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Guardone L, Nogarol C, Accorsi A, Vitale N, Listorti V, Scala S, Brusadore S, Miceli IN, Wolfsgruber L, Guercio A, Di Bella S, Grippi F, Razzuoli E, Mandola ML. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: Occurrence and Host Associations over Four Years of Wildlife Surveillance in the Liguria Region (Northwest Italy). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2377. [PMID: 39199911 PMCID: PMC11350676 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162377] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a considerable public health problem worldwide. The occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) was investigated via PCR and sequencing in 683 ticks collected from 105 roe deer, 61 wild boars, 49 fallow deer, and 2 chamois, in the Liguria region, northwest Italy, between 2019 and 2022. The ticks were morphologically identified. Four different tick species were found: Ixodes ricinus (66.8% of the collected ticks), Dermacentor marginatus (15.8%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (15.7%), and Haemaphysalis punctata (0.9%). Six ticks (0.9%) were only identified as Rhipicephalus spp. Of the 222 pools analyzed, 27.9% were positive. Most pools (n = 58, 26.1% of pools analyzed) were positive for Rickettsia spp., and several species were found: Rickettsia slovaca was the dominant species (15.3%), followed by R. monacensis (8.1%), while R. helvetica (1.8%), R. massiliae (0.5%), and R. raoultii (0.5%) were found only sporadically. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified in three pools and B. burgdorferi s.l. in one pool. All samples were negative for C. burnetii and TBEv. Significant associations were found between I. ricinus and roe deer, D. marginatus and wild boar, and between R. monacensis and I. ricinus. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. differed significantly between tick and host species. This updated picture of tick species and TBPs in wild ungulates in Liguria, where the population of these animals is increasing, shows a widespread presence of potentially zoonotic Rickettsia spp. Continuous monitoring and public information on preventive measures are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Guardone
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Nogarol
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Annalisa Accorsi
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- S.S. Epidemiologia—Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy;
| | - Valeria Listorti
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Sonia Scala
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Sonia Brusadore
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Ilaria Nina Miceli
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Lara Wolfsgruber
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Centro Nazionale di Referenza per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia e Theileria (C.R.A.Ba.R.T.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Santina Di Bella
- Centro Nazionale di Referenza per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia e Theileria (C.R.A.Ba.R.T.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Francesca Grippi
- S.C. Diagnostica Sierologica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Maria Lucia Mandola
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
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Negash N, Andualem D, Mandefro B. Phytochemical Screening and in-vitro Efficacy of Calpurnia aurea Against Two Transovarial Vectors: Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus microplus. J Exp Pharmacol 2024; 16:243-255. [PMID: 39071173 PMCID: PMC11283247 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s454655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are the second most common vector of human infectious diseases after mosquitoes. Their transovarial transmission contributes to the maintenance of environmental diseases. This study evaluates the phytochemical screening and in vitro efficacy of Calpurnia aurea against the adult survival and egg hatchability of two transovarial transmission vectors: Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus microplus. Methods Plant material was extracted using maceration techniques, and concentrated solutions of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppm were prepared. Distilled water and diazinon were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Ten adult ticks were exposed for 10 minutes, and dead ticks were counted after 24 hours of recovery. Twenty 15-day-old eggs were immersed for 10 minutes, and after 15 days of incubation, hatched and unhatched eggs were tallied. Preliminary phytochemical constituents were screened. A one-way analysis of variance and the probit regression model determined mean mortality and hatchability and estimated lethal and inhibitory concentrations, respectively. Results The ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts caused 10±0.0% mortality in adult A. variegatum and R. microplus. The effective dose was LC50 of 27 and 29 ppm and LC50 of 37 and 41 ppm, respectively. At 400 ppm, the leaf ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed 18.7±0.9% and 18.3±1.7%; 18.3±1.2% and 19.7±0.3% egg hatching inhibition, respectively. The effective dose had an IC50 of 50 ppm and IC50s of 91 and 79 ppm, respectively. Flavonoids and saponins were found in both leaf and pod extracts. Conclusion C. aurea extracts showed a more promising effect on tick survival and hatchability than synthetic diazinon. The susceptibility test indicated that the leaf extract could control vectors and contribute to environmental disease maintenance. Complex phytochemicals, especially phenolic compounds, are additional evidence of effectiveness in vector control. Further investigation of in vivo efficacy and advanced fractionation of phytochemicals is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigatu Negash
- Malaria and NTD Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Andualem
- Departement of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Belayhun Mandefro
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
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Seo JY, Park JS, Lee HI, Ju JW. Molecular Identification of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks in the Republic of Korea. Pathogens 2024; 13:575. [PMID: 39057802 PMCID: PMC11280320 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070575] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Rickettsia species transmitted by ticks are mostly classified within the spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR), which causes tick-borne rickettsiosis. Although efforts have been made to investigate their prevalence in the Republic of Korea (ROK), research has been limited to certain areas. Furthermore, the pooling method for ticks does not fully reflect the exact infection rate. Therefore, we aimed to perform molecular identification of SFGR in ticks to elucidate the current prevalence of tick-borne rickettsiosis in the ROK. The SFGR of ticks was identified using polymerase chain reaction targeting the 17 kDa antigen, ompA, and gltA, followed by sequencing for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. In total, 302 ticks belonging to four species (Haemaphysalis flava, H. longicornis, Ixodes nipponensis, and Amblyomma testudinarium) were collected between April and November 2022. The overall SFGR infection rate was 26.8% (81/302 patients). Both adult and nymphal ticks and the SFGR infection rate increased during April-May, reaching their peaks in June, followed by a marked decline in August and July, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three species (R. monacensis, R. heilongjiangensis, and Candidatus R. jingxinensis) of SFGR. Thus, our results emphasize the importance of tick surveys for the prevention and management of tick-borne rickettsiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jung-Won Ju
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
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Monroig J, de Seta M, Carranza J, Giamperetti S, Deodato B, Armitano R, Díaz Pérez P, de Salvo MN, Leonardo Cicuttin G, Lloveras S. [First autochthonous case of spotted fever associated with the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires City]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2024; 56:287-291. [PMID: 39095319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2024.06.001] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The first autochthonous case of rickettsiosis is reported here. The case occurred in the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, a protected area of the City of Buenos Aires, in August 2022, where 4 species of ticks were found, namely Amblyomma aureolatum, Ixodes auritulus sensu lato, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto and Amblyomma triste. The epidemiological, ecological, clinical and laboratory aspects that allowed timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Monroig
- Sección Zoopatología Médica, Hospital Francisco Javier Muñiz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Marina de Seta
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jose Carranza
- Sección Zoopatología Médica, Hospital Francisco Javier Muñiz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio Giamperetti
- Laboratorio Zoonosis Hospital Francisco Javier Muñiz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bettina Deodato
- Laboratorio Zoonosis Hospital Francisco Javier Muñiz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rita Armitano
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Díaz Pérez
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Susana Lloveras
- Sección Zoopatología Médica, Hospital Francisco Javier Muñiz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Pf B, Ac A, N VEB, Jr M. Cervids as Sentinels for Rickettsia spp. in Portugal. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107202. [PMID: 38565332 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107202] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cervids are highly exposed to ticks, however, their role in the life cycle of these rickettsiae has not been fully elucidated. Given the expanding distribution and growing population of deer species in Portugal, coupled with their direct and indirect interactions with humans during hunting, it becomes crucial to explore their role as sentinels and potential reservoirs of Rickettsia. The present investigation aimed to detect and evaluate exposure to Rickettsia in free-living deer from Portugal. Blood samples (n = 77) were collected from hunted game animals (red deer and fallow deer) from different areas throughout Portugal (Idanha-a-Nova, Monte Fidalgo, Montalvão and Arraiolos) and sera were tested by immunofluorescence assay, to detect antibodies. Additionally, blood DNA samples were screened for SFGR by nested-polymerase chain reaction targeting a fragment of the outer membrane protein B (ompB) gene, as well as for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Thirty-five per cent (25 deer and two fallow deer) tested positive (sera with a titer ≥1:64) for IgG antibodies against Rickettsia conorii. No rickettsial DNA was detected by PCR for the ompB gene, and all DNA samples tested negative for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. As far as we know, this study is the first screening of cervid species in Portugal for Rickettsia antibodies. The findings suggest that these animals serve as useful sentinel indicators for the circulation of rickettsiae, offering a complementary perspective to studies focused on ticks. The increasing numbers of hunted deer in Portugal and the potential zoonotic features of Rickettsia spp. highlight the importance of continued surveillance directed at tick-borne diseases, especially those involving wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barradas Pf
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Paredes, Portugal (PB, NVB).
| | - Abrantes Ac
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real, Portugal (ACA)
| | - Vieira E Brito N
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Paredes, Portugal (PB, NVB)
| | - Mesquita Jr
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal (JRM)
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Blažeková V, Stanko M, Sprong H, Kohl R, Zubriková D, Vargová L, Bona M, Miklisová D, Víchová B. Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks with Sympatric Occurrence (and Different Activities) in the Slovak Karst National Park (Slovakia), Central Europe. Pathogens 2024; 13:385. [PMID: 38787237 PMCID: PMC11123704 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050385] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are involved in the transmission a plethora of pathogens. To effectively control ticks and mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne diseases, it is important to implement tick control measures. These may include the use of acaricides as well as the development and implementation of an alternative, environmentally friendly tick management program that include practices such as habitat modification or establishing biological control. Ixodiphagus hookeri Howard is a tick-specific parasitoid wasp that predates on several species of ixodid ticks and could contribute to the control of the tick population. This work aimed to detect the presence of parasitoid wasps in ticks (Ixodidae) using genetic approaches. Several tick species of the genera Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, and Dermacentor, with a sympatric occurrence in the Slovak Karst National Park in southeastern Slovakia, were screened for the presence of wasps of the genus Ixodiphagus. The DNA of the parasitoids was detected in four tick species from three genera. This work presents the first molecular detection of parasitoids in two Dermacentor tick species, as well as the first molecular identification of Ixodiphagus wasps in Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna ticks from the Karst area. In the given area, it was observed that I. ricinus and H. concinna ticks are hyper-parasitized by wasps. Moreover, it was observed that wasps here can parasitize several tick species, some of which are of less significance for human and animal health (as they transmit fewer pathogens).
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Blažeková
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 040 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Michal Stanko
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
- Institute of Zoology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands; (H.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Robert Kohl
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands; (H.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Dana Zubriková
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
| | - Lucia Vargová
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
| | - Martin Bona
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Dana Miklisová
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
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Cotes-Perdomo AP, Sánchez-Vialas A, Thomas R, Jenkins A, Uribe JE. New insights into the systematics of the afrotropical Amblyomma marmoreum complex (Acari: Ixodidae) and the genome of a novel Rickettsia africae strain using morphological and metagenomic approaches. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102323. [PMID: 38387163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The Amblyomma marmoreum complex includes afrotropical species, such as Amblyomma sparsum, a three-host tick that parasitizes reptiles, birds, and mammals, and is a recognized vector of Ehrlichia ruminantium. However, the lack of morphological, genetic and ecological data on A. sparsum has caused considerable confusion in its identification. In this study, we used microscopy and metagenomic approaches to analyze A. sparsum ticks collected from a puff adder snake (Bitis arietans) in southwest Senegal (an endemic rickettsioses area) in order to supplement previous morphological descriptions, provide novel genomic data for the A. marmoreum complex, and describe the genome of a novel spotted fever group Rickettsia strain. Based on stereoscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological evaluations, we provide high-quality images and new insights about punctation and enameling in the adult male of A. sparsum to facilitate identification for future studies. The metagenomic approach allowed us assembly the complete mitochondrial genome of A. sparsum, as well as the nearly entire chromosome and complete plasmid sequences of a novel Rickettsia africae strain. Phylogenomic analyses demonstrated a close relationship between A. sparsum and Amblyomma nuttalli for the first time and confirmed the position of A. sparsum within the A. marmoreum complex. Our results provide new insights into the systematics of A. sparsum and A. marmoreum complex, as well as the genetic diversity of R. africae in the Afrotropical region. Future studies should consider the possibility that A. sparsum may be a vector for R. africae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea P Cotes-Perdomo
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-Eastern, Norway; Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 2José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Vialas
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 2José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Richard Thomas
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Andrew Jenkins
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-Eastern, Norway
| | - Juan E Uribe
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 2José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain.
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Sousa ACP, Suzin A, da Silva Rodrigues V, Rezende LM, da Costa Maia R, Vieira RBK, Szabó MPJ. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and rickettsiae associated with wild boars in a rural area of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101016. [PMID: 38644046 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Wild boars or feral pigs are classified by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Resources (IBAMA) in "Category I of invasive exotic species". They cause economic losses, harm the environment, serve as hosts and reservoirs for several zoonotic disease agents, and provide a blood meal for tick species that act as vectors for zoonotic diseases. The objective of this study was to identify tick species on wild boars, assess host-seeking ticks in the related environment, and identify other potential tick hosts coexisting with wild boars on a farm located in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the presence of rickettsiae in these arthropods and assess the exposure of wild boars to rickettsiae species from the Spotted Fever Group and Rickettsia bellii through serology. A total of 3585 host-seeking ticks from three species (Amblyomma sculptum - 41.58%; Amblyomma dubitatum - 0.39% and Rhipicephalus microplus - 0.05%) were collected in the environment and A. sculptum was the most abundant species. Thirty-one wild boars were evaluated, resulting in the collection of 415 ticks, all of which were A. sculptum. Rickettsia DNA was not detected in samples of A. sculptum and R. microplus from the environment or in A. sculptum ticks from wild boars. However, all A. dubitatum ticks (n = 14) had Rickettsia bellii DNA confirmed by the species-specific PCR protocol. Out of the 31 serum samples from wild boars, 24 reacted with at least one Rickettsia antigen. Among these, seven individuals exhibited a reaction to a probable homologous antigen (PHA) of three rickettsiae species: R. rickettsii (n = 3), R. amblyommatis (n = 3) and R. rhipicephali (n = 1). Despite the high prevalence of seroreactivity, titers were low, indicating limited exposure to Rickettsia spp. Camera traps generated 874 animal records, capturing a total of 1688 individuals. At least 11 species of birds and 14 species of mammals (12 wild and two domestic) shared the environment with wild boars and potentially shared ticks with them. These findings provide baseline information for understanding the sharing of ticks and tick-borne pathogens between wild boars and other animals within the Cerrado biome. Further studies are necessary to monitor the potential and actual risk of wild boars to harbor infected ticks and their role in the transmission and maintenance cycle of Rickettsia spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Prado Sousa
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Adriane Suzin
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinícius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laís Miguel Rezende
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Costa Maia
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Brauner Kamla Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Clínica e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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9
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Khogali R, Bastos A, Bargul JL, Getange D, Kabii J, Masiga D, Villinger J. Tissue-specific localization of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from camels in Kenya: insights into vector competence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1382228. [PMID: 38698904 PMCID: PMC11063324 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1382228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne pathogen (TBP) surveillance studies often use whole-tick homogenates when inferring tick-pathogen associations. However, localized TBP infections within tick tissues (saliva, hemolymph, salivary glands, and midgut) can inform pathogen transmission mechanisms and are key to disentangling pathogen detection from vector competence. Methods We screened 278 camel blood samples and 504 tick tissue samples derived from 126 camel ticks sampled in two Kenyan counties (Laikipia and Marsabit) for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR-HRM analysis. Results Candidatus Anaplasma camelii infections were common in camels (91%), but absent in all samples from Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Amblyomma gemma, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks. We detected Ehrlichia ruminantium in all tissues of the four tick species, but Rickettsia aeschlimannii was only found in Hy. rufipes (all tissues). Rickettsia africae was highest in Am. gemma (62.5%), mainly in the hemolymph (45%) and less frequently in the midgut (27.5%) and lowest in Rh. pulchellus (29.4%), where midgut and hemolymph detection rates were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. Similarly, in Hy. dromedarii, R. africae was mainly detected in the midgut (41.7%) but was absent in the hemolymph. Rickettsia africae was not detected in Hy. rufipes. No Coxiella, Theileria, or Babesia spp. were detected in this study. Conclusions The tissue-specific localization of R. africae, found mainly in the hemolymph of Am. gemma, is congruent with the role of this tick species as its transmission vector. Thus, occurrence of TBPs in the hemolymph could serve as a predictor of vector competence of TBP transmission, especially in comparison to detection rates in the midgut, from which they must cross tissue barriers to effectively replicate and disseminate across tick tissues. Further studies should focus on exploring the distribution of TBPs within tick tissues to enhance knowledge of TBP epidemiology and to distinguish competent vectors from dead-end hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rua Khogali
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | - Armanda Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Kabii
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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10
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Tongluan N, Engström P, Jirakanwisal K, Langohr IM, Welch MD, Macaluso KR. Critical roles of Rickettsia parkeri outer membrane protein B (OmpB) in the tick host. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0051523. [PMID: 38206007 PMCID: PMC10863407 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00515-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia parkeri is a pathogen of public health concern and transmitted by the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum. Rickettsiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that enter and replicate in diverse host cells. Rickettsial outer membrane protein B (OmpB) functions in bacterial adhesion, invasion, and avoidance of cell-autonomous immunity in mammalian cell infection, but the function of OmpB in arthropod infection is unknown. In this study, the function of R. parkeri OmpB was evaluated in the tick host. R. parkeri wild-type and R. parkeri ompBSTOP::tn (non-functional OmpB) were capillary fed to naïve A. maculatum ticks to investigate dissemination in the tick and transmission to vertebrates. Ticks exposed to R. parkeri wild-type had greater rickettsial loads in all organs than ticks exposed to R. parkeri ompBSTOP::tn at 12 h post-capillary feeding and after 1 day of feeding on host. In rats that were exposed to R. parkeri ompBSTOP::tn-infected ticks, dermal inflammation at the bite site was less compared to R. parkeri wild-type-infected ticks. In vitro, R. parkeri ompBSTOP::tn cell attachment to tick cells was reduced, and host cell invasion of the mutant was initially reduced but eventually returned to the level of R. parkeri wild-type by 90 min post-infection. R. parkeri ompBSTOP::tn and R. parkeri wild-type had similar growth kinetics in the tick cells, suggesting that OmpB is not essential for R. parkeri replication in tick cells. These results indicate that R. parkeri OmpB functions in rickettsial attachment and internalization to tick cells and pathogenicity during tick infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthida Tongluan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Patrik Engström
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Krit Jirakanwisal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Ingeborg M. Langohr
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Matthew D. Welch
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kevin R. Macaluso
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, USA
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11
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Ragini G, Raju HK, Krishnamoorthi R, Elango A, Muthukumaravel S, Kumar A. The Molecular Detection of Bacterial Infections of Public Health Importance in Hard Tick ( Ixodidae) Nymphs Collected from the Forest Fringes of Western Ghats in the Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra States of India. Microorganisms 2023; 12:52. [PMID: 38257879 PMCID: PMC10819270 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010052] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A survey was conducted to determine the human tick-borne bacterial infections in the nymphs which were collected from Western Ghats' fringe forest areas. Tick nymphs were collected using the flagging method from the villages where cases Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) were previously reported in the states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. A total of 200 tick pools consisting of 4587 nymphs were tested by PCR for the detection of bacteria of public health importance, such as Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp. Of these, four pools (4.8%) in Karnataka and three pools (4.4%) in Maharashtra were positive for Coxiella burnetii, while none of the samples from Goa state were positive. Rickettsia spp. were positively obtained from Maharashtra (51.5%), Goa (35.42%) and Karnataka (26.19%). The sequence results of Rickettsia spp. showed similarity to the spotted fever group Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii, Rickettsia conorii subsp. heilongjiangensis and Rickettsia spp. strain koreansis. Individuals are entering into the forest areas for various reasons are more likely to infect with Coxiella burnetii. and Rickettsia spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gnanasekar Ragini
- Climate Change, GIS and VBD Stratification/Mapping, ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI, Medical Complex, Indira Nagar, Puducherry 605 006, India; (G.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Hari Kishan Raju
- Climate Change, GIS and VBD Stratification/Mapping, ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI, Medical Complex, Indira Nagar, Puducherry 605 006, India; (G.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Ranganathan Krishnamoorthi
- Climate Change, GIS and VBD Stratification/Mapping, ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI, Medical Complex, Indira Nagar, Puducherry 605 006, India; (G.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Ayyanar Elango
- Division of Vector Biology and Control, ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI, Medical Complex, Indira Nagar, Puducherry 605 006, India;
| | - Subramanian Muthukumaravel
- Molecular Epidemiology, ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI, Medical Complex, Indira Nagar, Puducherry 605 006, India;
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 605102, India;
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12
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Majid A, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Tanaka T, Yen TY, Tsai KH, Ali A. First report of spotted fever group Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma turanicum, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi infesting domestic animals: updates on the epidemiology of tick-borne Rickettsia aeschlimannii. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1283814. [PMID: 38163073 PMCID: PMC10756324 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1283814] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne Rickettsia spp. have long been known as causative agents for zoonotic diseases. We have previously characterized Rickettsia spp. in different ticks infesting a broad range of hosts in Pakistan; however, knowledge regarding Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma ticks is missing. This study aimed to obtain a better understanding about R. aeschlimannii in Pakistan and update the knowledge about its worldwide epidemiology. Among 369 examined domestic animals, 247 (66%) were infested by 872 ticks. Collected ticks were morphologically delineated into three genera, namely, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Haemaphysalis. Adult females were the most prevalent (number ₌ 376, 43.1%), followed by nymphs (303, 34.74%) and males (193, 22.13%). Overall, genomic DNA samples of 223 tick were isolated and screened for Rickettsia spp. by the amplification of rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB partial genes using conventional PCR. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 8 of 223 (3.58%) ticks including nymphs (5 of 122, 4.0%) and adult females (3 of 86, 3.48%). The rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB sequences were detected in Hyalomma turanicum (2 nymphs and 1 adult female), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (1 nymph and 1 adult female), and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (2 nymphs and 1 adult female). These rickettsial sequences showed 99.71-100% identity with R. aeschlimannii and phylogenetically clustered with the same species. None of the tested Rhipicephalus microplus, Hyalomma isaaci, Hyalomma scupense, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, and Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks were found positive for rickettsial DNA. Comprehensive surveillance studies should be adopted to update the knowledge regarding tick-borne zoonotic Rickettsia species, evaluate their risks to humans and livestock, and investigate the unexamined cases of illness after tick bite among livestock holders in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Majid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
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13
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Chavarría-Bencomo IV, Nevárez-Moorillón GV, Espino-Solís GP, Adame-Gallegos JR. Antibiotic resistance in tick-borne bacteria: A One Health approach perspective. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16 Suppl 1:153-162. [PMID: 37945496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.027] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence and re-emergence of tick-borne bacteria (TBB) as a public health problem raises the uncertainty of antibiotic resistance in these pathogens, which could be dispersed to other pathogens. The impact of global warming has led to the emergence of pathogenic TBB in areas where they were not previously present and is another risk that must be taken into account under the One Health guides. This review aimed to analyze the existing information regarding antibiotic-resistant TBB and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARG) present in the tick microbiome, considering the potential to be transmitted to pathogenic microorganisms. Several Ehrlichia species have been reported to exhibit natural resistance to fluoroquinolones and typhus group Rickettsiae are naturally susceptible to erythromycin. TBB have a lower risk of acquiring ARG due to their natural habitat, but there is still a probability of acquiring them; furthermore, studies of these pathogens are limited. Pathogenic and commensal bacteria coexist within the tick microbiome along with ARGs for antibiotic deactivation, cellular protection, and efflux pumps; these ARGs confer resistance to antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, beta-lactamase, diaminopyrimidines, fluoroquinolones, glycopeptides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. Although with low probability, TBB can be a reservoir of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Valeria Chavarría-Bencomo
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n. Campus Universitario II., 31125 Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Virginia Nevárez-Moorillón
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n. Campus Universitario II., 31125 Chihuahua, Mexico.
| | - Gerardo Pavel Espino-Solís
- Laboratorio Nacional de Citometría de Flujo. Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n. Campus Universitario II., 31125 Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Jaime Raúl Adame-Gallegos
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n. Campus Universitario II., 31125 Chihuahua, Mexico
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14
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Perfilyeva YV, Berdygulova ZA, Mashzhan AS, Zhigailov AV, Ostapchuk YO, Naizabayeva DA, Cherusheva AS, Bissenbay AO, Kuatbekova SA, Abdolla N, Nizkorodova AS, Kulemin MV, Shapiyeva ZZ, Sayakova ZZ, Perfilyeva AV, Akhmetollayev IA, Maltseva ER, Skiba YA, Mamadaliyev SM, Dmitrovskiy AM. Molecular and seroepidemiological investigation of Сoxiella burnetii and spotted fever group rickettsiae in the southern region of Kazakhstan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102240. [PMID: 37647811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102240] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are involved in the circulation of a number of human pathogens, including spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii. Little is known about the occurrence of these microorganisms in the southern region of Kazakhstan. In 2018-2022, a total of 726 ticks were collected from bitten humans, livestock, and vegetation in four oblasts of the southern region of Kazakhstan and subjected to DNA extraction. The overall infection rate of Coxiella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in the ticks was 3.3% (24/726) and 69.9% (300/429), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of ompA and gltA genes revealed the presence of three pathogenic SFG rickettsiae: Candidatus R. tarasevichiae, R. aeschlimannii and R. raoultii in ticks collected from bitten humans. In addition, Candidatus R. barbariae was detected in six Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks for the first time in Kazakhstan. To determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii infection, we performed a serological analysis of samples collected from 656 domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) in the region. Overall, 23.5% (154/656) of the animals tested were positive for IgG against C. burnetii. Seroprevalence at the herd level was 54% (28/52). Goats (43%; 12/28; odds ratio (OD) = 28.9, p < 0.05) and sheep (31.9%; 137/430; OD = 18.1, p < 0.05) had higher seroprevalence than cattle (2.5%; 5/198). Among the risk factors considered in this study, age (p = 0.003) and the oblast in which the animals were sampled (p = 0.049) were statistically associated with seropostivity for Q fever in sheep, according to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Seroprevalence ranged from 0% to 55.5% in animals in different districts of the southern region of Kazakhstan. Active C. burnetii bacteremia was detected in four of 154 (2.6%) seropositive animals. The data obtained provide strong evidence of the presence of pathogenic rickettsiae and C. burnetii in the southern region of Kazakhstan and emphasize the need to improve epidemiological surveillance in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya V Perfilyeva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanna A Berdygulova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan.
| | - Akzhigit S Mashzhan
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan.
| | - Andrey V Zhigailov
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Yekaterina O Ostapchuk
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara A Naizabayeva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Alena S Cherusheva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Akerke O Bissenbay
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Saltanat A Kuatbekova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Nurshat Abdolla
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Anna S Nizkorodova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Maxim V Kulemin
- Anti-Plague Station, 114 Dulati St., Shymkent 160013, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanna Zh Shapiyeva
- Scientific Practical Center of Sanitary-Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, 84 Auezov St., Almaty 050008, Kazakhstan
| | - Zaure Z Sayakova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M. Aikimbayev National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Elina R Maltseva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan; Tethys Scientific Society, 9 Microdisctrict 1/72, Almaty 050036, Kazakhstan
| | - Yuriy A Skiba
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan; Tethys Scientific Society, 9 Microdisctrict 1/72, Almaty 050036, Kazakhstan
| | - Seidigapbar M Mamadaliyev
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Andrey M Dmitrovskiy
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M. Aikimbayev National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
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15
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Babu NN, Jayaram A, Auti AM, Bhandari Y, Shetty U, Arunkumar G. Rickettsia africae and other unclassified Rickettsia species of the spotted fever group in ticks of the Western Ghats, India. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 90:429-440. [PMID: 37347433 PMCID: PMC10406665 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00814-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The spotted fever group (SFG) of Rickettsia are zoonotic disease-causing pathogens, commonly transmitted by hard ticks to a wide range of hosts, including humans. Rickettsia conorii is the common SFG recognised in India, whereas most of the infections due to other group species go undifferentiated at the species level. Hence, this study was conducted to screen host-seeking ticks in the Western Ghats region, India, for the DNA of SFG Rickettsia. The ticks were collected from Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra states of India during a survey conducted between November 2017 and January 2018. In total, 288 tick pools were screened for Rickettsia spp. DNA using pan-Rickettsia real-time PCR, and conventional PCR targeting the gltA, OmpA and 17-kDa protein-coding genes. Nucleotide sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the NCBI BLAST tool to identify submitted sequences with higher homology. Neighbour-joining trees were constructed using the reference sequences of the GenBank database. Overall, Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in 27.2% (62/228 pools) of host-seeking ticks across the Western Ghats region, with an estimated minimum infection rate of 0.057. Upon phylogenetic analysis, it was identified that the detected sequences were highly similar (> 99% sequence homology) to R. africae, Candidatus R. laoensis and an un-categorised Rickettsia species, and they were widely carried by Haemaphysalis ticks. The current study is the first report of R. africae and Candidatus R. laoensis in ticks in India. Although the pathogenicity of these species is not well documented, they may pose a potential threat to both animal and the human population in this geographical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Naren Babu
- Manipal Institute of Virology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University), Manipal, India.
| | - Anup Jayaram
- Manipal Institute of Virology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University), Manipal, India
| | - Amogh Milind Auti
- Manipal Institute of Virology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University), Manipal, India
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Yuvraj Bhandari
- Manipal Institute of Virology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University), Manipal, India
| | - Ujwal Shetty
- Manipal Institute of Virology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University), Manipal, India
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Xu J, Gu XL, Jiang ZZ, Cao XQ, Wang R, Peng QM, Li ZM, Zhang L, Zhou CM, Qin XR, Yu XJ. Pathogenic Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected from cattle and laboratory hatched tick larvae. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011546. [PMID: 37647577 PMCID: PMC10468208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The order Rickettsiales contains a group of vector-borne gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria, which often cause human emerging infectious diseases and economic losses for dairy and meat industries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the distribution of the pathogens including Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp. in the order Rickettsiales in ticks from Yueyang, a prefecture-level city of Hunan Province in Sothern China, and assess the potentiality of transovarial transmission of these rickettsial organisms. METHODS Ticks were collected from cattle in a farm in Yueyang City and the tick DNA was used as template to amplify the htrA, rrs, gltA, ompA and ompB genes of Rickettsia as well as rrs and groEL genes of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. RESULTS All ticks (465) collected were the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus. PCR showed the minimum infection rate (MIR) was 1.5% (7/465) for Candidatus Rickettsia xinyangensis, 1.9% (9/465) for C. Anaplasma boleense, 1.3% (6/465) for Anaplasma platys, 0.6% (3/465) for A. marginale, and 1.17% (2/465) for each of A. bovis, Ehrlichia minasensis, and a non-classified Ehrlichia sp. A human pathogen, C. Rickettsia xinyangensis and A. platys were detected in 100% (3/3) and 33.3% (2/6) laboratory-hatched larval pools from infected females respectively. CONCLUSION Our study revealed a diversity of pathogenic rickettsial species in R. microplus ticks from Hunan Province suggesting a threat to people and animals in China. This study also provided the first molecular evidence for the potential transovarial transmission of C. Rickettsia xinyangensis and A. platys in R. microplus, indicating that R. microplus may act as the host of these two pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Ze-Zheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Qiu-Ming Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Ze-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Chuan-Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Qin
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, China
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Arz C, Król N, Imholt C, Jeske K, Rentería-Solís Z, Ulrich RG, Jacob J, Pfeffer M, Obiegala A. Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks and Small Mammals from Grassland and Forest Habitats in Central Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:933. [PMID: 37513780 PMCID: PMC10386184 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070933] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiae of the spotted fever group (SFG) are zoonotic tick-borne pathogens. Small mammals are important hosts for the immature life stages of two of the most common tick species in Europe, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. These hosts and vectors can be found in diverse habitats with different vegetation types like grasslands and forests. To investigate the influence of environmental and individual factors on Rickettsia prevalence, this study aimed to analyse the prevalence of SFG rickettsiae in ticks and small mammals in different small-scale habitats in central Germany for the first time. Small mammals of ten species and ticks of two species were collected from grasslands and forests in the Hainich-Dün region, central Germany. After species identification, DNA samples from 1098 ticks and ear snips of 1167 small mammals were screened for Rickettsia DNA by qPCR targeting the gltA gene. Positive samples were retested by conventional PCR targeting the ompB gene and sequencing. Rickettsia DNA was detected in eight out of ten small mammal species. Small mammal hosts from forests (14.0%) were significantly more often infected than those from grasslands (4.4%) (p < 0.001). The highest prevalence was found in the mostly forest-inhabiting genus Apodemus (14.8%) and the lowest in Microtus (6.6%), which inhabits grasslands. The prevalence was higher in D. reticulatus (46.3%) than in the I. ricinus complex (8.6%). Adult ticks were more often infected than nymphs (p = 0.0199). All sequenced rickettsiae in I. ricinus complex ticks were R. helvetica, and the ones in D. reticulatus were R. raoultii. Unlike adults, questing nymphs have had only one blood meal, which explains the higher prevalence in I. ricinus adults. Interestingly, habitat type did influence infection probability in small mammals, but did not in ticks. A possible explanation may be the high prevalence in Apodemus flavicollis and A. sylvaticus which were more abundant in the forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Arz
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Imholt
- Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Julius Kühn-Institute, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Kathrin Jeske
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Zaida Rentería-Solís
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jens Jacob
- Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Julius Kühn-Institute, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Luan Y, Gou J, Zhong D, Ma L, Yin C, Shu M, Liu G, Lin Q. The Tick-Borne Pathogens: An Overview of China's Situation. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:1-20. [PMID: 36642777 PMCID: PMC9841149 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00658-1] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are important medical arthropods that can transmit hundreds of pathogens, such as parasites, bacteria, and viruses, leading to serious public health burdens worldwide. Unexplained fever is the most common clinical manifestation of tick-borne diseases. Since the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases led to the hospital overload and fewer laboratory tests for tick-borne diseases. Therefore, it is essential to review the tick-borne pathogens and further understand tick-borne diseases. PURPOSE The geographic distribution and population of ticks in the Northern hemisphere have expanded while emerging tick-borne pathogens have been introduced to China continuously. This paper focused on the tick-borne pathogens that are threatening public health in the world. Their medical significant tick vectors, as well as the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control measures, are emphasized in this document. METHODS In this study, all required data were collected from articles indexed in English databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. RESULTS Ticks presented a great threat to the economy and public health. Although both infections by tick-borne pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 have fever symptoms, the history of tick bite and its associated symptoms such as encephalitis or eschar could be helpful for the differential diagnosis. Additionally, as a carrier of vector ticks, migratory birds may play a potential role in the geographical expansion of ticks and tick-borne pathogens during seasonal migration. CONCLUSION China should assess the risk score of vector ticks and clarify the potential role of migratory birds in transmitting ticks. Additionally, the individual and collective protection, vector control, comprehensive surveillance, accurate diagnosis, and symptomatic treatment should be carried out, to meet the challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Luan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jingmin Gou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongjie Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuansong Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Minfeng Shu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Qing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China.
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Richardson EA, Roe RM, Apperson CS, Ponnusamy L. Rickettsia amblyommatis in Ticks: A Review of Distribution, Pathogenicity, and Diversity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020493. [PMID: 36838458 PMCID: PMC9960904 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia amblyommatis is a potentially pathogenic species of Rickettsia within the spotted fever group vectored by ticks. While many studies have been published on this species, there is debate over its pathogenicity and the inhibitory role it plays in diagnosing illnesses caused by other spotted fever group Rickettsia species. Many publications have recorded the high infection prevalence of R. amblyommatis in tick populations at a global scale. While this species is rather ubiquitous, questions remain over the epidemiological importance of this possible human pathogen. With tick-borne diseases on the rise, understanding the exact role that R. amblyommatis plays as a pathogen and inhibitor of infection relative to other tick-borne pathogens will help public health efforts. The goal of this review was to compile the known literature on R. amblyommatis, review what we know about its geographic distribution, tick vectors, and pathogenicity, assess relatedness between various international strains from ticks by phylogenetic analysis and draw conclusions regarding future research needed.
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Hodosi R, Kazimirova M, Soltys K. What do we know about the microbiome of I. ricinus? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:990889. [PMID: 36467722 PMCID: PMC9709289 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.990889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
I. ricinus is an obligate hematophagous parasitic arthropod that is responsible for the transmission of a wide range of zoonotic pathogens including spirochetes of the genus Borrelia, Rickettsia spp., C. burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Francisella tularensis, which are part the tick´s microbiome. Most of the studies focus on "pathogens" and only very few elucidate the role of "non-pathogenic" symbiotic microorganisms in I. ricinus. While most of the members of the microbiome are leading an intracellular lifestyle, they are able to complement tick´s nutrition and stress response having a great impact on tick´s survival and transmission of pathogens. The composition of the tick´s microbiome is not consistent and can be tied to the environment, tick species, developmental stage, or specific organ or tissue. Ovarian tissue harbors a stable microbiome consisting mainly but not exclusively of endosymbiotic bacteria, while the microbiome of the digestive system is rather unstable, and together with salivary glands, is mostly comprised of pathogens. The most prevalent endosymbionts found in ticks are Rickettsia spp., Ricketsiella spp., Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts, Spiroplasma spp. and Candidatus Midichloria spp. Since microorganisms can modify ticks' behavior, such as mobility, feeding or saliva production, which results in increased survival rates, we aimed to elucidate the potential, tight relationship, and interaction between bacteria of the I. ricinus microbiome. Here we show that endosymbionts including Coxiella-like spp., can provide I. ricinus with different types of vitamin B (B2, B6, B7, B9) essential for eukaryotic organisms. Furthermore, we hypothesize that survival of Wolbachia spp., or the bacterial pathogen A. phagocytophilum can be supported by the tick itself since coinfection with symbiotic Spiroplasma ixodetis provides I. ricinus with complete metabolic pathway of folate biosynthesis necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division. Manipulation of tick´s endosymbiotic microbiome could present a perspective way of I. ricinus control and regulation of spread of emerging bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hodosi
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Maria Kazimirova
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Soltys
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Zhu C, Ai L, Qi Y, Liu Y, Li H, Ye F, Wang Q, Luo Y, Tan W, Shi C. Molecular detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae in hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) and hedgehog-attached ticks in Xuyi County, Southeast China. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 88:97-111. [PMID: 36097185 PMCID: PMC9663401 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00721-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases like Rickettsia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia are widespread infectious zoonoses that threaten the health of both humans and animals worldwide. Ticks and their hosts, such as hedgehogs, can play a crucial role in transmitting tick-borne diseases and the cycle of Rickettsia. To investigate the presence and identity of Rickettsia in hedgehogs and hedgehog-attached ticks in Xuyi County, Southeast China, 114 ticks were collected from 45 hedgehogs captured totally. Via morphological and molecular methods, all these ticks were identified as two species: Haemaphysalis flava (110/114, 96.5%) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (4/114, 3.5%). Rickettsia spp. were genotypically characterized by PCR targeting rrs, gltA, ompA, ompB, and sca4 gene fragments. The prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) infection found in hedgehogs and ticks was 17.8% (8/45) and 78.1% (89/114), respectively. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that those Rickettsia spp. belong to two species: Rickettsia heilongjiangensis (R. heilongjiangensis XY-1) and a potential new species, Candidatus Rickettsia xuyiensis XY-2. The present study gave the first evidence of R. heilongjiangensis and Candidatus R. xuyiensis in ticks and hedgehogs of Southeast China. Our findings suggest that hedgehogs might be involved in the natural transmission cycle of Rickettsia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqiang Zhu
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Lele Ai
- Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yong Qi
- Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yunsheng Liu
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hong Li
- Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Fuqiang Ye
- Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Qiuwei Wang
- Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yizhe Luo
- Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Weilong Tan
- Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Chunmeng Shi
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Rataud A, Galon C, Bournez L, Henry PY, Marsot M, Moutailler S. Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Tick Larvae Feeding on Breeding Birds in France. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080946. [PMID: 36015066 PMCID: PMC9414652 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080946] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds play a role in maintaining tick-borne diseases by contributing to the multiplication of ticks and pathogens on a local scale during the breeding season. In the present study, we describe the diversity of tick and pathogen species of medical and veterinary importance in Europe hosted by 1040 captured birds (56 species) during their breeding season in France. Of the 3114 ticks collected, Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent species (89.5%), followed by I. frontalis (0.8%), I. arboricola (0.7%), Haemaphysalis concinna (0.5%), H. punctata (0.5%), Hyalomma spp. (0.2%), and Rhipicephalus spp. (0.06%). Because they may be representative of the bird infection status for some pathogen species, 1106 engorged tick larvae were screened for pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was the most prevalent pathogen genus in bird-feeding larvae (11.7%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (7.4%), Anaplasma spp. (5.7%), Babesia spp. (2.3%), Ehrlichia spp. (1.4%), and B. miyamotoi (1%). Turdidae birds (Turdus merula and T. philomelos), Troglodytes troglodytes, and Anthus trivialis had a significantly higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected larvae than other pathogen genera. This suggests that these bird species could act as reservoir hosts for B. burgdorferi s.l. during their breeding season, and thus play an important role in acarological risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Rataud
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Université Paris Est, ANSES, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Clemence Galon
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Laure Bournez
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Henry
- Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution (MECADEV UMR 7179), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 91800 Brunoy, France
- Centre de Recherches sur la Biologie des Populations d’Oiseaux (CRBPO), Centre d’Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR 7204), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Maud Marsot
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Université Paris Est, ANSES, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.M.)
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Yessinou RE, Cazan CD, Bonnet SI, Farougou S, Mihalca AD. Geographical distribution of hard ticks (Acari:Ixodidae) and tick-host associations in Benin, Burkina-Faso, Ivory-Coast and Togo. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106510. [PMID: 35568068 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of ticks and associated pathogens is crucial to assess the risk of exposure of humans and animals to pathogens. For this review, we collected relevant data from published articles and field collections to provide an update on the biodiversity of ticks, and tick-host associations in four countries of West Africa: Benin, Burkina-Faso, Ivory-Coast, and Togo. The literature review was done according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was limited to literature published from 1953 to 2021 in English and French sources. Out of 104 articles retrieved, only 41 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The final database included a total of 53,619 adults, nymphs and larval ticks belonging to 24 species and five genera (Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus) that were collected from 23 different species of wild and domestic animals. This is the first record of Ixodes aulacodi and Rhipicephalus simpsoni in Benin, together with two new host records for A. latum. This checklist allows an update on tick-host associations and provides information on the diversity of ticks in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Eric Yessinou
- Communicable Disease Research Unit (URMaT), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin, 01 Po. Box: 2009, Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; CDS-9 Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sarah Irène Bonnet
- Functional Genetics of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000, Université de Paris, 75015, Paris, France; Animal Health Department, INRAE, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Souaïbou Farougou
- Communicable Disease Research Unit (URMaT), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin, 01 Po. Box: 2009, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Qi Y, Ai L, Jiao J, Wang J, Wu D, Wang P, Zhang G, Qin Y, Hu C, Lv R, Lu N, Zhu C, Mao Y, Qi R, Li Y, Tan W. High prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks from wild hedgehogs rather than domestic bovine in Jiangsu province, Eastern China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:954785. [PMID: 35959365 PMCID: PMC9360493 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.954785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSpotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR), containing various pathogenic Rickettsia spp., poses remarkable negative influences to public health by causing various severe or mild diseases. Information regarding prevalence of SFGR in ticks in Jiangsu province, Eastern China, is still limited and needs urgent investigations.MethodsHedgehog- and bovine-attached ticks were collected from Jiangsu province, Eastern China. DNA of individual ticks was extracted for nested polymerase chain reaction amplifications targeting gltA, 16S ribosomal RNA (rrs), ompA, ompB, and sca4 genes following with sequencing. SFGR-specific IgG antibodies in sera of local donators were evaluated using ELISA.ResultsOverall, 144 (83.2%) of the 173 ticks from hedgehogs and 2 (1.2%) of the 168 ticks from bovine were positive for one of the three identified Rickettsia spp., with significant difference between the two groups (P = 3.6e-52). Candidatus Rickettsia principis (9; 5.2%) and R. heilongjiangensis (135; 78.0%) were detected in Haemaphysalis flava rather than in H. longicornis ticks from hedgehogs. R. heilongjiangensis (1; 0.6%) and Candidatus R. jingxinensis (or Candidatus R. longicornii) (1; 0.6%) were identified in H. longicornis and Rhipicephalus microplus ticks from bovine, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated Candidatus R. jingxinensis belonged to R. japonica subgroup, whereas Candidatus R. principis belonged to a novel subgroup. Higher serological prevalence of spotted fever and SFGR-specific IgG antibody level in humans were observed around the investigated area than in urban areas, without significant difference.ConclusionCandidatus R. principis and Candidatus R. jingxinensis were identified in Jiangsu province, Eastern China, and fully genetically characterized for the first time. The higher prevalence of SFGR in hedgehog-attached ticks as well as the higher SFGR-specific IgG antibody level and seropositive rate in humans around the investigated area suggested that more attention should be paid to SFGR. This pathogen is usually transmitted or harbored by wild animals and ticks. This study provides important epidemiological data for both physicians and public health officers in developing early prevention and control strategies against potential Rickettsia infections and in the preparation of suitable testing and treatment needs for rickettsiosis in the endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Qi
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, China
| | - Lele Ai
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Junhu Wang
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, China
| | - Deping Wu
- Huaian Medical District of Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Huaian, China
| | | | - Guoyu Zhang
- Xuyi County Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Huaian, China
| | - Yong Qin
- Xuyi County Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Huaian, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- The 907Hospital of Chinese PLA, Nanping, China
| | - Ruichen Lv
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, China
| | - Nianhong Lu
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, China
| | - Changqiang Zhu
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingqing Mao
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Qi
- Army Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuexi Li
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuexi Li, ; Weilong Tan,
| | - Weilong Tan
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Bioengineering (Gene) Technology Center for Medicines, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuexi Li, ; Weilong Tan,
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Co-infections with multiple pathogens in natural populations of Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Mongolia. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:236. [PMID: 35765092 PMCID: PMC9238073 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Mongolia, the taiga tick Ixodes persulcatus is the major vector of tick-borne pathogens. Knowledge about co-infections of these pathogens in ticks is necessary both for understanding their persistence in nature and for diagnosing and treating tick-borne diseases. Methods The prevalence of seven tick-borne infections in 346 I. persulcatus collected from the Selenge and Bulgan provinces of Mongolia was evaluated using real-time PCR. Quantification of Borrelia spp. was performed using multiplex quantitative PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Genetic analysis of Borrelia spp. in 11 ticks infected with Borrelia miyamotoi, including six ticks co-infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), was performed by high-throughput sequencing of the flaB gene fragment. Results Six ticks (1.7%) were infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV); 171 (49.4%), with B. burgdorferi sensu lato; 17 (4.9%), with B. miyamotoi; 47 (13.6%), with Anaplasma phagocytophilum; and 56 (16.2%), with Ehrlichia sp. Neither Rickettsia sibirica nor R. heilongjiangensis were detected. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. occurred as co-infection in 55 (32.2%) of all infected ticks. The other pathogens co-infected ticks in 58.8–70.2% of cases. No pairwise associations between co-infecting pathogens were observed, with the exception of a positive association between A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp. infections. The spirochete loads of B. miyamotoi were significantly higher than those of B. burgdorferi s.l. (mean: 5.2 vs 4.0 log10 genome copies/tick, respectively). Ten isolates of B. miyamotoi belonged to the Siberian lineage. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l was represented by nine isolates of B. afzelii, B. bavariensis and B. garinii. Conclusions In populations of I. persulcatus inhabiting the Selenge and Bulgan provinces of Mongolia, five vector-borne pathogens, i.e. TBEV, B. burgdorferi s.l., B. miyamotoi, A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp., persist independently from each other, with the exception of A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp. which seem to share the circulation mode. The discrepancies in B. burgdorferi s.l. and B. miyamotoi prevalence and spirochete load per tick suggest that different ecological niches are occupied by Lyme disease and relapsing fever agents. High-throughput sequencing allows genetic identification of borreliae species in co-infected ticks. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Mesquita JR, Santos-Silva S, de Sousa Moreira A, Baptista MB, Cruz R, Esteves F, Vala H, Barradas PF. Rickettsia massiliae circulation in sheep and attached Rhipicephalus sanguineus in Central Portugal. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:199. [PMID: 35668327 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03206-7] [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: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsiosis is considered an emerging/re-emerging vector-borne disease that causes significant public health threats. Ticks are reservoirs and vectors of Rickettsia having a significant role in the transmission of rickettsiae. In Portugal, little is known about tick-borne Rickettsia species in sheep. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate rickettsiae infection in ticks and their sheep host from 27 farms in four districts of central Portugal, to clarify the role of the sheep host in the circulation of this zoonotic agent. Between March and May 2021, EDTA blood samples (n = 100) of healthy grazing sheep and their ticks (n = 100, one tick per animal) were collected during a herd health program in central Portugal. Obtained ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato by PCR targeting a partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene followed by sequence analysis. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and host sheep blood were tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by PCR targeting a partial sequence of ompB and ompA genes. From a total of 100 paired R. sanguineus s.l. and host sheep, Rickettsia massiliae was detected in 62 ticks and 35 grazing sheep blood samples, collected in central Portugal, 2021. All 35 positive sheep had attached positive R. sanguineus s.l., with matching nucleotidic sequences. These findings suggest that sheep may develop rickettsiemia and are likely capable of transmitting and amplifying the infection to uninfected ticks maintaining rickettsiae in circulation in the domestic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- João R Mesquita
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-091, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa E Translacional Em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | - Rita Cruz
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Studies in Education and Health Technologies (CI&DETS), Viseu, Portugal
| | - Fernando Esteves
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Studies in Education and Health Technologies (CI&DETS), Viseu, Portugal
| | - Helena Vala
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB) and Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Patrícia F Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-091, Porto, Portugal. .,Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa E Translacional Em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal. .,University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal. .,OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Porto, Portugal.
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Grassi L, Menandro ML, Cassini R, Mondin A, Pasotto D, Grillini M, Rocca G, Drigo M. High Prevalence of Tick-Borne Zoonotic Rickettsia slovaca in Ticks from Wild Boars, Northeastern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080967. [PMID: 35454214 PMCID: PMC9025954 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tick-borne rickettsioses are emerging diseases that have become widespread in many European countries, particularly in those facing the Mediterranean basin. Although Rickettsia conorii was traditionally thought to be the most threatening species, in recent decades, thanks to the improvements in biomolecular tools, other zoonotic species have been identified, such as Rickettsia slovaca, the etiological agent of scalp eschar and neck lymphadenopathy after tick bite (SENLAT), as well as other neglected species. These pathogens are present in Italy, but few data are available. This research aimed to improve the epidemiological knowledge of rickettsial infections in tick and wild boar populations in the Euganean Hills Regional Park, an enclosed area in northeastern Italy. Both tick and wild boar blood samples were tested using biomolecular methods to detect and identify Rickettsia species. Only ticks tested positive, and Rickettsia slovaca was the most frequently detected species, showing a high prevalence, followed by Rickettsia monacensis and Rickettsia helvetica. These data highlight a non-negligible presence of these pathogens in northern Italy and outline that rickettsial infections deserve further investigation. Abstract Tick-borne rickettsiae are emerging pathogens that are becoming widespread in Europe. Rickettsiae are endemic in Italy, but epidemiological data are currently scarce. This study aimed to improve our knowledge about rickettsial infections in tick and wild boar populations. Blood and ticks were collected from 102 wild boars in 2010 and 2018. Ticks were also collected from the vegetation in the area. All of the samples were examined using real-time PCR targeting the gltA gene to detect Rickettsia DNA. Positivity was confirmed by PCR amplifying the gltA and/or ompB genes. A total of 254 ticks and 89 blood samples were analyzed. Zoonotic rickettsiae were detected in the ticks but not in the blood samples. Rickettsia slovaca (R. slovaca) was the most prevalent in ticks and was found in 23.7% of Dermacentor marginatus (D. marginatus) and in 3.4% of Ixodes ricinus (I. ricinus). Other zoonotic species were identified, such as Rickettsia monacensis, which was detected in 12% of I. ricinus ticks, and Rickettsia helvetica which was found in 3.4% of questing I. ricinus ticks and in 1.1% of D. marginatus collected from wild boars. This study highlights a high prevalence of zoonotic rickettsiae, particularly that of R. slovaca, in northeastern Italy. As rickettsioses are underreported and underdiagnosed in human medicine, both clinicians and researchers should pay more attention to this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grassi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.G.); (R.C.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (M.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Maria Luisa Menandro
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.G.); (R.C.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (M.G.); (M.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rudi Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.G.); (R.C.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (M.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Alessandra Mondin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.G.); (R.C.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (M.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Daniela Pasotto
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.G.); (R.C.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (M.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Marika Grillini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.G.); (R.C.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (M.G.); (M.D.)
| | | | - Michele Drigo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.G.); (R.C.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (M.G.); (M.D.)
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Molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii and piroplasms) in questing and feeding hard ticks from North-Western Spain. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101961. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Pillay A, Manyangadze T, Mukaratirwa S. Prevalence of Rickettsia africae in tick vectors collected from mammalian hosts in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101960. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Moustafa MAM, Mohamed WMA, Lau AC, Chatanga E, Qiu Y, Hayashi N, Naguib D, Sato K, Takano A, Mastuno K, Nonaka N, Taylor D, Kawabata H, Nakao R. Novel symbionts and potential human pathogens excavated from argasid tick microbiomes that are shaped by dual or single symbiosis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1979-1992. [PMID: 35521555 PMCID: PMC9062450 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on vector-associated microbiomes has been expanding due to increasing emergence of vector-borne pathogens and awareness of the importance of symbionts in the vector physiology. However, little is known about microbiomes of argasid (or soft-bodied) ticks due to limited access to specimens. We collected four argasid species (Argas japonicus, Carios vespertilionis, Ornithodoros capensis, and Ornithodoros sawaii) from the nests or burrows of their vertebrate hosts. One laboratory-reared argasid species (Ornithodoros moubata) was also included. Attempts were then made to isolate and characterize potential symbionts/pathogens using arthropod cell lines. Microbial community structure was distinct for each tick species. Coxiella was detected as the predominant symbiont in four tick species where dual symbiosis between Coxiella and Rickettsia or Coxiella and Francisella was observed in C. vespertilionis and O. moubata, respectively. Of note, A. japonicus lacked Coxiella and instead had Occidentia massiliensis and Thiotrichales as alternative symbionts. Our study found strong correlation between tick species and life stage. We successfully isolated Oc. massiliensis and characterized potential pathogens of genera Ehrlichia and Borrelia. The results suggest that there is no consistent trend of microbiomes in relation to tick life stage that fit all tick species and that the final interpretation should be related to the balance between environmental bacterial exposure and endosymbiont ecology. Nevertheless, our findings provide insights on the ecology of tick microbiomes and basis for future investigations on the capacity of argasid ticks to carry novel pathogens with public health importance.
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Pascucci I, Antognini E, Canonico C, Montalbano MG, Necci A, di Donato A, Moriconi M, Morandi B, Morganti G, Crotti S, Gavaudan S. One Health Approach to Rickettsiosis: A Five-Year Study on Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected from Humans, Animals and Environment. Microorganisms 2021; 10:microorganisms10010035. [PMID: 35056484 PMCID: PMC8781306 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The spotted fever group of Rickettsiae is a heterogeneous group of Rickettsiae transmitted by ticks, causing similar diseases in humans (spotted fever). Until recently, it was supposed that a single pathogenic tick-borne SFG Rickettsia circulated in each different geographic area and that R. conorii subsp. conorii was the SFG Rickettsiae circulating in Italy, but in the last decade, thanks to molecular diagnostic, several different Rickettsia species, previously not considered pathogenic for decades, have been isolated from ticks and definitively associated to human disease, also in Italy. The present survey was carried out with the aim of investigating the presence of different SFG Rickettsia species in a geographic area where no information was available. Ticks collected from animals submitted to necropsy, removed from humans in local hospitals and collected from the environment were identified and tested by PCR for Rickettsia spp. based on the gltA gene, and positive PCR products were sequenced. A total of 3286 ticks were collected. Fifteen tick species were recognized, the most represented (79.52%) species in the collection was Ixodes ricinus, followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (9.13%). The overall prevalence of Rickettsia infection was 7.58%. Eight species of Rickettsia were identified, the most frequent was R. monacensis (56%), followed by R. helvetica (25.50%). Noteworthy, is the detection in the present study of Rrhipicephali, detected only twice in Italy. These are the first data available on SFG Rickettsiae circulation in the study area and they can be considered as starting point to assess the possible risk for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Pascucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (E.A.); Tel.: +39-0721-281677 (I.P.); +3907141760 (E.A.)
| | - Elisa Antognini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (E.A.); Tel.: +39-0721-281677 (I.P.); +3907141760 (E.A.)
| | - Cristina Canonico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Marco Giuseppe Montalbano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Alessandro Necci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Alessandra di Donato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Martina Moriconi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Benedetto Morandi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Silvia Crotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Stefano Gavaudan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Gaetano Salvemini, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.M.); (A.N.); (A.d.D.); (M.M.); (B.M.); (S.C.); (S.G.)
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Kjær LJ, Jensen LM, Chriél M, Bødker R, Petersen HH. The raccoon dog ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) as a reservoir of zoonotic diseases in Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:175-182. [PMID: 34660192 PMCID: PMC8502833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Raccoon dogs have successfully invaded Europe, including Denmark. Raccoon dogs are potential vectors and reservoir hosts of several zoonotic pathogens and thus have the potential for posing a threat to both human and animal health. This study includes analysis of four zoonotic parasites, 16 tick-borne pathogens and two pathogen groups from 292 raccoon dogs collected from January 2018 to December 2018. The raccoon dogs were received as a part of the Danish national wildlife surveillance program and were hunted, found dead or road killed. The raccoon dogs were screened for Alaria alata and Echinococcus multilocularis eggs in faeces by microscopy and PCR, respectively, Trichinella spp. larvae in muscles by digestion, antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA and screening of ticks for pathogens by fluidigm real-time PCR. All raccoon dogs tested negative for E. multilocularis and Trichinella spp., while 32.9% excreted A. alata eggs and 42.7% were T. gondii sero-positive. Five tick-borne pathogens were identified in ticks collected from 15 raccoon dogs, namely Anaplasma phagocytophilum (20.0%), Babesia venatorum (6.7%), Borrelia miyamotoi (6.7%), Neoehrlichia mikurensis (6.7%) and Rickettsia helvetica (60.0%). We identified raccoon dogs from Denmark as an important reservoir of T. gondii and A. alata infection to other hosts, including humans, while raccoon dogs appear as a negligible reservoir of E. multilocularis and Trichinella spp. infections. Our results suggest that raccoon dogs may be a reservoir of A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Jung Kjær
- Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Laura Mark Jensen
- Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Marian Chriél
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - René Bødker
- Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +45 93 51 16 45.
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Identification of tick-borne pathogens using metagenomic analyses in H. longicornis feeding on humans in downtown Beijing. ANIMAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s44149-021-00018-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractOn August 14th, 2018, a Beijing resident living in Xicheng District found a female H. longicornis tick attached to the skin at the front of his upper shin. On examination, the patient was afebrile and appeared well. The species of the tick was identified through morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis based on cytochrome C oxidase subunit I. This H. longicornis tick was screened for tick-borne pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. RNA pathogens were screened by PCR and sequencing, while DNA pathogens were screened by metagenomic analyses. It was found that the tick was positive for the DNA sequences of zoonotic and animal pathogens such as A. phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia minasensis and C. burnetii. Considering the good health condition of the patient, we hypothesized that the pathogens originated from the tick specimen itself rather than host blood meal. For the first time, our study reveals the possible risk of transmission of tick-borne pathogens to human beings through tick bit in downtown Beijing. Further research is needed to screen for tick-borne pathogens among unfed ticks collected from central Beijing.
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Sharma SR, Karim S. Tick Saliva and the Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Finding a Needle in a Haystack. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:680264. [PMID: 34354960 PMCID: PMC8331069 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.680264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are significant public health concerns. Bioactive molecules in tick saliva facilitate prolonged blood-feeding and transmission of tick-borne pathogens to the vertebrate host. Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a newly reported food allergy, is believed to be induced by saliva proteins decorated with a sugar molecule, the oligosaccharide galactose-⍺-1,3-galactose (α-gal). This syndrome is characterized by an IgE antibody-directed hypersensitivity against α-gal. The α-gal antigen was discovered in the salivary glands and saliva of various tick species including, the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum). The underlying immune mechanisms linking tick bites with α-gal-specific IgE production are poorly understood and are crucial to identify and establish novel treatments for this disease. This article reviews the current understanding of AGS and its involvement with tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Raj Sharma
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Shahid Karim
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
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Tokarz R, Lipkin WI. Discovery and Surveillance of Tick-Borne Pathogens. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1525-1535. [PMID: 33313662 PMCID: PMC8285023 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Within the past 30 yr molecular assays have largely supplanted classical methods for detection of tick-borne agents. Enhancements provided by molecular assays, including speed, throughput, sensitivity, and specificity, have resulted in a rapid increase in the number of newly characterized tick-borne agents. The use of unbiased high throughput sequencing has enabled the prompt identification of new pathogens and the examination of tick microbiomes. These efforts have led to the identification of hundreds of new tick-borne agents in the last decade alone. However, little is currently known about the majority of these agents beyond their phylogenetic classification. Our article outlines the primary methods involved in tick-borne agent discovery and the current status of our understanding of tick-borne agent diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Tokarz
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
| | - W Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Karim S, Kumar D, Budachetri K. Recent advances in understanding tick and rickettsiae interactions. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12830. [PMID: 33713348 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are haematophagous arthropods with unique molecular mechanisms for digesting host blood meal while acting as vectors for various pathogens of public health significance. The tick's pharmacologically active saliva plays a fundamental role in modulating the host's immune system for several days to weeks, depending on the tick species. The vector tick has also developed sophisticated molecular mechanisms to serve as a competent vector for pathogens, including the spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. Evidence is still inadequate concerning tick-rickettsiae-host interactions and saliva-assisted transmission of the pathogen to the mammalian host. Rickettsia parkeri, of the SFG rickettsia, can cause a milder version of Rocky Mountain spotted fever known as American Boutonneuse fever. The Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) often transmits this pathogenic rickettsia in the USA. This review discusses the knowledge gap concerning tick-rickettsiae-host interactions by highlighting the SFG rickettsia and the Am maculatum model system. Filling this knowledge gap will provide a better understanding of the tick-rickettsiae-host interactions in disease causation, which will be crucial for developing effective methods for preventing tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Karim
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, School of Biological. Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, School of Biological. Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Khemraj Budachetri
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, School of Biological. Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.,The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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McGinn J, Lamason RL. The enigmatic biology of rickettsiae: recent advances, open questions and outlook. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:ftab019. [PMID: 33784388 PMCID: PMC8035066 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that can cause life-threatening illnesses and are among the oldest known vector-borne pathogens. Members of this genus are extraordinarily diverse and exhibit a broad host range. To establish intracellular infection, Rickettsia species undergo complex, multistep life cycles that are encoded by heavily streamlined genomes. As a result of reductive genome evolution, rickettsiae are exquisitely tailored to their host cell environment but cannot survive extracellularly. This host-cell dependence makes for a compelling system to uncover novel host-pathogen biology, but it has also hindered experimental progress. Consequently, the molecular details of rickettsial biology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood. With recent advances in molecular biology and genetics, the field is poised to start unraveling the molecular mechanisms of these host-pathogen interactions. Here, we review recent discoveries that have shed light on key aspects of rickettsial biology. These studies have revealed that rickettsiae subvert host cells using mechanisms that are distinct from other better-studied pathogens, underscoring the great potential of the Rickettsia genus for revealing novel biology. We also highlight several open questions as promising areas for future study and discuss the path toward solving the fundamental mysteries of this neglected and emerging human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon McGinn
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Rebecca L Lamason
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
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Bermúdez S, Martínez-Mandiche J, Domínguez L, Gonzalez C, Chavarria O, Moreno A, Góndola J, Correa N, Rodríguez I, Castillo B, Smith D, Martínez AA. Diversity of Rickettsia in ticks collected from wild animals in Panama. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101723. [PMID: 33857748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101723] [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: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents new data about Rickettsia species detected in ticks collected from wild animals, using 16S rRNA, gltA and ompA. Rickettsia DNA was found in 66 of 101 ticks. Using EZ BioCloud libraries were produced reads that identified Rickettsia aeschlimannii, and Illumina BaseSpace produced reads of Rickettsia rickettsii group, Rickettsia bellii group, and unclassified Rickettsia. Using gltA and ompA gene-specific primers, R. aeschlimannii could not be confirmed, but detection of Rickettsia amblyommatis was achieved in Amblyomma auricularium, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma mixtum, and Amblyomma pacae; R. bellii from Amblyomma dissimile, "Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi" from A. dissimile, Rickettsia spp. closely related to R. raoultii from A. geayi, Rickettsia tamurae from A. dissimile, and Rickettsia endosymbionts of Ixodes from Ixodes affinis. There were no databases available specifically for 16S rRNA of Neotropical Rickettsia, highlighting the need to use species primers over only 16S rRNA primers to achieve more accurate interpretations and identifications. These findings increase the number of Rickettsia species detected in Panama and highlight the need to establish isolates to further characterize the nature of Rickettsia in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Bermúdez
- Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama, Panama; Coiba Scientific Station, Coiba AIP, City of Knowledge, Panama.
| | | | | | | | - Oris Chavarria
- Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama, Panama
| | - Ambar Moreno
- Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama, Panama
| | | | - Néstor Correa
- Panamerican Conservation Association, Panama, Panama
| | | | | | | | - Alexander A Martínez
- Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama, Panama; Coiba Scientific Station, Coiba AIP, City of Knowledge, Panama; Panamerican Conservation Association, Panama, Panama; Summit, Municipal Park, Panama, Panama.
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High-Throughput Microfluidic Real-Time PCR for the Detection of Multiple Microorganisms in Ixodid Cattle Ticks in Northeast Algeria. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030362. [PMID: 33803682 PMCID: PMC8002991 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodid ticks are hematophagous arthropods considered to be prominent ectoparasite vectors that have a negative impact on cattle, either through direct injury or via the transmission of several pathogens. In this study, we investigated the molecular infection rates of numerous tick-borne pathogens in ticks sampled on cattle from the Kabylia region, northeastern Algeria, using a high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system. A total of 235 ticks belonging to seven species of the genera Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Ixodes were sampled on cattle and then screened for the presence of 36 different species of bacteria and protozoans. The most prevalent tick-borne microorganisms were Rickettsia spp. at 79.1%, followed by Francisella-like endosymbionts (62.9%), Theileria spp. (17.8%), Anaplasma spp. (14.4%), Bartonella spp. (6.8%), Borrelia spp. (6.8%), and Babesia spp. (2.5%). Among the 80.4% of ticks bearing microorganisms, 20%, 36.6%, 21.7%, and 2.1% were positive for one, two, three, and four different microorganisms, respectively. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma detritum, and Rhipicephalus bursa ticks. Rickettsia massiliae was found in Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Rickettsiamonacensis and Rickettsia helvetica were detected in Ixodesricinus. Anaplasma marginale was found in all identified tick genera, but Anaplasma centrale was detected exclusively in Rhipicephalus spp. ticks. The DNA of Borrelia spp. and Bartonella spp. was identified in several tick species. Theileria orientalis was found in R. bursa, R. sanguineus, H. detritum, H. marginatum, and I. ricinus and Babesia bigemina was found in Rhipicephalus annulatus and R. sanguineus. Our study highlights the importance of tick-borne pathogens in cattle in Algeria.
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Salje J. Cells within cells: Rickettsiales and the obligate intracellular bacterial lifestyle. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:375-390. [PMID: 33564174 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-020-00507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Rickettsiales are a group of obligate intracellular vector-borne Gram-negative bacteria that include many organisms of clinical and agricultural importance, including Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Wolbachia, Rickettsia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi. This Review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of the biology of these bacteria and their interactions with host cells, with a focus on pathogenic species or those that are otherwise important for human health. This includes a description of rickettsial genomics, bacterial cell biology, the intracellular lifestyles of Rickettsiales and the mechanisms by which they induce and evade the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Salje
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA.
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41
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Apari P, Földvári G. Harm or protection? The adaptive function of tick toxins. Evol Appl 2021; 14:271-277. [PMID: 33664774 PMCID: PMC7896703 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of tick toxins is an old enigma that has intrigued scientists for a long time. The adaptive value of using deadly toxins for predatory animals is obvious: they try to kill the prey in the most effective way or protect themselves from their natural enemies. Ticks, however, are blood-sucking parasites, and it seems paradoxical that they have toxins similar to spiders, scorpions and snakes. Based on published data, here we examine the potential adaptive function of different types of toxins produced by soft and hard ticks. We hypothesize that there are diverse evolutionary roles behind (a) to attack and reduce the tick-transmitted pathogens inside the vertebrate host systemically to protect the tick, (b) to paralyse the host to stop grooming, (c) to speed up host heartbeat to improve blood supply and (d) to inhibit the process of necroptosis to prevent the rejection of hard ticks. We will provide published evidence that supports the above-mentioned hypotheses, and we will give an outlook how these new scientific results might be applied in modern pharmacology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Apari
- Institute of EvolutionCentre for Ecological ResearchBudapestHungary
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Institute of EvolutionCentre for Ecological ResearchBudapestHungary
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Fourie JJ, Lorusso V, Varloud M, Gradoni L, Drake J, Geurden T, Kaminsky R, Heckeroth AR, Schunack B, Pollmeier M, Beugnet F, Holdsworth P. World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) guidelines for studies evaluating the efficacy of parasiticides in reducing the risk of vector-borne pathogen transmission in dogs and cats. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109369. [PMID: 33548595 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
These guidelines are intended to provide an in-depth review of current knowledge and assist the planning and implementation of studies for evaluating the efficacy of parasiticides in reducing transmission of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) to dogs and cats. At present, the prevention of VBP transmission in companion animals is generally achieved through the administration of products that can repel or rapidly kill arthropods, thus preventing or interrupting feeding before transmission occurs. The present guidelines complement existing guidelines, which focus on efficacy assessment of parasiticides for the treatment, prevention and control of flea and tick infestations, but also give guidance for studies focused on other vectors (i.e. mosquitoes and phlebotomine sand flies). The efficacy of parasiticides in reducing VBP transmission can be evaluated through laboratory or field studies. As such, the present guidelines provide recommendations for these studies, representing a tool for researchers, pharmaceutical companies and authorities involved in the research, development and registration of products with claims for reducing VBP transmission in dogs and cats, respecting the overall principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement). Gaps in our current understanding of VBP transmission times are herein highlighted and the need for further basic research on related topics is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (Fiocruz-PE), Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Vincenzo Lorusso
- Global Research and Intellectual Property, Vetoquinol, 37 Rue de la Victoire, 75009, Paris, France; School of Science, Engineering and Environment, Peel Building, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Luigi Gradoni
- Unit of Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Thomas Geurden
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Hoge Wei 10, B-1930, Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Ronald Kaminsky
- ParaC-Consulting for Parasitology and Drug Discovery, 79685, Haeg-Ehrsberg, Germany
| | - Anja R Heckeroth
- MSD Animal Health Innovation GmbH, Zur Propstei, 55270, Schwabenheim, Germany
| | - Bettina Schunack
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH: an Elanco Animal Health Company, 51368, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Matthias Pollmeier
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH: an Elanco Animal Health Company, 51368, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Frédéric Beugnet
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 Av Tony Garnier, Lyon, 69007, France
| | - Peter Holdsworth
- PAH Consultancy Pty Ltd, Wanniassa, 2903, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Vikentjeva M, Geller J, Remm J, Golovljova I. Rickettsia spp. in rodent-attached ticks in Estonia and first evidence of spotted fever group Rickettsia species Candidatus Rickettsia uralica in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:65. [PMID: 33472659 PMCID: PMC7818765 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04564-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rickettsia spp. are human pathogens that cause a number of diseases and are transmitted by arthropods, such as ixodid ticks. Estonia is one of few regions where the distribution area of two medically important tick species, Ixodes persulcatus and I. ricinus, overlaps. The nidicolous rodent-associated Ixodes trianguliceps has also recently been shown to be present in Estonia. Although no data are available on human disease(s) caused by tick-borne Rickettsia spp. in Estonia, the presence of three Rickettsia species in non-nidicolous ticks has been previously reported. The aim of this study was to detect, identify and partially characterize Rickettsia species in nidicolous and non-nidicolous ticks attached to rodents in Estonia. RESULTS Larvae and nymphs of I. ricinus (n = 1004), I. persulcatus (n = 75) and I. trianguliceps (n = 117), all removed from rodents and shrews caught in different parts of Estonia, were studied for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by nested PCR. Ticks were collected from 314 small animals of five species [Myodes glareolus (bank voles), Apodemus flavicollis (yellow necked mice), A. agrarius (striped field mice), Microtus subterranius (pine voles) and Sorex araneus (common shrews)]. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 8.7% (103/1186) of the studied ticks. In addition to identifying R. helvetica, which had been previously found in questing ticks, we report here the first time that the recently described I. trianguliceps-associated Candidatus Rickettsia uralica has been identified west of the Ural Mountains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vikentjeva
- Department of Virology and Immunology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia. .,Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Julia Geller
- Department of Virology and Immunology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Remm
- Department of Zoology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Irina Golovljova
- Department of Virology and Immunology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia.,Tallinn Children's Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia
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The Actin Cytoskeleton Mediates Transmission of " Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" by the Carrot Psyllid. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.02393-20. [PMID: 33188004 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02393-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Several vector-borne plant pathogens have evolved mechanisms to exploit and to hijack vector host cellular, molecular, and defense mechanisms for their transmission. In the past few years, Liberibacter species, which are transmitted by several psyllid vectors, have become an economically important group of pathogens that have devastated the citrus industry and caused tremendous losses to many other important crops worldwide. The molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions of Liberibacter species with their psyllid vectors are poorly studied. "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum," which is associated with important vegetable diseases, is transmitted by the carrot psyllid Bactericera trigonica in a persistent manner. Here, we elucidated the role of the B. trigonica Arp2/3 protein complex, which plays a major role in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, in the transmission of "Ca Liberibacter solanacearum." "Ca Liberibacter solanacearum" colocalized with ArpC2, a key protein in this complex, and this colocalization was strongly associated with actin filaments. Silencing of the psyllid ArpC2 disrupted the colocalization and the dynamics of F-actin. Silencing of RhoGAP21 and Cdc42, which act in the signaling cascade leading to upregulation of Arp2/3 and F-actin bundling, showed similar results. On the other hand, silencing of ArpC5, another component of the complex, did not induce any significant effects on F-actin formation. Finally, ArpC2 silencing caused a 73.4% reduction in "Ca Liberibacter solanacearum" transmission by psyllids, strongly suggesting that transmission of "Ca Liberibacter solanacearum" by B. trigonica is cytoskeleton dependent and "Ca Liberibacter solanacearum" interacts with ArpC2 to exploit the intracellular actin nucleation process for transmission. Targeting this unique interaction could lead to the development of a novel strategy for the management of Liberibacter-associated diseases.IMPORTANCE Plant diseases caused by vector-borne pathogens are responsible for tremendous losses and threaten some of the most important agricultural crops. A good example is the citrus greening disease, which is caused by bacteria of the genus Liberibacter and is transmitted by psyllids; it has devastated the citrus industry in the United States, China, and Brazil. Here, we show that psyllid-transmitted "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" employs the actin cytoskeleton of psyllid gut cells, specifically the ArpC2 protein in the Arp2/3 complex of this system, for movement and transmission in the vector. Silencing of ArpC2 dramatically influenced the interaction of "Ca Liberibacter solanacearum" with the cytoskeleton and decreased the bacterial transmission to plants. This system could be targeted to develop a novel approach for the control of Liberibacter-associated diseases.
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Hart CE, Thangamani S. Tick-virus interactions: Current understanding and future perspectives. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12815. [PMID: 33368375 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are the primary vector of arboviruses in temperate climates worldwide. They are both the vector of these pathogens to humans and an integral component of the viral sylvatic cycle. Understanding the tick-pathogen interaction provides information about the natural maintenance of these pathogens and informs the development of countermeasures against human infection. In this review, we discuss currently available information on tick-viral interactions within the broader scope of general tick immunology. While the tick immune response to several pathogens has been studied extensively, minimal work centres on responses to viral infection. This is largely due to the high pathogenicity of tick-borne viruses; this necessitates high-containment laboratories or low-pathogenicity substitute viruses. This has biased most research towards tick-borne flaviviruses. More work is required to fully understand the role of tick-virus interaction in sylvatic cycling and transmission of diverse tick-borne viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Edward Hart
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Saravanan Thangamani
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Molecular screening for tick-borne bacteria and hematozoa in Ixodes cf. boliviensis and Ixodes tapirus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) from western highlands of Panama. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100034. [PMID: 35284894 PMCID: PMC8906142 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The first molecular screening for Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Babesia and Hepatozoon was carried out in questing Ixodes cf. boliviensis and Ixodes tapirus from Talamanca Mountains, Panama, using specific primers, sequencing and phylogeny. Phylogenetic analyses for the microorganisms in Ixodes cf. boliviensis confirmed the presence of Rickettsia sp. strain IbR/CRC endosymbiont (26/27 ticks), three genotypes of the Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) complex (4/27 ticks), Babesia odocoilei (1/27 ticks), and Hepatozoon sp. (2/27 ticks), tentatively designated Hepatozoon sp. strain Chiriquensis. Phylogenetic analyses for the microorganisms in I. tapirus revealed an undescribed Rickettsia sp., tentatively designated Rickettsia sp. strain Itapirus LQ (6/6 ticks), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (2/6 ticks). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) complex, A. phagocytophilum, B. odocoilei, and Hepatozoon sp. in Ixodes ticks from Central America, and also the first detection of Rickettsia spp. in Ixodes species in Panama. In light of the importance of these findings, further studies are needed focusing on the role of I. tapirus and I. cf. boliviensis as vectors, and the vertebrates acting as reservoirs. Free-living adult Ixodes ticks collected in Talamanca Mountains, Panama, were PCR-screened for tick-borne pathogens. Ixodes tapirus and Ixodes cf. boliviensis identified morphologically and molecularly. Genetic differences between Ixodes boliviensis from South America and I. cf. boliviensis from Panama. First molecular data for B. burgdorferi (s.l.), Hepatozoon and Babesia odocoilei in I. cf. boliviensis from Central America. First molecular data for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and spotted fever group Rickettsia in I. tapirus from Central America.
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Piotrowski M, Rymaszewska A. Expansion of Tick-Borne Rickettsioses in the World. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1906. [PMID: 33266186 PMCID: PMC7760173 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group of the genus Rickettsia. These infections are among the oldest known diseases transmitted by vectors. In the last three decades there has been a rapid increase in the recognition of this disease complex. This unusual expansion of information was mainly caused by the development of molecular diagnostic techniques that have facilitated the identification of new and previously recognized rickettsiae. A lot of currently known bacteria of the genus Rickettsia have been considered nonpathogenic for years, and moreover, many new species have been identified with unknown pathogenicity. The genus Rickettsia is distributed all over the world. Many Rickettsia species are present on several continents. The geographical distribution of rickettsiae is related to their vectors. New cases of rickettsioses and new locations, where the presence of these bacteria is recognized, are still being identified. The variety and rapid evolution of the distribution and density of ticks and diseases which they transmit shows us the scale of the problem. This review article presents a comparison of the current understanding of the geographic distribution of pathogenic Rickettsia species to that of the beginning of the century.
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Ribeiro SR, Castilho-Onofrio V, Marcili A, Simonato BB, Latrofa MS, Benelli G, Otranto D, Barros-Battesti DM. Molecular detection of vector-borne agents in ectoparasites and reptiles from Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101585. [PMID: 33113476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Trombidiformes and Mesostigmata mites, as well as Ixodida ticks, infest ectothermic tetrapods worldwide, potentially acting as vectors of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. The relationship among ectoparasites, transmitted pathogenic agents (e.g., Borrelia spp., Coxiella spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Rickettsia spp.) and ectothermic hosts has been scarcely investigated. This research focuses on a large collection of Brazilian herpetofauna screened for the presence of arthropod ectoparasites and vector-borne microbial agents. Reptiles (n = 121) and amphibians (n = 49) from various locations were infested by ectoparasites. Following genomic extraction, microbial agents were detected in 81 % of the Acari (i.e. n = 113 mites and n = 26 ticks). None of the mites, ticks and tissues from amphibians yielded positive results for any of the screened agents. Blood was collected from reptiles and processed through blood cytology and molecular analyses (n = 48). Of those, six snakes (12.5 %) showed intraerythrocytic alterations compatible with Hepatozoon spp. gamonts and Iridovirus inclusions. Hepatozoon spp. similar to Hepatozoon ayorgbor and Hepatozoon musa were molecularly identified from seven hosts, two mite and two tick species. Rickettsia spp. (e.g., Rickettsia amblyommatis, Rickettsia bellii-like, Rickettsia sp.) were detected molecularly from four mite species and Amblyomma rotundatum ticks. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the molecular identification of the above-mentioned microbial agents of mites and ticks related to snakes and lizards. Overall, our findings highlighted that the Brazilian herpetofauna and its ectoparasites harbour potentially pathogenic agents, particularly from the northern and south-eastern regions. The detection of several species of spotted fever group Rickettsia pointed out the potential role of ectothermic hosts and related arthropod ectoparasites in the epidemiological cycle of these bacteria in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil; Zoological Collections Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Stephany Rocha Ribeiro
- Zoological Collections Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil; Master's Program in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, and Doctoral Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, 04829-300, Brazil
| | - Valeria Castilho-Onofrio
- Zoological Collections Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil; Master's Program in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, and Doctoral Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, 04829-300, Brazil
| | - Arlei Marcili
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil; Master's Program in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, and Doctoral Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, 04829-300, Brazil
| | - Bruna Borghi Simonato
- Deparment of Veterinary Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University Vila Tramontano, São Paulo, SP, 05650-000, Brazil
| | | | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via Del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Felestin Sq., Hamedan, Iran
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio De Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
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Ali A, Ahmad S, Wadood A, Rehman AU, Zahid H, Qayash Khan M, Nawab J, Rahman ZU, Alouffi AS. Modeling Novel Putative Drugs and Vaccine Candidates against Tick-Borne Pathogens: A Subtractive Proteomics Approach. Vet Sci 2020; 7:E129. [PMID: 32906620 PMCID: PMC7557734 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7030129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) continuously causing substantial losses to the public and veterinary health sectors. The identification of putative drug targets and vaccine candidates is crucial to control TBPs. No information has been recorded on designing novel drug targets and vaccine candidates based on proteins. Subtractive proteomics is an in silico approach that utilizes extensive screening for the identification of novel drug targets or vaccine candidates based on the determination of potential target proteins available in a pathogen proteome that may be used effectively to control diseases caused by these infectious agents. The present study aimed to investigate novel drug targets and vaccine candidates by utilizing subtractive proteomics to scan the available proteomes of TBPs and predict essential and non-host homologous proteins required for the survival of these diseases causing agents. Subtractive proteome analysis revealed a list of fifteen essential, non-host homologous, and unique metabolic proteins in the complete proteome of selected pathogens. Among these therapeutic target proteins, three were excluded due to the presence in host gut metagenome, eleven were found to be highly potential drug targets, while only one was found as a potential vaccine candidate against TBPs. The present study may provide a foundation to design potential drug targets and vaccine candidates for the effective control of infections caused by TBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.A.); (H.Z.); (M.Q.K.)
| | - Shabir Ahmad
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.A.); (H.Z.); (M.Q.K.)
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan; (A.W.); (A.U.R.)
| | - Ashfaq U. Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan; (A.W.); (A.U.R.)
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Experimental Teaching Center for Life Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.A.); (H.Z.); (M.Q.K.)
| | - Muhammad Qayash Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.A.); (H.Z.); (M.Q.K.)
| | - Javed Nawab
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan;
| | - Zia Ur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan;
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Rickettsia africae an Agent of African Tick Bite Fever in Ticks Collected from Domestic Animals in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080631. [PMID: 32748891 PMCID: PMC7459594 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ticks transmit a plethora of pathogens of zoonotic implications. Their distribution, diversity and the pathogens they transmit differ from one ecological location to another. Rickettsia africae is the agent of African tick bite fever found in South Africa, a zoonotic infection that is frequently reported among travelers who have visited many sub-Saharan African countries where the pathogen is prevalent. Methods: Ticks were collected from domestic animals in Raymond Nkandla Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The ticks were identified morphologically prior to DNA extraction followed by molecular identification of randomly selected ticks from the morphologically delineated groups. To assess for the presence of tick-borne pathogens belonging to Rickettsia spp. by PCR (polymerase chain reaction), we used specific primer pairs targeting the gltA, ompA and ompB genes. The selected amplified ticks, all positive ompB and forty three ompA amplicons were sequenced in a commercial sequencing facility. The obtained nucleotide sequences were edited and subjected to BLASTn for homology search and phylogenetic analyses were performed with MEGA 7 Version for genetic relationships with curated reference sequences in GenBank. Results: A total of 953 ticks collected in the study were delineated into three genera consisting of Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma in decreasing order of abundance. The presence of rickettsial DNA was detected in 60/953 (6.3%) from the three genera of ticks screened. Genetic analyses of the DNA sequences obtained showed that they have phylogenetic relationship to members of the spotted fever group rickettsiae with R. africae, being the predominant SFGR (spotted fever group rickettsiae) detected in the screened ticks. Conclusion: This report shows that R. africae is the predominant spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from domestic animals in the study area and the human health impacts are not known.
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