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Sipari S, Kiljunen M, Nylund M, Kallio ER. Identifying breeding hosts of Ixodes ricinus ticks using stable isotope analysis of their larvae - Proof of concept. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102252. [PMID: 37741086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Ticks are parasites that are dependent on their hosts for blood meal to develop and reproduce. The abundance of ticks is dependent on the availability of suitable breeding hosts, often medium- and large-sized mammals. So far there has been a shortage of direct methods identifying the breeding hosts for the female ticks. In this study, we introduce a stable isotope analysis (SIA) method that enables us to identify the trophic group of the breeding host, i.e. the host on which the tick mother fed, by sampling larval ticks from the field. We established a reference database on the stable isotope (SI) values (δ13C and δ15N) of the blood of potential tick host species, and of larvae from Ixodes ricinus females, which have fed on known hosts. By comparing the SI values from field collected larval ticks to our reference data, we can determine their most likely host species group. Our results show that the isotopic signatures of I. ricinus tick larvae reflect the diet of the breeding host of the mother tick. SIA proved reliable in categorizing the breeding hosts of I. ricinus into two distinguishable trophic groups; herbivores and carni-omnivores. To our knowledge, this is the first time that stable isotope analyses have been applied to detect transovarial (i.e. over-generational) traces of a blood meal in ticks. The method provides an efficient, novel tool for directly identifying tick breeding hosts by sampling field collected larvae. Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector of TBPs (tick-borne pathogens) in Europe, and to predict and mitigate against the future risks that TBPs pose, it is crucial to have detailed knowledge on the hosts that support tick reproduction in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saana Sipari
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Republic of Finland.
| | - Mikko Kiljunen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Republic of Finland
| | - Minna Nylund
- Animal Health and Diagnostic Unit, Finnish Food Safety Authority, Republic of Finland
| | - Eva R Kallio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Republic of Finland
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2
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Schantz AV, Dörge DD, Peter N, Klimpel S. The hidden threat: Exploring the parasite burden and feeding habits of invasive raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) in central Europe. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:155-166. [PMID: 37869059 PMCID: PMC10585636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.10.004] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Originally from Asia, the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides is an invasive alien species in Europe, listed since 2019 on the List of invasive alien species of Union concern. The raccoon dog is considered to have negative impact on native biodiversity, as well as a crucial role in hosting and transmitting diverse parasites and pathogens of human and veterinary importance. In the present study, stomach content analyses and parasitological examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany. In addition, fecal samples were analyzed. The results of the study confirm the assumption that the examined raccoon dogs were infested with a various ecto- and endoparasite fauna. A total of 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasites were detected, with 6 of the endoparasites having human pathogenic potential. Trichodectes canis (P = 53.42%), Toxocara canis (P = 50.68%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (P = 68.49%) were the most abundant parasite species. The stomach contents consisted of approximately one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components, composed of various species of amphibians, fish, insects, mammals and birds. Among them were specially protected or endangered species such as the grass frog Rana temporaria. The study shows that the raccoon dog exerts predation pressure on native species due to its omnivorous diet and, as a carrier of various parasites, poses a potential risk of infection to wild, domestic and farm animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Schantz
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt/Main, D-60439, Germany
| | - Dorian D. Dörge
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt/Main, D-60439, Germany
| | - Norbert Peter
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt/Main, D-60439, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt/Main, D-60439, Germany
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt/Main, D-60325, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Branch Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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3
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Shwartz D, Nachum-Biala Y, Oren S, Aharoni K, Edery N, Moss L, King R, Lapid R, Straubinger RK, Baneth G. Borrelia persica infection in wild carnivores in Israel: molecular characterization and new potential reservoirs. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:337. [PMID: 37752595 PMCID: PMC10523677 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05953-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borrelia persica causes tick-borne relapsing fever in Israel, the eastern Mediterranean basin, and Asia. Relapsing fever is associated with severe illness and potentially death in humans and animals. Since B. persica infection has rarely been described in wild animals, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of infection with B. persica in wild carnivores in Israel. METHODS Spleen and blood clot samples from wild carnivores, which underwent necropsy, were tested for the presence of Borrelia DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were sequenced, and the spirochete loads were quantified using a specific quantitative PCR (qPCR). RESULTS A total of 140 samples from 74 wild carnivores were analyzed for the presence of Borrelia DNA. Six out of the 74 (8.1%) animals were found positive for B. persica by PCR and sequencing of the flagellin B gene, of which 4/74 (5.4%) were also positive by PCR for the glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (glpQ) gene. Positive samples were obtained from three European badgers, and one striped hyena, golden jackal, and red fox each. All B. persica-positive animals were young males (P < 0.0001). Quantifiable results were obtained from 3/5 spleen and 4/5 blood samples. The spirochete loads in the blood were significantly higher than those found in the spleen (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of B. persica infection found in wild carnivores brought for necropsy was unexpectedly high, suggesting that this infection is widespread in some wild animal species in Israel. This is the first report of B. persica infection in the European badger and striped hyena. These carnivores have a wide geographical range of activity, and the results of this survey raise the possibility that they may serve as reservoir hosts for B. persica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dor Shwartz
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Stephanie Oren
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
- Pathology Department, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Kobi Aharoni
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
- Pathology Department, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Nir Edery
- Pathology Department, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Lior Moss
- Pathology Department, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Roni King
- Israeli National Parks and Nature Reserves, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roi Lapid
- Israeli National Parks and Nature Reserves, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Reinhard K Straubinger
- Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel.
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Liberska JA, Michalik JF, Dabert M. Exposure of dogs and cats to Borrelia miyamotoi infected Ixodes ricinus ticks in urban areas of the city of Poznań, west-central Poland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102188. [PMID: 37172512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102188] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Borrelia miyamotoi is an emerging human pathogen that causes a relapsing fever-like disease named B. miyamotoi disease. The bacterium belongs to the relapsing fever borreliae, and similar to spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, it is transmitted only by hard ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. To date, B. miyamotoi has not been demonstrated to cause illness in dogs or cats, and is poorly documented in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the B. miyamotoi presence in (i) host-seeking ticks and (ii) engorged Ixodes sp. ticks collected from dogs and cats during their inspection in veterinary clinics of the city of Poznań, west-central Poland. Host-seeking ticks were sampled in dog walking areas localized in urban forested recreational sites of the city. In this study, 1,059 host-seeking and 837 engorged I. ricinus ticks collected from 680 tick-infested animals (567 dogs and 113 cats) were screened. Additionally, 31 I. hexagonus ticks (one larva, 13 nymphs, and 17 females) were collected from three cats; one larva and one nymph were collected from two dogs; and one dog was infested with a single Dermacentor reticulatus female. Borrelia DNA was identified by the amplification and sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene and flaB gene fragments. DNA of B. miyamotoi was detected in 22 (2.1%) of the host-seeking ticks (in all developmental tick stages and in all study areas). In addition, the engorged I. ricinus ticks exhibited a similar B. miyamotoi presence (1.8%). Fifteen I. ricinus ticks collected from animals tested positive for the presence of B. miyamotoi DNA, and the DNA of B. miyamotoi was observed in three (9.1%; one female and two nymphs) I. hexagonus ticks. The single D. reticulatus female collected from a dog tested PCR-negative for the bacterium. The results of this study demonstrated the establishment and broad presence of the bacterium in tick populations from different urban ecosystems of the city of Poznań. The lack of difference in the mean infection presence of animal-derived and host-seeking I. ricinus ticks suggests that the systematic surveillance of pets may be useful for the evaluation of human exposure to B. miyamotoi infected ticks in urban areas. Additional studies are required to further elucidate the role of domestic and wild carnivores in the epidemiology of B. miyamotoi, which remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Anna Liberska
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznań, Poland.
| | | | - Mirosława Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznań, Poland
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Wodecka B, Kolomiiets V. Genetic Diversity of Borreliaceae Species Detected in Natural Populations of Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Northern Poland. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040972. [PMID: 37109501 PMCID: PMC10143352 DOI: 10.3390/life13040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, Ixodes ricinus tick is the vector of Lyme disease spirochetes and their relatives (Borreliella genus) and Borrelia miyamotoi. However, a newly described tick I. inopinatus with similar biological features and separated from I. ricinus may act as a vector for different Borrelia species. To date, eleven Borreliella species were detected in the natural populations of I. ricinus. Recently, two North American species have been detected in ticks parasitizing bats and red foxes in Europe, i.e., B. lanei and B. californiensis pointing to the necessity for searching for them in natural tick populations. In this study, using the coxI molecular marker only I. ricinus was identified in field-collected ticks with the exception of individual specimens of Haemaphysalis concinna. Using the flaB gene and mag-trnI intergenic spacer as molecular markers 14 Borreliaceae species have been detected with various frequencies in different parts of northern Poland. Among infected ticks, the most frequent were Borreliella (Bl.) afzelii (29.4%) and Bl. garinii (20.0%), followed by Bl. spielmanii, Bl. valaisiana, Bl. lanei, Bl. californiensis, B. miyamotoi, Bl. burgdorferi, Bl. carolinensis, Bl. americana, B. turcica, Bl. lusitaniae, Bl. bissettiae and Bl. finlandensis. Three of the above-mentioned species, i.e., Bl. lanei, Bl. californiensis and B. turcica were detected in this study for the first time in the natural ixodid tick population in Europe. The existence of the newly detected spirochetes increases their total diversity in Europe and points to the necessity of careful identification and establishment of the actual distribution of all Borreliaceae species transmitted by I. ricinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Wodecka
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Biology, Szczecin University, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Valentyna Kolomiiets
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Biology, Szczecin University, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
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Wodecka B, Michalik J, Grochowalska R. Red Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) Are Exposed to High Diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Species Infecting Fox-Derived Ixodes Ticks in West-Central Poland. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060696. [PMID: 35745549 PMCID: PMC9229790 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of red fox, Vulpes vulpes, and its associated ticks in maintaining Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) was studied. A total of 1583 ticks were removed from ears of 120 infested animals and were identified as species using a nested PCR targeting the ITS2 and coxI fragments of Ixodes DNA. Ixodes kaiseri prevailed (76%), followed by I. canisuga, I. ricinus, and I. hexagonus. In total, 32.4% of 943 ticks revealed Borrelia DNA and 10 species of B. burgdorferi s.l. complex were identified. Borrelia garinii and B. afzelii comprised 70% of all infections. The other eight species included B. americana, B. bissettiae, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), B. californiensis, B. carolinensis, B. lanei, B. spielmanii, and B. valaisiana. Analysis of tissues from 243 foxes showed that 23.5% were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. Borrelia garinii was detected in 91% of the infected animals, including 31% of mixed infections with B. afzelii, the second most prevalent species, followed by B. spielmanii. The predominance of B. garinii in PCR-positive animals and infected larval ticks (38.1%), suggests that this spirochete and B. afzelii are preferentially associated with foxes. Although red foxes are exposed to a high diversity of B. burgdorferi s.l. species found in engorged Ixodes ticks, their reservoir competence for most of them appears to be low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Wodecka
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Jerzy Michalik
- Department of Animal Morphology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Renata Grochowalska
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland;
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Invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) as potential reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens: data review from native and introduced areas. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:126. [PMID: 35410448 PMCID: PMC8996218 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05245-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, populations of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonides) have increased and adapted to peri-urban and urban environments in many parts of the world. Their ability to rapidly colonize new territories, high plasticity and behavioral adaptation has enabled these two species to be considered two of the most successful invasive alien species. One of the major threats arising from continually growing and expanding populations is their relevant role in maintaining and transmitting various vector-borne pathogens among wildlife, domestic animals and humans. According to the WHO, over 17% of infectious diseases are vector-borne diseases, including those transmitted by ticks. Every year tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) create new public health challenges. Some of the emerging diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and rickettsiosis, have been described in recent years as posing important threats to global health. In this review we summarize current molecular and serological data on the occurrence, diversity and prevalence of some of the TBPs, namely Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon, Borrelia, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, that have been detected in raccoons and raccoon dogs that inhabit their native habitats and introduced areas. We draw attention to the limited data currently available on these invasive carnivores as potential reservoirs of TBPs in different parts of the world. Simultaneously we indicate the need for more research in order to better understand the epidemiology of these TBPs and to assess the future risk originating from wildlife.
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Kjær LJ, Jensen LM, Chriél M, Bødker R, Petersen HH. The raccoon dog ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) as a reservoir of zoonotic diseases in Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:175-182. [PMID: 34660192 PMCID: PMC8502833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Raccoon dogs have successfully invaded Europe, including Denmark. Raccoon dogs are potential vectors and reservoir hosts of several zoonotic pathogens and thus have the potential for posing a threat to both human and animal health. This study includes analysis of four zoonotic parasites, 16 tick-borne pathogens and two pathogen groups from 292 raccoon dogs collected from January 2018 to December 2018. The raccoon dogs were received as a part of the Danish national wildlife surveillance program and were hunted, found dead or road killed. The raccoon dogs were screened for Alaria alata and Echinococcus multilocularis eggs in faeces by microscopy and PCR, respectively, Trichinella spp. larvae in muscles by digestion, antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA and screening of ticks for pathogens by fluidigm real-time PCR. All raccoon dogs tested negative for E. multilocularis and Trichinella spp., while 32.9% excreted A. alata eggs and 42.7% were T. gondii sero-positive. Five tick-borne pathogens were identified in ticks collected from 15 raccoon dogs, namely Anaplasma phagocytophilum (20.0%), Babesia venatorum (6.7%), Borrelia miyamotoi (6.7%), Neoehrlichia mikurensis (6.7%) and Rickettsia helvetica (60.0%). We identified raccoon dogs from Denmark as an important reservoir of T. gondii and A. alata infection to other hosts, including humans, while raccoon dogs appear as a negligible reservoir of E. multilocularis and Trichinella spp. infections. Our results suggest that raccoon dogs may be a reservoir of A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Jung Kjær
- Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Laura Mark Jensen
- Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Marian Chriél
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - René Bødker
- Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +45 93 51 16 45.
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Kulisz J, Bartosik K, Zając Z, Woźniak A, Kolasa S. Quantitative Parameters of the Body Composition Influencing Host Seeking Behavior of Ixodes ricinus Adults. Pathogens 2021; 10:706. [PMID: 34198835 PMCID: PMC8227263 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus, a hematophagous arthropod species with great medical importance in the northern hemisphere, is characterized by an ability to survive prolonged periods of starvation, a wide host spectrum, and high vector competence. The aim of the present study was to determine the quantitative parameters of questing I. ricinus ticks collected in eastern Poland during the spring peak of their activity. The study consisted in the determination of quantitative parameters characterizing I. ricinus females and males, i.e., fresh body mass, reduced body mass, lipid-free body mass, water mass, and lipid mass and calculation of the lipid index. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean values of the lipid index in females collected during the first and last ten days of May, which indicates the progressive utilization of reserve materials in the activity period. Higher activity of I. ricinus female ticks was observed during the last ten days of May despite the less favorable weather conditions, indicating their strong determination in host-seeking behaviors accompanying a decline in the lipid content and the use of the "now or never" strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kulisz
- Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (Z.Z.); (A.W.)
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (Z.Z.); (A.W.)
| | - Zbigniew Zając
- Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (Z.Z.); (A.W.)
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (Z.Z.); (A.W.)
| | - Szymon Kolasa
- Polesie National Park, Lubelska 3a St., 22-234 Urszulin, Poland;
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10
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Dwużnik D, Mierzejewska EJ, Kowalec M, Alsarraf M, Stańczak Ł, Opalińska P, Krokowska-Paluszak M, Górecki G, Bajer A. Ectoparasites of red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) with a particular focus on ticks in subcutaneous tissues. Parasitology 2020; 147:1359-1368. [PMID: 32660681 PMCID: PMC10325870 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202000116x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we identified the ectoparasite communities of red foxes in three regions of Poland that encompassed two endemic regions for the occurrence of Dermacentor reticulatus, as well as a region that is free of this tick species ('gap' area). Our study sites were selected to enable the role of foxes as hosts for juvenile (nest dwelling) and adult (exophilic) D. reticulatus ticks to be determined, and to assess their contribution to the spread of this important vector of Babesia canis. We compared also ectoparasite communities between adult foxes with those of fox cubs. Finally, we carried out a systematic search for subcutaneous ticks determining their prevalence and abundance. In 2016-2018, 366 adult foxes and 25 live-trapped cubs were examined for ectoparasites. Ectoparasites were identified based on morphological features, PCR amplification and sequencing. The total prevalence of ectoparasites was higher in cubs (68%) than in adults (62.8%). In adults, 15 parasite species were recorded, including four tick species, seven flea species, scabies, and one Anopluran species each in the genera Felicola and Lipoptena. In cubs, six ectoparasite species were found, including Ixodes kaiseri, a species not found in adults. Although Ixodes ricinus and D. reticulatus were the dominant tick species on adult foxes, no D. reticulatus ticks were found on cubs. Subcutaneous ticks were common (38%) and abundant in all areas. Molecular analysis of subcutaneous nodules allowed the identification of 17 I. ricinus and five D. reticulatus. In conclusion, red foxes play a minor role as hosts of D. reticulatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Dwużnik
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Julia Mierzejewska
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Kowalec
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohammed Alsarraf
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Stańczak
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71d, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Patrycja Opalińska
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71d, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Krokowska-Paluszak
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71d, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Górecki
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71d, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
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Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Parasitizing Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Slovakia and New Data About Subgenus Pholeoixodes Occurrence. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:636-643. [PMID: 32215863 PMCID: PMC7427701 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Distribution and biology of Pholeoixodes ticks is not very well understood. The goal of the study was to collect new data on the Pholeoixodes tick occurrence in Slovakia. Methods Tick infestation of red foxes in the regions of Košice, Prešov, Bratislava and Žilina was studied during the period 2017–2018. Ticks were collected from the fur of animals using tweezers and identified using appropriate keys. In total, 146 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were investigated. Results In total, 39 (26.7%) of animals were found to be infected with ticks from five species. Pholeoixodes ticks were found on 13 (3.4%) of the foxes: Ixodes hexagonus (Leach, 1815) on 5 specimens (3.4%), in the Košice, Prešov and Žilina regions; I. crenulatus (Koch, 1844) on 8 specimens (5.5%) in the Prešov and Bratislava regions; Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from 25 (17.2%) foxes in every locality; Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) from 5 foxes (3.4%) in the Košice, Prešov and Žilina regions; Haemaphysalis concinna (Koch, 1844), from 4 foxes (2.8%) from the Košice region. Conclusions Ixodes hexagonus has been previously recorded in Slovakia. However, this is the first finding of I. crenulatus in the country. The morphological features of the I. crenulatus specimens found in Slovakia were identical to those of ticks described in Poland and descriptions given in identification keys.
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12
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Hornok S, Sándor AD, Földvári G, Ionică AM, Silaghi C, Takács N, Schötta AM, Wijnveld M. First broad-range molecular screening of tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) kaiseri, with special emphasis on piroplasms. Acta Vet Hung 2020; 68:30-33. [PMID: 32384057 DOI: 10.1556/004.2020.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the occurrence of Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) kaiseri has been reported for the first time in several European countries, but data on the molecular analysis of this hard tick species are still lacking. Therefore, in this study DNA extracts of 28 I. kaiseri (collected from dogs and red foxes in Germany, Hungary and Romania) were screened with reverse line blot hybridisation (RLB), PCR and sequencing for the presence of 43 tick-borne pathogens or other members of their families from the categories of Anaplasmataceae, piroplasms, rickettsiae and borreliae. Rickettsia helvetica DNA was detected in one I. kaiseri female (from a red fox, Romania), for the first time in this tick species. Six ticks (from red foxes, Romania) contained the DNA of Babesia vulpes, also for the first time in the case of I. kaiseri. Molecular evidence of R. helvetica and B. vulpes in engorged I. kaiseri does not prove that this tick species is a vector of the above two pathogens, because they might have been taken up by the ticks from the blood of foxes. In addition, one I. kaiseri female (from a dog, Hungary) harboured Babesia sp. badger type-B, identified for the first time in Hungary and Central Europe (i.e. it has been reported previously from Western Europe and China). The latter finding can be explained by either the susceptibility of dogs to Babesia sp. badger type-B, or by transstadial survival of this piroplasm in I. kaiseri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- 1Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- 2Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gábor Földvári
- 1Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- 3Evolutionary Systems Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Tihany, Hungary
| | - Angela M. Ionică
- 2Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- 4Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Nóra Takács
- 1Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna-margarita Schötta
- 5Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michiel Wijnveld
- 5Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
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13
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Michalik J, Wodecka B, Liberska J, Dabert M, Postawa T, Piksa K, Stańczak J. Diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species in Ixodes ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with cave-dwelling bats from Poland and Romania. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101300. [PMID: 31631051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Bats comprise one quarter of the world's mammal species. In Europe, three nidicolous Ixodes tick species, I. vespertilionis, I. simplex and I. ariadnae are specifically associated with cave-dwelling bats, but their role as potential vectors of zoonotic agents is unknown. In this study, we used PCR-based methods to provide the first evidence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) infections in the three bat-associated tick species collected from ten bat species sampled in Poland and Romania. B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 24% (64/266) of tick samples, and 40.3% (60/149) of the bats carried infected chiropterophilic ticks. In Poland, the B. burgdorferi s.l. infection prevelance of I. ariadnae ticks parasitizing Myotis species was four times higher compared to the I. vespertilionis ticks derived from Rhinolophus hipposideros bats (44.4% vs.10%, respectively). The observed differences in infection prevalence could be explained by differences in reservoir potential between bat species. Bats from the genus Myotis and Miniopterus schreibersii carried more infected ticks than R. hipposideros regardless of the tick species. Analysis of the flaB gene sequences revealed seven species from the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex (B. afzelii, B. carolinensis, B. garinii, B. lanei, B. spielmanii, B. burgdorferi s.s., and B. valaisiana), of which five are considered as human pathogens. This large diversity of Borrelia species may reflect differences in susceptibility of chiropteran hosts and/or the tick vectors. Generally, mammal-associated B. burgdorferi s.l. species were more common than bird-associated species. Our study provides evidence for new enzootic transmission cycles of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes involving nidicolous Ixodes tick species and cave-dwelling bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Michalik
- Department of Animal Morphology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Beata Wodecka
- Department of General and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Szczecin University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Justyna Liberska
- Molecular Biology Techniques Lab., Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mirosława Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Lab., Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Tomasz Postawa
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Piksa
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Human Biology, Institute of Biology, Cracow Pedagogical University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Stańczak
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdynia, Poland
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Tick-borne pathogens in the European polecat, Mustela putorius and in attached Ixodes hexagonus ticks from Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:594-597. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Kang JG, Chae JB, Cho YK, Jo YS, Shin NS, Lee H, Choi KS, Yu DH, Park J, Park BK, Chae JS. Molecular Detection of Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Borrelia theileri in Raccoon Dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Korea. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1061-1068. [PMID: 29436346 PMCID: PMC5928811 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, cat-scratch disease, and Lyme disease are emerging vector-borne infectious diseases in Korea. Although the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in domestic animals and vector arthropods has been documented, there is limited information on the presence of VBPs in wild animals. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), a wild canid found in East Asia and Europe, represents a potential wildlife reservoir for zoonotic diseases. To investigate the prevalence of VBPs in raccoon dogs, 142 carcasses and 51 blood samples from captured raccoon dogs were collected from 2003 to 2010 and from 2008 to 2009, respectively, in Korea. In addition, 105 Haemaphysalis flava (14 larvae, 43 nymphs, 32 males, and 16 females) and nine Haemaphysalis longicornis (all female) were collected from three raccoon dogs. Samples of the spleen and blood were tested for the presence of VBPs by using nested polymerase chain reaction. Among the samples collected from 193 raccoon dogs and 114 ticks, two samples were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, four for Anaplasma bovis, two for Borrelia theileri, and two for Bartonella henselae. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest survey of raccoon dogs aimed at the analysis of VBPs in this species. Moreover, the present study represents the first identification of A. phagocytophilum, B. henselae, and B. theileri in raccoon dogs in their native habitat (East Asia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Gu Kang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Byoung Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Sun Jo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam-Shik Shin
- Laboratory of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Research Institute and BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hang Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Seong Choi
- College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Korea
| | - Do-Hyeon Yu
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Jinho Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Bae-Keun Park
- Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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The occurrence of Anaplasmataceae in European populations of invasive carnivores. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:934-937. [PMID: 29606620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) belong to a group of the invasive species. The introduced species as potential reservoirs for vector-borne pathogens have been the subject of recent research, though there are still no data with reference to the European population of the raccoon, and few studies concern only the raccoon dog. This study shows the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae representatives in raccoons and a sympatric population of the raccoon dogs obtained from the area of Poland and Germany. During the study, the occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum ecotype I in the introduced raccoon in northwestern Poland was revealed. Additionally, Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) was identified for the first time in the raccoon dog in Central Europe and thereby the raccoon dog is a new host for this pathogen.
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Orkun Ö, Karaer Z. First record of the tick Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) kaiseri in Turkey. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 74:201-205. [PMID: 29374844 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0219-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nymphs and larvae belonging to Ixodes spp. were collected from a red fox in Turkey. The ticks were identified morphologically and molecularly (16S rDNA PCR and phylogenetic analysis) as I. kaiseri. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses show that our I. kaiseri isolate is very similar to I. kaiseri isolates collected from Germany, Serbia, Romania, and Hungary. Therefore, the existence of I. kaiseri has been demonstrated for the first time in Turkey. More studies relating to the regional distribution and vectorial competence of I. kaiseri are needed.
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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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18
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Serological detection of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Texan domestic dogs. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189786. [PMID: 29232415 PMCID: PMC5726638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) is caused by spirochetes in the genus Borrelia. Very limited information exists on the incidence of this disease in humans and domestic dogs in the United States. The main objective of this study is to evaluate exposure of dogs to Borrelia turicatae, a causative agent of TBRF, in Texas. To this end, 878 canine serum samples were submitted to Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory from October 2011 to September 2012 for suspected tick-borne illnesses. The recombinant Borrelial antigen glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GlpQ) was expressed, purified, and used as a diagnostic antigen in both ELISA assays and Immunoblot analysis. Unfortunately, due to significant background reaction, the use of GlpQ as a diagnostic marker in the ELISA assay was not effective in discriminating dogs exposed to B. turicatae. Nevertheless, immunoblot assays showed that 17 out of 853 samples tested were considered to be seropositive, which constitutes 1.99% of all Texas samples tested in this study. The majority of positive samples were from central and southern Texas. Exposure to TBRF spirochetes may be seasonal, with 70.59% (12 out of 17) of the cases detected between June and December. In addition, 2 out of the 17 sero-reactive cases (11.76%) showed reactivity to both B. burgdorferi (causative agent of Lyme disease) and B. turicatae (a causative agent of TBRF). This is the first report of TBRF sero-prevalence in companion animals in an endemic area. Our findings further indicate that B. turicatae is maintained in domestic canids in Texas in regions where human disease also occurs, suggesting that domestic dogs could serve as sentinels for this disease.
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Kowalec M, Szewczyk T, Welc-Falęciak R, Siński E, Karbowiak G, Bajer A. Ticks and the city - are there any differences between city parks and natural forests in terms of tick abundance and prevalence of spirochaetes? Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:573. [PMID: 29157278 PMCID: PMC5697153 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2391-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ixodes ricinus ticks are commonly encountered in either natural or urban areas, contributing to Lyme disease agents Borreliella [(Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato)] spp. and Borrelia miyamotoi enzootic cycles in cities. It is an actual problem whether urbanization affects pathogen circulation and therefore risk of infection. The aim of the study was to evaluate main tick-borne disease risk factors in natural, endemic areas of north-east (NE) Poland (Białowieża) and urban areas of central Poland (Warsaw), measuring tick abundance/density, prevalence of infection with spirochaetes and diversity of these pathogens in spring-early summer and late summer-autumn periods between 2012 and 2015. METHODS Questing I. ricinus ticks were collected from three urban sites in Warsaw, central Poland and three natural sites in Białowieża, NE Poland. A total of 2993 ticks were analyzed for the presence of Borreliella spp. and/or Borrelia miyamotoi DNA by PCR. Tick abundance was analyzed by General Linear Models (GLM). Prevalence and distribution of spirochaetes was analyzed by Maximum Likelihood techniques based on log-linear analysis of contingency tables (HILOGLINEAR). Species typing and molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the sequenced flaB marker were carried out. RESULTS Overall 4617 I. ricinus ticks were collected (2258 nymphs and 2359 adults). We report well established population of ticks in urban areas (10.1 ± 0.9 ticks/100 m2), as in endemic natural areas with higher mean tick abundance (16.5 ± 1.5 ticks/100 m2). Tick densities were the highest in spring-early summer in both types of areas. We observed no effect of the type of area on Borreliella spp. and B. miyamotoi presence in ticks, resulting in similar prevalence of spirochaetes in urban and natural areas [10.9% (95% CI: 9.7-12.2%) vs 12.4% (95% CI: 10.1-15.1%), respectively]. Prevalence of spirochaetes was significantly higher in the summer-autumn period than in the spring-early summer [15.0% (95% CI: 12.8-17.5%) vs 10.4% (95% CI: 9.2-11.6%), respectively]. We have detected six species of bacteria present in both types of areas, with different frequencies: dominance of B. afzelii (69.3%) in urban and B. garinii (48.1%) in natural areas. Although we observed higher tick densities in forests than in maintained parks, the prevalence of spirochaetes was significantly higher in the latter [9.8% (95% CI: 8.6-11.0%) vs 17.5% (95% CI: 14.4-20.5%)]. CONCLUSIONS Surprisingly, a similar risk of infection with Borreliella spp. and/or B. miyamotoi was discovered in highly- and low-transformed areas. We suggest that the awareness of presence of these disease agents in cities should be raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Kowalec
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szewczyk
- W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 51/55 Twarda Street, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Welc-Falęciak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edward Siński
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Karbowiak
- W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 51/55 Twarda Street, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
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Hornok S, Sándor AD, Beck R, Farkas R, Beati L, Kontschán J, Takács N, Földvári G, Silaghi C, Meyer-Kayser E, Hodžić A, Tomanović S, Abdullah S, Wall R, Estrada-Peña A, Duscher GG, Plantard O. Contributions to the phylogeny of Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) canisuga, I. (Ph.) kaiseri, I. (Ph.) hexagonus and a simple pictorial key for the identification of their females. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:545. [PMID: 29100530 PMCID: PMC5670724 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2424-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, hard ticks of the subgenus Pholeoixodes (Ixodidae: Ixodes) are usually associated with burrow-dwelling mammals and terrestrial birds. Reports of Pholeoixodes spp. from carnivores are frequently contradictory, and their identification is not based on key diagnostic characters. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to identify ticks collected from dogs, foxes and badgers in several European countries, and to reassess their systematic status with molecular analyses using two mitochondrial markers. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2017, 144 Pholeoixodes spp. ticks were collected in nine European countries. From accurate descriptions and comparison with type-materials, a simple illustrated identification key was compiled for adult females, by focusing on the shape of the anterior surface of basis capituli. Based on this key, 71 female ticks were identified as I. canisuga, 21 as I. kaiseri and 21 as I. hexagonus. DNA was extracted from these 113 female ticks, and from further 31 specimens. Fragments of two mitochondrial genes, cox1 (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) and 16S rRNA, were amplified and sequenced. Ixodes kaiseri had nine unique cox1 haplotypes, which showed 99.2-100% sequence identity, whereas I. canisuga and I. hexagonus had eleven and five cox1 haplotypes, respectively, with 99.5-100% sequence identity. The distribution of cox1 haplotypes reflected a geographical pattern. Pholeoixodes spp. ticks had fewer 16S rRNA haplotypes, with a lower degree of intraspecific divergence (99.5-100% sequence identity) and no geographical clustering. Phylogenetic analyses were in agreement with morphology: I. kaiseri and I. hexagonus (with the similar shape of the anterior surface of basis capituli) were genetically more closely related to each other than to I. canisuga. Phylogenetic analyses also showed that the subgenus Eschatocephalus (bat ticks) clustered within the subgenus Pholeoixodes. CONCLUSIONS A simple, illustrated identification key is provided for female Pholeoixodes ticks of carnivores (including I. hexagonus and I. rugicollis) to prevent future misidentification of these species. It is also shown that I. kaiseri is more widespread in Europe than previously thought. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the subgenus Pholeoixodes is not monophyletic: either the subgenus Eschatocephalus should be included in Pholeoixodes, or the latter subgenus should be divided, which is a task for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lorenza Beati
- U.S. National Tick Collection, Institute for Coastal Plain Science, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA USA
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Department for Medical Entomology, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Swaid Abdullah
- Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Wall
- Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Stone BL, Tourand Y, Brissette CA. Brave New Worlds: The Expanding Universe of Lyme Disease. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:619-629. [PMID: 28727515 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Projections around the globe suggest an increase in tick-vectored disease incidence and distribution, and the potential for emergence of novel tick-borne pathogens. Lyme disease is the most common reported tick-borne illness in the Unites States and is prevalent throughout much of central Europe. In recent years, the worldwide burden of Lyme disease has increased and extended into regions and countries where the disease was not previously reported. In this review, we discuss the trends for increasing Lyme disease, and examine the factors driving Lyme disease expansion, including the effect of climate change on the spread of vector Ixodid ticks and reservoir hosts; and the impacts of increased awareness on disease reporting and diagnosis. To understand the growing threat of Lyme disease, we need to study the interplay between vector, reservoir, and pathogen. In addition, we need to understand the contributions of climate conditions to changes in disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandee L Stone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Grand Forks, North Dakota
| | - Yvonne Tourand
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Grand Forks, North Dakota
| | - Catherine A Brissette
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Stone BL, Brissette CA. Host Immune Evasion by Lyme and Relapsing Fever Borreliae: Findings to Lead Future Studies for Borrelia miyamotoi. Front Immunol 2017; 8:12. [PMID: 28154563 PMCID: PMC5243832 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging pathogen, Borrelia miyamotoi, is a relapsing fever spirochete vectored by the same species of Ixodes ticks that carry the causative agents of Lyme disease in the US, Europe, and Asia. Symptoms caused by infection with B. miyamotoi are similar to a relapsing fever infection. However, B. miyamotoi has adapted to different vectors and reservoirs, which could result in unique physiology, including immune evasion mechanisms. Lyme Borrelia utilize a combination of Ixodes-produced inhibitors and native proteins [i.e., factor H-binding proteins (FHBPs)/complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins, p43, BBK32, BGA66, BGA71, CD59-like protein] to inhibit complement, while some relapsing fever spirochetes use C4b-binding protein and likely Ornithodoros-produced inhibitors. To evade the humoral response, Borrelia utilize antigenic variation of either outer surface proteins (Osps) and the Vmp-like sequences (Vls) system (Lyme borreliae) or variable membrane proteins (Vmps, relapsing fever borreliae). B. miyamotoi possesses putative FHBPs and antigenic variation of Vmps has been demonstrated. This review summarizes and compares the common mechanisms utilized by Lyme and relapsing fever spirochetes, as well as the current state of understanding immune evasion by B. miyamotoi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandee L Stone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota , Grand Forks, ND , USA
| | - Catherine A Brissette
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota , Grand Forks, ND , USA
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Collini M, Albonico F, Rosà R, Tagliapietra V, Arnoldi D, Conterno L, Rossi C, Mortarino M, Rizzoli A, Hauffe HC. Identification of Ixodes ricinus blood meals using an automated protocol with high resolution melting analysis (HRMA) reveals the importance of domestic dogs as larval tick hosts in Italian alpine forests. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:638. [PMID: 27955678 PMCID: PMC5154095 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, Ixodes ricinus L. is the main vector of a variety of zoonotic pathogens, acquired through blood meals taken once per stage from a vertebrate host. Defining the main tick hosts in a given area is important for planning public health interventions; however, until recently, no robust molecular methods existed for blood meal identification from questing ticks. Here we improved the time- and cost-effectiveness of an HRMA protocol for blood meal analysis and used it to identify blood meal sources of sheep tick larvae from Italian alpine forests. METHODS Nine hundred questing nymphs were collected using blanket-dragging in 18 extensive forests and 12 forest patches close to rural villages in the Province of Trento. Total DNA was either extracted manually, with the QIAamp DNA Investigator kit, or automatically using the KingFisher™ Flex Magnetic Particle Processors (KingFisher Cell and Tissue DNA Kit). Host DNA was amplified with six independent host group real-time PCR reactions and identified by means of HRMA. Statistical analyses were performed in R to assess the variables important for achieving successful identification and to compare host use in the two types of forest. RESULTS Automating DNA extraction improved time- and cost-effectiveness of the HRMA protocol, but identification success fell to 22.4% (KingFisher™) from 55.1% (QIAamp), with larval hosts identified in 215 of 848 questing nymphs; 23 mixed blood meals were noted. However, the list of hosts targeted by our primer sets was extended, improving the potential of the method. Host identification to species or genus level was possible for 137 and 102 blood meals, respectively. The most common hosts were Rodentia (28.9%) and, unexpectedly, Carnivora (28.4%), with domestic dogs accounting for 21.3% of all larval blood meals. Overall, Cetartiodactyla species fed 17.2% of larvae. Passeriformes (14.6%) fed a significantly higher proportion of larvae in forest patches (22.3%) than in extensive forest (9.6%), while Soricomorpha (10.9%) were more important hosts in extensive forest (15.2%) than in forest patches (4.3%). CONCLUSIONS The HRMA protocol for blood meal analysis is a valuable tool in the study of feeding ecology of sheep ticks, especially with the cost- and time- reductions introduced here. To our knowledge, we show for the first time that domestic dogs are important larval hosts in the Alps, which may have possible implications for tick-borne disease cycles in urbanized areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Collini
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Albonico
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Lorenza Conterno
- Department of Food Quality and Nutrition, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Chiara Rossi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Heidi Christine Hauffe
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
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Gryczyńska A, Welc-Falęciak R. Long-term study of the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. infection in ticks (Ixodes ricinus) feeding on blackbirds (Turdus merula) in NE Poland. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 70:381-394. [PMID: 27631764 PMCID: PMC5061843 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0082-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Seeking evidence to confirm that blackbirds (Turdus merula) may be involved in environmental maintenance of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis), we conducted a long-term study over three separate 2-year periods, together embracing a span of almost 20 years, all in the same area in northeastern Poland. We examined a total of 78 blackbirds and collected 623 Ixodes ricinus ticks feeding on them. The tick infestation prevalence was found to be very high (89.7 %). Among all ticks collected, 9.8 % individuals were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes. We found statistically significant growth in the prevalence of infected ticks as well as an increasing proportion of blackbirds hosting them in subsequent years of study. Ticks feeding on blackbirds were infected mainly with B. garinii (45.7 %), a genospecies commonly encountered in birds, and with B. afzelii (28.6 %), until recently considered rodent-associated. We also identified B. turdi (22.9 %), frequently found in recent years in ticks feeding on birds, and B. spielmanii (2.8 %), which had previously not been found in infected ticks feeding on blackbirds. We also found that ticks infected with genospecies associated with avian reservoir groups (B. garinii and B. turdi) were not randomly distributed on blackbirds, but instead focused on certain bird specimens. We therefore conjecture that this is a result of ticks becoming infected either from the host blackbird itself, or from other infected ticks feeding on the same host blackbird. We did not find any similar dependency for the rodent specialist B. afzelii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Gryczyńska
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 101 Żwirki i Wigury St., 02-089, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Renata Welc-Falęciak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa St., 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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