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Smit A, Mulandane FC, Wójcik SH, Malabwa C, Sili G, Mandara S, Vineer HR, Dlamkile Z, Stoltsz WH, Morar-Leather D, Makepeace BL, Neves L. Infection Rates and Characterisation of Rickettsia africae (Rickettsiaceae) Detected in Amblyomma Species from Southern Africa. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1663. [PMID: 39203504 PMCID: PMC11357051 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12081663] [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: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are considered among the oldest known vector-borne zoonotic diseases. Among the rickettsiae, Rickettsia africae is the most reported and important in Africa, as it is the aetiological agent of African tick bite fever (ATBF). Studies describing the prevalence of R. africae in southern Africa are fragmented, as they are limited to small geographical areas and focused on Amblyomma hebraeum and Amblyomma variegatum as vectors. Amblyomma spp. ticks were collected in Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe during the sampling period from March 2020 to September 2022. Rickettsia africae was detected using the ompA gene, while characterisation was conducted using omp, ompA, ompB and gltA genes. In total, 7734 Amblyomma spp. ticks were collected and were morphologically and molecularly identified as Amblyomma eburneum, A. hebraeum, Amblyomma pomposum and A. variegatum. Low levels of variability were observed in the phylogenetic analysis of the R. africae concatenated genes. The prevalence of R. africae ranged from 11.7% in South Africa to 35.7% in Zambia. This is one of the largest studies on R. africae prevalence in southern Africa and highlights the need for the inclusion of ATBF as a differential diagnosis when inhabitants and travellers present with flu-like symptoms in the documented countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andeliza Smit
- Ticks Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; (S.H.W.); (Z.D.); (W.H.S.); (D.M.-L.); (L.N.)
| | | | - Stephané H. Wójcik
- Ticks Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; (S.H.W.); (Z.D.); (W.H.S.); (D.M.-L.); (L.N.)
| | - Choolwe Malabwa
- Central Veterinary Research Institute, Lusaka P.O. Box 33980, Zambia;
| | - Gourgelia Sili
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Huambo P.O. Box 2458, Angola;
| | - Stephen Mandara
- Department of Animal Production Sciences, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Marondera P.O. Box 35, Zimbabwe;
| | - Hannah Rose Vineer
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK;
| | - Zinathi Dlamkile
- Ticks Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; (S.H.W.); (Z.D.); (W.H.S.); (D.M.-L.); (L.N.)
| | - Wilhelm H. Stoltsz
- Ticks Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; (S.H.W.); (Z.D.); (W.H.S.); (D.M.-L.); (L.N.)
| | - Darshana Morar-Leather
- Ticks Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; (S.H.W.); (Z.D.); (W.H.S.); (D.M.-L.); (L.N.)
| | - Benjamin L. Makepeace
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK;
| | - Luis Neves
- Ticks Research Group, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; (S.H.W.); (Z.D.); (W.H.S.); (D.M.-L.); (L.N.)
- Biotechnology Centre, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo 1102, Mozambique;
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Khumalo CS, Mulavu M, Changula K, Mubemba B, Bubala N, Martin AC, Ng'ombwa IB, Nalubamba KS, Chitanga S, Muleya W, Simulundu E. Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of Rickettsia in ticks collected from leopard tortoise ( Geochelone pardalis) in rural Zambia. SCIENCE IN ONE HEALTH 2024; 3:100074. [PMID: 39262844 PMCID: PMC11388670 DOI: 10.1016/j.soh.2024.100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises. Here, we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks (Amblyomma marmoreum) collected from the leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) in rural Zambia. Using polymerase chain reaction, 56% (49/87) of ticks were positive for the Rickettsia outer membrane protein (ompB) gene. Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the ompB, ompA, and citrate synthase (gltA) genes showed that the ticks carried R. africae, and other Rickettsia spp. closely related to R . raoultii, R . massiliae, R . tamurae and R . monacensis. Given the proximity between humans, livestock, and wildlife in these habitats, there exists a considerable risk of transmission of zoonotic Rickettsia to human populations in this rural setting. These results call for heightened awareness and further research into the dynamics of tick-borne diseases in regions where humans and animals coexist, particularly in the context of tortoise-associated ticks as vectors. Understanding and addressing these potential disease vectors is crucial for effective public health measures and the prevention of Rickettsia zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Sipho Khumalo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Malala Mulavu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Katendi Changula
- Paraclinical Sciences Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia
| | | | - Anne C Martin
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - King Shimumbo Nalubamba
- Clinical Studies Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Preclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Zambia
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Moravedji M, Latifian M, Rahravani M, Mostafavi E, Seyfi H, Mohammadi M, Mozoun MM, Stenos J, Esmaeili S. Detection of Various Rickettsial Species in Ticks Collected from Small Ruminants in Western Iran. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 38856658 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2024.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Most of the rickettsioses are transmitted by ticks, and often overlooked by the medical profession, but are clinically important as they cause major human diseases. Recent studies have shown the existence of some rickettsial species in Iran, but very little information is available about the status of rickettsial epidemiology and ecology. This study investigated the presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks and ruminants in western of Iran by molecular methods. Materials and Methods: 250 blood samples were collected from sheep and goats, as well as 244 ticks were collected opportunistically from ruminants in the Kurdistan province. The collected samples were tested using a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the Rickettsia 16SrRNA gene. Rickettsia spp. positive by the qPCR were further amplified by conventional PCR of the gltA and OmpA genes. These ampliqons were further analyzed by sequencing. Results: The ticks species collected in this study included Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rh. turanicus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and Dermacentor marginatus. In total, DNA of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 131 collected ticks (53.7%). Of the positives, Rickettsia slovaca (59.2%) and Ri. hoogstraalii (16.3%) were the most common species identified followed by Ri. raoultii, Ri. massiliae, Ri. sibirica, and Ri. conorii subsp. israelensis. In contrast, there were no positives observed in the blood samples collected from ruminants. Conclusion: The results indicate the presence of rickettsial species in ticks. The detection of these pathogens is significant because they cause clinical disease in humans. The results support the notion that the Iranian public health system needs to be more aware of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Moravedji
- Department of Veterinary, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mina Latifian
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rahravani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Seyfi
- Department of Veterinary, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Mohammadi
- Department of Veterinary, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong 3220, VIC, Australia
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Habib J, Zenner L, Garel M, Mercier A, Poirel MT, Itty C, Appolinaire J, Amblard T, Benedetti P, Sanchis F, Benabed S, Abi Rizk G, Gibert P, Bourgoin G. Prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from the wild mountain ungulates mouflon and chamois in 4 regions of France. Parasite 2024; 31:21. [PMID: 38602373 PMCID: PMC11008225 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are major vectors of various pathogens of health importance, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. The problems associated with ticks and vector-borne pathogens are increasing in mountain areas, particularly in connection with global climate change. We collected ticks (n = 2,081) from chamois and mouflon in 4 mountainous areas of France. We identified 6 tick species: Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rh. sanguineus s.l., Haemaphysalis sulcata, H. punctata and Dermacentor marginatus. We observed a strong variation in tick species composition among the study sites, linked in particular to the climate of the sites. We then analysed 791 ticks for DNA of vector-borne pathogens: Babesia/Theileria spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. ovis, and Rickettsia of the spotted fever group (SFG). Theileria ovis was detected only in Corsica in Rh. bursa. Babesia venatorum (2 sites), Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (B. afzelii and B. garinii; 2 sites) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (3 sites) were detected in I. ricinus. Anaplasma ovis was detected at one site in I. ricinus and Rh. sanguineus s.l. SFG Rickettsia were detected at all the study sites: R. monacensis and R. helvetica in I. ricinus at the 3 sites where this tick is present; R. massiliae in Rh. sanguineus s.l. (1 site); and R. hoogstraalii and Candidatus R. barbariae in Rh. bursa in Corsica. These results show that there is a risk of tick-borne diseases for humans and domestic and wild animals frequenting these mountain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Habib
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
- Université Libanaise, Faculté d’Agronomie et de Médecine Vétérinaire, Département de Médecine Vétérinaire 3 rue de l'université Beyrouth Lebanon
| | - Lionel Zenner
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Mathieu Garel
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Anthropisation et Fonctionnement des Écosystèmes Terrestres 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin 38610 Gières France
| | - Antoine Mercier
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Poirel
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Christian Itty
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Appui aux Acteurs et Mobilisation des Territoires, Direction Régionale Occitanie 7 rue du Four, Fagairolles 34610 Castanet-le-Haut France
| | - Joël Appolinaire
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Anthropisation et Fonctionnement des Écosystèmes Terrestres 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin 38610 Gières France
| | - Thibaut Amblard
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Anthropisation et Fonctionnement des Écosystèmes Terrestres 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin 38610 Gières France
| | - Pierre Benedetti
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Unité Espaces Naturels de Corse Funtanella 20218 Moltifao France
| | - Frédéric Sanchis
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Unité Espaces Naturels de Corse Funtanella 20218 Moltifao France
| | - Slimania Benabed
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Georges Abi Rizk
- Université Libanaise, Faculté d’Agronomie et de Médecine Vétérinaire, Département de Médecine Vétérinaire 3 rue de l'université Beyrouth Lebanon
| | - Philippe Gibert
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Anthropisation et Fonctionnement des Écosystèmes Terrestres 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin 38610 Gières France
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
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Aneela A, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Ahmed H, Tanaka T, da Silva Vaz I, Chang SC, Chen CC, Ali A. Molecular Detection of Rickettsia hoogstraalii in Hyalomma anatolicum and Haemaphysalis sulcata: Updated Knowledge on the Epidemiology of Tick-Borne Rickettsia hoogstraalii. Vet Sci 2023; 10:605. [PMID: 37888557 PMCID: PMC10611279 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens to animals and humans. Updated knowledge regarding the global epidemiology of tick-borne Rickettsia hoogstraalii is dispersed, and its molecular detection and genetic characterization are missing in Pakistan. The current study objectives were to molecularly detect and genetically characterize Rickettsia species, especially R. hoogstraalii, in hard ticks infesting livestock in Pakistan, and to provide updated knowledge regarding their global epidemiology. Ticks were collected from livestock, including goats, sheep, and cattle, in six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. Overall, 183 hosts were examined, of which 134 (73.2%), including goats (number = 39/54, 72.2%), sheep (23/40, 57.5%), and cattle (71/89, 80%) were infested by 823 ticks. The most prevalent tick species was Rhipicephalus microplus (number = 283, 34.3%), followed by Hyalomma anatolicum (223, 27.0%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (122, 14.8%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (104, 12.6%), Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (66, 8.0%), and Haemaphysalis bispinosa (25, 3.03%). A subset of 210 ticks was selected and screened for Rickettsia spp. using PCR-based amplification and subsequent sequencing of rickettsial gltA and ompB fragments. The overall occurrence rate of R. hoogstraalii was 4.3% (number = 9/210). The DNA of Rickettsia was detected in Hy. anatolicum (3/35, 8.5%) and Ha. sulcata (6/49, 12.2%). However, no rickettsial DNA was detected in Rh. microplus (35), Rh. turanicus (35), Ha. montgomeryi (42), and Ha. bispinosa (14). The gltA and ompB fragments showed 99-100% identity with R. hoogstraalii and clustered phylogenetically with the corresponding species from Pakistan, Italy, Georgia, and China. R. hoogstraalii was genetically characterized for the first time in Pakistan and Hy. anatolicum globally. Further studies should be encouraged to determine the role of ticks in the maintenance and transmission of R. hoogstraalii in different hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneela Aneela
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan;
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia and Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil;
| | - 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 71710, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
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Gafarova MT, Eremeeva ME. History and Current Status of Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) in the Crimean Peninsula and Neighboring Regions along the Black Sea Coast. Pathogens 2023; 12:1161. [PMID: 37764969 PMCID: PMC10536518 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091161] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a tick-borne rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia conorii subspecies conorii and transmitted to humans by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. The disease was first discovered in Tunisia in 1910 and was subsequently reported from other Mediterranean countries. The first cases of MSF in the former Soviet Union were detected in 1936 on the Crimean Peninsula. This review summarizes the historic information and main features of MSF in that region and contemporary surveillance and control efforts for this rickettsiosis. Current data pertinent to the epidemiology of the disease, circulation of the ticks and distribution of animal hosts are discussed and compared for each of the countries in the Black Sea basin where MSF occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muniver T. Gafarova
- S.I. Georgievsky Medical Academy (Academic Unit), V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, 295051 Simferopol, Russia
| | - Marina E. Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA
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Bilgiç HB, Hacilarlioğlu S, Pekağirbaş M, Karagenç T, Eren H, Bakirci S. In vitro feeding of Hyalomma excavatum and Hyalomma marginatum tick species. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07867-7. [PMID: 37178257 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07867-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The rearing of ticks is an important technique for studies aiming to elucidate the course and pathogenesis of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). TBDs caused by protozoans (Theileria, Babesia) and bacteria (Anaplasma/Ehrlichia) impose a serious constraint upon livestock health and production in tropical and sub-tropical regions where the distributions of host, pathogen, and vector overlap. This study focuses on Hyalomma marginatum, one of the most important Hyalomma species in the Mediterranean region, being a vector of the virus that causes Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in humans, together with H. excavatum, a vector of Theileria annulata, an important protozoan of cattle. The adaptation of ticks to feeding on artificial membranes allows the creation of model systems that can be put to use examining the underlying mechanisms of pathogen transmission by ticks. Silicone membranes, in particular, offer researchers the flexibility to adjust membrane thickness and content during artificial feeding. The aim of the present study was to develop an artificial feeding technique using silicone-based membranes for all developmental stages of H. excavatum and H. marginatum ticks. Attachment rates after feeding on silicone membranes for females H. marginatum and H. excavatum were 8.33% (8/96) and 7.95% (7/88), respectively. The use of cow hair as a stimulant increased the attachment rate of H. marginatum adults in comparison to other stimulants. The engorgement of H. marginatum and H. excavatum females took 20.5 and 23 days with average weights of 307.85 and 260.64 mg, respectively. Although both tick species could complete egg-laying, and this was followed by hatching of larvae; their larvae and nymphs could not be fed artificially. Taken together, the results of the present study clearly indicate that silicone membranes are suitable for feeding of H. excavatum and H. marginatum adult ticks, supporting engorgement, laying of eggs, and hatching of the larvae. They thus represent a versatile tool for studying transmission mechanisms of tick-borne pathogens. Further studies are warranted to examine attachment and feeding behaviours in order to increase the success of artificial feeding of larvae and nymphal stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Bilgin Bilgiç
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı-Efeler, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Selin Hacilarlioğlu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı-Efeler, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Metin Pekağirbaş
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı-Efeler, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Tülin Karagenç
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı-Efeler, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Hasan Eren
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı-Efeler, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Serkan Bakirci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Isıklı-Efeler, Aydın, Türkiye.
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8
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Khan SM, Khan M, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Numan M, Ullah S, Obaid MK, Islam ZU, Ahmed H, Tanaka T, Ali A. Phylogenetic Position of Haemaphysalis kashmirensis and Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, with Notes on Rickettsia spp. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020360. [PMID: 36833287 PMCID: PMC9956137 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite high diversity in the Oriental region, ticks of the genus Haemaphysalis have been neglected regarding their genetic data and vector potential. This study aimed to genetically characterize three species of the genus Haemaphysalis: Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, Haemaphysalis kashmirensis, and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi infesting goats and sheep, and Rickettsia spp. associated with these tick species in the Hindu Kush Himalayan range of Pakistan. Altogether, 834 ticks were collected by examining 120 hosts including goats (64/120, 53.3%) and sheep (56/120, 46.6%), in which 86 (71.6%) hosts were found to be tick-infested. The morphologically identified ticks were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR for the amplification of partial 16S rDNA and cox fragments. Rickettsia spp. associated with the collected ticks were detected through the amplification of gltA, ompA and ompB partial fragments. The 16S rDNA of H. cornupunctata and H. montgomeryi showed a maximum identity of 100% with the sequences of the same species, whereas the 16S rDNA of H. kashmirensis showed the highest identity of 93-95% with Haemaphysalis sulcata. The cox sequence of H. montgomeryi displayed 100% identity with the same species. In comparison, the cox sequences of H. cornupunctata and H. kashmirensis showed maximum identities of 87.65-89.22% with Haemaphysalis punctata and 89.34% with H. sulcata, respectively. The gltA sequence of Rickettsia sp. from H. kashmirensis showed the highest identity of 97.89% with Rickettsia conorii subsp. raoultii, while the ompA and ompB fragments from the same DNA samples revealed 100% and 98.16% identity with Rickettsia sp. and "Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii", respectively. Another gltA sequence amplified from H. montgomeryi ticks showed 100% identity with Rickettsia hoogstraalii, while the attempts to amplify ompA and ompB for R. hoogstraalii were unsuccessful. In the phylogenetic tree, the 16S rDNA of H. cornupunctata clustered with the corresponding species while its cox clustered with H. punctata. Both 16S rDNA and cox sequences of H. kashmirensis clustered with H. sulcata. The gltA sequence of Rickettsia sp. was clustered individually in the spotted fever (SF) group of Rickettsia, while the gltA sequence of R. hoogstraalii was clustered with the same species in the transition group of Rickettsia. In the SF group, the rickettsial ompA and ompB sequence clustered with undetermined Rickettsia sp. and "Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii", respectively. This is the earliest study regarding the genetic characterization of H. kashmirensis. This study indicated that ticks belong to the genus Haemaphysalis have the potential of harboring and/or transmitting Rickettsia spp. in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Masood Khan
- 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
| | - Muhmmad Numan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | | | - Zia Ul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
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9
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Yessinou RE, Cazan CD, Panait LC, Mollong E, Biguezoton AS, Bonnet SI, Farougou S, Groschup MH, Mihalca AD. New geographical records for tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:345-352. [PMID: 36508582 PMCID: PMC9856996 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods capable of transmitting a great variety of endemic and emerging pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo. METHODS Overall, 396 (148 males, 205 females and 43 nymphs) ticks were collected from cattle in 17 districts (Benin and Togo) between 2019 and 2020. Ticks were pooled into groups of 2-6 ticks per pool according to individual host, location, species and developmental stage. The DNA of each pool was extracted for molecular screening. RESULTS PCR results revealed that 20 tick pools were positive for Bartonella spp. (Benin and Togo) and 23 tick pools positive for Rickettsia spp. (Benin), while all pools were negative for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. Sequence analysis of positive Rickettsia samples revealed the presence of Rickettsia aeschlimannii. CONCLUSIONS The present study highlights the presence of zoonotic agents in ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo. This information will raise awareness of tick-borne diseases among physicians and veterinarians, stimulate further studies to monitor these pathogens, and advise on necessary measures to control the spread of these zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Eric Yessinou
- Communicable Disease Research Unit (URMaT)University of Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic DiseasesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj‐NapocaCluj‐NapocaRomania
- CDS‐9, Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology UnitFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj‐NapocaCluj‐NapocaRomania
| | - Luciana Cătălina Panait
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic DiseasesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj‐NapocaCluj‐NapocaRomania
| | - Eyabana Mollong
- Laboratory of Applied EntomologySection: Agro‐Resources Protection, Faculty of SciencesUniversity of LomeLomeTogo
| | - Abel S. Biguezoton
- Unité Maladies à Vecteurs et Biodiversité (UMaVeB)Centre International de Recherche‐Développement sur l'Elevage en zone Subhumide (CIRDES)Bobo‐DioulassoBurkina Faso
| | - Sarah Irène Bonnet
- Functional Genetics of Infectious Diseases UnitInstitut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000Université de Paris, Paris 7France
- Animal Health DepartmentNouzillyFrance
| | - Souaïbou Farougou
- Communicable Disease Research Unit (URMaT)University of Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Friedrich‐Loeffler‐Insitut (FLI)Federal Research Institute for Animal HealthInstitute of Novel and Emerging Infectious DiseasesGreifswald‐Insel RiemsGermany
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic DiseasesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj‐NapocaCluj‐NapocaRomania
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10
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Ghallab EH, Yousery A, Shaalan MG. Descriptive DNA barcoding of Argas (Persicargas) arboreus and Argas (Persicargas) persicus ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae) infesting birds in Egypt. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 88:397-406. [PMID: 36459311 PMCID: PMC9732060 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00768-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Argas ticks are primary parasites of birds with veterinary importance. Nevertheless, these ticks have received little attention regarding molecular identification studies. DNA barcoding is a powerful technique for identifying tick species besides traditional morphological identification. The present work is a first effort to divulge DNA sequences of Argas (Persicargas) arboreus from Egypt and worldwide. We used cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from A. arboreus infesting herons, and from the fowl tick Argas (Persicargas) persicus. Our results pointed out another success for the Folmer primers that are widely used in DNA barcoding, permitting the discrimination of morphologically similar A. arboreus and A. persicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enas H Ghallab
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia Square, El-Khalifa El-Maamoun Street, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
| | - Ayat Yousery
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia Square, El-Khalifa El-Maamoun Street, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Mona G Shaalan
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia Square, El-Khalifa El-Maamoun Street, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
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11
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Orkun Ö. Comprehensive screening of tick-borne microorganisms indicates that a great variety of pathogens are circulating between hard ticks (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae) and domestic ruminants in natural foci of Anatolia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102027. [PMID: 35970093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Grazing domestic ruminants serve as important reservoirs and/or amplificatory hosts in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and tick vectors in the natural foci; however, many enzootic life cycles including ruminants and ticks are still unknown. This study investigated a wide range of TBPs circulating among ticks and grazing ruminants in the natural foci of Anatolia, Turkey. Tick specimens (n = 1815) were collected from cattle, sheep, and goats in three ecologically distinct areas (wooded, transitional, and semi-arid zones) of Anatolia and identified by species: Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupense, Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, and Rhipicephalus turanicus. PCR-sequencing analyses revealed TBPs of great diversity, with 32 different agents identified in the ticks: six Babesia spp. (Babesia occultans, Babesia crassa, Babesia microti, Babesia rossi, Babesia sp. tavsan1, and Babesia sp. Ucbas); four Theileria spp., including one putative novel species (Theileria annulata, Theileria orientalis, Theileria ovis, and Theileria sp.); one Hepatozoon sp.; four Anaplasma spp., including one novel genotype (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, and Anaplasma sp.); six unnamed Ehrlichia spp. genotypes; Neoehrlichia mikurensis; nine spotted fever group rickettsiae, including one putative novel species (Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia monacensis with strain IRS3, Rickettsia mongolitimonae, Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia goldwasserii, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, and Rickettsia sp.); and Borrelia valaisiana. Detailed phylogenetic analyses showed that some of the detected pathogens represent more than one haplotype, potentially relating to the tick species or the host. Additionally, the presence of Neoehrlichia mikurensis, an emerging pathogen for humans, was reported for the first time in Turkey, expanding its geographical distribution. Consequently, this study describes some previously unknown tick-borne protozoan and bacterial species/genotypes and provides informative epidemiological data on TBPs, which are related to animal and human health, serving the one health concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
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12
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Güvendi M, Can H, Köseoğlu AE, Erkunt Alak S, Kandemir Ç, Taşkın T, Sürgeç E, Demir S, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Karakavuk M, Gül A, Döşkaya M, Gürüz AY, Ün C. Investigation of the genetic diversity and flea-borne pathogens in Ctenocephalides felis samples collected from goats in İzmir and Şanlıurfa provinces of Turkey. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 90-91:101896. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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A Systematic Review of the Distribution of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Wild Animals and Their Ticks in the Mediterranean Rim between 2000 and 2021. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091858. [PMID: 36144460 PMCID: PMC9504443 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091858] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) can be divided into three groups: bacteria, parasites, and viruses. They are transmitted by a wide range of tick species and cause a variety of human, animal, and zoonotic diseases. A total of 148 publications were found on tick-borne pathogens in wild animals, reporting on 85 species of pathogens from 35 tick species and 17 wild animal hosts between 2000 and February 2021. The main TBPs reported were of bacterial origin, including Anaplasma spp. and Rickettsia spp. A total of 72.2% of the TBPs came from infected ticks collected from wild animals. The main tick genus positive for TBPs was Ixodes. This genus was mainly reported in Western Europe, which was the focus of most of the publications (66.9%). It was followed by the Hyalomma genus, which was mainly reported in other areas of the Mediterranean Rim. These TBPs and TBP-positive tick genera were reported to have come from a total of 17 wild animal hosts. The main hosts reported were game mammals such as red deer and wild boars, but small vertebrates such as birds and rodents were also found to be infected. Of the 148 publications, 12.8% investigated publications on Mediterranean islands, and 36.8% of all the TBPs were reported in seven tick genera and 11 wild animal hosts there. The main TBP-positive wild animals and tick genera reported on these islands were birds and Hyalomma spp. Despite the small percentage of publications focusing on ticks, they reveal the importance of islands when monitoring TBPs in wild animals. This is especially true for wild birds, which may disseminate their ticks and TBPs along their migration path.
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14
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Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. Diversity in Ticks and the First Report of Rickettsia hoogstraalii in Romania. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070343. [PMID: 35878360 PMCID: PMC9317755 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ticks are important parasites that feed on the blood of various host species, representing the most important arthropods transmitting diseases in Europe. Continuous changes in both tick distribution and abundance are related to multiple factors, including climate change. These changes have strong implications for both animal and human health; therefore, continuous surveillance of tickborne diseases is required for an appropriate evaluation of the potential risks faced by animals and humans in a given area. The spotted fever group Rickettsia comprises a large number of zoonotic agents with an increasing importance recognized in the last 30 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate these bacteria in ticks in Romania. Five Rickettsia species were identified in different tick species, with new pathogen–tick associations reported. Rickettsia hoogstraalii, one member of this group, was detected for the first time in Romania and in Rhipicephalus rossicus ticks. This species was first described in 2006 in Croatia, and its pathogenicity is not well known. In addition, the detection of R. raoultii and R. monacensis in unfed larvae of Haemaphysalis punctata reinforce the hypothesis of transmission of Rickettsia from female ticks to larvae; therefore the bite of larvae could pose a health risk. Abstract Tickborne bacterial pathogens have been described worldwide as risk factors for both animal and human health. Spotted fevers caused by Rickettsiae may cause non-specific symptoms, which make clinical diagnosis difficult. The aim of the current study was to evaluate and review the diversity of SFG Rickettsiae in ticks collected in 41 counties in Romania. A total of 2028 questing and engorged ticks collected in Romania belonging to five species were tested by PCR amplification of Rickettsia spp. gltA and 17-D gene fragments: Ixodes ricinus (n = 1128), Dermacentor marginatus (n = 507), D. reticulatus (n = 165), Rhipicephalus rossicus (n = 128) and Haemaphysalis punctata (n = 100). Five Rickettsia species were identified following DNA sequence analysis: R. helvetica, R. monacensis, R. slovaca, R. raoultii, and R. hoogstraalii. The most common species detected was R. monacensis. Moreover, R. hoogstraalii was detected for the first time in Romania and in R. rossicus ticks. The detection of R. raoultii and R. monacensis in questing larvae of Hae. punctata suggests the possible transovarial transmission of these Rickettsia species in ticks. The detection of R. hoogstraalii for the first time in Romania increases the reported SFG Rickettsia diversity in the country.
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15
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Distribution of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Animals and Their Ticks in the Countries of the Mediterranean Basin between 2000 and 2021: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061236. [PMID: 35744755 PMCID: PMC9228937 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) include a wide range of bacteria, parasites and viruses that cause a large spectrum of animal, human and zoonotic tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The object of this review was to establish an inventory and an analysis of TBPs found in domestic animals in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin. This geographic area occupies a central position between several continents and is an area of movement for animals, humans and pathogens of interest and their vectors, which is important in terms of animal and human health. In this systematic review, we included a total of 271 publications produced between 2000–2021 concerning TBPs in domestic animals. Among this literature, we found a total of 90 pathogen species (known as TBPs) reported in the 20 countries of the area; these were detected in tick species from domestic animals and were also directly detected in domestic animals. In all, 31 tick species were recorded and 12 domestic animal species, the latter comprising nine livestock and three pet species. More than 50% of the publications were from Western Europe. Island data were extracted and assessed, as islands of the Mediterranean Basin were represented in 16% of the publications and 77.8% of the TBPs reported. Our results show the importance of islands in the monitoring of TBPs, despite the low percentage of publications.
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16
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Orlova MV, Doronin IV, Klimov PB, Anisimov NV. A review of mites and ticks parasitizing rock lizards (Lacertidae: Darevskia). JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2022; 47:19-28. [PMID: 35366676 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-47.1.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rock lizards of the genus Darevskia are interesting research models due to their asexual reproduction. Ectoparasitic mites and ticks of these lizards are poorly known, despite some of these chelicerates being vector pathogens of humans and wildlife. Here we document and curate previously known data on ectoparasitic Acari of rock lizards and, based on our extensive survey, provide an annotated list of these ectoparasitic arthropods (six tick species, one macronyssid species, and seven chigger species). We also provide new host records (Ixodes ricinus on Darevskia caucasica, D. dryada, D. mixta, and D. szczerbaki; Haemaphysalis sulcata on D. rudis; Odontacarus saxicolis on D. brauneri); and new geographical records (O. saxicolis in Russia and Georgia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Orlova
- Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia. National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia,
| | - Igor V Doronin
- Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pavel B Klimov
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom
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17
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He YC, Li JX, Sun YL, Kang M, He HX, Guo YH, Ma P, Wei YP, Li RS, Chen WK, Chen ZH, Li J, Qi TS, Yang JF, Zhang QX, Wang Y, Cai JS, Zhao QB, Hu GW, Chen JY, Li Y. Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia Infecting Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), Yak (Bos grunniens), and Tibetan Sheep (Ovis aries) in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area, China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:779387. [PMID: 35211533 PMCID: PMC8861378 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.779387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Area (QTPA) has a complex natural ecosystem, causing a greatly increased risk of spreading various tick-borne diseases including rickettsial infections, which are regarded as one of the oldest known vector-borne zoonoses. However, the information of one of its pathogen, spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFG Rickettsia), is limited in tick vectors and animals in this area. Therefore, this study focused on the investigation of SFG Rickettsia in tick vectors, yaks (Bos grunniens), and Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) in the QTPA. A total of 1,000 samples were collected from nine sampling sites, including 425 of yaks, 309 of Tibetan sheep, 266 of ticks. By morphological examination, PCR, and sequencing, we confirmed the species of all collected ticks. All tick samples, all yak and Tibetan sheep blood samples were detected based on SFG Rickettsia ompA and sca4 gene. The results showed that all tick samples were identified to be Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, and the positive rates of SFG Rickettsia were 5.9% (25/425), 0.3% (1/309), and 54.1% (144/266) in yaks, Tibetan sheep, and ticks, respectively. All positive samples were sequenced, and BLASTn analysis of the ompA gene sequences of SFG Rickettsia showed that all positive samples from animals and ticks had 99.04–100% identity with yak and horse isolates from Qinghai Province, China. BLASTn analysis of the sca4 gene sequences of SFG Rickettsia showed that all positive samples had 97.60–98.72% identity with tick isolates from Ukraine. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis showed that all the SFG Rickettsia ompA and sca4 sequences obtained from this study belong to the same clade as Rickettsia raoultii isolated from livestock and ticks from China and other countries. Molecularly, this study detected and characterized SFG Rickettsia both in the tick vectors and animals, suggesting that the relationship between SFG Rickettsia, tick species and animal hosts should be explored to understand their interrelationships, which provide a theoretical basis for preventing control of this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Cai He
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ji-Xu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ya-Li Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Hong-Xuan He
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Born Diseases, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Hai Guo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yao-Ping Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Rui-Shan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Wang-Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jing Li
- Qinghai Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Xining, China
| | - Tong-Sheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jin-Fang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Qing-Xun Zhang
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Born Diseases, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Wang
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Born Diseases, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Shan Cai
- Qinghai Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Xining, China
| | - Quan-Bang Zhao
- Qinghai Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Xining, China
| | - Guang-Wei Hu
- Qinghai Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Xining, China
| | - Ji-Yong Chen
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Yushu, Yushu, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Li
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Norte AC, Harris DJ, Silveira D, Nunes CS, Núncio MS, Martínez EG, Giménez A, de Sousa R, Lopes de Carvalho I, Perera A. Diversity of microorganisms in Hyalomma aegyptium collected from spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) in North Africa and Anatolia. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1951-1962. [PMID: 34125999 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ticks carry a diverse community of microorganisms including non-pathogenic symbionts, commensals, and pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and fungi. The assessment of tick-borne microorganisms (TBM) in tortoises and their ticks is essential to understand their eco-epidemiology, and to map and monitor potential pathogens to humans and other animals. The aim of this study was to characterize the diversity of microorganisms found in ticks collected from the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) in North Africa and Anatolia. Ticks feeding on wild T. graeca were collected, and pathogens were screened by polymerase chain reaction using group-specific primers. In total, 131 adult Hyalomma aegyptium ticks were collected from 92 T. graeca in Morocco (n = 48), Tunisia (n = 2), Algeria (n = 70), and Turkey (n = 11). Bacteria and protozoa detected included Hemolivia mauritanica (22.9%), Midichloria mitochondrii (11.4%), relapsing-fever borreliae (8.4%), Ehrlichia spp. (7.6%), Rickettsia spp. (3.4%), Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (0.9%), Francisella spp. (0.9%), and Wolbachia spp. (0.8%). The characterization of Rickettsia included R. sibirica mongolitimonae (Algeria), R. aeschlimannii (Turkey), and R.africae (Morocco). Hemolivia mauritanica and Ehrlichia spp. prevalence varied significantly with the sampling region/country. We did not detect significant associations in microorganism presence within ticks, nor between microorganism presence and tick mitochondrial DNA haplogroups. This is the first report of Francisella persica-like, relapsing fever borreliae, M. mitochondrii, and Wolbachia spp. in H. aegyptium ticks collected from wild hosts from the South and Eastern Mediterranean region, and of R. sibirica mongolitimonae and R. africae in H. aegyptium from Algeria and Morocco, respectively. Given that T. graeca is a common species in commercial and non-commercial pet trade, the evaluation of the role of this species and its ticks as hosts for TBM is particularly relevant for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Norte
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - David James Harris
- CIBIO/InBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Diogo Silveira
- CIBIO/InBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Carolina Saramago Nunes
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Maria Sofia Núncio
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Eva Graciá Martínez
- Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain.,Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Andrés Giménez
- Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain.,Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Rita de Sousa
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes de Carvalho
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Ana Perera
- CIBIO/InBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
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19
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Qiu Y, Simuunza M, Kajihara M, Chambaro H, Harima H, Eto Y, Simulundu E, Squarre D, Torii S, Takada A, Hang'ombe BM, Sawa H, Sugimoto C, Nakao R. Screening of tick-borne pathogens in argasid ticks in Zambia: Expansion of the geographic distribution of Rickettsia lusitaniae and Rickettsia hoogstraalii and detection of putative novel Anaplasma species. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101720. [PMID: 33865179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks (Ixodidae and Argasidae) are important arthropod vectors of various pathogens that cause human and animal infectious diseases. Many previously published studies on tick-borne pathogens focused on those transmitted by ixodid ticks. Although there are increasing reports of viral pathogens associated with argasid ticks, information on bacterial pathogens they transmit is scarce. The aim of this molecular study was to detect and characterize Rickettsia and Anaplasmataceae in three different argasid tick species, Ornithodoros faini, Ornithodoros moubata, and Argas walkerae collected in Zambia. Rickettsia hoogstraalii and Rickettsia lusitaniae were detected in 77 % (77/100) of Ar. walkerae and 10 % (5/50) of O. faini, respectively. All O. moubata pool samples (n = 124) were negative for rickettsial infections. Anaplasmataceae were detected in 63 % (63/100) of Ar. walkerae and in 82.2 % (102/124) of O. moubata pools, but not in O. faini. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of 16S rRNA and groEL genes revealed that Anaplasma spp. detected in the present study were distinct from previously validated Anaplasma species, indicating that the current knowledge on the diversity and vector range of Anaplasma spp. is incomplete. Our findings highlight new geographical records of R. lusitaniae and R. hoogstraalii and confirm that the wide geographic distribution of these species includes the African continent. The data presented here increase our knowledge on argasid tick-borne bacteria and contribute toward understanding their epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Qiu
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Martin Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Herman Chambaro
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hayato Harima
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Eto
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
| | - David Squarre
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Ministry of Tourism and Arts, Chilanga, Zambia; Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shiho Torii
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ayato Takada
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, Hokakido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Bernard Mudenda Hang'ombe
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Para-Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, Hokakido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; Global Virus Network, Baltimore, USA
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, Hokakido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
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20
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Iatta R, Sazmand A, Nguyen VL, Nemati F, Ayaz MM, Bahiraei Z, Zafari S, Giannico A, Greco G, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Vector-borne pathogens in dogs of different regions of Iran and Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4219-4228. [PMID: 33506332 PMCID: PMC8599219 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries, mainly due to favorable climate conditions and reduced adoption of preventive measures. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the prevalence of CVBDs in Iran and Pakistan where limited data are available. Blood samples were collected from 403 dogs from six provinces in Iran and Pakistan to assess the presence of pathogen DNA (i.e., Anaplasma spp., Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., filarioids, and Leishmania spp.). Sera were also screened by an immunofluorescence antibody test for the detection of antibodies against Leishmania infantum. In total, 46.9% of dogs scored positive to Hepatozoon canis being the most frequently detected (41.4%), followed by Anaplasma platys (6.4%), Ehrlichia canis (3.4%), Rickettsia spp. (2.2%), Babesia vogeli (1.0%), and L. infantum (0.3%). A seroprevalence of 9.6% to anti-L. infantum IgG was also recorded. Data reported herein demonstrate that dogs from Iran and Pakistan are at a high risk of CVBDs, particularly of canine hepatozoonosis. Effective control strategies are advocated for minimizing the risk of infection in animals and humans, also in consideration of the zoonotic potential of some pathogens detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.,Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Farzad Nemati
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Muhammad Mazhar Ayaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Zahra Bahiraei
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Salman Zafari
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Anna Giannico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, Putignano (BA), Italy
| | - Grazia Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. .,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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21
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Demir S, Erkunt Alak S, Köseoğlu AE, Ün C, Nalçacı M, Can H. Molecular investigation of Rickettsia spp. and Francisella tularensis in ticks from three provinces of Turkey. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 81:239-253. [PMID: 32394036 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00498-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites as well as mechanical and biological vectors of a wide variety of microbial pathogens. To date, 19 tick-borne diseases have been reported from Turkey. In this study, ticks collected from Aydın, İzmir and Şanlıurfa provinces of Turkey were identified using morphological and molecular methods. After the presence of bacterial DNA was checked, Rickettsia spp. and Francisella tularensis were investigated in bacterial DNA-positive tick specimens by PCR. Furthermore, amplicons belonging to tick specimens and positive bacterial samples were sequenced and processed for BLAST, alignment and phylogenetic analysis. As a result, seven tick species were identified: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rh. bursa, Rh. turanicus, Hyalomma marginatum, Hy. aegyptium, Hy. anatolicum and Haemaphysalis erinacei. Fifty-five tick specimens tested positive for bacterial DNA and among them, rickettsial DNA was found in five ticks (infection rate = 9.1%) belonging to Hy. marginatum, Hy. aegyptium, Rh. bursa and Rh. turanicus. Of the five Rickettsia-positive ticks, three contained Rickettsia aeschlimannii, one Ri. massiliae and one an unidentified Rickettsia sp. No Francisella tularensis DNA was detected. Sequence analysis of the ompB gene indicated two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in two different Ri. aeschlimannii strains and two novel SNPs as well as a novel insertion (GACGGT) were found in Rickettsia sp. This study indicated the presence of polymorphic Rickettsia species in ticks from Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiye Demir
- Zoology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Nalçacı
- Zoology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey.
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22
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Heglasová I, Víchová B, Stanko M. Detection of Rickettsia spp. in Fleas Collected from Small Mammals in Slovakia, Central Europe. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:652-656. [PMID: 32366189 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This survey is aimed at investigation of species composition of fleas removed from small terrestrial mammals captured in rural, suburban, and urban types of habitat and molecular screening of the presence and diversity of Rickettsia species in collected ectoparasites. In total, 279 fleas (Siphonaptera) belonging to 9 species of 2 families, Ceratophyllidae and Hystrichopsyllidae, were collected from 115 (46%) out of 250 trapped small mammals of eight species (Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus uralensis, Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus subterraneus, Crocidura leucodon, and Sorex minutus). Rickettsia spp. were found in 2.5% (7/279) of tested fleas, namely in Ctenophthalmus agyrtes, Ctenophthalmus solutus, Ctenophthalmus uncinatus, Megabothris turbidus, and Amalareus penicilliger. Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia helvetica, and unidentified Rickettsia species were detected in fleas infesting small mammals in Eastern Slovakia. The results of the study suggest that some species of rickettsiae have a different range of arthropod vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Heglasová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Michal Stanko
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia.,Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
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23
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Akveran GA, Karasartova D, Keskin A, Comba A, Celebi B, Mumcuoglu KY, Taylan-Ozkan A. Bacterial and protozoan agents found in Hyalomma aegyptium (L., 1758) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) collected from Testudo graeca L., 1758 (Reptilia: Testudines) in Corum Province of Turkey. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101458. [PMID: 32389537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hyalomma aegyptium (L., 1758) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is a hard tick and the main host for adults are Palearctic tortoises of the genus Testudo, while larvae and nymphs are less host-specific and nymphs also attach to humans. In the present study, a total of 261 H. aegyptium ticks were removed from 26 Testudo graeca L., 1758 in Corum Province of Turkey. The most prevalent pathogens identified molecularly in the ticks were Hemolivia mauritanica (51.9 %), followed by Rickettsia aeschlimannii (32.6 %), Ehrlichia spp. (30.2 %), and Bartonella bovis (0.8 %). All samples were negative for Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Theileria spp. Overall, 97.4 % of the examined adult ticks and 26.3 % of nymphs were infected with at least one pathogen, while 40.9 % of all ticks were infected with only one pathogen, 27.4 % with two pathogens, and 9.9 % with three pathogens, concomitantly. Overall, 80.8 % of the examined blood smears of tortoises were H. mauritanica-positive, and the mean intensity of parasitemia was 4.8 % (1-21). As a conclusion, since the examined tortoises were sampled in gardens and vineyards close to human habitation, and as a relatively large percentage of them were infested with ticks carrying pathogenic agents affecting also humans, the importance of tortoises, their ticks and pathogens in terms of the public health should be farther examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonul Arslan Akveran
- Department of Food Processing, Alaca Avni Celik Vocational School, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey.
| | | | - Adem Keskin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Arzu Comba
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Alaca Avni Celik Vocational School, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Bekir Celebi
- National High Risk Pathogens Reference Laboratory, Public Health Institution of Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kosta Y Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey; Department of Medical and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
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24
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Orkun Ö, Çakmak A, Nalbantoğlu S, Karaer Z. Turkey tick news: A molecular investigation into the presence of tick-borne pathogens in host-seeking ticks in Anatolia; Initial evidence of putative vectors and pathogens, and footsteps of a secretly rising vector tick, Haemaphysalis parva. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101373. [PMID: 31964592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This Turkey-based study investigated the presence of various tick-borne microorganisms in a broad-range of host-seeking ticks (n = 1019) that exhibit both hunter and ambusher characteristics. All collected ticks were analyzed individually via PCR-sequencing, resulting in the identification of 18 different microorganisms: six Babesia spp., including one putative novel species (Ba. occultans, Ba. crassa, Ba. rossi, Babesia sp. tavsan1, Babesia sp. tavsan2, and Babesia sp. nov.); six SFG rickettsiae (Ri. aeschlimannii, Ri. s. mongolitimonae, Ri. slovaca, Ri. raoultii, Ri. monacensis, and Ri. hoogstraalii); two Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spp. (Bo. afzelii and Bo. lusitaniae); two unnamed Hepatozoon spp.; Theileria annulata; and Hemolivia mauritanica. This provided evidence for the natural transstadial survival of these tick-borne microorganisms in adult ticks (in addition a nymph) of Turkey. Surprisingly, this study determined the presence of five different microorganisms (Ba. crassa, Ba. rossi, Babesia sp. Ucbas, Hepatozoon sp., and Ri. hoogstraalii) in host-seeking Haemaphysalis parva adults, for which poor data exist on its vectorial competence. Therefore, this study provides important data indicating the potential vectorial capacity of Ha. parva. This study also revealed the presence of the close ecological and evolutionary relationships between two important vector ticks, Hyalomma marginatum and Hy. aegyptium and determined genetic variations (distinct phylogenetic divergences inside the main clades) in some pathogenic SFG rickettsiae that are found in these ticks. Additionally, the presence of two Babesia species described very recently in hares with unknown vectors, namely Babesia sp. tavsan1 and Babesia sp. tavsan2, were detected for the first time in ticks. Finally, two unnamed Hepatozoon spp. were detected in Haemaphysalis ticks and their phylogenetic positions were demonstrated. Consequently, this study provides important data on the diversity of tick-borne microorganisms in host-seeking ticks and on potentially novel microorganisms (Babesia and Hepatozoon species) and their possible vectors (Ha. parva, Ha. sulcata, Hy. aegyptium, Hy. marginatum, and Rh. turanicus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Çakmak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serpil Nalbantoğlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zafer Karaer
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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25
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Barradas PF, Mesquita JR, Lima C, Cardoso L, Alho AM, Ferreira P, Amorim I, de Sousa R, Gärtner F. Pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks of spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) sold in a Qatar live animal market. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:461-465. [PMID: 31574580 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The dissemination of vector arthropods harbouring zoonotic pathogens through the uncontrolled transboundary trade of exotic and pet animals poses an important threat to Public Health. In the present report, we describe the introduction of pathogenic Rickettsia africae and R. aeschlimanni in ticks removed from imported tortoises in Qatar. A total of 21 ticks were collected from pet spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) from Doha, May 2018, and studied for species identification and characterization of Rickettsia spp. Morphological and molecular analysis of ticks allowed their identification as Hyalomma aegyptium. Molecular analysis of partial ompA and gltA genes showed that Rickettsia sequences found on these ticks clustered with sequences classified as R. aeschilimanii and R. africae. Since pre-adult stages of H. aegyptium also feed on humans, this tick species may play a role in the transmission of R. aeschilimanii and R. africae. We alert for the introduction of non-native pets as vehicles for tick importation, known vectors for animal and human pathogenic agents. Importation of exotic species into non-autochthonous countries deserves strict control to enforce robust surveillance and mitigate potential exotic diseases epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia F Barradas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Clara Lima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana M Alho
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, CIISA, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Ferreira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita de Sousa
- National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
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26
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Orkun Ö. Molecular investigation of the natural transovarial transmission of tick-borne pathogens in Turkey. Vet Parasitol 2019; 273:97-104. [PMID: 31473450 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the presence of the natural transovarial transmission of tick-borne pathogens in unfed larvae obtained from engorged female ticks from domestic animals in Turkey. Larvae (n = 4530, 151 pools) obtained from 75 engorged female ticks and female carcasses were screened for the presence of certain tick-borne pathogens by PCR. The presence of transovarial transmission of Babesia occultans was detected in Hyalomma marginatum and Hy. excavatum, while Ba. ovis in Rhipicephalus bursa. Theileria annulata was detected only in Hy. excavatum and Rh. turanicus female carcasses, but not in their examined progenies. Additionally, Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia raoultii were detected in Hy. marginatum and Dermacentor marginatus females, respectively, and all their examined larvae. Besides, Ri. slovaca was detected in a De. marginatus female carcass and its one of two examined larvae pools. The presence of mixed Ba. occultans and Ri. aeschlimannii infection was also determined in an Hy. marginatum female and its larvae. This is the first demonstration of transovarial transmission of Ba. occultans in naturally infected Hy. excavatum. These data suggested that Hy. excavatum may act as vector in the natural cycle of Ba. occultans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, 06110 Ankara, Turkey.
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Orkun Ö, Çakmak A, Nalbantoğlu S, Karaer Z. Molecular detection of a novel Babesia sp. and pathogenic spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from hedgehogs in Turkey: Haemaphysalis erinacei, a novel candidate vector for the genus Babesia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 69:190-198. [PMID: 30682550 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a total of 319 ticks were obtained from hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor). All ticks were pooled into groups and screened by PCR for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). PCR and sequence analyses identified the presence of a novel Babesia sp. in adult Haemaphysalis erinacei. In addition, the presence of natural transovarial transmission of this novel Babesia sp. was detected in Ha. erinacei. According to the 18S rRNA (nearly complete) and partial rRNA locus (ITS-1/5.8S/ITS-2) phylogeny, it was determined that this new species is located within the Babesia sensu stricto clade and is closely related to Babesia spp. found in carnivores. Furthermore, the presence of three pathogenic spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae was determined in 65.8% of the tick pools: Rickettsia sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae in Hyalomma aegyptium (adult), Hyalomma spp. (larvae), Rhipicephalus turanicus (adult), and Ha. erinacei (adult); Rickettsia aeschlimannii in H. aegyptium (adult); Rickettsia slovaca in Hyalomma spp. (larvae and nymphs) and H. aegyptium (adult). To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. sibirica mongolitimonae in H. aegyptium, Ha. erinacei, and Rh. turanicus, and the first report of R. slovaca in H. aegyptium. In addition, the presence of a single Hemolivia mauritanica haplotype was detected in H. aegyptium adults. Consequently, the presence of a novel Babesia sp. has been identified in a new candidate vector tick species in this study. Additionally, three SFG rickettsiae that cause infections in humans were identified in ticks collected from hedgehogs. Therefore, environmental wildlife monitoring for hedgehogs should be carried out for ticks and tick-borne pathogens in the region. Additionally, studies regarding the reservoir status of hedgehogs for the aforementioned pathogens must be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Çakmak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serpil Nalbantoğlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zafer Karaer
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Brinkmann A, Hekimoğlu O, Dinçer E, Hagedorn P, Nitsche A, Ergünay K. A cross-sectional screening by next-generation sequencing reveals Rickettsia, Coxiella, Francisella, Borrelia, Babesia, Theileria and Hemolivia species in ticks from Anatolia. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:26. [PMID: 30635006 PMCID: PMC6329055 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3277-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks participate as arthropod vectors in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to humans. Several tick-borne infections have reemerged, along with newly described agents of unexplored pathogenicity. In an attempt to expand current information on tick-associated bacteria and protozoans, we performed a cross-sectional screening of ticks, using next-generation sequencing. Ticks seeking hosts and infesting domestic animals were collected in four provinces across the Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia regions of Turkey and analyzed by commonly used procedures and platforms. Results Two hundred and eighty ticks comprising 10 species were evaluated in 40 pools. Contigs from tick-associated microorganisms were detected in 22 (55%) questing and 4 feeding (10%) tick pools, with multiple microorganisms identified in 12 pools. Rickettsia 16S ribosomal RNA gene, gltA, sca1 and ompA sequences were present in 7 pools (17.5%), comprising feeding Haemaphysalis parva and questing/hunting Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) and Hyalomma marginatum specimens. A near-complete genome and conjugative plasmid of a Rickettsia hoogstraalii strain could be characterized in questing Ha. parva. Coxiella-like endosymbionts were identified in pools of questing (12/40) as well as feeding (4/40) ticks of the genera Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma. Francisella-like endosymbionts were also detected in 22.5% (9/40) of the pools that comprise hunting Hyalomma ticks in 8 pools. Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts formed phylogenetically distinct clusters associated with their tick hosts. Borrelia turcica was characterized in 5% (2/40) of the pools, comprising hunting Hyalomma aegyptium ticks. Co-infection of Coxiella-like endosymbiont and Babesia was noted in a questing R. sanguineus (s.l.) specimen. Furthermore, protozoan 18S rRNA gene sequences were detected in 4 pools of questing/hunting ticks (10%) and identified as Babesia ovis, Hemolivia mauritanica, Babesia and Theileria spp. Conclusions Our metagenomic approach enabled identification of diverse pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms in questing and feeding ticks in Anatolia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3277-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Brinkmann
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 1 (ZBS 1), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olcay Hekimoğlu
- Department of Biology, Division of Ecology, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ender Dinçer
- Advanced Technology Education, Research and Application Center, Mersin University, 33110, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Peter Hagedorn
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 1 (ZBS 1), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Nitsche
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 1 (ZBS 1), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 1 (ZBS 1), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology Unit, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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Orkun Ö, Çakmak A. Molecular identification of tick-borne bacteria in wild animals and their ticks in Central Anatolia, Turkey. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 63:58-65. [PMID: 30961819 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Wild animals fulfill an important mission in the ecology of tick-borne diseases as both suitable hosts to tick vectors and reservoirs of the pathogens. However, current data regarding the role of wild animals in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens is insufficient and more investigations are required. In this study, we investigated tick-borne bacterial pathogens in wild boar, hare, and fox and their ticks in Turkey. A total of 102 tick pools comprised of 445 ticks and blood samples were analyzed for the presence of bacterial DNA by PCRs targeted rickettsial gltA and ompA genes, 5S-23S rDNA gene for Borrelia spp., and msp4 gene for Anaplasma spp. As a result of PCR and sequence analyses, three pathogenic spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, two SFG rickettsiae with unknown pathogenicity and one pathogenic Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were detected in samples obtained from wild animals. Rickettsia slovaca was detected in ticks (13.7% of tick pools) collected from wild boars and blood of a wild boar. In addition, the presences of R. hoogstraalii (19.6% of tick pools), R. aeschlimannii (5.8% of tick pools), R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae (1.9% of tick pools) and Candidatus R. goldwasserii (0.9% of tick pools) were detected in ticks collected from wild animals. Furthermore, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was detected in a tick pool collected from a wild boar. This is the first report on the presence of Candidatus R. goldwasserii in Turkey. Consequently, this study shows that pathogenic Rickettsia and Borrelia species are circulating in Turkish wildlife and these pathogens can pose a threat to human health. Also, it has been determined that the investigated wild animals play a role as maintenance host for vector ticks; therefore, these animals must also be considered in the ecology of the mentioned pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Çakmak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Karasartova D, Gureser AS, Gokce T, Celebi B, Yapar D, Keskin A, Celik S, Ece Y, Erenler AK, Usluca S, Mumcuoglu KY, Taylan-Ozkan A. Bacterial and protozoal pathogens found in ticks collected from humans in Corum province of Turkey. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006395. [PMID: 29649265 PMCID: PMC5916866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne diseases are increasing all over the word, including Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial and protozoan vector-borne pathogens in ticks infesting humans in the Corum province of Turkey. Methodology/Principal findings From March to November 2014 a total of 322 ticks were collected from patients who attended the local hospitals with tick bites. Ticks were screened by real time-PCR and PCR, and obtained amplicons were sequenced. The dedected tick was belonging to the genus Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor and Ixodes. A total of 17 microorganism species were identified in ticks. The most prevalent Rickettsia spp. were: R. aeschlimannii (19.5%), R. slovaca (4.5%), R. raoultii (2.2%), R. hoogstraalii (1.9%), R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae (1.2%), R. monacensis (0.31%), and Rickettsia spp. (1.2%). In addition, the following pathogens were identified: Borrelia afzelii (0.31%), Anaplasma spp. (0.31%), Ehrlichia spp. (0.93%), Babesia microti (0.93%), Babesia ovis (0.31%), Babesia occultans (3.4%), Theileria spp. (1.6%), Hepatozoon felis (0.31%), Hepatozoon canis (0.31%), and Hemolivia mauritanica (2.1%). All samples were negative for Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. Conclusions/Significance Ticks in Corum carry a large variety of human and zoonotic pathogens that were detected not only in known vectors, but showed a wider vector diversity. There is an increase in the prevalence of ticks infected with the spotted fever group and lymphangitis-associated rickettsiosis, while Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. were reported for the first time from this region. B. microti was detected for the first time in Hyalomma marginatum infesting humans. The detection of B. occultans, B. ovis, Hepatozoon spp., Theileria spp. and Hemolivia mauritanica indicate the importance of these ticks as vectors of pathogens of veterinary importance, therefore patients with a tick infestation should be followed for a variety of pathogens with medical importance. Ticks are important vectors for different kind of pathogens, both of medical and veterinary importance, while tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are increasing all over the world. In Turkey, many important human and zoonotic TBDs such as, Lyme borreliosis, rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, bartonellosis, babesiosis, theileriosis, and hepatozoonosis have been reported. Nonetheless, there is lack of research-based information concerning the epidemiology, ecology, and vector diversity of these tick-borne pathogens. In this study, we aimed to investigate broad-range bacterial and protozoan vector-borne pathogens by PCR/RT-PCR and sequencing, those ticks infesting humans in the Corum province. Spotted fever group rickettsiae and lymphangitis-associated rickettsiae, Borrelia afzelii, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. were detected. Babesia microti was detected in Hyalomma marginatum infesting humans. Interestingly zoonotic pathogens like Babesia ovis, Babesia occultans, Theileria spp, Hepatozoon felis, Hepatozoon canis, and Hemolivia mauritanica were also detected, showing the role of ticks for diseases also of veterinary importance. This study provides important data for understanding the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens and it is hoped that these results will challenge clinicians and veterinarians to unify their efforts in the management of TBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tuncay Gokce
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Bekir Celebi
- National High Risk Pathogens Reference Laboratory, Public Health Institution of Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Derya Yapar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Adem Keskin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Selim Celik
- Emergency Medicine, Hitit University Corum Training and Research Hospital, Corum, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Ece
- Emergency Medicine, Hitit University Corum Training and Research Hospital, Corum, Turkey
| | - Ali Kemal Erenler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Selma Usluca
- National Parasitology Reference Laboratory, Public Health Institution of Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kosta Y. Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
- Department of Medical and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Northern Cyprus
- * E-mail:
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Kuscu F, Orkun O, Ulu A, Kurtaran B, Komur S, Inal AS, Erdogan D, Tasova Y, Aksu HSZ. Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae Infection, Turkey, 2016. Emerg Infect Dis 2018. [PMID: 28628458 PMCID: PMC5512508 DOI: 10.3201/eid2307.170188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016, Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae was diagnosed for a man in Turkey. He had been bitten by a Hyalomma marginatum tick, from which PCR detected rickettsial DNA. Sequence analysis of the DNA identified R. sibirica mongolitimonae. Immunofluorescence assay of patient serum indicated R. conorii, which cross-reacts. PCR is recommended for rickettsiosis diagnoses.
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Papa A, Xanthopoulou K, Kotriotsiou T, Papaioakim M, Sotiraki S, Chaligiannis I, Maltezos E. Rickettsia species in human-parasitizing ticks in Greece. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2017; 110:299-304. [PMID: 27198214 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trw022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks serve as vectors and reservoirs for a variety of bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens affecting humans and animals. Unusual increased tick aggressiveness was observed in 2008-2009 in northeastern Greece. The aim of the study was to check ticks removed from persons during 2009 for infection with Rickettsia species. METHODS A total of 159 ticks were removed from 147 persons who sought medical advice in a hospital. Tick identification was performed morphologically using taxonomic keys. DNA was extracted from each individual tick and a PCR assay targeting the rickettsial outer membrane protein A gene of Rickettsia spp. was applied. RESULTS Most of the adult ticks (132/153, 86.3%) were Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Rickettsiae were detected in 23 of the 153 (15.0%) adult ticks. Five Rickettsiae species were identified: R. aeschlimannii, R. africae (n=6), R. massilae (4), R. monacensis (1), and Candidatus R. barbariae (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. africae, R. monacensis, and Candidatus R. barbariae in Greece. CONCLUSIONS Several Rickettsia species were identified in ticks removed from humans in Greece, including those that are prevalent in northern and southern latitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Xanthopoulou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Tzimoula Kotriotsiou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Miltiadis Papaioakim
- Emergency Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ilias Chaligiannis
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efstratios Maltezos
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine & Unit of Infectious Diseases, Medical Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
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Keskin A, Selçuk AY, Kefelioğlu H. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting some small mammals from Northern Turkey with new tick-host associations and locality records. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 73:521-526. [PMID: 29110169 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0182-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate ectoparasites of a vast range of terrestrial vertebrates which may play an important role in the transmission of many zoonotic pathogens to humans and animals. In the current study, we performed an investigation on ticks infesting some small mammals captured from Samsun and Tokat provinces, Northern Turkey. One hundred forty-five mammalian samples belonging to four species, namely Cricetulus migratorius (n = 1), Apodemus flavicollis (n = 17), Crocidura suaveolens (n = 102) and Sorex volnuchini (n = 25), were examined for the presence of tick infestations. A total of 273 (74 larvae, 194 nymphs, 5 females) hard ticks were collected from 88 mammalian samples. Ticks were identified as Ixodes laguri (1 nymph), I. redikorzevi (22 larvae, 186 nymphs, 5 females), I. ricinus (52 larvae, 4 nymphs) and Rhipicephalus turanicus (3 nymphs). Here, we also provided new tick mammalian host associations for Turkey. In addition, I. laguri and I. redikorzevi ticks were recorded for the first time in Samsun province of Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adem Keskin
- Department of Biology, Faculty Science and Arts, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Yesari Selçuk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Haluk Kefelioğlu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
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Tomassone L, Ceballos LA, Ragagli C, Martello E, De Sousa R, Stella MC, Mannelli A. Importance of Common Wall Lizards in the Transmission Dynamics of Tick-Borne Pathogens in the Northern Apennine Mountains, Italy. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2017; 74:961-968. [PMID: 28540487 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-017-0994-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
During the investigations on ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBP) range expansion in the Northern Apennines, we captured 107 Podarcis muralis lizards. Sixty-eight animals were infested by immature Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis sulcata and H. punctata. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 3.7% of I. ricinus larvae and 8.0% of nymphs. Together with the species-specific B. lusitaniae, we identified B. garinii, B. afzelii and B. valaisiana. Rickettsia spp. (18.1% larvae, 12.0% nymphs), namely R. monacensis, R. helvetica and R. hoogstraalii, were also found in I. ricinus. R. hoogstraalii was detected in H. sulcata nymphs as well, while the two H. punctata did not harbour any bacteria. One out of 16 lizard tail tissues was positive to R. helvetica. Our results support the hypothesis that lizards are involved in the epidemiological cycles of TBP. The heterogeneity of B. burgdorferi genospecies mirrors previous findings in questing ticks in the area, and their finding in attached I. ricinus larvae suggests that lizards may contribute to the maintenance of different genospecies. The rickettsiae are new findings in the study area, and R. helvetica infection in a tail tissue indicates a systemic infection. R. hoogstraalii is reported for the first time in I. ricinus ticks. Lizards seem to favour the bacterial exchange among different tick species, with possible public health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tomassone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco Turin, Italy.
| | - L A Ceballos
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco Turin, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - C Ragagli
- UTCB Lucca- Comando Unità per la Tutela Forestale Ambientale e Agroalimentare Carabinieri, Lucca, Italy
| | - E Martello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco Turin, Italy
| | - R De Sousa
- Centro de estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Saude Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - M C Stella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco Turin, Italy
| | - A Mannelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco Turin, Italy
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Orkun Ö, Karaer Z. Molecular characterization of Babesia species in wild animals and their ticks in Turkey. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 55:8-13. [PMID: 28851619 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To date, no study has investigated Babesia ecology in wild boars, hares or foxes in Turkey. This study aimed to determine and characterize Babesia spp. in wild animals and their ticks. We identified a novel Babesia genotype and four known Babesia species in wild animals and their ticks. We detected Babesia spp. molecularly in hares for the first time. In addition, we identified B. vulpes in foxes for the first time in Turkey. The presence of B. rossi, B. crassa and B. occultans was also revealed in ticks collected from wild boars and hares. This is only the second report of B. rossi in ticks outside of Africa and suggests that B. rossi is circulating in ticks in Turkey. Therefore B. rossi poses a significant threat to domestic dogs. Here we demonstrate the role of wild animals in the life cycle of Babesia species in Turkey and contribute to Babesia ecological and taxonomic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Zafer Karaer
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Lindström A, Lindström J. First report of spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini (Acari, Argasidae), in Sweden. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 72:179-181. [PMID: 28573423 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0139-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A dog that had travelled to Sweden was inspected by a veterinarian. In one ear canal a tick was found. It was later identified as a spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini. In this case report we also review the previously known reports of O. megnini in Europe and the recent introduction and spread in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Lindström
- National Veterinary Institute, Ulls väg 2B, 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Chisu V, Leulmi H, Masala G, Piredda M, Foxi C, Parola P. Detection of Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia aeschlimannii in ticks from Sardinia, Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 8:347-352. [PMID: 28110915 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases represent a large proportion of infectious diseases that have become a world health concern. The presence of Rickettsia spp. was evaluated by standard PCR and sequencing in 123 ticks collected from several mammals and vegetation in Sardinia, Italy. This study provides the first evidence of the presence of Rickettsia hoogstralii in Haemaphysalis punctata and Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks from mouflon and Rickettsia helvetica in Ixodes festai ticks from hedgehog. In addition, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia aeschlimannii were detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor marginatus and Hyalomma marginatum marginatum ticks from foxes, swine, wild boars, and mouflon. The data presented here increase our knowledge of tick-borne diseases in Sardinia and provide a useful contribution toward understanding their epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar), Inserm 1095, Marseille, France; Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger, El Aliya Algiers, 16000, Algeria
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mariano Piredda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cipriano Foxi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar), Inserm 1095, Marseille, France.
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Inci A, Yildirim A, Duzlu O, Doganay M, Aksoy S. Tick-Borne Diseases in Turkey: A Review Based on One Health Perspective. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005021. [PMID: 27977689 PMCID: PMC5158090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of tick-borne diseases is increasing all over the world, including Turkey. Global warming, environmental and ecological changes and the existence of suitable habitats increase the impact of ticks and result in frequent emergence or re-emergence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) with zoonotic characteristics. In Turkey, almost 19 TBDs have been reported in animals and men, involving four protozoa (babesiosis, theileriosis, cytauxzoonosis, hepatozoonosis), one filarial nematode (acanthocheilonemasis), ten bacterial agents (anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, aegyptianellosis, tick-borne typhus, Candidatus Rickettsia vini, Lyme borreliosis, tick-borne relapsing fever [TBRF], tularaemia, bartonellosis, and hemoplasmosis), and four viral infections (tick-borne encephalitis [TBE], Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever [CCHF], louping-ill [LI], and lumpy skin disease [LSD]). The growing number of TBD cases, in particular the fatal viral epidemics in humans, have led to increased public awareness and concern against TBDs in recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a new political concept, called the "One Health" initiative, which is especially relevant for developing strategies against tick infestations and TBD control in humans and animals. It would be beneficial for Turkey to adopt this new strategy and establish specific research and control programs in coordination with international organizations like WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to combat TBDs based on the "One Health Initiative" concept. In this article, we review the occurrence of primary TBDs in man and animals in Turkey in light of the "One Health" perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Inci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Centre, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Alparslan Yildirim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Centre, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Onder Duzlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Centre, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Doganay
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Centre, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
- Department of Infection Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Liu D, Wang YZ, Zhang H, Liu ZQ, Wureli HZ, Wang SW, Tu CC, Chen CF. First report of Rickettsia raoultii and R. slovaca in Melophagus ovinus, the sheep ked. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:600. [PMID: 27884170 PMCID: PMC5123371 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1885-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melophagus ovinus (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), a hematophagous ectoparasite, is mainly found in Europe, Northwestern Africa, and Asia. This wingless fly infests sheep, rabbits, and red foxes, and causes inflammation, wool loss and skin damage. Furthermore, this parasite has been shown to transmit diseases, and plays a role as a vector. Herein, we investigated the presence of various Rickettsia species in M. ovinus. METHODS In this study, a total of 95 sheep keds were collected in Kuqa County and Alaer City southern region of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwestern China. First, collected sheep keds were identified on the species level using morphological keys and molecular methods based on a fragment of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene (18S rDNA). Thereafter, to assess the presence of rickettsial DNA in sheep keds, the DNA of individual samples was screened by PCR based on six Rickettsia-specific gene fragments originating from six genes: the 17-kilodalton antigen gene (17-kDa), 16S rRNA gene (rrs), surface cell antigen 4 gene (sca4), citrate synthase gene (gltA), and outer membrane protein A and B genes (ompA and ompB). The amplified products were confirmed by sequencing and BLAST analysis ( https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi?PROGRAM=blastn&PAGE_TYPE=BlastSearch&LINK_LOC=blasthome ). RESULTS According to its morphology and results of molecular analysis, the species was identified as Melophagus ovinus, with 100% identity to M. ovinus from St. Kilda, Australia (FN666411). DNA of Rickettsia spp. were found in 12 M. ovinus samples (12.63%, 12/95). Rickettsia raoultii and R. slovaca were confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis, although the genetic markers of these two rickettsial agents amplified in this study showed molecular diversity. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of R. raoultii and R. slovaca DNA in M. ovinus. Rickettsia slovaca was found for the first time around the Taklimakan Desert located in China. This finding extends the geographical range of spotted fever group rickettsiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China
| | - Yuan-Zhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 830000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ha-Zi Wureli
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China
| | - Shi-Wei Wang
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 843300, China
| | - Chang-Chun Tu
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Chuang-Fu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China.
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Liu H, Li Q, Zhang X, Li Z, Wang Z, Song M, Wei F, Wang S, Liu Q. Characterization of rickettsiae in ticks in northeastern China. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:498. [PMID: 27623998 PMCID: PMC5022169 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1764-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne rickettsioses are considered important emerging zoonoses worldwide, but their etiological agents, rickettsiae, remain poorly characterized in northeastern China, where many human cases have been reported during the past several years. Here, we determined the characteristics of Rickettsia spp. infections in ticks in this area. Methods Ticks were collected by flagging vegetation from Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces of northeastern China followed by morphological identification. The presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks was detected by PCR targeting the 23S-5S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer, citrate synthase (gltA) gene, and 190-kDa outer membrane protein gene (ompA). The newly-generated sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the software MEGA 6.0. Results The overall infection rate of Rickettsia spp. was 6.12 %. Phylogenetic analyses based on the partial gltA and ompA genes demonstrated that rickettsiae detected in the ticks belong to four species, including “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae”, Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, Rickettsia raoultii, and a potential new species isolate. The associated tick species were also identified, i.e. Dermacentor nuttalli and Dermacentor silvarum for R. raoultii, Haemaphysalis concinna and Haemaphysalis longicornis for R. heilongjiangensis, and Ixodes persulcatus for “Ca. R. tarasevichiae”. All Rickettsia spp. showed significantly high infection rates in ticks from Heilongjiang when compared to Jilin Province. Conclusion Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, R. raoultii and “Ca. R. tarasevichiae” are widely present in the associated ticks in northeastern China, but more prevalent in Heilongjiang Province. The data of this study increase the information on the distribution of Rickettsia spp. in northeastern China, which have important public health implications in consideration of their recent association with human diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1764-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Liu
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Qihong Li
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China.,Affiliated hospital of Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhuo Zhang
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zedong Wang
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Wei
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuchao Wang
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
| | - Quan Liu
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
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Tomassone L, De Meneghi D, Adakal H, Rodighiero P, Pressi G, Grego E. Detection of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae in ixodid ticks from Burkina Faso and Somali Region of Ethiopia by new real-time PCR assays. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1082-1088. [PMID: 27641952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the framework of cooperation for development projects in Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, we collected ixodid ticks from cattle, small ruminants and camels. We optimized new TaqMan Probe real-time PCR assays to detect Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae OmpA gene in the collected samples. Rickettsia africae was identified in 75.0% Amblyomma variegatum (95%CI: 56.6-88.5), while R. aeschlimannii in 24.0% Hyalomma truncatum (95%CI: 9.4-45.1) and 50.0% H. rufipes (95%CI: 29.9-70.0) collected from cattle in different provinces throughout Burkina Faso. Ticks from the Libaan zone, Somali Region of Ethiopia, were also infected by R. africae (28.5% prevalence in Amblyomma gemma, 95%CI: 14.7-46.0) and R. aeschlimannii (27.0% H. truncatum, 95%CI: 5.0-62.9; 88.3% H. rufipes, 95%CI: 60.5-99.3). All tested ticks were adults. The developed diagnostic tools were highly sensitive and enabled us to rapidly classify R. aeschlimannii and R. africae, which were identified in Burkina Faso and in the Somali Region of Ethiopia for the first time. Further studies are needed to assess the zoonotic risk and prevalence of infection in local human populations, who have high contact rates with ticks and their animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Tomassone
- Dipartimento Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy.
| | - D De Meneghi
- Dipartimento Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - H Adakal
- Centre International de Recherche-Développement sur l'Elevage en zone Subhumide - CIRDES, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; present affiliation: Département Sciences et Techniques de l'Elevage, Université Dan Dicko Dankoulodo de Maradi, Niger
| | - P Rodighiero
- Comitato di Collaborazione Medica, via Cirié 32/e, Torino, Italy; present affiliation: Associazione Veterinaria di Cooperazione con i Paesi in Via di Sviluppo - AVEC PVS, Via Laffait 13, Donnas, Aosta, Italy
| | - G Pressi
- Comitato di Collaborazione Medica, via Cirié 32/e, Torino, Italy; present affiliation: Associazione Veterinaria di Cooperazione con i Paesi in Via di Sviluppo - AVEC PVS, Via Laffait 13, Donnas, Aosta, Italy
| | - E Grego
- Dipartimento Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
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Bursali A, Keskin A, Şimşek E, Keskin A, Tekin S. A survey of ticks (Acari: Ixodida) infesting some wild animals from Sivas, Turkey. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 66:293-299. [PMID: 25784071 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9898-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In order to determine the species composition of infesting ticks, between 2011 and 2012 a total of 1118 wild animals were captured from various regions of Zara, Sivas province, Turkey. A total of 138 ticks were obtained from the 58 host animals. Ticks were identified as Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer), Haemaphysalis erinacei taurica Pospelova-Shtrom, Haemaphysalis parva (Neumann), Haemaphysalis punctata Canestrini and Fanzago, Haemaphysalis sulcata Canestrini and Fanzago, Hyalomma marginatum Koch, Ixodes laguri Olenev, Ixodes ricinus (L.), Ixodes vespertilionis Koch and Rhipicephalus turanicus Pomerantzev. To the best of our knowledge, there are several new host records for D. marginatus, H. e. taurica and I. laguri. In addition, I. vespertilionis was recorded for the first time in the Central Anatolian Region in Turkey, whereas I. laguri and H. e. taurica are firstly reported in Sivas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Bursali
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Gaziosmanpasa University, 60250, Tokat, Turkey,
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Mihalca AD. Ticks imported to Europe with exotic reptiles. Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:67-71. [PMID: 25913453 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
It is known that traded exotic animals carry with them an immense number of associated symbionts, including parasites. Reptiles are no exception. Most of the imported reptiles originate from tropical countries and their possibility to carry potentially dangerous pathogens is high. According to CITES, Europe is currently the main reptile importer in the world. Despite this, there is no review or analysis available for the risk related to the importation of tick-borne diseases with traded reptile to the EU. The main aim of the manuscript is to provide a review on the available literature on ticks introduced to and exchanged between European countries via the live reptile trade. So far, the published reports of ticks imported on reptiles are limited to few European countries: Italy, Poland, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia and UK. The following species have been reported: Hyalomma aegyptium, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma exornatum, Amblyomma flavomaculatum, Amblyomma fuscolineatum, Amblyomma latum, Amblyomma quadricavum, Amblyomma marmoreum, Amblyomma nuttalli, Amblyomma sparsum, Amblyomma sphenodonti, Amblyomma transversale and Amblyomma varanense. The majority of species are of African origin, followed by American and Asian species. All groups of reptiles (chelonians, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tuataras) were involved. However, it seems that certain groups (i.e. tortoises of genus Testudo, monitor lizards of genus Varanus, snakes of genus Python) are more important as host for imported ticks, but this may be related to higher levels of international trade. Even fewer are the reports of tick-borne pathogens associated with imported reptile ticks. Despite the diversity of tick species reported on imported reptiles, the situations of truly invasive species are atypical and are limited in natural environments to maximum two cases where H. aegyptium was involved. Otherwise, the risk associated with reptile trade for introduction of invasive tick to Europe is low. Nevertheless, veterinary control is still to be reinforced for collecting more data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania.
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Sentausa E, El Karkouri K, Nguyen TT, Caputo A, Raoult D, Fournier PE. Genome Sequence of Rickettsia hoogstraalii, a Geographically Widely Distributed Tick-Associated Bacterium. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2014; 2:e01171-14. [PMID: 25377719 PMCID: PMC4223470 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01171-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia hoogstraalii is a tick-associated member of the spotted fever group rickettsiae that is geographically widely distributed. We report here the draft genome of R. hoogstraalii strain Croatica(T) (=DSM 22243 = UTMB 00003), which was isolated from Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks collected in Croatia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Sentausa
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculte de Medecine, Marseille, France
| | - Khalid El Karkouri
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculte de Medecine, Marseille, France
| | - Thi-Tien Nguyen
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculte de Medecine, Marseille, France
| | - Aurélia Caputo
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculte de Medecine, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculte de Medecine, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculte de Medecine, Marseille, France
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Orkun Ö, Karaer Z, Çakmak A, Nalbantoğlu S. Identification of tick-borne pathogens in ticks feeding on humans in Turkey. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3067. [PMID: 25101999 PMCID: PMC4125308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The importance of tick-borne diseases is increasing all over the world, including Turkey. The tick-borne disease outbreaks reported in recent years and the abundance of tick species and the existence of suitable habitats increase the importance of studies related to the epidemiology of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Turkey. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of and to determine the infection rates of some tick-borne pathogens, including Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and spotted fever group rickettsiae in the ticks removed from humans in different parts of Ankara. Methodology/Principal Findings A total of 169 ticks belonging to the genus Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus were collected by removing from humans in different parts of Ankara. Ticks were molecularly screened for Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and spotted fever group rickettsiae by PCR and sequencing analysis. We detected 4 Babesia spp.; B. crassa, B. major, B. occultans and B. rossi, one Borrelia spp.; B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and 3 spotted fever group rickettsiae; R. aeschlimannii, R. slovaca and R. hoogstraalii in the tick specimens analyzed. This is the report showing the presence of B. rossi in a region that is out of Africa and in the host species Ha. parva. In addition, B. crassa, for which limited information is available on its distribution and vector species, and B. occultans, for which no conclusive information is available on its presence in Turkey, were identified in Ha. parva and H. marginatum, respectively. Two human pathogenic rickettsia species (R. aeschlimannii and R. slovaca) were detected with a high prevalence in ticks. Additionally, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was detected in unusual tick species (H. marginatum, H. excavatum, Hyalomma spp. (nymph) and Ha. parva). Conclusions/Significance This study investigates both the distribution of several tick-borne pathogens affecting humans and animals, and the presence of new tick-borne pathogens in Turkey. More epidemiological studies are warranted for B. rossi, which is very pathogenic for dogs, because the presented results suggest that B. rossi might have a wide distribution in Turkey. Furthermore, we recommend that tick-borne pathogens, especially R. aeschlimannii, R. slovaca, and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, should be taken into consideration in patients who had a tick bite in Turkey. Ticks are widespread in over all Turkey. Primary tick-borne diseases (TBDs), such as theileriosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, affecting animals have been known for a long time in Turkey. However, TBDs have become a major concern in humans in recent years due to the recent Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Turkey. We know that some TBDs like CCHF, Lyme borreliosis, spotted fever group rickettsiosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis exist in this geography. However, the other diseases except for CCHF are neglected in patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks removed from humans in different parts of Ankara by using PCR and sequencing. The result of this study showed that 4 Babesia species, one B. burgdorferi sensu lato, and 3 spotted fever group rickettsia are detected in ticks. The most striking result of this study is that B. rossi, which is very pathogenic for dogs, was reported for the first time from a region that is out of Africa and in Ha. parva. Therefore, B. rossi should be considered in dogs in Turkey. Furthermore, we propose that R. aeschlimannii, R. slovaca, and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto should be taken into consideration in patients who had a tick bite in Ankara.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- * E-mail:
| | - Zafer Karaer
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Çakmak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serpil Nalbantoğlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Dantas-Torres F, Cameron MM, Colwell DD, Otranto D. A look into the Medical and Veterinary Entomology crystal ball. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 28 Suppl 1:6-13. [PMID: 25171603 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Medical and Veterinary Entomology (MVE) represents a leading periodical in its field and covers many aspects of the biology and control of insects, ticks, mites and other arthropods of medical and veterinary importance. Since the first issue of the journal, researchers working in both developed and developing countries have published in MVE, with direct impact on current knowledge in the field. An increasing number of articles dealing with the epidemiology and transmission of vector-borne pathogens have been published in MVE, reflecting rapid changes in vector distribution, pathogen transmission and host-arthropod interactions. This article represents a gaze into the crystal ball in which we identify areas of increasing interest, discuss the main changes that have occurred in the epidemiology of parasitic arthropods since the first issue of MVE, and predict the principal scientific topics that might arise in the next 25 years for scientists working in medical and veterinary entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, PE, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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Ticks infesting humans in Italy and associated pathogens. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:328. [PMID: 25023709 PMCID: PMC4223688 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks may transmit a large variety of pathogens, which cause illnesses in animals and humans, commonly referred to as to tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The incidence of human TBDs in Italy is underestimated because of poor surveillance and the scant amount of studies available. Methods Samples (n = 561) were collected from humans in four main geographical areas of Italy (i.e., northwestern, northeastern, southern Italy, and Sicily), which represent a variety of environments. After being morphologically identified, ticks were molecularly tested with selected protocols for the presence of pathogens of the genera Rickettsia, Babesia, Theileria, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia and Anaplasma. Results Ticks belonged to 16 species of the genera Argas, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus, with Ixodes ricinus (59.5%) being the species most frequently retrieved, followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (21.4%). Nymphs were the life stage most frequently retrieved (41%), followed by adult females (34.6%). The overall positivity to any pathogen detected was 18%. Detected microorganisms were Rickettsia spp. (17.0%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.8%), Borrelia afzelii (0.5%), Borrelia valaisiana (0.3%), C. N. mikurensis (0.5%) and Babesia venatorum (0.6%). Conclusions Results indicate that people living in the Italian peninsula are at risk of being bitten by different tick species, which may transmit a plethora of TBD causing pathogens and that co-infections may also occur.
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