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Baggio-Souza V, Adenilson May-Junior J, Fagundes-Moreira R, Reis AO, de Almeida BA, Fragoso CE, Rampim LE, Sartorelo LR, Haberfeld MB, Martins TF, Labruna MB, Soares JF. A long-term study on free-ranging jaguar-tick interactions, featuring a novel report of Amblyomma incisum adult infestation. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1779-1784. [PMID: 38231369 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10305-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Over nearly 12 years, we collected ticks from free-ranging jaguars (Panthera onca) and performed statistical analyses to comprehend the vector-host relationship throughout the seasons. We evaluated the presence and number of ticks, as well as their association with weight, age, and gender of captured jaguars in the Pantanal and Amazon biomes. Out of 100 captured jaguars (comprising 72 initial captures and 28 recaptures, with 41 females and 31 males), 77 were found to be infested by different tick species. We gathered a total of 1,002 ticks, categorized by the following species in descending order of abundance: Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma ovale, Rhipicephalus microplus, Amblyomma triste, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma incisum, and Amblyomma spp. larvae. Apart from weight, statistical analysis indicated that age, gender and seasonality does not significantly affect the presence of different tick species in free ranging jaguars. Notably, A. sculptum adults were more abundant in the first semester, while A. sculptum nymphs and Amblyomma spp. larvae were mainly found during dry months, aligning with their expected life cycle stages. This is the first long-term study in jaguars to correlate seasonality and host factors and also the first time an adult of A. incisum is reported infesting a jaguar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Baggio-Souza
- Laboratory of Protozoology and Vector-Borne Rickettsiosis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Joares Adenilson May-Junior
- Laboratory of Protozoology and Vector-Borne Rickettsiosis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, Brazil
- Onçafari Association, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Panthera Corporation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Renata Fagundes-Moreira
- Laboratory of Protozoology and Vector-Borne Rickettsiosis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Adeyldes Oliveira Reis
- Laboratory of Protozoology and Vector-Borne Rickettsiosis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Pasteur Institute, São Paulo State Department of Health, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratory of Protozoology and Vector-Borne Rickettsiosis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, Brazil.
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Gomes IRC, Gurgel-Gonçalves R, Gazeta GS, Borsoi ABP, Bitencourth K, Leite LF, Coelho NGSS, Dislich R, Wiederhecker HC, Santos EG, Guimarães M. Effect of environmental variables on the abundance of Amblyomma ticks, potential vectors of Rickettsia parkeri in central Brazil. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301685. [PMID: 38748697 PMCID: PMC11095677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Amblyomma ticks are vectors of both Rickettsia rickettsii and R. parkeri in the Americas, where capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the main hosts in urban areas, thus contributing to the transmission of spotted fever. Herein, we studied: (i) the seasonal dynamics and abundance of ticks in areas where capybaras live, (ii) the effect of environmental variables on tick abundance, and (iii) the presence of Rickettsia-infected ticks. Between September 2021 and September 2022, we sampled ticks using cloth-dragging at 194 sites on the shore of Lake Paranoá in Brasília, Brazil. We measured environmental data (season, vegetation type, canopy density, temperature, humidity, and presence or vestige of capybara) at each site. Nymphs and adults were morphologically identified to the species level, and a selected tick sample including larvae was subjected to genotypic identification. We investigated Rickettsia-infected ticks by PCR (gltA, htrA, ompB, and ompA genes) and associations between tick abundance and environmental variables using Generalized Linear Models. A total of 30,334 ticks (96% larvae) were captured. Ticks were identified as Amblyomma, with A. sculptum comprising 97% of the adult/nymphs. Genotype identification of a larval sample confirmed that 95% belonged to A. dubitatum. Seasonal variables showed significant effects on tick abundance. Most larvae and nymphs were captured during the early dry season, while the adults were more abundant during the wet season. Vegetation variables and the presence of capybaras showed no association with tick abundance. Rickettsia parkeri group and R. bellii were identified in A. dubitatum, while A. sculptum presented R. bellii. We conclude that: (i) Amblyomma ticks are widely distributed in Lake Paranoá throughout the year, especially larvae at the dry season, (ii) the abundance of Amblyomma ticks is explained more by climatic factors than by vegetation or presence of capybaras, and (iii) A. dubitatum ticks are potential vectors of R. parkeri in Brasília.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora R. C. Gomes
- Biological Sciences Course, Catholic University of Brasília, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Parasitology and Vector Biology, University of Brasília, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves
- Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Parasitology and Vector Biology, University of Brasília, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Gilberto S. Gazeta
- National Reference Laboratory for Rikettsiosis Vectors, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana B. P. Borsoi
- National Reference Laboratory for Rikettsiosis Vectors, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karla Bitencourth
- National Reference Laboratory for Rikettsiosis Vectors, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Letícia F. Leite
- Biological Sciences Course, Catholic University of Brasília, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Dislich
- Ministry of Planning and Budget, Esplanade of Ministries, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo G. Santos
- Post Graduation Program in Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Melina Guimarães
- Biological Sciences Course, Catholic University of Brasília, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
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3
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Sousa ACP, Suzin A, da Silva Rodrigues V, Rezende LM, da Costa Maia R, Vieira RBK, Szabó MPJ. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and rickettsiae associated with wild boars in a rural area of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101016. [PMID: 38644046 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101016] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Wild boars or feral pigs are classified by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Resources (IBAMA) in "Category I of invasive exotic species". They cause economic losses, harm the environment, serve as hosts and reservoirs for several zoonotic disease agents, and provide a blood meal for tick species that act as vectors for zoonotic diseases. The objective of this study was to identify tick species on wild boars, assess host-seeking ticks in the related environment, and identify other potential tick hosts coexisting with wild boars on a farm located in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the presence of rickettsiae in these arthropods and assess the exposure of wild boars to rickettsiae species from the Spotted Fever Group and Rickettsia bellii through serology. A total of 3585 host-seeking ticks from three species (Amblyomma sculptum - 41.58%; Amblyomma dubitatum - 0.39% and Rhipicephalus microplus - 0.05%) were collected in the environment and A. sculptum was the most abundant species. Thirty-one wild boars were evaluated, resulting in the collection of 415 ticks, all of which were A. sculptum. Rickettsia DNA was not detected in samples of A. sculptum and R. microplus from the environment or in A. sculptum ticks from wild boars. However, all A. dubitatum ticks (n = 14) had Rickettsia bellii DNA confirmed by the species-specific PCR protocol. Out of the 31 serum samples from wild boars, 24 reacted with at least one Rickettsia antigen. Among these, seven individuals exhibited a reaction to a probable homologous antigen (PHA) of three rickettsiae species: R. rickettsii (n = 3), R. amblyommatis (n = 3) and R. rhipicephali (n = 1). Despite the high prevalence of seroreactivity, titers were low, indicating limited exposure to Rickettsia spp. Camera traps generated 874 animal records, capturing a total of 1688 individuals. At least 11 species of birds and 14 species of mammals (12 wild and two domestic) shared the environment with wild boars and potentially shared ticks with them. These findings provide baseline information for understanding the sharing of ticks and tick-borne pathogens between wild boars and other animals within the Cerrado biome. Further studies are necessary to monitor the potential and actual risk of wild boars to harbor infected ticks and their role in the transmission and maintenance cycle of Rickettsia spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Prado Sousa
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Adriane Suzin
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinícius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laís Miguel Rezende
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Costa Maia
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Brauner Kamla Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Clínica e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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de la Fuente J, Estrada-Peña A, Rafael M, Almazán C, Bermúdez S, Abdelbaset AE, Kasaija PD, Kabi F, Akande FA, Ajagbe DO, Bamgbose T, Ghosh S, Palavesam A, Hamid PH, Oskam CL, Egan SL, Duarte-Barbosa A, Hekimoğlu O, Szabó MPJ, Labruna MB, Dahal A. Perception of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Worldwide. Pathogens 2023; 12:1258. [PMID: 37887774 PMCID: PMC10610181 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this comprehensive review study, we addressed the challenge posed by ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) with growing incidence affecting human and animal health worldwide. Data and perspectives were collected from different countries and regions worldwide, including America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The results updated the current situation with ticks and TBD and how it is perceived by society with information bias and gaps. The study reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary and international collaborations to advance in the surveillance, communication and proposed future directions to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group in Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Rafael
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
| | - Consuelo Almazán
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonóma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Bermúdez
- Medical Entomology Research Department, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Research, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama;
| | - Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Sapporo 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Paul D. Kasaija
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Fredrick Kabi
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Foluke Adedayo Akande
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Dorcas Oluwakemi Ajagbe
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, College of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Timothy Bamgbose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Kings University, Ode-Omu City 221102, Osun State, Nigeria;
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
- IVRI-Eastern Regional Station, 37, Belgachia Road, Kolkata 700037, West Bengal, India
| | - Azhahianambi Palavesam
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Penny H. Hamid
- Department of Animal Science, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia;
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Siobhon L. Egan
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Amanda Duarte-Barbosa
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Olcay Hekimoğlu
- Division of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara 06800, Turkey;
| | - Matias P. J. Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia 38400-902, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-220, Brazil;
| | - Ananta Dahal
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan 44200, Nepal;
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Holguin-Rocha AF, Calle-Tobon A, Vásquez GM, Astete H, Fisher ML, Tobon-Castano A, Velez-Tobon G, Maldonado-Ruiz LP, Silver K, Park Y, Londono-Renteria B. Diversity of the Bacterial and Viral Communities in the Tropical Horse Tick, Dermacentor nitens, in Colombia. Pathogens 2023; 12:942. [PMID: 37513789 PMCID: PMC10384233 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070942] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens among various vertebrates, including humans. The microbial and viral communities of ticks, including pathogenic microorganisms, are known to be highly diverse. However, the factors driving this diversity are not well understood. The tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens, is distributed throughout the Americas and it is recognized as a natural vector of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, the causal agents of equine piroplasmosis. In this study, we characterized the bacterial and viral communities associated with partially fed Dermacentor nitens females collected using a passive survey on horses from field sites representing three distinct geographical areas in the country of Colombia (Bolivar, Antioquia, and Cordoba). RNA-seq and sequencing of the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were performed using the Illumina-Miseq platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). A total of 356 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, in which the presumed endosymbiont, Francisellaceae/Francisella spp., was predominantly found. Nine contigs corresponding to six different viruses were identified in three viral families: Chuviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Flaviviridae. Differences in the relative abundance of the microbial composition among the geographical regions were found to be independent of the presence of Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLE). The most prevalent bacteria found in each region were Corynebacterium in Bolivar, Staphylococcus in Antioquia, and Pseudomonas in Cordoba. Rickettsia-like endosymbionts, mainly recognized as the etiological agent of rickettsioses in Colombia, were detected in the Cordoba samples. Metatranscriptomics revealed 13 contigs containing FLE genes, suggesting a trend of regional differences. These findings suggest regional distinctions among the ticks and their bacterial compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres F Holguin-Rocha
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Arley Calle-Tobon
- Grupo Entomologia Medica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Gissella M Vásquez
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Bellavista, Lima 15001, Peru
| | - Helvio Astete
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Bellavista, Lima 15001, Peru
| | - Michael L Fisher
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Bellavista, Lima 15001, Peru
| | - Alberto Tobon-Castano
- Grupo Malaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Velez-Tobon
- Grupo Malaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - L Paulina Maldonado-Ruiz
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Berlin Londono-Renteria
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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6
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Holguin-Rocha AF, Calle-Tobon A, Vásquez GM, Astete H, Fisher ML, Tobon-Castano A, Velez-Tobon G, Maldonado-Ruiz LP, Silver K, Park Y, Londono-Renteria B. Diversity of the bacterial and viral communities in the tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens in Colombia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.04.539352. [PMID: 37205465 PMCID: PMC10187316 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.04.539352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens among various vertebrates, including humans. The composition of the microbial and viral communities in addition to the pathogenic microorganisms is highly diverse in ticks, but the factors driving the diversity are not well understood. The tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens , is distributed throughout the Americas and it is recognized as a natural vector of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi , the causal agents of equine piroplasmosis. We characterized the bacterial and viral communities associated with partially-fed D. nitens females collected by a passive survey on horses from field sites representing three distinct geographical areas in Colombia (Bolivar, Antioquia, and Cordoba). RNA-seq and sequencing of the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were performed using the Illumina-Miseq platform. A total of 356 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, in which the presumed endosymbiotic Francisellaceae/ Francisella spp. was predominantly found. Nine contigs corresponding to six different viruses were identified in three viral families: Chuviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Flaviviridae. Differences in the relative abundance of the microbial composition among the geographical regions were found to be independent of the presence of Francisella -Like Endosymbiont (FLE). The most prevalent bacteria found on each region were Corynebacterium in Bolivar, Staphylococcus in Antioquia, and Pseudomonas in Cordoba. Rickettsia -like endosymbionts, mainly recognized as the etiological agent of rickettsioses in Colombia were detected in the Cordoba samples. Metatranscriptomics revealed 13 contigs containing FLE genes, suggesting a trend of regional differences. These findings suggest regional distinctions among the ticks and their bacterial compositions.
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Neves LC, Paula WVDF, de Paula LGF, da Silva BBF, Dias SA, Pereira BG, Silva BSA, Sevá ADP, Dantas-Torres F, Labruna MB, Krawczak FDS. Detection of Rickettsia spp. in Animals and Ticks in Midwestern Brazil, Where Human Cases of Rickettsiosis Were Reported. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1288. [PMID: 37106851 PMCID: PMC10135036 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081288] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is the most important tick-borne diseases affecting humans in Brazil. Cases of BSF have recently been reported in the Goiás state, midwestern Brazil. All cases have been confirmed by reference laboratories by seroconversion to Rickettsia rickettsii antigens. Because serological cross-reactions among different rickettsial species that belong to the spotted fever group (SFG) are common, the agent responsible for BSF cases in Goiás remains unknown. From March 2020 to April 2022, ticks and plasma were collected from dogs, horses and capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), and from the vegetation in an area where BSF cases have been reported and two areas under epidemiological surveillance in Goiás. Horses were infested by Amblyomma sculptum, Dermacentor nitens and Rhipicephalus microplus; dogs by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Amblyomma ovale and A. sculptum, and capybaras by A. sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum. Adults of A. sculptum, A. dubitatum, Amblyomma rotundatum and immature stages of A. sculptum and A. dubitatum, and Amblyomma spp. were collected from the vegetation. DNA of Rickettsia that did not belong to the SFG was detected in A. dubitatum, which was identified by DNA sequencing as Rickettsia bellii. Seroreactivity to SFG and Rickettsia bellii antigens was detected in 25.4% (42/165) of dogs, 22.7% (10/44) of horses and 41.2% (7/17) of capybaras, with higher titers for R. bellii in dogs and capybaras. The seropositivity of animals to SFG Rickettsia spp. antigens demonstrates the circulation of SFG rickettsiae in the region. Further research is needed to fully determine the agent responsible for rickettsiosis cases in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucianne Cardoso Neves
- Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-220, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Alves Dias
- Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-220, Brazil
| | - Brenda Gomes Pereira
- Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-220, Brazil
| | - Bruno Sérgio Alves Silva
- Directorate of Surveillance in Zoonoses, Superintendence of Health Surveillance, Municipal Health Department, Goiânia 74891-135, Brazil
| | - Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Santa Cruz State University, Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
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Ixodid diversity and detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected on birds in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Acta Trop 2022; 236:106673. [PMID: 36041496 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106673] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Brazilian Atlantic Forest helds one of the most diverse and unique avifauna in the world. Many vertebrate species are reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens, and birds are an important group among them due to their mobility which facilitates the dispersion of ticks and the infectious agents they carry. This study brings data on the tick diversity parasitizing birds and the molecular detection of Rickettsia spp. in these arthropods. Birds (n = 773) were captured, identified, and banded at Mata do Paraíso Research, Training, and Environmental Education Center located in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Birds were checked for the presence of ticks, which were individually collected, identified, and molecularly processed through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the detection of Rickettsia spp. A total of 130 individuals were infested by ticks, and 479 tick specimens were collected, showing a seasonal distribution of the life stages throughout the year. Ticks were identified as Amblyomma longirostre (59/479); Amblyomma calcaratum (20/479); Amblyomma varium (3/479); Amblyomma sculptum (2/479) and Amblyomma spp. larvae (395/479). Seasonal distribution of the life stages of ticks was observed along the year and significant negative correlations were found between temperature and collected ticks and temperature and infested birds. From the evaluated samples of ticks, 25.44% (n= 43/169) scored positive for Rickettsia spp., and sequence analysis indicated high nucleotide identity with Rickettsia rhipicephali, R. massiliae, R. africae and R. honei marmionii. The potential for dispersal of ticks by birds added to the aggressiveness of species of the genus Amblyomma and the zoonotic potential of some species of Rickettsia are quite worrying when we consider that the study area is widely attended by students, researchers, people from the city and neighboring municipalities.
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de Paula LGF, do Nascimento RM, Franco ADO, Szabó MPJ, Labruna MB, Monteiro C, Krawczak FDS. Seasonal dynamics of Amblyomma sculptum: a review. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:193. [PMID: 35668507 PMCID: PMC9169286 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05311-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amblyomma sculptum is a hard tick that is associated with domestic animals and the transmission of Brazilian spotted fever. This association has motivated several field studies on this ixodid tick within its distribution area in South America. Thorough knowledge of the seasonal dynamics of A. sculptum in different ecological scenarios is required in order to better understand the biological characteristics of this tick and develop techniques for the control and prevention of diseases transmitted by this vector. In this article, we systematically review the seasonal dynamics of A. sculptum and tick collection methodology. METHODS A systematic search of the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Scielo databases was carried out for articles (including dissertations and theses) on the population dynamics of A. sculptum. The inclusion criterion was the report of seasonal dynamic studies on A. sculptum through surveys carried out for at least 1 year with, as methodology, tick collection in the environment and/or tick count/collection on A. sculptum primary hosts (horses or capybaras). Studies carried out before the reclassification of Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato in 2014, which referred to Amblyomma cajennense in areas where it is currently known that only A. sculptum occurs, were also included. Articles meeting the inclusion criterion, but not available in online databases, were also added based on the authors' experience on the subject. Sixteen articles and one thesis were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. RESULTS Most of the studies were carried out in the southeastern region of Brazil, with a few also carried out in the northeast, center-west and south of Brazil and northwest of Argentina. Five techniques/methods were applied across these studies: CO2 traps, dragging, flagging, visual searches and tick counting on animals, used alone or in combination. CONCLUSION Seasonal dynamics of A. sculptum was found to be similar in almost all of the areas studied, with larvae predominating during the autumn, nymphs in the winter and adults in the spring and summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Gabriella Ferreira de Paula
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moreira do Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Artur de Oliveira Franco
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, 74.605-050, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil.,Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, 74.605-050, Brazil
| | - Felipe da Silva Krawczak
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil. .,Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, 74.690-900, Brazil.
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Prado RFS, Araújo IM, Cordeiro MD, Baêta BDA, da Silva JB, da Fonseca AH. Diversity of tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) in military training areas in Southeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e001322. [PMID: 35648978 PMCID: PMC9901875 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens belong to one of the two main groups of occupational biohazards, and occupational exposure to such agents puts soldiers at risk of zoonotic infections, such as those caused by rickettsiae. There are few studies on acarological fauna and occupational risk in military areas in Brazil. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the diversity of ticks present in the military training areas of municipalities in the Southeast Region of Brazil. The ticks were collected from the selected areas using the dragging and flagging techniques as well as by visual detection on the operators' clothing, and environmental information was also recorded. A total of ten species were collected from the 66 surveyed areas, belonging to five genera and nine species: Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma aureolatum, Dermacentor nitens, Rhipicephalus spp., Ixodes spp. and Haemaphysalis spp. The frequent presence of tick species in military training areas along with traces and sightings of wild animals, most commonly capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), in most of the studied areas, indicates high levels of exposure of the military to tick vectors of spotted fever group rickettsiae and the possible occurrence of infections among the troops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubens Fabiano Soares Prado
- Hospital Veterinário, Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras – AMAN, Resende, RJ, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
| | - Izabela Mesquita Araújo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
| | - Bruna de Azevedo Baêta
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
| | - Jenevaldo Barbosa da Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri – UFVJM, Unaí, MG, Brasil
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ Brasil
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Dynamics of Theileria equi Infection in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus during the Parasitic Phase in a Chronically Infected Horse. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050525. [PMID: 35631046 PMCID: PMC9142995 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies have demonstrated that Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus transmits Theileria equi to horses. However, the degree and dynamics of this protozoan infection in the vector’s organism have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the infection rate and parasitic load of T. equi in R. (B.) microplus, the infection dynamics in this arthropod during experimental infestation in a horse chronically infected with T. equi, and to evaluate the trans-stadial and intrastadial transmission competence of T. equi by R. (B.) microplus. The experimental infestation period of R. (B.) microplus on the horse was 33 days, but males were found on the animal up to 60 days post-infestation. After the fifth day post-infestation, ticks and equine blood were collected every two days. Whole ticks from the same developmental stage collected in the same day were pooled. Adult ticks were dissected to extract salivary glands and gut. DNA extraction was performed for all the samples, and they were then submitted to qPCRs for T. equi diagnosis. Freshly molted nymphs collected as larvae in the horse and freshly molted males and females collected as nymphs in the horse showed equal to or greater than 75% positivity for T. equi, indicating a strong possibility of trans-stadial transmission. The longest permanence of the male ticks on the horse associated with the high positivity rate of this type of sample for T. equi indicate that the male may play a role in the intrastadial transmission of T. equi to infection-free horses. The salivary glands displayed 77.78% positivity for T. equi and presented a higher infection rate at the end of the experimental period (100% from 29 to 33 days post-infection). This study shows that R. (B.) microplus has high T. equi infection rates and that the infection rate and parasitic load increased over the experimental period. These findings confirm the importance of chronically infected horses with T. equi as a source of infection for R. (B.) microplus.
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Forero-Becerra E, Acosta A, Benavides E, Martínez-Díaz HC, Hidalgo M. Amblyomma mixtum free-living stages: Inferences on dry and wet seasons use, preference, and niche width in an agroecosystem (Yopal, Casanare, Colombia). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0245109. [PMID: 35385470 PMCID: PMC8986011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The formulation of effective control strategies for any pest species generally involves the study of habitat use and preference and niche width in anthropogenically transformed natural landscapes. We evaluated whether the use, habitat preference, and niche range of the Amblyomma mixtum tick changed between stages, habitats, and seasonality (dry-wet seasons 2019) on a farm in Yopal (Casanare, Colombia). The presence and relative abundance of free-living larvae, nymphs, and adults was quantified in four different habitats according to the type of vegetation cover (Riparian Forest, Cocoa Crop, King Grass Crop, and Star Grass Paddock). Habitat availability was estimated, environmental variables were analyzed, and various indices of habitat use and preference, and niche width were calculated. A. mixtum's habitat use and preference, and niche width changed between stages, habitat types, and time of the year. The total abundance of A. mixtum was an order of magnitude greater in the dry season than the wet season. In the dry season, all stages used all habitats, while A. mixtum adults used all the habitats in both seasons. In the dry season, nymphs and larvae preferred three out of the four habitats, while adults preferred the King Grass Crop. In the wet season, nymphs and larvae preferred two habitats, whereas the adults preferred the King Grass Crop. The value of the niche width index was high for larvae, nymphs, and adults in the dry season, while it was high only for adults in the wet season. Thus, A. mixtum's vast environmental tolerance and niche breadth allows the species to use and colonize changing habitats (unstable or temporary) with fluctuating environmental conditions (e.g., King Grass Crop), potentially keeping a stable population over time and making it an extremely resistant species. However, the wet flooding season in Yopal may exceed A. mixtum's stages' tolerances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elkin Forero-Becerra
- Faculty of Sciences, Departament of Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Alberto Acosta
- Faculty of Sciences, Departament de Biology, UNESIS (Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Efraín Benavides
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Grupo de Investigación Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Heidy-C. Martínez-Díaz
- Faculty of Sciences, Laboratorio de Bacteriología Especial, Departament of Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Faculty of Sciences, Laboratorio de Bacteriología Especial, Departament of Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
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de Carvalho Nunes E, de Moura-Martiniano NO, de Lima Duré AÍ, de Melo Iani FC, de Oliveira SV, de Mello FL, Gazêta GS. Spotted Fever in the Morphoclimatic Domains of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.718047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, the tick-borne rickettsiosis known as Spotted Fever (SF) has been recorded from 59% of the Federative Units, however, the knowledge of the epidemiology and dynamics of human infection remains incipient in certain areas, complicating appropriate public health actions to inform the general population and control the disease. Here, we improved the interpretation of epidemiological information of SF cases recorded for an important endemic area. A descriptive epidemiological study was carried out based on records in the SINAN (Notifiable Diseases Information System) SF case databases. Data analysis was performed using Python programming language, Pandas library and Qgis map making. To evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, assistance, laboratory and epidemiological characteristics, simple and relative nominal values of occurrences, means and standard deviations, and molecular analyzes were performed to identify the bioagent present in biological samples collected during each case investigation. Of the 298 confirmed cases, 98 resulted in death, the number of cases increased from 2011, and the disease scenario had 32.8% lethality. Overall, 207 cases involved men, and lethality was higher in this group. The most affected age group was 30 to 59 years old. The majority of patients reported having had contact with animals such as ticks, capybara and domestic animals such as dogs and cats. The results corroborate existing studies in areas of severe SF cases in Brazil. Despite reports of SF cases from the Cerrado Biome, analyses show that serious cases occur in anthropized areas of the Atlantic Forest biome, and in a transition area between this and the Cerrado. Complex, longitudinal, multidisciplinary studies, with an eco-epidemiological focus, should be carried out to allow the construction of algorithms capable of predicting, in time and space, the risk factors associated with severe cases and deaths from SF, with the aim of avoiding their expansion.
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Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Ticks on Ring-Tailed Coatis Nasua nasua (Carnivora: Procyonidae) in Two Urban Areas from Midwestern Brazil. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030293. [PMID: 35158617 PMCID: PMC8833741 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The knowledge of the dynamics of ticks in wild animals is essential for surveillance of tick-borne diseases. Coatis (Nasua nasua) are mammals that easily adapt to anthropized areas, favoring close contact with domestic animals and humans, favoring the exchange of ticks and tick-borne agents. The present study aimed to investigate the tick diversity on coatis from forest urban areas of midwestern Brazil, as well as the dynamics of ticks during the seasons of the year and the correlation between tick species and gender and age of the sampled coatis. Three tick species were identified parasitizing coatis from forested urban fragments, namely A. dubitatum nymphs, A. sculptum adults and nymphs, and A. ovale adults. After analyzing the obtained results, it is likely that coatis from anthropized areas present tick species diversity lower than those from natural landscapes. The mean intensity and prevalence of Amblyomma larvae and nymphs is similar among males and females as well as in immature and mature animals, which might reflect the gregarious behavior of coatis, since adult males live together with females and offspring outside and inside the mating season, forming large groups of individuals. Abstract Understanding the diversity and ecology of ectoparasites in wild animals is essential for surveillance of vector-borne diseases. Coatis (Nasua nasua) easily adapt to anthropized areas, favoring close contact with domestic animals and humans, with the possibility of exchange of ectoparasites and pathogens. The present study aimed to identify the diversity of ticks parasitizing coatis from forest urban areas of midwestern Brazil, to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of ticks during the seasons of the year, and to assess the correlation between tick species and gender and age of the sampled coatis. For this purpose, 103 coatis were captured in two Conservation areas, both located in Campo Grande city, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Midwestern Brazil. The animals’ entire body was inspected for the presence of ectoparasites, and ticks were removed for taxonomic identification. In total, 168 captures were performed in both areas during the observational study considering the first capture and recaptures. In total, 2242 ticks were collected: 838 Amblyomma larvae, 1241 A. sculptum nymphs, and 150 A. dubitatum nymphs. Thirteen adult ticks were identified as three males and five females of A. sculptum and two males and three females of A. ovale. While a quantity of Amblyomma larvae was observed in the first months of the year (January, April and May), Amblyomma nymphs showed a higher quantity during the months of July, August, October and November. No statistical difference was observed when comparing mean intensity and prevalence of Amblyomma larvae, nymphs of A. sculptum and A. dubitatum between the two sampled areas, males vs. females and immature vs. mature animals. In conclusion, three tick species were identified parasitizing coatis from forested urban fragments in midwestern Brazil, namely A. dubitatum nymphs, A. sculptum adults and nymphs, and A. ovale adults. Coatis from anthropized areas seem to present tick species diversity lower than those from natural areas. The lack of statistical difference regarding mean intensity and prevalence of Amblyomma larvae and nymphs between males vs. females and immature vs. mature animals might have reflected the gregarious behavior of coatis, since adult males live together with females and offspring outside and inside the mating season, forming large groups of individuals.
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Soares LA, Fiorini LC, Duarte FC, Almeida IBD, Sampaio PHS, Romano DMDM, Mendes MC. Investigation of the parasitoid Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Amblyomma sculptum (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks in the municipality of Salto, São Paulo, Brazil. ARQUIVOS DO INSTITUTO BIOLÓGICO 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1808-1657000112022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Garcia MV, Zimmermann NP, Rodrigues VDS, Aguirre ADAR, Higa LDOS, Matias J, Barbosa CDS, Piña FTB, Andreotti R. Tick fauna in non-anthropogenic areas in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, with the presence of the Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest in Amblyomma ovale. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101831. [PMID: 34598098 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101831] [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: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate tick fauna and identify the possible presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks of the genus Amblyomma from two environmental preservation areas in different regions of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. CO2 traps, visual observation and cloth dragging were used to capture ticks. Three hundred ticks were submitted to the hemolymph test, and samples that showed organisms morphologically compatible with Rickettsia were used for rickettsial DNA detection by PCR. DNA was extracted using guanidine-phenol isothiocyanate, and the primers CS78 and CS323 were used for PCR, which amplified a 401-base pair fragment of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene. If positive, the DNA sample was tested by primers Rr190.70p and Rr190.602n that produce a 530 bp amplicon of the ompA gene that is present only in rickettsiae of the spotted fever group. A total of 1,745 adult ticks were collected, including 1,673 specimens of Amblyomma sculptum, 63 of Amblyomma coelebs, five of Amblyomma naponense and four of Amblyomma ovale. Thirteen ticks of the species A. ovale, A. coelebs and A. sculptum showed structures compatible with Rickettsia inside the hemocytes; after DNA extraction, the presence of Rickettsia spp. in a sample of A. ovale was confirmed by PCR in both analyzed fragments. In the sequencing analysis, 100% identity for the Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest was obtained according to GenBank. The two environmental preservation areas showed A. sculptum as the predominant species, as well as the presence of marked seasonality for this species. This paper is the first report of the R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest in A. ovale ticks in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Valerio Garcia
- Bolsista Fundapam/Laboratório de Biologia do Carrapato, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Namor Pinheiro Zimmermann
- Bolsista Fundapam/Laboratório de Biologia do Carrapato, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ixodologia/Doutorando no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. Av. Amazonas s/n, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, Uberlândia, MG, 38405-302, Brazil
| | - Andre de Abreu Rangel Aguirre
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia, Rua da Beira, No. 7671, Bairro Lagoa, CEP 76812-245 Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | - Jaqueline Matias
- Post Doctorate/Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Renato Andreotti
- Embrapa Gado de Corte, Avenida Radio Maia, 830, Campo Grande, MS CEP 79106-550, Brazil.
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Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Horses in the Republic of Korea. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091069. [PMID: 34578102 PMCID: PMC8472514 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091069] [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: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The horse industry has grown rapidly as a leisure industry in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in parallel with an increased demand for equestrian activities. As a result, there has been an increase in horse breeding and equestrian population and potential exposure to ticks and their associated pathogens. To provide a better understanding of the potential disease risks of veterinary and medical importance, a study was conducted to determine the geographical distribution and diversity of ticks collected from horses and vegetation associated with horse racetracks/ranches throughout the ROK. This included a survey of five associated common pathogens, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Borrelia spp., Babesia caballi, and Theileria equi. A total 9220 ticks were collected from horses and associated pastures. Ticks were identified to species, stage of development, and sex. Two species of ticks, Haemaphysalis longicornis (99.9%) and Ixodes nipponensis (0.1%) were identified. Two of the target pathogens, A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp., were detected in 5/1409 tick pools (0.35%) and 4/1409 pools (0.28%) of H. longicornis, respectively, both of which are zoonotic pathogens of medical importance. The results of 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis of A. phagocytophilum showed a close relationship to strains distributed in China, USA, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Poland. Borrelia spp. showed a close relationship, based on 16S rRNA gene, to the strains reported from the USA (B. burgdorferi and B. americana) and Japan (B. tanukii and B. garinii). These results provide information about the potential risks of veterinary and medical importance and the development of mitigation strategies for disease prevention.
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Serpa MCDA, Luz HR, Costa FB, Weck BC, Benatti HR, Martins TF, Correa LS, Ramirez DG, Rocha V, Dias TC, Correa LR, Brasil J, Brites-Neto J, Nievas AM, Suzin A, Monticelli PF, Moro MEG, Lopes B, Pacheco RC, Aguiar DM, Piovezan U, Szabó MPJ, Ferraz KMPMB, Percequillo AR, Labruna MB, Ramos VN. Small mammals, ticks and rickettsiae in natural and human-modified landscapes: Diversity and occurrence of Brazilian spotted fever in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101805. [PMID: 34411793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101805] [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: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We studied communities of small mammals and their ticks in endemic (E) and non-endemic (NE) areas for Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), aiming to infer if diversity parameters of parasites and hosts could be related to occurrence and prevalence of rickettsial infection, especially Rickettsia rickettsii. We compared E and NE areas in human-modified landscapes (HMLs) and natural areas (BIO) with no report of BSF cases. Composition and equitability were important components of diversity explaining differences among areas. The marsupial Didelphis albiventris was dominant in HMLs, but not in natural areas, and this opossum was the main host for the tick Amblyomma sculptum, principal vector of R. rickettsii, especially in E areas. Communities of ticks were dominated by A. sculptum, followed by Amblyomma dubitatum in E areas. In NE areas, this dominance was inverted, with more A. dubitatum than A. sculptum infesting small mammals, but the numbers of ticks were much lower than in E areas. Composition and abundance of ticks in natural areas were very dissimilar from HMLs, with the lowest tick burdens. Didelphis albiventris in E areas presented higher seroprevalence and endpoint titres against R. rickettsii than in other areas. At least three Rickettsia species, non-pathogenic to humans, were detected in natural areas (Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia amblyommatis and 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae'), and only one non-pathogenic species in HMLs (R. bellii). Our results suggest that higher diversity of ticks, hosts and rickettsiae could be relevant factors in buffering the effect in BSF occurrence. Particularly for D. albiventris, its importance has to be quantified in further studies considering the epidemiological scenario of BSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carolina de A Serpa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hermes R Luz
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia, Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia do Renorbio, Ponto Focal Maranhão, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Francisco B Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Bárbara C Weck
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hector R Benatti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Laboratórios Especializados, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lidiani Silva Correa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz' Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diego G Ramirez
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vlamir Rocha
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago C Dias
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Ribeiro Correa
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Jardel Brasil
- Unidade de Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Americana, SP, Brazil
| | - José Brites-Neto
- Unidade de Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Americana, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Nievas
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriane Suzin
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação de Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Patricia Ferreira Monticelli
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Estela G Moro
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Lopes
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Richard C Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Aguiar
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Ubiratan Piovezan
- Embrapa Pantanal, Corumbá, MS, Brazil; Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | - Matias P J Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Katia Maria P M B Ferraz
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre R Percequillo
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz' Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa N Ramos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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19
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Tlapaya-Romero L, Santos-Moreno A, Ibáñez-Bernal S. Effect of seasonality and microclimate on the variation in bat-fly load (Diptera: Streblidae) in a cave bat assemblage in a dry forest. MAMMALIA 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2020-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Seasonality causes fluctuations in the availability of resources, affecting the presence and abundance of animal species. These fluctuations can have an impact on parasite-host relationships, which in turn can be exacerbated by microclimatic changes to which bat-flies are exposed. We characterized the bat-fly load and evaluated the effect of seasonality on five bat species in a dry forest. We evaluated variations in microclimatic conditions inside the cave Cerro Huatulco between seasons and the response of the bat-fly load. We collected 1165 bat-fly specimens belonging to 16 species from 688 bats. The obtained results indicate that the mean abundance and infestation intensity exhibited changes between seasons in Artibeus jamaicensis, Desmodus rotundus, Glossophaga soricina, and Pteronotus parnellii. In the case of the effect of microclimate conditions, we observed that prevalence is negatively correlated with temperature in G. soricina, while mean abundance and mean infestation intensity were negatively related to temperature in A. jamaicensis and G. soricina. The present study provides significant information about host-parasite relationships in a dry forest and discusses the relevance of abiotic and biotic factors that could affect host-parasite interactions, as well as the importance of each parasite load parameter for the understanding of this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Tlapaya-Romero
- Laboratorio de Ecología Animal , Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional (CIIDIR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional , Calle Hornos No. 1003, Colonia Noche Buena, 71230 , Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán , Oaxaca , Mexico
| | - Antonio Santos-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Ecología Animal , Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional (CIIDIR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional , Calle Hornos No. 1003, Colonia Noche Buena, 71230 , Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán , Oaxaca , Mexico
| | - Sergio Ibáñez-Bernal
- Red Ambiente y Sustentabilidad , Instituto de Ecología , A.C. Antigua Carretera a Coatepec No. 351, El Haya , Xalapa , C.P. 91070 Veracruz , Mexico
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20
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Ali A, Zahid H, Zeb I, Tufail M, Khan S, Haroon M, Tufail M, Bilal M, Hussain M, Alouffi AS, Muñoz-Leal S, Labruna MB. Risk factors associated with tick infestations on equids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with notes on Rickettsia massiliae detection. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:363. [PMID: 34256806 PMCID: PMC8276440 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04836-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on ticks infesting equids are lacking in various parts of the world, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of ticks infesting equids, associated risk factors and rickettsial detection in ticks from equids in KP. METHODS Inspection of 404 equid hosts from November 2018 to October 2019 resulted in the collection of 550 ticks. Data on tick-associated risk factors were collected from equid owners by means of a questionnaire. After morphological identification, partial DNA sequences of the tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were used for taxonomic confirmation of species. Partial sequences of the gltA and ompA genes were used for Rickettsia detection in ticks. RESULTS A total of 550 tick specimens were collected on 324 (80.2%) of the equids inspected, of which 161 were horses (50%), 145 (45%) were donkeys and 18 were mules (5%). The ticks were identified as belonging to the following five species: Rhipicephalus microplus (341 specimens, 62% of the total ticks), Rh. haemaphysaloides (126, 23%), Rh. turanicus (39, 7%), Rh. sanguineus (s.l.) (33, 6%) and Hyalomma anatolicum (11, 2%). The most prevalent tick life stage was adult females (279, 51%) followed by adult males (186, 34%) and nymphs (85, 15%). Higher tick infestations were observed on male equids (relative risk [RR] 0.7432, P < 0.0005) and adult equids (RR 1.268, P < 0.0020). Ticks were frequently attached to the axial region of horses (55, 21%), sternum of donkeys (44, 21%) and belly of mules (19, 23%) (P < 0.04). Temporal patterns of tick infestation in association with temperature and humidity were highly significant (P < 0.05). Risk factors, such as animal housing (P < 0.0003), living management (P < 0.006), grazing type (P < 0.01) and location in hilly areas (P < 0.02), significantly enhanced the chances for tick infestation. Tick species analyzed in this study were phylogenetically related to species from Afghanistan, China, South Africa and Taiwan. Partial sequences of the gltA and ompA genes obtained from Rh. microplus and Rh. haemaphysaloides were 100% identical to the spotted fever group pathogen Rickettsia massiliae. CONCLUSIONS Equids exposed to significant risk factors were infected by one or more of at least five tick species in KP, Pakistan, and some of the ticks harbored the human pathogen R. massiliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ismail Zeb
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sulaiman Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Haroon
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Majid Hussain
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, casilla 537, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Machado Y, Acosta ICL, Martins TF, Srbek-Araujo AC. Parasitism by Amblyomma humerale (Acari: Ixodidae) on Chelonoidis denticulatus (Testudines: Testudinidae) in the Atlantic Forest. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e002921. [PMID: 34037189 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study reports on patterns of parasitism by Amblyomma humerale on yellow-footed tortoise, Chelonoidis denticulatus, in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. The tortoises were sampled occasionally, from July 2005 to January 2020. We collected 81 adult ticks from seven tortoises (mean = 11.57 ± 6.90 ticks/host), of which 72 were males (88.9%) and nine females (11.1%), resulting in an 8:1 sex ratio (males:females). Males were found in clusters, attached to the carapace. Females occurred mainly isolated, attached to coriaceous integumental areas (n = 7; 77.8%), especially the engorged females (100%). We suggest that the difference between attachment sites is a strategy used by fertilized females to avoid mechanical removal from their host through friction with elements of the environment. Because they undergo a considerable increase of volume when engorged, they move to more sheltered places on their host's surface. The parasitism patterns by A. humerale on C. denticulatus were compatible with those observed in the Amazon region and in the Cerrado-Amazonia transition. The present work provides information about the life history and host-parasite interface of the two species and contributes to understanding the parasitism patterns by A. humerale on C. denticulatus in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ygor Machado
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Vila Velha - UVV, Vila Velha, ES, Brasil
| | - Igor Cunha Lima Acosta
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Ana Carolina Srbek-Araujo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Vila Velha - UVV, Vila Velha, ES, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia de Ecossistemas, Universidade Vila Velha - UVV, Vila Velha, ES, Brasil.,Instituto SerraDiCal de Pesquisa e Conservação, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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22
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de Paula LGF, Zeringóta V, Sampaio ALN, Bezerra GP, Barreto ALG, Dos Santos AA, Miranda VC, Paula WVDF, Neves LC, Secchis MV, Alves SDGA, Sevá ADP, Borges LMF, Monteiro C, Dantas-Torres F, Krawczak FDS. Seasonal dynamics of Amblyomma sculptum in two areas of the Cerrado biome midwestern Brazil, where human cases of rickettsiosis have been reported. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 84:215-225. [PMID: 33860867 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00615-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Amblyomma sculptum is a common human-biting tick in Brazil, where it plays an important role as a vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of the Brazilian spotted fever. Herein, we studied the seasonal dynamics of A. sculptum in an urban area of the Cerrado biome in midwestern Brazil, where human rickettsiosis is endemic. Ticks were collected in two sites located within the campus of Federal University of Goiás. The collections were done by dragging, flagging and visual search. In total, 117,685 ticks were collected, including 100,627 Amblyomma spp. larvae, 10,055 nymphs and 6977 adults of A. sculptum, and one nymph and 25 adults of Amblyomma dubitatum. The highest peak of larvae occurred in June 2018 and in July 2019, whereas nymphs peaked in July 2018 and September 2019. Adults reached their highest numbers in March 2018 and November 2019. These data suggest that A. sculptum develops one generation per year in this urban area of the Cerrado biome in midwestern Brazil. Interestingly, the peak of nymphs occurred during the same period of all confirmed cases of rickettsiosis in Goiás, suggesting a possible relationship between the seasonal dynamics of this tick stage and rickettsiosis transmission in this state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Gabriella Ferreira de Paula
- Post-graduation Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Viviane Zeringóta
- Post-graduation Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Aparecida Lorrany Nunes Sampaio
- Undergraduation in Veterinary Medicine at Federal, University of Goiás, Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Giovana Pereira Bezerra
- Undergraduation in Biological Science at Federal University of Goiás, Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás, 74.690-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura Gonçalves Barreto
- Undergraduation in Veterinary Medicine at Federal, University of Goiás, Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Andreza Alves Dos Santos
- Undergraduation in Veterinary Medicine at Federal, University of Goiás, Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Carvalho Miranda
- Undergraduation in Veterinary Medicine at Federal, University of Goiás, Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Warley Vieira de Freitas Paula
- Post-graduation Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Lucianne Cardoso Neves
- Post-graduation Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Mirna Vieira Secchis
- Post-graduation Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Susy das Graças Alecrim Alves
- Undergraduation in Veterinary Medicine at Federal, University of Goiás, Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Santa Cruz State University (UESC), Rodovia Jorge Amado, km1645.662-900, Ilhéus, Bahia, Salobrinho, Brasil
| | - Lígia Miranda Ferreira Borges
- Post-graduation Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Setor Universitário, Rua 235, s/n, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Caio Monteiro
- Post-graduation Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Setor Universitário, Rua 235, s/n, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute - IAM, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Felipe da Silva Krawczak
- Post-graduation Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
- Veterinary and Animal Science School at the Federal University of Goiás, Avenida Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia74.690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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23
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Durães LS, Bitencourth K, Ramalho FR, Nogueira MC, Nunes EDC, Gazêta GS. Biodiversity of Potential Vectors of Rickettsiae and Epidemiological Mosaic of Spotted Fever in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Front Public Health 2021; 9:577789. [PMID: 33777873 PMCID: PMC7994328 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.577789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotted Fever Rickettsioses (SFR) are diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia, and are transmitted mainly by ticks. Its eco-epidemiological scenarios vary spatially, and may also vary over time due to environmental changes. It is the main disease transmitted by ticks to humans in Brazil, with the state of Paraná (PR) having the sixth highest number of notified incidences in the country. However, information is lacking regarding the SFR disease cycles at likely infection sites within PR. During case investigations or environmental surveillance in PR for SFR, 28,517 arthropods were collected, including species known or potentially involved in the SFR cycles, such as Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma parkeri, Ctenocephalides felis felis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. From these Rickettsia asembonensis, Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest and Candidatus Rickettsia paranaensis were detected. Ectoparasite abundance was found to be related with specific hosts and collection environments. Rickettsiae circulation was observed for 48 municipalities, encompassing 16 Health Regions (HR). As for socio-demographic and assistance indicators, circulation occurred largely in the most urbanized HR, with a higher per capita Gross Domestic Product, lower Family Health Strategy coverage, and with a higher ratio of beds in the Unified Health System per thousand inhabitants. For environmental variables, circulation occurred predominantly in HR with a climatic classified as “subtropical with hot summers” (Cfa), and with forest type phytogeographic formations. In terms of land use, circulation was commonest in areas with agriculture, pasture and fields and forest cover. Rickettsiae were circulating in almost all hydrographic basins of PR state. The results of this study provide the first descriptive recognition of SFR in PR, as well as outlining its eco-epidemiological dynamics. These proved to be quite heterogeneous, and analyzed scenarios showed characteristics strongly-associated with the outbreaks, with cases presenting clinical variation in space, so illustrating the complexity of scenarios in PR state. Due to the diversity of the circumstances surrounding SFR infections in PR, public health initiatives are necessary to foster a better understanding of the dynamics and factors effecting vulnerability to SFR in this Brazilian state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliane Silva Durães
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil.,Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde/Ministério da Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karla Bitencourth
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde/Ministério da Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Frederico Rodrigues Ramalho
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde/Ministério da Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mário Círio Nogueira
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Emília de Carvalho Nunes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil.,Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde/Ministério da Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Salles Gazêta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil.,Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde/Ministério da Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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24
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Costa GCA, Ribeiro ICT, Melo-Junior O, Gontijo NF, Sant'Anna MRV, Pereira MH, Pessoa GCD, Koerich LB, Oliveira F, Valenzuela JG, Giunchetti RC, Fujiwara RT, Bartholomeu DC, Araujo RN. Amblyomma sculptum Salivary Protease Inhibitors as Potential Anti-Tick Vaccines. Front Immunol 2021; 11:611104. [PMID: 33633731 PMCID: PMC7901972 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.611104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amblyomma sculptum is the main tick associated with human bites in Brazil and the main vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of the most severe form of Brazilian spotted fever. Molecules produced in the salivary glands are directly related to feeding success and vector competence. In the present study, we identified sequences of A. sculptum salivary proteins that may be involved in hematophagy and selected three proteins that underwent functional characterization and evaluation as vaccine antigens. Among the three proteins selected, one contained a Kunitz_bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor domain (named AsKunitz) and the other two belonged to the 8.9 kDa and basic tail families of tick salivary proteins (named As8.9kDa and AsBasicTail). Expression of the messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding all three proteins was detected in the larvae, nymphs, and females at basal levels in unfed ticks and the expression levels increased after the start of feeding. Recombinant proteins rAs8.9kDa and rAsBasicTail inhibited the enzymatic activity of factor Xa, thrombin, and trypsin, whereas rAsKunitz inhibited only thrombin activity. All three recombinant proteins inhibited the hemolysis of both the classical and alternative pathways; this is the first description of tick members of the Kunitz and 8.9kDa families being inhibitors of the classical complement pathway. Mice immunization with recombinant proteins caused efficacies against A. sculptum females from 59.4% with rAsBasicTail immunization to more than 85% by immunization with rAsKunitz and rAs8.9kDa. The mortality of nymphs fed on immunized mice reached 70–100%. Therefore, all three proteins are potential antigens with the possibility of becoming a new tool in the control of A. sculptum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Cerqueira Alves Costa
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Izabela Cosso Tavares Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Otoni Melo-Junior
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nelder F Gontijo
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauricio R V Sant'Anna
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos H Pereira
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Grasielle C D Pessoa
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo B Koerich
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Oliveira
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jesus G Valenzuela
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniella Castanheira Bartholomeu
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo N Araujo
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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25
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Leal B, Zamora E, Fuentes A, Thomas DB, Dearth RK. Questing by Tick Larvae (Acari: Ixodidae): A Review of the Influences That Affect Off-Host Survival. ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 113:425-438. [PMID: 33244354 PMCID: PMC7677832 DOI: 10.1093/aesa/saaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Questing is a host-seeking behavior in which ticks ascend plants, extend their front legs, and wait poised for a chance to attach to a passing host. Hard ticks are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates and because some species vector disease, they are among the most medically important of arthropod pests. All ixodid ticks require blood to survive and reproduce with the number of blood-hosts needed to complete their life cycle varying among species. The vast majority are three-host ticks requiring a different host for each developmental stage: larva, nymph, and adult. A few, including some of the most economically important species, are one-host ticks, that quest only in the larval stage. Questing is a rate-limiting behavior critical to tick survival and disease transmission. For the off-host larval stage, survival is highly dependent on ecological and physiological factors. Yet, off-host larval ecophysiology is often overlooked for the more obvious adult and nymphal tick-host interactions. This review summarizes the literature on ixodid larval questing with emphasis on how specific biotic and abiotic factors affect off-host survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Leal
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio-Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX
| | - Emily Zamora
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio-Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX
| | - Austin Fuentes
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio-Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX
| | - Donald B Thomas
- U.S Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, North Moorefield Road, Edinburg, TX
| | - Robert K Dearth
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio-Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX
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26
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Labruna MB, Faccini JLH. The nonparasitic phase of Dermacentor nitens under field conditions in southeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2020; 29:e008620. [PMID: 33112361 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dermacentor nitens is a one-host tick that uses domestic equids as main hosts. Herein, the nonparasitic phase of D. nitens was evaluated under field conditions in Pirassununga, São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil. By exposing engorged females of D. nitens to field conditions (grass plots) for 24 consecutive months, this tick species was able to complete its nonparasitic phase by producing host-seeking larvae in the pasture throughout the year. Preoviposition and egg incubation periods were longer during autumn and winter months than during the other months. The number of larvae generated by engorged females was in most of the times lower during autumn and winter months, as demonstrated by lower egg hatching values. Such conditions could be linked to lower mean temperatures and rainfall. Larvae with the longest longevity hatched from the eggs with the shortest incubation periods. An apparent synchronism of larval hatching during spring was observed from the eggs laid by females during late winter and autumn, which is consistent with the phenomenon of "spring rise". The results indicate that D. nitens can complete up to five generations per year in southeastern Brazil, providing baseline data to develop future protocols for the appropriate control of D. nitens on horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - João Luiz Horácio Faccini
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
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27
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Gillingham EL, Cull B, Pietzsch ME, Phipps LP, Medlock JM, Hansford K. The Unexpected Holiday Souvenir: The Public Health Risk to UK Travellers from Ticks Acquired Overseas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7957. [PMID: 33138220 PMCID: PMC7663673 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Overseas travel to regions where ticks are found can increase travellers' exposure to ticks and pathogens that may be unfamiliar to medical professionals in their home countries. Previous studies have detailed non-native tick species removed from recently returned travellers, occasionally leading to travel-associated human cases of exotic tick-borne disease. There are 20 species of tick endemic to the UK, yet UK travellers can be exposed to many other non-native species whilst overseas. Here, we report ticks received by Public Health England's Tick Surveillance Scheme from humans with recent travel history between January 2006 and December 2018. Altogether, 16 tick species were received from people who had recently travelled overseas. Confirmed imports (acquired outside of the UK) were received from people who recently travelled to 22 countries. Possible imports (acquired abroad or within the UK) were received from people who had recently travelled to eight European countries. Species-specific literature reviews highlighted nine of the sixteen tick species are known to vector at least one tick-borne pathogen to humans in the country of acquisition, suggesting travellers exposed to ticks may be at risk of being bitten by a species that is a known vector, with implications for novel tick-borne disease transmission to travellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Gillingham
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Maaike E. Pietzsch
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - L. Paul Phipps
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Research Group, Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK;
| | - Jolyon M. Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Kayleigh Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
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28
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Natividade UA, Pimenta AP, Cezar RSM, Pereira MH, Gontijo NF, Sant'Anna MRV, Pessoa GD, Koerich LB, Araujo RN. Locomotion activity and its effects on the survival of Amblyomma sculptum (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs under laboratory conditions. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101562. [PMID: 33011439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101562] [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: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The active locomotion of ticks is directly associated with the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases, as it has important implications for the interaction of ticks with their hosts and their dispersion in the environment. In an attempt to elucidate the factors involved in the dispersion of Amblyomma sculptum, the present work aimed to characterize different aspects of the active locomotion of A. sculptum nymphs under laboratory conditions. To this end, nymphs were placed on a string at a 70° inclination and their walking activity was recorded daily along with their survival period. During their lifetime, ticks walked an average of 110 m. Their locomotion was not in a straight line and nymphs changed direction 142 times throughout their lifetimes. The mean distance walked per experimental day was 1.8 m, while the average walking distance before changing direction was 52 cm. The distance walked per experimental day reduced over time. The survival of ticks was affected by walking; resting nymphs survived for over 6 months, while the survival of those that walked daily was reduced to approximately 62 days. The results showed that A. sculptum nymphs were able to cover distances of over 100 m throughout their lifetimes, but they walked short distances at a time and constantly changed direction. This behavior indicates that ticks are not able to disperse over long distances by means of active locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulisses A Natividade
- Physiology of Hematophagous Insects Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelita P Pimenta
- Physiology of Hematophagous Insects Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo S M Cezar
- Physiology of Hematophagous Insects Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos H Pereira
- Physiology of Hematophagous Insects Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nelder F Gontijo
- Physiology of Hematophagous Insects Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mauricio R V Sant'Anna
- Physiology of Hematophagous Insects Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Grasielle D Pessoa
- Physiology of Hematophagous Insects Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Leonardo B Koerich
- Physiology of Hematophagous Insects Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo N Araujo
- Physiology of Hematophagous Insects Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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29
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Fecchio A, Martins TF, Bell JA, De LaTorre GM, Bueno ER, Malaquias MJ, Pinho JB, Labruna MB, Dias RI. Host movement and time of year influence tick parasitism in Pantanal birds. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 82:125-135. [PMID: 32856170 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00530-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are among the best studied parasitic groups as they spread important pathogens of medical and veterinary importance worldwide. Migratory birds can play an important role in transporting ticks infected with pathogens across wide geographic regions. It is therefore important to understand which factors promote tick parasitism rates across their avian hosts and the associated potential for disease spread. Here, we identified the host attributes of infestation probability of ticks from the genus Amblyomma in 955 birds from Pantanal, Brazil. Infestation rates exhibited considerable variation across the 129 avian species surveyed and were explained by both host ecological traits and evolutionary history. The probability of an individual bird being infested with immature ticks (larvae and/or nymphs) was higher across resident bird species that forage at ground level and during the wet season. Bird species that feed on vertebrates were less likely to be infested by ticks. Other ecological traits known to promote tick exposure (age, body mass, social behavior, and sex) did not predict infestation probability. Our findings demonstrate that tick occurrence in Pantanal birds is determined by avian host attributes, but tick occurrence throughout the year constrains exposure to host-seeking ticks. Moreover, the ecology of the avian host might prevent the potential spread of tick-borne diseases outside Pantanal as migratory hosts are likely less infested by ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Fecchio
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Avenida Fernando Corrêa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá, MT, 78060900, Brazil.
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jeffrey A Bell
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Gabriel M De LaTorre
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Laboratório de Ecologia E Interações Antagonísticas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Elaine R Bueno
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Aves, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Moises J Malaquias
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Aves, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - João B Pinho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Avenida Fernando Corrêa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá, MT, 78060900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Aves, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raphael I Dias
- Faculdade de Ciências da Educação e Saúde, Centro Universitário de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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30
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Mesquita GB, Silva WL, Fecchio A, Martins TF, Labruna MB, Dias RI. Amblyomma ticks consumed by a giant cowbird, Molothrus oryzivorus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101424. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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31
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Abstract
The increase of contact between natural and rural areas is prominent in Brazil, due to agricultural activities and concern with the environmental conservation. In this context, domestic animals, wild fauna and humans are exposed to mutual exchange of parasites, microorganisms and diseases. We studied tick parasitism of wild carnivores and domestic dogs, and the environmental of questing ticks, in extensive cattle ranch areas intermingled with natural vegetation, and in a natural reserve, both in a region of Cerrado biome, Midwestern Brazil. From 2008 to 2015, we inspected 119 wild carnivores from nine species, and collected six tick species (Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma tigrinum, Dermacentor nitens and Rhipicephalus microplus). The most numerous and infested hosts were Cerdocyon thous, Lycalopex vetulus, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Puma concolor and Conepatus amazonicus. From 139 domestic dogs, we collected A. sculptum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. microplus. From vegetation, samplings resulted in A. sculptum, A. dubitatum, A. ovale, Amblyomma rotundatum and R. microplus, with dominance of A. sculptum. Domestics and wild animals presented high overlapping of infestations by A. sculptum, a generalist and anthropophilic tick species. This tick is the most important vector of the Brazilian spotted fever, a lethal human disease. This fact elicits attention and requires efforts to monitor the presence of pathogens vectored by ticks circulating in this type of agroecosystem, including in other regions of the Brazil, because the most of the natural vegetation remaining have been increasingly immersed in pastures and agricultural matrix.
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32
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do Nascimento Ramos V, da Silva Rodrigues V, Piovezan U, Szabó MPJ. Microhabitat determines uneven distribution of Amblyomma parvum but not of Amblyomma sculptum ticks within forest patches in the Brazilian Pantanal. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 79:405-410. [PMID: 31792751 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental distribution of the two most abundant ticks in forest areas in the Brazilian Pantanal was evaluated by CO2 traps methodology in the wet season (peak of adult ticks) of 2012 and 2013. Adults of Amblyomma parvum were concentrated inside agglomerates of Bromelia balansae, in the border of forest patches. Adults of Amblyomma sculptum occurred in similar numbers both in bromeliad clumps and in bromeliad-free areas. Differential distribution of ticks in this habitat could be associated to the frequent use of bromeliad clumps by wild animals (potential hosts) and to the microclimate conditions inside this vegetation in the Pantanal. It is important to verify whether larvae and nymphs of A. parvum have a similar pattern of distribution in the same areas, during the dry season. These stages are more susceptible to desiccation and their principal hosts, non-volant small mammals, also use these bromeliad areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa do Nascimento Ramos
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Mato Grosso, 3289/Campus Umuarama - Bloco 2S, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-314, Brazil.
| | - Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Mato Grosso, 3289/Campus Umuarama - Bloco 2S, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-314, Brazil
| | - Ubiratan Piovezan
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Av. Governador Paulo Barreto de Menezes 3250, Aracaju, SE, 49025-040, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Mato Grosso, 3289/Campus Umuarama - Bloco 2S, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-314, Brazil
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33
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Luz HR, Costa FB, Benatti HR, Ramos VN, de A Serpa MC, Martins TF, Acosta ICL, Ramirez DG, Muñoz-Leal S, Ramirez-Hernandez A, Binder LC, Carvalho MP, Rocha V, Dias TC, Simeoni CL, Brites-Neto J, Brasil J, Nievas AM, Monticelli PF, Moro MEG, Lopes B, Aguiar DM, Pacheco RC, Souza CE, Piovezan U, Juliano R, Ferraz KMPMB, Szabó MPJ, Labruna MB. Epidemiology of capybara-associated Brazilian spotted fever. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007734. [PMID: 31490924 PMCID: PMC6750615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, has been associated with the transmission by the tick Amblyomma sculptum, and one of its main hosts, the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Methods During 2015–2019, we captured capybaras and ticks in seven highly anthropic areas of São Paulo state (three endemic and four nonendemic for BSF) and in two natural areas of the Pantanal biome, all with established populations of capybaras. Results The BSF-endemic areas were characterized by much higher tick burdens on both capybaras and in the environment, when compared to the BSF-nonendemic areas. Only two tick species (A. sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum) were found in the anthropic areas; however, with a great predominance of A. sculptum (≈90% of all ticks) in the endemic areas, in contrast to a slight predominance of A. dubitatum (≈60%) in the nonendemic areas. Tick species richness was higher in the natural areas, where six species were found, albeit with a predominance of A. sculptum (≈95% of all ticks) and environmental tick burdens much lower than in the anthropic areas. The BSF-endemic areas were characterized by overgrowth populations of A. sculptum that were sustained chiefly by capybaras, and decreased populations of A. dubitatum. In contrast, the BSF-nonendemic areas with landscape similar to the endemic areas differed by having lower tick burdens and a slight predominance of A. dubitatum over A.sculptum, both sustained chiefly by capybaras. While multiple medium- to large-sized mammals have been incriminated as important hosts for A. sculptum in the natural areas, the capybara was the only important host for this tick in the anthropic areas. Conclusions The uneven distribution of R. rickettsii infection among A. sculptum populations in highly anthropic areas of São Paulo state could be related to the tick population size and its proportion to sympatric A. dubitatum populations. Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, is the deadliest tick-borne disease of the New World. In southeastern Brazil, where 489 patients succumbed to the disease from 2001 to 2018, R. rickettsii is transmitted to humans mainly by the tick Amblyomma sculptum, which uses the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) as its main host. During 2015–2019, we captured capybaras and ticks in seven highly anthropic areas of São Paulo state (three endemic and four nonendemic for BSF) and in two natural areas of the Pantanal biome. The BSF-endemic areas were characterized by much higher tick burdens on both capybaras and in the environment, with a predominance of Amblyomma sculptum. In the BSF-nonendemic areas, another tick species, Amblyomma dubitatum, outnumbered A. sculptum. In the natural areas, six tick species were found; however, with much lower numbers than in the anthropic areas. The BSF-endemic areas were characterized by overgrowth populations of A. sculptum that were sustained chiefly by capybaras, and decreased populations of A. dubitatum. Results of this study support the idea that any intervention resulting in a drastic reduction of the A. sculptum population shall eliminate the R. rickettsii infection from the tick population, and consequently, prevent new BSF cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermes R Luz
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia, Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia do Renorbio, Ponto Focal Maranhão, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Francisco B Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Hector R Benatti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa N Ramos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Pós-Doutorado em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina de A Serpa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Igor C L Acosta
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Diego G Ramirez
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Ramirez-Hernandez
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lina C Binder
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Vlamir Rocha
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago C Dias
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila L Simeoni
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - José Brites-Neto
- Departamento de Vigilância Epidemiológica, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Americana, SP, Brazil
| | - Jardel Brasil
- Departamento de Vigilância Epidemiológica, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Americana, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Nievas
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Ferreira Monticelli
- Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Estela G Moro
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Lopes
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Aguiar
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Richard C Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Celso Eduardo Souza
- Laboratório de Carrapatos, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Mogi Guaçu, SP, Brazil
| | - Ubiratan Piovezan
- Embrapa Pantanal, Corumbá, MS, Brazil.,Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Katia Maria P M B Ferraz
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Matias P J Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Phenology of Amblyomma sculptum in a degraded area of Atlantic rainforest in north-eastern Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101263. [PMID: 31331735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Amblyomma sculptum is the principal vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the main agent of spotted fever rickettsiosis in Brazil. Little information is available regarding the population dynamics of this tick in some regions, including north-eastern Brazil, where cases of spotted fever rickettsioses are increasingly reported. Herein, we studied the phenology of A. sculptum in a rural area in north-eastern Brazil. Ticks were collected from the environment, using dry ice-baited traps, monthly for two consecutive years. In total, 1500 ticks were collected: 94 females (6.3%), 74 males (4.9%), 468 nymphs (31.2%), and 864 larvae (57.6%). All nymphs and females were identified as A. sculptum. Males were tentatively identified as A. sculptum and larvae as Amblyomma spp. Ticks were more numerous during spring and summer, followed by autumn and winter. Peaks of larvae and nymphs were recorded during summer and spring, respectively, whereas adults were more frequently collected in spring. A total of 380 ticks were tested by PCR for the gltA gene of Rickettsia spp., but none of them were positive. While our results revealed a seasonal pattern for A. sculptum in north-eastern Brazil that is distinct from the seasonal pattern in south-eastern Brazil, we caution that the observed pattern could have been biased by the relatively low number of ticks collected. Finally, the absence of Rickettsia-infected ticks does not rule out the possibility that rickettsial organisms are circulating in the study area and further long-term studies are warranted.
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Barbieri AR, Szabó MP, Costa FB, Martins TF, Soares HS, Pascoli G, Torga K, Saraiva DG, Ramos VN, Osava C, Gerardi M, Dias RA, Moraes EA, Ferreira F, Castro MB, Labruna MB. Species richness and seasonal dynamics of ticks with notes on rickettsial infection in a Natural Park of the Cerrado biome in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:442-453. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Szabó MPJ, Martins MM, de Castro MB, Pacheco RC, Tolesano-Pascoli GV, Dos Santos KT, Martins TF, de Souza LGA, May-Junior JA, Yokosawa J, Labruna MB. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Serra da Canastra National Park in Minas Gerais, Brazil: species, abundance, ecological and seasonal aspects with notes on rickettsial infection. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 76:381-397. [PMID: 30317459 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0300-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Cerrado Biome is the second largest in Brazil covering roughly 2 million km2, with varying features throughout its area. The Biome is endangered but it is also source of animal species for rural, green urban and degraded rainforest areas. Ticks are among Cerrado species that establish at anthropogenic sites and although information about them is steadily increasing, several features are unknown. We herein report tick species, abundance and some ecological relationships within natural areas of the Cerrado at higher altitudes (800-1500 m) within and around Serra da Canastra National Park, in Minas Gerais State Brazil. In total of 1196 ticks were collected in the environment along 10 campaigns held in 3 years (2007-2009). Amblyomma sculptum was the most numerous species followed by Amblyomma dubitatum and Amblyomma brasiliense. Distribution of these species was very uneven and an established population of A. brasiliense in the Cerrado is reported for the first time. Other tick species (Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma parvum, Ixodes schulzei and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris) were found in lesser numbers. Domestic animals displayed tick infestations of both rural and urban origin as well as from natural areas (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Rhipicephalus microplus, Dermacentor nitens, A. sculptum, A. ovale, Amblyomma tigrinum, Argas miniatus). Amblyomma sculptum had the widest domestic host spectrum among all tick species. DNA of only one Rickettsia species, R. bellii, was found in an A. dubitatum tick. Several biological and ecological features of ticks of the studied areas are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Maria Marlene Martins
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Márcio Botelho de Castro
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L4 Norte, Hospital Veterinário - Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, CP. 4508, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, CEP 70910-970, Brazil
| | - Richard Campos Pacheco
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas e Produção Animal, Faculdade de Agronomia, Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiabá, MT, CEP 78060-900, Brazil
| | - Graziela Virginia Tolesano-Pascoli
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Khelma Torga Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Luis Gustavo Antunes de Souza
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Joares Adenilson May-Junior
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde e de Ciências Sociais Aplicadas, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Avenida José Acácio Moreira, 787 Dehon, Tubarão, SC, CEP 88704900, Brazil
| | - Jonny Yokosawa
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720/Campus Umuarama - Bloco 2B - CP 592, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
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Aguilar-Domínguez M, Sánchez-Montes S, Esteve-Gassent MD, Barrientos-Salcedo C, Pérez de León A, Romero-Salas D. Genetic structure analysis of Amblyomma mixtum populations in Veracruz State, Mexico. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:86-92. [PMID: 30228080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Amblyomma mixtum Koch, 1844 parasitizes livestock, humans, and wildlife in Mexico. However, information on population genetics for this tick species in the country is missing. Tick samples were collected from livestock in ten regions across the state of Veracruz (22°28'N, 17°09'S, 93°36'E, 98°39'W) to analyze the genetic structure of A. mixtum populations. Ticks were morphologically identified using taxonomic keys. In order to test the intra-specific variability of A. mixtum fragments of the mitochondrial gene 16S-rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) were amplified. Ninety-six sequences were amplified from the 50 specimens' analyzed (96% amplification success). Eleven haplotypes were detected in 16S-rRNA gene and 10 more for COI. Neutrality tests showed negative results in most of the locations analyzed, which is indicative of an excess of recently derived haplotypes. However, these results were not statistically significant. Minimal union network analysis revealed that there is no separation of populations by geography, and that there is an overlap of several haplotypes among diverse populations. Significant genetic differentiation was not detected in the A. mixtum populations sampled in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, this may be due to the frequent movement of livestock hosts. This is the first report on the genetic structure of A. mixtum populations in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariel Aguilar-Domínguez
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Posta Zootécnica Torreón del Molino, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Adalberto Pérez de León
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Dora Romero-Salas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Posta Zootécnica Torreón del Molino, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico.
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Vasconcelos VO, Costa EGL, Moreira VR, Morais-Costa F, Duarte ER. Efficacy of plants extracts from the Cerrado against adult female of Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 75:419-427. [PMID: 30073431 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Dermacentor nitens tick is commonly found in the equine auditory canal, where it causes economic losses due to its direct damage, causing blood spoliation, stress, transmission of pathogens, and predisposition to myasis and secondary bacterial infection in its hosts. In this study we evaluated the effect of ethanolic extracts of Cerrado plants on biological parameters of engorged females of D. nitens. Ethanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves of Schinopsis brasiliensis, Piptadenia viridiflora, Ximenia americana, and Serjania lethalis at 25-150 mg mL-1. Groups of 10 engorged adult females were treated with these extracts and compared with a control containing distilled water and another control with organophosphate, using five replicates for each group. Compared with the control with water, S. lethalis and X. americana extracts at 100 and 150 mg mL-1 significantly inhibited the posture ability. Differently, extracts of S. brasiliensis and P. viridiflora were the most effective in inhibiting larval hatching. Extracts of X. americana and P. viridiflora showed effective inhibition of reproductive parameters of the tick, presenting dose-dependent effect with IC90 78.86 and 78.94 mg mL-1, respectively. Theses effective extracts contained low condensed tannin levels and their HPLC chromatograms revealed the presence of flavonoids. The efficacies of P. viridiflora and X. americana extracts were higher than 90% indicating that these extracts are promising as alternative agents for D. nitens control.
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Affiliation(s)
- V O Vasconcelos
- Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Avenida Dr. Ruy Braga, S/N - Bairro Vila Mauricéia, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, 39401-089, Brazil.
| | - E G L Costa
- Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Praça Primavera, 40 - Bairro Primavera, Itapetinga, Bahia, 45700-000, Brazil
| | - V R Moreira
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Universitária, 1000 - Bairro Universitário, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, 39400-006, Brazil
| | - F Morais-Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Universitária, 1000 - Bairro Universitário, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, 39400-006, Brazil
| | - E R Duarte
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Universitária, 1000 - Bairro Universitário, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, 39400-006, Brazil
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Tarragona EL, Sebastian PS, Saracho Bottero MN, Martinez EI, Debárbora VN, Mangold AJ, Guglielmone AA, Nava S. Seasonal dynamics, geographical range size, hosts, genetic diversity and phylogeography of Amblyomma sculptum in Argentina. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1264-1274. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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de Oliveira GMB, Araújo ADC, Santos JR, da Silva IWG, Labruna MB, Horta MC. Lack of seasonality of Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: Ixodidade) on Rhinella jimi (Anura: Bufonidae) in a semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1350-1353. [PMID: 29934040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.06.005] [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: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Amblyomma rotundatum is an ixodid tick strictly associated with cold-blooded animals, among them the toad Rhinella jimi. This work aimed to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of larvae, nymphs, and adults of A. rotundatum parasitizing R. jimi in an area within the semi-arid Caatinga Biome of northeastern Brazil. Monthly sampling from February 2014 to January 2016 resulted in a total of 592 R. jimi toads captured and inspected for infestation by ticks, which were counted and identified. After the procedure, the toads were released with their ticks at the same capture site. During the study period, a total of 658 A. rotundatum were counted, comprising 497 larvae, 110 nymphs, and 51 females. The two-year mean abundances of larvae, nymphs, and adults were 0.84, 0.19, and 0.09, respectively. The two-year mean infestation intensities of larvae, nymphs, and adults were 3.65, 1.45, and 1.34, respectively. Comparing the monthly values of prevalence, mean abundance, and mean infestation intensity of A. rotundatum life stages, differences were observed between the first and second year of study; however, with no clear seasonal pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glauber Meneses Barboza de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Andreina de Carvalho Araújo
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Josenilton Rodrigues Santos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Ivo Wesley Gomes da Silva
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, FMVZ-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Claudio Horta
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Campus Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Univasf, Petrolina, PE, Brazil.
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41
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Labruna MB. Comparative survival of the engorged stages of Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto and Amblyomma sculptum under different laboratory conditions. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:996-1001. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Aguirre ADAR, Rodrigues VDS, Costa IND, Garcia MV, Higa LDOS, Medeiros JF, Andreotti R. Biological parameters of Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, 1906 (Acari: Ixodidae) under experimental conditions. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2018; 27:81-86. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612018003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract One generation of Amblyomma coelebs life cycle under experimental conditions was evaluated. Ten tick pairs were allowed to feed on rabbits under laboratory conditions (LC), resulting six engorged females with a mean weight of 1,403.9 mg. Two females were maintained in a forest reserve under natural conditions (NC), and four were maintained in incubators (LC). The engorgement period lasted 10.33 days. Pre-oviposition periods were 10.75 (NC) and 22 days (LC). The mean egg-mass weight was 514.76 mg, and the blood meal conversion index was 36.67% (LC). Incubation period under NC and LC were 91 and 56.33 days and hatching rates were 50% and 28.33%, respectively. Larval engorgement period ranged from 4 to 10 days, with average weight of 1.1 mg. Engorged larvae were incubated under NC and LC, with a premolt period of 27 to 36 days and molting rate of 7.1% and 28.7%, respectively. Nymphal engorgement period ranged from 5 to 7 days, with a mean weight of 18.8 mg and a recovery rate of 54.54%. In LC, the ecdysis mean period was 24.5 days, and molting rate was 44.44%, resulting in 24 adult A. coelebs. Our results show a life cycle of 187.45 (NC) and 149 (LC) days.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marcos Valerio Garcia
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Brasil; Governo do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
| | | | | | - Renato Andreotti
- Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil; Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Brasil
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Rocha VJ, Sekiama ML, Gonçalves DD, Sampieri BR, Barbosa GP, Dias TDC, Rossi HR, Souza PFPD. CAPIVARAS (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) E A PRESENÇA DO CARRAPATO (Amblyomma sculptum) NO CAMPUS DA UFSCAR-ARARAS, SÃO PAULO. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1089-6891v18e-44671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Capivaras são territoriais e vivem em grupos sociais, ocorrendo comumente em áreas antropizadas. Em algumas regiões do Brasil, estes animais apresentam infestação por carrapatos do gênero Amblyomma, que por sua vez são considerados como principal vetor biológico e reservatório natural da bactéria Rickettsia rickettsii, agente causador da Febre Maculosa Brasileira. Na UFSCar campus Araras, a interação entre capivaras, carrapatos e comunidade acadêmica é frequente, ocorrendo principalmente durante a estação seca. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um censo populacional das capivaras que ocupam o campus, identificando sua área de uso e se estes roedores se encontravam infestados por carrapatos. Realizou-se observação direta das capivaras, captura-marcação e recaptura com uso de um brete, e também coleta dos carrapatos nas capivaras e no ambiente. Registrou-se um total de 56 capivaras, com densidade de 1,50 ind./ha. Foram capturados 24 animais, sendo 25% machos e 75% fêmeas, dos quais 25% eram adultos, 45,8% jovens e 29,2% filhotes. A espécie de carrapato amplamente encontrada infestando tanto os animais como o ambiente foi A. sculptum. Conclui-se que o grupo de capivaras apresentou um número elevado de indivíduos por causa da abundância de recursos e ausência de predadores, e também com grande infestação por carrapatos.
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Liu M, Li T, Yu ZJ, Qiu ZX, Yan P, Li Y, Liu J. Seasonal dynamics of the tick Haemaphysalis tibetensis in the Tibetan Plateau, China. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 31:449-456. [PMID: 28714569 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The tick Haemaphysalis tibetensis (Acari: Ixodidae) Hoogstraal is an important arthropod vector widespread in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and knowledge of its seasonal dynamics is still poor. The current study investigated the seasonal dynamics of the parasitic and non-parasitic H. tibetensis over a 2-year period from March 2014 to February 2016 in the Tibetan Plateau, China. During this timeframe, non-parasitic ticks were collected weekly by flag-dragging in grassland and shrubland areas, and parasitic ticks were removed weekly from selected sheep. Plateau pikas were captured using traps and examined for immature ticks between May to September 2014. Results suggest that non-parasitic H. tibetensis were mainly distributed in the grassland, and the parasitic adults and nymphs were found mostly on sheep. Larvae were usually found on Plateau pikas and the prevalence of infestation and mean parasitic intensity were 72.1 and 1.81%, respectively. Adults were observed from March to July with the major peak occurring in mid-April. Nymphs were found from March to August and reached a peak in late June. Larvae were collected from April to September, and their numbers peaked in late May. In the parasitic and non-parasitic period, the overall sex ratio of males to females was 1.62 and 1.30, respectively. Results show that H. tibetensis can complete one generation per year, with a population overlap between stages over the spring-summer months. These findings provide additional information on the biology and ecology of H. tibetensis as well as insights on its control in the environment and on sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, P.R. China
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, P.R. China
| | - T Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, P.R. China
| | - Z J Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, P.R. China
| | - Z X Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, P.R. China
| | - P Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, P.R. China
| | - Y Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, P.R. China
| | - J Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, P.R. China
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Tick-borne infections in dogs and horses in the state of Espírito Santo, Southeast Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2017; 249:43-48. [PMID: 29279085 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This work aims to identify and quantify the percentage of Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. positive pet dogs, and to identify ticks collected on these animals in the state of Espírito Santo, in the Southeast region of Brazil. The study included 378 dogs, 226 females and 152 males, of various breeds and ages (mean age of 4.1 years). All animals were examined for ticks, and whole blood was collected and processed by conventional PCR protocols for Babesia spp., Anaplasmataceae, Hepatozoon spp. and by real-time PCR for Ehrlichia canis. Of the 378 dogs examined, 157 (41.53%) had ticks at the time of the study, which were identified as R. sanguineus s.l. in 154 animals (98.10%), Amblyomma ovale in one animal (0.63%), and Amblyomma sculptum in 2 animals (1.27%). In the PCR for Babesia spp., 5 animals (1.32%) were positive, producing DNA sequences 100% identical to Babesia vogeli. For Anaplasmataceae, 34 animals (9%) were positive, 10 of which generated DNA sequences 100% similar to Ehrlichia canis. The other 24 samples generated fragments 100% identical to Anaplasma platys. In the PCR for Hepatozoon spp, 39 animals (10.31%) were positive, producing sequences 100% identical to Hepatozoon canis. Finally, in the real-time PCR specific for E. canis, 28 animals (7.40%) were positive. Coinfection with 2 or 3 agents was observed in 20 animals (5.29%). Of the 378 dogs sampled, 312 were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for E. canis and five species of Rickettsia (R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. amblyommatis, R. rhipicephali and R. bellii). Among them, 71 dogs (22.75%) had a positive reaction for E. canis and 16 dogs (5.13%) had antibody titers higher than 64 to at least one Rickettsia species, 5 of them (1.60%) to R. rickettsii. Samples of blood were collected from 10 equines in the regions where dogs were found with positive serology for any one of the Rickettsia sp. tested. In the municipality of Vila Velha, two equines were positive for R. bellii with inverse titers of 64 and 128. These results indicate that tick-transmitted agents, such as E. canis, A. platys, B. vogeli, H. canis, and several spotted fever group Rickettsia are circulating in the canine population of the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo.
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Scott F, Franz L, Campos DR, Azevedo TRC, Cunha D, Six RH, Maeder S, Cree T. Efficacy of sarolaner (Simparic™) against induced infestations of Amblyomma cajennense on dogs. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:390. [PMID: 28814323 PMCID: PMC5559851 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amblyomma cajennense is the main vector of Rickettsia rickettsii which causes Brazilian spotted fever. This adult tick preferably infests horses and capybaras, but has low host specificity during its immature stages, thus posing a threat to humans and dogs. In this study, the efficacy of sarolaner (Simparic™/Simparica®, Zoetis) when administered once orally to dogs at 2 mg/kg was evaluated against induced infestations of A. cajennense nymphs for up to 35 days after treatment. Methods Based on pretreatment tick counts, 20 dogs were randomly allocated to treatment with sarolaner (Simparic™) dosed at 2 mg/kg of body weight or a placebo on Day 0 of the study. Artificial infestations were performed using laboratory raised A. cajennense nymphs on study days -2, 5, 12, 19, 26 and 33. Efficacy was determined at 48 h post-treatment or post-infestation at each time point relative to the counts for dogs that received placebo. Results There were no adverse reactions to treatment. A single dose of sarolaner (Simparic™) provided 100% efficacy on study days 2, 7 and 14; and ≥ 99.6% on days 21, 28 and 35. Geometric mean live tick counts for sarolaner were significantly lower than those for placebo on all days (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Under the conditions of the present study, sarolaner (Simparic™) administered once orally at 2 mg/kg provided 100% efficacy against existing infestations and ≥ 99.6% efficacy within 48 h against weekly challenges of A. cajennense for at least 35 days after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Scott
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias do Instituto de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, DPA-IV-UFRRJ Br 467, Km 7, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lilian Franz
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Rua Luiz Fernando Rodriguez, Campinas, SP, 1701, Brazil.
| | - Diefrey Ribeiro Campos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias do Instituto de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, DPA-IV-UFRRJ Br 467, Km 7, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaís Ribeiro Correia Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias do Instituto de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, DPA-IV-UFRRJ Br 467, Km 7, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daise Cunha
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Rua Luiz Fernando Rodriguez, Campinas, SP, 1701, Brazil
| | - Robert H Six
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, 333 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Steven Maeder
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, 333 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Travis Cree
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, 333 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
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Huashuayo-Llamocca R, Heymann EW. Fur-rubbing with Piper leaves in the San Martín titi monkey, Callicebus oenanthe. Primate Biol 2017; 4:127-130. [PMID: 32110700 PMCID: PMC7041530 DOI: 10.5194/pb-4-127-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We report observations on fur-rubbing with leaves from Piper aduncum by a San Martín titi monkey, Callicebus oenanthe. Fur-rubbing occurred during the transition from the dry to the rainy season in a titi monkey group living in a forest fragment in the Moyobamba region of Peru. Since Piper leaves include very potent compounds that may affect ectoparasites, we tentatively interpret the observed fur-rubbing as self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Huashuayo-Llamocca
- Proyecto Mono Tocón, Jr. Reyes Guerra No. 430, Moyobamba, Peru.,Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga de Ica, Av. Los Maestros s/n, Ica, Peru
| | - Eckhard W Heymann
- Verhaltensökologie und Soziobiologie, Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Life cycle and parasitic competence of Dermacentor nitens Neumann, 1897 (Acari: Ixodidae) on different animal species. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:379-384. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ambush behavior of the tick Amblyomma sculptum (Amblyomma cajennense complex) (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Brazilian Pantanal. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:506-510. [PMID: 28259592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We herein describe the ambush behavior of Amblyomma sculptum (Berlese 1888), a widespread and epidemiologically important tick in Brazil. Along two years of sampling by visual search in the Brazilian Pantanal, A. sculptum ticks were observed on the vegetation and in the leaf litter. Most of the ticks were observed between 10 and 50cm above ground level and less than five percent of the total were positioned below 10cm, indicating that they are seeking for middle or large-sized hosts. In both seasons, vapor saturation deficit was low during the morning. No significant relationship was found between questing ticks and daytime interval of observation or saturation deficit. However, questing tick numbers seem be higher in the end of the morning, when saturation deficit reaches its peak. Behavioral patterns of A. sculptum ticks observed in Pantanal underscore the occurrence of this tick and human contact at green anthropogenic sites. Considering A. sculptum questing behavior, inferences on human behavioral patterns that enhance or avoid contact with ticks are discussed.
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Prata JAC, Souza CED, Angerami RN, Barbosa TMCDM, Santos FCPD, Colombo S, Guercio VMFD, Donalísio MR. Antibodies for Rickettsia spp. in patients with negative serology for dengue virus, leptospirosis, and meningococcal disease in municipalities of São Paulo State, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2016; 49:567-571. [PMID: 27812650 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0023-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brazilian spotted fever is an infectious disease with a high mortality rate if not treated early. Differential diagnosis is difficult, as the first clinical signs are non-specific and can be confused with other diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate evidence of infection with Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia parkeri in negative sera samples, collected in 2014, from patients with suspected leptospirosis, dengue fever, and meningococcal disease in Atibaia and Bragança Paulista municipalities of the State of São Paulo. METHODS The samples stored at the Institute Adolfo Lutz in Campinas were tested using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with IgG and IgM against R. rickettsii and R. parkeri. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed for the sera samples of patients who died (n = 3), those with initial suspicion of meningococcal disease (n = 6), and those with positive IFA results. RESULTS Of 258 samples from Bragança Paulista, 4 (1.6%) were positive, with IgG titers of 1:64 and 1:128 against R. rickettsii and R. parkeri, respectively. Of 155 samples from Atibaia, 2 (1.3%) were positive, with IgG titers of 1:64 and 1:128 against R. rickettsii and R. parkeri, respectively. No sample showed positive PCR results. CONCLUSIONS This serological investigation suggests there is evidence of exposure to Rickettsia spp. in residents of areas that have environmental conditions favorable to the spread of bacteria, in which Brazilian spotted fever incidence was not previously confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Anacleto Cabral Prata
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu Saúde Coletiva-Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Nogueira Angerami
- Departamento de Doenças de Notificação Compulsória, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Silvia Colombo
- Laboratório de Riquétsias, Centro de Virologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Rita Donalísio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu Saúde Coletiva-Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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