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Wang X, Pang B, Kou Z, Zhao J, Yan Y, Chen T, Yang L. Detection and phylogenetic classification of Neoehrlichia mikurensis in rodents from the region of Liupan Mountain, China. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1409593. [PMID: 39027101 PMCID: PMC11255843 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1409593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoehrlichia mikurensis (N. mikurensis) is an emerging tick-borne pathogen that can cause neoehrlichiosis. Rodents are considered the major host for N. mikurensis. Currently, N. mikurensis has been detected in rodents in several studies from China and other countries. However, no research on N. mikurensis infection in rodents has been reported in the Liupan mountain region. The region of Liupan Mountain, located in northwestern China, is the center of the triangle formed by the cities of Xi'an, Yinchuan, and Lanzhou, with multiple tourist sites in the region. To survey whether there is N. mikurensis in hosts, rodents were captured in this region in September 2020. A nested polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the DNA of N. mikurensis, followed by nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In the region, among 88 rodents, 3 rodents were detected positive for N. mikurensis, a detection rate of 3.4%. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the partial groEL gene sequences, N. mikurensis from rodents in Liupan Mountain clustered in the same evolutionary branch with those found in rodents from Japan, Russia, and northeastern China, and also in ticks and clinical cases from Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bo Pang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Zengqiang Kou
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Yan
- Jingyuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guyuan, China
| | - Tan Chen
- Jingyuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guyuan, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Alabí Córdova AS, Fecchio A, Calchi AC, Dias CM, Mongruel ACB, das Neves LF, Lee DAB, Machado RZ, André MR. Novel Tick-Borne Anaplasmataceae Genotypes in Tropical Birds from the Brazilian Pantanal Wetland. Microorganisms 2024; 12:962. [PMID: 38792791 PMCID: PMC11124045 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous reports of Anaplasmataceae agents in mammals worldwide, few studies have investigated their occurrence in birds. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of Anaplasmataceae agents in birds from the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 93 different species. After DNA extraction, samples positive for the avian β-actin gene were subjected to both a multiplex quantitative real-time (q)PCR for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia targeting the groEL gene and to a conventional PCR for Anaplasmataceae agents targeting the 16S rRNA gene. As a result, 37 (7.4%) birds were positive for Anaplasma spp. and 4 (0.8%) for Ehrlichia spp. in the qPCR assay; additionally, 13 (2.6%) were positive for Anaplasmataceae agents in the PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The Ehrlichia 16S rRNA sequences detected in Arundinicola leucocephala, Ramphocelus carbo, and Elaenia albiceps were positioned closely to Ehrlichia sp. Magellanica. Ehrlichia dsb sequences detected in Agelasticus cyanopus and Basileuterus flaveolus grouped with Ehrlichia minasensis. The 16S rRNA genotypes detected in Crax fasciolata, Pitangus sulphuratus and Furnarius leucopus grouped with Candidatus Allocryptoplasma. The 23S-5S genotypes detected in C. fasciolata, Basileuterus flaveolus, and Saltator coerulescens were related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In conclusion, novel genotypes of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Candidatus Allocryptoplasma were detected in birds from the Pantanal wetland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Salvador Alabí Córdova
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Alan Fecchio
- Department of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA;
| | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Clara Morato Dias
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Lorena Freitas das Neves
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Daniel Antonio Braga Lee
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
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Soliman AM, Mahmoud HYAH, Amer MM, Hifumi T, Tanaka T. Molecular detection and diversity of tick-borne rickettsial pathogens in ticks collected from camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Upper Egypt. Acta Trop 2024; 253:107172. [PMID: 38447703 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsial pathogens pose significant threats to public and animal health. In Upper Egypt, limited information exists regarding the prevalence and diversity of such tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation to elucidate the presence and variety of tick-borne rickettsial pathogens in Upper Egyptian camels. Our results revealed a prevalence of 2.96 % for Anaplasma marginale and 0.34 % for Candidatus Anaplasma camelii among Hyalomma ticks. However, Ehrlichia spp. weren't detected in our study. The identification of Ca. A. camelii in H. dromedari ticks was documented for the first time, suggesting a potential mode of transmission in camels. Notably, this study marks the first documentation of Rickettsia aeschlimannii with a prevalence of 6.06 % in the study area. Furthermore, we detected Coxiella burnetii in a prevalence of 8.08 % in Hyalomma ticks, indicating a potential risk of Q fever transmission. Molecular techniques results were confirmed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis and provided valuable insights into the epidemiology of these pathogens, revealing their diversity. This study is vital in understanding tick-borne rickettsial pathogens' prevalence, distribution, and transmission dynamics in Upper Egypt. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the importance of continued research to enhance our understanding of the epidemiology and impact of these pathogens on both animal and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Soliman
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Biotechnology Department, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki 12618, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hassan Y A H Mahmoud
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Animal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Moaz M Amer
- Biotechnology Department, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki 12618, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tatsuro Hifumi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Histopathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
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Zamoto-Niikura A, Saigo A, Sato M, Kobayashi H, Sasaki M, Nakao M, Suzuki T, Morikawa S. The presence of Ixodes pavlovskyi and I. pavlovskyi-borne microorganisms in Rishiri Island: an ecological survey. mSphere 2023; 8:e0021323. [PMID: 37930050 PMCID: PMC10871164 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00213-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Understanding the ecology of ticks and tick-borne microorganisms is important to assess the risk of emerging tick-borne diseases. Despite the fact that the Ixodes pavlovskyi tick bites humans, we lack information including population genetics and the reason for the inadequate distribution in Japan. A 5-year survey revealed that Rishiri Island, the main stopover in the East Asian Flyway of wild birds in the northern Sea of Japan, was a refuge of I. pavlovskyi. The I. pavlovskyi included two haplogroups, which were supposed to diverge a long time before the island separated from the continent and Hokkaido mainland. The detection of microorganisms from wildlife revealed that wild birds and rodents play a role in diffusion and settlement, respectively, of not only I. pavlovskyi but also I. pavlovskyi-borne microorganisms including Candidatus Ehrlichia khabarensis and Babesia microti US lineage. Various island-specific factors control I. pavlovskyi dominance and tick-borne pathogen maintenance. The results may enable us to explain how tick-borne infectious microorganisms are transported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Zamoto-Niikura
- Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Saigo
- Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hirotaka Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Tadaki Suzuki
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Morikawa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Okayama, Japan
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Briggs C, Smith E, Vansandt J, Carr B, Loftin K, McDermott EG. PREVALENCE OF EHRLICHIA AND ANAPLASMA SPP. IN TICKS COLLECTED FROM CATTLE AND DEER IN ARKANSAS, USA. J Parasitol 2023; 109:530-536. [PMID: 37903502 DOI: 10.1645/23-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma marginale, is widespread in cattle in the southeast United States. The pathogen is biologically transmitted by Dermacentor spp. ticks, and mechanically transmitted by biting flies and via fomites. Despite high reported regional seroprevalence, Dermacentor spp. are rare on cattle in the southeast. To identify other putative An. marginale vectors, and to characterize cattle exposure to other tick-borne pathogens, we collected ticks from Arkansas cattle herds in 2020-2022. Recognizing that deer are important hosts for some of the same tick species that parasitize cattle, we also collected ticks from hunter-killed deer in the fall and winter of 2021. Ticks were screened for bacteria in the family Anaplasmataceae using qPCR. Positive samples were further amplified using a PCR assay targeting the groEL gene, and the resulting amplicons were sequenced for identification. A total of 3,794 ticks were collected, the majority of which were Amblyomma americanum. Amblyomma americanum was the most common species on cattle, and Ixodes scapularis was most common on deer. No ticks were positive for An. marginale, though Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in deer-collected I. scapularis, as well as in a single engorged Am. americanum from cattle. Amblyomma americanum from cattle were infected with Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrilichia chaffeensis, and Panola Mountain Ehrlichia. Cattle in Arkansas are exposed to several ehrlichial pathogens and may also be exposed to An. phagocytophilum. The importance of these pathogens, particularly Panola Mountain Ehrlichia, in causing cattle disease in Arkansas deserves further study, as does the importance of mechanical transmission of An. marginale in bovine anaplasmosis epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cierra Briggs
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Elizabeth Smith
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Jordan Vansandt
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Brandon Carr
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Kelly Loftin
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Emily G McDermott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
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Olafson PU, Poh KC, Evans JR, Skvarla MJ, Machtinger ET. Limited detection of shared zoonotic pathogens in deer keds and blacklegged ticks co-parasitizing white-tailed deer in the eastern United States. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:179-188. [PMID: 36286196 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Deer keds, such as Lipoptena cervi Linnaeus (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), are blood-feeding flies from which several human and animal pathogens have been detected, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato Johnson (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae), the causative agent of Lyme disease. Cervids (Artiodactyla: Cervidae), which are the primary hosts of deer keds, are not natural reservoirs of B. burgdorferi sl, and it has been suggested that deer keds may acquire bacterial pathogens via co-feeding near infected ticks. We screened L. cervi (n = 306) and Ixodes scapularis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae) (n = 315) collected from 38 white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania for the family Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella spp. (Hyphomicrobiales: Bartonellaceae), Borrelia spp., and Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae). Limited similarity in the bacterial DNA detected between these ectoparasites per host suggested that co-feeding may not be a mechanism by which deer keds acquire these bacteria. The feeding biology and life history of deer keds may impact the observed results, as could the season when specimens were collected. We separately screened L. cervi (n = 410), L. mazamae Róndani (n = 13), L. depressa Say (n = 10), and Neolipoptena ferrisi Bequaert (n = 14) collections from locations within the United States and Canada for the same pathogens. These results highlight the need to further study deer ked-host and deer ked-tick relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen C Poh
- Department of Entomology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Jesse R Evans
- Department of Entomology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael J Skvarla
- Department of Entomology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Erika T Machtinger
- Department of Entomology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Day CA, Butler RA, Durick HE, Chandler JG, Paulsen DJ, Mordoh SL, Foggin C, Parry R, Moyo I, Russo L, Kennedy MA, Trout Fryxell RT. An ecological and epidemiological single-season survey of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia positive ticks in Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:195-208. [PMID: 36695750 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for continued research on the ecology of tick-borne diseases in Africa. Our objective was to provide a preliminary description of the ecology and epidemiology of tick species, tick-borne pathogens, and animal hosts in Zimbabwe, focusing efforts at Victoria Falls National Park, for a single season. We tested the hypothesis that tick surveillance and pathogen screening data can be used to model associations among ticks, hosts, and pathogens. We collected ticks from domesticated animals and wildlife in Zimbabwe and screened the ticks for the presence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia bacteria. Nearly 30% of the screened ticks were PCR-positive; 89% of tick species were PCR-positive, and 88% of animal species carried at least one PCR-positive tick. We sequenced a subset of amplicons that were similar to three Anaplasma species and three Ehrlichia species. The odds of a tick being PCR-positive increased when many ticks were collected from the host or the tick was collected from a cow (domesticated animal). Tick species shared host species more often than expected. We demonstrate that ticks in northwestern Zimbabwe present a One Health problem for nearby wildlife and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Day
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - R A Butler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - H E Durick
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - J G Chandler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - David J Paulsen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - S L Mordoh
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - C Foggin
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
| | - R Parry
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
| | - I Moyo
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
| | - L Russo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - M A Kennedy
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - R T Trout Fryxell
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Dye-Braumuller KC, Lynn MK, Cornejo Rivas PM, Lee C, Rodríguez Aquino MS, Chandler JG, Trout Fryxell RR, Self SCW, Kanyangarara M, Nolan MS. First Report of Multiple Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma sp., and Ehrlichia sp. in the San Miguel Department of El Salvador from Zoonotic Tick Vectors. Acta Trop 2023; 242:106909. [PMID: 37030489 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Neglected bacterial zoonoses are a group of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that are commonly underdiagnosed and underreported due to their undifferentiated febrile illness symptomology. Spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR), a subset of tick-borne bacterial zoonoses, belong in this group. There is a dichotomy in the reporting and recognition of these pathogens in Central America: countries with reduced human development scores-like El Salvador-have little to no research or surveillance dedicated to these pathogens and the diseases they cause. This was the third-ever tick survey in El Salvador, highlighting the knowledge gap in this country. A total of 253 ticks were collected from 11 animals at two farm sites and one veterinary office. Standard and quantitative PCR were used to detect presence of SFGR, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma sp. pathogens in ticks. Ehrlichia sp. were detected in 2.4% of all collected ticks and Anaplasma sp. were detected in 5.5% of all ticks. Rickettsia rickettsii was amplified in 18.2% of ticks, and amplicons similar to R. parkeri, and R. felis were found in 0.8% and 0.4%, of collected ticks, respectively. This is the first report of these pathogenic bacterial species in El Salvador. This study emphasizes the need for further surveillance and research including incorporating additional human seroprevalence and testing to understand the public health burden in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyndall C Dye-Braumuller
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29203, USA
| | - Mary K Lynn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29203, USA
| | - P Michelle Cornejo Rivas
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Salud, Universidad de El Salvador, Health Research and Development Center, University of El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Christopher Lee
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29203, USA
| | - Marvin S Rodríguez Aquino
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Salud, Universidad de El Salvador, Health Research and Development Center, University of El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Jennifer G Chandler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Rebecca R Trout Fryxell
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Stella C W Self
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29203, USA
| | - Mufaro Kanyangarara
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29203, USA
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29203, USA.
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Bhosale CR, Wilson KN, Ledger KJ, White ZS, Dorleans R, De Jesus CE, Wisely SM. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Recreational Greenspaces in North Central Florida, USA. Microorganisms 2023; 11:756. [PMID: 36985329 PMCID: PMC10057063 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne infections are an increasing medical and veterinary concern in the southeastern United States, but there is limited understanding of how recreational greenspaces influence the hazard of pathogen transmission. This study aimed to estimate the potential human and companion animal encounter risk with different questing tick species, and the bacterial or protozoal agents they carry in recreational greenspaces. We collected ticks bimonthly along trails and designated recreational areas in 17 publicly accessible greenspaces, in and around Gainesville, Florida, USA. We collected Amblyomma americanum, Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor variabilis, Ixodes affinis, and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris. Across the six tick species collected, we detected 18 species of bacteria or protozoa within the Babesia, Borrelia, Cytauxzoon, Cryptoplasma (Allocryptoplasma), Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, Rickettsia, and Theileria genera, including pathogens of medical or veterinary importance. While tick abundance and associated microorganism prevalence and richness were the greatest in natural habitats surrounded by forests, we found both ticks and pathogenic microorganisms in manicured groundcover. This relationship is important for public health and awareness, because it suggests that the probability of encountering an infected tick is measurable and substantial even on closely manicured turf or gravel, if the surrounding landcover is undeveloped. The presence of medically important ticks and pathogenic microorganisms in recreational greenspaces indicates that public education efforts regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases are warranted in this region of the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanakya R. Bhosale
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Kristen N. Wilson
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kimberly J. Ledger
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Rayann Dorleans
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Carrie E. De Jesus
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Santodomingo A, Thomas R, Robbiano S, Uribe JE, Parragué-Migone C, Cabello-Stom J, Vera-Otarola F, Valencia-Soto C, Moreira-Arce D, Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Muñoz-Leal S. Wild deer (Pudu puda) from Chile harbor a novel ecotype of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:38. [PMID: 36707862 PMCID: PMC9883915 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05657-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deer species play an important role in the enzootic cycles of several Anaplasma species. While in the Northern Hemisphere ticks of genus Ixodes are well recognized vectors of these intracellular bacteria, less is known regarding the biological cycles of Anaplasma spp. in South America. METHODS Using PCR protocols and Sanger sequencing, we assessed the presence of Anaplasma spp. in blood and ticks collected on a native deer species (Pudu puda) from southern Chile. RESULTS Based on phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA, gltA and groEL genes and calculation of average sequence divergence for groEL, our results bring to light a novel genovariant of Anaplasma phagocytophilum (named strain "Patagonia"). The strain represents a novel ecotype within the A. phagocytophilum species complex and was detected in both P. puda and their ticks. Using a larger matrix, denser taxon sampling and outgroup, our maximum-likelihood- and Bayesian-inferred phylogenies for groEL provide an accurate picture of the topology of A. phagocytophilum ecotypes and their evolutionary relationships. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of an ecotype of A. phagocytophilum in South America. Our results provide novel insight into the genetic diversity and ecology of this complex of bacterial lineages. Further studies should elucidate the enzootic cycle of A. phagocytophilum strain "Patagonia" and assess its pathogenic potential for pudues, domestic animals and humans in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Santodomingo
- grid.5380.e0000 0001 2298 9663Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Richard Thomas
- grid.5380.e0000 0001 2298 9663Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Sofía Robbiano
- grid.5380.e0000 0001 2298 9663Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Juan E. Uribe
- grid.420025.10000 0004 1768 463XDepartment of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain ,grid.1214.60000 0000 8716 3312Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013 USA
| | - Catalina Parragué-Migone
- grid.5380.e0000 0001 2298 9663Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Javier Cabello-Stom
- Centro de Conservación de la Biodiversidad, Chiloé Silvestre, Nal Bajo, Chiloé, Chile
| | - Frank Vera-Otarola
- grid.442215.40000 0001 2227 4297Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Sede de La Patagonia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Carola Valencia-Soto
- grid.442215.40000 0001 2227 4297Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Sede de La Patagonia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Darío Moreira-Arce
- grid.412179.80000 0001 2191 5013Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile ,grid.512671.6Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- grid.5380.e0000 0001 2298 9663Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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11
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Noden BH, Dubie TR, Henriquez BE, Gilliland M, Talley JL. Seasonality of Ticks and Prevalence of Rickettsiae Species in Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma maculatum Across Oklahoma Pastures. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1033-1041. [PMID: 35289851 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are an increasing concern for people and companion animals in the United States, but there is a need for continued vigilance regarding livestock in pasture systems. The south-central United States has some of the highest incidences of tick-borne diseases, and there is a need to re-examine the ecology of tick vectors in relation to pasture systems and livestock. The objective of this study was to establish a baseline of seasonal activity for tick species in diverse regional Oklahoma pastures and screen for important pathogens in Dermacentor variabilis (Say) and Amblyomma maculatum Koch group that may impact livestock and human health. Between 2015 and 2017, transects in five pastures across Oklahoma were visited each month. DNA extracted from adult D. variabilis and A. maculatum group was tested for the presence of bacterial pathogens. We found that tick communities in pastures across Oklahoma differ by season, abundance, and bacterial presence and prevalence. The peak abundance of Amblyomma americanum (L.) adults and nymphs occurred a month earlier over the 2 yr of the study compared with historical studies in the same regions. Additionally, we observed notable differences in peak activity between A. americanum adults and nymphs collected in pastures in central Oklahoma (April) versus pastures in northern part of the state (May). We detected Rickettsia parkeri, R. bellii, and Anaplasma sp. DNA in D. variabilis from pastures across the state. These results potentially have important ramifications for human and livestock risk of encountering infected ticks in pastures across the southern Great Plains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce H Noden
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Trisha R Dubie
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Brandon E Henriquez
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Meghan Gilliland
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Justin L Talley
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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12
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Noden BH, Roselli MA, Loss SR. Effect of Urbanization on Presence, Abundance, and Coinfection of Bacteria and Protozoa in Ticks in the US Great Plains. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:957-968. [PMID: 35024846 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization alters components of natural ecosystems which can affect tick abundance and tick-borne disease prevalence. Likely due to these changes, tick-borne pathogen prevalence has increased in many U.S. urban areas. Despite the growing public health importance of tick-borne diseases, little is known about how they are influenced by urbanization in North America, especially in the central U.S. where several pathogens occur at or near their highest levels of incidence nationally. To determine whether urban development influences tick infection with bacteria and protozoa, we collected ticks at 16 parks across a gradient of urbanization intensity in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA and tested them using a variety of PCR assays. Adult ticks tested positive for Rickettsia parkeri, R. amblyommatis, R. rhiphicephali, 'Candidatus R. andeanae', Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, Panola Mountain Ehrlichia, 'Borrelia lonestari', Theileria cervi, Babesia spp. Coco, and Cytauxzoon felis. These results indicate the presence of a high diversity of tick-borne bacteria and protozoa across an expanding urban area in the U.S. Great Plains. Although there appeared to be some risk of encountering tick-borne microorganisms across the entire urbanization gradient, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and T. cervi-infected ticks and microbe diversity decreased with increasing urbanization intensity. We identified a low rate of coinfection between different microorganisms, with coinfected ticks mainly collected from sites in the least-urbanized areas. This study suggests the need for awareness of tick-borne disease risk throughout urban areas in the central U.S., and highlights a need for studies of tick host habitat use and movement in cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce H Noden
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Megan A Roselli
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Scott R Loss
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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13
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Huang MHJ, Demarais S, Strickland BK, Brookshire WC, Chandler JG, Butler RA, Trout Fryxell RT. Supplemental feeding of deer reduces tick abundance in Mississippi, U.S.A. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2022; 47:29-37. [PMID: 35366677 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-47.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prior research on baiting and feeding of wildlife found changes in habitat and the concentration of wildlife on a local scale (e.g., hundreds of meters). Since changes in habitat and host density affect ticks, feeding wildlife may lead to changes in tick and tick-borne disease ecology. We quantified the effect of feeding deer on ticks and tick-borne diseases at 79 pairs of sites with and without deer feeders during May-August of 2019 and 2020. We captured 0.4 fewer adult (p<0.05) and 1.2 fewer nymphal ticks (p=0.01) at feeder sites. This effect intensified over time with one fewer tick trapped at old feeders (≥5 years) compared to new feeders (<5 years, p<0.05). Greater daily wildlife visitation rates (p<0.001) may have allowed questing ticks to encounter hosts more readily. Most collected ticks were Amblyomma americanum (92.8%), a vector of Ehrlichia and Rickettsia pathogens, though prevalence of these pathogens did not differ (p>0.13) at a local scale. Supplemental deer feeding appears to influence ticks, possibly due to decreased tick habitat and increased wildlife use around feeders. Our findings indicate feeding does not lead to increased prevalence of Ehrlichia or Rickettsia bacteria within A. americanum locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H J Huang
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, U.S.A.,
| | - S Demarais
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, U.S.A
| | - B K Strickland
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, U.S.A
| | - W C Brookshire
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, U.S.A
| | - J G Chandler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, U.S.A
| | - R A Butler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, U.S.A
| | - R T Trout Fryxell
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, U.S.A
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14
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Hussain S, Hussain A, Aziz MU, Song B, Zeb J, George D, Li J, Sparagano O. A Review of Zoonotic Babesiosis as an Emerging Public Health Threat in Asia. Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010023. [PMID: 35055971 PMCID: PMC8779675 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic babesiosis poses a serious health risk in many parts of the world. Its emergence in Asia is thus a cause for significant concern, demanding that appropriate control measures are implemented to suppress its spread in this region. This study focuses on zoonotic Babesia species reported in Asia, offering an extensive review of those species reported in animals and humans. We reported 11 studies finding zoonotic Babesia species in animals and 16 in humans. In China, the most prevalent species was found to be Babesia microti, reported in both humans (n = 10) and wild and domesticated animals (n = 4). In Korea, only two studies reported human babesiosis, with a further two studies reporting Babesia microti in wild animals. Babesia microti was also reported in wild animal populations in Thailand and Japan, with evidence of human case reports also found in Singapore, Mongolia and India. This is the first review to report zoonotic babesiosis in humans and animals in Asia, highlighting concerns for future public health in this region. Further investigations of zoonotic species of Babesia in animal populations are required to confirm the actual zoonotic threat of babesiosis in Asia, as well as its possible transmission routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabir Hussain
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (O.S.)
| | - Abrar Hussain
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Umair Aziz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Baolin Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jehan Zeb
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - David George
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK;
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Olivier Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (O.S.)
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15
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Galay RL, Llaneta CR, Monreal MKFB, Armero AL, Baluyut ABD, Regino CMF, Sandalo KAC, Divina BP, Talactac MR, Tapawan LP, Mojares MCL, Alvarez CR, Mago ER, Encarnacion ND, Andoh M, Tanaka T. Molecular Prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia in Domestic Large Ruminants and Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) microplus Ticks From Southern Luzon, Philippines. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:746705. [PMID: 34722706 PMCID: PMC8548686 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.746705] [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: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are tick-borne rickettsial diseases that cause significant economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. Although bovine anaplasmosis is known to be endemic in the Philippines, epidemiological data is fragmented. Moreover, little is known about bovine ehrlichiosis in the country. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia in cattle and water buffalo from provinces in the southern part of Luzon, Philippines, was investigated through PCR. Blood samples from 620 animals comprised of 512 cattle and 108 water buffalo and 195 tick samples were subjected to nested PCR targeting the groESL gene of Anaplasmataceae. Positive samples were further subjected to another nested PCR and conventional PCR to amplify the A. marginale groEL gene and the Ehrlichia dsbA gene, respectively. Selected A. marginale-positive samples were also subjected to nested PCR targeting the msp5 gene. Regardless of the animal host, the overall prevalence in blood samples obtained was 51.9% for Anaplasmataceae, 43% for A. marginale, and 1.1% for Ehrlichia. No water buffalo were positive for Ehrlichia. Meanwhile, 15.9, 6.7, and 2% of the tick samples, all morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, were positive for Anaplasmataceae, A. marginale, and Ehrlichia, respectively. Sequence analysis of selected A. marginale msp5 amplicons showed that the isolates from the region share 94–98% identity to reported A. marginale from other countries. The phylogenetic tree showed clustering of isolates in the region and a close relationship with A. marginale isolates from other countries. Sequences of Ehrlichia amplicons from cattle and ticks were 97–100% similar to reported Ehrlichia minasensis isolates. This study showed the high prevalence of A. marginale in Luzon, Philippines, and provided the first molecular evidence of E. minasensis in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remil L Galay
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Carina R Llaneta
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Maria Karla Faye B Monreal
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Antero L Armero
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Arianne Bel D Baluyut
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Philippines.,Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, San Fernando, Philippines
| | - Czarina Marie F Regino
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Kristina Andrea C Sandalo
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Billy P Divina
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Melbourne R Talactac
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Philippines
| | - Lennox P Tapawan
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Philippines
| | - Maarten Czar L Mojares
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Philippines
| | - Cherry R Alvarez
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Philippines
| | - Emmanuel R Mago
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Philippines
| | - Noemi D Encarnacion
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Philippines
| | - Masako Andoh
- Laboratory of Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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16
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Reptile Host Associations of Ixodes scapularis in Florida and Implications for Borrelia spp. Ecology. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080999. [PMID: 34451463 PMCID: PMC8400089 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080999] [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: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Host associations of the tick vector for Lyme Borreliosis, Ixodes scapularis, differ across its geographic range. In Florida, the primary competent mammalian host of Lyme disease is not present but instead has other small mammals and herpetofauna that I. scapularis can utilize. We investigated host–tick association for lizards, the abundance of ticks on lizards and the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl). To determine which lizard species I. scapularis associates with, we examined 11 native lizard species from historical herpetological specimens. We found that (294/5828) of the specimens had attached ticks. The most infested species were Plestiodon skinks (241/1228) and Ophisaurus glass lizards (25/572). These species were then targeted at six field sites across Florida and sampled from June to September 2020, using drift fence arrays, cover boards and fishing. We captured 125 lizards and collected 233 immature I. scapularis. DNA was extracted from ticks and lizard tissue samples, followed by PCR testing for Borrelia spp. Of the captured lizards, 69/125 were infested with immature I. scapularis. We did not detect Borrelia spp. from tick or lizard tissue samples. Overall, we found that lizards are commonly infested with I. scapularis. However, we did not detect Borrelia burgdorferi sl. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that lizards are poor reservoir species.
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17
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Karshima SN, Karshima MN, Ahmed MI. Animal reservoirs of zoonotic Babesia species: A global systematic review and meta-analysis of their prevalence, distribution and species diversity. Vet Parasitol 2021; 298:109539. [PMID: 34375806 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic babesiosis caused by Babesia divergens, B. microti and B. venatorum is a vector-borne protozoan zoonosis of increasing public health importance worldwide. A complex system of animal reservoirs including a wide range of mammals and a limited number of birds play a central role in maintaining the infection. Governed by the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global prevalence, distribution and the diversity of zoonotic Babesia species in animal reservoirs. We pooled data using the random-effects model and determined quality of individual studies, heterogeneity and across study bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal instrument for prevalence studies, Cochran's Q-test and Egger's regression test respectively. Seventy nine studies from 29 countries reported a total 9311 positive cases of zoonotic Babesia infections from 46,649 animal reservoirs, yielding an overall estimated prevalence of 12.45% (95% CI: 10.09-15.27). Continental prevalence ranged between 8.55 (95% CI: 1.90-31.11) in Africa and 27.81% (95% CI: 21.25-35.48) in North America. Estimated prevalence in relation to country income levels, methods of diagnosis, study periods, sample sizes and reservoir categories ranged between 4.97 (95% CI: 1.80-13.00) and 30.12% (95% CI: 22.49-39.04). B. divergens was the most prevalent (12.50%, 95% CI: 8.30-18.39) of the 3 species of zoonotic Babesia reported in animal reservoirs. Zoonotic Babesia infections are prevalent in animal reservoirs across the world with the highest prevalence in North America and domestic animals. B. microti had the widest geographic distribution. We recommend tick control as well as strategic and prophylactic treatment against these parasites in animal reservoirs to curtail the economic losses associated with zoonotic Babesia species and possible transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Ngutor Karshima
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Jos, PMB 2084, Jos, Nigeria.
| | - Magdalene Nguvan Karshima
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, PMB 2076, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
| | - Musa Isiyaka Ahmed
- Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, PMB 28, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
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18
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Trout Fryxell RT, Vann DN, Butler RA, Paulsen DJ, Chandler JG, Willis MP, Wyrosdick HM, Schaefer JJ, Gerhold RW, Grove DM, Ivey JZ, Thompson KW, Applegate RD, Sweaney J, Daniels S, Beaty S, Balthaser D, Freye JD, Mertins JW, Bonilla DL, Lahmers K. Rapid Discovery and Detection of Haemaphysalis longicornis through the Use of Passive Surveillance and Collaboration: Building a State Tick-Surveillance Network. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7980. [PMID: 34360274 PMCID: PMC8345789 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Between March 2019 and February 2020, Asian long-horned ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, 1901) were discovered and collected for the first time in one middle and seven eastern Tennessee counties, facilitated by a newly developed passive and collaborative tick-surveillance network. Network collaborators included federal, state, county, university, and private resource personnel working with companion animals, livestock, and wildlife. Specimens were collected primarily from dogs and cattle, with initial detections of female adult stage ticks by stakeholders associated with parasitology positions (e.g., entomologists and veterinary parasitologists). Initial county tick detections were confirmed with morphological and molecular identifications, and then screened for the presence of animal-associated pathogens (Anaplasma marginale, Babesia species, Ehrlichia species, and Theileria orientalis), for which all tests were negative. Herein, we describe the identification and confirmation of these tick specimens as well as other results of the surveillance collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca T. Trout Fryxell
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (R.A.B.); (D.J.P.); (J.G.C.)
| | - Dené N. Vann
- Department of Biomedical Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (D.N.V.); (H.M.W.); (J.J.S.); (R.W.G.)
| | - Rebecca A. Butler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (R.A.B.); (D.J.P.); (J.G.C.)
| | - Dave J. Paulsen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (R.A.B.); (D.J.P.); (J.G.C.)
| | - Jennifer G. Chandler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (R.A.B.); (D.J.P.); (J.G.C.)
| | - Micah P. Willis
- Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | - Heidi M. Wyrosdick
- Department of Biomedical Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (D.N.V.); (H.M.W.); (J.J.S.); (R.W.G.)
| | - John J. Schaefer
- Department of Biomedical Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (D.N.V.); (H.M.W.); (J.J.S.); (R.W.G.)
| | - Richard W. Gerhold
- Department of Biomedical Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (D.N.V.); (H.M.W.); (J.J.S.); (R.W.G.)
| | - Daniel M. Grove
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | - Jennie Z. Ivey
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | - Kevin W. Thompson
- Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | - Roger D. Applegate
- Wildlife and Forestry Division, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville, TN 37211, USA; (R.D.A.); (J.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Joy Sweaney
- Wildlife and Forestry Division, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville, TN 37211, USA; (R.D.A.); (J.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Sterling Daniels
- Wildlife and Forestry Division, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville, TN 37211, USA; (R.D.A.); (J.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Samantha Beaty
- State Veterinarians’ Office, Ellington Agricultural Center, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Nashville, TN 37220, USA; (S.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Douglas Balthaser
- State Veterinarians’ Office, Ellington Agricultural Center, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Nashville, TN 37220, USA; (S.B.); (D.B.)
| | - James D. Freye
- Tennessee Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Madison, TN 37220, USA;
| | - James W. Mertins
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA;
| | - Denise L. Bonilla
- Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA;
| | - Kevin Lahmers
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
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Moniuszko-Malinowska A, Dunaj J, Andersson MO, Chmielewski T, Czupryna P, Groth M, Grygorczuk S, Zajkowska J, Kondrusik M, Kruszewska E, Pancewicz S. Anaplasmosis in Poland - analysis of 120 patients. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101763. [PMID: 34161867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to clarify the clinical picture of anaplasmosis through analysis of the symptoms and clinical signs presented by infected patients in a cohort of tick-bitten individuals. The study included 1375 patients with suspicion of tick-borne disease. Finally, 120 patients (8.7%) were diagnosed with anaplasmosis (HGA). Blood samples were examined by PCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia spp., and Bartonella spp.. Based on analysis of 120 patients with HGA we concluded that anaplasmosis is not as rare in Europe, as it is thought to be and often appears as a co-infection with other tick-borne pathogens. The co-infection rate of patients with A. phagocytophilum infection in tick endemic areas is high. Co-infection of A. phagocytophilum with B. burgdorferi s.l. or tick-borne encephalitis virus may influence symptom frequency. PCR together with medical history, clinical picture and basic laboratory tests is a sufficient method for the diagnosis of anaplasmosis. Doxycycline is an effective drug leading to complete recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia, 14 15-540 Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Justyna Dunaj
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia, 14 15-540 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Martin O Andersson
- Center for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Linnaeus University, SE-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Tomasz Chmielewski
- National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia, 14 15-540 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Monika Groth
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia, 14 15-540 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sambor Grygorczuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia, 14 15-540 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Joanna Zajkowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia, 14 15-540 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Maciej Kondrusik
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia, 14 15-540 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Kruszewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia, 14 15-540 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Pancewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia, 14 15-540 Bialystok, Poland
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Noden BH, Tanner EP, Polo JA, Fuhlendorf SD. Invasive woody plants as foci of tick-borne pathogens: eastern redcedar in the southern Great Plains. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2021; 46:12-18. [PMID: 35229576 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-46.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Habitat preference and usage by disease vectors are directly correlated with landscapes often undergoing anthropogenic environmental change. A predominant type of land use change occurring in the United States is the expansion of native and non-native woody plant species in grasslands, but little is known regarding the impact of this expansion on regional vector-borne disease transmission. In this study, we focused on the impact of expanding eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana; ERC) and tested two hypotheses involving relationships between habitat preferences of adult tick species in rural habitats in central Oklahoma. Using CO2 traps, we collected ticks from two densities of ERC and grassland and screened adult ticks for the presence of pathogen DNA. We found support for our first hypothesis with significantly more Amblyomma americanum (Linnaeus) and Dermacentor variabilis (Say) collected in ERC habitats than in grassland. Our second hypothesis was also supported, as Ehrlichia- and Rickettsia-infected A. americanum were significantly more likely to be collected from ERC habitats than grassland. As the first evidence that links woody plant encroachment with important tick-borne pathogens in the continental United States, these results have important ramifications involving human and companion animal risk for encountering pathogen-infected ticks in the southern Great Plains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce H Noden
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, U.S.A.
| | - Evan P Tanner
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, U.S.A
- Department of Natural Resource and Ecology Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, U.S.A
| | - John A Polo
- Department of Natural Resource and Ecology Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, U.S.A
| | - Sam D Fuhlendorf
- Department of Natural Resource and Ecology Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, U.S.A
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21
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Diversity unearthed by the estimated molecular phylogeny and ecologically quantitative characteristics of uncultured Ehrlichia bacteria in Haemaphysalis ticks, Japan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:687. [PMID: 33436999 PMCID: PMC7804854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80690-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia species are obligatory intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropods, and some of these species cause febrile diseases in humans and livestock. Genome sequencing has only been performed with cultured Ehrlichia species, and the taxonomic status of such ehrlichiae has been estimated by core genome-based phylogenetic analysis. However, many uncultured ehrlichiae exist in nature throughout the world, including Japan. This study aimed to conduct a molecular-based taxonomic and ecological characterization of uncultured Ehrlichia species or genotypes from ticks in Japan. We first surveyed 616 Haemaphysalis ticks by p28-PCR screening and analyzed five additional housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, groEL, gltA, ftsZ, and rpoB) from 11 p28-PCR-positive ticks. Phylogenetic analyses of the respective genes showed similar trees but with some differences. Furthermore, we found that V1 in the V1-V9 regions of Ehrlichia 16S rRNA exhibited the greatest variability. From an ecological viewpoint, the amounts of ehrlichiae in a single tick were found to equal approx. 6.3E+3 to 2.0E+6. Subsequently, core-partial-RGGFR-based phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the five housekeeping loci revealed six Ehrlichia genotypes, which included potentially new Ehrlichia species. Thus, our approach contributes to the taxonomic profiling and ecological quantitative analysis of uncultured or unidentified Ehrlichia species or genotypes worldwide.
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Olafson PU, Buckmeier BG, May MA, Thomas DB. Molecular screening for rickettsial bacteria and piroplasms in ixodid ticks surveyed from white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) and nilgai antelope ( Boselaphus tragocamelus) in southern Texas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:252-260. [PMID: 33294364 PMCID: PMC7691163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A survey of ixodid ticks parasitizing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) was completed during the 2018–2019 public hunt season on the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (Cameron County, Texas) and the East Foundation's El Sauz Ranch in nearby Willacy County (Texas). Anocenter nitens was the predominant tick species identified with 5% of these ticks collected from nilgai. All life stages were encountered in high numbers on white-tailed deer, indicating that deer may be a primary host in this region. Amblyomma maculatum and Amblyomma inornatum were identified from both hosts, while Ixodes scapularis was encountered only on white-tailed deer. This is the first published record of A. inornatum on nilgai. A subset of ticks was used in PCR assays to detect Rickettsia spp., family Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp., and Theileria-Babesia spp. Borrelia spp. were not detected in any of the ticks analyzed. Rickettsia parkeri was detected in three A. maculatum adult ticks from deer, Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont sequences were present in all I. scapularis ticks, and Rickettsia amblyommatis was detected in three A. inornatum adult ticks from deer. Sequence analysis of Anaplasmataceae-positive amplicons from A. nitens and A. maculatum had low percent identity to published Anaplasma spp. sequences, suggesting a unique Anaplasma sp. may be circulating in the population. Anaplasma platys was detected from A. nitens larvae and an Ehrlichia sp. Delta strain was present in A. maculatum, both of unknown pathogenicity towards deer. Theileria cervi was detected in all stages of A. nitens ticks, and positive ticks originated from 27 of 31 deer and a single nilgai sampled from throughout the survey site. The primary vector for T. cervi is absent from this region, suggesting T. cervi is possibly maintained by a different tick species. Anocenter nitens predominates on white-tailed deer and nilgai in southern Texas. Theileria cervi was detected in Anocenter nitens ticks from deer and a single nilgai. Three Theileria cervi genotypes were detected in this region of southern Texas. Unique Anaplasma sp. detected in A. nitens; low identity to known Anaplasma sp. Amblyomma inornatum ticks were identified on nilgai; a first record on this host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia U Olafson
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Beverly Greta Buckmeier
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Melinda A May
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Donald B Thomas
- USDA-ARS Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, 22675 N. Moorefield Road, Moore Air Base, Edinburg, TX, 78541, USA
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Pedersen BN, Jenkins A, Paulsen KM, Okbaldet YB, Edgar KS, Lamsal A, Soleng A, Andreassen ÅK. Distribution of Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Ixodes ricinus ticks along the coast of Norway: The western seaboard is a low-prevalence region. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 67:130-137. [PMID: 31705635 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neoehrlichia mikurensis is a tick-borne pathogen widespread among ticks and rodents in Europe and Asia. A previous study on Ixodes ricinus ticks in Norway suggested that N. mikurensis was scarce or absent on the south-west coast of Norway, but abundant elsewhere. The aim of this study was to further investigate the prevalence and distribution of N. mikurensis along the western seaboard of Norway in comparison with more eastern and northern areas. The second aim of the study was to examine seasonal variation of the bacterium in one specific location in the south-eastern part of Norway. Questing I. ricinus were collected from 13 locations along the coast of Norway, from Brønnøysund in Nordland County to Spjaerøy in Østfold County. In total, 11,113 nymphs in 1,113 pools and 718 individual adult ticks were analysed for N. mikurensis by real-time PCR. The mean prevalence of N. mikurensis in adult ticks was 7.9% while the estimated pooled prevalence in nymphs was 3.5%. The prevalence ranged from 0% to 25.5%, with the highest prevalence in the southernmost and the northernmost locations. The pathogen was absent, or present only at low prevalence (<5%), at eight locations, all located in the west, from 58.9°N to 64.9°N. The prevalence of N. mikurensis was significantly different between counties (p < .0001). No significant seasonal variation of N. mikurensis prevalence was observed in the period May to October 2015. Our results confirm earlier findings of a low prevalence of N. mikurensis in the western seaboard of Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikte N Pedersen
- Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
| | - Andrew Jenkins
- Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
| | - Katrine M Paulsen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.,Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yohannes B Okbaldet
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin S Edgar
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alaka Lamsal
- Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway.,Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arnulf Soleng
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åshild K Andreassen
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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De Jesus CE, Ganser C, Kessler WH, White ZS, Bhosale CR, Glass GE, Wisely SM. A Survey of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in Florida. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10090297. [PMID: 31540253 PMCID: PMC6780285 DOI: 10.3390/insects10090297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Within the past three decades, new bacterial etiological agents of tick-borne disease have been discovered in the southeastern U.S., and the number of reported tick-borne pathogen infections has increased. In Florida, few systematic studies have been conducted to determine the presence of tick-borne bacterial pathogens. This investigation examined the distribution and presence of tick-borne bacterial pathogens in Florida. Ticks were collected by flagging at 41 field sites, spanning the climatic regions of mainland Florida. DNA was extracted individually from 1608 ticks and screened for Anaplasma, Borrelia, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia using conventional PCR and primers that amplified multiple species for each genus. PCR positive samples were Sanger sequenced. Four species of ticks were collected: Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ixodes scapularis. Within these ticks, six bacterial species were identified: Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia lonestari, Ehrlichia ewingii, Rickettsia amblyommatis, Rickettsia andeanae, Rickettsia parkeri, and Rickettsia endosymbionts. Pathogenic Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species were all detected in the North and North-Central Florida counties; however, we found only moderate concordance between the distribution of ticks infected with pathogenic bacteria and human cases of tick-borne diseases in Florida. Given the diversity and numerous bacterial species detected in ticks in Florida, further investigations should be conducted to identify regional hotspots of tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E De Jesus
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Claudia Ganser
- Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - William H Kessler
- Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Zoe S White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Chanakya R Bhosale
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Gregory E Glass
- Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Samantha M Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Trout Fryxell RT, Vogt JT. Collaborative-Tick Surveillance Works: An Academic and Government Partnership for Tick Surveillance in the Southeastern United States (Acari: Ixodidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1411-1419. [PMID: 31049584 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Tick surveillance provides essential information on distributions and encounter frequencies; it is a component of operational activities in public health practice. Our research objectives were a proof-of-concept for collaborative surveillance, which involved establishing an academic and government partnership to enhance tick surveillance efforts. The University of Tennessee (UT) collaborated with United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) in an Occupational Health and Safety partnership. UT provided FIA crews in the southeastern United States with vials containing 80% ethanol (July 2014-November 2017). Crew members were instructed to put all encountered ticks into the vials and return them to FIA headquarters. UT identified all submitted ticks to species and life stage, and screened Amblyomma americanum (L.) for Ehrlichia bacteria using a nested-PCR assay. From the 198 returned vials, 1,180 ticks were submitted, including A. americanum (90.51%; 202 larvae, 503 nymphs, and 363 adults), Dermacentor variabilis Say (7.12%; 1 nymph, 83 adults), Ixodes scapularis (Say) (1.61%; 19 adults), Amblyomma maculatum Koch (0.59%; 1 nymph, 6 adults), and Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius) (0.17%; 1 nymph, 1 adult). FIA crews encountered A. americanum with Ehrlichia and collection information was used to generate baseline occurrence data of tick encounters. Results indicate that this collaborative-tick surveillance can be improved and used to generate useful data including pathogen detection, and because crews revisit these sites, changes in tick encounters can be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- R T Trout Fryxell
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Plant Biotechnology Building, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN )
| | - J T Vogt
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station - Insects, Diseases, and Invasive Plants in Southern Forests, Athens, GA
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Taira M, Ando S, Kawabata H, Fujita H, Kadosaka T, Sato H, Monma N, Ohashi N, Saijo M. Isolation and molecular detection of Ehrlichia species from ticks in western, central, and eastern Japan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:344-351. [PMID: 30501980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne bacterial disease caused by pathogens of the Ehrlichia genus. Although human ehrlichiosis has not been reported in Japan, Ehrlichia spp., which are closely related to Ehrlichia chaffeensis, were detected in several species of ixodid ticks. In this study, the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in ticks in Japan was studied by using isolation and molecular detection methods. In total, 1237 ticks were collected from vegetation in western, central, and eastern parts of Japan. The ticks were tested for detection of ehrlichial DNA with a nested polymerase chain reaction and/or isolation by inoculation of mice with the homogenate. Ehrlichial DNA was detected in 29 of these ticks. The ehrlichial DNAs, groEL and 16S rRNA genes, detected in Ixodes turdus showed a high similarity to those of E. chaffeensis with 94.7% and 99.2% identity, respectively. Ehrlichia sp. HF and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis were also detected in I. ovatus. Furthermore, Ehrlichia sp. HF was isolated from laboratory mice that were intraperitoneal inoculated with I. ovatus tick homogenate. Some ehrlichial agents detected in Ixodes ticks might be a previously unknown Ehrlichia species. In this study, Candidatus N. mikurensis was detected in I. ovatus ticks. Because I. ovatus is distributed widely and cases of its tick bite in humans are ubiquitously reported in Japan, there is a potential for ehrlichiosis to be endemic to Japan, necessitating intensive surveillance of this infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakatsu Taira
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan; Division of Virology and Medical Zoology, Chiba Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Chiba, Japan; Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Shuji Ando
- Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawabata
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan; Department of Bacteriology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Fujita
- Mahara Institute of Medical Acarology, Tokushima, Japan
| | | | - Hiroko Sato
- Akita Prefectural Research Center for Public Health and Environment, Akita, Japan
| | - Naoto Monma
- Fukushima Prefectural Institute for Public Health, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Norio Ohashi
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masayuki Saijo
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan; Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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A case report of scrub typhus complicated with myocarditis and rhabdomyolysis. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:551. [PMID: 30404620 PMCID: PMC6223005 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3458-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scrub typhus is a zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, a gram-negative intracellular bacterium. Myocarditis and rhabdomyolysis are rare complications of scrub typhus. Case presentation We report a case of scrub typhus, which was simultaneously complicated with myocarditis and rhabdomyolysis. A 54-year-old woman presented to our hospital with myalgia in the upper and lower limbs, oedema and a fever of 7 days’ duration. We confirmed the diagnosis of scrub typhus complicated with myocarditis by pericardial fluid analysis and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging results. The pericardial fluid showed characteristics of an exudate, an elevated immunofluorescence assay (IFA) IgG titer of 1:2048 and a positive 16S rRNA qPCR result. We also diagnosed rhabdomyolysis by the patient’s presenting symptoms, elevated muscle enzyme levels and bone scan results. Conclusion We report for the first time a case of scrub typhus complicated with both myocarditis and rhabdomyolysis, the causative agent of which was the Boryong genotype of O. tsutsugamushi.
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Prevalence of Hepatozoon and Sarcocystis spp. in rodents and their ectoparasites in Nigeria. Acta Trop 2018; 187:124-128. [PMID: 30071191 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Using polymerase chain reaction targeting the 18S rRNA gene and DNA sequencing the prevalence and diversity of Apicomplexa and Piroplasmida infections in rodents from Nigeria was studied. Overall, 13 of 194 (7.7%) rodent blood samples tested were positive for Hepatozoon spp. while 2 (1.0%) were positive for Sarcocystis dispersa. Hepatozoon spp. DNA was detected in all the rodentspecies tested except Neotoma spp., and was most prevalent (50%) in the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus), followed by Mus musculus (18.2%), Rattus rattus (6.3%) and Rattus norvegicus (4.1%). The Hepatozoon spp. DNA sequences from the rodents were 98-100% identical to each other and to Hepatozoon spp. DNA sequence from small mammals deposited in GenBank. Five of the sequences from R. rattus (n = 2) and R. norvegicus (n = 3) were 98-99% identical to Hepatozoon felis (KY649442.1). Sarcocystis dispersa DNA was detected in one R. rattus (2.1%) and one R. norvegicus (0.8%). These findings suggest that rodents are involved in endemic cycles of Hepatozoon spp. and Sarcocystis spp. agents of veterinary importance.
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Dubie TR, Turner J, Noden BH. Questing Behavior and Analysis of Tick-Borne Bacteria in Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Oklahoma. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1569-1574. [PMID: 30085216 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae), is an economically important tick that affects veterinary and public health, but it can be difficult to collect in Oklahoma. The primary goal of this research was to examine the diel activity of each species to help improve collection methods for future field research and test field-collected I. scapularis for endemic and nonendemic tick-borne bacterial genera in the southern Great Plains region. Questing behavior was observed using caged bioassays over 24-h periods throughout fall and spring, and field collections were conducted throughout the afternoon and evening in different locations across Oklahoma. Blacklegged ticks were found to be more active during late afternoon and evening hours, and more ticks were recovered in pastures in the evening. None of the pools of adult I. scapularis tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) or Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) DNA. Of the 46 pools of I. scapularis tested, 27 (58.7%) were positive for Rickettsia sp. with ticks collected from the same location infected with the same species of rickettsial endosymbionts. Results suggest that sampling times later in the day may benefit off-host recovery of I. scapularis in Oklahoma ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha R Dubie
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
| | - Justin Turner
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
| | - Bruce H Noden
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
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Karnchanabanthoeng A, Morand S, Jittapalapong S, Carcy B. BabesiaOccurrence in Rodents in Relation to Landscapes of Mainland Southeast Asia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:121-130. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Karnchanabanthoeng
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- LBCM/EA4558 VAP, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Serge Morand
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- CNRS ISEM–CIRAD ASTRE, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Bernard Carcy
- LBCM/EA4558 VAP, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Kim CM, Kim SW, Kim DM, Yoon NR, Jha P, Jang SJ, Ahn YJ, Lim D, Lee SH, Hwang SD, Lee YS. Case Report: Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing of Tick Bite Site Samples for the Diagnosis of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:403-406. [PMID: 28829732 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an obligate intracellular bacterium. Until now, the utility of tick-bite site samples for HGA diagnosis has not been reported. Using a patient's buffy coat and tick-bite site crust samples, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing using Ehrlichia- or Anaplasma-specific primers. PCR with buffy coat and crust samples obtained before doxycycline administration was positive. Six days after doxycycline administration, PCR with the buffy coat sample was negative but PCR with a crust tissue sample from the tick-bite site remained positive. This is the first case to suggest that crust tissue at the tick-bite site may be useful for early HGA diagnosis in patients who have already been treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon-Mee Kim
- Premedical Science, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Won Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Ra Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Piyush Jha
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sook Jin Jang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joon Ahn
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghoon Lim
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hun Lee
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Do Hwang
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Seon Lee
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Trout Fryxell RT, Hendricks BM, Pompo K, Mays SE, Paulsen DJ, Operario DJ, Houston AE. Investigating the Adult Ixodid Tick Populations and Their Associated Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia Bacteria at a Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Hotspot in Western Tennessee. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:527-538. [PMID: 28598270 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis are two common bacterial tick-borne diseases in the southeastern United States. Ehrlichiosis is caused by ehrlichiae transmitted by Amblyomma americanum and rickettsiosis is caused by rickettsiae transmitted by Amblyomma maculatum and Dermacentor variabilis. These ticks are common and have overlapping distributions in the region. The objective of this study was to identify Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species associated with questing ticks in a Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) hotspot, and identify habitats, time periods, and collection methods for collecting questing-infected ticks. Using vegetation drags and CO2-baited traps, ticks were collected six times (May-September 2012) from 100 sites (upland deciduous, bottomland deciduous, grassland, and coniferous habitats) in western Tennessee. Adult collections were screened for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia (simultaneous polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) and Rickettsia using genus-specific PCRs, and resulting positive amplicons were sequenced. Anaplasma and Ehrlichia were only identified within A. americanum (Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Panola Mountain Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma odocoilei sp. nov.); more Ehrlichia-infected A. americanum were collected at the end of June regardless of habitat and collection method. Rickettsia was identified in three tick species; "Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii" from A. americanum, R. parkeri and R. andeanae from A. maculatum, and R. montanensis ( = montana) from D. variabilis. Overall, significantly more Rickettsia-infected ticks were identified as A. americanum and A. maculatum compared to D. variabilis; more infected-ticks were collected from sites May-July and with dragging. In this study, we report in the Tennessee RMSF hotspot the following: (1) Anaplasma and Ehrlichia are only found in A. americanum, (2) each tick species has its own Rickettsia species, (3) a majority of questing-infected ticks are collected May-July, (4) A. americanum and A. maculatum harbor pathogenic bacteria in western Tennessee, and (5) R. rickettsii remains unidentified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca T Trout Fryxell
- 1 Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Brain M Hendricks
- 1 Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Kimberly Pompo
- 1 Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Sarah E Mays
- 1 Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Dave J Paulsen
- 1 Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Darwin J Operario
- 2 Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Allan E Houston
- 3 Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
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Benevenute JL, Dumler JS, Ogrzewalska M, Roque ALR, Mello VVC, de Sousa KCM, Gonçalves LR, D'Andrea PS, de Sampaio Lemos ER, Machado RZ, André MR. Assessment of a quantitative 5' nuclease real-time polymerase chain reaction using groEL gene for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species in rodents in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:646-656. [PMID: 28457822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
New genotypes of Anaplasmataceae agents have been detected in wild carnivores, birds and deer in Brazil. The present work aimed to investigate the presence of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species in rodents sampled in Brazil. Additionally, a newly designed quantitative 5' nuclease real-time multiplex PCR for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp. detection based on groEL gene amplification was designed, showing high specificity and sensitivity (10 groEL fragment copy/μL). Between 2000 and 2011, different rodent species [n=60] were trapped in 5 Brazilian biomes. Among 458 rodent spleen samples, 0.4% (2/458) and 2.4% (11/458) were positive for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp., respectively. Of 458 samples, 2.0% (9/458) and 1.1% (5/458) were positive for Anaplasma sp. and Ehrlichia sp., respectively, using conventional 16S rRNA PCR assays. Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyse based on a small region of 16S rRNA genes positioned the Anaplasma genotypes in rodents near Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma odocoilei isolates. Ehrlichia genotypes were closely related to E. canis. There was a low occurrence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in wild and synanthropic rodents in Brazil, suggesting the circulation of new genotypes of these agents in rodents in the studied areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyan Lucas Benevenute
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - John Stephen Dumler
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maria Ogrzewalska
- Laboratório de Hantaviroses e Rickettsioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio D'Andrea
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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Wei F, Song M, Liu H, Wang B, Wang S, Wang Z, Ma H, Li Z, Zeng Z, Qian J, Liu Q. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Zoonotic and Veterinary Pathogens in Ticks from Northeastern China. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1913. [PMID: 27965644 PMCID: PMC5126052 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are considered as emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals in China. In this study, Ixodes persulcatus (n = 1699), Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 412), Haemaphysalis longicornis (n = 390), Dermacentor nuttalli (n = 253), and Dermacentor silvarum (n = 204) ticks were collected by flagging from northeastern China, and detected for infection with Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon spp. by using nested polymerase chain reaction assays and sequencing analysis. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in all tick species, i.e., I. persulcatus (9.4%), H. longicornis (1.9%), H. concinna (6.5%), D. nuttalli (1.7%), and D. silvarum (2.3%); Anaplasma bovis was detected in H. longicornis (0.3%) and H. concinna (0.2%); Ehrlichia muris was detected in I. persulcatus (2.5%) and H. concinna (0.2%); Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis was only detected in I. persulcatus (0.4%). The Ehrlichia variant (GenBank access number KU921424), closely related to Ehrlichia ewingii, was found in H. longicornis (0.8%) and H. concinna (0.2%). I. persulcatus was infected with Babesia venatorum (1.2%), Babesia microti (0.6%), and Babesia divergens (0.6%). Additionally, four Babesia sequence variants (GenBank access numbers 862303–862306) were detected in I. persulcatus, H. longicornis, and H. concinna, which belonged to the clusters formed by the parasites of dogs, sheep, and cattle (B. gibsoni, B. motasi, and B. crassa). Two Hepatozoon spp. (GenBank access numbers KX016028 and KX016029) associated with hepatozoonosis in Japanese martens were found in the collected ticks (0.1–3.1%). These findings showed the genetic variability of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon spp. circulating in ticks in northeastern China, highlighting the necessity for further research of these tick-associated pathogens and their role in human and animal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wei
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural UniversityChangchun, China; Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical SciencesChangchun, China
| | - Mingxin Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University Harbin, China
| | - Huanhuan Liu
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University Changchun, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical School of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Inner Mongolia General Forestry Hospital Yakeshi, China
| | - Shuchao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical Sciences Changchun, China
| | - Zedong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical Sciences Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Ma
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University Changchun, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Diseases of Chongqing Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical Sciences Changchun, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical Sciences Changchun, China
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Moustafa MAM, Taylor K, Nakao R, Shimozuru M, Sashika M, Rosà R, Thu MJ, Rizzoli A, Tsubota T. Dynamics, co-infections and characteristics of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in Hokkaido small mammals, Japan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:922-928. [PMID: 27166277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Many of the emerging infectious diseases originate in wildlife and many of them are caused by vector-borne pathogens. In Japan, zoonotic tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are frequently detected in both ticks and wildlife. Here, we studied the infection rates of potentially zoonotic species, including Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neoehrlichia and Babesia spp., in Hokkaido's most abundant small mammals as they relate to variable extrinsic factors that might affect the infection rates of these pathogens. A total of 412 small mammals including 64 Apodemus argenteus, 219 Apodemus speciosus, 78 Myodes rufocanus, 41 Myodes rutilus, 6 Myodes rex and 4 Sorex unguiculatus were collected from Furano and Shari sites in Hokkaido, Japan, in 2010 and 2011 and were examined by multiplex PCR for TBPs. A reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) was then developed for the specific detection of 13 potentially zoonotic TBPs. A total of 4 TBPs were detected: Anaplasma sp. AP-sd, Ehrlichia muris, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Babesia microti. The infection rates were 4.4% (18/412), 1.2% (5/412), 13.1% (54/412) and 17.2% (71/412), respectively. The infection rates of each of the detected TBPs were significantly correlated with host small mammal species. A total of 22 (two triple and 20 double) co-infection cases were detected (5.3%). The most frequent co-infection cases occurred between Candidatus N. mikurensis and B. microti 68.2% (15/22). Further studies are required to examine human exposure to these zoonotic TBPs in Hokkaido.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdallah Mohamed Moustafa
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kyle Taylor
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Michito Shimozuru
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mariko Sashika
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - May June Thu
- Unit of Risk Analysis and Management, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Toshio Tsubota
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Mays SE, Houston AE, Trout Fryxell RT. Specifying Pathogen Associations of Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae) in Western Tennessee. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:435-440. [PMID: 26744464 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae) is established in western Tennessee, a region with increased risk for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. This tick transmits Rickettsia parkeri to humans, likely contributing to cases of rickettsiosis in the region. The objective was to determine pathogen associations within questing and host-collected A. maculatum, and identify ecological factors associated with pathogen infection that may increase the effectiveness of surveillance methods. Of 265 ticks tested, 60 (22.6%) were infected with R. parkeri, and 15 (5.7%) with Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae, a Rickettsia of unknown pathogenicity. Two deer-collected ticks tested positive for Ehrlichia ewingii. No ticks were positive for Anaplasma or Borrelia species. None of the ecological factors tested (collection month, collection source, sex, and habitat type) were associated with R. parkeri infection. This project developed baseline prevalence and incidence data for monitoring pathogen prevalence in A. maculatum populations, and identified an inexpensive method for distinguishing R. parkeri from Ca. R. andeanae.
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Silaghi C, Beck R, Oteo JA, Pfeffer M, Sprong H. Neoehrlichiosis: an emerging tick-borne zoonosis caused by Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 68:279-97. [PMID: 26081117 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9935-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis is an emerging tick-borne pathogen causing a systemic inflammatory syndrome mostly in persons with underlying hematologic or autoimmune diseases. As it is neither well-known nor well-recognized, it might be misdiagnosed as recurrence of the underlying disease or as an unrelated arteriosclerotic vascular event. The pathogen is transmitted by hard ticks of the genus Ixodes and is closely associated with rodents in which transplacental transmission occurs. Transovarial transmission in ticks has not yet been shown. Infection rates vary greatly in ticks and rodents, but the causes for its spatiotemporal variations are largely unknown. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the geographical distribution and clinical importance of Ca. N. mikurensis. By elucidating the life history traits of this pathogen and determining more accurately its incidence in the human population, a better assessment of its public health relevance can be made. Most urgent research needs are the in vitro-cultivation of the pathogen, the development of specific serological tests, the determination of the full genomic sequence, the routine implementation of molecular diagnosis in diseased patients with a particular panel of underlying diseases, and promoting the knowledge about neoehrlichiosis among general practitioners, hospital physicians and the risk groups such as forest workers or immune-compromised people to raise awareness about this disease that can easily be treated when correctly diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Silaghi
- National Center for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - José A Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-Center of Biomedical Research of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hein Sprong
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Pompo K, Mays S, Wesselman C, Paulsen DJ, Fryxell RTT. Survey of Ticks Collected from Tennessee Cattle and Their Pastures for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia Species. J Parasitol 2016; 102:54-9. [DOI: 10.1645/15-814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K. Pompo
- 370 Plant Biotechnology Building, 2505 E J Chapman Drive, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-4560
| | - S. Mays
- 370 Plant Biotechnology Building, 2505 E J Chapman Drive, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-4560
| | - C. Wesselman
- 370 Plant Biotechnology Building, 2505 E J Chapman Drive, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-4560
| | - D. J. Paulsen
- 370 Plant Biotechnology Building, 2505 E J Chapman Drive, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-4560
| | - R. T. Trout Fryxell
- 370 Plant Biotechnology Building, 2505 E J Chapman Drive, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-4560
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The Microbiome of Ehrlichia-Infected and Uninfected Lone Star Ticks (Amblyomma americanum). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146651. [PMID: 26751816 PMCID: PMC4709196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum, transmits several bacterial pathogens including species of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. Amblyomma americanum also hosts a number of non-pathogenic bacterial endosymbionts. Recent studies of other arthropod and insect vectors have documented that commensal microflora can influence transmission of vector-borne pathogens; however, little is known about tick microbiomes and their possible influence on tick-borne diseases. Our objective was to compare bacterial communities associated with A. americanum, comparing Anaplasma/Ehrlichia -infected and uninfected ticks. Field-collected questing specimens (n = 50) were used in the analyses, of which 17 were identified as Anaplasma/Ehrlichia infected based on PCR amplification and sequencing of groEL genes. Bacterial communities from each specimen were characterized using Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries. There was a broad range in diversity between samples, with inverse Simpson’s Diversity indices ranging from 1.28–89.5. There were no statistical differences in the overall microbial community structure between PCR diagnosed Anaplasma/Ehrlichia-positive and negative ticks, but there were differences based on collection method (P < 0.05), collection site (P < 0.05), and sex (P < 0.1) suggesting that environmental factors may structure A. americanum microbiomes. Interestingly, there was not always agreement between Illumina sequencing and PCR diagnostics: Ehrlichia was identified in 16S rRNA gene libraries from three PCR-negative specimens; conversely, Ehrlichia was not found in libraries of six PCR-positive ticks. Illumina sequencing also helped identify co-infections, for example, one specimen had both Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. Other taxa of interest in these specimens included Coxiella, Borrelia, and Rickettsia. Identification of bacterial community differences between specimens of a single tick species from a single geographical site indicates that intra-species differences in microbiomes were not due solely to pathogen presence/absence, but may be also driven by vector life history factors, including environment, life stage, population structure, and host choice.
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Markowicz M, Schötta AM, Wijnveld M, Stanek G. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis acquired in Connecticut, USA, diagnosed in Vienna, Austria, 2015. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 84:347-9. [PMID: 26778486 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an intracellular pathogen transmitted by hard ticks. We report a patient who had acquired the infection in Connecticut, USA, and was diagnosed in Vienna, Austria, using PCR methods. Imported HGA from the United States to Austria is a rare event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Markowicz
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Anna-Margarita Schötta
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michiel Wijnveld
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerold Stanek
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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41
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Karnath C, Obiegala A, Speck S, Essbauer S, Derschum H, Scholz H, Kiefer D, Tserennorov D, Dashdavaa O, Tsogbadrakh N, Jigjav B, Pfeffer M. Detection of Babesia venatorum, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Ixodes persulcatus ticks from Mongolia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:357-60. [PMID: 26739031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Information about the prevalence and geographical distribution of tick-borne pathogens Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and Babesia spp. is still rare in Mongolia. We tested 275 Ixodes persulcatus ticks for A. phagocytophilum, Cand. N. mikurensis and Babesia spp. and 125 Dermacentor nuttalli ticks especially for Babesia spp. using different PCR methods. Ticks were collected from three provinces (Selenge, Arkhangai, Khentii) in Mongolia. DNA of A. phagocytophilum, Cand. N. mikurensis and Babesia spp. were found with a prevalence of 6.2%, 1.5% and 3.3% in each case in I. persulcatus ticks. This is the first time Cand. N. mikurensis was found in ticks from Mongolia. Sequence analysis of Babesia spp.-positive amplicons showed exclusively B. venatorum, which had also not been mentioned in Mongolia before. On the contrary, all D. nuttalli ticks tested negatively for Babesia spp. This study demonstrates that all three zoonotic pathogens are present in I. persulcatus ticks in Mongolia, and justify the need for further investigations of a more detailed genetic characterization of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Karnath
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephanie Speck
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Holger Scholz
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Kiefer
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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42
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Detection of Rickettsia and Ehrlichia spp. in Ticks Associated with Exotic Reptiles and Amphibians Imported into Japan. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26207382 PMCID: PMC4514593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major routes of transmission of rickettsial and ehrlichial diseases is via ticks that infest numerous host species, including humans. Besides mammals, reptiles and amphibians also carry ticks that may harbor Rickettsia and Ehrlichia strains that are pathogenic to humans. Furthermore, reptiles and amphibians are exempt from quarantine in Japan, thus facilitating the entry of parasites and pathogens to the country through import. Accordingly, in the current study, we examined the presence of Rickettsia and Ehrlichia spp. genes in ticks associated with reptiles and amphibians originating from outside Japan. Ninety-three ticks representing nine tick species (genera Amblyomma and Hyalomma) were isolated from at least 28 animals spanning 10 species and originating from 12 countries (Ghana, Jordan, Madagascar, Panama, Russia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Uzbekistan, and Zambia). None of the nine tick species are indigenous in Japan. The genes encoding the common rickettsial 17-kDa antigen, citrate synthase (gltA), and outer membrane protein A (ompA) were positively detected in 45.2% (42/93), 40.9% (38/93), and 23.7% (22/93) of the ticks, respectively, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genes encoding ehrlichial heat shock protein (groEL) and major outer membrane protein (omp-1) were PCR-positive in 7.5% (7/93) and 2.2% (2/93) of the ticks, respectively. The p44 gene, which encodes the Anaplasma outer membrane protein, was not detected. Phylogenetic analysis showed that several of the rickettsial and ehrlichial sequences isolated in this study were highly similar to human pathogen genes, including agents not previously detected in Japan. These data demonstrate the global transportation of pathogenic Rickettsia and Ehrlichia through reptile- and amphibian-associated ticks. These imported animals have potential to transfer pathogens into human life. These results highlight the need to control the international transportation of known and potential pathogens carried by ticks in reptiles, amphibians, and other animals, in order to improve national and international public health.
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43
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Rar VA, Pukhovskaya NM, Ryabchikova EI, Vysochina NP, Bakhmetyeva SV, Zdanovskaia NI, Ivanov LI, Tikunova NV. Molecular-genetic and ultrastructural characteristics of 'Candidatus Ehrlichia khabarensis', a new member of the Ehrlichia genus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:658-67. [PMID: 26096852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a new Ehrlichia genetic variant, Ehrlichia sp. Khabarovsk, was identified in tissue samples of small mammals captured in the Russian Far East. To further characterize Ehrlichia sp. Khabarovsk, tissue homogenate from a naturally infected gray red-backed vole (Myodes rufocanus) was passaged three times in newborn laboratory mice. Using nested PCR Ehrlichia sp. Khabarovsk DNA was detected in tissue samples from infected mice at 1-4 weeks post inoculation. Electron microscopic examination revealed morulae containing gram-negative bacterial cells in monocytes of mouse spleen and liver. The size and ultrastructure of these cells corresponded to those described previously and allowed us to identify the bacteria as Ehrlichia sp. The comparison of ehrlichial 16S rRNA, groEL and gltA genes and putative GroEL and GltA amino acid sequences has demonstrated that Ehrlichia sp. Khabarovsk, like Ehrlichia ruminantium, is more distant from all other Ehrlichia species than these species are between themselves. Phylogenetic analysis has shown that Ehrlichia sp. Khabarovsk belongs to the clade formed by Ehrlichia spp. but clusters separately from other Ehrlichia species and genetic variants. These data indicate that Ehrlichia sp. Khabarovsk can be considered as a new candidate species. We propose to designate it as 'Candidatus Ehrlichia khabarensis' according to the territory where this species was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Rar
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.
| | - N M Pukhovskaya
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - E I Ryabchikova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - N P Vysochina
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - S V Bakhmetyeva
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - N I Zdanovskaia
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - L I Ivanov
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - N V Tikunova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
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44
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Wennerås C. Infections with the tick-borne bacterium Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 21:621-30. [PMID: 25770773 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, which has rodents as its natural hosts, is an emerging tick-borne pathogen in Europe and Asia. This intracellular bacterium causes the infectious disease neoehrlichiosis. Immunocompromised patients may contract a severe form of neoehrlichiosis with high fever and vascular/thromboembolic events. As it is not detected with routine culture-based methods, neoehrlichiosis is underdiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wennerås
- Department of Clinical Microbiology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden; Department of Infectious Diseases at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.
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45
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Wu D, Wuritu, Yoshikawa Y, Gaowa, Kawamori F, Ikegaya A, Ohtake M, Ohashi M, Shimada M, Takada A, Iwai K, Ohashi N. A Molecular and Serological Survey of Rickettsiales Bacteria in Wild Sika Deer ( Cervus nippon nippon) in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan: High Prevalence of Anaplasma Species. Jpn J Infect Dis 2015; 68:434-7. [DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2015.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongxing Wu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
| | - Wuritu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- State Nationalities Affairs Commission and Department of Educational Key Lab of Minority Traditional Medicine, MINZU University of China
| | - Yuko Yoshikawa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
| | - Gaowa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
| | - Fumihiko Kawamori
- Department of Microbiology, Shizuoka Institute of Environmental and Hygiene
| | - Asaka Ikegaya
- Department of Microbiology, Shizuoka Institute of Environmental and Hygiene
| | - Masayoshi Ohtake
- Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry
| | - Masataka Ohashi
- Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry
| | - Masahiko Shimada
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
| | - Ayumi Takada
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
| | - Katsuki Iwai
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
| | - Norio Ohashi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka
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46
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Obiegala A, Pfeffer M, Pfister K, Tiedemann T, Thiel C, Balling A, Karnath C, Woll D, Silaghi C. Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum: prevalences and investigations on a new transmission path in small mammals and ixodid ticks. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:563. [PMID: 25465390 PMCID: PMC4264555 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small mammals are crucial for the life history of ixodid ticks, but their role and importance in the transmission cycle of tick-borne pathogens is mostly unknown. Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (CNM) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are both tick-borne pathogens, and rodents are discussed to serve as main reservoir hosts for CNM but not for the latter especially in Germany. Analysing the prevalence of both pathogens in small mammals and their ticks in endemic regions may help to elucidate possible transmission paths in small mammal populations and between small mammals and ticks. Methods In 2012 and 2013, small mammals were trapped at three different sites in Germany. DNA was extracted from different small mammal tissues, from rodent neonates, foetuses and from questing and attached ticks. DNA samples were tested for CNM and A. phagocytophilum by real-time PCR. Samples positive for A. phagocytophilum were further characterized at the 16S rRNA gene locus. Results CNM was detected in 28.6% of small mammals and in 2.2% of questing and 3.8% of attached ticks. Altogether 33 positive ticks were attached to 17 different hosts, while positive ticks per host ranged between one and seven. The prevalences for this pathogen differed significantly within small mammal populations comparing sites (χ2: 13.3987; p: 0.0004) and between sexes. Male rodents had an approximately two times higher chance of infection than females (OR: 1.9652; 95% CI: 1.32-2.92). The prevalence for CNM was 31.8% (95% CI: 22-44) in rodent foetuses and neonates (23 of 67) from positive dams, and 60% (95% CI: 35.7-80.25) of positive gravid or recently parturient rodents (9 out of 15) had at least one positive foetus or neonate. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected at a low percentage in rodents (0-5.6%) and host-attached ticks (0.5-2.9%) with no significant differences between rodent species. However, attached nymphs were significantly more often infected than attached larvae (χ2: 25.091; p: <0.0001). Conclusion This study suggests that CNM is mainly a rodent-associated pathogen and provides evidence for a potential transplacental transmission in rodents. In contrast, most of the rodent species captured likely represent only accidental hosts for A. phagocytophilum at the investigated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Obiegala
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany. .,Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Kurt Pfister
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Tim Tiedemann
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Claudia Thiel
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Anneliese Balling
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Carolin Karnath
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Dietlinde Woll
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany. .,National Reference Center of Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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47
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Wright CL, Gaff HD, Hynes WL. Prevalence of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii in Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis collected from southeastern Virginia, 2010-2011. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:978-82. [PMID: 25155340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amblyomma americanum is the most commonly encountered tick species in southeastern Virginia, representing approximately 95% of the human-biting tick population in this area. Here we investigated the prevalence of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii in questing Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis ticks collected from multiple sites in southeastern Virginia from 2010 to 2011. Although both Ehrlichia species were detected in Amblyomma americanum, no evidence of either pathogen was found in Dermacentor variabilis. Prevalence of E. chaffeensis varied by location, ranging from 0 to 5.08% among Amblyomma americanum populations. Ehrlichia ewingii prevalence was slightly higher, ranging from 0 to 8.20% among A. americanum populations. We conclude that both pathogens are established in southeastern Virginia A. americanum populations, and that although there are no apparent temporal trends in Ehrlichia prevalence, there is variation among locations, suggesting the potential for disease hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Wright
- Old Dominion University, Department of Biological Sciences, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Holly D Gaff
- Old Dominion University, Department of Biological Sciences, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Wayne L Hynes
- Old Dominion University, Department of Biological Sciences, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
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48
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Asymptomatic "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis" infections in immunocompetent humans. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:3072-4. [PMID: 24899023 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00741-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In Europe, human infections with "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis" have mainly been restricted to immunocompromised patients. We report here the first cases of asymptomatic "Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis" infection in immunocompetent humans (5/316 [1.6%] were infected). Due to the potential threats of infections with "Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis" in healthy persons to the safety of the blood supply, further study of this phenomenon is required.
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49
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Yabsley MJ, Shock BC. Natural history of Zoonotic Babesia: Role of wildlife reservoirs. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2013; 2:18-31. [PMID: 24533312 PMCID: PMC3862492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease on all inhabited continents and various wildlife species are the principal reservoir hosts for zoonotic Babesia species. The primary vectors of Babesia are Ixodid ticks, with the majority of zoonotic species being transmitted by species in the genus Ixodes. Species of Babesia vary in their infectivity, virulence and pathogenicity for people. Various factors (e.g., increased interactions between people and the environment, increased immunosuppression, changes in landscape and climate, and shifts in host and vector species abundance and community structures) have led to an increase in tick-borne diseases in people, including babesiosis. Furthermore, because babesiosis is now a reportable disease in several states in the United States, and it is the most common blood transfusion-associated parasite, recognized infections are expected to increase. Because of the zoonotic nature of these parasites, it is essential that we understand the natural history (especially reservoirs and vectors) so that appropriate control and prevention measures can be implemented. Considerable work has been conducted on the ecology of Babesia microti and Babesia divergens, the two most common causes of babesiosis in the United States and Europe, respectively. However, unfortunately, for many of the zoonotic Babesia species, the reservoir(s) and/or tick vector(s) are unknown. We review the current knowledge regarding the ecology of Babesia among their reservoir and tick hosts with an emphasis of the role on wildlife as reservoirs. We hope to encourage the molecular characterization of Babesia from potential reservoirs and vectors as well from people. These data are necessary so that informed decisions can be made regarding potential vectors and the potential role of wildlife in the ecology of a novel Babesia when it is detected in a human patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Yabsley
- Corresponding author. Address: The Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, 589 DW Brooks Drive, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. Tel.: +1 706 542 1741; fax: +1 706 542 5865.
| | - Barbara C. Shock
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- The Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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50
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Gaowa, Ohashi N, Aochi M, Wuritu D, Wu, Yoshikawa Y, Kawamori F, Honda T, Fujita H, Takada N, Oikawa Y, Kawabata H, Ando S, Kishimoto T. Rickettsiae in ticks, Japan, 2007–2011. Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 19:338-40. [PMID: 23460996 PMCID: PMC3559048 DOI: 10.3201/eid1902.120856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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