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Caudrelier N, Dionne MC. Three cases of African tick bite fever diagnosed in Quebec City: A case series. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2024; 12:2050313X241260516. [PMID: 38881975 PMCID: PMC11179540 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x241260516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
African tick bite fever is a rickettsiosis of the spotted fever group that is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. It is characterized by eschars at the inoculation sites and a maculopapular rash which may be purpuric. We describe three cases that were diagnosed in Quebec City.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Caudrelier
- Dermatology Division, Department of Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Dionne
- Dermatology Division, Department of Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Van Wyk CL, Mtshali S, Ramatla T, Lekota KE, Xuan X, Thekisoe O. Distribution of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Heamaphysalis elliptica dog ticks and pathogens they are carrying: A systematic review. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100969. [PMID: 38199685 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100969] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The role of ixodid ticks especially Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Heamaphysalis elliptica in the epidemiology of several diseases of veterinary and public health importance have been documented. This study conducted a systematic review focusing on the distribution of R. sanguineus and H. elliptica, as well as the common tick-borne pathogens they harbour. The Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used to search for English journal articles published between January 1990 and June 2021. The articles were assessed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO [(ID no: CRD42022327372). Of the studies included in the systematic review, 247 and 19 articles had identified R. sanguineus and H. elliptica respectively, whereas 15 articles had identified both tick species. There is a reported worldwide distribution of R. sanguineus from 64 countries, whereas H. elliptica was only reported in the African continent from 6 countries. In total, 120 articles that were included in this systematic review reported detection of tick-borne pathogens from R. sanguineus (n = 118 articles) and/or H. elliptica (n = 2 articles) ticks. According to the studies tick-borne pathogens harboured by R. sanguineus included protozoa such as Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Leishmania spp., and Theileria spp., as well as bacteria such as Acinetobacter spp. Anaplasma spp., Bacillus spp., Borrelia spp., Brucella spp., Coxiella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. The H. elliptica was reported to be harbouring Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. Most of the studies (50%) used the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the detection of tick-borne pathogens, followed by real-time PCR (qPCR) (n = 26), and nested PCR (n = 22). This systematic review has shed light on the distribution of two common dog ticks as well as the tick-borne pathogens of veterinary and zoonotic importance they are harbouring. This data will enable surveillance studies that can report whether the distribution of these ticks and their associated tick-borne pathogens is expanding or shrinking or is stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara-Lee Van Wyk
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Senzo Mtshali
- National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Sandringham 2131, South Africa
| | - Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa.
| | - Kgaugelo E Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
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Onyiche TE, Labruna MB, Saito TB. Unraveling the epidemiological relationship between ticks and rickettsial infection in Africa. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.952024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are emerging and re-emerging diseases of public health concern caused by over 30 species of Rickettsia. Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods with over 700 species of Ixodid ticks known worldwide. The escalating geographical dispersal of tick vectors and concomitant increase in the incidences of tick-borne diseases have fueled interest in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens. This review focuses on aspects of the Rickettsia pathogen, including biology, taxonomy, phylogeny, genetic diversity, epidemiology of the disease, and the role of vertebrate host in the perpetuation of rickettsioses in Africa. Our review also highlights some of the species of Rickettsia that are responsible for disease, the role of tick vectors (both hard and soft ticks) and the species of Rickettsia associated with diverse tick species across the continent. Additionally, this article emphasizes the evolutionary perspective of rickettsiae perpetuation and the possible role of amplifying vertebrate host and other small mammals, domestic animals and wildlife in the epidemiology of Rickettsia species. We also specifically, discussed the role of avian population in the epidemiology of SFG rickettsiae. Furthermore, we highlighted tick-borne rickettsioses among travelers due to African tick-bite fever (ATBF) and the challenges to surveillance of rickettsial infection, and research on rickettsiology in Africa. Our review canvasses the need for more rickettsiologists of African origin based within the continent to further research towards understanding the biology, characterization, and species distribution, including the competent tick vectors involved in their transmission of rickettsiae across the continent in collaboration with established researchers in western countries. We further highlighted the need for proper funding to encourage research despite competing demands for resources across the various sectors. We finalize by discussing the similarities between rickettsial diseases around the world and which steps need to be taken to help foster our understanding on the eco-epidemiology of rickettsioses by bridging the gap between the growing epidemiological data and the molecular characterization of Rickettsia species.
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Buxton M, Buxton MP, Machekano H, Nyamukondiwa C, Wasserman RJ. A Survey of Potentially Pathogenic-Incriminated Arthropod Vectors of Health Concern in Botswana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10556. [PMID: 34639855 PMCID: PMC8508065 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod vectors play a crucial role in the transmission of many debilitating infections, causing significant morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the economic significance of arthropods to public health, public knowledge on vector biology, ecology and taxonomic status remains anecdotal and largely unexplored. The present study surveyed knowledge gaps regarding the biology and ecology of arthropod vectors in communities of Botswana, across all districts. Results showed that communities are largely aware of individual arthropod vectors; however, their 'potential contribution' in disease transmission in humans, livestock and wildlife could not be fully attested. As such, their knowledge was largely limited with regards to some aspects of vector biology, ecology and control. Communities were strongly concerned about the burden of mosquitoes, cockroaches, flies and ticks, with the least concerns about fleas, bedbugs and lice, although the same communities did not know of specific diseases potentially vectored by these arthropods. Knowledge on arthropod vector control was mainly limited to synthetic chemical pesticides for most respondents, regardless of their location. The limited knowledge on potentially pathogen-incriminated arthropod vectors reported here has large implications for bridging knowledge gaps on the bio-ecology of these vectors countrywide. This is potentially useful in reducing the local burden of associated diseases and preventing the risk of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases under global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mmabaledi Buxton
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (H.M.); (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Malebogo Portia Buxton
- Department of Sociology, University of Botswana, P/Bag UB 0022, Gaborone 00704, Botswana;
| | - Honest Machekano
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (H.M.); (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Casper Nyamukondiwa
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (H.M.); (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Ryan John Wasserman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (H.M.); (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
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Molecular Detection of Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia africae and Anaplasma Species in Ticks from Domestic Animals in Lesotho. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091186. [PMID: 34578218 PMCID: PMC8468460 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) hamper the growth of the livestock sector and impose major constraints for the health and management of domestic animals in the tropic and subtropical regions globally. Currently, there is no scientific report on the presence of zoonotic pathogens transmitted by tick species in Lesotho. This study aimed to identify zoonotic tick-borne pathogens of economic importance from ticks infesting domestic animals in Lesotho using molecular techniques. A total of 322 tick DNA pools were subjected to PCR screening for the presence of zoonotic pathogens and sequenced. The overall prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 35% (113/322), with a 100% infection rate in Rhipicephalus microplus, followed by R. evertsi evertsi (92%), Hyalomma rufipes and Otobius megnini sharing 50% and the lowest infection rate was observed in R. decoloratus with 40%. The prevalence of Coxiella burnetii, a gram-negative pleomorphic etiological agent of Query fever (Q fever), was 1% (2/322) for all screened samples, with 20% of R. decoloratus and 1% of R. e. evertsi infected. Rickettsia africae was detected from Hyalomma rufipes with a 70% prevalence. This study provides a baseline knowledge of tick-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary importance in Lesotho and raises awareness of the prevalence of such diseases within the tourism sector as they are mostly affected.
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Blumenthal R, Hoosen A, Skosana LB, Weyer J. A Fatal Case of Rickettsiosis From South Africa. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2021; 42:e57-e58. [PMID: 33788777 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT We present a case of fatal Rickettsiosis from South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anwar Hoosen
- Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria
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Watkins RR, David MZ. Approach to the Patient with a Skin and Soft Tissue Infection. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2021; 35:1-48. [PMID: 33494872 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of a skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) requires careful attention to a patient's history, physical examination, and diagnostic test results. We review for many bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens that cause SSTIs the clues for reaching a diagnosis, including reported past medical history, hobbies and behaviors, travel, insect bites, exposure to other people and to animals, environmental exposures to water, soil, or sand, as well as the anatomic site of skin lesions, their morphology on examination, and their evolution over time. Laboratory and radiographic tests are discussed that may be used to confirm a specific diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R Watkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, 224 West Exchange Street, Akron, OH 44302, USA; Department of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Michael Z David
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Blockley Hall 707, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Abstract
There is no updated information on the spread of Rickettsiales in Italy. The purpose of our study is to take stock of the situation on Rickettsiales in Italy by focusing attention on the species identified by molecular methods in humans, in bloodsucking arthropods that could potentially attack humans, and in animals, possible hosts of these Rickettsiales. A computerized search without language restriction was conducted using PubMed updated as of December 31, 2020. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was followed. Overall, 36 species of microorganisms belonging to Rickettsiales were found. The only species identified in human tissues were Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Rickettsia conorii, R. conorii subsp. israelensis, R. monacensis, R. massiliae, and R. slovaca. Microorganisms transmissible by bloodsucking arthropods could cause humans pathologies not yet well characterized. It should become routine to study the pathogens present in ticks that have bitten a man and at the same time that molecular studies for the search for Rickettsiales can be performed routinely in people who have suffered bites from bloodsucking arthropods.
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Lowery K, Rosen T. Probable African Tick Bite Fever in the United States. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 93:49-54. [PMID: 32226336 PMCID: PMC7087050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
African tick bite fever (ATBF) is a tick-borne rickettsial disease most often observed in North American and European tourists returning home from the southern portion of Africa. Ticks infected with Rickettsia africae transmit this parasitic bacterium to humans, who subsequently develop an influenza-like illness, one or more inoculation eschars, and in some cases, a cutaneous rash. Because ATBF often presents with non-specific symptoms that suggest other infectious diseases, establishing the diagnosis may be difficult. Confirmatory assays, including serology and nucleic acid amplification, may take weeks to return and cannot help with acute treatment decisions. We present a case of a previously healthy 60-year-old woman who developed an illness strongly suggestive of ATBF after a missionary trip to Zimbabwe and discuss the disease's diagnostic challenges. Our paper also reviews the epidemiology of this disease and the currently available diagnostic laboratory tests and recommended treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kami Lowery
- MD Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Theodore Rosen
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jamail Specialty Care Center, Houston, TX,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Theodore Rosen, Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jamail Specialty Care Center, 1977 Butler Street, Suite E6.200, Houston, TX, 77030; Tel: 713-798-6131, Fax: 713-794-7863,
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