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Dougherty MW, Russart NM, Gaultney RA, Gisi EM, Cooper HM, Kallis LR, Brissette CA, Vaughan JA. The role of southern red-backed voles, Myodes gapperi, and Peromyscus mice in the enzootic maintenance of Lyme disease spirochetes in North Dakota, USA. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102385. [PMID: 39096783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102385] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Lyme disease has expanded into the Great Plains of the USA. To investigate local enzootic transmission, small mammals were trapped in two forested tracts in northeastern North Dakota during 2012 and 2013. Peromyscus mice and southern red-backed voles, Myodes gapperi, comprised over 90% of all mammals captured. One site was dominated by Peromyscus (79% of 100 mammals captured). At the other site, M. gapperi (59% of 107 mammals captured) was more abundant than Peromyscus (36%). Immature stages of two tick species parasitized small mammals: Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis. Larval I. scapularis ectoparasitism was significantly higher on Peromyscus (81% infested; 3.7 larvae per infested mouse) than M. gapperi (47% infested; 2.6 larvae per infested vole) whereas larval and nymphal D. variabilis ectoparasitism were highest on M. gapperi. Over 45% of infested rodents were concurrently infested with both tick species. Testing engorged I. scapularis larvae from Peromyscus (n = 66) and M. gapperi (n = 20) yielded xenopositivity prevalence for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in these rodents of 6% and 5%, respectively. Progeny of field collected M. gapperi were used to determine host infectivity for a local isolate of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.). Five M. gapperi were injected with spirochetes, infested with pathogen-free I. scapularis larvae on days 10, 20, and 40 after infection, and engorged larvae molted to nymphs. Subsamples of nymphs were tested by PCR for B. burgdorferi s. s. DNA and yielded infection rates of 56% (n = 100 nymphs tested), 75% (n = 8) and 64% (n = 31), respectively. The remaining infected nymphs were fed on BALB/c Mus musculus mice and 7 d later, mice were euthanized, and tissues were cultured for B. burgdorferi s.s. Nymphs successfully transmitted spirochetes to 13 of 18 (72%) mice that were exposed to 1-5 infected ticks. Theoretical reservoir potentials - i.e., ability to generate B. burgdorferi infected nymphs - were compared between Peromyscus and M. gapperi. At one site, Peromyscus accounted for nearly all Borrelia-infected nymphs produced (reservoir potential value of 0.935). At the other site, the reservoir potentials for Peromyscus (0.566) and M. gapperi (0.434) were comparable. The difference was attributed to differences in the relative abundance of voles versus mice between sites and the higher level of ectoparasitism by larval I. scapularis on Peromyscus versus M. gapperi at both sites. The southern red-backed vole, M. gapperi, contributes to the enzootic maintenance of Lyme disease spirochetes in North Dakota and possibly other areas where this rodent species is abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Dougherty
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Nathan M Russart
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States; Aldeveron, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Robert A Gaultney
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States; Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emily M Gisi
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Haley M Cooper
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Lindsey R Kallis
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Catherine A Brissette
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Jefferson A Vaughan
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States.
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Schirò G, Pieri D, Lo Valvo M, Gradoni L, Cacciò SM, Severini F, Marucci G, Galuppo L, Cumbo V, Puleio R, Loria GR. Monitoring Campaign over an Edible Dormouse Population ( Glis glis; Rodentia: Gliridae) in Sicily: First Report of Mesocestodiasis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11040934. [PMID: 33806043 PMCID: PMC8064493 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040934] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In Nebrodi Park (Sicily, Italy), live many wild mammal species that move closer to human beings every day. The edible dormouse (Glis glis), in 2017 and 2018, was responsible for nut crop damage in the area. For this reason, a sanitary monitoring campaign involving 30 dormice was carried out by collecting rectal and conjunctival swabs and fur and nest content, which were then processed for laboratory examinations. A large presence of fleas belonging to Monopsyllus sciurorum was found. Necropsy of a dead dormouse revealed an infection of Mesocestoides lineatus, whose cysts were found in the abdomen cavity and on the liver; this is the first report of this in this species. Further studies are necessary to identify their role in the environment, considering the limited knowledge of this species in Italy. Abstract This study reports on the health status of the edible dormouse (Glis glis) living in Nebrodi Park (Sicily, Italy), responsible for nut crop damage in the area. In the frame of a monitoring campaign for potential zoonotic risk involving 30 dormice, rectal and conjunctival swabs and fur and nest content were collected for bacteriological and parasitological examinations, respectively. A large presence of fleas belonging to Monopsyllus sciurorum was found. Necropsy of a dead dormouse revealed an infection of Mesocestoides lineatus, whose cysts were found in the abdomen cavity and on the liver; this is the first report of this in this species. Further studies are necessary to identify their role in the environment, considering the limited knowledge of this species in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Schirò
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (L.G.); (V.C.); (R.P.); (G.R.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Domenico Pieri
- STEBICEF, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (D.P.); (M.L.V.)
| | - Mario Lo Valvo
- STEBICEF, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (D.P.); (M.L.V.)
| | - Luigi Gradoni
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (S.M.C.); (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Simone Mario Cacciò
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (S.M.C.); (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Francesco Severini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (S.M.C.); (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (S.M.C.); (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Lucia Galuppo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (L.G.); (V.C.); (R.P.); (G.R.L.)
| | - Valentina Cumbo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (L.G.); (V.C.); (R.P.); (G.R.L.)
| | - Roberto Puleio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (L.G.); (V.C.); (R.P.); (G.R.L.)
| | - Guido Ruggero Loria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (L.G.); (V.C.); (R.P.); (G.R.L.)
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Wedekind-Grunert S, Schröder B, Richter D. Basic reproduction number of Lyme disease spirochaetes – modelling various genospecies-host associations in Central Europe. Ecol Modell 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Fischer D, Ziegler L, Hail K, Heckmann J, Reiners TE, Bauer C, Lierz M, Lang J. Clinical examination methods and investigation into the occurrence of endoparasites, Borna disease virus and genetic variability in the garden dormouse, Eliomys quercinus. FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2018. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v67.i2.a1.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Fischer
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Stras
| | - Luisa Ziegler
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Stras
| | - Katrin Hail
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Stras
| | - Julia Heckmann
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Stras
| | - Tobias Erik Reiners
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Cl
| | - Christian Bauer
- Working Group Wildlife Biology at Justus Liebig University Giessen, Leihgesterner Weg 217, D-35392 G
| | - Michael Lierz
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Stras
| | - Johannes Lang
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Stras
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Fietz J, Langer F, Havenstein N, Matuschka FR, Richter D. The vector tick Ixodes ricinus feeding on an arboreal rodent-the edible dormouse Glis glis. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:1435-42. [PMID: 26670314 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4877-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The reservoir competence and long life expectancy of edible dormice, Glis glis, suggest that they serve as efficient reservoir hosts for Lyme disease (LD) spirochetes. Their arboreality, however, may reduce the probability to encounter sufficient questing Ixodes ricinus ticks to acquire and perpetuate LD spirochetes. To define the potential role of this small arboreal hibernator in the transmission cycle of LD spirochetes, we examined their rate and density of infestation with subadult ticks throughout the season of activity. Of the 1081 edible dormice that we captured at five study sites in Southern Germany and inspected for ticks at 2946 capture occasions, 26 % were infested with at least one and as many as 26 subadult ticks on their ear pinnae. The distribution of ticks feeding on edible dormice was highly aggregated. Although only few individuals harbored nymphal ticks soon after their emergence from hibernation, the rate of nymphal infestation increased steadily throughout the season and reached about 35 % in September. Dormice inhabiting a site with few conspecifics seemed more likely to be infested by numerous ticks, particularly nymphs, than those individuals living in densely populated sites. Male dormice were more likely to be parasitized by numerous nymphs than were females, independent of their age and body mass. Our observation that season, population density, and sex affect the rates of ticks feeding on edible dormice suggests that the contribution of edible dormice to the transmission cycle of LD spirochetes depends mainly on their ranging behavior and level of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Fietz
- Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.,Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Franz Langer
- Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nadine Havenstein
- Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Dania Richter
- Environmental Systems Analysis, Institute of Geoecology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
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Rizzoli A, Silaghi C, Obiegala A, Rudolf I, Hubálek Z, Földvári G, Plantard O, Vayssier-Taussat M, Bonnet S, Spitalská E, Kazimírová M. Ixodes ricinus and Its Transmitted Pathogens in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Europe: New Hazards and Relevance for Public Health. Front Public Health 2014; 2:251. [PMID: 25520947 PMCID: PMC4248671 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases represent major public and animal health issues worldwide. Ixodes ricinus, primarily associated with deciduous and mixed forests, is the principal vector of causative agents of viral, bacterial, and protozoan zoonotic diseases in Europe. Recently, abundant tick populations have been observed in European urban green areas, which are of public health relevance due to the exposure of humans and domesticated animals to potentially infected ticks. In urban habitats, small and medium-sized mammals, birds, companion animals (dogs and cats), and larger mammals (roe deer and wild boar) play a role in maintenance of tick populations and as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens. Presence of ticks infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus and high prevalence of ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., causing Lyme borreliosis, have been reported from urbanized areas in Europe. Emerging pathogens, including bacteria of the order Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis," Rickettsia helvetica, and R. monacensis), Borrelia miyamotoi, and protozoans (Babesia divergens, B. venatorum, and B. microti) have also been detected in urban tick populations. Understanding the ecology of ticks and their associations with hosts in a European urbanized environment is crucial to quantify parameters necessary for risk pre-assessment and identification of public health strategies for control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, San Michele all'Adige , Trento , Italy
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Vetsuisse-Faculty, Swiss National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute for Parasitology, University of Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Olivier Plantard
- INRA, UMR1300 BioEpAR , Nantes , France ; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR BioEpAR , Nantes , France
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Sarah Bonnet
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Eva Spitalská
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
| | - Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
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7
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Seasonal prevalence of Lyme disease spirochetes in a heterothermic mammal, the edible dormouse (Glis glis). Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:3615-21. [PMID: 24705325 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00251-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In Europe, dormice serve as competent reservoir hosts for particular genospecies of the tick-borne agent of Lyme disease (LD) and seem to support them more efficiently than do mice or voles. The longevity of edible dormice (Glis glis) and their attractiveness for ticks may result in a predominance of LD spirochetes in ticks questing in dormouse habitats. To investigate the role of edible dormice in the transmission cycle of LD spirochetes, we sampled skin tissue from the ear pinnae of dormice inhabiting five different study sites in south western Germany. Of 501 edible dormice, 12.6% harbored DNA of LD spirochetes. Edible dormice were infected most frequently with the pathogenic LD spirochete Borrelia afzelii. The DNA of B. garinii and B. bavariensis was detected in ca. 0.5% of the examined individuals. No spirochetal DNA was detectable in the skin of edible dormice until July, 6 weeks after they generally start to emerge from their obligate hibernation. Thereafter, the prevalence of spirochetal DNA in edible dormice increased during the remaining period of their 4 to 5 months of activity, reaching nearly 40% in September. Males were more than four times more likely to harbor LD spirochetes than females, and yearlings were almost twice more likely to be infected than adults. The seasonality of the prevalence of LD spirochetes in edible dormice was pronounced and may affect their role as a reservoir host in respect to other hosts.
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Rizzoli A, Silaghi C, Obiegala A, Rudolf I, Hubálek Z, Földvári G, Plantard O, Vayssier-Taussat M, Bonnet S, Spitalská E, Kazimírová M. Ixodes ricinus and Its Transmitted Pathogens in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Europe: New Hazards and Relevance for Public Health. Front Public Health 2014. [PMID: 25520947 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00251.pmid:25520947;pmcid:pmc4248671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases represent major public and animal health issues worldwide. Ixodes ricinus, primarily associated with deciduous and mixed forests, is the principal vector of causative agents of viral, bacterial, and protozoan zoonotic diseases in Europe. Recently, abundant tick populations have been observed in European urban green areas, which are of public health relevance due to the exposure of humans and domesticated animals to potentially infected ticks. In urban habitats, small and medium-sized mammals, birds, companion animals (dogs and cats), and larger mammals (roe deer and wild boar) play a role in maintenance of tick populations and as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens. Presence of ticks infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus and high prevalence of ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., causing Lyme borreliosis, have been reported from urbanized areas in Europe. Emerging pathogens, including bacteria of the order Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis," Rickettsia helvetica, and R. monacensis), Borrelia miyamotoi, and protozoans (Babesia divergens, B. venatorum, and B. microti) have also been detected in urban tick populations. Understanding the ecology of ticks and their associations with hosts in a European urbanized environment is crucial to quantify parameters necessary for risk pre-assessment and identification of public health strategies for control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, San Michele all'Adige , Trento , Italy
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Vetsuisse-Faculty, Swiss National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute for Parasitology, University of Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Olivier Plantard
- INRA, UMR1300 BioEpAR , Nantes , France ; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR BioEpAR , Nantes , France
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Sarah Bonnet
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Eva Spitalská
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
| | - Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
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Reservoir competence of various rodents for the lyme disease Spirochete Borrelia spielmanii. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:3565-70. [PMID: 21460106 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00022-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine whether the pathogenic Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia spielmanii is adapted exclusively to garden dormice, we compared the reservoir competence of various rodent species for this spirochete, including sympatric and peridomestic rodents. The different kinds of rodents varied in their attractiveness to nymphal ticks and their level of susceptibility to tick-borne B. spielmanii infection, but only the edible dormouse appeared to be refractory. Although hazel dormice and Norway rats became infectious to ticks somewhat later than did garden dormice, they remained infectious for a longer period of time. During the course of a tick season, garden and hazel dormice contributed theoretically more than twice as many B. spielmanii-infected ticks than the somewhat less susceptible Norway rats and wood or yellow-necked mice. Hazel dormice appeared to be extraordinarily competent as reservoir hosts for B. spielmanii. Because peridomestic rodents proved to be reservoir competent, urban foci of transmission of B. spielmanii may affect the health of townspeople.
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Ulrich RG, Heckel G, Pelz HJ, Wieler LH, Nordhoff M, Dobler G, Freise J, Matuschka FR, Jacob J, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Gerstengarbe FW, Jäkel T, Süss J, Ehlers B, Nitsche A, Kallies R, Johne R, Günther S, Henning K, Grunow R, Wenk M, Maul LC, Hunfeld KP, Wölfel R, Schares G, Scholz HC, Brockmann SO, Pfeffer M, Essbauer SS. Nagetiere und Nagetierassoziierte Krankheitserreger. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2009; 52:352-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s00103-009-0798-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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The role of fat dormouse (Glis glis L.) as reservoir host for spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the region of Gorski Kotar, Croatia. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-007-0119-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
TOC Summary: Low-intensity cattle grazing limits Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., but not B. miyamotoi, in vector ticks. To determine the effect of cattle on the risk for Lyme disease, we compared the prevalence of spirochete infection in questing vector ticks collected from a pasture with low-intensity cattle grazing with the prevalence in those collected from a site on which no cattle grazed. The presence of cattle limited the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., but not B. miyamotoi, in vector ticks. The reintroduction of traditional, nonintensive agriculture in central Europe may help reduce risk for Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Richter
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Richter D, Matuschka FR. Perpetuation of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia lusitaniae by lizards. Appl Environ Microbiol 2006; 72:4627-32. [PMID: 16820453 PMCID: PMC1489336 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00285-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine whether the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia lusitaniae is associated with lizards, we compared the prevalence and genospecies of spirochetes present in rodent- and lizard-associated ticks at a site where this spirochete frequently infects questing ticks. Whereas questing nymphal Ixodes ricinus ticks were infected mainly by Borrelia afzelii, one-half of the infected adult ticks harbored B. lusitaniae at our study site. Lyme disease spirochetes were more prevalent in sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) and common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) than in small rodents. Although subadult ticks feeding on rodents acquired mainly B. afzelii, subadult ticks feeding on lizards became infected by B. lusitaniae. Genetic analysis confirmed that the spirochetes isolated from ticks feeding on lizards are members of the B. lusitaniae genospecies and resemble type strain PotiB2. At our central European study site, lizards, which were previously considered zooprophylactic for the agent of Lyme disease, appear to perpetuate B. lusitaniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Richter
- Abt. Parasitologie, Institut für Pathologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Malteserstrasse 74-100, 12249 Berlin, Germany.
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Gil H, Barral M, Escudero R, García-Pérez AL, Anda P. Identification of a new Borrelia species among small mammals in areas of northern Spain where Lyme disease is endemic. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:1336-45. [PMID: 15746336 PMCID: PMC1065187 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.3.1336-1345.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of small mammals as reservoir hosts for Borrelia burgdorferi was investigated in several areas where Lyme disease is endemic in northern Spain. A low rate of infestation by Ixodes ricinus nymphs was found in the small mammal populations studied that correlated with the near-absence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato in 184 animals tested and with the lack of transmission of B. burgdorferi sensu lato to I. ricinus larvae that fed on them. In contrast, questing ticks collected at the same time and in the same areas were found to carry a highly variable B. burgdorferi sensu lato repertoire (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia valaisiana, and Borrelia afzelii). Interestingly, the only isolate obtained from small mammals (R57, isolated from a bank vole) grouped by phylogenetic analyses with other Borrelia species but in a separate clade from the Lyme disease and relapsing fever organisms, suggesting that it is a new species. This new agent was widely distributed among small mammals, with infection rates of 8.5 to 12% by PCR. Moreover, a high seroprevalence to B. burgdorferi sensu lato was found in the animal sera, suggesting cross-reactivity between B. burgdorferi sensu lato and R57. Although small mammals do not seem to play an important role as reservoirs for B. burgdorferi sensu lato in the study area, they seem to be implicated in the maintenance of spirochetes similar to R57.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horacio Gil
- NEIKER, Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Vizcaya, Spain
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15
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Abstract
Since the discovery of the Lyme disease spirochete in North America in 1982 and in Europe in 1983, a plethora of studies on this unique group of spirochetes that compriseBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato has been accumulated. In an attempt to compare and contrast Lyme borreliosis in Europe and North America we have reviewed the biology of the aetiologic agents, as well as the clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment of this disease on both continents. Moreover, we have detailed the ecology of theIxodesticks that transmit this infection and the reservoir hosts that maintain the spirochete cycle in nature. Finally, we have examined the transmission dynamics of the spirochete on both continents, as well as the available prevention strategies. Although it has been over two decades since the discovery of the Lyme disease spirochete, Lyme borreliosis is an expanding public health problem that has defied our attempts to control it. By comparing the accumulated experience of investigators in North America and Europe, where the disease is most frequently reported, we hope to advance the cause of developing novel approaches to combat Lyme borreliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Piesman
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, P.O. Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA.
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Richter D, Schlee DB, Allgöwer R, Matuschka FR. Relationships of a novel Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia spielmani sp. nov., with its hosts in Central Europe. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 70:6414-9. [PMID: 15528500 PMCID: PMC525186 DOI: 10.1128/aem.70.11.6414-6419.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine whether the pathogenic variant of Lyme disease spirochetes, isolate A14S, is perpetuated in a particular reservoir-vector relationship, we screened vector ticks in various Central European sites for a related spirochete and determined its host association. A14S-like spirochetes infect numerous questing ticks in the Petite Camargue Alsacienne (PC). They frequently infect dormice, but no mice or voles. Garden dormice appear to be better reservoir hosts for A14S-like spirochetes than for Borrelia afzelii, because these spirochetes are retained longer and infect ticks more readily. Spirochetes associated with garden dormice in the PC site form a homologous entity with those isolated from a human patient in The Netherlands. Its unique biological relationship together with previous genetic characterization justifies designating this dormouse-associated genospecies as a distinct entity. Garden dormice serve as the main reservoir hosts of a novel genospecies, Borrelia spielmani sp. nov., one of several that cause Lyme disease in people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Richter
- Abteilung Parasitologie, Institut für Pathologie, Charité, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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17
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Richter D, Schlee DB, Matuschka FR. Relapsing fever-like spirochetes infecting European vector tick of Lyme disease agent. Emerg Infect Dis 2003; 9:697-701. [PMID: 12781009 PMCID: PMC3000135 DOI: 10.3201/eid0906.020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine whether relapsing fever-like spirochetes associated with hard ticks may infect Ixodes ricinus ticks in central Europe, we screened questing ticks for 16S rDNA similar to that of Asian and American relapsing fever-like spirochetes. We compared the prevalence of these spirochetes to that of Lyme disease spirochetes transmitted by the same vector. Relapsing fever-like spirochetes infect 3.5% of questing vector ticks in our three central European sites near the Rhein Valley. These spirochetes differ genetically from their American and Asian analogs while being relatively homogeneous in the region we sampled. The Lyme disease genospecies most commonly detected in central Europe are distributed broadly, whereas those that are less frequently found appear to be place-specific. The absence of co-infected ticks suggests that relapsing fever-like and Lyme disease spirochetes may not share hosts. Exposure risk for relapsing fever-like spirochetes is similar to that of certain Lyme disease genospecies. Although many persons may be bitten by ticks infected by relapsing fever-like spirochetes, health implications remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Richter
- Institut für Pathologie, Charité, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Abstract
After several years of controversy, the contribution of birds in the ecology of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) has become more and more obvious on the three continents where the pathogens are distributed. Evidence of the reservoir competence of particular bird species has been obtained using tick xenodiagnosis. B. burgdorferi sl circulates not only in terrestrial environment involving Ixodes ricinus and undergrowth-frequenting birds but also in marine environment involving I. uriae and seabirds. Migrating birds contribute to the spread of B. burgdorferi sl and of infected tick vectors along migration routes.
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Richter D, Spielman A, Komar N, Matuschka FR. Competence of American robins as reservoir hosts for Lyme disease spirochetes. Emerg Infect Dis 2000; 6:133-8. [PMID: 10756146 PMCID: PMC2640847 DOI: 10.3201/eid0602.000205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the competence of American robins as a reservoir for Lyme disease spirochetes, we determined the susceptibility of these birds to tickborne spirochetes and their subsequent infectivity for larval vector ticks. Robins acquired infection and became infectious to almost all xenodiagnostic ticks soon after exposure to infected nymphal ticks. Although infectivity waned after 2 months, the robins remained susceptible to reinfection, became infectious again, and permitted repeated feeding by vector ticks. In addition, spirochetes passaged through birds retained infectivity for mammalian hosts. American robins become as infectious for vector ticks as do reservoir mice, but infectivity in robins wanes more rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Richter
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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