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Matulis GA, Sakolvaree J, Boldbaatar B, Cleary N, Takhampunya R, Poole-Smith BK, Lilak AA, Altantogtokh D, Tsogbadrakh N, Chanarat N, Youngdech N, Lindroth EJ, Fiorenzano JM, Letizia AG, von Fricken ME. Applying next generation sequencing to detect tick-pathogens in Dermacentor nuttalli, Ixodes persulcatus, and Hyalomma asiaticum collected from Mongolia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102203. [PMID: 37290396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102203] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases represent major threats to the public health of the Mongolian population, of which an estimated 26% live a traditional nomadic pastoralist lifestyle that puts them at increased risk for exposure. Ticks were collected by dragging and removal from livestock in Khentii, Selenge, Tuv, and Umnugovi aimags (provinces) during March-May 2020. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) with confirmatory PCR and DNA sequencing, we sought to characterize the microbial species present in Dermacentor nuttalli (n = 98), Hyalomma asiaticum (n = 38), and Ixodes persulcatus (n = 72) tick pools. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 90.4% of tick pools, with Khentii, Selenge, and Tuv tick pools all having 100% pool positivity. Coxiella spp. were detected at an overall pool positivity rate of 60%, while Francisella spp. were detected in 20% of pools and Borrelia spp. detected in 13% of pools. Additional confirmatory testing for Rickettsia-positive pools demonstrated Rickettsia raoultii (n = 105), Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae (n = 65) and R. slovaca/R. sibirica (n = 2), as well as the first report of Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis (n = 1) in Mongolia. For Coxiella spp. reads, most samples were identified as a Coxiella endosymbiont (n = 117), although Coxiella burnetii was detected in eight pools collected in Umnugovi. Borrelia species that were identified include Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (n = 3), B. garinii (n = 2), B. miyamotoi (n = 16), and B. afzelii (n = 3). All Francisella spp. reads were identified as Francisella endosymbiont species. Our findings emphasize the utility of NGS to provide baseline data across multiple tick-borne pathogen groups, which in turn can be used to inform health policy, determine regions for expanded surveillance, and guide risk mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham A Matulis
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Jira Sakolvaree
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bazartseren Boldbaatar
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Nora Cleary
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Ratree Takhampunya
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - B Katherine Poole-Smith
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Abigail A Lilak
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Nitima Chanarat
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nittayaphon Youngdech
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Erica J Lindroth
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Michael E von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
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Ganbold D, Uudus B, Nyamdavaa N, Chultemsuren Y, Zagd A, Tangad M, Bayarmaa A, Lkunrev R, Baasandagva U, Nyamdorj T, Narankhajid M. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia species infection in humans in Mongolia, 2016-2020. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289274. [PMID: 37552652 PMCID: PMC10409273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. are worldwide causes of tick-borne infections. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and determine risk factors among Mongolians from 2016 to 2020. Blood samples were obtained from voluntary participants with a history of suspected tick bite who visited our hospital, and IgG antibodies against Rickettsia and Borrelia were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The IgG antibody seropositivity rate against Rickettsia was 21.8% (1032/4724), while 3.4% (162/4724) of participants tested positive for serum IgG antibodies against Borrelia by ELISA.Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors for tick-borne rickettsiosis (TBR) and tick-borne borreliosis (TBB) using IgG serum sample. Age, occupation, and residence were significantly associated with these diseases; however, sex did not show any significant association. Seroprevalence was significantly higher among herders (40.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.5-45.8; odds ratio [OR] 0.61; P < 0.001) and students (32.8%, 95% CI: 30.2-35.4; OR 0.75; P < 0.001) than among individuals with other occupations. The 25-29 age group had a slightly higher seroprevalence (35.1%, 95% CI: 28.1-42.6; OR 0.61; P < 0.006) than those in other age groups. Province was a stronger predictor of TBR than occupation and age group. In univariate subgroup analysis by age group, occupation, and residence were significantly associated with TBR seroprevalence, whereas age and province were associated with TBB seroprevalence. Thus, risk factors for TBD include residence, occupation, and age group. This study was conducted using samples from all Mongolian provinces and the capital city, and the risk factors and prevalence of Rickettsia and Borreliaare highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashdavaa Ganbold
- Department of Biology, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Bayarsaikhan Uudus
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Art Science, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | - Yeruult Chultemsuren
- Department of Biology, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Amarbayasgalan Zagd
- Department of Biology, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Mungunzaya Tangad
- Department of Biology, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Agarzandan Bayarmaa
- Department of Biology, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | | | | | - Myadagsuren Narankhajid
- Department of Biology, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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Altantogtokh D, Lilak AA, Takhampunya R, Sakolvaree J, Chanarat N, Matulis G, Poole-Smith BK, Boldbaatar B, Davidson S, Hertz J, Bolorchimeg B, Tsogbadrakh N, Fiorenzano JM, Lindroth EJ, von Fricken ME. Metagenomic profiles of Dermacentor tick pathogens from across Mongolia, using next generation sequencing. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:946631. [PMID: 36033893 PMCID: PMC9399792 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.946631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are a major public health concern in Mongolia. Nomadic pastoralists, which make up ~ 26% of Mongolia’s population, are at an increased risk of both tick bite exposure and economic loss associated with clinical disease in herds. This study sought to further characterize tick-borne pathogens present in Dermacentor ticks (n = 1,773) sampled in 2019 from 15 of Mongolia’s 21 aimags (provinces). The ticks were morphologically identified and sorted into 377 pools which were then screened using Next-Generation Sequencing paired with confirmatory PCR and DNA sequence analysis. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 88.33% of pools, while Anaplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. were detected in 3.18 and 0.79% of pools, respectively. Khentii had the highest infection rate for Rickettsia spp. (76.61%; CI: 34.65–94.79%), while Arkhangai had the highest infection rate for Anaplasma spp. (7.79%; CI:4.04–13.72%). The exclusive detection of Anaplasma spp. in tick pools collected from livestock supports previous work in this area that suggests livestock play a significant role in disease maintenance. The detection of Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Rickettsia demonstrates a heightened risk for infection throughout Mongolia, with this study, to our knowledge, documenting the first detection of Bartonella melophagi in ticks collected in Mongolia. Further research deploying NGS methods is needed to characterize tick-borne pathogens in other endemic tick species found in Mongolia, including Hyalomma asiaticum and Ixodes persulcatus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abigail A. Lilak
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Ratree Takhampunya
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jira Sakolvaree
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nitima Chanarat
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Graham Matulis
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Betty Katherine Poole-Smith
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bazartseren Boldbaatar
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Silas Davidson
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, US Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Jeffrey Hertz
- Naval Medical Research Unit TWO (NAMRU-2), Sembawang, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Erica J. Lindroth
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael E. von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael E. von Fricken,
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Co-infections with multiple pathogens in natural populations of Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Mongolia. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:236. [PMID: 35765092 PMCID: PMC9238073 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Mongolia, the taiga tick Ixodes persulcatus is the major vector of tick-borne pathogens. Knowledge about co-infections of these pathogens in ticks is necessary both for understanding their persistence in nature and for diagnosing and treating tick-borne diseases. Methods The prevalence of seven tick-borne infections in 346 I. persulcatus collected from the Selenge and Bulgan provinces of Mongolia was evaluated using real-time PCR. Quantification of Borrelia spp. was performed using multiplex quantitative PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Genetic analysis of Borrelia spp. in 11 ticks infected with Borrelia miyamotoi, including six ticks co-infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), was performed by high-throughput sequencing of the flaB gene fragment. Results Six ticks (1.7%) were infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV); 171 (49.4%), with B. burgdorferi sensu lato; 17 (4.9%), with B. miyamotoi; 47 (13.6%), with Anaplasma phagocytophilum; and 56 (16.2%), with Ehrlichia sp. Neither Rickettsia sibirica nor R. heilongjiangensis were detected. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. occurred as co-infection in 55 (32.2%) of all infected ticks. The other pathogens co-infected ticks in 58.8–70.2% of cases. No pairwise associations between co-infecting pathogens were observed, with the exception of a positive association between A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp. infections. The spirochete loads of B. miyamotoi were significantly higher than those of B. burgdorferi s.l. (mean: 5.2 vs 4.0 log10 genome copies/tick, respectively). Ten isolates of B. miyamotoi belonged to the Siberian lineage. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l was represented by nine isolates of B. afzelii, B. bavariensis and B. garinii. Conclusions In populations of I. persulcatus inhabiting the Selenge and Bulgan provinces of Mongolia, five vector-borne pathogens, i.e. TBEV, B. burgdorferi s.l., B. miyamotoi, A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp., persist independently from each other, with the exception of A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp. which seem to share the circulation mode. The discrepancies in B. burgdorferi s.l. and B. miyamotoi prevalence and spirochete load per tick suggest that different ecological niches are occupied by Lyme disease and relapsing fever agents. High-throughput sequencing allows genetic identification of borreliae species in co-infected ticks. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Chaorattanakawee S, Wofford RN, Takhampunya R, Katherine Poole-Smith B, Boldbaatar B, Lkhagvatseren S, Altantogtokh D, Musih E, Nymadawa P, Davidson S, Hertz J, Fiorenzano J, Gray GC, von Fricken ME. Tracking tick-borne diseases in Mongolian livestock using next generation sequencing (NGS). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101845. [PMID: 34689003 PMCID: PMC8665119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The livestock industry in Mongolia accounts for 24% of national revenue, with one third of the population maintaining a pastoral lifestyle. This close connection between Mongolian population and livestock is a major concern for pathogen transfer, especially given the increase in vector-borne diseases globally. This study examines blood samples from livestock to assess the prevalence of tick-borne bacterial infections across three provinces in Mongolia (Dornogovi, Selenge, Töv). Whole blood samples from 243 livestock (cattle=38, camel=11, goat=85, horse=22, sheep=87) were analyzed with 16S metagenomics next-generation sequencing (NGS) to screen for bacterial pathogens. Positive-NGS samples for Anaplasma, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Francisella, Leptospira, and Rickettsia were confirmed by conventional PCR and DNA sequencing. Prevalence rates of Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia were 57.6%, 12.8%, and 0.4%, respectively. A significant difference in the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in livestock by province was observed, with a higher prevalence in Selenge (74.2%, p<0.001) and Töv (64.2% p = 0.006) compared to the semi-arid region of Dornogovi (39.8%). In contrast, no association was observed in Bartonella prevalence by provinces. All Anaplasma sequences (N = 139) were characterized as A. ovis. For Bartonella species characterization, phylogenetic analyses of gltA and rpoB genes identified three Bartonella species including B. bovis, B. melophagi and Candidatus B. ovis. Bartonella bovis was detected in all 22-positive cattle, while B. melophagi and Candidatus B. ovis were found in four and three sheep, respectively. This study identifies a high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens within the livestock population and to our knowledge, is the first time NGS methods have been used to explore tick-borne diseases in Mongolia. Further research is needed in Mongolia to better understand the clinical and economic burdens associated with tick-borne diseases in both livestock and pastoral herder populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwanna Chaorattanakawee
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rachel N Wofford
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Ratree Takhampunya
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - B Katherine Poole-Smith
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Elisha Musih
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | | | - Silas Davidson
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Chemistry and Life Science, US Military Academy, West Point, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hertz
- Naval Medical Research Unit TWO (NAMRU-2), Sembawang, Singapore
| | - Jodi Fiorenzano
- Naval Medical Research Unit TWO (NAMRU-2), Sembawang, Singapore
| | - Gregory C Gray
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael E von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
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von Fricken ME, Voorhees MA, Koehler JW, Asbun C, Lam B, Qurollo B, Hogan KM, Baasandagva U, Jigjav B, Schoepp RJ. Molecular Characteristics of Rickettsia in Ticks Collected along the Southern Border of Mongolia. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110943. [PMID: 33202715 PMCID: PMC7696098 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne infections are a significant threat to public health, particularly in regions where individuals frequently enter tick habitats. Roughly 26% of the population in Mongolia practice nomadic pastoralism and are considered at high risk of exposure to ticks and the diseases they carry. This study tested ticks from Mongolia’s southern border for Rickettsia spp. to better understand the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in the region. Dermacentor nuttalli and Hyalomma asiaticum ticks (n = 4022) were pooled and tested for Rickettsia spp. by real-time PCR. Melt-curve analyses and Sanger sequencing were used to identify Rickettsia species. Approximately 64% of the 786 tick pools tested positive for Rickettsia bacteria. Melt curve analyses identified four different Rickettsia species circulating in these tick pools. Amplicon sequencing of the ompA gene identified Rickettsia spp. that closely resembled R. raoultii and R. sibirica. Dermacentor nuttalli ticks from Govi-Altai had the highest maximum likelihood estimation infection rate 48.4% (95% CI: 41.7–56.5%), while Hyalommaasiaticum collected in Omnogovi had a rate of 7.6% (95% CI: 6.2–9.2%). The high detection of Rickettsia suggests a substantial risk of infection in southern Mongolia. Further studies are necessary to investigate the clinical burden of tick-borne diseases in Mongolia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; (C.A.); (K.M.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-703-993-4667
| | - Matthew A. Voorhees
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (M.A.V.); (J.W.K.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Jeffrey W. Koehler
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (M.A.V.); (J.W.K.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Carmen Asbun
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; (C.A.); (K.M.H.)
| | - Brandon Lam
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA;
| | - Barbara Qurollo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA;
| | - Kathryn M. Hogan
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; (C.A.); (K.M.H.)
| | - Uyanga Baasandagva
- National Center for Zoonotic Diseases, Ulaanbaatar 16000, Mongolia; (U.B.); (B.J.)
| | - Battsetseg Jigjav
- National Center for Zoonotic Diseases, Ulaanbaatar 16000, Mongolia; (U.B.); (B.J.)
| | - Randal J. Schoepp
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (M.A.V.); (J.W.K.); (R.J.S.)
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Song R, Ma Y, Hu Z, Li Y, Li M, Wu L, Li C, Dao E, Fan X, Hao Y, Bayin C. MaxEnt Modeling of Dermacentor marginatus (Acari: Ixodidae) Distribution in Xinjiang, China. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:1659-1667. [PMID: 32359141 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dermacentor marginatus Sulkzer is a common tick species found in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China, and is a vector for a variety of pathogens. To determine the potential distribution of this tick species in Xinjiang, a metadata containing 84 D. marginatus presence records combined with four localities from field collection were used for MaxEnt modeling to predict potential distribution of this tick species. Identification of tick samples showed 756 of 988 (76%) were D. marginatus. MaxEnt modeling results indicated that the potential distribution of this tick species was mainly confined to northern XUAR. Highly suitable areas included west side of Altay mountain, west rim of Junggar basin, and Yili River valley in the study area. The model showed an AUC value of 0.838 ± 0.063 (SD), based on 10-fold cross-validation. Although tick presence records used for modeling were limited, this is the first regional tick distribution model for D. marginatus in Xinjiang. The model will be helpful in assessing the risk of tick-borne diseases to human and animals in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Song
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ying Ma
- College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhengxiang Hu
- Bayingol Vocational and Technical College, Korla, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yingke Li
- College of Mathematics and Physics, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Min Li
- College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Lijiang Wu
- College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Caishan Li
- College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Erjiala Dao
- College of Science and Technology, Khovd State University, Khovd, Mongolia
| | - Xinli Fan
- College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yunwei Hao
- College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chahan Bayin
- College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
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