Ornithodoros Ticks as Reservoirs of African Swine Fever in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030469. [PMID: 36986391 PMCID: PMC10059854 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This updated review provides an overview of the available information on Ornithodoros ticks as reservoirs and biological vectors of the ASF virus in Africa and Indian Ocean islands in order to update the current knowledge in this field, inclusive of an overview of available methods to investigate the presence of ticks in the natural environment and in domestic pig premises. In addition, it highlights the major areas of research that require attention in order to guide future investigations and fill knowledge gaps. The available information suggests that current knowledge is clearly insufficient to develop risk-based control and prevention strategies, which should be based on a sound understanding of genotype distribution and the potential for spillover from the source population. Studies on tick biology in the natural and domestic cycle, including genetics and systematics, represent another important knowledge gap. Considering the rapidly changing dynamics affecting the African continent (demographic growth, agricultural expansion, habitat transformation), anthropogenic factors influencing tick population distribution and ASF virus (ASFV) evolution in Africa are anticipated and have been recorded in southern Africa. This dynamic context, together with the current global trends of ASFV dissemination, highlights the need to prioritize further investigation on the acarological aspects linked with ASF ecology and evolution.
Collapse
|
14
|
Bilbija B, Spitzweg C, Papoušek I, Fritz U, Földvári G, Mullett M, Ihlow F, Sprong H, Civáňová Křížová K, Anisimov N, Belova OA, Bonnet SI, Bychkova E, Czułowska A, Duscher GG, Fonville M, Kahl O, Karbowiak G, Kholodilov IS, Kiewra D, Krčmar S, Kumisbek G, Livanova N, Majláth I, Manfredi MT, Mihalca AD, Miró G, Moutailler S, Nebogatkin IV, Tomanović S, Vatansever Z, Yakovich M, Zanzani S, Široký P. Dermacentor reticulatus - a tick on its way from glacial refugia to a panmictic Eurasian population. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:91-101. [PMID: 36549441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ornate dog tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) shows a recently expanding geographic distribution. Knowledge on its intraspecific variability, population structure, rate of genetic diversity and divergence, including its evolution and geographic distribution, is crucial to understand its dispersal capacity. All such information would help to evaluate the potential risk of future spread of associated pathogens of medical and veterinary concern. A set of 865 D. reticulatus ticks was collected from 65 localities across 21 countries, from Portugal in the west to Kazakhstan and southern Russia in the east. Cluster analyses of 16 microsatellite loci were combined with nuclear (ITS2, 18S) and mitochondrial (12S, 16S, COI) sequence data to uncover the ticks' population structures and geographical patterns. Approximate Bayesian computation was applied to model evolutionary relationships among the found clusters. Low variability and a weak phylogenetic signal showing an east-west cline were detected both for mitochondrial and nuclear sequence markers. Microsatellite analyses revealed three genetic clusters, where the eastern and western cluster gradient was supplemented by a third, northern cluster. Alternative scenarios could explain such a tripartite population structure by independent formation of clusters in separate refugia, limited gene flow connected with isolation by distance causing a "bipolar pattern", and the northern cluster deriving from admixture between the eastern and western populations. The best supported demographic scenario of this tick species indicates that the northern cluster derived from admixture between the eastern and western populations 441 (median) to 224 (mode) generations ago, suggesting a possible link with the end of the Little Ice Age in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Branka Bilbija
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, FVHE, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Cäcilia Spitzweg
- Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A. B. Meyer Building, 01109 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ivo Papoušek
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, FVHE, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Uwe Fritz
- Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A. B. Meyer Building, 01109 Dresden, Germany
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, 1121 Budapest, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Hungary; Centre for Eco-Epidemiology, National Laboratory for Health Security, 1121 Budapest, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Hungary
| | - Martin Mullett
- Phytophthora Research Centre, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 3, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Flora Ihlow
- Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A. B. Meyer Building, 01109 Dresden, Germany
| | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology (Z&O), Mailbox 63, room V353, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kristína Civáňová Křížová
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nikolay Anisimov
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), University of Tyumen, Volodarskogo 6, 625003 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Oxana A Belova
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis) prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, Poselenie Moskovskiy, 108819 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sarah I Bonnet
- Functional Genetics of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France; Animal Health Department, INRAE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Elizabeth Bychkova
- Laboratory of Parasitology, State Scientific and Production Association "Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on Bioresources", 27, Akademicheskaya Str, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Aleksandra Czułowska
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego str. 63, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Georg G Duscher
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; AGES-Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Spargelfeldstrasse 191, Vienna, 1220, Austria
| | - Manoj Fonville
- National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology (Z&O), Mailbox 63, room V353, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Kahl
- Tick-radar GmbH, 10555 Berlin, Germany
| | - Grzegorz Karbowiak
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda street 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ivan S Kholodilov
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis) prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, Poselenie Moskovskiy, 108819 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dorota Kiewra
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego str. 63, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Stjepan Krčmar
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Gulzina Kumisbek
- Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, School of Pharmacy, Department of Engineering Disciplines, Tole Bi, 94, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Natalya Livanova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Frunze str. 11, Novosibirsk 630091, Russia
| | - Igor Majláth
- Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Department of Animal Physiology, Srobarova 2, 041 54 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Andrei D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health Dept. Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Igor V Nebogatkin
- I.I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Bogdana Khmelnytskovo 15, 01030 Kyiv, Ukraine; Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Dr. Subotića 4, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zati Vatansever
- Kafkas University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Parasitology, Kars, Turkey
| | - Marya Yakovich
- Laboratory of Parasitology, State Scientific and Production Association "Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on Bioresources", 27, Akademicheskaya Str, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Sergio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Pavel Široký
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, FVHE, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Molecular characterization of Anaplasma capra infecting captive mouflon (Ovis gmelini) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries) of Pakistan. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
16
|
Stokes JV, Levin ML, Cross CE, Ross AL, Snellgrove AN, Willeford BV, Alugubelly N, Varela‐Stokes AS. Evaluating the Clinical and Immune Responses to Spotted Fever Rickettsioses in the Guinea Pig-Tick-Rickettsia System. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e584. [PMID: 36383032 PMCID: PMC9828190 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The guinea pig was the original animal model developed for investigating spotted fever rickettsiosis (SFR). This model system has persisted on account of the guinea pig's conduciveness to tick transmission of SFR agents and ability to recapitulate SFR in humans through clinical signs that include fever, unthriftiness, and in some cases the development of an eschar. The guinea pig is the smallest animal model for SFR that allows the collection of multiple blood and skin samples antemortem for longitudinal studies. This unit provides the basic protocols necessary to establish, maintain, and utilize a guinea pig-tick-Rickettsia model for monitoring the course of infection and immune response to an infection by spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) that can be studied at biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) and arthropod containment level 2 (ACL-2); adaptations must be made for BSL-3 agents. The protocols cover methods for tick feeding and colony development, laboratory infection of ticks, tick transmission of Rickettsia to guinea pigs, and monitoring of the course of infection through clinical signs, rickettsial burden, and immune response. It should be feasible to adapt these methods to study other tick-borne pathogens. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Tick transmission of SFGR to guinea pigs Support Protocol 1: Laboratory infection of ticks by injection Alternate Protocol 1: Needle inoculation of SFGR to guinea pigs Basic Protocol 2: Monitoring the course of guinea pig rickettsial infection: clinical signs Basic Protocol 3: Monitoring the course of guinea pig rickettsial infection: collection of biological specimens Support Protocol 2: Guinea pig anesthesia Basic Protocol 4: Monitoring rickettsial burden in guinea pigs by multiplex qPCR Basic Protocol 5: Monitoring guinea pig immune response to infection: blood leukocytes by flow cytometry Basic Protocol 6: Monitoring immune response to guinea pig rickettsial infection: leukocyte infiltration of skin at the tick bite site by flow cytometry Basic Protocol 7: Monitoring the immune response to guinea pig rickettsial infection: antibody titer by ELISA Support Protocol 4: Coating ELISA Plates Alternate Protocol 2: Monitoring immune response to guinea pig rickettsial infection: antibody titer by immunofluorescence assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John V. Stokes
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineTufts UniversityNorth GraftonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Michael L. Levin
- Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Claire E. Cross
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and ImmunologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Anne‐Marie L. Ross
- Department of Comparative Biomedical SciencesMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
| | - Alyssa N. Snellgrove
- Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Bridget V. Willeford
- Laboratory Animal ResourcesMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
| | | | - Andrea S. Varela‐Stokes
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineTufts UniversityNorth GraftonMassachusettsUSA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
El-Alfy ES, Abbas I, Baghdadi HB, El-Sayed SAES, Ji S, Rizk MA. Molecular Epidemiology and Species Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens of Animals in Egypt: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080912. [PMID: 36015033 PMCID: PMC9416077 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TTBPs) are listed among the most serious concerns harming Egyptian livestock’s productivity. Several reports on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) from various geographical regions in the country were published. However, data on the molecular characterization of TBPs are the most beneficial for understanding the epidemiology of this important group of pathogens. In this study, we present the first meta-analysis on the molecular epidemiology and species diversity of TBPs infecting animals in Egypt. All published studies on TBPs were systematically collected from various databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, and Google Scholar). Data from eligible papers were extracted and subjected to various analyses. Seventy-eight studies were found to be eligible for inclusion. Furthermore, ticks infesting animals that were molecularly screened for their associated pathogens were also included in this study to display high species diversity and underline the high infection risk to animals. Theileria annulata was used as parasite model of TBPs to study the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics across different governorates of Egypt. This study extends cross-comparisons between all published molecular data on TBPs in Egypt and provides resources from Egyptian data in order to better understand parasite epidemiology, species diversity, and disease outcome as well as the development and implementation of prevention and control methods for public health, veterinary care practitioners, and animal owners all over the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abbas
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Hanadi B. Baghdadi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31113, Saudi Arabia
- Basic and Applied Scientific Research Center (BASRC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31113, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
O’Keeffe KR, Oppler ZJ, Prusinski M, Falco RC, Oliver J, Haight J, Sporn LA, Backenson PB, Brisson D. Phylogeographic dynamics of the arthropod vector, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:238. [PMID: 35765050 PMCID: PMC9241328 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05304-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of vector-borne pathogens in novel geographic areas is regulated by the migration of their arthropod vectors. Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and the pathogens they vector, including the causative agents of Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis, continue to grow in their population sizes and to expand in geographic range. Migration of this vector over the previous decades has been implicated as the cause of the re-emergence of the most prevalent infectious diseases in North America. METHODS We systematically collected ticks from across New York State (hereafter referred to as New York) from 2004 to 2017 as part of routine tick-borne pathogen surveillance in the state. This time frame corresponds with an increase in range and incidence of tick-borne diseases within New York. We randomly sampled ticks from this collection to explore the evolutionary history and population dynamics of I. scapularis. We sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of each tick to characterize their current and historical spatial genetic structure and population growth using phylogeographic methods. RESULTS We sequenced whole mitochondrial genomes from 277 ticks collected across New York between 2004 and 2017. We found evidence of population genetic structure at a broad geographic scale due to differences in the relative abundance, but not the composition, of haplotypes among sampled ticks. Ticks were often most closely related to ticks from the same and nearby collection sites. The data indicate that both short- and long-range migration events shape the population dynamics of blacklegged ticks in New York. CONCLUSIONS We detailed the population dynamics of the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in New York during a time frame in which tick-borne diseases were increasing in range and incidence. Migration of ticks occurred at both coarse and fine scales in the recent past despite evidence of limits to gene flow. Past and current tick population dynamics have implications for further range expansion as habitat suitability for ticks changes due to global climate change. Analyses of mitochondrial genome sequencing data will expound upon previously identified drivers of tick presence and abundance as well as identify additional drivers. These data provide a foundation on which to generate testable hypotheses on the drivers of tick population dynamics occurring at finer scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zachary J. Oppler
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | | | | | - JoAnne Oliver
- Department of Health, Central New York Regional Office, Syracuse, NY 13202 USA
| | - Jamie Haight
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY USA
| | | | | | - Dustin Brisson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
M'madi Saidou A, Diarra AZ, Almeras L, Parola P. Identification of ticks from an old collection by MALDI-TOF MS. J Proteomics 2022; 264:104623. [PMID: 35623553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104623] [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: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective of this study is to find the optimal conditions for preparing the samples, resulting in quality, reproducible and specific MS spectra of the ticks, with a shelf life in 70% ethanol of more than ten years. Amblyomma (Am.) variegatum species which had been stored in alcohol for more than twenty years and for which numerous specimens were available were used to compare the performance of four protocols tested. Spectra of insufficient quality were obtained from Am. variegatum legs preserved in alcohol for long periods with the reference protocol, named DO that we had set up years ago. The same observation was made on the spectra from Am. variegatum legs from dry (evaporated alcohol, DO-mod protocol). With new protocols named ReDO and PReDO the spectra were of good quality with high intensities (> 3000 a.u.). Blind testing showed that 94%, and 93% of the spectra were correctly identified with relevant log score values (LSVs ≥1.8), respectively for ReDO and PReDO protocols. All soft ticks treated in this study by PReDO protocol exhibited low intensity spectra with background noise. This study revealed that MALDI-TOF MS is able to identify hard ticks stored during decades in alcohol or dry (evaporated alcohol). SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: The correct identification of ticks, including vectors responsible for the transmission of infectious diseases in humans and animals is essential for their control. MALDI-TOF MS, a proteomic tool that has emerged in recent years, has become an innovative, accurate and alternative tool for the identification of arthropods, including ticks. However, previous studies reported that preservation of arthropods in alcohol modified the MS spectra obtained from specimens of the same species freshly collected or frozenly stored. In this study, a standard protocol was established for the identification of tick collections which had been stored for more than ten years in alcohol. Four different protocols were assessed. The analysis of the results showed that among the four protocols tested, two protocols named ReDO (Rehydration and incubation of the legs in 40 μl of HPLC water for 12 h in a dry bath at 37°) and PreDO (Drying of the legs for 12 h in a dry bath at 37 °C followed by rehydration and incubation in 40 μl of HPLC water for 12 h.) seem to be more appropriate for the MALDI-TOF MS identification of ticks from old collections preserved in alcohol or dry. This study is promising for the future, as it will make it possible to create a MALDI-TOF MS database from a wide range of ticks which have been stored for a long time in alcohol or which are dry stored in laboratories and museums around the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahamada M'madi Saidou
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Adama Zan Diarra
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Lionel Almeras
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abdullah HHAM, Aboelsoued D, Farag TK, Abdel-Shafy S, Abdel Megeed KN, Parola P, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Molecular characterization of some equine vector-borne diseases and associated arthropods in Egypt. Acta Trop 2022; 227:106274. [PMID: 34954258 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Equine vector-borne diseases (EVBDs) are emerging and re-emerging diseases, and most of them are zoonotic. This study aimed to investigate EVBDs in equines and associated arthropods (ticks and flies) from Egypt using molecular analyses, in addition to a preliminary characterization of associated ticks and flies by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and molecular techniques. In this study, 335 blood samples were obtained from equines that appeared to be in good health (320 horses and 15 donkeys) in Cairo and Beni Suef provinces, Egypt. From the same animals, 166 arthropods (105 sucking flies and 61 ticks) were collected. Ticks and flies were preliminary characterized by the MALDI-TOF and molecular tools. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and standard PCR coupled with sequencing were performed on the DNA of equines, ticks, and flies to screen multiple pathogens. The MALDI-TOF and molecular characterization of arthropods revealed that louse fly (Hippobosca equina) and cattle tick (Rhipicephalus annulatus) infesting equines. Anaplasma platys-like (1.6%), Anaplasma marginale (1.6%), Candidatus Ehrlichia rustica (6.6%), a new Ehrlichia sp. (4.9%), and Borrelia theileri (3.3%) were identified in R. annulatus. Anaplasma sp. and Borrelia sp. DNAs were only detected in H. equina by qPCR. A. marginale, Anaplasma ovis, and Theileria ovis recorded the same low infection rate (0.6%) in donkeys, while horses were found to be infected with Theileria equi and a new Theileria sp. Africa with recorded prevalence rates of 1.2% and 2.7%, respectively. In conclusion, different pathogens were first detected such as A. platys-like, Candidatus E. rustica, and a new Ehrlichia sp. in R. annulatus; A. marginale, A. ovis, and T. ovis in donkeys; and a new Theileria sp. "Africa" in horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hend H A M Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Dina Aboelsoued
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tarek K Farag
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sobhy Abdel-Shafy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Kadria N Abdel Megeed
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Perera A, Silveira D, Graciá E, Giménez A, Harris DJ. Discordant phylogeographic patterns between the tortoise tick Hyalomma aegyptium and their Testudo graeca hosts. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101924. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
22
|
Molecular survey of cattle ticks in Burundi: First report on the presence of the invasive Rhipicephalus microplus tick. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261218. [PMID: 34890445 PMCID: PMC8664164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent research study on prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in Burundi reported high prevalence and endemicity of Theileria parva, Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina infections in cattle. Detailed information about tick species infesting animals, their distribution and genetic diversity in Burundi is outdated and limited. This study therefore assessed the prevalence and genetic diversity of tick species infesting cattle across agroecological zones (AEZs) in Burundi. A cross-sectional study on the occurrence of tick species was conducted in 24 districts of Burundi between October and December 2017. Differential identification and characterization of ticks collected was conducted using tick morphological keys and molecular tools (cox1 and 12S rRNA gene). Chi-square test was used to test for association between agroecological zones and the prevalence of tick species. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using bayesian and maximum likelihood algorithms. A total of 483 ticks were collected from the five AEZs sampled. Six tick species comprising of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R. sanguineus, R. evertsi evertsi, R. microplus, R. decoloratus and Amblyomma variegatum were observed. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus were the most prevalent ticks (~45%). A total of 138 specimens (28%) were found to be Rhipicephalus microplus, suggesting an emerging threat for cattle farmers. Twelve R. appendiculatus cox1 haplotypes were obtained from 106 specimens that were sequenced. Two cox1 haplotypes of R. microplus which clustered into previously reported Clade A were observed. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. evertsi evertsi ticks, the vectors of numerous zoonotic pathogens, were collected from cattle, which constitute a high risk for public health. These findings reveal an overlapping distribution of tick vectors in Burundi. The design of ticks and tick-borne diseases control strategies should consider the distribution of different vectors across the AEZs particularly the presence of the highly invasive R. microplus tick in Burundi and the potential risk of introducing the pathogenic Babesia bovis.
Collapse
|
23
|
Price DC, Brennan JR, Wagner NE, Egizi AM. Comparative hologenomics of two Ixodes scapularis tick populations in New Jersey. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12313. [PMID: 34820166 PMCID: PMC8588856 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases, such as those transmitted by the blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis, are a significant and growing public health problem in the US. There is mounting evidence that co-occurring non-pathogenic microbes can also impact tick-borne disease transmission. Shotgun metagenome sequencing enables sampling of the complete tick hologenome—the collective genomes of the tick and all of the microbial species contained therein, whether pathogenic, commensal or symbiotic. This approach simultaneously uncovers taxonomic composition and allows the detection of intraspecific genetic variation, making it a useful tool to compare spatial differences across tick populations. We evaluated this approach by comparing hologenome data from two tick samples (N = 6 ticks per location) collected at a relatively fine spatial scale, approximately 23 km apart, within a single US county. Several intriguing variants in the data between the two sites were detected, including polymorphisms in both in the tick’s own mitochondrial DNA and that of a rickettsial endosymbiont. The two samples were broadly similar in terms of the microbial species present, including multiple known tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, Babesia microti, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum), filarial nematodes, and Wolbachia and Babesia species. We assembled the complete genome of the rickettsial endosymbiont (most likely Rickettsia buchneri) from both populations. Our results provide further evidence for the use of shotgun metagenome sequencing as a tool to compare tick hologenomes and differentiate tick populations across localized spatial scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana C Price
- Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Julia R Brennan
- Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Nicole E Wagner
- Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Andrea M Egizi
- Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America.,Tick-Borne Disease Laboratory, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, Tinton Falls, NJ, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gap Analysis of the Habitat Interface of Ticks and Wildlife in Mexico. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121541. [PMID: 34959496 PMCID: PMC8708601 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mexico is a highly diverse country where ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBD) directly impact the health of humans and domestic and wild animals. Ticks of the genera Rhipicephalus spp., Amblyomma spp., and Ixodes spp. represent the most important species in terms of host parasitism and geographical distribution in the country, although information on other genera is either limited or null. In addition, information regarding the influence of global warming on the increase in tick populations is scarce or nonexistent, despite climate conditions being the most important factors that determine tick distribution. In order to aid in the management of ticks and the risks of TBD in humans and domestic animals in Mexico, an analysis was conducted of the gaps in information on ticks with the purpose of updating the available knowledge of these ectoparasites and adapting the existing diagnostic tools for potential distribution analysis of TBD in wildlife. These tools will help to determine the epidemiological role of wildlife in the human–domestic animal interface in anthropized environments in Mexico.
Collapse
|
25
|
Yousefi S, Sharifi M, Štefka J. Comparative phylogeography of two bat species and their mites in Iran shows impact of host sociality and vagility on population structure. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Štefka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS České Budějovice Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice České Budějovice Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ghane-Ameleh S, Khosravi M, Saberi-Pirooz R, Ebrahimi E, Aghbolaghi MA, Ahmadzadeh F. Mid-Pleistocene Transition as a trigger for diversification in the Irano-Anatolian region: Evidence revealed by phylogeography and distribution pattern of the eastern three-lined lizard. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
27
|
Blahove MR, Carter JR. Flavivirus Persistence in Wildlife Populations. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102099. [PMID: 34696529 PMCID: PMC8541186 DOI: 10.3390/v13102099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial number of humans are at risk for infection by vector-borne flaviviruses, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. These viruses also infect wildlife at a considerable rate, persistently cycling between ticks/mosquitoes and small mammals and reptiles and non-human primates and humans. Substantially increasing evidence of viral persistence in wildlife continues to be reported. In addition to in humans, viral persistence has been shown to establish in mammalian, reptile, arachnid, and mosquito systems, as well as insect cell lines. Although a considerable amount of research has centered on the potential roles of defective virus particles, autophagy and/or apoptosis-induced evasion of the immune response, and the precise mechanism of these features in flavivirus persistence have yet to be elucidated. In this review, we present findings that aid in understanding how vector-borne flavivirus persistence is established in wildlife. Research studies to be discussed include determining the critical roles universal flavivirus non-structural proteins played in flaviviral persistence, the advancement of animal models of viral persistence, and studying host factors that allow vector-borne flavivirus replication without destructive effects on infected cells. These findings underscore the viral–host relationships in wildlife animals and could be used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the establishment of viral persistence in these animals.
Collapse
|
28
|
Amblyomma aureolatum Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics Are Not Related to Spotted Fever Epidemiological Scenarios in Brazil. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091146. [PMID: 34578178 PMCID: PMC8469259 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional differences in tick-borne disease epidemiology may be related to biological variations between vector populations. Amblyomma aureolatum (Ixodida: Ixodidae), a neotropical tick, is known from several regions in Brazil. However, only in the metropolitan area of São Paulo (SP) state are there studies that establish its role as a vector of a pathogenic rickettsia (Rickettsia rickettsii). The aim of the study was to analyze the genetic diversity, population dynamics, and rickettsia infection in A. aureolatum populations from different spotted fever scenarios in Brazil. Samples were subjected to DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of 12S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit II and D-loop mitochondrial markers for tick population analyses, and gltA, htrA, ompA, and ompB genes for rickettsia researches. Of the 7–17 tick haplotypes identified, 5–13 were exclusive to each population and 2–12 for each epidemiological scenario, as well as three haplotypes shared by all populations. Amblyomma aureolatum populations are expanding, and do not appear to be genetically structured vis-a-vis the different epidemiological scenarios studied. Rickettsia bellii (in SP) and Rickettsia felis (in Santa Catarina) were identified as infecting A. aureolatum. No relationship between tick haplotypes and rickettsia types were observed.
Collapse
|
29
|
Sousa-Paula LCD, Pessoa FAC, Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F. Beyond taxonomy: species complexes in New World phlebotomine sand flies. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:267-283. [PMID: 33480064 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A species complex (= species group, species series) is an assemblage of species, which are related morphologically and phylogenetically. Recent research has revealed several arthropod vector species that were believed to be a single nominal species actually representing a group of closely related species, which are sometimes morphologically indistinguishable at one or more developmental stages. In some instances, differences in terms of vector competence, capacity, or both have been recorded. It highlights the importance of detecting and studying species complexes to improve our understanding of pathogen transmission patterns, which may be vectored more or less efficiently by different species within the complex. Considering more than 540 species, about one-third of the phlebotomine sand flies in the New World present males and/or females morphologically indistinguishable to one or more species. Remarkably, several of these species may act in transmission of pathogenic agents. In this article, we review recent research on species complexes in phlebotomine sand flies from the Americas. Possible practical implications of recently acquired knowledge and future research needs are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C de Sousa-Paula
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - F A C Pessoa
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Leônidas e Maria Deane Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - D Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - F Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Páez-Triana L, Muñoz M, Herrera G, Moreno-Pérez DA, Tafur-Gómez GA, Montenegro D, Patarroyo MA, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Genetic diversity and population structure of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato across different regions of Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:424. [PMID: 34425895 PMCID: PMC8383428 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04898-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been a long-standing debate over the taxonomic status of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Different studies worldwide have reported the occurrence of different well-defined lineages, in addition to Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto. To date, there are very few studies examining the diverse aspects of this tick in Colombia. We assessed the population structure and genetic diversity of R. sanguineus s.l. in eight departmental regions across Colombia. Methods A total of 170 ticks were collected from dogs in different departments of Colombia. All specimens were morphologically compatible with R. sanguineus s.l. and subjected to genetic analysis. DNA sequences were obtained for the 12S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) markers. A concatenated set of all mitochondrial markers was also constructed. Next, maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees were constructed using the sequences generated herein and sequences available in GenBank. Finally, we assessed different summary statistics and analysed population structure and divergence with Fst and Dxy and demographic changes with Tajima's D and Fu and Li’s statistical tests. Results Analysis of the 12S rDNA and COI revealed that all R. sanguineus s.l. specimens collected across different regions of Colombia clustered within the tropical lineage. Micro-geographical analyses showed that the tick population from Amazonas formed a distinct cluster separated from the other sequences, with moderate Fst and Dxy values. However, no signs of a robust population structure were found within the country. The results of Fu’s FS tests, together with the haplotype networks and diversity values, signal a possible population expansion of this tick species in Colombia. Conclusions Evidence provided herein supports the tropical lineage as the main circulating lineage in Colombia, exhibiting a general lack of genetic structure except for the Amazonas region. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04898-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Páez-Triana
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.,Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.,Health Sciences Division, Main Campus, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | | | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Showler AT, Pérez de León A, Saelao P. Biosurveillance and Research Needs Involving Area-Wide Systematic Active Sampling to Enhance Integrated Cattle Fever Tick (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Eradication. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1601-1609. [PMID: 33822110 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The one-host cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (Say), and southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini), are important ectoparasitic pests of cattle, Bos taurus L., mostly for transmitting the causal agents of bovine babesiosis. Bovine babesiosis inflicted substantial cattle production losses in the United States before the vectors were eliminated by 1943, with the exception of a Permanent Quarantine Zone in South Texas, a buffer along the Mexico border where the invasive ixodids remain. As suitable hosts, infested white-tailed deer and nilgai antelope populations disperse R. annulatus and R. microplus, which increases the risk for emergence of bovine babesiosis in the United States. A R. microplus incursion first detected in 2016 on the South Texas coastal plain wildlife corridor involved infestations on cattle, nilgai antelope, white-tailed deer, and vegetation. Efforts at passive sampling of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. on hosts are concentrated in the Permanent Quarantine Zone. Hence, a knowledge gap exists on the full extent of the recent incursions. Area-wide, systematic, active sampling and supportive research, involving the Permanent Quarantine Zone, Temporary Quarantine Zone, most of the coastal plain, and other parts of Texas outside of the quarantine zones, are needed to bridge the knowledge gap. Herein, we provide research perspectives and rationale to develop and implement systematic active sampling that will provide an increasingly accurate assessment of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. distribution in Texas. We suggest that this is essential to advance integrated vector-borne animal disease eradication approaches for keeping cattle free of bovine babesiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allan T Showler
- USDA-ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA
| | - Adalberto Pérez de León
- USDA-ARS, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, 9611 South Riverbend Avenue, Parlier, CA 93648, USA
| | - Perot Saelao
- USDA-ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Regilme MAF, Sato M, Tamura T, Arai R, Sato MO, Ikeda S, Gamboa M, Monaghan MT, Watanabe K. Comparative population genetic structure of two ixodid tick species (Acari:Ixodidae) (Ixodes ovatus and Haemaphysalis flava) in Niigata prefecture, Japan. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 94:104999. [PMID: 34256167 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ixodid ticks (Acari:Ixodidae) are essential vectors of tick-borne diseases in Japan. In this study, we characterized the population genetic structure and inferred genetic divergence in two widespread and abundant ixodid species, Ixodes ovatus and Haemaphysalis flava. Our hypothesis was that genetic divergence would be high in I. ovatus because of the low mobility of their small rodent hosts of immature I. ovatus would limit their gene flow compared to more mobile avian hosts of immature H. flava. We collected 320 adult I. ovatus from 29 locations and 223 adult H. flava from 17 locations across Niigata Prefecture, Japan, and investigated their genetic structure using DNA sequences from fragments of two mitochondrial gene regions, cox1 and the 16S rRNA gene. For I. ovatus, pairwise FST and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) analyses of cox1 and 16S sequences indicated significant genetic variation among populations, whereas both markers showed non-significant genetic variation among locations for H. flava. A cox1 gene tree and haplotype network revealed three genetic groups of I. ovatus. One of these groups consisted of haplotypes distributed at lower altitudes (251-471 m.a.s.l.). The cox1 sequences of I. ovatus from Japan clustered separately from I. ovatus sequences reported from China, suggesting the potential for cryptic species in Japan. Our results support our hypothesis and suggest that the host preference of ticks at the immature stage may influence the genetic structure of the ticks. This information may be important for understanding the tick-host interactions in the field to better understand the tick-borne disease transmission and in designing an effective tick control program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angenica F Regilme
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan; Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Megumi Sato
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8518, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Tamura
- Niigata Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences, Niigata 950-2144, Japan
| | - Reiko Arai
- Niigata Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences, Niigata 950-2144, Japan
| | - Marcello Otake Sato
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Sumire Ikeda
- Research Laboratories, Research and Development Headquarters, Earth Corporation, Hyogo 678-0192, Japan
| | - Maribet Gamboa
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan; Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Michael T Monaghan
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin 12587, Germany; Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Kozo Watanabe
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan; Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
A molecular phylogenetic investigation of tick species in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101777. [PMID: 34371304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the local tick species composition is crucial for overcoming the diseases they transmit. A comprehensive survey integrating molecular identification was conducted in the eastern and southeastern parts of Turkey, where tick surveys have previously been neglected. A total of 596 specimens belonging to four tick genera were collected from 27 localities in Turkey during the summers of 2019 and 2020. Seventy-seven representative individuals were chosen for molecular analysis. Nine distinct species, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus rossicus, Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma aegyptium, Haemaphysalis sulcata, and Dermacentor marginatus were identified. The presence of R. rossicus was demonstrated for the first time in Turkey. Two lineages of R. turanicus were identified, and representatives of both lineages were recorded. Our Hyalomma phylogenetic tree was consistent with previous findings from Turkey; however, new sympatric areas for Hy. marginatum and Hy. excavatum and Hy. marginatum and Hy. asiaticum were recorded. Two haplotypes (Haemaphysalis sp. and Dermacentor sp.) could not be identified using morphological and molecular methods. In addition to making a valuable contribution to the molecular database of ticks in the Middle East, this study will also stimulate comparative studies on the genetic structure, ecology, and vector competence of different populations of these species in Turkey as well as in other parts of the world.
Collapse
|
34
|
Molaei G, Little EAH, Khalil N, Ayres BN, Nicholson WL, Paddock CD. Established Population of the Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae), Infected with Rickettsia parkeri (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), in Connecticut. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1459-1462. [PMID: 33458776 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We identified an established population of the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum Koch) infected with Rickettsia parkeri in Connecticut, representing the northernmost range limit of this medically relevant tick species. Our finding highlights the importance of tick surveillance and public health challenges posed by geographic expansion of tick vectors and their pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Eliza A H Little
- Department of Entomology and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT
| | - Noelle Khalil
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT
| | - Bryan N Ayres
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - William L Nicholson
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Christopher D Paddock
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Alonso-Díaz MA, Fernández-Salas A. Entomopathogenic Fungi for Tick Control in Cattle Livestock From Mexico. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2021; 2:657694. [PMID: 37744087 PMCID: PMC10512273 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2021.657694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are one of the main economic threats to the cattle industry worldwide affecting productivity, health and welfare. The need for alternative methods to control tick populations is prompted by the high prevalence of multiresistant tick strains to the main chemical acaricides and their ecological consequences. Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is one of the most promising alternative options. The objective of this paper is to review the use of EPF as an alternative control method against cattle ticks in Mexico. Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (s.l.) and Beauveria bassiana s.l. are the most studied EPF for the biological control of ticks in the laboratory and in the field, mainly against Rhipicephalus microplus; however, evaluations against other important cattle ticks such as Amblyomma mixtum and R. annulatus, are needed. A transdisciplinary approach is required to incorporate different types of tools, such as genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics in order to better understand the pathogenicity/virulence mechanism in EPF against ticks. Laboratory tests have demonstrated the EPF efficacy to control susceptible and resistant/multiresistant tick populations; whereas, field tests have shown satisfactory control efficiency of M. anisopliae s.l. against different stages of R. microplus when applied both on pasture and on cattle. Epidemiological aspects of ticks and environmental factors are considered as components that influence the acaricidal behavior of the EPF. Finally, considering all these aspects, some recommendations are proposed for the use of EPF in integrated control schemes for livestock ticks.
Collapse
|
36
|
Talbot B, Leighton PA, Kulkarni MA. Genetic Melting Pot in Blacklegged Ticks at the Northern Edge of their Expansion Front. J Hered 2021; 111:371-378. [PMID: 32609830 PMCID: PMC7423068 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are considered to be the main vector of Lyme disease in eastern North America. They may parasitize a wide range of bird and mammal hosts. Northward dispersal of blacklegged ticks has been attributed largely to movement of hosts to areas outside of the current range of the tick, in conjunction with climate change. To better understand the drivers of range expansion in the blacklegged tick, we need investigations of the genetic connectivity and differentiation of tick populations at a fine spatial scale using appropriate markers. In this study, we investigated genetic connectivity and differentiation in blacklegged ticks, in an area of putatively recent advance in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, using microsatellite markers. Our findings suggest patchy differentiation of alleles, no spatial pattern of genetic structure, and genetic subdivision within sites, which are consistent with the very limited evidence available near the leading edge of range expansion of blacklegged ticks into Canada. These findings are consistent with the prevailing hypothesis, drawn from a variety of fields of study, suggesting that migratory birds from a variety of regions may be bringing hitchhiking ticks northward into Canada.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Talbot
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick A Leighton
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Sainte-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Manisha A Kulkarni
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Gui Z, Wu L, Cai H, Mu L, Yu JF, Fu SY, Si XY. Genetic diversity analysis of Dermacentor nuttalli within Inner Mongolia, China. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:131. [PMID: 33648549 PMCID: PMC7923491 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04625-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks (Arthropoda, Ixodida), after mosquitoes, are the second most prevalent vector of infectious diseases. They are responsible for spreading a multitude of pathogens and threatening the health and welfare of animals and human beings. However, given the history of tick-borne pathogen infections in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, surprisingly, neither the genetic diversity nor the spatial distribution of haplotypes within ticks has been studied. Methods We characterized the haplotype distribution of Dermacentor nuttalli in four main pastoral areas of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, by sampling 109 individuals (recovered from sheep) in April–August 2019. The 16S rRNA gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) were amplified and sequenced from extracted DNA. Results Twenty-six haplotypes were identified using 16S rRNA sequences, 57 haplotypes were identified with COI sequences, and 75 haplotypes were identified with ITS2 sequences. Among the three genes, total haplotype diversity was greater than 0.7, while total nucleotide diversity was greater than 0.06. Neutrality tests revealed a significantly negative Tajima’s D result, while Fu's Fs was not significantly positive. Fixation index values (FST) indicated that the degree of genetic differentiation among some sampled populations was small, while for others it was moderate. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the variation within populations was greater than that among populations. The mismatch analysis of D. nuttalli exhibited double peaks. Conclusion The genetic diversity of D. nuttalli populations in our region can likely adapt to different geographical environments, thereby leading to genetic diversity, and creating genetic differentiation among different populations. However, genetic differentiation is cryptic and does not form a pedigree geographical structure.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Gui
- Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Hao Cai
- Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lan Mu
- Department of Parasitology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia, China.
| | - Jing-Feng Yu
- Department of Parasitology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia, China.
| | - Shao-Yin Fu
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Science, Hohhot, 010031, Inner Mongolia, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Si
- Inner Mongolia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot, 010000, Inner Mongolia, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Beard D, Stannard HJ, Old JM. Parasites of wombats (family Vombatidae), with a focus on ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:395-409. [PMID: 33409643 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07036-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Ticks (Arachnida: Acari) are vectors for pathogens and the biggest threat to animal health. Many Australian ticks are associated with pathogens that impact humans, domestic animals and livestock. However, little is known about the presence or impact of tick-borne pathogens in native Australian wildlife. Wombats are particularly susceptible to the effects of the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei which causes sarcoptic mange, the reason for which is unknown. Factors such as other ectoparasites and their associated pathogens may play a role. A critical understanding of the species of ectoparasites that parasitise wombats and their pathogens, and particularly ticks, is therefore warranted. This review describes the ectoparasites of wombats, pathogens known to be associated with those ectoparasites, and related literature gaps. Pathogens have been isolated in most tick species that typically feed on wombats; however, there are minimal molecular studies to determine the presence of pathogens in any other wombat ectoparasites. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies allows us to explore entire microbial communities in ectoparasite samples, allowing fast and accurate identification of potential pathogens in many samples at once. These new techniques have highlighted the diversity and uniqueness of native ticks and their microbiomes, including pathogens of potential medical and veterinary importance. An increased understanding of all ectoparasites that parasitise wombats, and their associated pathogens, requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Beard
- School of Science, Hawkesbury, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Hayley J Stannard
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Julie M Old
- School of Science, Hawkesbury, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bonnet SI, Pollet T. Update on the intricate tango between tick microbiomes and tick-borne pathogens. Parasite Immunol 2020; 43:e12813. [PMID: 33314216 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The recent development of high-throughput NGS technologies, (ie, next-generation sequencing) has highlighted the complexity of tick microbial communities-which include pathogens, symbionts, and commensals-and also their dynamic variability. Symbionts and commensals can confer crucial and diverse benefits to their hosts, playing nutritional roles or affecting fitness, development, nutrition, reproduction, defence against environmental stress and immunity. Nonpathogenic tick bacteria may also play a role in modifying tick-borne pathogen colonization and transmission, as relationships between microorganisms existing together in one environment can be competitive, exclusive, facilitating or absent, with many potential implications for both human and animal health. Consequently, ticks represent a compelling yet challenging system in which to investigate the composition and both the functional and ecological implications of tick bacterial communities, and thus merits greater attention. Ultimately, deciphering the relationships between microorganisms carried by ticks as well as symbiont-tick interactions will garner invaluable information, which may aid in some future arthropod-pest and vector-borne pathogen transmission control strategies. This review outlines recent research on tick microbiome composition and dynamics, highlights elements favouring the reciprocal influence of the tick microbiome and tick-borne agents and finally discusses how ticks and tick-borne diseases might potentially be controlled through tick microbiome manipulation in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Irène Bonnet
- UMR BIPAR 0956, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Koloski CW, Duncan CAM, Rutherford PL, Cassone BJ. Natural insensitivity and the effects of concentration on the repellency and survival of American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) by DEET. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 82:379-395. [PMID: 33009647 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00550-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) is by far the most used repellent worldwide. When applied topically to the skin, the active ingredient has been shown to provide protection from a variety of hematophagous insects, including mosquitoes and flies. DEET's effectiveness against ticks is influenced by a variety of factors (e.g., duration and concentration of application, drying time, route of exposure, tick species and developmental stage), and may differ from insects due to their unique chemosensory system that primarily involves the Haller's organ. We therefore used several approaches to investigate DEET's efficacy to repel Dermacentor variabilis at different concentrations (5, 30 or 75%), as well as explore its toxicological properties and natural variability in DEET insensitivity across populations from Manitoba, Canada. Climbing bioassays indicated that higher concentrations of DEET were more effective at repelling D. variabilis, and that ticks from some sampling localities were more sensitive to lower concentrations than others. Petri dish arena assays revealed ticks exposed to high concentrations of the repellent lose their ability to discriminate lower concentrations, perhaps due to overstimulation or habituation. Finally, our tactile assays demonstrated reduced tick survival after contact with high DEET concentrations, with mortality occurring more rapidly with increased concentration. Dermacentor variabilis from these tactile assays displayed a multitude of physiological and neurological symptoms, such as 'hot foot' and various bodily secretions. Overall, our study shows a strong association between repellency, concentration and the acaricidal effects of DEET on D. variabilis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cody W Koloski
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, R78 6A9, Canada
| | - Carlyn A M Duncan
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, R78 6A9, Canada
| | | | - Bryan J Cassone
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, R78 6A9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
New taxonomic and evolutionary insights relevant to the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis: A geographic perspective. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2020; 155:106990. [PMID: 33096232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is an obligate haematophagous ectoparasite of wildlife and domestic cats and dogs worldwide. Since cat fleas can affect the health of humans and their pets, an uncertain taxonomy of this taxon can greatly inhibit pest and disease management. To address the evolution and taxonomy of the cat flea, we set out to determine 1) how many genetically distinct taxa exist, 2) whether there is morphological support for the genetically distinct taxa, and 3) the role of host range and paleoclimatic events in speciation. We collected a total of 3352 fleas sampled from 576 domestic cats and dogs as well as 10 wildlife species across 30 localities in South Africa. A total of three flea genera, five species, and three of the currently recognized cat flea subspecies, C. f. damarensis, C. f. strongylus and C. f. felis were obtained. Geometric morphometric analyses on head shape were performed on 68 female and 107 male cat flea individuals. Principal component analysis demonstrated large overlap in head shape variation between C. f. strongylus and C. f. felis, rendering this character not useful for phylogenetic inferences. DNA was extracted from 188 Ctenocephalides spp. and mitochondrial COII and nuclear EF1-α sequences were generated. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood analyses as well as a TCS parsimony haplotype network of the mitochondrial DNA confirmed the presence of three well supported monophyletic clades. These assemblages did not fully corroborate the existence of the three C. felis subspecies. A single well-supported molecular clade included only C. f. damarensis morphotypes that were mostly collected from wildlife. The recognition of this subspecies as a distinct taxon was further corroborated by sequence distances and also the number of plantar spiniform bristles on fore-tarsi V in males. Despite the overall lack of support for the recognition of C. f. damarensis and C. f. strongylus, a geographic trend was visible whereby one genetic lineage corresponded to the western dryer hot subregion, whereas the other was found throughout the region. Bayesian dating suggested that these two clades diverged during the early Pliocene (4.18 mya), a date that corresponds well with the establishment of a dry hot climate in the west of southern Africa. If so, the off-host environment, particularly temperature and humidity, are important factors to consider in the evolution of the cat flea. The present study rejects recent assertions that the three cat flea subspecies are valid entities and rather point to a situation where more sampling is required before the taxonomic status of C. f. damarensis can be resolved.
Collapse
|
42
|
Fudge JM, Boyanowski B, Page B, Liu S, Rogovskyy AS. Serological prevalence of six vector-borne pathogens in dogs presented for elective ovariohysterectomy or castration in the South central region of Texas. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:381. [PMID: 33032588 PMCID: PMC7545558 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02607-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most vector-borne pathogens cause zoonotic diseases. These zoonoses often have wild animal reservoirs that play a significant role in disease epidemiology. However, pet animals have also been implicated in transmission of zoonotic agents to humans. To exemplify, dogs are competent reservoir hosts for several zoonotic vector-borne bacteria and protozoa. Despite that vector-borne diseases can be life-threatening for both pets and humans, studies on pathogen seroprevalence are very limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the serological prevalence of six zoonotic vector-borne agents in dogs from the South Central region of Texas (US). Electronic medical records of dogs, presenting over 2014–2019 for elective ovariohysterectomy or castration at a high volume spay and neuter clinic, were reviewed for serological testing. Sera from 418 dogs were tested for the Dirofilaria immitis antigen, and antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Ehrlichia ewingi, using a commonly available commercial test kit. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize the respective seroprevalence rates of the dog population. The study involved 192 (46%) male and 226 (54%) female dogs. Results Overall, 85 (20%) dogs tested positive for at least one of the 6 pathogens investigated. The highest seroprevalence rate averaged over the 6-year period was 11.7% for D. immitis followed by 8.4% for E. canis and/or E. ewingii, 4.3% for A. phagocytophilum and/or A. platys, and 0.2% for B. burgdorferi. The co-exposure or co-infection was only detected in 3.8% of the dog population. Conclusions Together, opportunistic testing of dogs presenting for elective surgical procedures may provide an effective way of assessing seroprevalence and/or risk factors for common vector-borne diseases within a geographic region of concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Mack Fudge
- Hill Country Animal League, 924 N. Main St, Boerne, TX, 78006, USA
| | | | - Bernie Page
- Hill Country Animal League, 924 N. Main St, Boerne, TX, 78006, USA
| | - Shuling Liu
- Statistical Collaboration Center, Department of Statistics, College of Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Artem S Rogovskyy
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hasle G, Leinaas HP, Heier L, Garcia AL, Røed KH. Mitochondrial DNA in Ixodus ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) on birds reflects ticks' transportation routes to Lista, Norway. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101553. [PMID: 33130437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101553] [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: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are important pathogen vectors, and large mammals and birds have the greatest potential for dispersing them. To study tick dispersal by migrating birds, we have analysed genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA control region from Ixodes ricinus from northward migrating blackbird, Turdus merula, and (European) robin, Erithacus rubecula, at the Lista Bird Observatory in southwestern Norway. We compared their genetic structure with that of resident tick populations from areas covering their expected last stop (i.e. Great Britain and Jutland, Denmark) before taking off for southern Norway, and the resident tick population at Lista. The statistical analysis showed that the I. ricinus found on blackbirds differed significantly from those found on robins, which is consistent with the birds' differential migration routes. I. ricinus from robins did not differ genetically from those flagged at Jutland, suggesting that the former mainly originate in continental Europe. Bayesian analysis indicated that most of the blackbirds caught early in the spring (i.e. before or on the 1st of April) carried ticks of a mixed origin from both Great Britain and continental Europe, while blackbirds caught later in the season carried an increasing amount of ticks acquired locally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Hasle
- Reiseklinikken, St Olavs Plass 3, Oslo, 0165, Norway.
| | - Hans Petter Leinaas
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O.Box 1066, Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway.
| | - Lise Heier
- Reiseklinikken, St Olavs Plass 3, Oslo, 0165, Norway.
| | - Aïda López Garcia
- NOF-BirdLife Norway, Lista Bird Observatory, Fyrveien 6, Borhaug, 4563, Norway.
| | - Knut Håkon Røed
- School of Veterinary Science, NMBU-Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 369 Sentrum, Oslo, 0102, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jia N, Wang J, Shi W, Du L, Sun Y, Zhan W, Jiang JF, Wang Q, Zhang B, Ji P, Bell-Sakyi L, Cui XM, Yuan TT, Jiang BG, Yang WF, Lam TTY, Chang QC, Ding SJ, Wang XJ, Zhu JG, Ruan XD, Zhao L, Wei JT, Ye RZ, Que TC, Du CH, Zhou YH, Cheng JX, Dai PF, Guo WB, Han XH, Huang EJ, Li LF, Wei W, Gao YC, Liu JZ, Shao HZ, Wang X, Wang CC, Yang TC, Huo QB, Li W, Chen HY, Chen SE, Zhou LG, Ni XB, Tian JH, Sheng Y, Liu T, Pan YS, Xia LY, Li J, Zhao F, Cao WC. Large-Scale Comparative Analyses of Tick Genomes Elucidate Their Genetic Diversity and Vector Capacities. Cell 2020; 182:1328-1340.e13. [PMID: 32814014 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Among arthropod vectors, ticks transmit the most diverse human and animal pathogens, leading to an increasing number of new challenges worldwide. Here we sequenced and assembled high-quality genomes of six ixodid tick species and further resequenced 678 tick specimens to understand three key aspects of ticks: genetic diversity, population structure, and pathogen distribution. We explored the genetic basis common to ticks, including heme and hemoglobin digestion, iron metabolism, and reactive oxygen species, and unveiled for the first time that genetic structure and pathogen composition in different tick species are mainly shaped by ecological and geographic factors. We further identified species-specific determinants associated with different host ranges, life cycles, and distributions. The findings of this study are an invaluable resource for research and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China; Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Jinfeng Wang
- Computational Genomics Lab, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Wenqiang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Lifeng Du
- Computational Genomics Lab, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China; Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhan
- Annoroad Gene Technology (Beijing) Company Limited, Beijing 100176, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China; Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China; Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Computational Genomics Lab, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Peifeng Ji
- Computational Genomics Lab, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Ecological and Veterinary Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China; Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Ting-Ting Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Fei Yang
- Annoroad Gene Technology (Beijing) Company Limited, Beijing 100176, P.R. China
| | - Tommy Tsan-Yuk Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qiao-Cheng Chang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Jun Ding
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xian-Jun Wang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Guo Zhu
- ManZhouLi Customs District, Manzhouli 021400, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Dong Ruan
- Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing 100714, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China; Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Te Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China; Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Run-Ze Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China; Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Teng Cheng Que
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Terrestrial Wildlife Medical-aid and Monitoring Epidemic Diseases Research Center, Nanjing 530028, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Hong Du
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali 671000, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xia Cheng
- Shanxi Provence Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xian 030012, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Fang Dai
- Shanxi Provence Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xian 030012, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Hu Han
- Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang 110866, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - En-Jiong Huang
- Fuzhou International Travel Healthcare Center, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Lian-Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Chi Gao
- Annoroad Gene Technology (Beijing) Company Limited, Beijing 100176, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Ze Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Ze Shao
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Research Institute of Jilin Province, Changchun 130062, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Qingjiangpu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huai'an 223001, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Chong-Cai Wang
- Hainan International Travel Healthcare Center, Haikou 570311, Hainan, P.R. China
| | - Tian-Ci Yang
- State Key Lab of Mosquito-borne Diseases, Hangzhou International Tourism Healthcare Center, Hangzhou Customs of China, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qiu-Bo Huo
- Mudanjiang Forestry Central Hospital, Mudanjiang 157000, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Xinjiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Urumqi 830002, Xinjiang, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Ying Chen
- Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of the State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Nanchang 330038, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Shen-En Chen
- Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of the State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Nanchang 330038, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Guo Zhou
- Shaanxi Natural Reserve and Wildlife Administration Station, Xi'an 710082, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Bing Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jun-Hua Tian
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430015, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Yue Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Tao Liu
- Annoroad Gene Technology (Beijing) Company Limited, Beijing 100176, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Sheng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Luo-Yuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- Computational Genomics Lab, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China; Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, P.R. China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, Yunan, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China.
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, P.R. China; Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, P.R. China; Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Poli P, Lenoir J, Plantard O, Ehrmann S, Røed KH, Leinaas HP, Panning M, Guiller A. Strong genetic structure among populations of the tick Ixodes ricinus across its range. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101509. [PMID: 32993929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus is the most common and widely distributed tick species in Europe, responsible for several zoonotic diseases, including Lyme borreliosis. Population genetics of disease vectors is a useful tool for understanding the spread of pathogens and infection risks. Despite the threat to the public health due to the climate-driven distribution changes of I. ricinus, the genetic structure of tick populations, though essential for understanding epidemiology, remains unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated weak to no apparent spatial pattern of genetic differentiation between European populations. Here, we analysed the population genetic structure of 497 individuals from 28 tick populations sampled from 20 countries across Europe, the Middle-East, and northern Africa. We analysed 125 SNPs loci after quality control. We ran Bayesian and multivariate hierarchical clustering analyses to identify and describe clusters of genetically related individuals. Both clustering methods support the identification of three spatially-structured clusters. Individuals from the south and north-western parts of Eurasia form a separated cluster from northern European populations, while central European populations are a mix between the two groups. Our findings have important implications for understanding the dispersal processes that shape the spread of zoonotic diseases under anthropogenic global changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Poli
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, UMR « Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés » (EDYSAN, UMR 7058 CNRS), 33 Rue Saint Leu, 80000 Amiens CEDEX 1, France.
| | - Jonathan Lenoir
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, UMR « Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés » (EDYSAN, UMR 7058 CNRS), 33 Rue Saint Leu, 80000 Amiens CEDEX 1, France
| | | | - Steffen Ehrmann
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Knut H Røed
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans Petter Leinaas
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Box 1066 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marcus Panning
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str, 11 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annie Guiller
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, UMR « Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés » (EDYSAN, UMR 7058 CNRS), 33 Rue Saint Leu, 80000 Amiens CEDEX 1, France.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Xu G, Wielstra B, Rich SM. Northern and southern blacklegged (deer) ticks are genetically distinct with different histories and Lyme spirochete infection rates. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10289. [PMID: 32581236 PMCID: PMC7314838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the archetypal emerging zoonosis and is dependent on transmission by ticks in the genus Ixodes. Understanding the origin, maintenance, and spread of these ticks contributes much to our understanding of the spread of LB and other disease agents borne by these ticks. We collected 1232 Ixodes scapularis ticks from 17 east coast sites ranging from New Hampshire to Florida and used mtDNA, three nuclear genetic loci, and incorporated Bayesian analyses to resolve geographically distinct tick populations and compare their demographic histories. A sparse, stable, and genetically diverse population of ticks in the Southeastern US, that is rarely infected with the agent of LB is genetically distinct from an abundant, expanding, and comparatively uniform population in the Northeast, where epidemic LB now constitutes the most important vector borne disease in the United States. The contrasting geography and demography of tick populations, interpreted in the context of the geological history of the region, suggests that during the last glacial period such ticks occupied distinct refugia, with only the northern-most site of refuge giving rise to those ticks and pathogens now fueling the epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guang Xu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States of America.
| | - Ben Wielstra
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen M Rich
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Matthee CA. The influence of host dispersal on the gene flow and genetic diversity of generalist and specialist ectoparasites. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2020.1762512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Conrad A Matthee
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wohlfeil CK, Godfrey SS, Leu ST, Clayton J, Gardner MG. Spatial proximity and asynchronous refuge sharing networks both explain patterns of tick genetic relatedness among lizards, but in different years. AUSTRAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K. Wohlfeil
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University GPO Box 2100 Adelaide South Australia 5001 Australia
| | | | - Stephan T. Leu
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Jessica Clayton
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University GPO Box 2100 Adelaide South Australia 5001 Australia
| | - Michael G. Gardner
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University GPO Box 2100 Adelaide South Australia 5001 Australia
- Evolutionary Biology Unit South Australian Museum Adelaide South Australia Australia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Vikse R, Paulsen KM, Edgar KS, H-O Pettersson J, Ottesen PS, Okbaldet YB, Kiran N, Lamsal A, Lindstedt HEH, Pedersen BN, Soleng A, Andreassen ÅK. Geographical distribution and prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks and phylogeographic structure of the Ixodes ricinus vector in Norway. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:370-381. [PMID: 32112526 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a zoonotic flaviviral infection, is endemic in large parts of Norway and Eurasia. Humans are mainly infected with TBEV via bites from infected ticks. In Norway, the main geographical distribution of ticks is along the Norwegian coastline from southeast (~59°N) and up to the southern parts of Nordland County (~65°N). In this study, we collected ticks by flagging along the coast from Østfold County to Nordland County. By whole-genome sequencing of the mitochondrial genome of Ixodes ricinus, the phylogenetic tree suggests that there is limited phylogeographic structure both in Norway and in Europe. The overall TBEV prevalence is 0.3% for nymphs and 4.3% for adults. The highest estimated TBEV prevalence in adult ticks was detected in Rogaland and Vestfold County, while for nymphs it is highest in Vestfold, Vest-Agder and Rogaland. The present work is one of the largest studies on distribution and prevalence of TBEV in ticks in Scandinavia, showing that the virus is wider distributed in Norway than previously anticipated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Vikse
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katrine M Paulsen
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Skarsfjord Edgar
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - John H-O Pettersson
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Modelling, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Preben Skrede Ottesen
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yohannes Bein Okbaldet
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nosheen Kiran
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alaka Lamsal
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,University of South East Norway, Bø i Telemark, Norway
| | - Heidi Elisabeth H Lindstedt
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benedikte Nevjen Pedersen
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,University of South East Norway, Bø i Telemark, Norway
| | - Arnulf Soleng
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åshild K Andreassen
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,University of South East Norway, Bø i Telemark, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hornok S, Grima A, Takács N, Szekeres S, Kontschán J. First records and molecular-phylogenetic analyses of three tick species (Ixodes kaiseri, Hyalomma lusitanicum and Ornithodoros coniceps) from Malta. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101379. [PMID: 32001157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Maltese islands are situated south of mainland Europe and north of Africa, therefore are expected to share tick species and tick-borne pathogens with both continents. This situation highlights the importance of studying ticks in this country. Nevertheless, the tick fauna of Malta appears to be a seldom investigated issue, with hitherto only five tick species reported in the country. Here, as part of a tick collection campaign continuing since 2016 in Malta, three tick species new to the country are reported and analyzed in comparison with GenBank data. Ixodes kaiseri (collected from North African hedgehog in Malta) had unique cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and 16S rRNA gene haplotypes (with 98.1-99.3 % sequence identity to I. kaiseri from Europe and China). Phylogenetically, these haplotypes from Malta clustered separately from other, mainland-associated haplotypes, with high support. On the other hand, Ornithodoros coniceps (collected from domestic chicken in Malta) had identical or nearly identical cox1 and 16S rRNA gene haplotypes with soft ticks reported from France, northern Africa and western African islands, similarly to Hyalomma lusitanicum (collected from rabbit and cat in Malta) in comparison with conspecific ticks in Spain and Portugal. These results are most likely related to differences in host associations and corresponding translocality of these three tick species. Taken together, results of the present study add three new tick species to those five already known to be present in Malta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | | | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|