|
1
|
Khan HA, Oskam C, Kumarasinghe P. Dermatological aspects of ticks in Australia: An update. Australas J Dermatol 2023; 64:11-17. [PMID: 36598182 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are ectoparasites that cause dermatologic reactions directly by their bites and indirectly as vectors of bacterial, protozoal and viral diseases. Consequences vary from minor local reactions to significant systemic sequelae and are therefore of clinical relevance to dermatologists. In this article, Australian ticks of medical importance are reviewed through the lens of dermatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hina Ali Khan
- St John of God Murdoch Hospital, Barry Marshall Parade, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Charlotte Oskam
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Prasad Kumarasinghe
- University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Mathews KO, Phalen D, Norris JM, Stenos J, Toribio JA, Wood N, Graves S, Sheehy PA, Nguyen C, Bosward KL. Serological Evidence of Exposure to Spotted Fever Group and Typhus Group Rickettsiae in Australian Wildlife Rehabilitators. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060745. [PMID: 34204809 PMCID: PMC8231516 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060745] [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: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsioses are arthropod-borne zoonotic diseases, several of which occur in Australia. This study aimed to assess the exposure levels and risk factors for Rickettsia spp. among Australian wildlife rehabilitators (AWRs) using serology, PCR and a questionnaire. Antibody titres against Spotted Fever Group (SFG), Typhus Group (TG) and Scrub Typhus Group (STG) antigens were determined using an immunofluorescence assay. PCR targeting the gltA gene was performed on DNA extracts from whole blood and serum. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with seropositivity. Of the 27 (22.1%; 27/122) seropositive participants all were seropositive for SFG, with 5/27 (4.1%) also positive for TG. Of the 27 positive sera, 14.8% (4/27) were further classified as exposure to R. australis, 3.7% (1/27) to R. honei, 3.7% (1/27) to R. felis and 77.8% (21/27) were classified as ‘indeterminate’—most of which (85.7%; 18/21) were indeterminate R. australis/R. honei exposures. Rickettsia DNA was not detected in whole blood or serum. Rehabilitators were more likely to be seropositive if more than one household member rehabilitated wildlife, were older than 50 years or had occupational animal contact. These findings suggest that AWRs are at increased risk of contracting Rickettsia-related illnesses, however the source of the increased seropositivity remains unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen O. Mathews
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia; (D.P.); (J.M.N.); (J.-A.T.); (P.A.S.)
- Correspondence: (K.O.M.); (K.L.B.)
| | - David Phalen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia; (D.P.); (J.M.N.); (J.-A.T.); (P.A.S.)
| | - Jacqueline M. Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia; (D.P.); (J.M.N.); (J.-A.T.); (P.A.S.)
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.S.); (S.G.); (C.N.)
| | - Jenny-Ann Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia; (D.P.); (J.M.N.); (J.-A.T.); (P.A.S.)
| | - Nicholas Wood
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Stephen Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.S.); (S.G.); (C.N.)
| | - Paul A. Sheehy
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia; (D.P.); (J.M.N.); (J.-A.T.); (P.A.S.)
| | - Chelsea Nguyen
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.S.); (S.G.); (C.N.)
| | - Katrina L. Bosward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia; (D.P.); (J.M.N.); (J.-A.T.); (P.A.S.)
- Correspondence: (K.O.M.); (K.L.B.)
| |
Collapse
|