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Chitimia-Dobler L, Handschuh S, Dunlop JA, Pienaar R, Mans BJ. Nuttalliellidae in Burmese amber: implications for tick evolution. Parasitology 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38623697 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are composed of 3 extant families (Argasidae, Ixodidae and Nuttalliellidae) and 2 extinct families (Deinocrotonidae and Khimairidae). The Nuttalliellidae possess one extant species (Nuttalliella namaqua) limited to the Afrotropic region. A basal relationship to the hard and soft tick families and its limited distribution suggested an origin for ticks in the Afrotropics. The Deinocrotonidae has been found in Burmese amber from Myanmar and Iberian amber from Spain, suggesting a wider distribution of the lineage composed of Deinocrotonidae and Nuttalliellidae. The current study describes 8 fossils from mid-Cretaceous (ca. 100 Ma) Burmese amber: 2 Deinocroton species (Deinocroton bicornis sp. nov.; Deinocroton lacrimus sp. nov.), 5 Nuttalliella species (Nuttalliella gratae sp. nov., Nuttalliella tuberculata sp. nov., Nuttalliella placaventrala sp. nov., Nuttalliella odyssea sp. nov., Nuttalliella tropicasylvae sp. nov.) and a new genus and species (Legionaris nov. gen., Legionaris robustus sp. nov.). The argument is advanced that Deinocroton do not warrant its own family, but forms part of the Nuttalliellidae comprising 3 genera, Deinocroton, Legionaris nov. gen. and Nuttalliella). Affinities of Burmese tick fossils to the Australasian region, specifically related to rifting of the Burma terrane from northern Australia ~150 million years ago, suggest that Nuttalliella had a much wider distribution than its current limited distribution. The distribution of Nuttalliella likely stretched from Africa over Antarctica and much of Australia, suggesting that extant members of this family may still be found in Australia. Considerations for the geographic origins of ticks conclude that an Afrotropic origin can as yet not be discarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Department of Rickettsiology and Virology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
- Department of Infection and Pandemic Research, Fraunhofer Institute of Immunology, Infection and Pandemic Research, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Handschuh
- VetCore Facility for Research / Imaging Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jason A Dunlop
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronel Pienaar
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Ben J Mans
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
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Wang YF, Zheng JJ, Zhang MZ, Du LF, Cui XM, Han XY, Tian D, Cheng N, Wang N, Gao WY, Wang BH, Shi XY, Jiang JF, Jia N, Sun Y, Shi W, Cao WC. The complete mitogenome of Argas vulgaris (Filippova, 1961) and its phylogenetic status in subgenus Argas (Acari: Argasidae). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100912. [PMID: 38375444 PMCID: PMC10875242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Soft ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae) are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates with worldwide distributions. As one representative group of Argasidae, the genus Argas has an important vectorial role in transmitting zoonotic diseases. However, our knowledge of the subgenus Argas in China is still limited, as most literature only lists occurrence records or describes specific case reports without providing detailed morphological characteristics and further molecular data. This study aims to characterize Argas vulgaris through complete mitochondrial sequencing and morphological diagnostic techniques based on a batch of adult specimens collected from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regions (NXHAR), North China. The morphology and microstructures of Ar. vulgaris and other lectotypes of argasid ticks in the subgenus Argas were also observed using a stereomicroscope. Following DNA extraction and sequencing, a complete mitochondrial sequence of Ar. vulgaris was assembled and analyzed within a phylogenetic context. The 14,479 bp mitogenome of Ar. vulgaris consists of 37 genes, including 13 genes for protein coding, two for ribosomal RNA, 22 for transfer RNA, and one for control region (D-loops). Phylogenetic analysis of Ar. vulgaris showed 98.27%-100% nucleotide identity with Ar. japonicus, indicating a close relationship between the two tick species. The morphological diagnostic features to differentiate Ar. vulgaris from other ticks within the subgenus Argas included the location of the anus and setae on the anterior lip of the female genital aperture. This study provided high-resolution scanning electron microscope images of female Ar. vulgaris and corresponding molecular data, representing valuable resources for future accurate species identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fei Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jia-Jing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Ming-Zhu Zhang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Li-Feng Du
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Di Tian
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Nuo Cheng
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Wan-Ying Gao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Bai-Hui Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wenqiang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
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3
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Zhang B, Wang X, Aguli Nurland R, Lu M, Guan Y, Liu M, Gao F, Li K. Investigation of tick-borne bacterial microorganisms in Haemaphysalis ticks from Hebei, Shandong, and Qinghai provinces, China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102290. [PMID: 38070273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102290] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Tick-borne microorganisms in many tick species and many areas of China are still not thoroughly investigated. In this study, 224 ticks including two species (Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis) were collected from four cities in Hebei, Shandong, and Qinghai provinces, China. Ticks were screened for the presence of tick-borne bacterial microorganisms including Rickettsia, Anaplasmataceae (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neoehrlichia, etc.), Coxiella, Borrelia, and Bartonella. Two Anaplasma species (Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma capra) were detected in H. longicornis from Xingtai City of Hebei Province, with a positive rate of 3 % and 8 %, respectively. A Coxiella species was detected in H. longicornis ticks from all three locations in Hebei and Shandong provinces, with the positive rate ranging from 30 to 75 %. All the 16S and rpoB sequences were very similar (99.77-100 % identity) to Coxiella endosymbiont of Haemaphysalis ticks. An Ehrlichia species was detected in H. qinghaiensis (6/66, 9 %) from Xining City, Qinghai Province. The 16S and groEL sequences had 100 % and 97.40-97.85 % nucleotide identities to "Candidatus Ehrlichia pampeana" strains, respectively, suggesting that it may be a variant of "Candidatus Ehrlichia pampeana". All the ticks were negative for Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Bartonella. Because all the ticks were removed from goats or humans and were partially or fully engorged, it is possible that the microorganisms were from the blood meal but not vectored by the ticks. Our results may provide some information on the diversity and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City 830011, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Xinjiang 474 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group CO.LTD, Urumqi City 830000, China
| | - Rewuzi Aguli Nurland
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City 830011, China
| | - Miao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City 102206, China
| | - Yaqun Guan
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City 830011, China
| | - Mengyun Liu
- Xinjiang 474 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group CO.LTD, Urumqi City 830000, China
| | - Fan Gao
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City 830011, China
| | - Kun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City 102206, China.
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4
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Ma H, Ai J, La Y, Zhao X, Zeng A, Qin Q, Feng S, Kang M, Sun Y, Li J. Hemalin vaccination modulates the host immune response and reproductive cycle of Haemaphysalis longicornis. Vet Parasitol 2023; 323:110051. [PMID: 37866015 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis can transmit high varieties of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), and a primary strategy for preventing the transmission of those TBPs is to control ticks. Hemalin, a thrombin inhibitor of the Kunitz-type family and a crucial component in H. longicornis feeding process has been isolated from parthenogentic ticks. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of a recombinant Hemalin (rHlHemalin) vaccination as an anti-tick vaccine against H. longicornis in rabbits to find a new candidate for an effective tick control. In this study, mouse splenocytes were isolated and used to investigate immune responses after rHlHemalin stimulation. The rabbits were vaccinated with the rHlHemalin protein. After tick challenges, body weight at engorgement, egg mass, and the reproductive cycle of H. longicornis were evaluated. To confirm the vaccination, the passive immunization tests of α-rHlHemalin sera were performed. The results showed that the rHlHemalin protein could stimulate cytokine production in mouse splenocytes. Vaccination assay revealed that the periods from tick infestations to egg-hatch in the vaccination group were significantly longer than those in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group (P = 0.0003). In addition, the tick body weight at engorgement (P = 0.0019) and egg mass at 10 days after oviposition (P = 0.0232) were higher than those in the PBS group. These findings were consistent with the current passive immunization results and suggest rHlHemalin vaccination extended the reproductive cycle in H. longicornis but did not decrease the body weight at engorgement or weight of egg mass. Therefore, it is debatable whether Hemalin vaccination is highly-effective anti-tick vaccine or not. However, due to the importance of thrombin inhibitors in tick blood feeding and blood digestion, additional inhibitor-based vaccines should be developed aiming to find an effective and environmentally friendly biological strategy to combat ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jingkai Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yansha La
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Ankang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Qi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Shangjiali Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China.
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5
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Valcárcel F, Elhachimi L, Vilá M, Tomassone L, Sánchez M, Selles SMA, Kouidri M, González MG, Martín-Hernández R, Valcárcel Á, Fernández N, Tercero JM, Sanchis J, Bellido-Blasco J, González-Coloma A, Olmeda AS. Emerging Hyalomma lusitanicum: From identification to vectorial role and integrated control. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:425-459. [PMID: 37144688 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12660] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In the Mediterranean basin, the tick species Hyalomma lusitanicum Koch stands out among other species of the Hyalomma genus due to its wide distribution, and there is great concern about its potential role as a vector and/or reservoir and its continuous expansion to new areas because of climate warming and human and other animal movements. This review aims to consolidate all the information on H. lusitanicum, including taxonomy and evolution, morphological and molecular identification, life cycle, sampling methods, rearing under laboratory conditions, ecology, hosts, geographical distribution, seasonality, vector role and control methods. The availability of adequate data is extremely relevant to the development of appropriate control strategies in areas where this tick is currently distributed as well as in new areas where it could become established in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Valcárcel
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Elhachimi
- Département de parasitologie et de Santé Publique, Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - M Vilá
- Grupo de Investigación COPAR (GI-2120; USC), Departamento de Patoloxia Animal, Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - L Tomassone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Sánchez
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Villamagna S.A., Finca "La Garganta", Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio (UAX), Madrid, Spain
| | - S M A Selles
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
- Laboratory of Research on Local Animal Products, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - M Kouidri
- Laboratory of Farm Animal Products, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - M G González
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Villamagna S.A., Finca "La Garganta", Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
| | - R Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), IRIAF-Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Marchamalo, 19180, Spain. Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT-ESF/EC-FSE), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Á Valcárcel
- Lokimica S.L., c/ Valdemorillo, Madrid, Spain
- Veterinary Pathobiology section, University College Dublín, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - N Fernández
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio (UAX), Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Tercero
- Villamagna S.A., Finca "La Garganta", Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
| | - J Sanchis
- Facultad de Veterinaria, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - J Bellido-Blasco
- Sección de Epidemiología, Centro de Salud Pública de Castelló, CIBER-ESP. Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Castelló, Spain
| | | | - A S Olmeda
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCM, Madrid, Spain
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Parizi LF, Githaka NW, Logullo C, Zhou J, Onuma M, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I. Universal Tick Vaccines: Candidates and Remaining Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2031. [PMID: 37370541 DOI: 10.3390/ani13122031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in molecular biology, particularly regarding massively parallel sequencing technologies, have enabled scientists to gain more insight into the physiology of ticks. While there has been progress in identifying tick proteins and the pathways they are involved in, the specificities of tick-host interaction at the molecular level are not yet fully understood. Indeed, the development of effective commercial tick vaccines has been slower than expected. While omics studies have pointed to some potential vaccine immunogens, selecting suitable antigens for a multi-antigenic vaccine is very complex due to the participation of redundant molecules in biological pathways. The expansion of ticks and their pathogens into new territories and exposure to new hosts makes it necessary to evaluate vaccine efficacy in unusual and non-domestic host species. This situation makes ticks and tick-borne diseases an increasing threat to animal and human health globally, demanding an urgent availability of vaccines against multiple tick species and their pathogens. This review discusses the challenges and advancements in the search for universal tick vaccines, including promising new antigen candidates, and indicates future directions in this crucial research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Logullo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Misao Onuma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91540-000, Brazil
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O’Neal A, Singh N, Rolandelli A, Laukaitis HJ, Wang X, Shaw D, Young B, Narasimhan S, Dutta S, Snyder G, Samaddar S, Marnin L, Butler L, Mendes M, Cabrera Paz F, Valencia L, Sundberg E, Fikrig E, Pal U, Weber D, Pedra J. Croquemort elicits activation of the immune deficiency pathway in ticks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2208673120. [PMID: 37155900 PMCID: PMC10193931 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208673120] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune deficiency (IMD) pathway directs host defense in arthropods upon bacterial infection. In Pancrustacea, peptidoglycan recognition proteins sense microbial moieties and initiate nuclear factor-κB-driven immune responses. Proteins that elicit the IMD pathway in non-insect arthropods remain elusive. Here, we show that an Ixodes scapularis homolog of croquemort (Crq), a CD36-like protein, promotes activation of the tick IMD pathway. Crq exhibits plasma membrane localization and binds the lipid agonist 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol. Crq regulates the IMD and jun N-terminal kinase signaling cascades and limits the acquisition of the Lyme disease spirochete B. burgdorferi. Additionally, nymphs silenced for crq display impaired feeding and delayed molting to adulthood due to a deficiency in ecdysteroid synthesis. Collectively, we establish a distinct mechanism for arthropod immunity outside of insects and crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya J. O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Hanna J. Laukaitis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Dana K. Shaw
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA99164
| | - Brianna D. Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Sukanya Narasimhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Shraboni Dutta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD20742
| | - Greg A. Snyder
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - L. Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - M. Tays Mendes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Francy E. Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Luisa M. Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Eric J. Sundberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD20742
| | - David J. Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Joao H. F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
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8
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Peñalver E, Peris D, Álvarez-Parra S, Grimaldi DA, Arillo A, Chiappe L, Delclòs X, Alcalá L, Sanz JL, Solórzano-Kraemer MM, Pérez-de la Fuente R. Symbiosis between Cretaceous dinosaurs and feather-feeding beetles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2217872120. [PMID: 37068225 PMCID: PMC10151472 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217872120] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Extant terrestrial vertebrates, including birds, have a panoply of symbiotic relationships with many insects and arachnids, such as parasitism or mutualism. Yet, identifying arthropod-vertebrate symbioses in the fossil record has been based largely on indirect evidence; findings of direct association between arthropod guests and dinosaur host remains are exceedingly scarce. Here, we present direct and indirect evidence demonstrating that beetle larvae fed on feathers from an undetermined theropod host (avian or nonavian) 105 million y ago. An exceptional amber assemblage is reported of larval molts (exuviae) intimately associated with plumulaceous feather and other remains, as well as three additional amber pieces preserving isolated conspecific exuviae. Samples were found in the roughly coeval Spanish amber deposits of El Soplao, San Just, and Peñacerrada I. Integration of the morphological, systematic, and taphonomic data shows that the beetle larval exuviae, belonging to three developmental stages, are most consistent with skin/hide beetles (family Dermestidae), an ecologically important group with extant keratophagous species that commonly inhabit bird and mammal nests. These findings show that a symbiotic relationship involving keratophagy comparable to that of beetles and birds in current ecosystems existed between their Early Cretaceous relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Peñalver
- Centro Nacional Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia46004, Spain
| | - David Peris
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l’Oceà, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona08028, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona08028, Spain
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), Barcelona08038, Spain
| | - Sergio Álvarez-Parra
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l’Oceà, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona08028, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona08028, Spain
| | - David A. Grimaldi
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New YorkNY10024-5192
| | - Antonio Arillo
- Departamento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid28040, Spain
| | - Luis Chiappe
- Dinosaur Institute, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles90007
| | - Xavier Delclòs
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l’Oceà, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona08028, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona08028, Spain
| | - Luis Alcalá
- Parque de las Ciencias de Andalucía, Granada18006, Spain
| | - José Luis Sanz
- Unidad de Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid28049, Spain
- Real Academia Española de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Madrid28004, Spain
| | - Mónica M. Solórzano-Kraemer
- Department of Palaeontology and Historical Geology, Senckenberg Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main60325, Germany
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9
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Mans BJ. Paradigms in tick evolution. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:475-486. [PMID: 37061441 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The study of tick evolution may be classified into disciplines such as taxonomy and systematics, biogeography, evolution and development (evo-devo), ecology, and hematophagy. These disciplines overlap and impact each other to various extents. Advances in one field may lead to paradigm shifts in our understanding of tick evolution not apparent to other fields. The current study considers paradigm shifts that occurred, are in the process, or may occur in future for the disciplines that study tick evolution. Some disciplines have undergone significant changes, while others may still be developing their own paradigms. Integration of these various disciplines is essential to come to a holistic view of tick evolution; however, maturation of paradigms may be necessary before this vision can be attained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Mans
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Touray M, Bakirci S, Ulug D, Gulsen SH, Cimen H, Yavasoglu SI, Simsek FM, Ertabaklar H, Ozbel Y, Hazir S. Arthropod vectors of disease agents: their role in public and veterinary health in Turkiye and their control measures. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106893. [PMID: 37004805 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes, sandflies, and ticks are hematophagous arthropods that pose a huge threat to public and veterinary health. They are capable of serving as vectors of disease agents that can and have caused explosive epidemics affecting millions of people and animals. Several factors like climate change, urbanization, and international travel contribute substantially to the persistence and dispersal of these vectors from their established areas to newly invaded areas. Once established in their new home, they can serve as vectors for disease transmission or increase the risk of disease emergence. Turkiye is vulnerable to climate change and has experienced upward trends in annual temperatures and rising sea levels, and greater fluctuations in precipitation rates. It is a potential hotspot for important vector species because the climate in various regions is conducive for several insect and acari species and serves as a conduit for refugees and immigrants fleeing areas troubled with armed conflicts and natural disasters, which have increased substantially in recent years. These people may serve as carriers of the vectors or be infected by disease agents that require arthropod vectors for transmission. Although it cannot be supposed that every arthropod species is a competent vector, this review aims to (1)illustrate the factors that contribute to the persistence and dispersal of arthropod vectors, (2)determine the status of the established arthropod vector species in Turkiye and their capability of serving as vectors of disease agents, and (3)assess the role of newly-introduced arthropod vectors into Turkiye and how they were introduced into the country. We also provide information on important disease incidence (if there's any) and control measures applied by public health officials from different provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Touray
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Bakirci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Derya Ulug
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Sebnem H Gulsen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Harun Cimen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | | | - Fatih M Simsek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Hatice Ertabaklar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ozbel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Hazir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey; Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu India
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11
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12
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Solórzano‑Kraemer MM, Peñalver E, Herbert MCM, Delclòs X, Brown BV, Aung NN, Peretti AM. Necrophagy by insects in Oculudentavis and other lizard body fossils preserved in Cretaceous amber. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2907. [PMID: 36808156 PMCID: PMC9938861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29612-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
When a vertebrate carcass begins its decay in terrestrial environments, a succession of different necrophagous arthropod species, mainly insects, are attracted. Trophic aspects of the Mesozoic environments are of great comparative interest, to understand similarities and differences with extant counterparts. Here, we comprehensively study several exceptional Cretaceous amber pieces, in order to determine the early necrophagy by insects (flies in our case) on lizard specimens, ca. 99 Ma old. To obtain well-supported palaeoecological data from our amber assemblages, special attention has been paid in the analysis of the taphonomy, succession (stratigraphy), and content of the different amber layers, originally resin flows. In this respect, we revisited the concept of syninclusion, establishing two categories to make the palaeoecological inferences more accurate: eusyninclusions and parasyninclusions. We observe that resin acted as a "necrophagous trap". The lack of dipteran larvae and the presence of phorid flies indicates decay was in an early stage when the process was recorded. Similar patterns to those in our Cretaceous cases have been observed in Miocene ambers and actualistic experiments using sticky traps, which also act as "necrophagous traps"; for example, we observed that flies were indicative of the early necrophagous stage, but also ants. In contrast, the absence of ants in our Late Cretaceous cases confirms the rareness of ants during the Cretaceous and suggests that early ants lacked this trophic strategy, possibly related to their sociability and recruitment foraging strategies, which developed later in the dimensions we know them today. This situation potentially made necrophagy by insects less efficient in the Mesozoic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica M. Solórzano‑Kraemer
- grid.462628.c0000 0001 2184 5457Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Enrique Peñalver
- CN-Instituto Geológico y Minero de España CSIC, C/Cirilo Amorós 42, 46004, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Mélanie C. M. Herbert
- grid.462628.c0000 0001 2184 5457Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Xavier Delclòs
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l’Oceà, Faculty of Earth Sciences, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brian V. Brown
- grid.243983.70000 0001 2302 4724Entomology Section, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, 90007 Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Nyi Nyi Aung
- grid.440502.70000 0001 1118 1335Myanmar Geosciences Society, c/o Department of Geology, University of Yangon, 11041 Yangon, Myanmar ,Peretti Museum Foundation, Baumschulweg 13, 6045 Meggen, Switzerland
| | - Adolf M. Peretti
- Peretti Museum Foundation, Baumschulweg 13, 6045 Meggen, Switzerland ,GRS Gemresearch Swisslab AG, Baumschulweg 13, 6045 Meggen, Switzerland
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Yang Z, Wang H, Yang S, Wang X, Shen Q, Ji L, Zeng J, Zhang W, Gong H, Shan T. Virome diversity of ticks feeding on domestic mammals in China. Virol Sin 2023; 38:208-221. [PMID: 36781125 PMCID: PMC10176445 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are considered the second most common pathogen vectors transmitting a broad range of vital human and veterinary viruses. From 2017 to 2018, 640 ticks were collected in eight different provinces in central and western China. Six species were detected, including H.longicornis, De.everestianus, Rh.microplus, Rh.turanicus, Rh.sanguineous, and Hy.asiaticum. Sixty-four viral metagenomic libraries were constructed on the MiSeq Illumina platform, resulting in 13.44 G (5.88 × 107) of 250-bp-end reads, in which 2,437,941 are viral reads. We found 27 nearly complete genome sequences, including 16 genome sequences encoding entire protein-coding regions (lack of 3' or 5' end non-coding regions) and complete viral genomes, distributed in the arboviral family (Chuviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Nairoviridae, Phenuiviridae, Flaviviridae, Iflaviridae) as well as Parvoviridae and Polyomaviridae that cause disease in mammals and even humans. In addition, 13 virus sequences found in Chuviridae, Nairoviridae, Flaviviridae, Iflaviridae, Hepeviridae, Parvoviridae, and Polyomaviridae were identified as belonging to a new virus species in the identified viral genera. Besides, an epidemiological survey shows a high prevalence (9.38% and 15.63%) of two viruses (Ovine Copiparvovirus and Bovine parvovirus 2) in the tick cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Yang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China; Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huai'an Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, 223002, China
| | - Shixing Yang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Xiaochun Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Quan Shen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Likai Ji
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jian Zeng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Tongling Shan
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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14
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Hard ticks in Burmese amber with Australasian affinities. Parasitology 2023; 150:157-171. [PMID: 36341553 PMCID: PMC10090639 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Three examples of metastriate hard ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) with apparent affinities to modern Australasian genera are described from the mid-Cretaceous (ca. 100 Ma) Burmese amber of Myanmar. Two nymphs of Bothriocroton muelleri sp. nov. represent the oldest (and only) fossil record of this genus, living members of which are restricted to Australia and predominantly feed on monitor lizards, snakes and echidnas. A female of Archaeocroton kaufmani sp. nov. shares its basis capitulum shape with the tuatara tick Archaeocroton sphenodonti (Dumbleton, 1943), the only extant member of this genus and an endemic species for New Zealand. The presence of 2 Australasian genera in Burmese amber is consistent with a previous record of an Ixodes Latreille, 1795 tick from this deposit which resembles Australian members of this genus. They further support an emerging hypothesis that fauna of the amber forest, which may have been on an island at the time of deposition, was at least partly Gondwanan in origin. A revised evolutionary tree for Ixodida is presented compiling data from several new Burmese amber ticks described in the last few years.
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15
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Tick Salivary Kunitz-Type Inhibitors: Targeting Host Hemostasis and Immunity to Mediate Successful Blood Feeding. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021556. [PMID: 36675071 PMCID: PMC9865953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Kunitz domain-containing proteins are ubiquitous serine protease inhibitors with promising therapeutic potential. They target key proteases involved in major cellular processes such as inflammation or hemostasis through competitive inhibition in a substrate-like manner. Protease inhibitors from the Kunitz superfamily have a low molecular weight (18-24 kDa) and are characterized by the presence of one or more Kunitz motifs consisting of α-helices and antiparallel β-sheets stabilized by three disulfide bonds. Kunitz-type inhibitors are an important fraction of the protease inhibitors found in tick saliva. Their roles in inhibiting and/or suppressing host homeostatic responses continue to be shown to be additive or synergistic with other protease inhibitors such as cystatins or serpins, ultimately mediating successful blood feeding for the tick. In this review, we discuss the biochemical features of tick salivary Kunitz-type protease inhibitors. We focus on their various effects on host hemostasis and immunity at the molecular and cellular level and their potential therapeutic applications. In doing so, we highlight that their pharmacological properties can be exploited for the development of novel therapies and vaccines.
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16
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Qin T, Shi M, Zhang M, Liu Z, Feng H, Sun Y. Diversity of RNA viruses of three dominant tick species in North China. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1057977. [PMID: 36713863 PMCID: PMC9880493 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1057977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A wide range of bacterial pathogens have been identified in ticks, yet the diversity of viruses in ticks is largely unexplored. Methods Here, we used metagenomic sequencing to characterize the diverse viromes in three principal tick species associated with pathogens, Haemaphysalis concinna, Dermacentor silvarum, and Ixodes persulcatus, in North China. Results A total of 28 RNA viruses were identified and belonged to more than 12 viral families, including single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses (Flaviviridae, Picornaviridae, Luteoviridae, Solemoviridae, and Tetraviridae), negative-sense RNA viruses (Mononegavirales, Bunyavirales, and others) and double-stranded RNA viruses (Totiviridae and Partitiviridae). Of these, Dermacentor pestivirus-likevirus, Chimay-like rhabdovirus, taiga tick nigecruvirus, and Mukawa virus are presented as novel viral species, while Nuomin virus, Scapularis ixovirus, Sara tick-borne phlebovirus, Tacheng uukuvirus, and Beiji orthonairovirus had been established as human pathogens with undetermined natural circulation and pathogenicity. Other viruses include Norway mononegavirus 1, Jilin partitivirus, tick-borne tetravirus, Pico-like virus, Luteo-like virus 2, Luteo-likevirus 3, Vovk virus, Levivirus, Toti-like virus, and Solemo-like virus as well as others with unknown pathogenicity to humans and wild animals. Conclusion In conclusion, extensive virus diversity frequently occurs in Mononegavirales and Bunyavirales among the three tick species. Comparatively, I. persulcatus ticks had been demonstrated as such a kind of host with a significantly higher diversity of viral species than those of H. concinna and D. silvarum ticks. Our analysis supported that ticks are reservoirs for a wide range of viruses and suggested that the discovery and characterization of tick-borne viruses would have implications for viral taxonomy and provide insights into tick-transmitted viral zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,Medical Corps, Naval Logistics Academy, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjie Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meina Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhitong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yi Sun ✉
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Breedlove B. Up Close with Ticks. Emerg Infect Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.3201/eid2901.ac2901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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Rana VS, Kitsou C, Dumler JS, Pal U. Immune evasion strategies of major tick-transmitted bacterial pathogens. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:62-75. [PMID: 36055896 PMCID: PMC9772108 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tick-transmitted bacterial pathogens thrive in enzootic infection cycles, colonizing disparate vertebrate and arthropod tissues, often establishing persistent infections. Therefore, the evolution of robust immune evasion strategies is central to their successful persistence or transmission between hosts. To survive in nature, these pathogens must counteract a broad range of microbicidal host responses that can be localized, tissue-specific, or systemic, including a mix of these responses at the host-vector interface. Herein, we review microbial immune evasion strategies focusing on Lyme disease spirochetes and rickettsial or tularemia agents as models for extracellular and intracellular tick-borne pathogens, respectively. A better understanding of these adaptive strategies could enrich our knowledge of the infection biology of relevant tick-borne diseases, contributing to the development of future preventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Singh Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Chrysoula Kitsou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - J Stephen Dumler
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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Ahmad I, Ullah S, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Khan M, Numan M, Safi SZ, Chitimia-Dobler L, Tanaka T, Ali A. Description of Male, Redescription of Female, Host Record, and Phylogenetic Position of Haemaphysalis danieli. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121495. [PMID: 36558829 PMCID: PMC9788198 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemaphysalis ticks are globally distributed with the greatest diversity in the Oriental region. This study aimed to primarily provide information on the morphology, host record, and preliminary phylogenetic position of a poorly known tick Haemaphysalis danieli. Herds comprised of goats and sheep were examined for this tick species in Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 127 ticks, including males (n = 15, 11.8%) and females (n = 112, 88.2%), were collected, and morphologically identified as H. danieli. The morphological identification was confirmed through the 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase (cox1) sequences. Phylogenetic analysis inferred based on 16S rDNA and cox1 showed a close evolutionary relationship of H. danieli with a conspecific from China and an undetermined Haemaphysalis sp. from China and Anatolia. A total of 32/223 (14.3%) goats in two different herds were the only host infested by H. danieli. The earliest study provided the morphological description of H. danieli male, host record, and phylogenetic position. The information provided herein could assist in minimizing the knowledge gap regarding the systematic and taxonomy of Haemaphysalis species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iftikhar Ahmad
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mehran Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Numan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Sher Zaman Safi
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia
| | | | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
- Correspondence: author:
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20
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Tian J, Hou X, Ge M, Xu H, Yu B, Liu J, Shao R, Holmes EC, Lei C, Shi M. The diversity and evolutionary relationships of ticks and tick-borne bacteria collected in China. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:352. [PMID: 36182913 PMCID: PMC9526939 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05485-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks (order Ixodida) are ectoparasites, vectors and reservoirs of many infectious agents affecting humans and domestic animals. However, the lack of information on tick genomic diversity leaves significant gaps in the understanding of the evolution of ticks and associated bacteria. Results We collected > 20,000 contemporary and historical (up to 60 years of preservation) tick samples representing a wide range of tick biodiversity across diverse geographic regions in China. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on individual ticks to obtain the complete or near-complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences from 46 tick species, among which mitochondrial genomes of 23 species were recovered for the first time. These new mt genomes data greatly expanded the diversity of many tick groups and revealed five cryptic species. Utilizing the same metagenomic sequence data we identified divergent and abundant bacteria in Haemaphysalis, Ixodes, Dermacentor and Carios ticks, including nine species of pathogenetic bacteria and potentially new species within the genus Borrelia. We also used these data to explore the evolutionary relationship between ticks and their associated bacteria, revealing a pattern of long-term co-divergence relationship between ticks and Rickettsia and Coxiella bacteria. Conclusions In sum, our study provides important new information on the genetic diversity of ticks based on an analysis of mitochondrial DNA as well as on the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in China. It also sheds new light on the long-term evolutionary and ecological relationships between ticks and their associated bacteria. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05485-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- JunHua Tian
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430070, China.,Wuhan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430015, China
| | - Xin Hou
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China
| | - MiHong Ge
- Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430345, China
| | - HongBin Xu
- Jiangxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330029, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Wuhan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430015, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Wuhan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430015, China
| | - RenFu Shao
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4558, Australia.,GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Life & Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - ChaoLiang Lei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430070, China.
| | - Mang Shi
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China.
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21
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Chen Z, Liu J. A review of argasid ticks and associated pathogens of China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:865664. [PMID: 35958318 PMCID: PMC9361067 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.865664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been recorded 221 species of soft ticks in the world. However, the classification system of Argasidae is still unclear with nearly two-third controversial species in genus level. Therefore, comprehensive research is still necessary. In 2016, Wen and Chen overviewed the valid species of soft ticks in China for the first time. Up to now, the soft tick fauna of China remains poorly known. Although several studies have been undertaken, the information regarding soft ticks and associated diseases are fragmentary. To facilitate the future study of this group, the scattered information on soft ticks of China is herein synthesized. Toward the end of 2021, 15 valid species of argasid ticks have been reported, of these, 9 species (60%) including Argas beijingensis, A. japonicus, A. persicus, A. sinensis, A. vespertilionis, A. vulgaris, Ornithodoros lahorensis, O. tartakovskyi, and O. papillipes have been recorded biting humans. Argas persicus is the most common species, and its borne pathogens are widely investigated, while most other argasid ticks are not sufficiently studied in China. Here, we summarize detailed information regarding hosts, geographical distribution, molecular data, and vector roles of argasid ticks in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
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22
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Haug JT, Haug C. 100 Million-year-old straight-jawed lacewing larvae with enormously inflated trunks represent the oldest cases of extreme physogastry in insects. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12760. [PMID: 35882894 PMCID: PMC9325756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16698-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Physogastry is a phenomenon occurring in Euarthropoda and describes an extreme inflation of (parts of) the trunk. It is best known from ticks, termite queens, or honey-pot ants, but can also be found in several other representatives of Euarthropoda. Physogastry has so far rarely been seen in the fossil record. We describe here an example of physogastry in two lacewing larvae (Neuroptera) enclosed in a single piece of Kachin amber (ca. 100 Ma old). We measured head and trunk ratios of different physogastric and non-physogastric representatives of Euarthropoda. Plotting these ratios shows that the new larvae, which display quite extremely inflated trunks, are very similar to ticks or honey-pot ants, but also to certain lacewing larvae of the group Berothidae (beaded lacewings). Outline analysis of head capsule and mouthparts (stylets) further suggests a position within Berothidae. Physogastry is presumed to be linked with living in confined spaces such as wood galleries or soil. Indeed, at least some larvae of Berothidae are known to live inside termite nests for part of their larval life phase, a habit the new larvae may also have had. The new record represents the oldest case of extreme physogastry in insects known to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim T Haug
- Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany. .,GeoBio-Center at LMU, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333, Munich, Germany.
| | - Carolin Haug
- Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,GeoBio-Center at LMU, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333, Munich, Germany
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23
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Miller CV, Pittman M, Wang X, Zheng X, Bright JA. Diet of Mesozoic toothed birds (Longipterygidae) inferred from quantitative analysis of extant avian diet proxies. BMC Biol 2022; 20:101. [PMID: 35550084 PMCID: PMC9097364 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Birds are key indicator species in extant ecosystems, and thus we would expect extinct birds to provide insights into the nature of ancient ecosystems. However, many aspects of extinct bird ecology, particularly their diet, remain obscure. One group of particular interest is the bizarre toothed and long-snouted longipterygid birds. Longipterygidae is the most well-understood family of enantiornithine birds, the dominant birds of the Cretaceous period. However, as with most Mesozoic birds, their diet remains entirely speculative. Results To improve our understanding of longipterygids, we investigated four proxies in extant birds to determine diagnostic traits for birds with a given diet: body mass, claw morphometrics, jaw mechanical advantage, and jaw strength via finite element analysis. Body mass of birds tended to correspond to the size of their main food source, with both carnivores and herbivores splitting into two subsets by mass: invertivores or vertivores for carnivores, and granivores + nectarivores or folivores + frugivores for herbivores. Using claw morphometrics, we successfully distinguished ground birds, non-raptorial perching birds, and raptorial birds from one another. We were unable to replicate past results isolating subtypes of raptorial behaviour. Mechanical advantage was able to distinguish herbivorous diets with particularly high values of functional indices, and so is useful for identifying these specific diets in fossil taxa, but overall did a poor job of reflecting diet. Finite element analysis effectively separated birds with hard and/or tough diets from those eating foods which are neither, though could not distinguish hard and tough diets from one another. We reconstructed each of these proxies in longipterygids as well, and after synthesising the four lines of evidence, we find all members of the family but Shengjingornis (whose diet remains inconclusive) most likely to be invertivores or generalist feeders, with raptorial behaviour likely in Longipteryx and Rapaxavis. Conclusions This study provides a 20% increase in quantitatively supported fossil bird diets, triples the number of diets reconstructed in enantiornithine species, and serves as an important first step in quantitatively investigating the origins of the trophic diversity of living birds. These findings are consistent with past hypotheses that Mesozoic birds occupied low trophic levels. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01294-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Case Vincent Miller
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Michael Pittman
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, Linyi City, Shandong, 276005, China.,Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature, Pingyi, Shandong, 273300, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, Linyi City, Shandong, 276005, China.,Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature, Pingyi, Shandong, 273300, China
| | - Jen A Bright
- Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
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24
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Chitimia-Dobler L, Mans BJ, Handschuh S, Dunlop JA. A remarkable assemblage of ticks from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Parasitology 2022; 149:1-36. [PMID: 35241194 PMCID: PMC10090602 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000269] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Four fossil ticks (Arachnida: Parasitiformes: Ixodida) are described from mid-Cretaceous (ca. 100 Ma) Burmese amber of Myanmar. Ixodes antiquorum sp. nov. (Ixodidae) is the first Mesozoic record of Ixodes and the oldest representative of the most species-rich extant tick genus. Its affinities appear to lie with modern Australian forms, consistent with the hypothesis that Burmese amber hosted Gondwanan faunal elements. Even more remarkable is Khimaira fossus gen. et sp. nov. which combines a body resembling that of a soft tick (Argasidae) with a basis capitulum more like that of a hard tick (Ixodidae). We refer it to Khimairidae fam. nov. as a possible transitional form between the two main families of ticks alive today. Another member of the extinct Deinocrotonidae is described as Deinocroton copia sp. nov., while the first described adult female for Cornupalpatum burmanicum is associated with a dinosaur feather barb.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben J. Mans
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- The Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Stephan Handschuh
- VetCore Facility for Research, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210Vienna, Austria
| | - Jason A. Dunlop
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstrasse 43, D-10115Berlin, Germany
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25
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The new Haemaphysalis longicornis genome provides insights into its requisite biological traits. Genomics 2022; 114:110317. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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26
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Fernández-Ruiz N, Estrada-Peña A. Scenes From Tick Physiology: Proteins of Sialome Talk About Their Biological Processes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:767845. [PMID: 35059322 PMCID: PMC8765405 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.767845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites with different strategies of feeding depending on the tick family. The major families are Ixodidae or Argasidae, being slow or fast feeders, respectively. In the recent years, the advances in molecular sequencing techniques have enabled to gain knowledge about the proteome of the tick's salivary glands. But an holistic view of the biological processes underlying the expression of the sialome has been neglected. In this study we propose the use of standard biological processes as a tool to draw the physiology of the tick's salivary glands. We used published data on the sialome of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (Ixodidae) and Ornithodoros rostratus (Argasidae). A partial set of proteins obtained by these studies were used to define the biological process(es) in which proteins are involved. We used a directed network construction in which the nodes are proteins (source) and biological processes (target), separately for the low-level processes ("children") and the top-level ones ("parents"). We applied the method to feeding R. sanguineus at different time slices, and to different organs of O. rostratus. The network connects the proteins and the processes with a strength directly proportional to the transcript per millions of each protein. We used PageRank as a measure of the importance of each biological process. As suggested in previous studies, the sialome of unfed R. sanguineus express about 30% less biological processes than feeding ticks. Another decrease (25%) is noticed at the middle of the feeding and before detachment. However, top-level processes are deeply affected only at the onset of feeding, demonstrating a redundancy in the feeding. When ixodid-argasid are compared, large differences were observed: they do not share 91% of proteins, but share 90% of the biological processes. However, caution must be observed when examining these results. The hypothesis of different proteins linked to similar biological process(es) in both ticks is an extreme not confirmed in this study. Considering the limitations of this study, carried out with a selected set of proteins, we propose the networks of proteins of sialome linked to their biological processes as a tool aimed to explain the biological processes behind families of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Fernández-Ruiz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Group of Research on Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Group of Research on Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza, Spain
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27
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Kundrata R, Packova G, Kairišs K, Bukejs A, Hoffmannova J, Blank SM. The First Ptilodactyla Illiger, 1807 (Coleoptera: Dryopoidea: Ptilodactylidae) Described from Eocene Baltic Amber. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:877. [PMID: 34571754 PMCID: PMC8465962 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The beetle family Ptilodactylidae contains more than 500 extant species; however, its fossil record is scarce and remains understudied. In this study, we describe a new species of Ptilodactylidae, Ptilodactyla eocenica Kundrata, Bukejs and Blank, sp. nov., based on a relatively well-preserved specimen from Baltic amber. We use X-ray microcomputed tomography to reconstruct its morphology since some of the principal diagnostic characters have been obscured by opaque bubbles. It is the third ptilodactylid species described from Baltic amber, and the first one belonging to the subfamily Ptilodactylinae. Additionally, we summarize the classification, diversity, and distribution of both extinct and extant Ptilodactylidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Kundrata
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. Listopadu 50, 77146 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (G.P.); (J.H.)
| | - Gabriela Packova
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. Listopadu 50, 77146 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (G.P.); (J.H.)
| | - Kristaps Kairišs
- Department of Biosystematics, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Vienības 13, 5401 Daugavpils, Latvia; (K.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Andris Bukejs
- Department of Biosystematics, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Vienības 13, 5401 Daugavpils, Latvia; (K.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Johana Hoffmannova
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. Listopadu 50, 77146 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (G.P.); (J.H.)
| | - Stephan M. Blank
- Senckenberg Deutsches Entomologisches Institut, Eberswalder Strasse 90, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany;
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28
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Seasonal distribution of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) and detection of SFTS virus in Gyeongbuk Province, Republic of Korea, 2018. Acta Trop 2021; 221:106012. [PMID: 34126090 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The seasonal distribution of hard ticks was investigated in 2018 in Gyeongbuk Province, Republic of Korea. Ticks were assayed for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Ticks were collected monthly using CO2-baited traps from April to November in four habitats (grasslands, grave sites, hiking trails, and mixed forests). Based on morphological and molecular identification, Haemaphysalis longicornis was the most commonly collected species, followed by H. flava and Ixodes nipponensis. Ticks were more commonly collected in grassland habitats, followed by the grave sites, hiking trails, and mixed forests. Peak numbers of nymphs and adults of H. longicornis occurred in May and June, respectively, and Haemaphysalis larvae were collected from August to October. A total of 9/187 (4.8%) pools were positive for SFTSV between June and October in 2018. Phylogenetic analysis of partial fragments of the SFTSV obtained in this study showed that all positive virus samples clustered into genotype B.
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29
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Mendoza-Roldan MA, Otranto D. Reptile vector-borne diseases of zoonotic concern. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 15:132-142. [PMID: 34026483 PMCID: PMC8121771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.007] [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: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reptile vector-borne diseases (RVBDs) of zoonotic concern are caused by bacteria, protozoa and viruses transmitted by arthropod vectors, which belong to the subclass Acarina (mites and ticks) and the order Diptera (mosquitoes, sand flies and tsetse flies). The phyletic age of reptiles since their origin in the late Carboniferous, has favored vectors and pathogens to co-evolve through millions of years, bridging to the present host-vector-pathogen interactions. The origin of vector-borne diseases is dated to the early cretaceous with Trypanosomatidae species in extinct sand flies, ancestral of modern protozoan hemoparasites of zoonotic concern (e.g., Leishmania and Trypanosoma) associated to reptiles. Bacterial RVBDs are represented by microorganisms also affecting mammals of the genera Aeromonas, Anaplasma, Borrelia, Coxiella, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, most of them having reptilian clades. Finally, reptiles may play an important role as reservoirs of arborivuses, given the low host specificity of anthropophilic mosquitoes and sand flies. In this review, vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern from reptiles are discussed, as well as the interactions between reptiles, arthropod vectors and the zoonotic pathogens they may transmit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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30
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Sándor AD, Mihalca AD, Domşa C, Péter Á, Hornok S. Argasid Ticks of Palearctic Bats: Distribution, Host Selection, and Zoonotic Importance. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:684737. [PMID: 34239915 PMCID: PMC8258102 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.684737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The soft ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae) are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates with a wide geographic distribution, occurring on all continents. These ticks are obligate blood-feeders, most of them show high degrees of host-specialization and several species in arid and tropical regions are important parasites of livestock and men. Species commonly occurring on domestic animals and man are generally well-known, with many studies focusing on their ecology, distribution or vectorial role. However, wildlife-specialist soft ticks are less studied. Nearly half of all soft tick species are bat specialists, with five species (Carios vespertilionis, Chiropterargas boueti, Chiropterargas confusus, Reticulinasus salahi, and Secretargas transgariepinus) occurring in the Western Palearctic. There is no comprehensive study on the distribution, hosts or pathogens in these soft ticks, although most species were shown to carry several viral, bacterial, or protozoan pathogens and also to occasionally infest humans. Based on a literature survey and 1,120 distinct georeferenced records, we present here the geographical range, host selection and vectorial potential for bat-specialist soft ticks occurring in the Western Palearctic (chiefly Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East). Carios vespertilionis shows the largest distribution range and was found on most host species, being ubiquitous wherever crevice-roosting bats occur. All the other species were located only in areas with Mediterranean climate, with Ch. boueti, Chiropteraragas confusus, and R. salahi are missing entirely from Europe. These three species have a host spectrum of bats roosting primarily in caves, while S. transgariepinus and Ca. vespertilionis is feeding primarily on crevice-roosting bat species. All but one of these soft tick species are known to feed on humans and may be vectors of important disease agents (Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp., several nairo-, and flaviviruses). As several crevice-roosting bat species show a continuous adaptation to human-altered areas, with certain species becoming common city-dwellers in the Western Palearctic, the study of bat specialist soft ticks is also important from an epidemiologic point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Domşa
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Áron Péter
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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31
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Cascardo P, Pucu E, Leles D. REVIEW OF PARASITES FOUND IN EXTINCT ANIMALS: WHAT CAN BE REVEALED. J Parasitol 2021; 107:275-283. [PMID: 33844838 DOI: 10.1645/20-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitism is inherent to life and observed in all species. Extinct animals have been studied to understand what they looked like, where and how they lived, what they fed on, and the reasons they became extinct. Paleoparasitology helps to clarify these questions based on the study of the parasites and microorganisms that infected those animals, using as a source material coprolites, fossils in rock, tissue, bone, mummy, and amber, analyses of ancient DNA, immunodiagnosis, and microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Cascardo
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitos, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Elisa Pucu
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitos, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Daniela Leles
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitos, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-210, Brazil
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32
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Grimaldi DA, Vea IM. Insects with 100 million-year-old dinosaur feathers are not ectoparasites. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1469. [PMID: 33674573 PMCID: PMC7935990 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21751-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David A Grimaldi
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Isabelle M Vea
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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33
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Kundrata R, Bukejs A, Prosvirov AS, Hoffmannova J. X-ray micro-computed tomography reveals a unique morphology in a new click-beetle (Coleoptera, Elateridae) from the Eocene Baltic amber. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20158. [PMID: 33214585 PMCID: PMC7677381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76908-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Beetle fossils are a rich source of information about the palaeodiversity and evolutionary history of the order Coleoptera. Despite the increasing rate of fossil research on click-beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae), the most diverse group in the superfamily Elateroidea, their fossil record has remained largely unstudied. This may be caused by the combination of their rather uniform external morphology and the suboptimal state of preservation and visibility in most fossil specimens. Here, we used X-ray micro-computed tomography to reconstruct the morphology of an interesting click-beetle from Eocene Baltic amber, which had some principal diagnostic characters obscured by opaque bubbles and body position. Our results suggest that the newly described Baltelater bipectinatus gen. et sp. nov. belongs to tribe Protelaterini within subfamily Lissominae. Since Protelaterini have a predominantly Gondwanan distribution, our discovery is of a great importance for the historical biogeography of the group. Very distinctive are the bipectinate antennae with 11 antennomeres and with rami beginning on antennomere IV, which are not found in any recent Elateridae. The discovery of a new click-beetle lineage from European Eocene amber sheds further light on the palaeodiversity and historical diversification of the family as well as on the composition of the extinct amber forest ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Kundrata
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. listopadu 50, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Andris Bukejs
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Vienības 13, Daugavpils, 5401, Latvia
| | - Alexander S Prosvirov
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1/12, Moscow, Russia, 119234
| | - Johana Hoffmannova
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. listopadu 50, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Hecht LB, Thompson PC, Rosenthal BM. Assessing the evolutionary persistence of ecological relationships: A review and preview. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 84:104441. [PMID: 32622083 PMCID: PMC7327472 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Species interactions, such as pollination, parasitism and predation, form the basis of functioning ecosystems. The origins and resilience of such interactions therefore merit attention. However, fossils only occasionally document ancient interactions, and phylogenetic methods are blind to recent interactions. Is there some other way to track shared species experiences? "Comparative demography" examines when pairs of species jointly thrived or declined. By forging links between ecology, epidemiology, and evolutionary biology, this method sheds light on biological adaptation, species resilience, and ecosystem health. Here, we describe how this method works, discuss examples, and suggest future directions in hopes of inspiring interest, imitators, and critics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter C. Thompson
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Lab, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA
| | - Benjamin M. Rosenthal
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Lab, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA,Corresponding author
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Obregón Alvarez D, Corona-González B, Rodríguez-Mallón A, Rodríguez Gonzalez I, Alfonso P, Noda Ramos AA, Díaz-Sánchez AA, González Navarrete M, Rodríguez Fernández R, Méndez Mellor L, Catanese HN, Peláez M, Alemán Gainza Y, Marrero-Perera R, Roblejo-Arias L, Lobo-Rivero E, Silva CB, Fonseca AH, Roque López E, Cabezas-Cruz A. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Cuba, Half a Century of Scientific Research. Pathogens 2020; 9:E616. [PMID: 32731487 PMCID: PMC7459505 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and the vast array of pathogens they transmit, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths, constitute a growing burden for human and animal health worldwide. In Cuba, the major tropical island in the Caribbean, ticks are an important cause of vector-borne diseases affecting livestock production, pet animal health and, to a lesser extent, human health. The higher number of tick species in the country belong to the Argasidae family and, probably less known, is the presence of an autochthonous tick species in the island, Ixodes capromydis. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) affecting animal and human health in Cuba. The review covers research results including ecophysiology of ticks, the epidemiology of TBPs, and the diagnostic tools used currently in the country for the surveillance of TBPs. We also introduce the programs implemented in the country for tick control and the biotechnology research applied to the development of anti-tick vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasiel Obregón Alvarez
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Belkis Corona-González
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque 32700, Cuba; (B.C.-G.); (P.A.); (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (E.L.-R.)
| | - Alina Rodríguez-Mallón
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31 between 158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 10600, Cuba;
| | - Islay Rodríguez Gonzalez
- Department of Mycology-Bacteriology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí, Apartado Postal 601, Marianao 13, Havana 17100, Cuba; (I.R.G.); (A.A.N.R.)
| | - Pastor Alfonso
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque 32700, Cuba; (B.C.-G.); (P.A.); (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (E.L.-R.)
| | - Angel A. Noda Ramos
- Department of Mycology-Bacteriology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí, Apartado Postal 601, Marianao 13, Havana 17100, Cuba; (I.R.G.); (A.A.N.R.)
| | - Adrian A. Díaz-Sánchez
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada;
| | - Maylin González Navarrete
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agrarian University of Havana, Carretera Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Km 23½, Mayabeque 32700, Cuba; (M.G.N.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Rafmary Rodríguez Fernández
- National Laboratory of Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Autopista San Antonio de los Baños, Km 1½, San Antonio de los Baños, Artemisa 38100, Cuba; (R.R.F.); (L.M.M.)
| | - Luis Méndez Mellor
- National Laboratory of Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Autopista San Antonio de los Baños, Km 1½, San Antonio de los Baños, Artemisa 38100, Cuba; (R.R.F.); (L.M.M.)
| | - Helen N. Catanese
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State, University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Manuel Peláez
- Direction of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ave. Boyeros y Conill, Plaza, Havana 10600, Cuba;
| | - Yousmel Alemán Gainza
- Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Campus Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, Jaboticabal, São Paulo 14884-900, Brazil;
| | - Roxana Marrero-Perera
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque 32700, Cuba; (B.C.-G.); (P.A.); (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (E.L.-R.)
| | - Lisset Roblejo-Arias
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque 32700, Cuba; (B.C.-G.); (P.A.); (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (E.L.-R.)
| | - Evelyn Lobo-Rivero
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque 32700, Cuba; (B.C.-G.); (P.A.); (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (E.L.-R.)
| | - Claudia B. Silva
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ 23890000, Brazil;
| | - Adivaldo H. Fonseca
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ 23890000, Brazil;
| | - Eugenio Roque López
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agrarian University of Havana, Carretera Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Km 23½, Mayabeque 32700, Cuba; (M.G.N.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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New Records of Ticks of Genus Amblyomma Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) for Ecuador. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:430-440. [PMID: 32077038 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In Ecuador, knowledge of the diversity and geographic distribution of ticks, as well as their importance as vectors, is scarce. Within the family Ixodidae, the genus Amblyomma is the most diverse and parasitizes wild and domestic animals. This genus is represented by 19 species in Ecuador, 12 of which occur in the continental territory and 7 in the Galapagos Islands. In this way, the objective of this work was to update the diversity of ticks reported for Ecuador on wild and domestic animals. METHODS The specimens were collected manually on mammals and birds, in four localities belonging to the Sierra and Amazon of Ecuador and were kept in tubes with 96% ethyl alcohol. After that, all specimens were separated into immatures, males and females and were identified using their morphological characters. RESULTS This study records Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844) Neumann, 1905 and Amblyomma varium Koch, 1844 for the first time in Ecuador. Thus, the genus Amblyomma is currently represented by 22 species. In addition, their hosts, distribution, and importance are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS Knowing the diversity of ticks that wildlife possesses, its interrelation with the domestic fauna, and the possible pathogens that could be transmitting could significantly contribute to wildlife's conservation.
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Retrospective and new records of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) from the state of Maranhão, an Amazon-Cerrado transition area of Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100413. [PMID: 32862893 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Brazilian state of Maranhão is located in a transition area of the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, where there is a rich fauna of vertebrates. This study aimed to update the list of the ticks occurring in Maranhão, through a compilation of literature records and examination of three tick collections, plus the addition of unpublished collections of ticks from road-killed animals during recent years. Our results indicate that the tick fauna of Maranhão includes 26 species: seven in the family Argasidae (Antricola guglielmonei, Argas miniatus, Ornithodoros cavernicolous, Ornithodoros hasei, Ornithodoros mimon, Ornithodoros rietcorreai and Ornithodoros rudis); and 19 in the family Ixodidae (Amblyomma auricularium-provisional, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma naponense, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma triste, Dermacentor nitens, Ixodes luciae, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato). Eleven of the above species are reported for the first time in Maranhão. We consider previous reports of Ornithodoros talaje and Amblyomma pseudoconcolor in Maranhão as misidentification with O. hasei and A. auricularium, respectively. Until 1958, only 11 tick species were reported in Maranhão, with no additional reports until 2009. During 2010-2019, 15 additional species were reported. We also highlight the importance of ticks for public and veterinary health in Maranhão.
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Zhang YX, Chen X, Wang JP, Zhang ZQ, Wei H, Yu HY, Zheng HK, Chen Y, Zhang LS, Lin JZ, Sun L, Liu DY, Tang J, Lei Y, Li XM, Liu M. Genomic insights into mite phylogeny, fitness, development, and reproduction. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:954. [PMID: 31818245 PMCID: PMC6902594 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6281-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are the most important beneficial arthropods used in augmentative biological pest control of protected crops around the world. However, the genomes of mites are far less well understood than those of insects and the evolutionary relationships among mite and other chelicerate orders are contested, with the enigmatic origin of mites at one of the centres in discussion of the evolution of Arachnida. RESULTS We here report the 173 Mb nuclear genome (from 51.75 Gb pairs of Illumina reads) of the predatory mite, Neoseiulus cucumeris, a biocontrol agent against pests such as mites and thrips worldwide. We identified nearly 20.6 Mb (~ 11.93% of this genome) of repetitive sequences and annotated 18,735 protein-coding genes (a typical gene 2888 bp in size); the total length of protein-coding genes was about 50.55 Mb (29.2% of this assembly). About 37% (6981) of the genes are unique to N. cucumeris based on comparison with other arachnid genomes. Our phylogenomic analysis supported the monophyly of Acari, therefore rejecting the biphyletic origin of mites advocated by other studies based on limited gene fragments or few taxa in recent years. Our transcriptomic analyses of different life stages of N. cucumeris provide new insights into genes involved in its development. Putative genes involved in vitellogenesis, regulation of oviposition, sex determination, development of legs, signal perception, detoxification and stress-resistance, and innate immune systems are identified. CONCLUSIONS Our genomics and developmental transcriptomics analyses of N. cucumeris provide invaluable resources for further research on the development, reproduction, and fitness of this economically important mite in particular and Arachnida in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Xuan Zhang
- Research Center of Engineering and Technology of Natural Enemy Resource of Crop Pest in Fujian, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Chen
- Research Center of Engineering and Technology of Natural Enemy Resource of Crop Pest in Fujian, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie-Ping Wang
- Agricultural Bio-Resources Research Institute, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Zhang
- Landcare Research, Auckland and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hui Wei
- Research Center of Engineering and Technology of Natural Enemy Resource of Crop Pest in Fujian, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai-Yan Yu
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing, 101300 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Kun Zheng
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing, 101300 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Chen
- Research Center of Engineering and Technology of Natural Enemy Resource of Crop Pest in Fujian, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003 People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Sheng Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Zhen Lin
- Fujian Yanxuan Bio-preventing and Technology Biocontrol Corporation, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Sun
- Research Center of Engineering and Technology of Natural Enemy Resource of Crop Pest in Fujian, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, 350003 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dong-Yuan Liu
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing, 101300 People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Tang
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing, 101300 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Lei
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing, 101300 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu-Ming Li
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing, 101300 People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Liu
- Biomarker Technologies Corporation, Beijing, 101300 People’s Republic of China
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Xing L, McKellar RC, O'Connor JK, Niu K, Mai H. A mid-Cretaceous enantiornithine foot and tail feather preserved in Burmese amber. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15513. [PMID: 31664115 PMCID: PMC6820775 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first skeletal remains of avians preserved in amber were described in 2016, new avian remains trapped in Cretaceous-age Burmese amber continue to be uncovered, revealing a diversity of skeletal and feather morphologies observed nowhere else in the Mesozoic fossil record. Here we describe a foot with digital proportions unlike any previously described enantiornithine or Mesozoic bird. No bones are preserved in the new specimen but the outline of the foot is recorded in a detailed skin surface, which is surrounded by feather inclusions including a partial rachis-dominated feather. Pedal proportions and plumage support identification as an enantiornithine, but unlike previous discoveries the toes are stout with transversely elongated digital pads, and the outer toe appears strongly thickened relative to the inner two digits. The new specimen increases the known diversity and morphological disparity among the Enantiornithes, hinting at a wider range of habitats and behaviours. It also suggests that the Burmese amber avifauna was distinct from other Mesozoic assemblages, with amber entrapment including representatives from unusual small forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China.
- School of the Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China.
- Yingliang Stone Nature History Museum, Nan'an, 362300, China.
| | - Ryan C McKellar
- Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 4W7, Canada.
- Biology Department, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, 1501 Crestline Drive - Suite 140, Lawrence, Kansas, 66045, USA.
| | - Jingmai K O'Connor
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Kecheng Niu
- Yingliang Stone Nature History Museum, Nan'an, 362300, China
| | - Huijuan Mai
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Palaeobiology, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
- MEC International Laboratory for Palaeobiology and Palaeoenvironment, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
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Kwak ML, Foo M, Pocklington K, Hsu CD, Cheong W, How CB, Shunari M, Tahir MG. Tick-crocodilian interactions: a review, with the first record of tick (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation in the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), and a concise host-parasite index. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 78:127-132. [PMID: 31093858 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00378-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between ticks and crocodilians (crocodiles, alligators, caiman, and gharials) are poorly studied but may have significant bearing on the ecology and health of these reptiles. The first record of tick infestation of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is reported along with the first case of infestation by Amblyomma cordiferum on Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus). A review is also provided of tick-crocodilian interactions with a concise host-parasite index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Kwak
- Evolutionary Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore.
| | - Maosheng Foo
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Dr, Singapore, 117377, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kate Pocklington
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Dr, Singapore, 117377, Republic of Singapore
| | - Chia-Da Hsu
- Department of Conservation, Research and Veterinary Services, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826, Republic of Singapore
| | - Webster Cheong
- Department of Conservation, Research and Veterinary Services, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826, Republic of Singapore
| | - Choon Beng How
- National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore, 259569, Republic of Singapore
| | - Mishak Shunari
- National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore, 259569, Republic of Singapore
| | - Muhammad Ghufran Tahir
- National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore, 259569, Republic of Singapore
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Scott JD, Clark KL, Durden LA. Presence of Babesia odocoilei and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto in a Tick and Dual Parasitism of Amblyomma inornatum and Ixodes scapularis on a Bird in Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:healthcare7010046. [PMID: 30897803 PMCID: PMC6473902 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild birds transport ticks into Canada that harbor a diversity of zoonotic pathogens. However, medical practitioners often question how these zoonotic pathogens are present in their locality. In this study, we provide the first report of an Amblyomma inornatum tick cofeeding with a blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, which parasitized a Veery, Catharus fuscescens—a neotropical songbird. Using the flagellin (flaB) gene of the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and the 18S rRNA gene of the Babesia piroplasm, a malaria-like microorganism, we detected Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Babesia odocoilei, respectively, in an I. scapularis nymph. After the molt, these ticks can bite humans. Furthermore, this is the first documentation of B. odocoilei in a tick parasitizing a bird. Our findings substantiate the fact that migratory songbirds transport neotropical ticks long distances, and import them into Canada during northward spring migration. Health care practitioners need to be aware that migratory songbirds transport pathogen-laden ticks into Canada annually, and pose an unforeseen health risk to Canadians.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20185-7007, USA.
| | - Kerry L Clark
- Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA.
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Abstract
Ticks are a major group of arthropod vectors, characterized by the diversity of pathogens they transmit, by their impact on human and animal health, and by their socioeconomic implication especially in countries of the Southern Hemisphere. In Europe, Ixodes is the most important tick due to its wide distribution in the ecosystems and the variety of transmitted pathogens, in particular Borrelia (responsible for Lyme borreliosis), but also the tick-borne encephalitis virus. Their increased presence in the environment since the beginning of the 20th century is undeniable, because of major modifications in the biodiversity caused by humans. Increasing the awareness of health professionals and the general population is required to achieve better control of these infections. Thus, "a better understanding of these tick-borne diseases for a better control" is a simple but effective approach, considering their ubiquity in the environment and their particular mode of pathogen transmission (long-lasting blood meal for hard ticks and delayed transmission for bacteria and parasites). Finally, these ectoparasites are problematic due to the potential allergic reactions and other damages caused by their saliva, in humans and animals.
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Baulieu F, Knee W, Nowell V, Schwarzfeld M, Lindo Z, Behan-Pelletier VM, Lumley L, Young MR, Smith I, Proctor HC, Mironov SV, Galloway TD, Walter DE, Lindquist EE. Acari of Canada. Zookeys 2019; 819:77-168. [PMID: 30713436 PMCID: PMC6355733 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.819.28307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Summaries of taxonomic knowledge are provided for all acarine groups in Canada, accompanied by references to relevant publications, changes in classification at the family level since 1979, and notes on biology relevant to estimating their diversity. Nearly 3000 described species from 269 families are recorded in the country, representing a 56% increase from the 1917 species reported by Lindquist et al. (1979). An additional 42 families are known from Canada only from material identified to family- or genus-level. Of the total 311 families known in Canada, 69 are newly recorded since 1979, excluding apparent new records due solely to classification changes. This substantial progress is most evident in Oribatida and Hydrachnidia, for which many regional checklists and family-level revisions have been published. Except for recent taxonomic leaps in a few other groups, particularly of symbiotic mites (Astigmata: feather mites; Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae), knowledge remains limited for most other taxa, for which most species records are unpublished and may require verification. Taxonomic revisions are greatly needed for a large majority of families in Canada. Based in part on species recorded in adjacent areas of the USA and on hosts known to be present here, we conservatively estimate that nearly 10,000 species of mites occur in Canada, but the actual number could be 15,000 or more. This means that at least 70% of Canada's mite fauna is yet unrecorded. Much work also remains to match existing molecular data with species names, as less than 10% of the ~7500 Barcode Index Numbers for Canadian mites in the Barcode of Life Database are associated with named species. Understudied hosts and terrestrial and aquatic habitats require investigation across Canada to uncover new species and to clarify geographic and ecological distributions of known species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Baulieu
- Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6, Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Wayne Knee
- Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6, Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Victoria Nowell
- Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6, Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Marla Schwarzfeld
- Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6, Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Zoë Lindo
- Department of Biology, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada Western University London Canada
| | - Valerie M Behan-Pelletier
- Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6, Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Lisa Lumley
- Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 0G2, Canada Royal Alberta Museum Edmonton Canada
| | - Monica R Young
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada University of Guelph Guelph Canada
| | - Ian Smith
- Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6, Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa Canada
| | - Heather C Proctor
- Department of Biological Sciences,University of Alberta, Edmonton,Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada University of Alberta Edmonton Canada
| | - Sergei V Mironov
- Department of Parasitology, Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya embankment 1, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences St. Petersburg Russia
| | - Terry D Galloway
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada University of Manitoba Winnipeg Canada
| | - David E Walter
- University of Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, 4556, Queensland, Australia University of Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia
- Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, 4101, Queensland, Australia Queensland Museum South Brisbane Australia
| | - Evert E Lindquist
- Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6, Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa Canada
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44
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Abstract
Improved understanding of tick phylogeny has allowed testing of some biogeographical patterns. On the basis of both literature data and a meta-analysis of available sequence data, there is strong support for a Gondwanan origin of Ixodidae, and probably Ixodida. A particularly strong pattern is observed for the genus Amblyomma, which appears to have originated in Antarctica/southern South America, with subsequent dispersal to Australia. The endemic Australian lineages of Ixodidae (no other continent has such a pattern) appear to result from separate dispersal events, probably from Antarctica. Minimum ages for a number of divergences are determined as part of an updated temporal framework for tick evolution. Alternative hypotheses for tick evolution, such as a very old Pangean group, a Northern hemisphere origin, or an Australian origin, fit less well with observed phylogeographic patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Beati
- Institute for Coastal Plain Science and US National Tick Collection, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 30460, USA;
| | - Hans Klompen
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology and Museum of Biological Diversity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43212, USA
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45
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Dantas-Torres F. Species Concepts: What about Ticks? Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:1017-1026. [PMID: 30343986 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Since ancient times, philosophers and taxonomists have tried to classify forms of life. This is what taxonomy is about: the science of identifying, naming, classifying, and describing organisms. In this article I address the issue of the species concept in tick taxonomy. While the typological species concept is still the most widely used, the biological and phylogenetic species concepts are growing in popularity among tick taxonomists. The integrative approach is increasingly being used, but the question is how to define a tick species when using this approach, particularly if data are incongruent. The adoption of an integrative species concept is discussed, in light of recent advances in our understanding of the genetics, morphology, and biology of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50740-465 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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46
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Mans BJ, Featherston J, Kvas M, Pillay KA, de Klerk DG, Pienaar R, de Castro MH, Schwan TG, Lopez JE, Teel P, Pérez de León AA, Sonenshine DE, Egekwu NI, Bakkes DK, Heyne H, Kanduma EG, Nyangiwe N, Bouattour A, Latif AA. Argasid and ixodid systematics: Implications for soft tick evolution and systematics, with a new argasid species list. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:219-240. [PMID: 30309738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The systematics of the genera and subgenera within the soft tick family Argasidae is not adequately resolved. Different classification schemes, reflecting diverse schools of scientific thought that elevated or downgraded groups to genera or subgenera, have been proposed. In the most recent classification scheme, Argas and Ornithodoros are paraphyletic and the placement of various subgenera remains uncertain because molecular data are lacking. Thus, reclassification of the Argasidae is required. This will enable an understanding of soft tick systematics within an evolutionary context. This study addressed that knowledge gap using mitochondrial genome and nuclear (18S and 28S ribosomal RNA) sequence data for representatives of the subgenera Alectorobius, Argas, Chiropterargas, Ogadenus, Ornamentum, Ornithodoros, Navis (subgen. nov.), Pavlovskyella, Persicargas, Proknekalia, Reticulinasus and Secretargas, from the Afrotropical, Nearctic and Palearctic regions. Hard tick species (Ixodidae) and a new representative of Nuttalliella namaqua (Nuttalliellidae), were also sequenced with a total of 83 whole mitochondrial genomes, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA genes generated. The study confirmed the utility of next-generation sequencing to retrieve systematic markers. Paraphyly of Argas and Ornithodoros was resolved by systematic analysis and a new species list is proposed. This corresponds broadly with the morphological cladistic analysis of Klompen and Oliver (1993). Estimation of divergence times using molecular dating allowed dissection of phylogeographic patterns for argasid evolution. The discovery of cryptic species in the subgenera Chiropterargas, Ogadenus and Ornithodoros, suggests that cryptic speciation is common within the Argasidae. Cryptic speciation has implications for past biological studies of soft ticks. These are discussed in particular for the Ornithodoros (Ornithodoros) moubata and Ornithodoros (Ornithodoros) savignyi groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Mans
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa.
| | - Jonathan Featherston
- The Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council-Biotechnology Platform, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Marija Kvas
- The Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council-Biotechnology Platform, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Kerry-Anne Pillay
- The Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council-Biotechnology Platform, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Daniel G de Klerk
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Ronel Pienaar
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Minique H de Castro
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Tom G Schwan
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Job E Lopez
- Department of Paediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Paediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pete Teel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Adalberto A Pérez de León
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, United States
| | - Daniel E Sonenshine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States; Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH), Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Noble I Egekwu
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., United States
| | - Deon K Bakkes
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Heloise Heyne
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Esther G Kanduma
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O BOX 30197, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nkululeko Nyangiwe
- Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X15, Stutterheim, 4930, South Africa
| | - Ali Bouattour
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Abdalla A Latif
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, Westville, South Africa
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47
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Grimaldi DA, Sunderlin D, Aaroe GA, Dempsky MR, Parker NE, Tillery GQ, White JG, Barden P, Nascimbene PC, Williams CJ. Biological Inclusions in Amber from the Paleogene Chickaloon Formation of Alaska. AMERICAN MUSEUM NOVITATES 2018. [DOI: 10.1206/3908.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Grimaldi
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York
| | - David Sunderlin
- Department of Geology & Environmental Geosciences, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania
| | - Georgene A. Aaroe
- Department of Geology & Environmental Geosciences, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania
| | - Michelle R. Dempsky
- Department of Geology & Environmental Geosciences, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania
| | - Nancy E. Parker
- Department of Geology & Environmental Geosciences, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania
| | - George Q. Tillery
- Department of Geology & Environmental Geosciences, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania
| | - Jaclyn G. White
- Department of Geology & Environmental Geosciences, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania
| | - Phillip Barden
- Department of Biology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark
| | - Paul C. Nascimbene
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York
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48
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Estrada-Peña A, de la Fuente J. The fossil record and the origin of ticks revisited. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 75:255-261. [PMID: 29721759 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0261-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The fossil record of ticks has been classically used to discern the probable vicariance events of these arthropods, and to date the split moments of the different lineages. Although new techniques based on molecular clock methods are already available, tick fossil record still stands as a valuable source of information if correctly interpreted. Here we report about a male specimen of Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) sp. found in Dominican amber of about 25 millions years, illustrating its main morphological features. We also discuss the findings in a recent paper, which may contain unreliable interpretations on some fossil ticks. We support previous data on the presence of Argasidae in Miocene Dominican amber, and provide comments on the presence of ticks in Burmese amber. We further elaborate on the spread of ticks in the light of the record and description of a new family found in Cretaceous amber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Saragossa, Spain.
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
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49
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Kitsou C, Pal U. Ixodes Immune Responses Against Lyme Disease Pathogens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:176. [PMID: 29896452 PMCID: PMC5986905 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Ixodes scapularis and other related tick species are considered prolific vectors for a number of important human diseases, many aspects of their biology, microbial interactions, and immunity are largely unknown; in particular, how these ancient vectors recognize invading pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi and influence their persistence. The analysis of the Ixodes genome and a limited set of transcriptomic data have established that ticks encode many components of classical immune pathways; yet at the same time, they lack many key orthologs of these recognition networks. Therefore, whether a given immune pathway is active in Ixodes ticks and how precisely they exert its microbicidal functions are only incompletely delineated. A few recent studies have suggested that classical pathways like the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) as well as immunodeficiency (IMD) pathways are fully functional in I. scapularis, and upon challenge with microbes, generate potent microbicidal responses against diverse tick-borne pathogens including B. burgdorferi. These studies also highlight novel concepts of vector immunity that include both a direct and an indirect mode of recognition of pathogens, as well as the influence of the gut microbiome, which ultimately dictates the outcome of a robust microbicidal response. Further understanding of how Ixodes ticks recognize and suppress invading microbes like B. burgdorferi will enrich our fundamental knowledge of vector immunobiology, thereby contributing to the development of future interventions to better control the tick-borne pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula Kitsou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
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50
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Abstract
AbstractThe first fossil potentially assignable to the extant hard tick genus Haemaphysalis CL Koch (1844) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is described from the Late Cretaceous (ca. 99 Ma) Burmese amber of Myanmar. Haemaphysalis (Alloceraea) cretacea sp. nov. is the oldest and only fossil representative of this genus; living members of which predominantly feed on mammals. Their typical hosts are known since at least the Jurassic and the discovery of a mid-Cretaceous parasite, which might have fed on mammals raises again the question of to what extent ticks are coupled to their (modern) host groups. An inferred Triassic split of Argasidae (soft ticks) into the bird-preferring Argasinae and mammal-preferring Ornithodorinae dates to about the time when dinosaurs (later including birds) and mammaliaforms as potential hosts were emerging. Ixodidae may have split into Prostriata and Metastriata shortly after the end-Permian mass extinction, an event which fundamentally altered the terrestrial vertebrate fauna. Prostriata (the genus Ixodes) prefer birds and mammals today, and some may have used groups like cynodonts in the Triassic. Basal metastriate ticks (e.g. Amblyomma) prefer reptiles, but derived metastriates (including Haemaphysalis) again prefer mammals. Here, we may be looking at a younger (Cretaceous?) shift associated with more recent mammalian radiations.
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