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Ostapchuk YO, Bissenbay AO, Kuligin AV, Zhigailov AV, Perfilyeva YV, Kan SA, Lushova AV, Stukolova OA, Sayakova ZZ, Abdolla N, Dmitrovskiy AM, Mashzhan AS, Kuatbekova SA, Dosmagambet Z, Shapiyeva ZZ, Naizabayeva DA, Ospanbekova NK, Yeszhanov A, Akhmetollayev IA, Skiba YA. Survey of tick-borne relapsing fever borreliae in southern and southeastern Kazakhstan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102398. [PMID: 39332111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102398] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever group borreliae (TBRFGB) are spirochetes that cause disease in humans and animals. Little is known about the prevalence of TBRFGB infections in ticks and humans in Kazakhstan. A total of 846 ticks belonging to ten species of the family Ixodidae and three species of the family Argasidae were collected from the vegetation, poultry shelters, domestic ruminants, bitten humans, pigeons, dogs and house walls in four oblasts of the southern and southeastern regions of Kazakhstan. The ticks were subjected to DNA extraction and identification of TBRFGB by conventional PCR using primers targeting flagella subunit B (flaB), glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (glpQ) and P66 porin (P66) genes. The overall infection rate of TBRFGB in the ticks was 6.2 % (46/846). TBRFGB DNA was identified in Ixodes persulcatus (5.5 %; 26/477), Ornithodoros tartakovskyi (6 %; 2/36) and Argas persicus (13.4 %; 18/134) ticks. Partial sequencing of flaB, glpQ and P66 genes identified Borrelia miyamotoi in I. persulcatus and Borrelia anserina in A. persicus. To detect the presence of B. miyamotoi infection in people in the study region, we performed serological analysis of samples collected from 42 patients admitted to hospital with fever of unknown etiology or with a history of a tick bite. The analysis revealed IgM and IgG antibodies against one or several B. miyamotoi antigens in 10 % and 5 % of patients, respectively. The data obtained provide strong evidence of the presence of B. miyamotoi and B. anserina in the southern and southeastern regions of Kazakhstan, underscoring the need for increased awareness of potential infections caused by these borreliae in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekaterina O Ostapchuk
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan; ECO-Consulting LLC, 143/93 Abay St., Almaty 040907, Kazakhstan.
| | - Akerke O Bissenbay
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Av., Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Artyom V Kuligin
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Av., Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Andrey V Zhigailov
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Yuliya V Perfilyeva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan.
| | - Sofiya A Kan
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Av., Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Anzhelika V Lushova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Av., Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Olga A Stukolova
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow 111123, Russia
| | - Zaure Z Sayakova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Nurshat Abdolla
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Andrey M Dmitrovskiy
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Akzhigit S Mashzhan
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Saltanat A Kuatbekova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhaniya Dosmagambet
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanna Zh Shapiyeva
- Scientific Practical Center of Sanitary-Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, 84 Auezov St., Almaty 050008, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara A Naizabayeva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Nailya K Ospanbekova
- Kazakh-Russian Medical University, 51/53 Abylai Khan St., Almaty 050004, Kazakhstan
| | - Aidyn Yeszhanov
- Institute of Zoology, 93 Al-Farabi Ave., Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Yuriy A Skiba
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
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Mongruel ACB, Medici EP, da Costa Canena A, Machado RZ, Clay K, Labruna MB, André MR. First molecular detection of Borrelia sp. in tapirs (Tapirus terrestris). Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:2767-2774. [PMID: 38713407 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Borrelia theileri is a tick-borne spirochete causative agent of fever, apathy and reduced food consumption in cattle. Molecular diagnosis has expanded the understanding of Borrelia theileri with new hosts and geographical locations being described. The present study aimed to describe the first molecular detection of B. theileri in wild tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) from South America. Blood DNA samples obtained from 99 tapirs sampled in Pantanal (n = 61) and Cerrado (n = 38) biomes were screened using a qPCR assay based on the 16 S rRNA gene of Borrelia sp. Positive samples in the qPCR assay were subjected to PCR assays to allow characterization of fragments from 16 S rRNA and flaB genes. Two (2/99; 2.0%) animals from Pantanal biome were positive in the qPCR and one sample presented bands of expected size for the flaB protocol. Amplicons from this sample were successfully cloned and sequenced. In the phylogenetic analysis, Borrelia sp. from T. terrestris grouped together with B. theileri sequences previously detected in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and cattle from Minas Gerais State in Brazil, Rhipicephalus geigyi from Mali, and R. microplus and Haemaphysalis sulcata from Pakistan. This finding contributes to our knowledge regarding susceptible hosts species for B. theileri. More studies are necessary to understand the potential effects of B. theileri on tapir's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP) - Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emília Patrícia Medici
- Iniciativa Nacional para Conservação da Anta Brasileira (INCAB), Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ) , Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Conservação Ambiental e Sustentabilidade (ESCAS/IPÊ) - Nazaré Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
- Tapir Specialist Group (TSG), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN SSC), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ariel da Costa Canena
- Iniciativa Nacional para Conservação da Anta Brasileira (INCAB), Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ) , Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP) - Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Keith Clay
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Ciências Veterinárias e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP) - Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Milani M, Naddaf SR, Ziapour SP, Sepahi AA, Rohani M. Borrelia theileri infections in Rhipicephalus annulatus ticks from the north of Iran. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 93:81-95. [PMID: 38869723 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Ticks serve as vectors and reservoirs of various Borrelia species, potentially causing diseases in humans and animals. Mazandaran, a fertile green land in northern Iran, provides ample grazing grounds for livestock and harbors at least 26 hard tick species. This study investigated Borrelia infection in hard ticks from forest areas in this region and compared their genetic identity with the species data in the GenBank database. A total of 2,049 ticks were collected manually from mammalian hosts or using dragging and flagging methods. These ticks were then grouped into 190 pools and 41 individuals based on host, species, developmental stage, and gender. A real-time PCR (qPCR) detected Borrelia DNA in 26 pools from female, male, and nymph of Rhipicephalus annulatus (n = 17) and Ixodes ricinus (n = 9) ticks and one individual female Haemaphysalis punctata tick. The generated partial flaB and glpQ sequences from qPCR-positive Rh. annulatus ticks exhibited the highest identities of 98.1-100% and 98.2% with Borrelia theileri and closely related undefined isolates. Additionally, in phylogenetic analysis, these sequences clustered within well-supported clades with B. theileri and the closely related undefined isolates from various geographic regions, confirming the presence of B. theileri in the north of Iran. Divergence in B. theileri flaB and glpQ sequences across various geographical areas suggests potential subspeciation driven by adaptations to different tick species. This divergence in our flaB sequences implies the possible introduction of B. theileri-infected ticks from different geographical origins into Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Milani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saied Reza Naddaf
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyyed Payman Ziapour
- Department of Parasitology, Zoonoses Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Amol, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Abbas Akhavan Sepahi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rohani
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Lilak AA, Pecor DB, Matulis G, Potter AM, Wofford RN, Kearney MF, Mitchell S, Jaradat F, Kano A, Zimmerman DM, Hassell JM, Kumsa B, Kamau M, Linton YM, von Fricken ME. Data release: targeted systematic literature search for tick and tick-borne pathogen distributions in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa from 1901 to 2020. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:84. [PMID: 38389097 PMCID: PMC10885379 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06086-4] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surveillance data documenting tick and tick-borne disease (TBD) prevalence is needed to develop risk assessments and implement control strategies. Despite extensive research in Africa, there is no standardized, comprehensive review. METHODS Here we tackle this knowledge gap, by producing a comprehensive review of research articles on ticks and TBD between 1901 and 2020 in Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Over 8356 English language articles were recovered. Our search strategy included 19 related MeSH terms. Articles were reviewed, and 331 met inclusion criteria. Articles containing mappable data were compiled into a standardized data schema, georeferenced, and uploaded to VectorMap. RESULTS Tick and pathogen matrixes were created, providing information on vector distributions and tick-pathogen associations within the six selected African countries. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a digital, mappable database of current and historical tick and TBD distributions across six countries in Africa, which can inform specific risk modeling, determine surveillance gaps, and guide future surveillance priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail A Lilak
- One Health Center of Excellence, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David B Pecor
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Graham Matulis
- One Health Center of Excellence, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alexander M Potter
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Stephanie Mitchell
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
| | | | - Arisa Kano
- George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Dawn M Zimmerman
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James M Hassell
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bersissa Kumsa
- Department of Pathology & Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Maureen Kamau
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Mpala Research Center, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Yvonne-Marie Linton
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael E von Fricken
- One Health Center of Excellence, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Zahid H, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Ateeq M, Tanaka T, Chang SC, Chen CC, Ali A. Argas persicus and Carios vespertilionis Ticks Infesting Ducks, Domestic Fowls and Bats in Pakistan: First Report on Molecular Survey and Phylogenetic Position of Borrelia anserina. Vet Sci 2023; 10:628. [PMID: 37888580 PMCID: PMC10610582 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100628] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Argasid ticks have the vectorial potential for transmitting disease-causing pathogens to avian hosts, resulting in economic losses that may not be fully estimated. Borrelia species are the responsible agents of borreliosis in poultry, animals and humans. Our previous studies have reported a high prevalence of Argas persicus infesting domestic fowls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. However, molecular screening and genetic characterization of Borrelia spp. in A. persicus have been neglected in Pakistan. In this study, we focused on the molecular epidemiology and genetic characterization of Borrelia spp. associated with A. persicus ticks infesting domestic fowls and ducks, and Carios vespertilionis infesting bats in selected districts of KP. Overall, 1818 ticks, including females (415; 23%), males (345; 19%), nymphs (475; 26%) and larvae (583; 32%), were collected from 27 locations in nine districts (Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Chitral, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur and Hangu) from domestic fowls, ducks and their shelters, and bats. A subset of 197 ticks was selected for DNA extraction and PCR to amplify fragments of the cytochrome c oxidase (cox) gene for ticks and flagellin B (flaB) for the detection and genetic characterization of associated Borrelia spp. Among these, only Borrelia anserina DNA was detected in 40 ticks (27.2%) of different life stages, where highest prevalence was found in female ticks (18; 45%), followed by nymphs (12; 30%), larvae (7; 17.5%) and males (3; 7.5%). Tick infestation in shelters (1081; 77%) was higher than on hosts (323; 23%). The resultant cox amplicons of A. persicus showed 100% identity with the same species reported from Pakistan, China, Iran, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Egypt and C. vespertilionis show 100% identity with the species reported from Pakistan, China, Japan, Kenya, Vietnam, Spain, Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Hungry, and clustered with the aforementioned species in the phylogenetic tree. The obtained Borrelia sequences showed 100% identity with B. anserina and revealed a close resemblance to the relapsing fever group and clustered in a monophyletic clade with B. anserina from India, Iran and Brazil in a phylogenetic tree. These results establish the first molecular characterization of B. anserina in A. persicus infesting domestic fowls and ducks in the region, as well as their shelters. To effectively control zoonotic consequences, country-wide surveillance research should be encouraged to screen soft ticks infesting various birds for associated pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafsa Zahid
- 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;
| | - Muhammad Ateeq
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan;
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
| | - Shun-Chung Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan;
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan;
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Vázquez-Guerrero E, González-Quiroz JL, Domínguez-López ML, Kneubehl AR, Krishnavajhala A, Curtis MW, Ponce-Mendoza A, Estrada-de Los Santos P, Lopez JE, Ibarra JA. New records of Ornithodoros turicata (Ixodida: Argasidae) in rural and urban sites in the Mexican states of Aguascalientes and Zacatecas indicate the potential for tick-borne relapsing fever. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:99-110. [PMID: 37584844 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00830-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Soft ticks from the Ornithodoros genus are vectors of relapsing fever (RF) spirochetes around the world. In Mexico, they were originally described in the 19th century. However, few recent surveillance studies have been conducted in Mexico, and regions where RF spirochetes circulate remain vague. Here, the presence of soft ticks in populated areas was assessed in two sites from the Mexican states of Aguascalientes and Zacatecas. Argasidae ticks were collected, identified by morphology and mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene sequencing, and tested for RF borreliae. The specimens in both sites were identified as Ornithodoros turicata but no RF spirochetes were detected. These findings emphasize the need to update the distribution of these ticks in multiple regions of Mexico and to determine the circulation of RF borreliosis in humans and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Vázquez-Guerrero
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Luis González-Quiroz
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - María Lilia Domínguez-López
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alexander R Kneubehl
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael W Curtis
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alejandro Ponce-Mendoza
- Comisión Nacional para el conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad, CONABIO, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Paulina Estrada-de Los Santos
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Job E Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - J Antonio Ibarra
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México.
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Comparative Analysis of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Spirochaetes from Ethiopia and Nigeria. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010081. [PMID: 36678428 PMCID: PMC9865995 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010081] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing reports of tick-borne diseases in Africa, remarkably, reports of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in Nigeria are lacking. Ornithodoros savignyi from Nigeria have been reported with the relapsing fever Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica. Conversely, in Ethiopia, the agent of relapsing fever is the louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) spirochaete Borrelia recurrentis with no TBRF reported to occur. A total of 389 Ornithodoros ticks, Ethiopia (N = 312) and Nigeria (N = 77), were sampled, together with 350 cattle, and 200 goat sera were collected from Nigeria. Samples were screened for Borrelia spp. by RT-PCR. Reactive samples were confirmed, then sequenced using flagellin B, 16S rRNA, and 16S-23S intergenic spacer region. The prevalence of Borrelia spp. in livestock was 3.8% (21/550) and 14% (3/21) after final molecular confirmation. Of 312 ticks from Ethiopia, 3.5% (11/312) were positive for Borrelia, with 36% (4/11) by conventional PCR. Sequencing revealed that the borreliae in soft ticks was C. B. kalaharica, whilst that found in animals was Borrelia theileri. Soft ticks were confirmed by sequencing 7% (22/312) and 12% (9/77) of the Ethiopian and Nigerian ticks, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these were Ornithodoros savignyi. This is the first evidence of C. B. kalaharica in Ethiopia and demonstrates the co-existence of TBRF in a country endemic to LBRF. Important, this might cause a diagnostic challenge given that LBRF is predominantly diagnosed by microscopy, which cannot differentiate these two spirochaetes. Furthermore, we report B. theileri in ruminants in Nigeria, which may also be of veterinary and economic importance.
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Qiu Y, Squarre D, Nakamura Y, Lau ACC, Moonga LC, Kawai N, Ohnuma A, Hayashida K, Nakao R, Yamagishi J, Sawa H, Namangala B, Kawabata H. Evidence of Borrelia theileri in Wild and Domestic Animals in the Kafue Ecosystem of Zambia. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2405. [PMID: 34835531 PMCID: PMC8624021 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Borrelia are arthropod-borne spirochetes that are human and animal pathogens. Vertebrate hosts, including wild animals, are pivotal to the circulation and maintenance of Borrelia spirochetes. However, information on Borrelia spirochetes in vertebrate hosts in Zambia is limited. Thus, we aimed to investigate the presence of Borrelia spirochetes in wild animals and cattle in Zambia. A total of 140 wild animals of four species and 488 cattle DNA samples from /near the Kafue National Park were collected for real-time PCR screening, followed by characterization using three different genes with positive samples. Five impalas and 20 cattle tested positive using real-time PCR, and sequence analysis revealed that the detected Borrelia were identified to be Borrelia theileri, a causative agent of bovine borreliosis. This is the first evidence of Borrelia theileri in African wildlife and cattle in Zambia. Our results suggest that clinical differentiation between bovine borreliosis and other bovine diseases endemic in Zambia is required for better treatment and control measures. As this study only included wild and domestic animals in the Kafue ecosystem, further investigations in other areas and with more wildlife and livestock species are needed to clarify a comprehensive epidemiological status of Borrelia theileri in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Qiu
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - David Squarre
- Wildlife Diseases Unit, Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka P.O. Box 50060, Zambia;
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yukiko Nakamura
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
| | - Alice C. C. Lau
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan;
| | - Lavel Chinyama Moonga
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
| | - Naoko Kawai
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
| | - Aiko Ohnuma
- Technical Office, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan;
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Boniface Namangala
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
| | - Hiroki Kawabata
- Laboratory of Systemic Infection, Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan;
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9
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Ouchene N, Nebbak A, Ouchene-Khelifi NA, Dahmani A, Zeroual F, Khelef D, Bitam I, Benakhla A, Parola P. Molecular detection of avian spirochete Borrelia anserina in Argas persicus ticks in Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 68:101408. [PMID: 31896047 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Argasid ticks are one of the most important poultry ectoparasites. They affect poultry directly through blood meal and indirectly through the transmission of pathogens essentially Borrelia anserina, agent of avian borreliosis, one of the most widespread poultry diseases in the world, and is of great economic importance. This study was conducted between April 2014 and March 2015 in the region of Ksar El Boukhari, Algeria, in order to investigate the presence of soft ticks in laying hen farms and to detect B. anserina bacteria using molecular tools. DNA was extracted and screened for the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Borrelia spp. screening was performed using primers and probe targeting the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 83 traditional laying hen farms were visited, of which 39 (46.98 %) were found infested with A. persicus tick. Molecular analysis revealed that 2/34 (5.88 %) of ticks were infected by B. anserina. None of the ticks tested were positive for Rickettsia spp., and Coxiella burnetii. These results constitute the first report in Algeria of A. persicus harboring B. anserina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassim Ouchene
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université SAAD Dahlab-Blida1, 09000 Blida, Algeria
| | - Amira Nebbak
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Bou Ismail, Tipaza, Algeria
| | | | - Ali Dahmani
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université SAAD Dahlab-Blida1, 09000 Blida, Algeria
| | - Fayçal Zeroual
- Département des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf, 36000 El Tarf, BP 73, Algeria
| | - Djamel Khelef
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire, Rue Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Alger, Algeria
| | - Idir Bitam
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, IHU Méditerranée Infection, VITROME, Marseille, France; Ecole Supérieure en Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaires (ESSAIA), El Harrach, Alger, Algeria
| | - Ahmed Benakhla
- Département des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf, 36000 El Tarf, BP 73, Algeria
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, IHU Méditerranée Infection, VITROME, Marseille, France.
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10
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Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) caused by the bacteria Borrelia, is poorly documented in veterinary medicine. Given the widespread presence of the soft tick vectors - Ornithodoros and the recently discovered hard tick vectors, as well as their close association with animal hosts, it is highly likely that infection occurs, but is rarely reported to be of veterinary importance. Sporadic reports of canine infection, some being fatal through to probable cause of abortion in horses have been published. Some of these pathogens exist in regions where there are limited diagnostic facilities, hence, they are likely to be missed and their impact on productivity may be unquantified. Here we review available literatures on cases of TBRF in domestic and wild animals in order to show their potential veterinary medical impact. Future efforts using field and laboratory surveys are needed to determine pathogenesis, vector competence and distribution in animals, their impact on animal health and productivity as well as to prevent further spill to the human population, where it is already a public health problem in some parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusirat Elelu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive MedicineUniversity of IlorinIlorinKwara StateNigeria
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11
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Ornithodoros savignyi, the Tick Vector of "Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica" in Nigeria. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.00532-18. [PMID: 29950331 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00532-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endemic tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) has not been documented in Nigeria, yet clinically compatible cases have been described, and soft tick species are endemic in surrounding countries. Consequently, our aim was to investigate if TBRF-associated Borrelia is present in Nigeria. To address this, we examined 49 soft tick pools to identify the tick species and to screen for Borrelia The tick species was revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplification and Sanger sequencing to be Ornithodoros savignyi, an aggressive, multihost, rapidly feeding species with significant veterinary impact. We detected a Borrelia organism in 3 of 49 pooled samples (6%). Molecular analysis of amplified 16S rRNA and flagellin genes and intragenic spacer fragments disclosed that this Borrelia organism was synonymous with the recently described organism "Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica," identified in a tourist returning to Germany from South Africa. Given the widespread endemic range of this tick vector, TBRF should be considered part of the differential diagnosis for patients with fever returning from arid areas of Africa and further afield.
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12
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Furuno K, Lee K, Itoh Y, Suzuki K, Yonemitsu K, Kuwata R, Shimoda H, Watarai M, Maeda K, Takano A. Epidemiological study of relapsing fever borreliae detected in Haemaphysalis ticks and wild animals in the western part of Japan. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174727. [PMID: 28362864 PMCID: PMC5375152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Borrelia comprises arthropod-borne bacteria, which are infectious agents in vertebrates. They are mainly transmitted by ixodid or argasid ticks. In Hokkaido, Japan, Borrelia spp. were found in deer and Haemaphysalis ticks between 2011 and 2013; however, the study was limited to a particular area. Therefore, in the present study, we conducted large-scale surveillance of ticks and wild animals in the western part of the main island of Japan. We collected 6,407 host-seeking ticks from two regions and 1,598 larvae obtained from 32 engorged female ticks and examined them to elucidate transovarial transmission. In addition, we examined whole blood samples from 190 wild boars and 276 sika deer, as well as sera from 120 wild raccoons. We detected Borrelia spp. in Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis megaspinosa, Haemaphysalis kitaokai, Haemaphysalis longicornis, and Haemaphysalis formosensis. In addition, we isolated a strain from H. megaspinosa using Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly medium. The minimum infection rate of ticks was less than 5%. Transovarial transmission was observed in H. kitaokai. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolated strain and DNA fragments amplified from ticks identified at least four bacterial genotypes, which corresponded to the tick species detected. Bacteria were detected in 8.4%, 15%, and 0.8% of wild boars, sika deer, and raccoons, respectively. In this study, we found seasonal differences in the prevalence of bacterial genotypes in sika deer during the winter and summer. The tick activity season corresponds to the season with a high prevalence of animals. The present study suggests that a particular bacterial genotype detected in this study are defined by a particular tick species in which they are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiwa Furuno
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kyunglee Lee
- Cetacean research institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Nam-gu, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yukie Itoh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | | | - Kenzo Yonemitsu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ryusei Kuwata
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimoda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahisa Watarai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ai Takano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
- * E-mail:
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13
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Bermúdez SE, Castillo E, Pohlenz TD, Kneubehl A, Krishnavajhala A, Domínguez L, Suárez A, López JE. New records of Ornithodoros puertoricensis Fox 1947 (Ixodida: Argasidae) parasitizing humans in rural and urban dwellings, Panama. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:466-469. [PMID: 28196664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The presence of ticks inside human constructions was evaluated in two localities from Colon province (Charco La Piedra and Espinar) and one from Panama province (Ancon, City of Panama). In two of houses, eight people from Charco La Piedra and one from Ancón reported "insect bites," which produced blisters for several weeks. The investigation resulted in the collection of argasid ticks, which were identified by morphology and sequencing the 16s ribosomal RNA gene, and later evaluated for the presence of relapsing fever Borrelia DNA. All ticks were identified as Ornithodoros puertoricensis. While spirochetal DNA was not detected by PCR in the ticks, our report highlights the potential for relapsing fever borreliosis in rural and urban localities in Panama.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E Bermúdez
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama.
| | - Eduardo Castillo
- Departamento de Control de Vectores, Ministerio de Salud, Colón, Panama
| | - Tyler D Pohlenz
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Kneubehl
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX, USA
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, TX, USA
| | - Lillian Domínguez
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama
| | - Antonio Suárez
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Tropicales, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama
| | - Job E López
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX, USA
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14
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Cutler SJ, Ruzic-Sabljic E, Potkonjak A. Emerging borreliae - Expanding beyond Lyme borreliosis. Mol Cell Probes 2016; 31:22-27. [PMID: 27523487 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (or Lyme disease) has become a virtual household term to the exclusion of other forgotten, emerging or re-emerging borreliae. We review current knowledge regarding these other borreliae, exploring their ecology, epidemiology and pathological potential, for example, for the newly described B. mayonii. These bacteria range from tick-borne, relapsing fever-inducing strains detected in some soft ticks, such as B. mvumii, to those from bat ticks resembling B. turicatae. Some of these emerging pathogens remain unnamed, such as the borrelial strains found in South African penguins and some African cattle ticks. Others, such as B. microti and unnamed Iranian strains, have not been recognised through a lack of discriminatory diagnostic methods. Technical improvements in phylogenetic methods have allowed the differentiation of B. merionesi from other borrelial species that co-circulate in the same region. Furthermore, we discuss members that challenge the existing dogma that Lyme disease-inducing strains are transmitted by hard ticks, whilst the relapsing fever-inducing spirochaetes are transmitted by soft ticks. Controversially, the genus has now been split with Lyme disease-associated members being transferred to Borreliella, whilst the relapsing fever species retain the Borrelia genus name. It took some 60 years for the correlation with clinical presentations now known as Lyme borreliosis to be attributed to their spirochaetal cause. Many of the borreliae discussed here are currently considered exotic curiosities, whilst others, such as B. miyamotoi, are emerging as significant causes of morbidity. To elucidate their role as potential pathogenic agents, we first need to recognise their presence through suitable diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Ruzic-Sabljic
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia
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15
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Abstract
Relapsing fever borreliae were notorious and feared infectious agents that earned their place in history through their devastating impact as causes of both epidemic and endemic infection. They are now considered more as an oddity, and their burden of infection is largely overshadowed by other infections such as malaria, which presents in a similar clinical way. Despite this, they remain the most common bacterial infection in some developing countries. Transmitted by soft ticks or lice, these fascinating spirochetes have evolved a myriad of mechanisms to survive within their diverse environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally J Cutler
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London E15 4LZ, UK.
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16
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New Borrelia species detected in ixodid ticks in Oromia, Ethiopia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:401-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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McCoy BN, Maïga O, Schwan TG. Detection of Borrelia theileri in Rhipicephalus geigyi from Mali. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:401-3. [PMID: 24709337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Disease burden within cattle is a concern around the world. Bovine borreliosis, one such disease, is caused by the spirochete Borrelia theileri transmitted by the bite of an infected Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) species tick. A number of species within the genus are capable of transmitting the agent and are found on multiple continents. Cattle in the West African nation of Mali are infested with four species of Rhipicephalus ticks of the subgenus Boophilus: Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, and Rhipicephalus geigyi. To date, no reports of B. theileri within Mali have been documented. We tested 184 Rhipicephalus spp. ticks by PCR that were removed from cattle at a market near Bamako, Mali. One tick, R. geigyi, was positive for B. theileri, which confirmed the presence of this spirochete in Mali.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandi N McCoy
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA.
| | - Ousmane Maïga
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Tom G Schwan
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
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18
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Abstract
The study of relapsing fever borreliae in Africa has long suffered from the use of non-specific laboratory tools for the direct detection of these spirochetes in clinical and vector specimens. Accordingly, Borrelia hispanica, Borrelia crocidurae, Borrelia duttonii, and Borrelia recurrentis have traditionally been distinguished on the basis of geography and vector and the unproven hypothesis that each species was exclusive to one vector. The recent sequencing of three relapsing fever Borrelia genomes in our laboratory prompted the development of more specific tools and a reappraisal of the epidemiology in Africa. Five additional potential species still need to be cultured from clinical and vector sources in East Africa to further assess their uniqueness. Here, we review the molecular evidence of relapsing fever borreliae in hosts and ectoparasites in Africa and explore the diversity, geographical distribution, and vector association of these pathogens for Africans and travelers to Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Elbir
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UMR63 CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France.
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19
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Mediannikov O, Abdissa A, Socolovschi C, Diatta G, Trape JF, Raoult D. Detection of a new Borrelia species in ticks taken from cattle in Southwest Ethiopia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:266-9. [PMID: 23421894 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We collected 284 ticks in Ethiopia (109 Amblyomma cohaerens, 173 Rhipicephalus decoloratus, and 2 Rhipicephalus praetextatus). We found no rickettsiae and bartonellae. In 7.3% of the A. cohaerens, we found a Borrelia sp. that may represent a new species distant from both relapsing fever group and Lyme borreliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Mediannikov
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes: URMITE CNRS-IRD 198 UMR 6236; a Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
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20
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Pader V, Buniak JN, Abdissa A, Adamu H, Tolosa T, Gashaw A, Cutler RR, Cutler SJ. Candidatus Rickettsia hoogstraalii in Ethiopian Argas persicus ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 3:338-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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