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Valcárcel F, Elhachimi L, Vilá M, Tomassone L, Sánchez M, Selles SMA, Kouidri M, González MG, Martín-Hernández R, Valcárcel Á, Fernández N, Tercero JM, Sanchis J, Bellido-Blasco J, González-Coloma A, Olmeda AS. Emerging Hyalomma lusitanicum: From identification to vectorial role and integrated control. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:425-459. [PMID: 37144688 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12660] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In the Mediterranean basin, the tick species Hyalomma lusitanicum Koch stands out among other species of the Hyalomma genus due to its wide distribution, and there is great concern about its potential role as a vector and/or reservoir and its continuous expansion to new areas because of climate warming and human and other animal movements. This review aims to consolidate all the information on H. lusitanicum, including taxonomy and evolution, morphological and molecular identification, life cycle, sampling methods, rearing under laboratory conditions, ecology, hosts, geographical distribution, seasonality, vector role and control methods. The availability of adequate data is extremely relevant to the development of appropriate control strategies in areas where this tick is currently distributed as well as in new areas where it could become established in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Valcárcel
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Elhachimi
- Département de parasitologie et de Santé Publique, Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - M Vilá
- Grupo de Investigación COPAR (GI-2120; USC), Departamento de Patoloxia Animal, Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - L Tomassone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Sánchez
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Villamagna S.A., Finca "La Garganta", Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio (UAX), Madrid, Spain
| | - S M A Selles
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
- Laboratory of Research on Local Animal Products, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - M Kouidri
- Laboratory of Farm Animal Products, University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - M G González
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Villamagna S.A., Finca "La Garganta", Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
| | - R Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), IRIAF-Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Marchamalo, 19180, Spain. Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT-ESF/EC-FSE), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Á Valcárcel
- Lokimica S.L., c/ Valdemorillo, Madrid, Spain
- Veterinary Pathobiology section, University College Dublín, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - N Fernández
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio (UAX), Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Tercero
- Villamagna S.A., Finca "La Garganta", Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
| | - J Sanchis
- Facultad de Veterinaria, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - J Bellido-Blasco
- Sección de Epidemiología, Centro de Salud Pública de Castelló, CIBER-ESP. Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Castelló, Spain
| | | | - A S Olmeda
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCM, Madrid, Spain
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Rodríguez O, de la Fuente G, Fernández de Mera IG, Vaz-Rodrigues R, Gortázar C, de la Fuente J. The Saharan antelope addax (Addax nasomaculatus) as a host for Hyalomma marginatum, tick vector of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102034. [PMID: 36041296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tick infestation and pathogen prevalence in ticks infesting the Saharan antelope addax (Addax nasomaculatus) are factors that may constitute a risk for both human and animal health. In this study we describe season distribution of adult Hyalomma marginatum and analyzed the tick-borne pathogens and their seroprevalence in natural-living addax in Morocco. The results showed that addax is an important host species for H. marginatum adults. The seroprevalence of Bluetongue virus (BTV; 61.5-92.3%, n = 8/13-84/91), Coxiella burnetii (36.3-69.2%, n = 33/91-9/13) and Brucella spp. (0.0-4.8%, n = 0/50-2/42) was characterized in addax during various years (sampled animals per year, n = 13-91). Presence of Aigai virus (AIGV), a recent taxonomic differentiation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) of 100% (4/4, years 2016 and 2017) together with Babesia ovis (75%, 3/4, year 2014), Anaplasma spp. (75%, 3/4, year 2014), Rickettsia spp. (50%, 2/4, year 2014) and Theileria spp. (25%, 1/4, year 2014) was observed in H. marginatum collected from the addax (4 pools of 10 adult ticks each). The results support the role of addax host in H. marginatum life cycle and exposure to AIGV and other tick-borne pathogens. The development of control interventions including anti-tick vaccines for wildlife species will contribute to the implementation of effective measures for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases and might be relevant for the preservation of this threatened species and others such as Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) and African elk (Taurotragus oryx) that share habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela de la Fuente
- Sabiotec, Edificio incubadora de empresas UCLM, Camino de Moledores s/n, Ciudad Real 13071, Spain
| | - Isabel G Fernández de Mera
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain
| | - Rita Vaz-Rodrigues
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States.
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Bajer A, Dwużnik-Szarek D. The specificity of Babesia-tick vector interactions: recent advances and pitfalls in molecular and field studies. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:507. [PMID: 34583754 PMCID: PMC8480096 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia spp. are protozoan parasites of great medical and veterinary importance, especially in the northern Hemisphere. Ticks are known vectors of Babesia spp., although some Babesia-tick interactions have not been fully elucidated. Methods The present review was performed to investigate the specificity of Babesia-tick species interactions that have been identified using molecular techniques in studies conducted in the last 20 years under field conditions. We aimed to indicate the main vectors of important Babesia species based on published research papers (n = 129) and molecular data derived from the GenBank database. Results Repeated observations of certain Babesia species in specific species and genera of ticks in numerous independent studies, carried out in different areas and years, have been considered epidemiological evidence of established Babesia-tick interactions. The best studied species of ticks are Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes scapularis (103 reports, i.e. 80% of total reports). Eco-epidemiological studies have confirmed a specific relationship between Babesia microti and Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, and Ixodes scapularis and also between Babesia canis and D. reticulatus. Additionally, four Babesia species (and one genotype), which have different deer species as reservoir hosts, displayed specificity to the I. ricinus complex. Eco-epidemiological studies do not support interactions between a high number of Babesia spp. and I. ricinus or D. reticulatus. Interestingly, pioneering studies on other species and genera of ticks have revealed the existence of likely new Babesia species, which need more scientific attention. Finally, we discuss the detection of Babesia spp. in feeding ticks and critically evaluate the data on the role of the latter as vectors. Conclusions Epidemiological data have confirmed the specificity of certain Babesia-tick vector interactions. The massive amount of data that has been thus far collected for the most common tick species needs to be complemented by more intensive studies on Babesia infections in underrepresented tick species. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05019-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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Márquez FJ, Caruz A. Phylogeography of Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) lusitanicum (Acarina, Parasitiformes, Ixodidae) in Andalusia based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 85:49-61. [PMID: 34435267 PMCID: PMC8486715 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00652-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The genetic population structure relationships of Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) lusitanicum in Andalusia (the south of the Iberian Peninsula) were examined using mtDNA sequence data from 887 bp of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The sequence for the COI region was determined for 84 individuals collected in several localities of Andalusia, and 10 for other localities (i.e., five from Toledo, central Iberian Peninsula, four from Sicily (Italy) and one from Canary Island). Seventeen haplotypes were detected, including 27 polymorphic sites. The number of amino acid substitutions per site from mean diversity calculations for the entire population was 0.017. AMOVA analysis revealed a low gene flow that characterises the genetic population structure of this species in South Iberian Peninsula, with a haplotype diversity (h) value of 0.815. No geographically induced differentiation was observed, and separate evolutionary units were not detected. Our results indicate low genetic diversity across the geographical range of H. lusitanicum tick in Andalusia. Our data do not show any genetic discontinuity between the tick populations studied, including specimens from Canary Island and Sicily (Italy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Márquez
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., 23071, Jaén, Spain.
| | - Antonio Caruz
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., 23071, Jaén, Spain
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Gargano V, Blanda V, Gambino D, La Russa F, Di Cataldo S, Gentile A, Schirò G, Torina A, Millán J, Vicari D. Serological Survey and Molecular Characterization of Theileria annulata in Sicilian Cattle. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020101. [PMID: 33494377 PMCID: PMC7910905 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites with considerable veterinary and economic impact worldwide. Ticks transmitting the disease belong to the Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma genera. The Hyalomma genus is very common in Sicily (Italy) and represents the main Theileria annulata vector in the island. Data concerning the molecular epidemiology of this pathogen are missing in the region. In 2018-2019, blood and serum samples were collected from 480 cows in seven Sicilian farms from four different provinces. Seroprevalence in the farms ranged from 22% to 71%. Three farms were selected for molecular analysis consisting of real-time PCR targeting the almost complete 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Four amplicons per farm were sequenced and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. The four sequences were identical within each farm and showed 92-99% identity with the other farms and with sequences from Genbank. According to the phylogenetic analysis, these three sequences and an additional one from a laboratory-cultured Theileria annulata strain obtained in 1999 belonged to a single T. annulata clade with good bootstrap support with other sequences from Italy, India, and Iran, indicating limited geographical and temporal genetic variability of the parasite. This study represents the first phylogenetic analysis of T. annulata in Sicily, which will be useful to improve the strategies for theileriosis control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Gargano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
- Correspondence: (V.B.); (D.G.)
| | - Delia Gambino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
- Correspondence: (V.B.); (D.G.)
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Sophia Di Cataldo
- Programa de Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile;
| | - Antonino Gentile
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Giorgia Schirò
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
| | - Javier Millán
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Fundación ARAID, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Domenico Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (V.G.); (F.L.R.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (D.V.)
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Cicculli V, DeCarreaux D, Ayhan N, Casabianca F, de Lamballerie X, Charrel R, Falchi A. Molecular screening of Anaplasmataceae in ticks collected from cattle in Corsica, France. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 81:561-574. [PMID: 32728778 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae cause infections in humans and domestic animals. The consequences of infection can be significant economic losses for farmers. To better understand the epidemiology of tick-borne Anaplasmataceae in Corsica, we used molecular methods to detect and characterize Anaplasmataceae in ixodid ticks collected from cattle. Anaplasmataceae were detected by using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 23S rRNA gene. Partial sequencing of rpoB and groEL allowed identifying species and conducting phylogenetic analyses. Infection rates were calculated using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, 597 Rhipicephalus bursa, 216 Hyalomma marginatum, and seven Ixodes ricinus were collected from cattle during July-August 2017 and July-December 2018. Overall, Anaplasmataceae DNA was detected in 15 of 255 tick pools (MLE = 1.7%; 95% CI 0.9-2.7%). The molecular analysis revealed two species within the genus Anaplasma: A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. We also detected bacteria within the genus Ehrlichia: we confirmed the detection of E. minasensis DNA in H. marginatum and R. bursa tick pools collected from cattle in Corsica and detected, for the first time to our knowledge, Candidatus E. urmitei in Corsican R. bursa ticks and a potential new species, Candidatus E. corsicanum. Further studies are needed to ascertain the pathogenesis and zoonotic potential of the strains and their importance for animals and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Cicculli
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France
- Unité Des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000, Marseille, France
| | - Dorine DeCarreaux
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France
- Unité Des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000, Marseille, France
| | - François Casabianca
- UR045 Laboratoire de Recherches sur le Développement de l'Élevage, Institut National de la Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Corte, France
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité Des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000, Marseille, France
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité Des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000, Marseille, France
| | - Alessandra Falchi
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France.
- Laboratoire de Virologie, EA7310 BIOSCOPE, Campus Grimaldi, Bat PPDB RDC, Université de Corse, 20250, Corte, France.
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Zanet S, Battisti E, Pepe P, Ciuca L, Colombo L, Trisciuoglio A, Ferroglio E, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP. Tick-borne pathogens in Ixodidae ticks collected from privately-owned dogs in Italy: a country-wide molecular survey. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:46. [PMID: 32028946 PMCID: PMC7006417 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-2263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasingly recognized as a cause of disease in dogs worldwide. The epidemiology of ticks and tick-transmitted protozoa and bacteria has changed due to the spread of ticks to urban and peri-urban areas and the movement of infected animals, posing new risks for animals and humans. This countrywide study reports information on distribution and prevalence of pathogens in ticks collected from privately-owned dogs in Italy. We analyzed 2681 Ixodidae ticks, collected from 1454 pet dogs from Italy. Specific PCR protocols were used to detect i) Piroplasms of the genera Babesia and Theileria, ii) Gram-negative cocci of the family Anaplasmataceae and iii) Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Sequencing of positive amplicons allowed for species identification. Results Babesia/Theileria spp. DNA was detected in 435 homogeneous tick-pools (Minimum Infection Rate (MIR) = 27.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.4–29.8%) with higher prevalence in Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguneus group. The zoonotic B. venatorum was the most prevalent species (MIR = 7.5%; 95% CI = 6.3–9.0%). Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species were detected in 165 tick-pools (MIR = 10.5%; 95% CI = 9.3–11.8%) and specifically, A. phagocytophilum was identified with MIR = 5.1% (95% CI = 4.1–6.3%). Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and B. afzelii were detected with MIR = 0.4% (95% CI = 0.2–0.8%) and MIR = 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–0.7%) respectively. Conclusions Zoonotic pathogens B. venatorum and A. phagocytophilum were the most frequently detected in ticks collected from privately-owned dogs which might be used as markers of pathogens presence and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Liliana Colombo
- MSD Animal Health, Via Fratelli Cervi, 20090, Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Anna Trisciuoglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
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8
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Cicculli V, Capai L, Quilichini Y, Masse S, Fernández-Alvarez A, Minodier L, Bompard P, Charrel R, Falchi A. Molecular investigation of tick-borne pathogens in ixodid ticks infesting domestic animals (cattle and sheep) and small rodents (black rats) of Corsica, France. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:606-613. [PMID: 30777731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Although livestock farming (sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle) is an important economic activity in Corsica, a French Mediterranean island, knowledge about the tick fauna and microorganisms carried by them remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the presence and perform molecular characterization of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) in tick species collected in Corsica. Ticks from cattle (Bos taurus), sheep (Ovis aries), and rodents (Rattus rattus) were collected from May to September 2016. DNA was purified from ticks, submitted to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. In total, 660 ticks were collected from 111 animals during the study. The most abundant collected tick species from cattle was Rhipicephalus bursa (n = 495; 84.5%), followed by Hyalomma marginatum (n = 91; 15.5%). Rhipicephalus bursa and Ixodes ricinus were the only tick species collected from sheep and rodents, respectively. Overall, Rickettsia was the most common pathogen group (n = 48; 24%) detected in ticks. Sequence analysis of partial gltA and ompA genes revealed the presence of Ri. aeschlimannii and Candidatus Ri. barbariae. Anaplasmataceae DNA was detected in eight (6%) of the 127 cattle pools and in one (2%) of the 61 R. bursa specimens collected from sheep. Sequence analysis of the rpoB gene revealed the presence of one Anaplasma species, A. marginale. Borrelia burgdorferi sl DNA was detected in one pool of H. marginatum collected from cattle and in two (15%) of the 13 I. ricinus pools collected from nine black rats. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence and molecular characterization of Candidatus Ri. barbariae, an emerging member of the Rickettsia group causing spotted fever, in Corsica. The detection of B. burgdorferi sl DNA, which was previously believed to be rare in Corsica, confirms the presence of this agent on the island.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Cicculli
- EA7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, Corte, France.
| | - L Capai
- EA7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, Corte, France.
| | - Y Quilichini
- CNRS - Università di Corsica, UMR 6134 - SPE, Corte, France.
| | - S Masse
- EA7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, Corte, France.
| | | | - L Minodier
- EA7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, Corte, France.
| | - P Bompard
- Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, 56, Boulevard Vincent Auriol, 81393-75646, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'épidémiologie et de Santé publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Paris, France.
| | - R Charrel
- UMR "Emergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP - IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | - A Falchi
- EA7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, Corte, France.
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9
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Gomez-Barroso D, Vescio MF, Bella A, Ciervo A, Busani L, Rizzo C, Rezza G, Pezzotti P. Mediterranean spotted fever rickettsiosis in Italy, 2001-2015: Spatio-temporal distribution based on hospitalization records. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:43-50. [PMID: 30197269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) rickettsiosis is the predominant rickettsial disease among the spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae in the Mediterranean countries and North Africa. Its causative agent is Rickettsia conorii, although, SFG rickettsiosis - cases due to Rickettsia monacensis, Rickettsia massiliae and Rickettsia aeschlimannii were also described. A retrospective study based on hospital discharge records with a diagnosis of SFG rickettsiosis was carried out to describe the spatial pattern, the trend of the disease, and the epidemiological characteristics of persons hospitalized in the period 2001-2015. Standardized hospitalization ratios were calculated at municipal level using the European population. Smoothed maps were produced using a localised smoothing Poisson model. The mean annual standardized hospitalization rate was 1.36/100,000 person years (95%CI: 1.34; 1.39). Rates showed strong summer seasonality and tended to decrease over time. During the study period, 28.89% of municipalities had smoothed standardized hospitalization ratios greater than 1 and 14.01% above 20. Higher standardized hospitalization ratios were found in areas along the Tyrrhenian coast, especially in the south of Calabria and in the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, where the disease is of public health relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gomez-Barroso
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Antonino Bella
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ciervo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Busani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Rizzo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pezzotti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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10
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Chisu V, Foxi C, Mannu R, Satta G, Masala G. A five-year survey of tick species and identification of tick-borne bacteria in Sardinia, Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:678-681. [PMID: 29477960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Sardinia is a hotspot for studying tick-borne diseases in the Mediterranean region, where cases of notifiable tick-borne diseases are increasing. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of tick-borne bacteria of medical and veterinary importance in ixodid ticks collected from domestic and wild animals, humans, and vegetation from different collection sites in Sardinia. Using standard PCR and sequencing techniques, the presence of Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella species, as well as Coxiella burnetii was evaluated. A total of 1619 ticks were morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, R. bursa, R. annulatus, Dermacentor marginatus, Haemaphysalis punctata, Ha. sulcata, Hyalomma lusitanicum, H. marginatum, Ixodes festai (sometimes referred to erroneously as I. ventalloi), and Argas reflexus. Results indicated the presence of several circulating pathogens in Sardinian ticks. DNA of Rickettsia species was detected in 58 out of 1619 (4%) belonging to R. sanguineus s.l., D. marginatus, Ha. punctata, H. marginatum, and I. festai species. Ehrlichia canis DNA was detected in 33 out of 1619 ticks (2%) belonging to R. sanguineus s.l., R. bursa, and Ha. punctata species. A total of 61 out of 1619 (4%) ticks (R. sanguineus s. l., R. bursa, Ha. punctata, and I. festai) tested positive for Anaplasma spp. Coxiella burnetii was detected in 21 out of 1619 (1%) ticks belonging to R. sanguineus s.l., R. bursa, R. annulatus, and H. marginatum species. Five R. sanguineus s.l. and one R. bursa ticks were positive for the presence of Bartonella sp. 16S rRNA gene. Our findings expand the knowledge on tick-borne microorganism repertoires and tick distribution in Sardinia. Tick distribution should be monitored for effective control of these arthropods and the infections they transmit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Cipriano Foxi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberto Mannu
- Istituto per lo studio degli ecosistemi, CNR, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Satta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
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11
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Michelet L, Joncour G, Devillers E, Torina A, Vayssier-Taussat M, Bonnet SI, Moutailler S. Tick species, tick-borne pathogens and symbionts in an insular environment off the coast of Western France. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1109-1115. [PMID: 27622976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Insular environments provide ideal natural conditions to study disease ecology, especially emerging diseases, due to clear differentiation between local and long-distance transmission. Such environments are of particular interest regarding tick-borne pathogens (TBP), since animal exchange with the mainland (along with any ticks they carry) is limited, and because such locations could lie on migratory routes for birds carrying ticks. Therefore both tick species and TBP may display different prevalence than those observed on the continent. As such, an epidemiological survey was performed on Belle-Ile-en-Mer, an island off the coast of Western France, in order to estimate the prevalence of tick species and the microorganisms they carried. Three tick species, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, and Haemaphysalis punctata were collected at five different sites in 2010 and 2011. All ticks were tested for pathogen's and symbiont's DNA by (i) PCR for Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp.; (ii) real-time PCR for Francisella tularensis, Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLE) and Coxiella spp. and (iii) PCR-RLB for Babesia-Theileria spp. Pathogen DNA detected in D. marginatus including Borrelia spp. (18%), Rickettsia spp. (13%) which was identified as R. slovaca, Babesia spp. (8%), and Theileria spp. (1%). Pathogens detected in D. reticulatus including Rickettsia spp. (31%) identified as R. raoulti, Francisella-like endosymbiont (86%), and Babesia spp (21%). Pathogens detected in H. punctata including Rickettsia spp. (1%) identified as R. aeschlimannii, FLE (0.4%), Babesia spp. (18%), and Theileria spp. (7%). Anaplasma spp., F. tularensis, or Coxiella spp. were not detected in any of the collected ticks. This study represents the first epidemiological survey of the insular Belle-Ile-en-Mer environment. It demonstrated the presence of expected pathogens, consistent with reports from island veterinarians or physicians, as well as unexpected pathogens, raising questions about their potential introduction through infected animals and/or their dispersion by migratory birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Michelet
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France
| | - Guy Joncour
- Technical Veterinary Groups National Society (SNGTV), 2, Kervellan, Callac, France
| | - Elodie Devillers
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Dipartimento Sanità Interprovinciale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France
| | - Sarah I Bonnet
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons Alfort cedex, France.
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12
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Hai VV, Almeras L, Socolovschi C, Raoult D, Parola P, Pagès F. Monitoring human tick-borne disease risk and tick bite exposure in Europe: available tools and promising future methods. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:607-19. [PMID: 25178542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are the main vector for infectious disease pathogens in both humans and animals, and tick-borne diseases are currently spreading throughout Europe. Various surveillance methods have been developed to estimate the burden and risk of tick-borne diseases and host exposure to tick bites. The ultimate aims of these approaches are to determine the risk level of a tick-borne disease in a given area, determine its health priority, identify the at-risk population and propose specific countermeasures or complementary studies as needed. The purpose of this review is to present the current methods for monitoring the circulation of tick-borne diseases and to highlight the use of salivary antigens as original and recently developed serological tools that could be useful for tick bite risk assessment and could improve the current surveillance methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinh Vu Hai
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France; Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Antenne Marseille, Unité de Parasitologie, URMITE UMR 6236, GSBdD de Marseille Aubagne, 111 Avenue de la Corse BP 40026, 13568 Marseille Cedex 02, France
| | - Lionel Almeras
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France; Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Antenne Marseille, Unité de Parasitologie, URMITE UMR 6236, GSBdD de Marseille Aubagne, 111 Avenue de la Corse BP 40026, 13568 Marseille Cedex 02, France
| | - Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France.
| | - Frédéric Pagès
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France; CIRE/ARS Océan Indien, 2 bis Avenue Georges Brassens CS 60050, 97408 Saint Denis Cedex 9, Reunion.
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13
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Ticks infesting humans in Italy and associated pathogens. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:328. [PMID: 25023709 PMCID: PMC4223688 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks may transmit a large variety of pathogens, which cause illnesses in animals and humans, commonly referred to as to tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The incidence of human TBDs in Italy is underestimated because of poor surveillance and the scant amount of studies available. Methods Samples (n = 561) were collected from humans in four main geographical areas of Italy (i.e., northwestern, northeastern, southern Italy, and Sicily), which represent a variety of environments. After being morphologically identified, ticks were molecularly tested with selected protocols for the presence of pathogens of the genera Rickettsia, Babesia, Theileria, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia and Anaplasma. Results Ticks belonged to 16 species of the genera Argas, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus, with Ixodes ricinus (59.5%) being the species most frequently retrieved, followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (21.4%). Nymphs were the life stage most frequently retrieved (41%), followed by adult females (34.6%). The overall positivity to any pathogen detected was 18%. Detected microorganisms were Rickettsia spp. (17.0%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.8%), Borrelia afzelii (0.5%), Borrelia valaisiana (0.3%), C. N. mikurensis (0.5%) and Babesia venatorum (0.6%). Conclusions Results indicate that people living in the Italian peninsula are at risk of being bitten by different tick species, which may transmit a plethora of TBD causing pathogens and that co-infections may also occur.
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14
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Capek M, Literak I, Kocianova E, Sychra O, Najer T, Trnka A, Kverek P. Ticks of the Hyalomma marginatum complex transported by migratory birds into Central Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:489-93. [PMID: 24877976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Hyalomma ticks are well-known vectors transmitting infectious agents, which can result in severe and potentially fatal diseases in humans. Migratory birds may carry infected ticks over long distances. Here, we report on records of ticks of the H. marginatum complex in birds from Central Europe during the spring migration in 2008-2012. A total of 1172 birds belonging to 32 species, 16 families, and 3 orders was examined for ticks. Sixteen individuals of 6 passerine species were found to transport 30 ticks, identified as individuals belonging to the H. marginatum species complex (consisting of H. isaaci, H. marginatum sensu stricto, H. rufipes, H. turanicum, and H. glabrum) during 5 spring seasons. Infested bird species included the great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus, the Eurasian reed warbler A. scirpaceus, the marsh warbler A. palustris, the sedge warbler A. schoenobaenus, Savi's warbler Locustella luscinioides, and the common nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. All of these Central European breeders are migratory species wintering in Africa. To our knowledge, this is the first study to record ticks of the H. marginatum complex on the great reed warbler and Savi's warbler.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Capek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Kvetna 8, CZ-603 65 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ivan Literak
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1/3, CZ-612 42 Brno, Czech Republic; CEITEC VFU Brno, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1/3, CZ-612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Kocianova
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, SK-845 05 Bratislava 4, Slovakia
| | - Oldrich Sychra
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1/3, CZ-612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Najer
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1/3, CZ-612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alfred Trnka
- University of Trnava, Priemyselna 4, SK-918 43 Trnava, Slovakia
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15
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Torina A, Moreno-Cid JA, Blanda V, Fernández de Mera IG, de la Lastra JMP, Scimeca S, Blanda M, Scariano ME, Briganò S, Disclafani R, Piazza A, Vicente J, Gortázar C, Caracappa S, Lelli RC, de la Fuente J. Control of tick infestations and pathogen prevalence in cattle and sheep farms vaccinated with the recombinant Subolesin-Major Surface Protein 1a chimeric antigen. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:10. [PMID: 24398155 PMCID: PMC3896746 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the use of chemical acaricides, tick infestations continue to affect animal health and production worldwide. Tick vaccines have been proposed as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for tick control. Vaccination with the candidate tick protective antigen, Subolesin (SUB), has been shown experimentally to be effective in controlling vector infestations and pathogen infection. Furthermore, Escherichia coli membranes containing the chimeric antigen composed of SUB fused to Anaplasma marginale Major Surface Protein 1a (MSP1a) (SUB-MSP1a) were produced using a simple low-cost process and proved to be effective for the control of cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and R. annulatus infestations in pen trials. In this research, field trials were conducted to characterize the effect of vaccination with SUB-MSP1a on tick infestations and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in a randomized controlled prospective study. METHODS Two cattle and two sheep farms with similar geographical locations and production characteristics were randomly assigned to control and vaccinated groups. Ticks were collected, counted, weighed and classified and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens at the DNA and serological levels were followed for one year prior to and 9 months after vaccination. RESULTS Both cattle and sheep developed antibodies against SUB in response to vaccination. The main effect of the vaccine in cattle was the 8-fold reduction in the percent of infested animals while vaccination in sheep reduced tick infestations by 63%. Female tick weight was 32-55% lower in ticks collected from both vaccinated cattle and sheep when compared to controls. The seroprevalence of Babesia bigemina was lower by 30% in vaccinated cattle, suggesting a possible role for the vaccine in decreasing the prevalence of this tick-borne pathogen. The effect of the vaccine in reducing the frequency of one A. marginale msp4 genotype probably reflected the reduction in the prevalence of a tick-transmitted strain as a result of the reduction in the percent of tick-infested cattle. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence of the dual effect of a SUB-based vaccine for controlling tick infestations and pathogen infection/transmission and provide additional support for the use of the SUB-MSP1a vaccine for tick control in cattle and sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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16
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Di Luca M, Toma L, Bianchi R, Quarchioni E, Marini L, Mancini F, Ciervo A, Khoury C. Seasonal dynamics of tick species in an urban park of Rome. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 4:513-7. [PMID: 24140501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Regular collections were obtained in the Natural Reserve of the Insugherata of Rome during 2011 in order to obtain the tick species composition and the respective seasonal dynamics of the area. A total of 325 ticks was collected in selected sites by means of drag sampling. Among the identified species, Rhipicephalus turanicus was the most abundant (72.3%), followed by Ixodes ricinus (19.7%), Dermacentor marginatus (6.5%), Haemaphysalis punctata (1.2%), and Rhipicephalus bursa (0.3%). R. turanicus occurred mainly in pastures, showing a mono-modal seasonal activity pattern from spring to early summer. Questing I. ricinus were prevalent in woodland from October to May, and the seasonal trend of specimens showed a weak peak in winter. Although adult D. marginatus exhibited seasonal dynamics similar to I. ricinus, with an activity period from October to April, this species occurred in a different environment (pasture) and with considerably lower densities. Haemaphysalis punctata and R. bursa were rare, with an apparent autumn and autumn-winter seasonal activity, respectively. While the species diversity recorded appears as an unequivocal consequence of the natural state of the park, the remarkable R. turanicus density could be a direct effect of the recent introduction of wild boar, as carriers, from the close Veio Park. The presence of the species, a proven vector of various diseases in humans and domestic animals, is discussed in the light of the possible risk of tick-bite exposure of park workers and visitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Di Luca
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Bonnet S, de la Fuente J, Nicollet P, Liu X, Madani N, Blanchard B, Maingourd C, Alongi A, Torina A, Fernández de Mera IG, Vicente J, George JC, Vayssier-Taussat M, Joncour G. Prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in adult Dermacentor spp. ticks from nine collection sites in France. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:226-36. [PMID: 23421886 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of Dermacentor spp. in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens is not well recognized in Europe. To investigate the role of Dermacentor spp. in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens, questing ticks were collected in 9 sites from southern to northwestern France (Camargue Delta to Eastern Brittany) where Dermacentor spp. exist and tick-borne diseases had occurred previously. Three tick species were collected during the spring and autumn of 2009. Collected ticks (both males and females) included D. marginatus (n=377), D. reticulatus (n=74), and I. ricinus (n=45). All ticks were analyzed by PCR or reverse line blot for the presence of pathogens' DNA. Pathogens analyzed were based on veterinarian reports and included Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma marginale, Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Francisella sp. Francisella tularensis was not detected in any of the analyzed ticks. In D. marginatus, infection prevalence for A. phagocytophilum (3%) was similar to that found in I. ricinus in Europe. Other pathogens present in D. marginatus included A. marginale (0.5%), Bartonella spp. (9%), C. burnetii (12%), F. philomiragia (1.3%), and Theileria annulata/Babesia bovis (0.3%), which were detected for the first time in France. Pathogens detected in D. reticulatus included A. marginale (1%), Bartonella spp. (12%), C. burnetii (16%), Borrelia spp. (1.5%), and F. philomiragia (19%). Pathogens detected in I. ricinus included A. phagocytophilum (41%), Bartonella spp. (9%), C. burnetii (18%), A. marginale (1%), Borrelia spp. (4.5%), and Babesia sp. (7%). This study represents the first epidemiological approach to characterize tick-borne pathogens infecting Dermacentor spp. in France and that may be transmitted by ticks from this genus. Further experiments using experimental infections and transmission may be now conducted to analyze vector competency of Dermacentor spp. for these pathogens and to validate such hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bonnet
- USC INRA Bartonella et Tiques, ANSES, 94706 Maisons-Alfort cedex, France.
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18
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Paștiu AI, Matei IA, Mihalca AD, D'Amico G, Dumitrache MO, Kalmár Z, Sándor AD, Lefkaditis M, Gherman CM, Cozma V. Zoonotic pathogens associated with Hyalomma aegyptium in endangered tortoises: evidence for host-switching behaviour in ticks? Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:301. [PMID: 23273169 PMCID: PMC3564739 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyalomma aegyptium is a hard-tick with a typical three-host life cycle. The main hosts are Palearctic tortoises of genus Testudo. However, other hosts can be used by immature ticks for feeding in natural conditions. Given this complex ecology and multiple host use, the circulation of pathogens by H. aegyptium between various hosts can be important from epidemiological point of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of H. aegyptium as natural carrier of four important zoonotic pathogens. METHODS From 2008 to 2011, 448 H. aegyptium ticks were collected from 45 Spur-thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca in Romania. DNA was extracted individually from each tick using a commercial kit. DNA was examined for the presence of specific sequences of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis and Coxiella burnetii by PCR, according to previously described protocols. RESULTS PCR analysis of H. aegyptium revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum (18.8%), E. canis (14.1%) and C. burnetii (10%). 32.4% of the ticks were infected with at least one pathogen and 9.8% had co-infections. The stages most frequently infected were nymphs (50%) followed by males (33.9%) and females (27%). The number of tortoises which harboured infected ticks was 27/45 examined (60%). From all tested T. graeca, 40% harboured ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum, 46.7% had ticks infected with E. canis and 33.3% had ticks with C. burnetii. This study reports for the first time the presence of A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in H. aegyptium. CONCLUSIONS The presence and relatively high prevalence of three important zoonotic pathogens in H. aegyptium raises the question of their epidemiologic importance in disease ecology. As tortoises are unlikely to be reservoir hosts for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis and both these pathogens are common in H. aegyptium, this is an important indication for (1) a possible increased host-switching behaviour of these ticks to competent reservoir hosts (i.e. hedgehogs) and (2) transstadial transmission. Furthermore, if we consider also the presence of C. burnetii, we conclude that T. graeca and its ticks should be evaluated more seriously when assessing the eco-epidemiology of zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria I Paștiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Characterization of the tick-pathogen interface by quantitative proteomics. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 3:154-8. [PMID: 22647712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of pathogens that affect human and animal health worldwide. Ticks and the pathogens they transmit have co-evolved molecular interactions involving genetic traits of both the tick and the pathogen that mediate their development and survival. Proteomics and genomics studies of infected ticks are required to understand tick-pathogen interactions and identify potential vaccine antigens to control tick infestations and pathogen transmission. In this paper, the application of quantitative proteomics to characterize differential protein expression in ticks and cultured tick cells in response to pathogen infection is reviewed. Analyses using (a) two-dimensional differential in gel electrophoresis (DIGE) labeling and (b) protein one-step in gel digestion, peptide iTRAQ labeling, and isoelectric focusing fractionation, both followed by peptide and protein identifications by mass spectrometry resulted in the identification of host, pathogen, and tick proteins differentially expressed in response to infection. Although at its infancy, these results showed that quantitative proteomics is a powerful approach to characterize the tick-pathogen interface and demonstrated pathogen and tick-specific differences in protein expression in ticks and cultured tick cells in response to pathogen infection.
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Villar M, Torina A, Nuñez Y, Zivkovic Z, Marina A, Alongi A, Scimeca S, La Barbera G, Caracappa S, Vázquez J, Fuente JDL. Application of highly sensitive saturation labeling to the analysis of differential protein expression in infected ticks from limited samples. Proteome Sci 2010; 8:43. [PMID: 20704695 PMCID: PMC2929226 DOI: 10.1186/1477-5956-8-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are vectors of pathogens that affect human and animal health worldwide. Proteomics and genomics studies of infected ticks are required to understand tick-pathogen interactions and identify potential vaccine antigens to control pathogen transmission. One of the limitations for proteomics research in ticks is the amount of protein that can be obtained from these organisms. In the work reported here, individual naturally-infected and uninfected Rhipicephalus spp. ticks were processed using a method that permits simultaneous extraction of DNA, RNA and proteins. This approach allowed using DNA to determine pathogen infection, protein for proteomics studies and RNA to characterize mRNA levels for some of the differentially expressed proteins. Differential protein expression in response to natural infection with different pathogens was characterized by two-dimensional (2-D) differential in gel electrophoresis (DIGE) saturation labeling in combination with mass spectrometry analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the application of DIGE saturation labeling to study tick proteins. Results Questing and feeding Rhipicephalus spp. adult ticks were collected in 27 farms located in different Sicilian regions. From 300 collected ticks, only 16 were found to be infected: R. sanguineus with Rickettsia conorii and Ehrlichia canis; R. bursa with Theileria annulata; and R. turanicus with Anaplasma ovis. The proteomic analysis conducted from a limited amount of proteins allowed the identification of host, pathogen and tick proteins differentially expressed as a consequence of infection. Conclusion These results showed that DIGE saturation labeling is a powerful technology for proteomics studies in small number of ticks and provided new information about the effect of pathogen infection in ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Villar
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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