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Melis S, Batisti Biffignandi G, Olivieri E, Galon C, Vicari N, Prati P, Moutailler S, Sassera D, Castelli M. High-throughput screening of pathogens in Ixodes ricinus removed from hosts in Lombardy, northern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102285. [PMID: 38035456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102285] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens in Europe, where the most impactful species is Ixodes ricinus. Recently, the geographical distribution of this tick species has been expanding, resulting in an increased risk of human exposure to tick bites. With the present study, we aimed to screen 350 I. ricinus specimens collected from humans and wild animals (mainly ungulates), to have a broader understanding of the tick-borne pathogens circulating in the Lombardy region, in northern Italy. To do so, we took advantage of a high-throughput real-time microfluidic PCR approach to screen ticks in a cost-effective and time-saving manner. Molecular analysis of the dataset revealed the presence of four genera of bacteria and two genera of protozoa: in ungulates, 77 % of collected ticks carried Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while the most common pathogen species in ticks removed from humans were those belonging to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group (7.6 %). We also detected other pathogenic microorganisms, such as Rickettisa monacensis, Rickettsia helvetica, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Babesia venatorum, and Hepatozoon martis. Besides, we also reported the presence of the pathogenic agent Borrelia miyamotoi in the area (1.4 % overall). The most common dual co-infection detected in the same tick individual involved A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. Our study provided evidence of the circulation of different tick-borne pathogens in a densely populated region in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Melis
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Olivieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clémence Galon
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Nadia Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Prati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Davide Sassera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Pavia Italy
| | - Michele Castelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Zanet S, Occhibove F, Capizzi D, Fratini S, Giannini F, Hoida AD, Sposimo P, Valentini F, Ferroglio E. Zoonotic Microparasites in Invasive Black Rats ( Rattus rattus) from Small Islands in Central Italy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3279. [PMID: 37894002 PMCID: PMC10603634 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203279] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive species have a detrimental impact on native populations, particularly in island ecosystems, and they pose a potential zoonotic and wildlife threat. Black rats (Rattus rattus) are invasive species that disrupt native flora and fauna on islands and serve as potential competent reservoirs for various pathogens and parasites. Microparasites screening was conducted in rat populations from small islands in central Italy (the Pontine Islands and Pianosa) with the aim of assessing the role of rats in maintaining infections, particularly in cases where key reservoir hosts were scarce or absent. We focused on microparasites of zoonotic and veterinary relevance. A total of 53 rats was kill-trapped and target tissues were analysed with molecular techniques. We observed the absence or very low prevalence of Anaplasma spp., while Babesia was found in rats from all locations, marking the first recorded instance of Babesia divergens in wild rats. Data from Pianosa strongly suggest the presence of an autochthonous Leishmania infantum cycle in the Tuscan archipelago islands. Neospora caninum was absent from all islands, even in areas where dogs, the main reservoirs, were present. Toxoplasma gondii was only recorded on the Pontine Islands, where genotyping is needed to shed light on infection dynamics. This study confirms that invasive species, such as rats, may be responsible for maintaining an increased parasitological threat to fauna and human communities in certain ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Flavia Occhibove
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Dario Capizzi
- Directorate for Natural Capital, Latium Region, Parks and Protected Areas, Viale del Tintoretto 432, 00142 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sara Fratini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Francesca Giannini
- Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano, Loc. Enfola, 57037 Portoferraio, Italy;
| | - Avner Dan Hoida
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Paolo Sposimo
- Nature and Environment Management Operators SRL (NEMO), Piazza Massimo D’Azeglio 11, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Flaminia Valentini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (S.Z.); (A.D.H.); (F.V.); (E.F.)
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Kitryt N, Baltrnait L. Ectoparasitic mites, ticks (Acari: Trombidiformes, Mesostigmata, Ixodida) and insects (Insecta: Psocodea, Siphonaptera) of ground-dwelling small mammals in the Baltic States. An annotated checklist. Zootaxa 2023; 5353:1-46. [PMID: 38221425 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5353.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents an annotated checklist of 77 species of ectoparasitic mites, ticks (Acari: Trombidiformes, Mesostigmata, Ixodida) and insects (Insecta: Psocodea, Siphonaptera) found on ground-dwelling small mammals in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). Eight species of five genera of chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), 26 species of eight genera of laelapid mites (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae), six species of two genera of ixodid ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae), 11 species of three genera of blood-sucking lice (Psocodea: Hoplopleuridae, Pediculidae, Polyplacidae) and 26 species of 15 genera of fleas (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae, Ctenophthalmidae, Hystrichopsyllidae, Pulicidae) were recorded on ground-dwelling small mammals in the Baltic States. Neotrombicula japonica (Tanaka, Kaiwa, Teramura & Kagaya), Neotrombicula vulgaris (Schluger), Miyatrombicula muris (Oudemans), Hoplopleura edentula Fahrenholz and Polyplax hannswrangeli Eichler are recorded for the first time in the Baltic States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neringa Kitryt
- Nature Research Centre; Akademijos Street 2; LT-08412 Vilnius; Lithuania.
| | - Laima Baltrnait
- Nature Research Centre; Akademijos Street 2; LT-08412 Vilnius; Lithuania.
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Mancuso E, Di Domenico M, Di Gialleonardo L, Menegon M, Toma L, Di Luca M, Casale F, Di Donato G, D’Onofrio L, De Rosa A, Riello S, Ferri A, Serra L, Monaco F. Tick Species Diversity and Molecular Identification of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae Collected from Migratory Birds Arriving from Africa. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2036. [PMID: 37630596 PMCID: PMC10458931 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082036] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens along their routes from Africa to Europe is increasingly emerging. Wild birds can host several tick species, often infected by bacteria responsible for zoonoses. The aim of the study is to assess the possible introduction of exotic ticks carried by migratory birds into Italy from Africa and to detect the presence of Rickettsia species and Coxiella burnetii they may harbor. During a two-year survey, we collected ticks from migratory birds captured during their short stop-over on Ventotene Island. Specimens were first identified by morphology or sequencing molecular targets when needed, and then tested by real-time PCR for the presence of selected pathogens. A total of 91% of the collection consisted of sub-Saharan ticks, more than 50% of which were infected by Rickettsia species belonging to the spotted fever group, mainly represented by R. aeschlimannii. In contrast, the suspected C. burnetii detected in two soft ticks were confirmed as Coxiella-like endosymbionts and not the pathogen. Although there are still gaps in the knowledge of this dispersal process, our findings confirm the role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, suggesting the need for a continuous surveillance to monitor the potential emergence of new diseases in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mancuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Luigina Di Gialleonardo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Michela Menegon
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (M.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Luciano Toma
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (M.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (M.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesca Casale
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (M.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Guido Di Donato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Laura D’Onofrio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Angela De Rosa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Sara Riello
- Riserva Naturale Statale “Isole di Ventotene e Santo Stefano”, 04031 Ventotene, Italy;
| | - Andrea Ferri
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy; (A.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Lorenzo Serra
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy; (A.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
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Rubel F, Kahl O. The Eurasian shrew and vole tick Ixodes trianguliceps: geographical distribution, climate preference, and pathogens detected. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s10493-023-00797-0. [PMID: 37160597 PMCID: PMC10293386 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The Eurasian shrew and vole tick Ixodes trianguliceps Birula lives in the nests and burrows of its small mammalian hosts and is-along with larvae and nymphs of Ixodes ricinus or Ixodes persulcatus-one of the most commonly collected tick species from these hosts in its Eurasian range. Ixodes trianguliceps is a proven vector of Babesia microti. In this study, up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution and the climate preference of I. trianguliceps are presented. A dataset was compiled, resulting in 1161 georeferenced locations in Eurasia. This data set covers the entire range of I. trianguliceps for the first time. The distribution area between 8[Formula: see text] W-105[Formula: see text] E and 40-69[Formula: see text] N extends from Northern Spain to Western Siberia. To investigate the climate adaptation of I. trianguliceps, the georeferenced locations were superimposed on a high-resolution map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The Köppen profile for I. trianguliceps, i.e., a frequency distribution of the tick occurrence under different climates, shows two peaks related to the following climates: warm temperate with precipitation all year round (Cfb), and boreal with warm or cold summers and precipitation all year round (Dfb, Dfc). Almost 97% of all known I. trianguliceps locations are related to these climates. Thus, I. trianguliceps prefers climates with warm or cold summers without dry periods. Cold winters do not limit the distribution of this nidicolous tick species, which has been recorded in the European Alps and the Caucasus Mountains up to altitudes of 2400 m. Conversely, I. trianguliceps does not occur in the Mediterranean area with its hot and dry summers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Zając Z, Kulisz J, Kunc-Kozioł R, Woźniak A, Filipiuk M, Rudolf R, Bartosik K, Cabezas-Cruz A. Tick Infestation in Migratory Birds of the Vistula River Valley, Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192113781. [PMID: 36360665 PMCID: PMC9655835 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Migratory birds play an important role in the eco-epidemiology of tick-borne diseases due to their ability to carry ticks for long distances. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and factors influencing the intensity of tick infestation in migratory birds. The study was conducted in a locality situated in the Vistula River valley, eastern Poland, during autumn, when the high migratory activity of birds is registered in the region. The birds were captured using ornithological nets and identified at the species level. In the next step, they were carefully inspected for attached ticks. Tick infestation was observed in 4.43% of the captured birds. The highest mean intensity of tick infestation was observed in birds foraging on the ground or in low shrubs and by long- and medium-distance migrants, i.e., Turdus merula (2.73), T. philomelos (2.04), and Erithacus rubecula (1.58). Ixodes ricinus was found to infest the birds most frequently. However, other tick species, i.e., I. trianguliceps, I. crenulatus (synonym I. canisuga), and I. apronophorus, rarely found in eastern Poland, were also found parasitizing birds. The occurrence of I. persulcatus, I. frontalis, and I. acuminatus (synonym I. redikorzevi) was confirmed in the region for the first time. The results of the study suggest that captured bird species are susceptible to tick infestation and could play an important role in the circulation of some tick-borne pathogens. They also play a significant role in the spread of ticks. The ecology and ethology of birds, including their foraging styles and migratory habits, are factors determining the risk of exposure of birds to tick attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Renata Kunc-Kozioł
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Filipiuk
- Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Robert Rudolf
- Kaliszany Ornithological Station, 24-340 Stare Kaliszany, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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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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Rataud A, Galon C, Bournez L, Henry PY, Marsot M, Moutailler S. Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Tick Larvae Feeding on Breeding Birds in France. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080946. [PMID: 36015066 PMCID: PMC9414652 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds play a role in maintaining tick-borne diseases by contributing to the multiplication of ticks and pathogens on a local scale during the breeding season. In the present study, we describe the diversity of tick and pathogen species of medical and veterinary importance in Europe hosted by 1040 captured birds (56 species) during their breeding season in France. Of the 3114 ticks collected, Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent species (89.5%), followed by I. frontalis (0.8%), I. arboricola (0.7%), Haemaphysalis concinna (0.5%), H. punctata (0.5%), Hyalomma spp. (0.2%), and Rhipicephalus spp. (0.06%). Because they may be representative of the bird infection status for some pathogen species, 1106 engorged tick larvae were screened for pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was the most prevalent pathogen genus in bird-feeding larvae (11.7%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (7.4%), Anaplasma spp. (5.7%), Babesia spp. (2.3%), Ehrlichia spp. (1.4%), and B. miyamotoi (1%). Turdidae birds (Turdus merula and T. philomelos), Troglodytes troglodytes, and Anthus trivialis had a significantly higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected larvae than other pathogen genera. This suggests that these bird species could act as reservoir hosts for B. burgdorferi s.l. during their breeding season, and thus play an important role in acarological risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Rataud
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Université Paris Est, ANSES, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Clemence Galon
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Laure Bournez
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Henry
- Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution (MECADEV UMR 7179), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 91800 Brunoy, France
- Centre de Recherches sur la Biologie des Populations d’Oiseaux (CRBPO), Centre d’Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR 7204), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Maud Marsot
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Université Paris Est, ANSES, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.M.)
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Rjeibi MR, Amairia S, Mhadhbi M, Rekik M, Gharbi M. Detection and molecular identification of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. infections in Hyalomma aegyptium ticks in Tunisia. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:385. [PMID: 35689686 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-02995-7] [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: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tortoises of the genus Testudo are the main hosts of Hyalomma aegyptium ticks. This species serves as a vector of several zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the presence of four pathogens associated with H. aegyptium ticks obtained from tortoises from Tunisia. Conventional, multiplex and nested PCRs were used for Aanaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii and Babesia spp. screening. The molecular analyses revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. None of the ticks, were infected by E. canis or C. burnetii species. Co-infection was detected in four ticks. As a conclusion, this is the first detection of A. phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. in H. aegyptium ticks collected from tortoises, in Tunisia. Thus, considering these results, the spur-thighed tortoise constitute a potential host of H. aegyptium which plays an important role in the transmission of pathogenic agents affecting both human and animals. In term of public health, a strict control and surveillance should be carried to reduce the circulation of such pathogens between different hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ridha Rjeibi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institut de la Recherche Vétérinaire de Tunisie, 20 Rue de Jebel Lakdhar, La Rabta, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Safa Amairia
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Moez Mhadhbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 950764, Amman, 11195, Jordan
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Occhibove F, McKeown NJ, Risley C, Ironside JE. Eco-epidemiological screening of multi-host wild rodent communities in the UK reveals pathogen strains of zoonotic interest. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:278-287. [PMID: 35309039 PMCID: PMC8927908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Wild rodent communities represent ideal systems to study pathogens and parasites shared among sympatric species. Such studies are useful in the investigation of eco-epidemiological dynamics, improving disease management strategies and reducing zoonotic risk. The aim of this study was to investigate pathogen and parasites shared among rodent species (multi-host community) in West Wales in an area where human/wildlife disease risk was not previously assessed. West Wales is predominantly rural, with human settlements located alongside to grazing areas and semi-natural landscapes, creating a critical human-livestock-wildlife interface. Ground-dwelling wild rodent communities in Wales were live-trapped and biological samples – faeces and ectoparasites – collected and screened for a suite of pathogens and parasites that differ in types of transmission and ecology. Faecal samples were examined to detect Herpesvirus, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium microti. Ticks and fleas were collected, identified to species based on morphology and genetic barcodes, and then screened for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Bartonella sp. All the pathogens and parasites screened pose a characteristic epidemiological challenge, such as variable level of generalism, unknown zoonotic potential, and lack of data. The results showed that the bank vole Myodes glareolus had the highest prevalence of all pathogens and parasites. Higher flea species diversity was detected than in previous studies, and at least two Bartonella species were found circulating, one of which has not previously been detected in the UK. These key findings offer new insights into the distribution of selected pathogen and parasites and subsequent zoonotic risk, and provide new baselines and perspectives for further eco-epidemiological research. Ixodes trianguliceps dominated tick species found on sampled rodent populations. A zoonotic Babesia microti strain was isolated in ticks parasitising UK rodents. High flea diversity varied seasonally, harbouring at least two Bartonella species. Candidatus Bartonella rudovakii was isolated for the first time in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Occhibove
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
- Corresponding author. UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK.
| | | | - Claire Risley
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
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Karshima SN, Ahmed MI, Kogi CA, Iliya PS. Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection rates in questing and host-attached ticks: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2022; 228:106299. [PMID: 34998998 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes a multi-organ non-specific febrile illness referred to as human granulocytic anaplasmosis. The epidemiologic risk of the pathogen is underestimated despite human encroachment into the natural habitats of ticks. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global infection rates and distribution of A. phagocytophilum in tick vectors. We pooled data using the random-effects model, assessed individual study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal instrument for prevalence studies and determined heterogeneity and across study bias using Cochran's Q-test and Egger's regression test respectively. A total of 126 studies from 33 countries across 4 continents reported A. phagocytophilum estimated infection rate of 4.76% (9453/174,967; 95% CI: 3.96, 5.71). Estimated IRs across sub-groups varied significantly (p <0.05) with a range of 1.95 (95% CI: 0.63, 5.86) to 7.15% (95% CI: 5.31, 9.56). Country-based IRs ranged between 0.42 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.80) in Belgium and 37.54% (95% CI: 0.72, 98.03) in Norway. The highest number of studies on A. phagocytophilum were in Europe (82/126) by continent and the USA (33/126) by country. The risk of transmitting this pathogens from ticks to animals and humans exist and therefore, we recommend the use of chemical and biological control measures as well as repellents and protective clothing by occupationally exposed individuals to curtail further transmission of the pathogen to humans and animals.
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12
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Karshima SN, Karshima MN, Ahmed MI. Infection rates, species diversity, and distribution of zoonotic Babesia parasites in ticks: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:311-334. [PMID: 34750651 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07359-6] [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: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic Babesia species are emerging public health threats globally, and are the cause of a mild to severe malaria-like disease which may be life threatening in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, we determine the global infection rate, distribution, and the diversity of zoonotic Babesia species in tick vectors using a systematic review and meta-analysis. We used the random-effects model to pool data and determined quality of individual studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal instrument for prevalence studies, heterogeneity using Cochran's Q test, and across study bias using Egger's regression test. Herein, we reported a 2.16% (3915/175345, 95% CI: 1.76-2.66) global infection rate of zoonotic Babesia species (B. divergens, B. microti, and B. venatorum) in tick vectors across 36 countries and 4 continents. Sub-group infection rates ranged between 0.65% (95% CI: 0.09-4.49) and 3.70% (95% CI: 2.61-5.21). B. microti was the most prevalent (1.79%, 95% CI: 1.38-2.31) species reported in ticks, while Ixodes scapularis recorded the highest infection rate (3.92%, 95% CI: 2.55-5.99). Larvae 4.18% (95% CI: 2.15-7.97) and females 4.08% (95% CI: 2.56-6.43) were the tick stage and sex with the highest infection rates. The presence of B. divergens, B. microti, and B. venatorum in tick vectors as revealed by the present study suggests possible risk of transmission of these pathogens to humans, especially occupationally exposed population. The control of tick vectors through chemical and biological methods as well as the use of repellants and appropriate clothing by occupationally exposed population are suggested to curtail the epidemiologic, economic, and public health threats associated with this emerging public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Ngutor Karshima
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Jos, PMB 2084, Jos, Nigeria.
| | - Magdalene Nguvan Karshima
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, PMB 2076, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
| | - Musa Isiyaku Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, PMB 28, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
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Occurrence and Identification of Ixodes ricinus Borne Pathogens in Northeastern Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091181. [PMID: 34578213 PMCID: PMC8470124 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In Europe, Ixodes ricinus is the main vector for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), the most common tick species in Italy, particularly represented in pre-alpine and hilly northern areas. From 2011 to 2017, ticks were collected by dragging in Belluno province (northeast Italy) and analyzed by molecular techniques for TBP detection. Several species of Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. Anaplaspa phagocitophilum, Neoerlichia mikurensis and Babesia venatorum, were found to be circulating in the study area carried by I. ricinus (n = 2668, all stages). Overall, 39.1% of screened pools were positive for at least one TBP, with a prevalence of 12.25% and 29.2% in immature stages and adults, respectively. Pathogens were detected in 85% of the monitored municipalities, moreover the presence of TBPs varied from one to seven different pathogens in the same year. The annual TBPs prevalence fluctuations observed in each municipality highlights the necessity of performing continuous tick surveillance. In conclusion, the observation of TBPs in ticks remains an efficient strategy for monitoring the circulation of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in a specific area.
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Abstract
There is no updated information on the spread of Rickettsiales in Italy. The purpose of our study is to take stock of the situation on Rickettsiales in Italy by focusing attention on the species identified by molecular methods in humans, in bloodsucking arthropods that could potentially attack humans, and in animals, possible hosts of these Rickettsiales. A computerized search without language restriction was conducted using PubMed updated as of December 31, 2020. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was followed. Overall, 36 species of microorganisms belonging to Rickettsiales were found. The only species identified in human tissues were Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Rickettsia conorii, R. conorii subsp. israelensis, R. monacensis, R. massiliae, and R. slovaca. Microorganisms transmissible by bloodsucking arthropods could cause humans pathologies not yet well characterized. It should become routine to study the pathogens present in ticks that have bitten a man and at the same time that molecular studies for the search for Rickettsiales can be performed routinely in people who have suffered bites from bloodsucking arthropods.
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Ecotyping of Anaplasma phagocytophilum from Wild Ungulates and Ticks Shows Circulation of Zoonotic Strains in Northeastern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020310. [PMID: 33530571 PMCID: PMC7911980 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tick-borne infectious diseases represent a rising threat both for human and animal health, since they are emerging worldwide. Among the bacterial infections, Anaplasma phagocytophilum has been largely neglected in Europe. Despite its diffusion in ticks and animals, the ecoepidemiology of its genetic variants is not well understood. The latest studies identify four ecotypes of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Europe, and only ecotype I has shown zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic variants of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in wild ungulates, the leading reservoir species, and in feeding ticks, the main vector of infection. The analyzed samples were collected in northeastern Italy, the same area where the first Italian human cases of anaplasmosis in the country were reported. Using biomolecular tools and phylogenetic analysis, ecotypes I and II were detected in both ticks (Ixodes ricinus species) and wild ungulates. Specifically, ecotype II was mainly detected in roe deer and related ticks; and ecotype I, the potentially zoonotic variant, was detected in Ixodes ricinus ticks and also in roe deer, red deer, chamois, mouflon, and wild boar. These findings reveal not only the wide diffusion of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, but also the presence of zoonotic variants. Abstract Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is a tick-borne pathogen causing disease in both humans and animals. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is an emerging disease, but despite the remarkable prevalence in European ticks and wild animals, human infection appears underdiagnosed. Several genetic variants are circulating in Europe, including the zoonotic ecotype I. This study investigated A. phagocytophilum occurrence in wild ungulates and their ectoparasites in an area where HGA has been reported. Blood samples from wild ungulates and ectoparasites were screened by biomolecular methods targeting the mps2 gene. The groEL gene was amplified and sequenced to perform genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 188 blood samples were collected from different wild ungulates species showing an overall prevalence of 63.8% (88.7% in wild ruminants and 3.6% in wild boars). The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in ticks (manly Ixodes ricinus), and keds collected from wild ruminants was high, reflecting the high infection rates obtained in their hosts. Among ticks collected from wild boars (Hyalomma marginatum and Dermacentor marginatus) no DNA was detected. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the presence of ecotype I and II. To date, this is the first Italian report of ecotype I in alpine chamois, mouflon, and wild boar species. These findings suggest their role in HGA epidemiology, and the high prevalence detected in this study highlights that this human tick-borne disease deserves further attention.
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Petruccelli A, Ferrara G, Iovane G, Schettini R, Ciarcia R, Caputo V, Pompameo M, Pagnini U, Montagnaro S. Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Dirofilaria immitis in Stray Dogs, from 2016 to 2019, in Southern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010009. [PMID: 33374634 PMCID: PMC7822448 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) are an important and emerging health concern for humans and animals worldwide. The purpose of the presented study was to assess, from 2016 to 2019, the seroprevalence of CVBD agents and clarify the epidemiology of tick-borne disease in stray dogs living in the Campania Region, Southern Italy. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from January 2016 to December 2019 from 1023 dogs in authorized kennels located in the five municipalities of the Campania Region. SNAP® 4DX® from IDEXX® Laboratories was used for detection of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), and Dirofilaria immitis antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of CVBD in stray dogs was 19.6% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 17.2-22.8%; 201/1023). The most common pathogen was Ehrlichia spp., with a percentage of positivity of 16.03%, followed by Anaplasma spp. with 7.8%. B. burgdorferi s.l. and D. immitis were detected in only 0.2% of dogs; co-infection was detected in 4.5% of stray dogs tested. No link was detected between the gender, age, location, and CVBD seropositivity, except for Ehrlichia spp. for which location (Avellino Province; p = 0.007) and gender (male, p = 0.002) were risk factors for seropositivity. Our results demonstrated that animals are exposed to at least one of the four etiological agents (Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., and Dirofilaria immitis) transmitted by vectors. Finally, this study highlighted the utility of serological monitoring in stray dogs, housed in kennels, given the threat posed by CVBD to animals and the zoonotic implications of these etiological agents and their vectors on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Petruccelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples, “Federico II”, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (R.C.); (U.P.)
| | - Gianmarco Ferrara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples, “Federico II”, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (R.C.); (U.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Iovane
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples, “Federico II”, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (R.C.); (U.P.)
| | - Rita Schettini
- Veterinary Service, ASL Salerno, Piazza Santini Carlo 1, 84047 Capaccio Scalo, Italy;
| | - Roberto Ciarcia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples, “Federico II”, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (R.C.); (U.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Caputo
- Veterinary Public Health Coordination Area, Veterinary Hospital Presidium, ASL 1, Via Marco Rocco di Torrepadula, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Marina Pompameo
- U.O.C. Animal Health, Veterinary Hospital Presidium, ASL 1, Via Marco Rocco di Torrepadula, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Ugo Pagnini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples, “Federico II”, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (R.C.); (U.P.)
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples, “Federico II”, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (G.F.); (G.I.); (R.C.); (U.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-2536178
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Chisu V, Foxi C, Masu G, D' Amaddio B, Masala G. Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria from Ixodes ricinus carried by pets in Tuscany, Italy. Vet Rec Open 2020; 7:e000395. [PMID: 33024565 PMCID: PMC7500295 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2020-000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are vectors of disease-causing pathogens that pose a serious threat to animals and people. Dogs and cats are exposed to tick infestation in multiple ways and can easily transport infected ticks into domestic environments and potentially transfer them to people. Pet owners are at increased risk of picking up ticks from their pets and developing tickborne diseases. This study aims to detect the presence of pathogens of potential public health interest in ticks removed from cats and dogs in Tuscany, Italy. Methods The collected ticks were screened for the presence of protozoan (Theileria species and Babesia species) and bacterial (Rickettsia species, Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia species, Chlamydia species, Bartonella species and Coxiella burnetii) pathogens using PCR. Results PCR and sequencing analysis revealed that 3 per cent of the ticks were PCR-positive for the presence of Rickettsia helvetica DNA, 5 per cent of ticks were PCR-positive for Bartonella henselae DNA, and 46 per cent of ticks were PCR-positive for Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus DNA. None of the examined ticks was PCR-positive for Theileria species, Babesia species, Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia canis or Coxiella burnetii DNA. Conclusion The results of this preliminary study highlight the importance of monitoring companion animals as indicators to evaluate the health status of their owners. Preventive measures are necessary to limit the spread of zoonotic pathogens from companion animals to people within the home environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna G Pegreffi, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cipriano Foxi
- Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna G Pegreffi, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Masu
- Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna G Pegreffi, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Masala
- Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna G Pegreffi, Sassari, Italy
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Grassi L, Tagliapietra V, Rizzoli A, Martini M, Drigo M, Franzo G, Menandro ML. Lack of Evidence on the Susceptibility of Ticks and Wild Rodent Species to PCV3 Infection. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090682. [PMID: 32825701 PMCID: PMC7558181 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090682] [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: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is an emerging virus, first detected in 2016 and widespread in the swine industry. Although not considered a primary pathogen, PCV3 is potentially linked to several clinical conditions that threaten swine farming. Wild boars are considered the main reservoir species for PCV3 infection in the wild, but recent detection in roe deer, chamois and associated ticks has complicated our understanding of its epidemiology. Much emphasis has been placed on ticks, as competent vectors, and wild rodents, which typically feed immature tick stages. The aim of this study was to clarify whether wild rodent species and associated ticks are susceptible to PCV3 infection and involved in its spread. Wild small mammals' serum samples and hosted ticks were, therefore, collected from areas where no wild boars were present and tested by PCR, targeting the PCV3 rep gene. A total of 90 yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis), two wood mice (A. sylvaticus), 26 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and 262 Ixodes spp. ticks were investigated. PCV3 DNA was not detected in serum or in tick samples. These findings support the hypothesis that the investigated species do not have an actual role as PCV3 reservoirs. Further studies would be necessary to state whether these species, or others that we did not test, are involved in PCV3 infection spread-in particular when susceptible species share the same habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grassi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.); (M.D.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Center, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, TN, Italy; (V.T.); (A.R.)
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Center, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, TN, Italy; (V.T.); (A.R.)
| | - Marco Martini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.); (M.D.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Michele Drigo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.); (M.D.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.); (M.D.); (M.L.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Luisa Menandro
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.); (M.D.); (M.L.M.)
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Riccò M, Gualerzi G, Ranzieri S, Ferraro P, Bragazzi NL. Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices (KAP) of Italian Occupational Physicians towards Tick Borne Encephalitis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5030117. [PMID: 32708662 PMCID: PMC7559127 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is an occupational health threat with increasing incidence in the geographic area of Italy. Despite this, TBE vaccination rates have ranged from 10% to 40% in Italy, even in at-risk workers. The reasons for this low rate are investigated in this present study of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of occupational physicians (OP) regarding TBE disease and vaccination in at-risk workers. A total of 229 OP participated in an internet-based survey by completing a structured questionnaire. Adequate general knowledge of TBE disease was found in 58% of OP. Accurate perception of TBE risk in occupational settings was found in 20%. TBE vaccination for at-risk workers was recommended by 19%. Willingness to recommend TBE vaccination was more likely by OP practicing in endemic areas (Odds Ratio 3.10, 95% confidence intervals 1.47–6.55), who knew the existence of the term “arboviruses” (3.10, 1.29–7.44), or exhibited a better understanding of TBE (2.38, 1.11–5.12)—and were positive predictors for promoting TBE vaccine, while acknowledging that TBE as a severe disease was a negative one. Tick-borne disorders in Italy are a still rare (but increasing) occupational health threat, and vaccination gaps for TBE virus may find an explanation in OP incomplete knowledge of evidence-based recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Occupational Health and Safety Service on the Workplaces of the Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia (SPSAL), Via Amendola n.2, I-42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | - Giovanni Gualerzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Parma, Via Gramsci n.14, 43123 Parma, Italy;
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Occupational Medicine, University of Parma, Via Gramsci n.14, I-43123 Parma, Italy;
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- ASL Foggia, Department of Prevention, Occupational Health and Safety Service on the Workplaces of the Local Health Unit of Foggia, Piazza Pavoncelli 11, I-41121 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada;
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Management Options for Ixodes ricinus-Associated Pathogens: A Review of Prevention Strategies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061830. [PMID: 32178257 PMCID: PMC7143654 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are important human and animal parasites and vectors of many infectious disease agents. Control of tick activity is an effective tool to reduce the risk of contracting tick-transmitted diseases. The castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) is the most common tick species in Europe. It is also a vector of the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis, which are two of the most important arthropod-borne diseases in Europe. In recent years, increases in tick activity and incidence of tick-borne diseases have been observed in many European countries. These increases are linked to many ecological and anthropogenic factors such as landscape management, climate change, animal migration, and increased popularity of outdoor activities or changes in land usage. Tick activity is driven by many biotic and abiotic factors, some of which can be effectively managed to decrease risk of tick bites. In the USA, recommendations for landscape management, tick host control, and tick chemical control are well-defined for the applied purpose of reducing tick presence on private property. In Europe, where fewer studies have assessed tick management strategies, the similarity in ecological factors influencing vector presence suggests that approaches that work in USA may also be applicable. In this article we review key factors driving the tick exposure risk in Europe to select those most conducive to management for decreased tick-associated risk.
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Zanet S, Battisti E, Pepe P, Ciuca L, Colombo L, Trisciuoglio A, Ferroglio E, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP. Tick-borne pathogens in Ixodidae ticks collected from privately-owned dogs in Italy: a country-wide molecular survey. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:46. [PMID: 32028946 PMCID: PMC7006417 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-2263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasingly recognized as a cause of disease in dogs worldwide. The epidemiology of ticks and tick-transmitted protozoa and bacteria has changed due to the spread of ticks to urban and peri-urban areas and the movement of infected animals, posing new risks for animals and humans. This countrywide study reports information on distribution and prevalence of pathogens in ticks collected from privately-owned dogs in Italy. We analyzed 2681 Ixodidae ticks, collected from 1454 pet dogs from Italy. Specific PCR protocols were used to detect i) Piroplasms of the genera Babesia and Theileria, ii) Gram-negative cocci of the family Anaplasmataceae and iii) Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Sequencing of positive amplicons allowed for species identification. Results Babesia/Theileria spp. DNA was detected in 435 homogeneous tick-pools (Minimum Infection Rate (MIR) = 27.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.4–29.8%) with higher prevalence in Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguneus group. The zoonotic B. venatorum was the most prevalent species (MIR = 7.5%; 95% CI = 6.3–9.0%). Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species were detected in 165 tick-pools (MIR = 10.5%; 95% CI = 9.3–11.8%) and specifically, A. phagocytophilum was identified with MIR = 5.1% (95% CI = 4.1–6.3%). Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and B. afzelii were detected with MIR = 0.4% (95% CI = 0.2–0.8%) and MIR = 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–0.7%) respectively. Conclusions Zoonotic pathogens B. venatorum and A. phagocytophilum were the most frequently detected in ticks collected from privately-owned dogs which might be used as markers of pathogens presence and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Liliana Colombo
- MSD Animal Health, Via Fratelli Cervi, 20090, Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Anna Trisciuoglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
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22
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Colella V. Ixodes ricinus infesting snakes: Insights on a new tick-host association in a Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato endemic area. Acta Trop 2019; 193:35-37. [PMID: 30794772 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus is one of the most abundant tick species in Europe, being able to parasitize a wide number of vertebrate hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. This tick species has an important role as vector of zoonotic pathogens, including the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis (i.e. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato). Here, we provide insights on a new tick-host association (i.e. I. ricinus infesting snakes) in an area recently recognized as endemic for reptile-associated zoonotic species of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.
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23
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Millet I, Ragionieri M, Tomassone L, Trentin C, Mannelli A. Assessment of the Exposure of People to Questing Ticks Carrying Agents of Zoonoses in Aosta Valley, Italy. Vet Sci 2019; 6:E28. [PMID: 30884896 PMCID: PMC6466159 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We estimated the probability of exposure of people to questing ticks, infected with bacterial agents of the tick-borne zoonoses-in Aosta Valley, western Alps, Italy. We collected ticks by dragging, and from collectors' clothes in three hiking trails, which were divided into an internal path, with short vegetation, and an external part with taller grass. Dragging yielded 285 Ixodes ricinus nymphs and 31 adults, and two Dermacentor marginatus adults. Eleven I. ricinus nymphs and 9 adults were collected from collectors' clothes. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. was identified by PCR in 12 out of 30 I. ricinus nymphs (prevalence = 40.0%, 95% confidence interval = 22.5, 57.5). The prevalence of infection by Rickettsia spp. was 13.3% (95% CI = 1.2, 25.5). The probability of encountering at least one questing I. ricinus infected by each bacterial agent (probability of exposure, E) in 100 m² was obtained by combining the number of collected nymphs, the prevalence of infection by each bacterial agent, the frequency of passage by visitors, and the probability of tick attachment to people. The mean number of nymphs collected by dragging was greatest in the internal part of hiking trails (mean = 7.9). Conversely, E was greater in the external part (up to 0.14 for B. burgdorferi s.l., and 0.07 for Rickettsia spp.), due to a greater probability of tick attachment to people in relatively tall vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilary Millet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Marco Ragionieri
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, SC Sanità animale, Azienda USL della Valle d'Aosta, 11020 Quart, Italy.
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Claudio Trentin
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, SC Sanità animale, Azienda USL della Valle d'Aosta, 11020 Quart, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mannelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
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24
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Kazimírová M, Hamšíková Z, Špitalská E, Minichová L, Mahríková L, Caban R, Sprong H, Fonville M, Schnittger L, Kocianová E. Diverse tick-borne microorganisms identified in free-living ungulates in Slovakia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:495. [PMID: 30176908 PMCID: PMC6122462 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3068-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free-living ungulates are hosts of ixodid ticks and reservoirs of tick-borne microorganisms in central Europe and many regions around the world. Tissue samples and engorged ticks were obtained from roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, and wild boar hunted in deciduous forests of south-western Slovakia. DNA isolated from these samples was screened for the presence of tick-borne microorganisms by PCR-based methods. RESULTS Ticks were found to infest all examined ungulate species. The principal infesting tick was Ixodes ricinus, identified on 90.4% of wildlife, and included all developmental stages. Larvae and nymphs of Haemaphysalis concinna were feeding on 9.6% of wildlife. Two specimens of Dermacentor reticulatus were also identified. Ungulates were positive for A. phagocytophilum and Theileria spp. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found to infect 96.1% of cervids, 88.9% of mouflon, and 28.2% of wild boar, whereas Theileria spp. was detected only in cervids (94.6%). Importantly, a high rate of cervids (89%) showed mixed infections with both these microorganisms. In addition to A. phagocytophilum and Theileria spp., Rickettsia helvetica, R. monacensis, unidentified Rickettsia sp., Coxiella burnetii, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) and Babesia venatorum were identified in engorged I. ricinus. Furthermore, A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. were detected in engorged H. concinna. Analysis of 16S rRNA and groEL gene sequences revealed the presence of five and two A. phagocytophilum variants, respectively, among which sequences identified in wild boar showed identity to the sequence of the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Phylogenetic analysis of Theileria 18S rRNA gene sequences amplified from cervids and engorged I. ricinus ticks segregated jointly with sequences of T. capreoli isolates into a moderately supported monophyletic clade. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that free-living ungulates are reservoirs for A. phagocytophilum and Theileria spp. and engorged ixodid ticks attached to ungulates are good sentinels for the presence of agents of public and veterinary concern. Further analyses of the A. phagocytophilum genetic variants and Theileria species and their associations with vector ticks and free-living ungulates are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Hamšíková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Minichová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Mahríková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Hein Sprong
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and Environment, 9 Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and Environment, 9 Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiologia, CICVyA, INTA-Castelar, 1686 Hurlingham, Prov. de Buenos Aires Argentina
- CONICET, C1033AAJ Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elena Kocianová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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25
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Peng Y, Wang K, Zhao S, Yan Y, Wang H, Jing J, Jian F, Wang R, Zhang L, Ning C. Detection and Phylogenetic Characterization of Anaplasma capra: An Emerging Pathogen in Sheep and Goats in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:283. [PMID: 30214896 PMCID: PMC6126426 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma capra is an emerging pathogen, which can infect ruminants and humans. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of A. capra in the blood samples of sheep and goats in China. Using nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) targeting the gltA gene and conventional PCR targeting the heat shock protein (groEL) gene and the major surface protein4 gene (msp4), A. capra was detected in 129 (8.9%) of 1453 sheep and goat blood samples. The positive rate was higher in goats (9.4%, 89/943) than in sheep (7.8%, 40/510) (χ2 = 1.04, p > 0.05, df = 1). For sheep, A. capra was found in 17 sites from 2 provinces. The prevalence was 28.6% in sheep from Liaoning province, which was higher than in Henan Province (7.3%). For goats, A. capra was detected in 35 sites from 7 provinces. The prevalence varied from 0 to 19.4% in the goat sites examined. The prevalence rates were 19.4, 19.3, 10, 8.8, 6.8, 1.8, and 0% in goats from Guizhou province, Henan Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Shanxi Province, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Yunnan province, and Gansu province, respectively. Based on the analysis of the A. capra citrate synthase gene (gltA), two variants were identified. Variant I showed a high sequence similarity to the A. capra, which were previously reported in sheep, goats, Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, and humans. Variant II was only found in Luoyang, Anyang, and Sanmengxia, of Henan province. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of this variant of A. capra in sheep and goat blood in China. Phylogenetic analysis based on groEL and msp4 genes showed that the Anaplasma sp. sequences clustered independently from A. capra and other Anaplasma species with high bootstrap values. We found A. capra DNA in sheep and goats in China, providing evidence that sheep and goats can be infected by A. capra. We also found that this zoonotic pathogen is widely distributed in China. This study provides information for assessing the public health risks for human anaplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongshuai Peng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kunlun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaqun Yan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Experimental Research Center, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jichun Jing
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuchun Jian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changshen Ning
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
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26
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Han DG, Ryu JH, Chae JB, Kim DW, Kwon CH, Choi KS. First report of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Holstein cattle in the Republic of Korea. Acta Trop 2018; 183:110-113. [PMID: 29654732 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Global warming has increased the incidence and risk of tick-borne diseases in domestic animals and humans in the Republic of Korea (ROK). In this study, we investigated the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Holstein cattle (n = 214) in the ROK using specific PCR assays. A. phagocytophilum infection was detected in only two animals (0.93%, 2/214). Our findings showed that PCR assay using the 16S rRNA gene, but not groEL, was suitable for detection of A. phagocytophilum in cattle. Phylogenetic analysis based on the16S rRNA gene showed that A. phagocytophilum was divided into two clades. Clade 1 included Korean isolates, such as those from dogs, cats, Korean water deer, and ticks, while A. phagocytophilum identified in Holstein cattle formed clade 2. Our results suggest that there is genetic variability among isolates of A. phagocytophilum circulating in the ROK. This is the first study to report A. phagocytophilum infection in Holstein cattle in the ROK. As A. phagocytophilum has zoonotic potential, additional epidemiological studies are needed to investigate the prevalence and genetic characterization of A. phagocytophilum from different regions and hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du-Gyeong Han
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyoung Ryu
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Byoung Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Woo Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Ho Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Seong Choi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Rosà R, Andreo V, Tagliapietra V, Baráková I, Arnoldi D, Hauffe HC, Manica M, Rosso F, Blaňarová L, Bona M, Derdáková M, Hamšíková Z, Kazimírová M, Kraljik J, Kocianová E, Mahríková L, Minichová L, Mošanský L, Slovák M, Stanko M, Špitalská E, Ducheyne E, Neteler M, Hubálek Z, Rudolf I, Venclikova K, Silaghi C, Overzier E, Farkas R, Földvári G, Hornok S, Takács N, Rizzoli A. Effect of Climate and Land Use on the Spatio-Temporal Variability of Tick-Borne Bacteria in Europe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040732. [PMID: 29649132 PMCID: PMC5923774 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of tick-borne diseases caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. has been rising in Europe in recent decades. Early pre-assessment of acarological hazard still represents a complex challenge. The aim of this study was to model Ixodes ricinus questing nymph density and its infection rate with B. burgdorferi s.l., A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. in five European countries (Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary) in various land cover types differing in use and anthropisation (agricultural, urban and natural) with climatic and environmental factors (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Land Surface Temperature (LST) and precipitation). We show that the relative abundance of questing nymphs was significantly associated with climatic conditions, such as higher values of NDVI recorded in the sampling period, while no differences were observed among land use categories. However, the density of infected nymphs (DIN) also depended on the pathogen considered and land use. These results contribute to a better understanding of the variation in acarological hazard for Ixodes ricinus transmitted pathogens in Central Europe and provide the basis for more focused ecological studies aimed at assessing the effect of land use in different sites on tick–host pathogens interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
| | - Veronica Andreo
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
- Department of Earth Observation Science, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
| | - Ivana Baráková
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
| | - Heidi Christine Hauffe
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
| | - Mattia Manica
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
| | - Fausta Rosso
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
| | - Lucia Blaňarová
- Parasitological Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 04001 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Martin Bona
- Department of Anatomy, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 04001 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Marketa Derdáková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Zuzana Hamšíková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Maria Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Jasna Kraljik
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Elena Kocianová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Lenka Mahríková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Lenka Minichová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Ladislav Mošanský
- Parasitological Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 04001 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Mirko Slovák
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Michal Stanko
- Parasitological Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 04001 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Els Ducheyne
- Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, 2980 Zoersel, Belgium.
| | | | - Zdenek Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristyna Venclikova
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS, 16206 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80802 Munich, Germany.
- Institute of Parasitology, National Centre for Vector Entomology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Evelyn Overzier
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - Robert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
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28
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Da Rold G, Ravagnan S, Soppelsa F, Porcellato E, Soppelsa M, Obber F, Citterio CV, Carlin S, Danesi P, Montarsi F, Capelli G. Ticks are more suitable than red foxes for monitoring zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in northeastern Italy. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:137. [PMID: 29554970 PMCID: PMC5859681 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2726-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Northeastern Italy is a hotspot for several tick-borne pathogens, transmitted to animals and humans mainly by Ixodes ricinus. Here we compare the results of molecular monitoring of ticks and zoonotic TBPs over a six-year period, with the monitoring of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in an endemic area. RESULTS In the period 2011-2016, 2,578 ticks were collected in 38 sites of 20 municipalities of Belluno Province. Individual adults (264), pooled larvae (n = 330) and nymphs (n = 1984) were screened for tick-borne encephalitis virus, Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.), Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis" by specific SYBR green real-time PCR assays and sequencing. The spleens of 97 foxes, culled in the period 2015-2017 during sport hunting or population control programs, were also screened. Overall, nine different pathogens were found in I. ricinus nymph and adult ticks: Rickettsia helvetica (3.69%); R. monacensis (0.49%); four species of the B. burgdorferi (s.l.) complex [B. afzelii (1.51%); B. burgdorferi (s.s.) (1.25%); B. garinii (0.18%); and B. valaisiana (0.18%)]; A. phagocytophilum (3.29%); "Candidatus N. mikurensis" (1.73%); and Babesia venatorum (0.04%). Larvae were collected and screened in the first year only and two pools (0.6%) were positive for R. helvetica. Tick-borne encephalitis virus was not found in ticks although human cases do occur in the area. The rate of infection in ticks varied widely according to tick developmental stage, site and year of collection. As expected, adults were the most infected, with 27.6% harboring at least one pathogen compared to 7.3% of nymphs. Pathogens with a minimum infection rate above 1% were recorded every year. None of the pathogens found in ticks were detectable in the foxes, 52 (54%) of which were instead positive for Babesia cf. microti (also referred to as Babesia microti-like, "Theileria annae", "Babesia annae" and "Babesia vulpes"). CONCLUSIONS The results show that foxes cannot be used as sentinel animals to monitor tick-borne pathogens in the specific epidemiological context of northeastern Italy. The high prevalence of Babesia cf. microti in foxes and its absence in ticks strongly suggests that I. ricinus is not the vector of this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Da Rold
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Elena Porcellato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Federica Obber
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Sara Carlin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy.
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Ravagnan S, Tomassone L, Montarsi F, Krawczyk AI, Mastrorilli E, Sprong H, Milani A, Rossi L, Capelli G. First detection of Borrelia miyamotoi in Ixodes ricinus ticks from northern Italy. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:130. [PMID: 29554975 PMCID: PMC5859684 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2713-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borrelia miyamotoi is a spirochete transmitted by several ixodid tick species. It causes a relapsing fever in humans and is currently considered as an emerging pathogen. In Europe, B. miyamotoi seems to occur at low prevalence in Ixodes ricinus ticks but has a wide distribution. Here we report the first detection of B. miyamotoi in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in two independent studies conducted in 2016 in the north-eastern and north-western Alps, Italy. RESULTS Three out of 405 nymphs (0.74%) tested positive for Borrelia miyamotoi. In particular, B. miyamotoi was found in 2/365 nymphs in the western and in 1/40 nymphs in the eastern alpine area. These are the first findings of B. miyamotoi in Italy. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to B. miyamotoi and risk of human infection may occur through tick bites in northern Italy. Relapsing fever caused by Borrelia miyamotoi has not yet been reported in Italy, but misdiagnoses with tick-borne encephalitis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis or other relapsing fever can occur. Our findings suggest that B. miyamotoi should be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile patients originating from Lyme borreliosis endemic regions. The distribution of this pathogen and its relevance to public health need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Dipartimento Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Adelaide Milani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Luca Rossi
- Dipartimento Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy.
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Obiegala A, Silaghi C. Candidatus Neoehrlichia Mikurensis—Recent Insights and Future Perspectives on Clinical Cases, Vectors, and Reservoirs in Europe. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-018-0085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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31
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Portillo A, Santibáñez P, Palomar AM, Santibáñez S, Oteo JA. ' Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' in Europe. New Microbes New Infect 2018; 22:30-36. [PMID: 29556406 PMCID: PMC5857181 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' is an uncultured emerging bacterium that is provisionally included in the family Anaplasmataceae. In Europe, it is transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks. Rodents are the reservoirs. It is widely distributed in mammals (both wild and domestic) and birds. It causes an inflammatory disease in humans with underlying diseases, but the microorganism also affects immunocompetent individuals in which asymptomatic infection has been recognized. A high degree of suspicion and the use of molecular tools are needed for the correct diagnosis. Efforts to cultivate it and to investigate its pathogenesis should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), La Rioja, Spain
| | - P Santibáñez
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), La Rioja, Spain
| | - A M Palomar
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), La Rioja, Spain
| | - S Santibáñez
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), La Rioja, Spain
| | - J A Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), La Rioja, Spain
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