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van Dalen EMSP, Jansen van Rensburg C. Competitive displacement and acaricide resistance of two Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) species collected on commercial farms in South Africa. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 92:135-149. [PMID: 38110760 PMCID: PMC10803472 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00871-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, an invasive species to Africa, and the endemic R. (B.) decoloratus are of high economic importance in the cattle industry. Invasion of the alien species in South Africa has mostly been reported for traditional communal grazing areas where it seemed to be rapid and, in some cases, even replaced the native species. The alien species is also assumed to already be resistant to acaricides upon invasion. The presence of R. (B.) microplus on commercial farms was therefore investigated and resistance screening of both species to field concentrations of cypermethrin, amitraz, and chlorfenvinphos was determined by means of the larval immersion test. Results showed that only 3.7% (of 383) tick collections submitted were R. (B.) microplus populations. A further 1.6% (of 383) showed co-existence of the two species. Comparing the level of resistance to the acaricides between the two species indicated a mean phenotypic resistance of 66.2 and 26.5% of R. (B.) decoloratus populations to cypermethrin and amitraz, respectively. This was significantly lower for R. (B.) microplus, with 23.0 and 4.1% of its populations resistant to cypermethrin and amitraz, respectively. Closed commercial farming areas seemed to have a preventative advantage for the invasion of R. (B.) microplus and displacement of R. (B.) decoloratus by R. (B.) microplus. Regular monitoring of these two species may be of high importance to prevent unnecessary financial losses due to insufficient control and increased awareness of the threat of Asiatic babesiosis vectored by R. (B.) microplus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie M S P van Dalen
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
| | - Candice Jansen van Rensburg
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
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Nyangiwe N, Yawa M, Qokweni L, Mthi S, Goni S, Mapholi NO. Species richness and adaptation of the invasive cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) on camps grazed by sheep in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102122. [PMID: 36716582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102122] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The seasonal dynamics and distribution of ticks play a pivotal role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. The objective of this study was to establish the seasonal abundance and species richness of questing ixodid ticks on Amathole Montane Grassland camps grazed by sheep. Ticks questing for hosts were collected monthly for a period of three years by dragging flannel strips attached to a wooden spar over the vegetation. At each occasion, six replicate drag-samples were made in camps grazed by sheep. Of the questing ticks (n = 14 891) collected from the vegetation, the most abundant larvae were those of Rhipicephalus microplus (95.04%) followed by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (2.32%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (1.56%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (1.03%), Rhipicephalus simus (0.03) and Amblyomma hebraeum (0.02%). Comparing the two Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp., R. microplus (98.9%) outcompete the indigenous tick, R. decoloratus (1.1%). The R. microplus larvae were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 2015 (2.11±0.108), 2016 (2.02 ± 0.076) and 2017 (1.94±0.075) during spring than any other season. There were no significant differences (P ˃ 0.05) from R. appendiculatus questing ticks collected in autumn (0.27±0.007; 0.30±0.052) and spring (0.33±0.007; 0.20±0.052) for 2015 and 2016, respectively. The study showed that the cattle tick, R. microplus adapted very well on host species, in this case sheep, and encroached to areas that were too cold for its adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Nyangiwe
- Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, South Africa; Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa.
| | - M Yawa
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - L Qokweni
- Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - S Mthi
- Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, South Africa
| | - S Goni
- Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, South Africa
| | - N O Mapholi
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
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Tick Diversity and Distribution of Hard (Ixodidae) Cattle Ticks in South Africa. MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/microbiolres14010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are amongst the important ectoparasites where livestock are concerned, as they adversely affect the animals through bloodsucking. In tropical and subtropical countries, they transmit pathogens such as babesiosis, theileriosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis in cattle, causing a reduction in production rate and significant concomitant economic losses. Ticks affect 80% of the cattle population across the world, with an estimated economic loss of USD 20–30 billion per year. In South Africa, economic losses in the livestock industry caused by ticks and tick-borne diseases are estimated to exceed USD 33 million per year (ZAR 500 million). There are seven major genera of ixodid ticks in Southern Africa (i.e., Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus). The environment in which a tick lives is made up of all the various biological and abiotic factors that are either necessary or unnecessary for its life. The areas where various ticks have been found have been documented in many publications. Using these data, maps of possible species’ habitats can be made. Historical records on tick distribution may be incorrect due to identification mistakes or a change in the tick’s name. All the sources used to generate the maps for this review were unpublished and came from a wide range of sources. To identify tick species and the accompanying microbial ecosystems, researchers are increasingly adopting tick identification methods including 16S and 18S rDNA gene sequencing. Indeed, little is known about the genetic alterations that give important traits, including the predilection for tick hosts, transmission, and acaricide resistance. Opportunities for exploring these changes in tick populations and subpopulations are provided by advancements in omics technologies. The literature on the variety of ixodid ticks, their direct and indirect effects, and control methods in South Africa is compiled in this review.
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Mahlobo-Shwabede SIC, Zishiri OT, Thekisoe OMM, Bakkes D, Bohloa L, Molomo M, Makalo MJR, Mahloane GR, Mtshali MS. Ticks of domestic animals in Lesotho: Morphological and molecular characterization. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 29:100691. [PMID: 35256119 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A total of 3311 tick specimens were randomly collected from domestic animals including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, and dogs from Lesotho districts namely, Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing and Thaba Tseka. Tick species were identified morphologically and verified by amplification and sequencing of the CO1 and 18S rRNA genes. Nine species were identified under different genera namely, Haemaphysalis elliptica 0.1% (n = 2), Hyalomma rufipes 2.6% (n = 87), Hy. truncatum 1.2% (n = 41), Otobius megnini 13.6% (n = 451), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus 0.1% (n = 3), Rhipicephalus decoloratus 9.3% (n = 308), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi 65.1% (n = 2156), Rhipicephalus glabroscutatum 1.3% (n = 43) and Rhipicephalus microplus 6.6% (n = 220). There was a significant difference at p = 6.2E-06 (ꭓ2 = 1.923, df = 7) in the distribution of tick species and their abundance p = 0.04 (ꭓ2 = 1.923, df = 7) from each population. The CO1 and 18S rRNA sequences matched the morphological determinations on the NCBI database and clustered with relevant species on the phylogenetic tree. Genetic analysis of CO1 and 18S rRNA provided very strong support for monophyly of the Rhipicephalinae and Ornithodorinae complexes. Both CO1 and 18S rRNA are useful genetic markers for the specific and generic characterization of tick species in Lesotho and elsewhere. This is the first scientific publication of tick species occurring in Lesotho.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibonginhlanhla I C Mahlobo-Shwabede
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Science, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Oliver T Zishiri
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Science, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| | - Oriel M M Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Deon Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lineo Bohloa
- Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maseru 100, Lesotho
| | - Marosi Molomo
- Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maseru 100, Lesotho
| | - Mabusetsa J R Makalo
- Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maseru 100, Lesotho
| | - Gerard R Mahloane
- Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maseru 100, Lesotho
| | - Moses S Mtshali
- University of Limpopo, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
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Molecular Detection of Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia africae and Anaplasma Species in Ticks from Domestic Animals in Lesotho. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091186. [PMID: 34578218 PMCID: PMC8468460 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091186] [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: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) hamper the growth of the livestock sector and impose major constraints for the health and management of domestic animals in the tropic and subtropical regions globally. Currently, there is no scientific report on the presence of zoonotic pathogens transmitted by tick species in Lesotho. This study aimed to identify zoonotic tick-borne pathogens of economic importance from ticks infesting domestic animals in Lesotho using molecular techniques. A total of 322 tick DNA pools were subjected to PCR screening for the presence of zoonotic pathogens and sequenced. The overall prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 35% (113/322), with a 100% infection rate in Rhipicephalus microplus, followed by R. evertsi evertsi (92%), Hyalomma rufipes and Otobius megnini sharing 50% and the lowest infection rate was observed in R. decoloratus with 40%. The prevalence of Coxiella burnetii, a gram-negative pleomorphic etiological agent of Query fever (Q fever), was 1% (2/322) for all screened samples, with 20% of R. decoloratus and 1% of R. e. evertsi infected. Rickettsia africae was detected from Hyalomma rufipes with a 70% prevalence. This study provides a baseline knowledge of tick-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary importance in Lesotho and raises awareness of the prevalence of such diseases within the tourism sector as they are mostly affected.
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Mahlobo SI, Zishiri OT. A descriptive study of parasites detected in ticks of domestic animals in Lesotho. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 25:100611. [PMID: 34474804 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are medically important and significant vectors of diseases affecting livestock, humans, and companion animals than any other arthropod vectors. In the absence of information on the relationship of tick species and piroplasms parasites in Lesotho, the current study was aimed at detecting piroplasms parasites of economic importance from ticks of domestic animals. A total of 322 pooled tick DNA samples were subjected to PCR screening for the presence of piroplasms. The overall infection rate of piroplasms was 7% with Babesia bigemina at 3.4% (11/322), B. bovis 0.3% (1/322), B. ovis 2.8% (9/322) and 0.6% (2/322) for B. motasi. DNA extracted from the Lesotho Rhipicephalus decoloratus and R. evertsi evertsi tested positive for the presence of B. bigemina with a 15% and 3% infection rate, respectively. Otobius megnini tested positive for only B. bovis at a 12.5% infection rate. Rhipicephalus e. evertsi was the only tick species PCR positive for ovine babesiosis with 3.2% for B. ovis and 0.7% for B. motasi. Equine piroplasm (Theileria equi and B. caballi) and Theileria (T. parva and T. ovis) parasites were not detected in the current study. The PCR-positive samples were confirmed by direct sequencing of the product. This study is the first to report on a relationship of Babesia parasites with tick species in Lesotho and it is evident that vector-borne diseases are present in ticks of domestic animals in this country. Research findings in this study require a joint effort from both veterinary and medical sectors to unite and conduct more epidemiological studies of tick-borne diseases in both animals and humans and to also determine the role played by tick species in the transmission of the detected parasites in domestic animals of Lesotho. This information provides a baseline knowledge of important piroplasms parasites and raising awareness of their prevalence in Lesotho.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Tendayi Zishiri
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Sciences, Discipline of Genetics, Durban 4000, South Africa.
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Pictorial dissection guide and internal anatomy of the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101685. [PMID: 33611153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are pests and vectors of diseases that are of public health and veterinary importance. The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888), is one of the most studied tick species because of its impact on livestock health and production in the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, costing the cattle industry billions annually. Control methods have evolved throughout the years but so has R. microplus. Reliance upon chemical control has created a consistent need to develop new technologies to overcome the pesticide resistance that occurs as the ticks adapt. In order to utilize the more advanced tools such as RNAi or Crispr/Cas9 systems, tick tissues need to be isolated and manipulated. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of dissection guides available providing a detailed view of tick internal anatomy. This manual includes photomicrographs to guide the dissection of R. microplus adults, male and female. Topography and anatomical differences between the internal organs of unfed and gravid adult females are described. We were able to locate the crucial tissues for cattle tick physiology and lay out spatial and temporal guidelines for their identification and dissection. Examples of how this information can be used at the nexus between organismal and molecular research to innovate tick control technologies is discussed.
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Rickettsia africae an Agent of African Tick Bite Fever in Ticks Collected from Domestic Animals in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080631. [PMID: 32748891 PMCID: PMC7459594 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ticks transmit a plethora of pathogens of zoonotic implications. Their distribution, diversity and the pathogens they transmit differ from one ecological location to another. Rickettsia africae is the agent of African tick bite fever found in South Africa, a zoonotic infection that is frequently reported among travelers who have visited many sub-Saharan African countries where the pathogen is prevalent. Methods: Ticks were collected from domestic animals in Raymond Nkandla Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The ticks were identified morphologically prior to DNA extraction followed by molecular identification of randomly selected ticks from the morphologically delineated groups. To assess for the presence of tick-borne pathogens belonging to Rickettsia spp. by PCR (polymerase chain reaction), we used specific primer pairs targeting the gltA, ompA and ompB genes. The selected amplified ticks, all positive ompB and forty three ompA amplicons were sequenced in a commercial sequencing facility. The obtained nucleotide sequences were edited and subjected to BLASTn for homology search and phylogenetic analyses were performed with MEGA 7 Version for genetic relationships with curated reference sequences in GenBank. Results: A total of 953 ticks collected in the study were delineated into three genera consisting of Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma in decreasing order of abundance. The presence of rickettsial DNA was detected in 60/953 (6.3%) from the three genera of ticks screened. Genetic analyses of the DNA sequences obtained showed that they have phylogenetic relationship to members of the spotted fever group rickettsiae with R. africae, being the predominant SFGR (spotted fever group rickettsiae) detected in the screened ticks. Conclusion: This report shows that R. africae is the predominant spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from domestic animals in the study area and the human health impacts are not known.
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Amblyomma hebraeum is the predominant tick species on goats in the Mnisi Community Area of Mpumalanga Province South Africa and is co-infected with Ehrlichia ruminantium and Rickettsia africae. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:172. [PMID: 32312285 PMCID: PMC7171862 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04059-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In sub-Saharan Africa, Amblyomma ticks are vectors of heartwater disease in domestic ruminants, caused by the rickettsial pathogen Ehrlichia ruminantium. Immature tick stages often bite humans, whereby they act as vectors of tick-bite fever caused by Rickettsia africae. Moreover, Amblyomma ticks cause damage to livestock due to their feeding behaviour. In South Africa, we studied the abundance of Amblyomma hebraeum ticks on goats of emerging farmers in Mpumalanga Province. A selected number of A. hebraeum nymphs and adult ticks was tested for co-infection with E. ruminantium and R. africae. Methods A total of 630 indigenous goats, belonging to farmers in the Mnisi Community area, were examined for ticks in 2013 and 2014. All ticks were identified, and a selected number was tested by PCR with reverse line blot hybridisation. Results In total, 13,132 ticks were collected from goats distributed over 17 different households. Amblyomma hebraeum was the predominant species, followed by R. microplus. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R. simus and R. zambeziensis were also identified. Amblyomma hebraeum was present throughout the year, with peak activity of adults in summer (November) and nymphs in winter (July). The ratio between adults and nymphs ranged from 1:2.7 in summer to 1:55.1 in winter. The mean prevalence of infection for E. ruminantium by PCR/RLB in adult ticks was 17.4% (31/178), whereas 15.7% (28/178) were infected with R. africae. In pooled nymphs, 28.4% were infected with E. ruminantium and 38.8% carried R. africae infection. Co-infections of E. ruminantium and R. africae in adult and pooled nymphal ticks were 3.9% (7/178) and 10% (14.9), respectively. Lameness of goats due to predilection of ticks for the interdigital space of their feet was observed in 89% of the households. Conclusions Goats act as important alternative hosts for cattle ticks, which underscored the necessity to include goats in control programs. It is suggested to use acaricide-impregnated leg-bands as a sustainable method to kill ticks and prevent lameness in goats. The challenge of goats by considerable numbers of E. ruminantium-infected ticks is a major obstacle for upgrading the indigenous goat breeds. Humans may be at risk to contract tick-bite fever in this area.![]()
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