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Elango A, Shriram AN, Raju HK, Kumar A. Study on the Ixodid ticks species diversity (Acari: Ixodidae) on domestic ruminants in different agro-climatic regions of Tamil Nadu. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:73. [PMID: 38336895 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03912-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
A survey of Ixodid tick species diversity on domestic ruminants was conducted in seven agro-climatic regions of Tamil Nadu State, India. Tick surveys were conducted on domestic ruminants such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat in seven districts of Tamil Nadu. The overall tick infestation was 38.8%, 5.8%, 14.6%, and 40.8% on cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats, respectively. A total of 8068 ticks from 18 species belonging to four genera were recorded. Overall, Haemaphysalis intermedia was the predominant (51.38%) tick species which has a wide host range. The most prevalent tick species in cattle and buffalo were Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus (25.41%) and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (56.69%), respectively. Haemaphysalis intermedia was the most prevalent in ticks in sheep (70.35%), goat (70.35%), and dog (55.79%). In the present study, local anomalies such as the ectromely of one leg and the absence of adanal plates were observed in Rh. haemaphysaloides. The study also found that local anomaly such as protuberances in the hind tarsal and atrophy of the adanal plate was observed in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. In addition, a general anomaly with three atrophy caudal appendages was also observed in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The overall prevalence of anomalies in Rh. haemaphysaloides and Rh. (B.) microplus was 0.3% (3/971) and 0.4% (3/678), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyanar Elango
- Division of Vector Biology and Control, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ICMR-Vector Control Research CentreGOIIndira Nagar, Medical Complex, Puducherry, 605 006, India.
| | - Ananganallur Nagarajan Shriram
- Division of Vector Biology and Control, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ICMR-Vector Control Research CentreGOIIndira Nagar, Medical Complex, Puducherry, 605 006, India
| | - Hari Kishan Raju
- Climate Change, GIS and VBD Stratification/Mapping, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ICMR-Vector Control Research CentreGOIIndira Nagar, Medical Complex, Puducherry, 605 006, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Health Research, ICMR-Vector Control Research CentreGOIIndira Nagar, Ministry of Health& Family Welfare, Medical Complex, Puducherry, 605 006, India
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 605102, Chennai, India
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Luz HR, Labruna MB, Pacheco RC, Gianizella SL, Nunes PH, Szabó MPJ, Gerardi M, Teixeira RHF, da Silva SC, Kmetiuk LB, Pesenato IP, Marcili A, Faccini JLH, Martins TF. Morphological anomalies in hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102219. [PMID: 37399629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102219] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Tick abnormalities have been unusual in nature, and they can be divided into local and general. In the present study, external morphological anomalies were described in 31 individual adult ticks of 15 different species of Ixodidae, which were collected on wild hosts (20 ticks), domestic hosts (7 ticks), and in the environment (4 ticks) in 11 states of Brazil from 1998 to 2022. Among the 31 tick specimens, 14 (45%) were categorized as local anomalies, and 17 (55%) as general anomalies. The ticks were taxonomically identified into 14 species of Amblyomma, and one species of Rhipicephalus. Local anomalies included malformations of scutum/alloscutum, ectromely, leg atrophy, and a third ectopic spiracular plate. General anomalies included opisthosoma duplication, no expansion of dorsal alloscutum in engorged females, and gynandromorphism; the latter is described for 13 tick specimens. Morphological anomalies in Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma humerale and Amblyomma longirostre are reported for the first time. Although the results herein expand the list of anomalous tick species in the Neotropics, future studies should be conducted to clarify the origin of these anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermes R Luz
- Post-Graduation Program in Health and Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO) from the Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Richard C Pacheco
- Post-Graduation Program in Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Sergio L Gianizella
- Laboratory of Zoology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Pablo H Nunes
- Latin American Institute of Life and Nature Sciences, Federal University of Latin American Integration, Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | - Matias P J Szabó
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Monize Gerardi
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo H F Teixeira
- Municipal Zoological Park "Quinzinho de Barros", Sorocaba, SP, Brazil; University of Sorocaba (UNISO), Sorocaba, SP, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Wild Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ) of the São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvio C da Silva
- Pasteur Institute, São Paulo State Department of Health, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Louise B Kmetiuk
- Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Isabella P Pesenato
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arlei Marcili
- Post-Graduation in Medicine and Animal Welfare, Doctorate in Single Health, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João L H Faccini
- Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences from the Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Pasteur Institute, São Paulo State Department of Health, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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3
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Hard ticks in Burmese amber with Australasian affinities. Parasitology 2023; 150:157-171. [PMID: 36341553 PMCID: PMC10090639 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Three examples of metastriate hard ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) with apparent affinities to modern Australasian genera are described from the mid-Cretaceous (ca. 100 Ma) Burmese amber of Myanmar. Two nymphs of Bothriocroton muelleri sp. nov. represent the oldest (and only) fossil record of this genus, living members of which are restricted to Australia and predominantly feed on monitor lizards, snakes and echidnas. A female of Archaeocroton kaufmani sp. nov. shares its basis capitulum shape with the tuatara tick Archaeocroton sphenodonti (Dumbleton, 1943), the only extant member of this genus and an endemic species for New Zealand. The presence of 2 Australasian genera in Burmese amber is consistent with a previous record of an Ixodes Latreille, 1795 tick from this deposit which resembles Australian members of this genus. They further support an emerging hypothesis that fauna of the amber forest, which may have been on an island at the time of deposition, was at least partly Gondwanan in origin. A revised evolutionary tree for Ixodida is presented compiling data from several new Burmese amber ticks described in the last few years.
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Molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in hard ticks collected from wild animals in Benin, West Africa. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:306. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03286-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Okely M, Bakkes DK, Chitimia-Dobler L. Morphological abnormalities in Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma rufipes (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan, Egypt. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 88:225-241. [PMID: 36309608 PMCID: PMC9666321 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00747-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports anomalies in Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma rufipes adults collected from dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Aswan, Egypt, between January and June 2022. A total of 52 adult ticks displayed one or several local and/or general anomalies. A wide variety of local anomalies was observed including atrophy of one or multiple legs, ectromely, absence of accessory adanal and subanal plates, fusion of adanal and accessory plates, and presence of sclerotized formation in the ventral plate, as well as abnormalities of the spiracle, anal groove, festoon, parma, and posteromedian groove. General anomalies comprised of asymmetries and gynandromorphism. Local anomalies were documented among H. dromedarii and H. rufipes, whereas general anomalies were documented only from H. dromedarii. The present work represents the first report of deuterogynander intrigue gynandromorphism in H. dromedarii, as well as the first report of morphological abnormalities in H. dromedarii and H. rufipes from Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Okely
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
| | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
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Anomalous morphologies in Ixodes scapularis feeding on human hosts. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101993. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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7
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Morphological variability and teratologies in the stag beetle Lucanus cervus (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) from Romania. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00685-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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8
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Taank V, Lattanzio FA, Sultana H, Neelakanta G. Double anus in an Ixodes scapularis nymph, a medically important tick vector. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:251. [PMID: 33975641 PMCID: PMC8112061 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04757-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ixodes scapularis ticks are medically important arthropod vectors that transmit several pathogens to humans. The observations of morphological abnormalities, including nanism, missing leg, extra leg, and gynandromorphism, have been reported in these ticks. In this study, we report the presence of two anuses in a laboratory-reared I. scapularis nymph. RESULTS Larval ticks were allowed to feed on mice and to molt to nymphs. Two anuses were observed in one of the freshly molted nymphs. Stereo and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of two anuses in one nymph within a single anal groove. CONCLUSIONS This report confirms the rare occurrence of double anus in I. scapularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Taank
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Frank A Lattanzio
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.,Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA. .,Center for Molecular Medicine, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA. .,Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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Laatamna A, Bakkes DK, Chitimia-Dobler L. Morphological anomalies in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from dogs in steppe and high plateaus regions, Algeria. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 83:575-582. [PMID: 33661417 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00599-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present report describes morphological anomalies in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. collected from dogs between February 2017 and May 2019 in the steppic region of Djelfa and high plateau area of Bordj-Bou-Arreridj in Algeria. Out of 1043 ticks from 147 infested dogs, four adult ticks (0.38%), collected from four dogs, exhibited local morphological abnormalities. One male displayed ectromely of leg I left, and the other three specimens exhibited multiple associated anomalies in idiosomas and exoskeletons, festoons, stigmas (spiracles), as well as in adanal and accessory plates. This report provides additional exemplars of morphological abnormalities in tick populations of Africa, particularly North Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdElkarim Laatamna
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorisation of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, BP 3117, Moudjbara Road, Djelfa, Algeria.
| | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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10
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Buczek A, Buczek W. Importation of Ticks on Companion Animals and the Risk of Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases to Non-Endemic Regions in Europe. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010006. [PMID: 33375145 PMCID: PMC7822119 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.
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11
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Shuaib YA, Isaa MH, Ezz-Eldin MIE, Abdalla MA, Bakhiet AO, Chitimia-Dobler L. Morphological abnormalities in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from domestic animal species in Sudan. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 82:161-169. [PMID: 32809185 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Morphological abnormalities in ticks have rarely been reported in nature. The existing knowledge about anomalies in ticks collected in Africa is very sparse. In this paper, we describe abnormalities in Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus ticks collected from cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and horses in Kassala and North Kordofan states, Sudan, between January and August 2017. A number of 15 adult ticks displayed one or several local anomalies, such as ectromely, abnormalities of the ventral plates, and body deformities, besides newly described multiple cuticula scars. This study presents the first report of local anomalies in ticks belonging to three genera in Sudan and highlights the need to investigate the association between such morphological abnormalities and tick biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassir Adam Shuaib
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | | | | | | | - Amel Omer Bakhiet
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum North, Sudan
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12
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Molaei G, Little EAH. A case of morphological anomalies in Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from nature. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 81:279-285. [PMID: 32500391 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00510-5] [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: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We describe a case of morphological anomalies in Amblyomma americanum, a medically important species associated with several human diseases and medical conditions. Based on morphological characters using dichotomous morphological keys, high-resolution light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy imaging, the tick was identified as Am. americanum nymph exhibiting various morphological anomalies including ectromely associate with asymmetry, olygomely (lack) of the fourth left leg, and schizomely (bifurcation of palpus) on the right side. We believe this is the first report of the presence of several spontaneous anomalies in one Am. americanum specimen. Morphological identity of the specimen was corroborated by DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial 16S region. We discuss recent reports of morphological anomalies in ixodid ticks and emphasize the significance of additional studies of teratology in medically important tick species and its potential implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, P.O. Box 208034, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Eliza A H Little
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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A seven-legged tick: Report of a morphological anomaly in Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) biting a human host from the Northeastern United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101304. [PMID: 31564642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cases of morphological anomalies in the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae), have recently been reported from the Northeastern and upper Midwestern United States, potentially complicating identification of this important vector of human disease-causing pathogens. We hereby report a case of a morphological anomaly in I. scapularis, biting a human host residing in Norwich, Connecticut. Using a dichotomous morphological key, high-resolution and scanning electron microscopy images, as well as DNA sequencing, the tick was identified as an adult female I. scapularis with three legs on the left side of the abdomen versus four on the right side, which we believe is the first case of ectromely in an adult I. scapularis. Using diagnostic genes in polymerase chain reaction, the specimen tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agents for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, respectively, and also showed evidence of a rickettsial endosymbiont. Here we discuss recent reports of morphological anomalies in I. scapularis, and emphasize the significance of additional studies of teratology in this important tick species and its potential implications.
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Abnormal Development of Hyalomma Marginatum Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Induced by Plant Cytotoxic Substances. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11080445. [PMID: 31357471 PMCID: PMC6723890 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11080445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing application of toxic plant substances to deter and fight ticks proves the need for investigations focused on the elucidation of their impact on the developmental stages and populations of these arthropods. We examined the course of embryogenesis and egg hatch in Hyalomma marginatum ticks under the effect of cytotoxic plant substances. The investigations demonstrated that the length of embryonic development of egg batches treated with 20 μL of a 0.1875% colchicine solution did not differ significantly from that in the control group. Colchicine caused the high mortality of eggs (16.3%) and embryos (9.7%), disturbances in larval hatch (8.1%), and lower numbers of normal larval hatches (65.6%). In 0.2% of the larvae, colchicine induced anomalies in the idiosoma (67.6%) and gnathosoma (22.5%) as well as composite anomalies (8.5%). The study demonstrates that cytotoxic compounds with an effect similar to that of colchicine can reduce tick populations and cause teratological changes, which were observed in the specimens found during field studies. Since there are no data on the toxic effects of active plant substances on other organisms and the risk of development of tick resistance, a strategy for the use of such compounds in tick control and the management of plant products should be developed.
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Ali A, Khan MA, Zahid H, Yaseen PM, Qayash Khan M, Nawab J, Ur Rehman Z, Ateeq M, Khan S, Ibrahim M. Seasonal Dynamics, Record of Ticks Infesting Humans, Wild and Domestic Animals and Molecular Phylogeny of Rhipicephalus microplus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Front Physiol 2019; 10:793. [PMID: 31379587 PMCID: PMC6646419 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although ticks prevalent in various agro-systems of Pakistan are associated with economic losses, information is still missing about the tick's diversity, hosts they infest, seasonal dynamics and molecular phylogeny of Rhipicephalus microplus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. This study for the first time enlisted ticks infesting diverse hosts including humans in various regions of KP. A total of 8,641 ticks were collected across the northern, southern and central regions of KP and were morpho-taxonomically categorized into six genera comprising 17 species, R. microplus (n = 3,584, 42%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 2,253, 27%), Argas persicus (n = 1,342, 16%), Hya. impeltatum (n = 586, 7%), R. turanicus (n = 161, 2%), R. haemaphysaloides (n = 142, 2%), R. annulatus (n = 132, 2%), Hae. montgomeryi (n = 123, 1.4%), Hya. marginatum (n = 110, 1.3%), R. sanguineus (n = 34, 0.4%), and Hae. longicornis (n = 31, 0.4%). Ticks infesting wild animals included Amblyomma gervaisi, Amb. exornatum, Amb. latum, Dermacentor marginatus, and Hae. indica, while ticks collected from humans included R. microplus, R. annulatus, Hya. anatolicum, Hya. marginatum, and Hae. punctata. The overall prevalence of ticks infesting domestic animals was 69.4% (536/772). Among animal hosts, cattle were found highly infested (87.2%, 157/180) followed by buffalos (79%, 91/114), domestic fowls (74.7%, 112/150), goats (68.3%, 82/120), dogs (66.7%, 32/48), horses (61.3%, 49/80), and sheep (16.3%, 13/80). Analysis revealed that the tick burden significantly differed among domestic animals and was found to be high in cattle, followed by buffalos, goats, sheep, domestic fowl, dogs, and horses. Seasonal patterns of ticks distribution showed highest prevalance in July, August, and September due to the prevailing high temperature and humidity during these months. The phylogenetic analysis of cattle tick R. microplus based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COX1), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences, revealed that R. microplus prevalent in this region belongs to clade C which include ticks originating from Bangladesh, Malaysia, and India. Further large scale studies across the country are necessary to explore the molecular and cross breeding aspects at the geographical overlapping of various tick species and their associated pathogens to facilitate designing control strategies as well as awareness against tick infestation in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Munsif Ali Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Pir Muhammad Yaseen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Qayash Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Javed Nawab
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zia Ur Rehman
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ateeq
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sardar Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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16
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Balinandi S, Mugisha L, Bbira J, Kabasa W, Nakayiki T, Bakkes DK, Lutwama JJ, Chitimia-Dobler L, Malmberg M. General and Local Morphological Anomalies in Amblyomma lepidum (Acari: Ixodidae) and Rhipicephalus decoloratus Infesting Cattle in Uganda. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:873-877. [PMID: 30576463 PMCID: PMC6467642 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Morphological abnormalities in ticks seem to be rare phenomena in nature, and are underreported in Africa. In this article, we describe general and local anomalies in two Amblyomma lepidum females and one Rhipicephalus decoloratus female collected from cattle in Moroto and Kasese districts, Uganda. One A. lepidum specimen displayed metagynander gynandromorphism with the presence of both male and female features in the same organism. The second A. lepidum female showed slight asymmetry and lacked a genital aperture. The R. decoloratus displayed multiple anomalies that included asymmetry on the right side in association with ectromely, chitinous formations and constrictions on the left side. This article presents the first report of metagynander gynandromorphism, as well as genital aperture absence which is not linked to gynandromorphism, in A. lepidum collected from cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Balinandi
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemrging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Ecohealth Research Group, Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance (CEHA), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Johnson Bbira
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Kabasa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Teddy Nakayiki
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemrging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemrging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Department of Virology-Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Maja Malmberg
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- SLU Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Molaei G, Little EA. A nine-legged tick: Report of a morphological anomaly in the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) from the northeastern United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Soghigian J, Ridge GE, Stafford KC, Molaei G. The First Evidence of Nanism in Ixodes (Ixodes) scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae), Found Parasitizing a Human Host. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1224-1228. [PMID: 28591843 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ixodes scapularis Say 1821, the primary vector of several human pathogens in the northeastern and upper Midwestern United States, has considerable genetic and morphological variation throughout its range. Recently, developmental or teratological abnormalities have been observed in this species for the first time, further complicating morphological identification. Here, we report the first evidence of nanism (dwarfism) in I. scapularis, found parasitizing a human host. We used molecular methods and scanning electron microscopy to identify the specimen. Morphological identification confirmed that the specimen is substantially smaller, approximately half the size, than a typical I. scapularis female. Here we discuss the recent reports of teratological abnormalities in I. scapularis, particularly from the Hudson River valley region of the northeastern United States, and highlight the need for additional studies of teratology in this important species and its potential implications in disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Soghigian
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington St., New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Gale E Ridge
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington St., New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Kirby C Stafford
- Department of Entomology and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington St., New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington St., New Haven, CT 06511
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St., P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520-8034
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Chitimia-Dobler L, Bestehorn M, Bröker M, Borde J, Molcanyi T, Andersen NS, Pfeffer M, Dobler G. Morphological anomalies in Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes inopinatus collected from tick-borne encephalitis natural foci in Central Europe. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 72:379-397. [PMID: 28755284 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0163-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, 0.02% nymphs displayed anomalies (ectromely) out of the 6744 collected ticks as part of a tick-borne encephalitis program in Germany. In 2016, questing Ixodes ricinus (n = 14,527) and Ixodes inopinatus (n = 75) ticks were collected by flagging as part of a tick-borne encephalitis program in Germany, Slovakia and Denmark. A total of 278 (1.9%) out of 14,602 nymph and adult ticks showed morphological anomalies. The anomalies were divided into general anomalies (body asymmetry) and local anomalies (anomalies of appendages, malformation of capitulum, exoskeleton anomalies and anal groove deformation) with nymphs being the most affected life stage. Most important, leg atrophy was the most common anomaly (209 nymphs, 11 females and three males) followed by asymmetry (10 nymphs, five females and a male) and ectromely (nine nymphs). Two females and one male displayed multiple anomalies on legs, palps and exoskeleton. Anal groove deformation was observed in three females and three nymphs. In 2016, the frequency of anomalies in I. inopinatus was found five times higher (9.3%) than in I. ricinus (1.9%). This is the first report of anomaly (ectromely, leg atrophy, idiosoma deformation) in flagged I. inopinatus and the first report of schizomely in I. ricinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany.
- German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Malena Bestehorn
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 35, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Michael Bröker
- , Pappelweg 30, 35041, Marburg, Federal State Hesse, Germany
| | - Johannes Borde
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Freiburg, Hugstetterstraße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Praxis Dr. Borde, Am Markplatz 8, 77704, Oberkirch, Germany
| | - Tomas Molcanyi
- Surgeon General Office, Armed Forces of Slovak Republic, gen. M. Vesela 23, Ružomberok, Slovakia
| | - Nanna Skaarup Andersen
- Clinical Center of Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections, Odense University Hospital and Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern, Odense, Denmark
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
- German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Munich, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 35, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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Larson SR, Paskewitz SM. Teratological Nymphal Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) From Wisconsin. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:477-479. [PMID: 26681790 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Abnormalities of physiological development (teratological forms) in ticks are rare. The occurrence of gigantism, dwarfism, gynandromorphs, missing legs, extra legs, and asymmetries is most often reported from lab-reared specimens, but has been observed in field-collected specimens. All morphologically anomalous ticks (besides gynandromorphy) described to date are from species other than Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae). Here we describe four teratological I. scapularis nymphs collected while dragging vegetation in Wisconsin in 2015, including two asymmetrical ticks, one with a missing leg, and one with an extra leg.
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Morphological abnormalities in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) feeding on humans in Central Black Sea region, Turkey. ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-016-0306-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kar S, Akyildiz G, Yilmazer N, Shaibi T, Gargili A, Vatansever Z. External morphological anomalies in ixodid ticks from Thrace, Turkey. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 67:457-466. [PMID: 26264155 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9948-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Of 18,667 ticks examined, 33 specimens from species identified as Haemaphysalis parva, Hyalomma marginatum, Hy. scupense, Rhipicephalus bursa and Rh. turanicus were found to have external morphological anomalies. Anomalous Ha. parva, Hy. scupence and Rh. turanicus were reported in this study for the first time. General anomalies manifested as asymmetry and deformations of the idiosoma, whereas local anomalies occurred in legs, exoskeleton, spiracular, adanal, subanal and accessory plates, mouthparts and capitulum. With this study describing a gynandromorphic Hy. marginatum, the number of gynandromorphic tick cases has been raised to two in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirri Kar
- Department of Biology, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey.
| | - Gurkan Akyildiz
- Department of Biology, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Nadim Yilmazer
- Department of Biology, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Taher Shaibi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tripoli University, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Aysen Gargili
- Faculty of Health Science, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zati Vatansever
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
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