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Gonzaga BCF, Barrozo MM, Coutinho AL, Pereira E Sousa LJM, Vale FL, Marreto L, Marchesini P, de Castro Rodrigues D, de Souza EDF, Sabatini GA, Costa-Júnior LM, Ferreira LL, Lopes WDZ, Monteiro C. Essential oils and isolated compounds for tick control: advances beyond the laboratory. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:415. [PMID: 37964392 PMCID: PMC10647118 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05969-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick control is a worldwide challenge due to its resistance to acaricides. Essential oils (EOs) and isolated compounds (EOCs) are potential alternatives for tick control technologies. METHODS A review with EOs and EOCs, under field and semi-field conditions, was performed based on Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases. Thirty-one studies published between 1991 and 2022 were selected. The search was performed using the following keywords: "essential oil" combined with "tick," "Ixodes," "Argas," "Rhipicephalus," "Amblyomma," "Hyalomma," "Dermacentor," "Haemaphysalis" and "Ornithodoros." The words "essential oil" and "tick" were searched in the singular and plural. RESULTS The number of studies increased over the years. Brazil stands out with the largest number (51.6%) of publications. The most studied tick species were Rhipicephalus microplus (48.4%), Ixodes scapularis (19.4%), Amblyomma americanum and R. sanguineus sensu lato (9.7% each). Cattle (70%) and dogs (13%) were the main target animal species. Regarding the application of EOs/EOCs formulations, 74% of the studies were conducted with topical application (spray, pour-on, foam, drop) and 26% with environmental treatment (spray). Efficacy results are difficult to evaluate because of the lack of information on the methodology and standardization. The nanotechnology and combination with synthetic acaricides were reported as an alternative to enhance the efficacy of EOs/EOCs. No adverse reactions were observed in 86.6% of the studies evaluating EOs/EOCs clinical safety. Studies regarding toxicity in non-target species and residues are scarce. CONCLUSIONS This article provides a comprehensive review on the use of EOs and EOCs to reduce tick infestations, in both the hosts and the environment. As future directions, we recommend the chemical characterization of EOs, methodology standardization, combination of EOs/EOCs with potential synergists, nanotechnology for new formulations and safety studies for target and non-target organisms, also considering the environmental friendliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno César Ferreira Gonzaga
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Colemar Natal e Silva, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-050, Brasil
| | - Mayara Macêdo Barrozo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brasil
| | - Ana Lúcia Coutinho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brasil
| | - Lainny Jordana Martins Pereira E Sousa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brasil
| | - Francisca Letícia Vale
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brasil
| | - Laís Marreto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas - Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Praça Universitária, no. 1166, Setor Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-220, Brasil
| | - Paula Marchesini
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Lívio Martins Costa-Júnior
- Centro de Pesquisas do CCBS, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Avenida dos Portugueses, no. 1966, São Luís, MA, 65080-805, Brasil
| | - Lorena Lopes Ferreira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva - Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, no. 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brasil
| | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brasil
- Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia - Instituto de Patologia Tropical e de Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás-, Campus Colemar Natal e Silva - Rua 235, s/n - Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-050, Brasil
| | - Caio Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brasil.
- Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia - Instituto de Patologia Tropical e de Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás-, Campus Colemar Natal e Silva - Rua 235, s/n - Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, GO, 74605-050, Brasil.
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López-López N, Rojas JC, Cruz-López L, Ulloa-García A, Malo EA. Dog hair volatiles attract Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) females. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:432-442. [PMID: 36893033 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) (Latreille) feeds on domestic dogs worldwide. This tick species uses dog volatiles during host-seeking behavior. In this study, we identified volatile compounds from dog hairs involved in the host location of R. sanguineus s.l. The R. sanguineus s.l. females, but not males, were attracted to hair samples and Super Q extracts from Schnauzer dogs in Y-tube olfactometer bioassays. A total of 54 compounds from dog hair extracts were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, including hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Screening the identified compounds by the single sensillum recording technique showed that isovaleric acid, hexanal, heptanal, and sucaltone (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one) significantly stimulated the olfactory receptor neurons of the basiconic, chaeticum, and trichodeum sensilla of female ticks. When synthetic compounds were evaluated alone, or in binary, tertiary, or quaternary mixtures, female ticks were only attracted to isovaleric acid and 1 tertiary mixture (hexanal, heptanal, and isovaleric acid). We conclude that isovaleric acid functions as an attractant for R. sanguineus s.l. These findings contribute to the understanding of the chemical ecology of ticks during host location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe López-López
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas 30700, Mexico
| | - Julio C Rojas
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas 30700, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo Cruz-López
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas 30700, Mexico
| | - Armando Ulloa-García
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Carretera a Puerto Madero Km. 1.5, Centro, Tapachula, Chiapas 30580, Mexico
| | - Edi A Malo
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas 30700, Mexico
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3
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Ravindran R, Hembram PK, Kumar GS, Kumar KGA, Deepa CK, Varghese A. Transovarial transmission of pathogenic protozoa and rickettsial organisms in ticks. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:691-704. [PMID: 36797442 PMCID: PMC9936132 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07792-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Transovarial transmission (TOT) is an efficient vertical transmission of pathogens that is observed in many arthropod vectors. This method seems to be an evolutionarily unique development observed only in Babesia sensu stricto (clade VI) and Rickettsia spp., whereas transstadial transmission is the common/default way of transmission. Transovarial transmission does not necessarily contribute to the amplification of tick-borne pathogens but does contribute to the maintenance of disease in the environment. This review aims to provide an updated summary of previous reports on TOT of tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reghu Ravindran
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India.
| | - Prabodh Kumar Hembram
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Gatchanda Shravan Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | | | - Chundayil Kalarickal Deepa
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Anju Varghese
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
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Stokes JV, Levin ML, Cross CE, Ross AL, Snellgrove AN, Willeford BV, Alugubelly N, Varela‐Stokes AS. Evaluating the Clinical and Immune Responses to Spotted Fever Rickettsioses in the Guinea Pig-Tick-Rickettsia System. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e584. [PMID: 36383032 PMCID: PMC9828190 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The guinea pig was the original animal model developed for investigating spotted fever rickettsiosis (SFR). This model system has persisted on account of the guinea pig's conduciveness to tick transmission of SFR agents and ability to recapitulate SFR in humans through clinical signs that include fever, unthriftiness, and in some cases the development of an eschar. The guinea pig is the smallest animal model for SFR that allows the collection of multiple blood and skin samples antemortem for longitudinal studies. This unit provides the basic protocols necessary to establish, maintain, and utilize a guinea pig-tick-Rickettsia model for monitoring the course of infection and immune response to an infection by spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) that can be studied at biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) and arthropod containment level 2 (ACL-2); adaptations must be made for BSL-3 agents. The protocols cover methods for tick feeding and colony development, laboratory infection of ticks, tick transmission of Rickettsia to guinea pigs, and monitoring of the course of infection through clinical signs, rickettsial burden, and immune response. It should be feasible to adapt these methods to study other tick-borne pathogens. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Tick transmission of SFGR to guinea pigs Support Protocol 1: Laboratory infection of ticks by injection Alternate Protocol 1: Needle inoculation of SFGR to guinea pigs Basic Protocol 2: Monitoring the course of guinea pig rickettsial infection: clinical signs Basic Protocol 3: Monitoring the course of guinea pig rickettsial infection: collection of biological specimens Support Protocol 2: Guinea pig anesthesia Basic Protocol 4: Monitoring rickettsial burden in guinea pigs by multiplex qPCR Basic Protocol 5: Monitoring guinea pig immune response to infection: blood leukocytes by flow cytometry Basic Protocol 6: Monitoring immune response to guinea pig rickettsial infection: leukocyte infiltration of skin at the tick bite site by flow cytometry Basic Protocol 7: Monitoring the immune response to guinea pig rickettsial infection: antibody titer by ELISA Support Protocol 4: Coating ELISA Plates Alternate Protocol 2: Monitoring immune response to guinea pig rickettsial infection: antibody titer by immunofluorescence assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V. Stokes
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineTufts UniversityNorth GraftonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Michael L. Levin
- Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Claire E. Cross
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and ImmunologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Anne‐Marie L. Ross
- Department of Comparative Biomedical SciencesMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
| | - Alyssa N. Snellgrove
- Division of Vector‐Borne DiseasesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Bridget V. Willeford
- Laboratory Animal ResourcesMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
| | | | - Andrea S. Varela‐Stokes
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineTufts UniversityNorth GraftonMassachusettsUSA
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5
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Zapata-Serna Y, Rojas-Rodríguez AE, Pérez-Cárdenas JE, Aricapa-Giraldo HJ, Hidalgo-Diaz M, Rivera-Páez FA. Prevalence of rickettsias in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected in domestic animals of the northern region of Caldas department, Colombia. REVISTA U.D.C.A ACTUALIDAD & DIVULGACIÓN CIENTÍFICA 2022. [DOI: 10.31910/rudca.v25.n1.2022.1850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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6
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Barreto LP, Ribeiro-Silva CS, Machado LDC, Lima VH, Pinto SMN, Pereira-Junior RA, Carreira DN, Mascarin GM, Fernandes ÉKK, Borges LMF. Efficacy of collars with allomones on dogs to control Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato infestations under field conditions. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101769. [PMID: 34218055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Benzaldehyde and 2-hexanone are allomones produced by beagle dogs that reduce infestation by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato on these animals and on susceptible dogs which artificially release these repellents. These observations were obtained in previous laboratory tests or artificial infestations of susceptible dogs under controlled conditions. Here we evaluated the efficacy of collars delivering these repellents for suppressing the loads of R. sanguineus s.l. on naturally infested mixed-breed dogs under field conditions. Thirty dogs naturally infested with R. sanguineus s.l. were separated into two groups with 15 dogs each. The dogs from the treatment group received the collars with slow-release formulations of the allomones, and the dogs from the control group received collars without such compounds. Collar effectiveness tests were carried out over 30 days. All ticks found were removed from each dog, identified, and counted every collection day. The density of the different life stages of R. sanguineus s.l. varied greatly between groups and across evaluation times. Adult ticks were the stage most abundant and prevalent on infested dogs. The counts for larvae, nymphs and adults were similar between the control and the treatment groups within each tick collection day. Conversely, when we considered the total number of ticks over 30 days and gathered all life stages collected in the same animal, the dogs from the control group had significantly higher loads (35.3 ± 4.27) of ticks than the dogs from the treatment group (21.8 ± 2.96) (P < 0.01). In addition, the efficacy of treatment with repellent collars was high for adult ticks (30.8%) but was extremely low for reducing larval or nymphal infestation (0 or 2.6%, respectively). The present study demonstrates, for the first time, the efficacy of these volatile compounds on naturally infested dogs under field conditions. The development of a technologically enhanced device for slow release of the allomones tested here can be an advantageous alternative for reducing R. sanguineus s.l. infestation on dogs in residential environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas P Barreto
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil
| | - Cárita S Ribeiro-Silva
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil
| | - Lucas Damião C Machado
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil; Centro Universitário de Goiás - UNIGOIÁS, Goiânia 74423-115, GO, Brazil
| | - Valesca H Lima
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil
| | - Salorrane M N Pinto
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo A Pereira-Junior
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil; Centro Universitário de Goiás - UNIGOIÁS, Goiânia 74423-115, GO, Brazil
| | - Dhiogo N Carreira
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Éverton K K Fernandes
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil.
| | - Lígia M F Borges
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil.
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Didelphis spp. opossums and their parasites in the Americas: A One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4091-4111. [PMID: 33788021 PMCID: PMC8599228 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Medium sized opossums (Didelphis spp.) are among the most fascinating mammals of the Americas, playing important ecological roles (e.g., dispersal of seeds and control of insect populations) in the environment they inhabit. Nevertheless, as synanthropic animals, they are well adapted to human dwellings, occupying shelters within the cities, peripheral areas, and rural settings. These marsupials can harbor numerous pathogens, which may affect people, pets, and livestock. Among those, some protozoa (e.g., Leishmania infantum, Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii), helminths (e.g., Ancylostoma caninum, Trichinella spiralis, Alaria marcianae, Paragonimus spp.) and arthropods (e.g., ticks, fleas) present substantial public health and veterinary importance, due to their capacity to cause disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Here, we reviewed the role played by opossums on the spreading of zoonotic parasites, vectors, and vector-borne pathogens, highlighting the risks of pathogens transmission due to the direct and indirect interaction of humans and domestic animals with Didelphis spp. in the Americas.
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Coimbra-Dores MJ, Jaarsma RI, Carmo AO, Maia-Silva M, Fonville M, da Costa DFF, Brandão RML, Azevedo F, Casero M, Oliveira AC, Afonso SMDS, Sprong H, Rosa F, Dias D. Mitochondrial sequences of Rhipicephalus and Coxiella endosymbiont reveal evidence of lineages co-cladogenesis. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2020; 96:5824628. [PMID: 32329790 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaa072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhipicephalus ticks are competent vectors of several pathogens, such as Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae (SFGR) and many Babesia species. Within this genus, different R. sanguineus s.l. lineages show an unequal vector competence and resistance regarding some pathogenic strains. Current literature supports that tick endosymbionts may play an essential role in the transmission ability of a vector. Indeed, the microbial community of Rhipicephalus seems to be dominated by Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLE). Still, their co-evolutionary associations with the complicated phylogeny of Rhipicephalus lineages and their transmissible pathogens remain unclear. We performed a phylogenetic congruence analysis to address whether divergent R. sanguineus s.l. lineages had a different symbiont composition. For that, we applied a PCR based approach to screen part of the microbial community present in 279 Rhipicephalus ticks from the Iberian Peninsula and Africa. Our analyses detected several qPCR-positive signals for both SFGR and Babesia species, of which we suggest R. sanguineus-tropical lineage as a natural vector of Babesia vogeli and R. sanguineus-temperate lineage of SFGR. The acquisition of 190 CLE sequences allowed to evaluate co-phylogenetic associations between the tick and the symbiont. With this data, we observed a strong but incomplete co-cladogenesis between CLE strains and their Rhipicephalus tick lineages hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Coimbra-Dores
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ryanne Isolde Jaarsma
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anderson Oliveira Carmo
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana Maia-Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ricardo Manuel Lemos Brandão
- Wild Animal Ecology, Rehabilitation and Surveillance Center (CERVAS), Serra da Estrela Natural Park, 6290-909 Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Fábia Azevedo
- Wildlife Rehabilitation and Investigation Center (RIAS), Ria Formosa Natural Park, 8700-225 Olhão, Portugal
| | - María Casero
- Wildlife Rehabilitation and Investigation Center (RIAS), Ria Formosa Natural Park, 8700-225 Olhão, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Oliveira
- Casa dos Animais Veterinary Clinic, Travessa Quinta da Rosa Linda, Morro Bento, Luanda, Angola
| | | | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Fernanda Rosa
- Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal.,Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Deodália Dias
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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Diversity of Rickettsia in Ticks Collected in Abruzzi and Molise Regions (Central Italy). Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120696. [PMID: 31847276 PMCID: PMC6956140 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiae have worldwide occurrence and rickettsiosis are widely recognized as emerging infections in several parts of the world. For decades, it was thought that a single pathogenic tick-borne spotted fever group (SFG), Rickettsia, occurred in each continent. Nowadays, thanks to molecular biology, new species of Rickettsia responsible for disease in humans are continuously identified worldwide. In a framework of diagnostic activities of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Gaporale” and considering some reports of suspected human clinical cases of rickettsiosis, a survey on ticks collected form animals and humans was carried out with the aim to identify the Rickettsia species circulating in Abruzzi and Molise regions. A total of 603 ticks, previously identified at species level by morphology, pooled into 178 tick samples, were tested by pan-Rickettsia RealTime PCR. DNA from specimens positive for Rickettsia spp. was then sequenced in order to identify the Rickettsia species involved. The highest infection rate was detected in Dermacentor marginatus followed by Ixodes ricinus. The selected targets for this purpose were OmpA and gltA. Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia monacensis, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia raoultii, and Rickettsia felis – like organisms were identified in this study. These are the first data available in the literature for the circulation of SFG Rickettsia species in the selected geographical area. Results made evidence of high rate of infection in ticks. All Rickettsia species detected have been previously involved in human infection. The diversity of Rickettsia detected, and tick species collected reflects the biodiversity in term of wildlife and environment of the area. An association between Rickettsia species, ticks, and the relationships with vertebrate host species are discussed. Due to the peculiar eco-biology of each Rickettsia species, the use of diagnostic tools able to identify Rickettsia at the species level is thus recommended in order to assess the risk for humans and to elucidate more precise etiological diagnosis in clinical cases.
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Resistance to deltamethrin, fipronil and ivermectin in the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto, Latreille (Acari: Ixodidae). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:1046-1050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Lee JK, Stokes JV, Moraru GM, Harper AB, Smith CL, Wills RW, Varela-Stokes AS. Transmission of Amblyomma maculatum-Associated Rickettsia spp. During Cofeeding on Cattle. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:511-518. [PMID: 30063189 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amblyomma maculatum is the primary vector for the spotted fever group rickettsiae, Rickettsia parkeri, a known pathogen, and "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae," currently considered nonpathogenic. Spotted fever group rickettsiae are typically endothelial cell associated and rarely circulate in the blood. Horizontal transmission to naïve ticks through blood feeding from an infected host is likely rare. Cofeeding provides an opportunity for rickettsial transmission to naïve ticks in the absence of circulating rickettsiae. We evaluated R. parkeri transmission through cofeeding between A. maculatum adults and nymphs on beef calves. Six calves in each of two trials were infested with A. maculatum that had been capillary fed R. parkeri. Four days later, calves each received recipient A. maculatum that were either capillary fed "Ca. R. andeanae" or not capillary fed before infestation. Trials differed by whether we included a barrier to minimize adjacent feeding between recipient and donor ticks. After cofeeding, we detected R. parkeri in 27% of "Ca. R. andeanae"-free recipient ticks, whereas R. parkeri was not detected in any recipient ticks that were capillary fed "Ca. R. andeanae." Rickettsia parkeri transmission efficiency to naïve ticks was greater when ticks freely cofed in proximity. No rickettsial DNA was detected in calf blood. Results confirm cofeeding as a method of horizontal transmission of R. parkeri in the absence of host rickettsemia and suggest no evidence of transmission by cofeeding when recipient ticks are first exposed to "Ca. R. andeanae" through capillary feeding. While cofeeding may provide an opportunity for maintaining the pathogen, R. parkeri, the mechanisms driving any potential effect of "Ca. R. andeanae" on R. parkeri transmission are unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Keun Lee
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - John V Stokes
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Gail M Moraru
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Amanda B Harper
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Catherine L Smith
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Robert W Wills
- 2 Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Andrea S Varela-Stokes
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
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Effect of heat stress and oil formulation on conidial germination of Metarhizium anisopliae s.s. on tick cuticle and artificial medium. J Invertebr Pathol 2016; 138:94-103. [PMID: 27317831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of heat stress (45°C) versus non-heat stress (27°C) on germination of Metarhizium anisopliae sensu stricto (s.s.) isolate IP 119 was examined with conidia formulated (suspended) in pure mineral oil or in water (Tween 80, 0.01%), and then applied onto the cuticle of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) engorged females or onto culture medium (PDAY). In addition, bioassays were performed to investigate the effect of conidia heated while formulated in oil, then applied to blood-engorged adult R. sanguineus females. Conidia suspended in water then exposed to 45°C, in comparison to conidia formulated in mineral oil and exposed to the same temperature, germinated less and more slowly when incubated on either PDAY medium or tick cuticle. Also, conidial germination on tick cuticle was delayed in comparison to germination on artificial culture medium; for example, germination was 13% on tick cuticle 72h after inoculation, in contrast to 61.5% on PDAY medium. Unheated (27°C) conidia suspended in either water or oil and applied to tick cuticle developed appressoria 36h after treatment; whereas only heat-stressed conidia formulated in oil developed appressoria on tick cuticle. In comparison to conidia heated in mineral oil, there was a strong negative effect of heat on germination of conidia heated in water before being applied to arthropod cuticle. Nevertheless, bioassays [based primarily on egg production (quantity) and egg hatchability] exhibited high percentages of tick control regardless of the type of conidial suspension; i.e., water- or oil-formulated conidia, and whether or not conidia were previously exposed to heat. In comparison to aqueous conidial preparations, however, conidia formulated in oil reduced egg hatchability irrespective of heat or no-heat exposure. In conclusion, mineral-oil formulation protected conidia against heat-induced delay of both germination and appressorium production when applied to the cuticle of R. sanguineus.
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Schumacher L, Snellgrove A, Levin ML. Effect of Rickettsia rickettsii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) Infection on the Biological Parameters and Survival of Its Tick Vector-Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:172-6. [PMID: 26494822 PMCID: PMC5659120 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease spread from North America to Argentina. The major vectors of R. rickettsii in the United States are Dermacentor andersoni Stiles and Dermacentor variabilis (Say). It is generally believed that vector ticks serve as major reservoirs of R. rickettsii in nature; however, the ability of ticks to support the indefinite perpetuation of R. rickettsii has been challenged by reports of deleterious effects of rickettsial infection on D. andersoni. To better elucidate the relationship of the pathogen with D. variabilis, we assessed the effects of R. rickettsii on the survival, fertility, and fecundity of D. variabilis. We used an isolate of R. rickettsii (Di-6), originally acquired from an opossum caught in Virginia, and ticks from a laboratory colony established from adult D. variabilis also collected in Virginia. Overall, infection with R. rickettsii protracted the feeding periods of all life stages of ticks. Infected nymphal and adult ticks experienced a slight decrease in feeding success compared with the uninfected colony, but neither larval nor nymphal molting success was affected. Infected females reached smaller engorgement weights, were less efficient in conversion of bloodmeal into eggs, and produced smaller egg clutches with a lower proportion of eggs hatching. However, no sudden die-off was observed among infected ticks, and longevity was not decreased due to R. rickettsii infection in any stage. Although infection with the studied isolate of R. rickettsii caused slight decrease in fecundity in sympatric vector ticks, no obvious deleterious effects were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Schumacher
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-4018 (; ; ) and
| | - Alyssa Snellgrove
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-4018 (; ; ) and
| | - Michael L Levin
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-4018 (; ; ) and
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Borges LMF, de Oliveira Filho JG, Ferreira LL, Louly CCB, Pickett JA, Birkett MA. Identification of non-host semiochemicals for the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae), from tick-resistant beagles, Canis lupus familiaris. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:676-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Eremeeva ME, Dasch GA. Challenges posed by tick-borne rickettsiae: eco-epidemiology and public health implications. Front Public Health 2015; 3:55. [PMID: 25954738 PMCID: PMC4404743 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiae are obligately intracellular bacteria that are transmitted to vertebrates by a variety of arthropod vectors, primarily by fleas and ticks. Once transmitted or experimentally inoculated into susceptible mammals, some rickettsiae may cause febrile illness of different morbidity and mortality, and which can manifest with different types of exhanthems in humans. However, most rickettsiae circulate in diverse sylvatic or peridomestic reservoirs without having obvious impacts on their vertebrate hosts or affecting humans. We have analyzed the key features of tick-borne maintenance of rickettsiae, which may provide a deeper basis for understanding those complex invertebrate interactions and strategies that have permitted survival and circulation of divergent rickettsiae in nature. Rickettsiae are found in association with a wide range of hard and soft ticks, which feed on very different species of large and small animals. Maintenance of rickettsiae in these vector systems is driven by both vertical and horizontal transmission strategies, but some species of Rickettsia are also known to cause detrimental effects on their arthropod vectors. Contrary to common belief, the role of vertebrate animal hosts in maintenance of rickettsiae is very incompletely understood. Some clearly play only the essential role of providing a blood meal to the tick while other hosts may supply crucial supplemental functions for effective agent transmission by the vectors. This review summarizes the importance of some recent findings with known and new vectors that afford an improved understanding of the eco-epidemiology of rickettsiae; the public health implications of that information for rickettsial diseases are also described. Special attention is paid to the co-circulation of different species and genotypes of rickettsiae within the same endemic areas and how these observations may influence, correctly or incorrectly, trends, and conclusions drawn from the surveillance of rickettsial diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina E Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University , Statesboro, GA , USA
| | - Gregory A Dasch
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, GA , USA
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Yssouf A, Almeras L, Terras J, Socolovschi C, Raoult D, Parola P. Detection of Rickettsia spp in ticks by MALDI-TOF MS. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003473. [PMID: 25659152 PMCID: PMC4319929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been shown to be an effective tool for the rapid identification of arthropods, including tick vectors of human diseases. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of MALDI-TOF MS to identify tick species, and to determine the presence of rickettsia pathogens in the infected Ticks. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor marginatus Ticks infected or not by R. conorii conorii or R. slovaca, respectively, were used as experimental models. The MS profiles generated from protein extracts prepared from tick legs exhibited mass peaks that distinguished the infected and uninfected Ticks, and successfully discriminated the Rickettsia spp. A blind test was performed using Ticks that were laboratory-reared, collected in the field or removed from patients and infected or not by Rickettsia spp. A query against our in-lab arthropod MS reference database revealed that the species and infection status of all Ticks were correctly identified at the species and infection status levels. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, the present work demonstrates the utility of MALDI-TOF MS for a dual identification of tick species and intracellular bacteria. Therefore, MALDI-TOF MS is a relevant tool for the accurate detection of Rickettsia spp in Ticks for both field monitoring and entomological diagnosis. The present work offers new perspectives for the monitoring of other vector borne diseases that present public health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Yssouf
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Lionel Almeras
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Jérôme Terras
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | | | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar, Sénégal), Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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Parola P, Paddock CD, Socolovschi C, Labruna MB, Mediannikov O, Kernif T, Abdad MY, Stenos J, Bitam I, Fournier PE, Raoult D. Update on tick-borne rickettsioses around the world: a geographic approach. Clin Microbiol Rev 2013; 26:657-702. [PMID: 24092850 PMCID: PMC3811236 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00032-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 929] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group of the genus Rickettsia. These zoonoses are among the oldest known vector-borne diseases. However, in the past 25 years, the scope and importance of the recognized tick-associated rickettsial pathogens have increased dramatically, making this complex of diseases an ideal paradigm for the understanding of emerging and reemerging infections. Several species of tick-borne rickettsiae that were considered nonpathogenic for decades are now associated with human infections, and novel Rickettsia species of undetermined pathogenicity continue to be detected in or isolated from ticks around the world. This remarkable expansion of information has been driven largely by the use of molecular techniques that have facilitated the identification of novel and previously recognized rickettsiae in ticks. New approaches, such as swabbing of eschars to obtain material to be tested by PCR, have emerged in recent years and have played a role in describing emerging tick-borne rickettsioses. Here, we present the current knowledge on tick-borne rickettsiae and rickettsioses using a geographic approach toward the epidemiology of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | | | - Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade de São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Tahar Kernif
- Service d'Ecologie des Systèmes Vectoriels, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Mohammad Yazid Abdad
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Idir Bitam
- University of Boumerdes, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
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Senra TOS, Calmon F, Zeringóta V, Monteiro CMO, Maturano R, da Silva Matos R, Melo D, Gomes GA, de Carvalho MG, Daemon E. Investigation of activity of monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids against immature stages of Amblyomma cajennense and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3471-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3527-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Liu GH, Chen F, Chen YZ, Song HQ, Lin RQ, Zhou DH, Zhu XQ. Complete mitochondrial genome sequence data provides genetic evidence that the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) represents a species complex. Int J Biol Sci 2013; 9:361-9. [PMID: 23630448 PMCID: PMC3638291 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.6081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites of great medical and veterinary significance that can transmit bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses, and cause a variety of human and animal diseases worldwide. In the present study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of Rhipicephalus sanguineus from China (RSC) and compared with that of R. sanguineus from USA (RSU). Nucleotide sequence difference in the full mt genome was 11.23% between RSC and RSU. For the 13 protein-coding genes, comparison revealed sequence divergences at both the nucleotide (9.34-15.65%) and amino acid (2.54-19.23%) levels between RSC and RSU. In addition, sequence comparison of the conserved mt cox1 and cytb genes among multiple individual R. sanguineus revealed substantial nucleotide differences between RSC and RSU but limited sequence variation within RSC. Phylogenetic analysis of ticks based on the amino acid sequence data of 13 protein-coding genes revealed that R. sanguineus from China and R. sanguineus from USA represent sister taxa (likely separate species). Taken together, the findings support the recently proposal that R. sanguineus tick may represents a species complex of at least two closely related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
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Socolovschi C, Audoly G, Raoult D. Connection of toxin-antitoxin modules to inoculation eschar and arthropod vertical transmission in Rickettsiales. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 36:199-209. [PMID: 23414774 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The biological role of toxin-antitoxin systems (TAS) in pathogenicity and cell addiction of Rickettsia was recently reported. We realized a comparative genomic analysis onto 33 rickettsial genomes and correlated the presence of TAS encoding genes with vertical transmission (VT) in arthropod hosts, the presence of inoculation eschar in humans and experimental animals, and the mortality in humans. There is a significant statistical link between TAS and the presence of an eschar (p≤0.0001). The presence of TAS is also significantly inversely correlated with mortality. The toxic effect of TAS may increase the local reaction, thus inhibiting the spread of rickettsiae associated with fatal outcome of the disease. The TAS were also linked to VT (p≤0.0001). Together with our previous findings we speculate that this is the first addiction system evidenced in intracellular bacteria. Thus, the TAS, as selfish genetic elements, might be essential to the evolutionary strategy of intracellular bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, 13005 Marseille, France
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Levin ML, Studer E, Killmaster L, Zemtsova G, Mumcuoglu KY. Crossbreeding between different geographical populations of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2012; 58:51-68. [PMID: 22527838 PMCID: PMC5659124 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Brown dog ticks are distributed world-wide, and their systematics and phylogeny are the subject of an ongoing debate. The present study evaluates the reproductive compatibility between Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks from North America, Israel, and Africa. Female ticks of the parent generation were mated with males from the same and alternate colonies. Every pure and hybrid cohort was maintained separately into the F2 generation with F1 females being allowed to mate only with males from the same cohort. The following survival parameters were measured and recorded for every developmental stage: feeding duration and success; engorgement weight, fertility, and fecundity of females; molting and hatching success. Ticks from North American and Mediterranean populations hybridized successfully. The survival parameters of all their hybrid lines were similar to those in pure lines throughout the F1 generation, and F1 adults were fully fertile. Parent adult ticks from the African population hybridized with either North American or Mediterranean ticks and produced viable progenies whose survival parameters were also similar to those in pure lines throughout the F1 generation. However, F1 adults in the four hybrid lines that included African ancestry were infertile. No parthenogenesis was observed in any pure or hybrid lines as proportion of males in F1 generation ranged from 40 to 60 %. Phylogenetic analysis of the 12S rDNA gene sequences placed African ticks into a separate clade from those of the North American or Mediterranean origins. Our results demonstrate that Rh. sanguineus ticks from North America and Israel represent the same species, whereas the African population used in this study is significantly distant and probably represents a different taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Levin
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mail Stop G-13, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Why are there so few Rickettsia conorii conorii-infected Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks in the wild? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1697. [PMID: 22724035 PMCID: PMC3378603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rickettsia conorii conorii is the etiological agent of Mediterranean spotted fever, which is transmitted by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The relationship between the Rickettsia and its tick vector are still poorly understood one century after the first description of this disease. Methodology/Principal Findings An entomological survey was organized in Algeria to collect ticks from the houses of patients with spotted fever signs. Colonies of R. conorii conorii-infected and non-infected ticks were established under laboratory conditions. Gimenez staining and electron microscopy on the ovaries of infected ticks indicated heavy rickettsial infection. The transovarial transmission of R. conorii conorii in naturally infected Rh. sanguineus ticks was 100% at eleven generations, and the filial infection rate was up to 99% according to molecular analyses. No differences in life cycle duration were observed between infected and non-infected ticks held at 25°C, but the average weight of engorged females and eggs was significantly lower in infected ticks than in non-infected ticks. The eggs, larvae and unfed nymphs of infected and non-infected ticks could not tolerate low (4°C) or high (37°C) temperatures or long starvation periods. R. conorii conorii-infected engorged nymphs that were exposed to a low or high temperature for one month experienced higher mortality when they were transferred to 25°C than non-infected ticks after similar exposure. High mortality was observed in infected adults that were maintained for one month at a low or high temperature after tick-feeding on rabbits. Conclusion/Significance These preliminary results suggest that infected quiescent ticks may not survive the winter and may help explain the low prevalence of infected Rh. sanguineus in nature. Further investigations on the influence of extrinsic factors on diapaused R. conorii-infected and non-infected ticks are required. The bacterium Rickettsia conorii conorii is the etiological agent of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), which is a life-threatening infectious disease that is transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick. Rh. sanguineus-R. conorii conorii relationships in the wild are still poorly understood one century after the discovery of the disease. In this study, we collected naturally infected ticks from the houses of people afflicted by MSF in Algeria. Colonies of both infected and non-infected ticks were maintained in our laboratory, and we studied the effect of temperature variations on the infected and non-infected ticks. We did not observe any major differences between the biological life cycle of the infected and non-infected ticks held at 25°C. However, a comparatively higher mortality relative to the control group was noticed when R. conorii conorii-infected engorged nymphs and adults were exposed to a low temperature (4°C) or high temperature (37°C) for one month and transferred to 25°C. R. conorii conorii-infected Rh. sanguineus may maintain and serve as reservoirs for the Rickettsia if they are not exposed to cold temperatures. New populations of ticks might become infected with Rickettsiae when feeding on a bacteremic animal reservoir.
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Billeter SA, Kasten RW, Killmaster LF, Breitschwerdt EB, Levin ML, Levy MG, Kosoy MY, Chomel BB. Experimental infection by capillary tube feeding of Rhipicephalus sanguineus with Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 35:9-15. [PMID: 22062313 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
It has been speculated that ticks may serve as vectors of Bartonella species. Circumstantial, clinical, epidemiological and serological evidence suggest that B. vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii (B. v. berkhoffii) might be transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether adult R. sanguineus ticks can be infected with a B. v. berkhoffii genotype II isolate via capillary tube feeding and whether the infection can then be transmitted from adult females to their eggs via trans-ovarial transmission. Furthermore, tick fecal material was also collected and screened as a possible source of infectious inoculum for canine infections. B. v. berkhoffii DNA was detected in 50% (7 of 14) of females that did not oviposit and in 14.3% (2 of 14) of female ticks that laid eggs, but not detected in egg clutches (100 eggs/female). DNA was also detected in tick feces collected on days 2 through 6 post-capillary tube feeding, however, dogs (n=3) did not become bacteremic or seroconvert when inoculated with tick fecal material. Therefore, trans-ovarial transmission of B. v. berkhoffii by R. sanguineus is unlikely, but further studies are needed to determine if tick fecal material can serve as a source of infection to canines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Billeter
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Robinson M, Morgan E, Woods D, Shaw S. The development of a qPCR assay to detect tick (Ixodida) DNA and its implementation for the study of tick-borne pathogen transmission. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:506-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Bouwknegt C, van Rijn PA, Schipper JJM, Hölzel D, Boonstra J, Nijhof AM, van Rooij EMA, Jongejan F. Potential role of ticks as vectors of bluetongue virus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2010; 52:183-192. [PMID: 20358393 PMCID: PMC2928921 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-010-9359-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
When the first outbreak of bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV8) was recorded in North-West Europe in August 2006 and renewed outbreaks occurred in the summer of 2007 and again in 2008, the question was raised how the virus survived the winter. Since most adult Culicoides vector midges are assumed not to survive the northern European winter, and transovarial transmission in Culicoides is not recorded, we examined the potential vector role of ixodid and argasid ticks for bluetongue virus. Four species of ixodid ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Rhipicephalus bursa) and one soft tick species, Ornithodoros savignyi, ingested BTV8-containing blood either through capillary feeding or by feeding on artificial membranes. The virus was taken up by the ticks and was found to pass through the gut barrier and spread via the haemolymph into the salivary glands, ovaries and testes, as demonstrated by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (PCR-test). BTV8 was detected in various tissues of ixodid ticks for up to 21 days post feeding and in Ornithodoros ticks for up to 26 days. It was found after moulting in adult Ixodes hexagonus and was also able to pass through the ovaries into the eggs of an Ornithodoros savignyi tick. This study demonstrates that ticks can become infected with bluetongue virus serotype 8. The transstadial passage in hard ticks and transovarial passage in soft ticks suggest that ticks have potential vectorial capacity for bluetongue virus. Further studies are required to investigate transmission from infected ticks to domestic livestock. This route of transmission could provide an additional clue in the unresolved mystery of the epidemiology of Bluetongue in Europe by considering ticks as a potential overwintering mechanism for bluetongue virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Bouwknegt
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Piet A. van Rijn
- Department of Virology, Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) of Wageningen UR, PO Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline J. M. Schipper
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Hölzel
- Department of Virology, Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) of Wageningen UR, PO Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Boonstra
- Department of Virology, Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) of Wageningen UR, PO Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Ard M. Nijhof
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eugène M. A. van Rooij
- Department of Virology, Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) of Wageningen UR, PO Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Present Address: Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Utrecht, P.O. Box 80190, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Jongejan
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110 South Africa
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Brianti E, Pennisi MG, Brucato G, Risitano AL, Gaglio G, Lombardo G, Malara D, Fogliazza A, Giannetto S. Efficacy of the fipronil 10%+(S)-methoprene 9% combination against Rhipicephalus sanguineus in naturally infested dogs: speed of kill, persistent efficacy on immature and adult stages and effect of water. Vet Parasitol 2010; 170:96-103. [PMID: 20185241 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2009] [Revised: 12/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This field trial was designed to test the efficacy, in terms of treatment and prevention, of the fipronil 10%+(S)-methoprene 9% combination against immature and adult stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus in naturally infested dogs, and to assess the effect of a single plain water exposure. Twenty-four dogs of various age, sex, weight and coat length were divided into two homogeneous groups, treated (T) and control (C), and housed into twin outdoor kennels. Trial baseline was designed as day 0, when dogs from group T were treated with a commercial spot-on formulation of fipronil 10%+(S)-methoprene 9%, while subjects from group C were left untreated and served as control. After treatment, tick load for each included dog was estimated, for both adult and immature ticks, using the localization and count over the entire body surface at the following time-points: day 2, to evaluate the speed of kill and at days 7, 14, 21 and 28 to assess the persistence of efficacy. The effect of water exposure on the product efficacy was tested at day 14 of the study, when six dogs, homogenously selected from group T, were soaked through with plain water. The overall tick load in dogs from group C was high throughout the entire study period, ranging from 103.2 (day 28) to 161.3 (day 0), and confirmed the high tick pressure. Speed of kill calculated at 48 h post-treatment was slightly higher for adult ticks (96.2%) than for immature stages (91.6%). Compared to the control, dogs treated with the fipronil+(S)-methoprene maintained a significantly lower mean tick load for both adult and immature stages in the four weeks of observation. Persistence of efficacy against immature stages ranged from 97.1% the first week, 99.6% second week, 99.7 third week and 93.1% in the last week. In the same way, efficacy against adult ticks was constantly high, shifting from 94.5% to 92.5%. Overall efficacy (adults+immatures) was the strongest in the first two weeks (i.e., 96.1% and 96.6%) and lowered in the two remaining weeks (i.e., 94.2% and 93.4%). Results showed that water exposure did not affect the activity and persistence of the tested combination. On the basis of this field trial, the fipronil+(S)-methoprene combination represents a highly efficacious product to control all stages of R. sanguineus ticks on dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario della Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
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Levin M, Killmaster L, Eremeeva M, Dasch G. Effects of Rickettsia conorii infection on the survival of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15 Suppl 2:277-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02234.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Levin ML, Killmaster L, Zemtsova G, Grant D, Mumcuoglu KY, Eremeeva ME, Dasch GA. Incongruent effects of two isolates of Rickettsia conorii on the survival of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2009; 49:347-359. [PMID: 19421877 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-009-9268-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsia conorii, the etiologic agent of Mediterranean spotted fever is widely distributed in Southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India and the Caspian region. In the Mediterranean region, the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is the recognized vector of R. conorii. To study tick-pathogen relationships and pathogenesis of infection caused in model animals by the bite of an infected tick, we attempted to establish a laboratory colony of Rh. sanguineus persistently infected with R. conorii. Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks of North American and Mediterranean origin were exposed to R. conorii isolates of African (R. conorii conorii strain Malish) and Mediterranean (R. conorii israelensis strain ISTT) origin. Feeding of ticks upon infected mice and dogs, intra-hemocoel inoculation, and submersion in suspensions of purified rickettsiae were used to introduce the pathogen into uninfected ticks. Feeding success, molting success and the longevity of molted ticks were measured to assess the effects of R. conorii on the survival of Rh. sanguineus. In concordance with previously published results, Rh. sanguineus larvae and nymphs from both North American and Mediterranean colonies exposed to R. conorii conorii Malish experienced high mortality during feeding and molting or immediately after. The prevalence of infection in surviving ticks did not exceed 5%. On the other hand, exposure to ISTT strain had lesser effect on tick survival and resulted in 35-66% prevalence of infection. Rh. sanguineus of Mediterranean origin were more susceptible to infection with either strain of R. conorii than those from North America. Previous experimental studies had demonstrated transovarial and transstadial transmission of R. conorii in Rh. sanguineus; however, our data suggest that different strains of R. conorii may employ different means of maintenance in nature. The vertebrate host may be a more important reservoir than previously thought, or co-feeding transmission between different generations of ticks may obviate or lessen the requirement for transovarial maintenance of R. conorii.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Levin
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Mail Stop G-13, National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-borne and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Parola P, Socolovschi C, Raoult D. Deciphering the relationships between Rickettsia conorii conorii and Rhipicephalus sanguineus in the ecology and epidemiology of Mediterranean spotted fever. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1166:49-54. [PMID: 19538263 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04518.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mediterranean spotted fever is the most important tick-borne disease occurring in Southern Europe and North Africa. The first case of this life-threatening zoonosis was reported in 1910. In the 1930s, the role of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and the causative agent, Rickettsia conorii were described. However, basic questions regarding the relationships between the rickettsia and its tick vector are still unresolved, and the life cycle of R. conorii is incompletely known. There is a lack of knowledge associated with the role of Rh. sanguineus in the maintenance and transmission of R. conorii. The infectious rate of Rh. sanguineus ticks with R. conorii has been found low every time it has been tested; usually lower that 1%. The deleterious impact of R. conorii on ticks has been suggested in experimental models as a potential reason to explain a low prevalence in nature. The long-recognized phenomenon known as reactivation has been suggested as a cause of negative effects--that is, the change in temperature and physiology of the tick host induces the agent to emerge from dormancy and attain infectivity with bad effects on ticks. However, naturally infected colonies of ticks have been maintained in laboratory conditions over several generations. We discuss here several aspects that have been recently studied to better understand Rh. sanguineus-R. conorii relationships, including comparison between the fitness of infected and non-infected ticks in laboratory conditions and the role of external factors such as temperature and starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Parola
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UMR CNRS-IRD 6236, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsial Diseases and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Marseilles, France.
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de Oliveira Monteiro CM, Daemon E, Aparecido Clemente M, dos Santos Rosa L, Maturano R. Acaricidal efficacy of thymol on engorged nymphs and females of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1808) (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasitol Res 2009; 105:1093-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1530-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Socolovschi C, Bitam I, Raoult D, Parola P. Transmission of Rickettsia conorii conorii in naturally infected Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15 Suppl 2:319-21. [PMID: 19438619 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02257.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Socolovschi
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UMR CNRS-IRD 6236, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsial Diseases and Other Arthropod-borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
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Socolovschi C, Raoult D, Parola P. Influence of temperature on the attachment of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on rabbits. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15 Suppl 2:326-7. [PMID: 19438617 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02260.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Socolovschi
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Faculté de Médecine, UMR CNRS-IRD 6236, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsial Diseases and Other Arthropod-borne Bacterial Diseases, Marseille, France
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Socolovschi C, Matsumoto K, Brouqui P, Raoult D, Parola P. Experimental infection of Rhipicephalus sanguineus with Rickettsia conorii conorii. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15 Suppl 2:324-5. [PMID: 19438618 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02259.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Socolovschi
- Unité des Rickettsies, Faculté de Médecine, CNRS UMR 6020, IFR 48, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille Cedex 5, France
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Fournier PE, El Karkouri K, Leroy Q, Robert C, Giumelli B, Renesto P, Socolovschi C, Parola P, Audic S, Raoult D. Analysis of the Rickettsia africae genome reveals that virulence acquisition in Rickettsia species may be explained by genome reduction. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:166. [PMID: 19379498 PMCID: PMC2694212 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2008] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Rickettsia genus includes 25 validated species, 17 of which are proven human pathogens. Among these, the pathogenicity varies greatly, from the highly virulent R. prowazekii, which causes epidemic typhus and kills its arthropod host, to the mild pathogen R. africae, the agent of African tick-bite fever, which does not affect the fitness of its tick vector. Results We evaluated the clonality of R. africae in 70 patients and 155 ticks, and determined its genome sequence, which comprises a circular chromosome of 1,278,540 bp including a tra operon and an unstable 12,377-bp plasmid. To study the genetic characteristics associated with virulence, we compared this species to R. prowazekii, R. rickettsii and R. conorii. R. africae and R. prowazekii have, respectively, the less and most decayed genomes. Eighteen genes are present only in R. africae including one with a putative protease domain upregulated at 37°C. Conclusion Based on these data, we speculate that a loss of regulatory genes causes an increase of virulence of rickettsial species in ticks and mammals. We also speculate that in Rickettsia species virulence is mostly associated with gene loss. The genome sequence was deposited in GenBank under accession number [GenBank: NZ_AAUY01000001].
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Unité des rickettsies, IFR 48 CNRS UMR 6020, Faculté de médecine, Université de la Méditerranée, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille cedex 05, France.
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Daemon E, de Oliveira Monteiro CM, dos Santos Rosa L, Aparecido Clemente M, Arcoverde A. Evaluation of the acaricide activity of thymol on engorged and unengorged larvae of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1808) (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasitol Res 2009; 105:495-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2009] [Accepted: 03/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Socolovschi C, Mediannikov O, Raoult D, Parola P. The relationship between spotted fever group Rickettsiae and ixodid ticks. Vet Res 2009; 40:34. [PMID: 19358804 PMCID: PMC2695030 DOI: 10.1051/vetres/2009017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotted fever group Rickettsiae are predominantly transmitted by ticks. Rickettsiae have developed many strategies to adapt to different environmental conditions, including those within their arthropod vectors and vertebrate hosts. The tick-Rickettsiae relationship has been a point of interest for many researchers, with most studies concentrating on the role of ticks as vectors. Unfortunately, less attention has been directed towards the relationship of Rickettsiae with tick cells, tissues, and organs. This review summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the relationship between ticks and Rickettsiae and provides an update on the recent methodological improvements that have allowed for comprehensive studies at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Philippe Parola
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (URMITE), UMR CNRS-IRD 6236, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsial diseases and other arthropod-borne bacterial diseases, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
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Warmer weather linked to tick attack and emergence of severe rickettsioses. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e338. [PMID: 19015724 PMCID: PMC2581602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of climate on the vector behaviour of the worldwide dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a cause of concern. This tick is a vector for life-threatening organisms including Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, R. conorii, the agent of Mediterranean spotted fever, and the ubiquitous emerging pathogen R. massiliae. A focus of spotted fever was investigated in France in May 2007. Blood and tissue samples from two patients were tested. An entomological survey was organised with the study of climatic conditions. An experimental model was designed to test the affinity of Rh. sanguineus for biting humans in variable temperature conditions. Serological and/or molecular tools confirmed that one patient was infected by R. conorii, whereas the other was infected by R. massiliae. Dense populations of Rh. sanguineus were found. They were infected with new genotypes of clonal populations of either R. conorii (24/133; 18%) or R. massiliae (13/133; 10%). April 2007 was the warmest since 1950, with summer-like temperatures. We show herein that the human affinity of Rh. sanguineus was increased in warmer temperatures. In addition to the originality of theses cases (ophthalmic involvements, the second reported case of R. massiliae infection), we provide evidence that this cluster of cases was related to a warming-mediated increase in the aggressiveness of Rh. sanguineus, leading to increased human attacks. From a global perspective, we predict that as a result of globalisation and warming, more pathogens transmitted by the brown dog tick may emerge in the future. The impact of climate on the behaviour of the worldwide dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a cause of concern. This tick is a vector for life-threatening organisms including Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, R. conorii, the agent of Mediterranean spotted fever, and the ubiquitous emerging pathogen R. massiliae. A focus of spotted fever was investigated in France in May 2007. One patient was found to be infected by R. conorii, whereas the other was infected by R. massiliae. Theses cases were original because of ophthalmic involvements, and the report of the second case of R. massiliae infection in the scientific literature. During an entomological survey, dense populations of Rh. sanguineus were found in the house where the patient had been bitten by ticks. Ticks were infected with either R. conorii or R. massiliae. Interestingly, April 2007 was the warmest since 1950, with summer-like temperatures. In this work, we show that the human affinity of Rh. sanguineus is increased in warmer temperatures, and provide evidence that this cluster of cases was related to a warming-mediated increase in the aggressiveness of Rh. sanguineus, leading to increased human attacks. From a global perspective, we predict that as a result of globalisation and warming, more pathogens transmitted by the brown dog tick may emerge in the future.
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Abstract
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) was first described in 1910. Twenty years later, it was recognized as a rickettsial disease transmitted by the brown dog tick. In contrast to Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), MSF was thought to be a benign disease; however, the first severe case that resulted in death was reported in France in the 1980s. We have noted important changes in the epidemiology of MSF in the last 10 years, with emergence and reemergence of MSF in several countries. Advanced molecular tools have allowed Rickettsia conorii conorii to be classified as a subspecies of R. conorii. New clinical features, such as multiple eschars, have been recently reported. Moreover, MSF has become more severe than RMSF; the mortality rate was as high as 32% in Portugal in 1997. Whether Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the only vector and reservoir for R. conorii conorii is a question not yet answered.
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Dantas-Torres F. The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae): from taxonomy to control. Vet Parasitol 2008; 152:173-85. [PMID: 18280045 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Accepted: 12/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus, commonly known as the brown dog tick, is a three-host tick that feeds primarily on dogs and occasionally on other hosts, including humans. R. sanguineus ticks are widely distributed around the world and they are known vectors of pathogens, such as Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, and Rickettsia conorii. The increasing number of cases of human parasitism by R. sanguineus ticks reported in the literature indicates that the interaction between humans and R. sanguineus ticks may be more common than it is actually recognized. The indiscriminate use of acaricides is an emerging problem worldwide and has led to the selection of acaricide resistant tick strains. In this article, the medical and veterinary importance, taxonomy, biology, and ecology of R. sanguineus ticks around the world are reviewed. It also discusses the current strategies for the control of R. sanguineus, highlighting the potential risks associated to the improper use of acaricides, such as environmental pollution and toxicity to humans and other non-target organisms (e.g., tick predators).
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Caixa Postal 7472, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego s/n, Campus UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Spotted fever group Rickettsia in brown dog ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus in southwestern Spain. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:119-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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