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Szczotko M, Antunes S, Domingos A, Kubiak K, Dmitryjuk M. Tick-Borne pathogens and defensin genes expression: A closer look at Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 160:105231. [PMID: 39043336 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105231] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The immune system of ticks, along with that of other invertebrates, is comparatively simpler than that of vertebrates, relying solely on innate immune responses. Direct antimicrobial defence is provided by the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including defensins. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in defensin genes expression between questing and engorged Ixodes ricinus (def1 and def2) and Dermacentor reticulatus (defDr) ticks, in the presence of selected pathogens: Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis in the natural environment. After pathogen screening by PCR/qPCR, the expression of defensin genes in pathogen positive ticks and ticks without any of the tested pathogens, was analysed by reverse transcription qPCR. The results showed an increased expression of defensin genes in I. ricinus ticks after blood feeding and I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks during in cases of co-infection. In particular, the expression of defensins genes was higher in questing D. reticulatus than in questing and engorged I. ricinus ticks, when borreliae were detected. This study contributes to uncovering the expression patterns of defensin genes in the presence of several known tick pathogens, the occurrence of these pathogens and possible regulatory mechanisms of defensins in tick vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Szczotko
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
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Asman M, Bartosik K, Jakubas-Zawalska J, Świętek A, Witecka J. A New Endemic Locality of Dermacentor reticulatus in Central-Southern Poland and Its Potential Epidemiological Implications. INSECTS 2024; 15:580. [PMID: 39194785 DOI: 10.3390/insects15080580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Ixodidae) is an important arthropod vector in medical and veterinary contexts. Its geographic range is divided into western and eastern populations separated by a "Dermacentor-free zone" in central Poland. Recent faunistic studies showed a new endemic locality of the species in Upper Silesia to the west of the Vistula River (central-southern Poland) and its co-occurrence with I. ricinus. The prevalence of five tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), e.g., B. burgdorferi s.l., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp., in the ticks was assessed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. The molecular studies revealed the presence of Rickettsia spp. in 23.8% of the D. reticulatus specimens. In turn, 94.1% of the I. ricinus adults were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l., 11.7 % with Babesia spp., and 5.8% with Rickettsia spp. Coinfections with two TBPs were noted in 17.6% of the I. ricinus. These findings highlight not only the risk of infestation by both tick species in an area previously considered Dermacentor-free, but also the high prevalence of TBPs in the study area. Increased focus on medical and veterinary services appears necessary to diagnose and prevent tick-borne diseases in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Asman
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jordana 19 St., 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Chair of Pharmacology and Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Agata Świętek
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jordana 19 St., 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
- Silesia LabMed Research and Implementation Centre, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 19 Jordana St., 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Joanna Witecka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jedności 8 St., 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
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Dyczko D, Błażej P, Kiewra D. The influence of forest habitat type on Ixodes ricinus infections with Rickettsia spp. in south-western Poland. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 6:100200. [PMID: 39148674 PMCID: PMC11324835 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in Ixodes ricinus tick populations in different forest habitat types (broadleaf forest, mixed broadleaf and coniferous forest, and coniferous forest) in south-western Poland. During the survey periods from April to June 2018 and 2019 a total of 494 I. ricinus ticks, including 374 nymphs, 60 females and 60 males, were tested for Rickettsia infections by nested PCR targeting the gltA gene. The overall infection rate was 42.3%; however, we observed statistically significant year-to-year variation. Infection rates varied between tick developmental stages and were significantly influenced by forest habitat type. As assessed by a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), the highest infection rates were observed in mixed broadleaf and coniferous forests, while coniferous forests had a significant negative effect on infection prevalence. DNA sequencing of selected samples confirmed the predominance of Rickettsia helvetica (91.2%) and less frequent Rickettsia monacensis (8.8%). This study suggests that the forest habitat types can influence Rickettsia spp. infection in tick populations; however, a comprehensive understanding of all factors influencing the level of infection requires future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Dyczko
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Błażej
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kiewra
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
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Piloto‐Sardiñas E, Abuin‐Denis L, Maitre A, Foucault‐Simonin A, Corona‐González B, Díaz‐Corona C, Roblejo‐Arias L, Mateos‐Hernández L, Marrero‐Perera R, Obregon D, Svobodová K, Wu‐Chuang A, Cabezas‐Cruz A. Dynamic nesting of Anaplasma marginale in the microbial communities of Rhipicephalus microplus. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11228. [PMID: 38571811 PMCID: PMC10985379 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Interactions within the tick microbiome involving symbionts, commensals, and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) play a pivotal role in disease ecology. This study explored temporal changes in the microbiome of Rhipicephalus microplus, an important cattle tick vector, focusing on its interaction with Anaplasma marginale. To overcome limitations inherent in sampling methods relying on questing ticks, which may not consistently reflect pathogen presence due to variations in exposure to infected hosts in nature, our study focused on ticks fed on chronically infected cattle. This approach ensures continuous pathogen exposure, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the nesting patterns of A. marginale in the R. microplus microbiome. Using next-generation sequencing, microbiome dynamics were characterized over 2 years, revealing significant shifts in diversity, composition, and abundance. Anaplasma marginale exhibited varying associations, with its increased abundance correlating with reduced microbial diversity. Co-occurrence networks demonstrated Anaplasma's evolving role, transitioning from diverse connections to keystone taxa status. An integrative approach involving in silico node removal unveils the impact of Anaplasma on network stability, highlighting its role in conferring robustness to the microbial community. This study provides insights into the intricate interplay between the tick microbiome and A. marginale, shedding light on potential avenues for controlling bovine anaplasmosis through microbiome manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elianne Piloto‐Sardiñas
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant HealthCarretera de Tapaste y Autopista NacionalSan José de las LajasCuba
| | - Lianet Abuin‐Denis
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
- Animal Biotechnology DepartmentCenter for Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyHavanaCuba
| | - Apolline Maitre
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
- INRAE, UR 0045 Laboratoire de Recherches Sur Le Développement de L'Elevage (SELMET‐LRDE)CorteFrance
- EA 7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de CorseCorteFrance
| | - Angélique Foucault‐Simonin
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Belkis Corona‐González
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant HealthCarretera de Tapaste y Autopista NacionalSan José de las LajasCuba
| | - Cristian Díaz‐Corona
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant HealthCarretera de Tapaste y Autopista NacionalSan José de las LajasCuba
| | - Lisset Roblejo‐Arias
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant HealthCarretera de Tapaste y Autopista NacionalSan José de las LajasCuba
| | - Lourdes Mateos‐Hernández
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Roxana Marrero‐Perera
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant HealthCarretera de Tapaste y Autopista NacionalSan José de las LajasCuba
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of GuelphGuelphOntarioCanada
| | - Karolína Svobodová
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of South BohemiaCeske BudejoviceCzech Republic
| | - Alejandra Wu‐Chuang
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Alejandro Cabezas‐Cruz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
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Wężyk D, Romanek W, Małaszewicz W, Behnke JM, Bajer A. Mixed-sex clusters on grass blades: breeding strategy of the ornate dog tick, Dermacentor reticulatus. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:58. [PMID: 38336751 PMCID: PMC10854131 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06129-4] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ornate dog tick Dermacentor reticulatus is second only to the hard tick Ixodes ricinus in terms of importance as a vector of infectious organisms, especially of Babesia canis, the agent of canine babesiosis. Both the geographical range and local densities of D. reticulatus are steadily increasing in many regions of Europe. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that D. reticulatus possesses an efficient breeding strategy that allows for a rapid increase in tick numbers and densities through the formation of mixed-sex clusters/aggregations while questing in the environment. METHODS An observational study was carried out in the spring of 2023, at three sites in two regions in Central and North-Eastern Poland, both characterised by high tick densities. At each site, a 400-m-long transect was inspected for questing ticks. All noted ticks were collected, and tick numbers and sexes per stem were recorded. Differences in tick distribution by site and sex were analysed statistically. RESULTS A total of 371 D. reticulatus (219 females, 152 males) ticks were collected from 270 grass stems over a combined 1200 m of transect. The majority of grass stems (74.4%) were occupied by just a single individual, with two-tick clusters the second most common category. The maximum number of D. reticulatus individuals observed on a single grass stem was six. Mixed-sex clusters were significantly more common than single-sex clusters at all three sites. With study sites combined, mixed-sex clusters accounted for 17.4% (95% confidence limit [95% CL] 13.9-21.6%) of observations, while for multiple males and multiple females, the values were 2.6% (95% CL: 1.4-4.7%) and 5.6% (95% CL: 3.7-8.3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Mixed-sex clusters of D. reticulatus ticks were significantly more common than single-sex clusters, which we hypothesise reflects an efficient, likely pheromone-mediated breeding strategy of this expansive tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Wężyk
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Romanek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Małaszewicz
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy M Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
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Kubiak K, Szymańska H, Dziekońska-Rynko J, Tylkowska A, Dmitryjuk M, Dzika E. Tick-borne pathogens in questing adults Dermacentor reticulatus from the Eastern European population (north-eastern Poland). Sci Rep 2024; 14:698. [PMID: 38184725 PMCID: PMC10771447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51299-x] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is tick species with an expanding geographical range in Europe, which creates the possibility of spreading microorganisms of significant veterinary and medical importance. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in adult D. reticulatus ticks from the Eastern European population in the urban and the natural biotopes of north-eastern Poland. Microorganisms were detected by PCR and identified by DNA sequencing. The overall infection rate of at least one of the pathogens was 29.6%. The predominantly was Rickettsia spp. (27.1%) (with R. raoultii-9.1%) followed by Babesia spp. (2.4%) with B. canis (1.5%) as the most frequent. Based on 18S rRNA gene sequence, three B. canis genotypes were revealed. The prevalence of R. raoultii and B. canis was significantly higher in ticks from natural biotopes. The infection rates of B. afzelii and A. phagocytophilum were determined at 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively. Co-infections were detected in 3.8% of infected ticks. In diagnosing tick-borne diseases in humans, tick-borne lymphadenopathy should not be excluded. The prevalence of different genotypes of B. canis suggests differences in the clinical picture of canine babesiosis in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Hanna Szymańska
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Janina Dziekońska-Rynko
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-957, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Tylkowska
- Department of Biology of Animal Environment, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-786, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
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Zając Z, Kulisz J, Woźniak A, Bartosik K, Foucault-Simonin A, Moutailler S, Cabezas-Cruz A. Tick Activity, Host Range, and Tick-Borne Pathogen Prevalence in Mountain Habitats of the Western Carpathians, Poland. Pathogens 2023; 12:1186. [PMID: 37764994 PMCID: PMC10534405 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In mountainous regions, diverse ecosystems provide a habitat for numerous species of organisms. In this study, we focused on ixodid ticks and their presence in the Western Carpathians, Poland. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of environmental factors on tick occurrence and activity, the prevalence of vectored pathogens, and tick hosts, and their role as reservoir organisms for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). To this end, we collected ticks from the vegetation and from animals (Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis, Capreolus capreolus, Microtus spp., Myodes glareolus, Ovis aries). In addition, we collected blood samples from rodents. The collected material underwent molecular analysis, utilizing the high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR technique, to detect the presence of TBPs. Our findings confirmed the occurrence of only two species of ixodid ticks in the study area: the dominant Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus with very limited abundance. Temperature significantly influenced tick activity, and the number of I. ricinus nymphs varied with altitude. We also observed a circadian pattern of questing activity in I. ricinus ticks. The main hosts for juvenile tick stages were M. glareolus and A. agrarius, while adult stages were frequently found on C. capreolus. I. ricinus ticks collected from the vegetation were often infected with Rickettsia helvetica (up to 35.71%), Borrelia afzelii (up to 28.57%), and Ehrlichia spp. (up to 9.52%). In contrast, juvenile stages frequently carried Bartonella spp. (up to 10.00%), Mycoplasma spp. (up to 16.67%) and R. helvetica (up to 16.67%). Moreover, we detected genetic material of Mycoplasma spp. (up to 100.00%), Ehrlichia spp. (up to 35.71%), Bartonella spp. (up to 25.00%), and Borrelia spp. (up to 6.25%) in rodent blood samples. The obtained results indicate A. agrarius and M. glareolus as reservoir animals for TBPs in the studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.F.-S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.F.-S.); (S.M.)
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.F.-S.); (S.M.)
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