Infectivity rate and transmission potential of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum ticks for Babesia equi infection

Microbial community characteristics and pathogens detection in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis hystricis from Hainan Island, China

Background

Microbial communities significantly influence the vector capacity of ticks, which, along with tick-borne diseases, pose an increasing global threat. Due to the substantial individual variability caused by various factors, it is essential to assess tick microbial communities and vectorial capacities under different environmental conditions. However, there is a relative scarcity of research on the microbial communities and pathogen transmission of ticks in different physiological states and environmental conditions, especially in Hainan Island, southern China.

Methods

From 2021 to 2022, we collected 4,167 tick samples, grouping them by blood meal status, developmental stage, sex, time, geographical location, and tick species. We selected 128 samples for full-length 16S rRNA sequencing to describe microbial community characteristics and identify potential biomarkers. Seven hundred seventy-two samples were tested for seven tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsia, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Theileria, Babesia, and Hepatozoon), and sera from 208 residents of Hainan Island were tested for IgG antibodies against Rickettsia and B. burgdorferi.

Results

Blood meal status, developmental stage, sex, time, geographical location, and tick species significantly influenced the microbial communities of ticks. We observed distinct microbial community characteristics across different states. We noted the non-random replacement of stable and transient species, with functional differences between parasitic and engorged ticks mainly driven by transient species. Functionally, we observed three distinct response patterns: driven by stable species, transient species, and both together in response to the six factors. We identified 273 potential biomarkers (200 robust core species and 73 robust differential species). Six genera and eight species of pathogens were detected in ticks, with an overall positivity rate of 12.44% (96/772). Among humans, 18.27% (38/208) of serum samples were positive for at least one tick-borne pathogen IgG.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that these six factors significantly influence both tick microbial communities and vectorial capacity, with varying effects on vector competence for different pathogens and inconsistent impacts on microbial communities under different conditions. This study supplemented the understanding of tick microbial communities on Hainan Island, assessed the relatively high risk of tick-borne pathogens in the region, and evaluated the impact of these factors on both microbial communities and vectorial capacity.

An Update of Evidence for Pathogen Transmission by Ticks of the Genus Hyalomma

Current and likely future changes in the geographic distribution of ticks belonging to the genus Hyalomma are of concern, as these ticks are believed to be vectors of many pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases. However, we have observed that for many pathogens there are no vector competence experiments, and that the level of evidence provided by the scientific literature is often not sufficient to validate the transmission of a specific pathogen by a specific Hyalomma species. We therefore carried out a bibliographical study to collate the validation evidence for the transmission of parasitic, viral, or bacterial pathogens by Hyalomma spp. ticks. Our results show that there are very few validated cases of pathogen transmission by Hyalomma tick species.

Anti-piroplasmic activity of novobiocin as heat shock protein 90 inhibitor against in vitro cultured Theileria equi and Babesia caballi parasites

Theileria equi and Babesia caballi are the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis (EP). Currently, imidocarb dipropionate (ID) is the only available drug for treating the clinical form of EP. Serious side effects and incomplete clearance of infection is a major drawback of ID. Heat-shock proteins (Hsp) play a vital role in the life cycle of these haemoprotozoans by preventing alteration in protein conformation. These Hsp are activated during transmission of EP sporozoites from the tick vector (poikilotherm) to the natural host (homeotherm) and facilitate parasite survival. In the present study, we targeted the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp-90) pathway of T. equi and B. caballi by using its inhibitor drug - novobiocin. Dose-dependent efficacy of novobiocin on the growth of T. equi and B. caballi was observed in in vitro culture. Additionally, we examined dose-dependent cell cytotoxicity on host peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and haemolytic activity on equine red blood cells (RBC). In vivo organ toxicity of novobiocin was also assessed in a mouse model. The IC₅₀ (50 % inhibitory concentration) value of novobiocin against T. equi and B. caballi was 165 μM and 84.85 μM, respectively. Novobiocin significantly arrested the in vitro growth of T. equi and B. caballi parasites at 100 μM and 200 μM drug concentration, respectively. In vitro treated parasites had distorted nuclear material and showed no further viability. Based on the equine PBMCs and RBC, the drug was found to be safe even at 1000 μM concentration and the CC₅₀ (50 % cytotoxicity concentration) values were 11.63 mM and 261.97 mM. Very high specific selective index (SSI) values (70.47 and 1587) were observed for equine PBMCs and RBC, respectively. Organ-specific biochemical markers and histopathological examination indicated no adverse effect of the drug at a dose rate of 50 mg kg body weight in the mouse model. The results demonstrate the growth inhibitory effect of novobiocin against T. equi and B. caballi parasites and its safety for host cell lines with very high SSI. Hence, it can be inferred that the Theileria/Babesia Hsp-90 family are potential drug targets worthy of further investigation.

Protein Kinase Inhibitors Arrested the In-Vitro Growth of Theileria equi

INTRODUCTION

Theileria equi is an intra-erythrocytic apicomplexean protozoa that infect equines. Protein kinases (PK), key molecules of the apicomplexean life cycle, have been implicated as significant drug targets. The growth inhibitory efficacy of PK inhibitors against Theileria/Babesia animal parasites have not been documented so far.

METHODS

The present study aimed to carry out in-vitro growth inhibitory efficacy studies of four novel drug molecules-SB239063, PD0332991 isethionate, FR180204 and apigenin, targeting different protein kinases of T. equi. A continuous microaerophilic stationary-phase culture (MASP) system was established for propagation of T. equi parasites. This in-vitro culture technique was used to assess the growth inhibitory effect of protein kinase targeted drug molecules, whereas diminazene aceturate was taken as control drug against T. equi. The inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was determined for comparative analysis. The potential cytotoxicity of the drug molecule was also assessed on horse's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cell line.

RESULTS

SB239063 and diminazene aceturate drugs significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the in-vitro growth of T. equi parasite at 0.1 µM, 1 µM, 10 µM, 50 µM and 100 µM concentration at ≥ 48 h of incubation period and respective IC₅₀ values were 4.25 µM and 1.23 µM. Furthermore, SB239063 was not cytotoxic to the horse PBMCs and found safer than diminazine aceturate drug. PD0332991 isethionate and FR180204 are extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitors and significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited T. equi in-vitro growth at higher concentrations (≥ 48 h of incubation period) with respective IC₅₀ value of 10.41 µM and 21.0 µM. Lower concentrations of these two drugs were not effective (p > 0.05) even after 96 h of treatment period. Apigenin (protein kinase-C inhibitor) drug molecule was unsuccessful in inhibiting the T. equi parasite growth completely. After 96 h of in-vitro treatment period, a parasite viability study was performed on drug-treated T. equi parasitized RBCs. These drugs-treated parasitized RBCs were collected and transferred to wells containing fresh culture media (without drug) and naïve host RBCs. Drug-treated RBCs collected from SB239063, PD0332991, diminazene aceturate treatment (1 µM to 100 µM concentration) were unsuccessful in growing/multiplying further. Apigenin drug-treated T. equi parasites were live after 96 h of treatment.

CONCLUSION

It may be concluded that SB239063 was the most effective drug molecule (being lowest in IC₅₀ value) out of the four different protein kinase inhibitors tested in this study. This drug molecule has insignificant cytotoxic activity against horse's PBMCs.

An insight into the ecobiology, vector significance and control of Hyalomma ticks (Acari: Ixodidae): A review

Ticks (Acari:Ixodoidea) are important ectoparasites infesting livestock and human populations around the globe. Ticks can cause damage directly by affecting the site of infestation, or indirectly as vectors of a wide range of protozoa, bacteria and viruses which ultimately lead to lowered productivity of livestock populations. Hyalomma is a genus of hard ticks, having more than 30 species well-adapted to hot, humid and cold climates. Habitat diversity, vector ability, and emerging problem of acaricidal resistance in enzootic regions typify this genus in various countries around the world. This paper reviews the epidemiology, associated risk factors (temperature, climate, age, sex, breed etc.), vector role, vector-pathogen association, and reported control strategies of genus Hyalomma. The various proteins in saliva of Hyalomma secreted into the blood stream of host and the prolonged attachment are responsible for the successful engorgement of female ticks in spite of host immune defense system. The various immunological approaches that have been tried by researchers in order to cause tick rejection are also discussed. In addition, the novel biological control approaches involving the use of entomo-pathogenic nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis) serovar thuringiensis H14; an endotoxin, for their acaricidal effect on different species and life cycle stages of Hyalomma are also presented.

Detection of Theileria equi infection in ixodid ticks of equines using nested polymerase chain reaction from Punjab, India

The aim of this study was to perceive Theileria equi DNA in ticks by nested PCR and to list the risk factors associated with infection in equines from Punjab. A total of 84 ticks were obtained from 464 screened animals. The local tick variety was identified and verified on the basis of characters revealed in scanning electron microscopy. Amplicons of 665 bp obtained by nPCR specific for 18S rRNA of T. equi were detected in 13.1% of ticks, with higher risk of infection in western than in eastern Punjab. Incidence of parasite was higher in Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum as compared to Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, particularly the female ticks. Phylogenetic analyses indicated closed homology with strain from Brazil. This is the first study of T. equi incidence in ixodid ticks in Punjab which is the most important vector for the spread of the infection to healthy equine in endemic areas.

Sero-prevalence and risk factor analysis of Theileria equi infection in equids from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab (India) by Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody test

In the Indian sub-continent, equine piroplasmosis (EP) is an imperative tick-borne disease of equids predominately caused by obligatory intra-erythrocytic protozoa Theileria equi. Present exploration is the first epidemiological survey report based on Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody test (IFAT). A total of 120 equines (98 horses and 22 donkeys/mules) from five districts of two main agro-climatic zones of Punjab were screened. The overall prevalence was 58.33%, with western plane zone at higher infection risk for T. equi (74.50%, OR = 7.45, 95% CI = 62.24-85.76); followed by western zone (46.38%, OR = 4.63, 95% CI = 34-57.7). District wise highest and lowest prevalence was recorded in district Fazilka (80.76%) and Bathinda (35.29%) respectively. IFAT revealed elevated risk of infection of T. equi in the farms with inappropriate management structure. The risk factor connected with the type of host species had an odds ratio of 1.67 for donkeys/mules versus horses for T. equi infection. Followed by presence/absence of tick on animal. This study reveals the endemicity of EP in Punjab with prominence of various odds of infection, associated with latent infection of T. equi detectable by serological techniques as it was noticed that western plane zone and western zone are more prone to EP infection.

Risk factor analysis associated with Theileria equi infected equines in semi-arid and sub-humid ecological enzootic zones of India

Equine piroplasmosis is a haemoprtozoan disease of equines and enzootic in tropical and subtropical countries. A cross-sectional study on sero-prevalence of Theileria equi, the causative agent of EP, was performed in semi-arid and sub-humid ecological endemic zones of India including Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat states, in order to evaluate the enzootic status/level of exposure to equine population due to this infection and addressed associated risk factors. Serum samples were collected from a total of 1021 equids that comprised of 792 horses, 168 donkeys and 61 mules and evaluated for T. equi specific antibodies in equine merozoite antigen-2 (EMA-2) based on indirect ELISA. The state with high sero-prevalence rate was Rajasthan (71.40%), followed by Haryana (60.39%) and Gujarat (48.92%). Overall T. equi sero-positivity in equines was 64.44%. Species-wise T. equi sero-prevalence was 66.29%, 51.19% and 91.80% in horses, donkeys and mules respectively. The association and risk factor among age, gender and species in relation with T. equi infection was statistically analyzed at 95% level of significance (p<0.05). A very high T. equi sero-positivity was recorded in 0-1year age group of equines (60%), indicating that this naïve age group contacts with T. equi infected ticks and remains infected throughout its lifetime. The sero-prevalence rate was significantly associated with the species of animal (p<0.05). The risk factor analysis kept mules at higher risk (Odd's ratio; 5.696; 95% confidence interval: 2.25-14.38) of getting infection as compared to horses and donkeys. This study has demonstrated high enzootic nature of T. equi infection in semi-arid and sub-humid ecological zones of India. Mules, in comparison to horses and donkeys were found at higher risk of getting T. equi infection, indicating that disease prevalence is associated with species of the infected host.

Spatial distribution, risk factors and haemato-biochemical alterations associated with Theileria equi infected equids of Punjab (India) diagnosed by indirect ELISA and nested PCR

Equine piroplasmosis is a febrile, tick-borne disease of equids predominately caused by obligatory intra-erythrocytic protozoa Theileria equi in the Indian sub-continent. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 464 equids (426 horses and 38 donkeys/mules) in Punjab, India to assess the level of exposure to equine piroplasmosis by 18S rRNA gene nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and equine merozoite antigen-2 (EMA2) indirect-ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), to investigate risk factors and haemato-biochemical alterations associated with the infection. The endemicity of the disease was confirmed by positive PCR amplification in 21.77% and positive antibody titers in 49.78% equid samples. There was a fair agreement between these two diagnostic techniques (Kappa coefficient=0.326). The spatial distribution analysis revealed an increasing trend of T. equi prevalence from north-eastern to south-western region of Punjab by both the techniques correspondingly, which proffered a direct relation with temperature and inverse with humidity variables. The relatively prominent risk factor associated with sero-positivity was the presence of other domestic animals in the herd, while the propensity of finding a positive PCR amplification was higher in donkeys/mules, animal kept at unorganised farm or those used for commercial purposes as compared to their counterparts. There was a significant increase in globulins, gamma glutamyl-transferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, glucose levels and decrease in total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume by animals, which were revealed positive by nPCR (may or may not positive by indirect-ELISA) and increase in creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, glucose and decrease in total erythrocytes count by animals, which were revealed positive by indirect-ELISA (alone). To our knowledge, this study, for the first time, brings out a comprehensive report on the status on spatial distribution of T. equi in Punjab (India) state, thoroughly investigated by molecular and serological techniques, evaluating various environmental and demographic risk factors along with the haemato-biochemical alterations in the exposed animals.

Vector ecology of equine piroplasmosis

Equine piroplasmosis is a disease of Equidae, including horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras, caused by either of two protozoan parasites, Theileria equi or Babesia caballi. These parasites are biologically transmitted between hosts via tick vectors, and although they have inherent differences they are categorized together because they cause similar pathology and have similar morphologies, life cycles, and vector relationships. To complete their life cycle, these parasites must undergo a complex series of developmental events, including sexual-stage development in their tick vectors. Consequently, ticks are the definitive hosts as well as vectors for these parasites, and the vector relationship is restricted to a few competent tick species. Because the vector relationship is critical to the epidemiology of these parasites, we highlight current knowledge of the vector ecology of these tick-borne equine pathogens, emphasizing tick transmissibility and potential control strategies to prevent their spread.

Molecular and serological detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infection in horses and ixodid ticks in Iran

Equine piroplasmosis is a hemoprotozoan tick-borne disease with worldwide distribution that is caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. However, the geographical distribution of equine piroplasmosis in Iran is unknown. The aim of the current study was to determine the causative agents and vector ticks of equine piroplasmosis in horses in the North Khorasan Province. In the year 2011, 100 horses were randomly selected from 14 villages. Blood samples and ixodid ticks were collected and examined using microscopical, molecular, and serological methods. Theileria equi infection was microscopically detected in 5 (5%) of the blood smears with low parasitemia, while serum samples were tested by the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibodies against T. equi, B. caballi, and a mixed infection were detected in 48 (48%), 2 (2%), and 3 (3%) of the serum samples, respectively. A multiplex PCR was used to detect T. equi and B. caballi DNA in blood samples. No B. caballi infections could be found, but Theileria equi DNA was detected in 45 (45%) of the blood samples, and a BLAST analysis of the sequenced samples indicated a 99% similarity with T. equi 18S rRNA gene sequences in GenBank. Both molecular and serological results did not identify any significant association between T. equi infection and risk factors. A comparision of the results of 3 diagnostic methods demonstrated a poor agreement between microscopical examination with IFAT and PCR and a moderate agreement between IFAT and PCR. Thirty-seven adult ticks (20 females and 17 males) were collected from 15 horses. The most common tick was Hyalomma marginatum marginatum (n=19), followed by Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (n=10), Rhipicephalus bursa (n=4), Hyalomma marginatum turanicum (n=3), and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (n=1). The salivary glands and ovaries were also examined using PCR. The genomic DNA samples of the salivary glands of 3 ticks, H. a. excavatum (n=2) and R. bursa (n=1), had a positive reaction for T. equi, but no tick contained B. caballi DNA. Thus, our results indicate that T. equi occurs more frequently than B. caballi in the investigated geographical region.

Development of EMA-2 recombinant antigen based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for seroprevalence studies of Theileria equi infection in Indian equine population

Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-transmitted protozoan disease caused by Theileria equi and/or Babesia caballi. In the present study, we expressed a 53kDa protein from the truncated EMA-2 gene of T. equi (Indian strain) and developed EMA-2ELISA using this expressed protein. This ELISA is able to detect T. equi-specific antibodies in experimentally infected animals as early as 9 days post-infection. The assay developed was validated with the OIE recommended competitive ELISA (cELISA) on 120 serum samples and significant agreement (kappa=0.93) was observed between results of both the ELISAs which indicates suitability of EMA-2ELISA for use in sero-diagnosis. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of EMA-2ELISA - as compared with cELISA - were 0.97 and 0.96, respectively. Analysis of 5651 equine serum samples - collected during 2007-2012 from 12 states of India representing eight agro-climatic zones - by EMA-2ELISA revealed 32.65% seroprevalence of T. equi in India. In conclusion, the EMA-2ELISA developed using the T. equi EMA-2 recombinant protein as antigen for detecting T. equi-specific antibodies has good diagnostic potential for sero-epidemiological surveys.