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Földvári G, Tauber Z, Tóth GE, Cadar D, Bialonski A, Horváth B, Szabó É, Lanszki Z, Zana B, Varga Z, Földes F, Kemenesi G. Genomic characterization of Volzhskoe tick virus (Bunyaviricetes) from a Hyalomma marginatum tick, Hungary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18945. [PMID: 39147851 PMCID: PMC11327328 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69776-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyalomma marginatum, a vector for the high-consequence pathogen, the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), needs particular attention due to its impact on public health. Although it is a known vector for CCHFV, its general virome is largely unexplored. Here, we report findings from a citizen science monitoring program aimed to understand the prevalence and diversity of tick-borne pathogens, particularly focusing on Hyalomma ticks in Hungary. In 2021, we identified one adult specimen of Hyalomma marginatum and subjected it to Illumina-based viral metagenomic sequencing. Our analysis revealed sequences of the uncharacterized Volzhskoe tick virus, an unclassified member of the class Bunyaviricetes. The in silico analysis uncovered key genetic regions, including the glycoprotein and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) coding regions. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship between our Volzhskoe tick virus sequences and other unclassified Bunyaviricetes species. These related species of unclassified Bunyaviricetes were detected in vastly different geolocations. These findings highlight the remarkable diversity of tick specific viruses and emphasize the need for further research to understand the transmissibility, seroreactivity or the potential pathogenicity of Volzhskoe tick virus and related species.
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Grants
- CA21170 COST
- CA21170 COST
- CA21170 COST
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 National Research, Development and Innovation Office
- 13N15449 German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
- 13N15449 German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Földvári
- Institute of Evolution, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest, 1121, Hungary.
- Centre for Eco-Epidemiology, National Laboratory for Health Security, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest, 1121, Hungary.
| | - Zsófia Tauber
- Szentágothai Research Centre, National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Gábor Endre Tóth
- Szentágothai Research Centre, National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Dániel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Balázs Horváth
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Éva Szabó
- Institute of Evolution, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest, 1121, Hungary
- Centre for Eco-Epidemiology, National Laboratory for Health Security, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, Budapest, 1121, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Lanszki
- Szentágothai Research Centre, National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Zana
- Szentágothai Research Centre, National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Zsaklin Varga
- Szentágothai Research Centre, National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Fanni Földes
- Szentágothai Research Centre, National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- Szentágothai Research Centre, National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
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Deézsi-Magyar N, Dénes B, Novák B, Zsidei G, Déri D, Henczkó J, Pályi B, Kis Z. First Broad-Range Serological Survey of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever among Hungarian Livestock. Viruses 2024; 16:875. [PMID: 38932166 PMCID: PMC11209279 DOI: 10.3390/v16060875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne disease endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Balkan and Mediterranean regions of Europe. Although no human CCHF cases have been reported, based on vector presence, serological evidence among small vertebrates, and the general human population, Hungary lies within high evidence consensus for potential CCHF introduction and future human infection. Thus, the aim of our pilot serosurvey was to assess CCHF seropositivity among cattle and sheep as indicator animals for virus circulation in the country. (2) Methods: In total, 1905 serum samples taken from free-range cattle and sheep in 2017 were tested for the presence of anti-CCHF virus IgG antibodies using commercial ELISA and commercial and in-house immunofluorescent assays. (3) Results: We found a total of eleven reactive samples (0.58%) from five administrative districts of Hungary comprising 8 cattle and 3 sheep. The most affected regions were the south-central and northwestern parts of the country. (4) Conclusions: Based on these results, more extended surveillance is advised, especially in the affected areas, and there should be greater awareness among clinicians and other high-risk populations of the emerging threat of CCHF in Hungary and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Deézsi-Magyar
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Dénes
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1143 Budapest, Hungary;
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, 1024 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bereniké Novák
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Gyula Zsidei
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Dániel Déri
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Judit Henczkó
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Pályi
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents (ERINHA-AISBL), B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zoltán Kis
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents (ERINHA-AISBL), B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Nasirian H. Hard Tick Species Parasitism Levels in Domestic Ruminants with Their Distribution and Role as Vectors: A Detailed Global Meta-analysis and Systematic Review. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1-105. [PMID: 37987883 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00724-8] [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: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This comprehensive global meta-analysis reviews the parasitism levels of tick genera and species, life stages, seasonality, attachment sites, the global mean ranks of tick species parasitism rates and records, and their distribution and role as vectors. METHODS From the 418 papers identified, 390 papers were selected to become part of the study. RESULTS The genera recorded as infesting domestic ruminants were Rhipicephalus (42 species), Haemaphysalis (32 species), Hyalomma (19 species), Amblyomma (18 species), Ixodes (10 species), Dermacentor (8 species), Margaropus and Nosomma (1 species). Globally, domestic ruminants are more infested by adult females and males than by the nymphal and larval stages of the tick species. The global tick species parasitism levels at the attachment sites of domestic ruminants were, in order, tail and anal region, neck and dewlap, scrotum or udder, ear region, thigh and abdomen, and dorsal surface. CONCLUSIONS Among 131 species of eight genera of hard ticks recorded infesting domestic ruminants, 42 species had mean ranks of tick species parasitism rates up to 10%, and 37 species had mean ranks of tick species parasitism up to 10 records. Briefly, the higher the indexes of tick species parasitism rates and records, the more important their role as vectors. In addition, the majority of them are found among tick species-infested humans with nearly high ranks of tick species parasitism rates and records that double their medical, veterinary, and zoonotic importance to be the most common vectors and reservoirs of bacterial, protozoan, and viral pathogenic microorganisms, causing severe infectious diseases, and as a result, can be more dangerous to humans and domestic ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nasirian
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Keve G, Csörgő T, Kováts D, Hornok S. Long term evaluation of factors influencing the association of ixodid ticks with birds in Central Europe, Hungary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4958. [PMID: 38418856 PMCID: PMC10902401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55021-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Birds play a crucial role in disseminating ticks that carry pathogens of high veterinary-medical importance. The aim of this study was to analyze data of a long-term tick collection from birds at a single stop-over site in Central Europe, Hungary. Over eight years (2015-2022) 5833 ticks (ten species) were collected from 2395 tick-infested birds. The most abundant species were Ixodes ricinus (n = 3971) and Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 1706). Ixodes ricinus nymphs and larvae were the most frequently occurring on resident and short-distance migratory birds with forest habitat but Ha. concinna was the most abundant species on reed-associated, long-distance migrants. Haemaphysalis concinna occurred mostly on birds feeding above the ground level, while I. ricinus predominated on ground feeding birds. Infestation with I. ricinus nymphs always peaked in the first half of the year, in contrast to larvae which were more abundant on avian hosts in the autumn. At the same time, Ha. concinna larvae and nymphs had their peak numbers in the summer. This is the first long-term study on the tick infestation of birds in Central Europe. The study shows that, migration distance, habitat type, and typical feeding level of birds, as well as characteristics of tick life cycle are all key factors in the role of birds as tick disseminators. It was revealed that Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) is the most frequent hosts of Ha. concinna in Central Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Tibor Csörgő
- Department of Anatomy, Cell- and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Kováts
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Biodiversity Research Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Adamu AM, Onoja AB, Ugbodu VE, Bala RS, Maina M, Salisu US, Pewan SB, David E, Malgwi A, Adamu C, Adeiza A, Herbert M, Horwood P, Adegboye O. Investigating Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus seropositivity in camels and human behavioural risks in an abattoir in Nigeria. Epidemiol Infect 2024; 152:e29. [PMID: 38299329 PMCID: PMC10894886 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268824000189] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an emerging viral pathogen with pandemic potential that is often misdiagnosed. Case fatality in low-resource settings could be up to 40% due to close contact between animals and humans. A two-year cross-sectional study was conducted in Fagge abattoir, Kano State, Nigeria, to estimate the seropositivity of CCHFV in camels using a commercial multi-species competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to the abattoir workers to assess their awareness, mitigation, and behavioural practices associated with CCHF. Of the 184 camels tested, 179 (97%) were seropositive for CCHFV (95% confidence interval (CI): 93.77, 99.11). The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of respondents was 41 (35-52), with 62% having no education. Respondents had little knowledge about CCHFV and the concept of zoonotic disease. In this study, the high estimated prevalence of antibodies to CCHFV in camels highlights the heightened risk of transmission of CCHFV in Nigeria. Similarly, a concerning lack of knowledge and inadequate preventive practices, alongside a prevalence of high-risk behaviours associated with CCHF among abattoir workers, were noted in this study. Thus, there is an urgent need for comprehensive public health education and collaborative One Health strategies to avert the threats of spillover events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Musa Adamu
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Victoria Ehinor Ugbodu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Meshach Maina
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria
| | - Usman Shehu Salisu
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria
| | | | - Emmanuel David
- Nigerian Field and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Arhyel Malgwi
- Nigerian Field and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Cornelius Adamu
- One Health (Man-Imal) Nantes College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Abdulrahman Adeiza
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Megan Herbert
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Paul Horwood
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Oyelola Adegboye
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia
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Benyedem H, Hajji T, Romdhane R, Obara I, Mhadhbi M, Sebai E, Elati K, Chaari S, Rekik M, Darghouth MA. Genetic diversity of Hyalomma marginatum in Tunisia is not influenced by the bio-climate. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3013-3025. [PMID: 37823993 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07990-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important ectoparasites responsible for the transmission of several pathogens with significant medical, veterinary, and economic impacts. Climate and social changes have generated substantial changes in ticks' distribution, abundance, and activity patterns, including ticks belonging to the Hyalomma marginatum species. Knowledge on the genetic structure and dynamics of H. marginatum populations might contribute to a better understanding of their current and future evolution under the effects of anthropogenic factors and eco-climatic changes. In the present study, we investigated the genetic structure and phylogenetic distribution of H. marginatum across three bioclimatic regions in Tunisia using two mitochondrial markers (16S and 12S rRNA). The molecular investigations were based on 47 adult H. marginatum ticks collected from humid, upper semi-arid, and sub-humid regions of Tunisia. Our results revealed a genetic diversity of 0.278% and 0.809% using the 16S and 12S markers, respectively. The low genetic diversity that we observed raises the hypothesis of a bottleneck event occasioned by a reduction in the size of the tick population under the effects of environmental factors and/or human activities. This hypothesis is supported by the population's demographic history analysis, which revealed a clear deviation from neutrality and supports the occurrence of a bottleneck event followed by a demographic expansion. The fact that most 16S and 12S variability was present in the ticks from the humid bioclimatic zone may suggest that those ticks represent the ancestral population. Overall, the analysis has shown that the phylogenetic clusters do not correspond to the bioclimatic zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayet Benyedem
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Tarek Hajji
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Bio-Geo-Resources (LR11ES31), Higher Institute of Biotechnology - Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Rihab Romdhane
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Isaiah Obara
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Moez Mhadhbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Essia Sebai
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Khawla Elati
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Str. 8, Berlin, Germany
| | - Soufiene Chaari
- Laboratoire Pharmaceutique Vétérinaire MEDIVET, Soliman, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia.
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Hekimoglu O, Elverici C, Kuyucu AC. Predicting climate-driven distribution shifts in Hyalomma marginatum (Ixodidae). Parasitology 2023; 150:883-893. [PMID: 37519234 PMCID: PMC10577666 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000689] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Hyalomma marginatum is an important tick species which is the main vector of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever and spotted fever. The species is predominantly distributed in parts of southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia. However, due to ongoing climate change and increasing reports of H. marginatum in central and northern Europe, the expansion of this range poses a potential future risk. In this study, an ecological niche modelling approach to model the current and future climatic suitability of H. marginatum was followed. Using high-resolution climatic variables from the Chelsa dataset and an updated list of locations for H. marginatum, ecological niche models were constructed under current environmental conditions using MaxEnt for both current conditions and future projections under the ssp370 and ssp585 scenarios. Models show that the climatically suitable region for H. marginatum matches the current distributional area in the Mediterranean basin and West Asia. When applied to future projections, the models suggest a considerable expansion of H. marginatum's range in the north in Europe as a result of rising temperatures. However, a decline in central Anatolia is also predicted, potentially due to the exacerbation of drought conditions in that region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Can Elverici
- Biology Department, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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Hoffman T, Olsen B, Lundkvist Å. The Biological and Ecological Features of Northbound Migratory Birds, Ticks, and Tick-Borne Microorganisms in the African-Western Palearctic. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010158. [PMID: 36677450 PMCID: PMC9866947 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the species that act as hosts, vectors, and vehicles of vector-borne pathogens is vital for revealing the transmission cycles, dispersal mechanisms, and establishment of vector-borne pathogens in nature. Ticks are common vectors for pathogens causing human and animal diseases, and they transmit a greater variety of pathogenic agents than any other arthropod vector group. Ticks depend on the movements by their vertebrate hosts for their dispersal, and tick species with long feeding periods are more likely to be transported over long distances. Wild birds are commonly parasitized by ticks, and their migration patterns enable the long-distance range expansion of ticks. The African-Palearctic migration system is one of the world's largest migrations systems. African-Western Palearctic birds create natural links between the African, European, and Asian continents when they migrate biannually between breeding grounds in the Palearctic and wintering grounds in Africa and thereby connect different biomes. Climate is an important geographical determinant of ticks, and with global warming, the distribution range and abundance of ticks in the Western Palearctic may increase. The introduction of exotic ticks and their microorganisms into the Western Palearctic via avian vehicles might therefore pose a greater risk for the public and animal health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Hoffman
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Olsen
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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9
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Keve G, Csörgő T, Benke A, Huber A, Mórocz A, Németh Á, Kalocsa B, Tamás EA, Gyurácz J, Kiss O, Kováts D, Sándor AD, Karcza Z, Hornok S. Ornithological and molecular evidence of a reproducing Hyalomma rufipes population under continental climate in Europe. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1147186. [PMID: 37035818 PMCID: PMC10073722 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1147186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Reports on adult Hyalomma ticks in certain regions of the Carpathian Basin date back to the 19th century. These ticks were thought to emerge from nymphs dropping from birds, then molting to adults. Although the role of migratory birds in carrying ticks of this genus is known from all parts of Europe, in most countries no contemporaneous multiregional surveillance of bird-associated ticks was reported which could allow the recognition of hotspots in this context. From 38 passeriform bird species 956 ixodid ticks were collected at seven locations in Hungary. Tick species were identified as Ixodes ricinus (n = 598), Ixodes frontalis (n = 18), Ixodes lividus (n = 6), Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 321), and D. reticulatus (n = 1). All 12 Hyalomma sp. ticks (11 engorged nymphs and 1 unengorged larva) were identified as H. rufipes based on three mitochondrial markers. This species was only found in the Transdanubian region and along its southeastern border. The Common Blackbird and the European Robin were the two main hosts of I. ricinus and I. frontalis, whereas H. concinna was almost exclusively collected form long-distance migrants. The predominant hosts of H. rufipes were reed-associated bird species, the Sedge Warbler and the Bearded Reedling, both in their nesting period. This study provides ornithological explanation for the regional, century-long presence of adult Hyalomma ticks under continental climate in the Transdanubian Region of the Carpathian Basin. More importantly, the autochthonous occurrence of a H. rufipes population was revealed for the first time in Europe, based on the following observations: (1) the bird species infested with H. rufipes are not known to migrate during their nesting period; (2) one larva was not yet engorged; (3) the larva and the nymphs must have belonged to different local generations; and (4) all H. rufipes found in the relevant location were identical in their haplotypes based on three maternally inherited mitochondrial markers, probably reflecting founder effect. This study also demonstrated regional and temporal differences in tick species carried by birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Gergő Keve
| | - Tibor Csörgő
- Department of Anatomy, Cell- and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anikó Benke
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Fenékpuszta Bird Ringing Station, Keszthely, Hungary
| | - Attila Huber
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Jósvafő, Hungary
| | - Attila Mórocz
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Németh
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Kiskunság National Park Directorate, Kecskemét, Hungary
- Kiskunság Bird Protection Association, Izsák, Hungary
| | | | - Enikő Anna Tamás
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Water Sciences, University of Public Service, Baja, Hungary
| | - József Gyurácz
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Savaria, Szombathely, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Sciences and Wildlife Management, University of Szeged, Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary
| | - Dávid Kováts
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Biodiversity Research Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Direct and Indirect Role of Migratory Birds in Spreading CCHFV and WNV: A Multidisciplinary Study on Three Stop-Over Islands in Italy. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11091056. [PMID: 36145488 PMCID: PMC9505975 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The annual movements of migratory birds can contribute to the spread of African ticks and tick-borne pathogens of potential public health concern across Europe. The aim of the study was to investigate their role in the possible introduction of African ticks and tick-borne pathogens into European countries during spring migration. A total of 2344 ticks were collected during three spring seasons from 1079 birds captured on three Italian stop-over islands during their northbound migration. Once identified, each tick was tested by RT-PCR for the presence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHFV), West Nile (WNV), and Usutu (USUV) viruses. Moreover, carcasses of birds found dead were collected and tested for the possible presence of WNV and USUV. Results confirmed a higher contribution of trans-Saharan migrants compared to intra-Palearctic ones and the prevalence of African tick species in the sample. CCHFV was detected for the second time in Italy in a Hyalomma rufipes, and WNV was found in two ticks of the same genus, all carried by trans-Saharan birds. WNV lineage 1 was also found in the organs of a Garden warbler. These results confirm the role of migratory birds in carrying African ticks, as well as viruses of zoonotic importance, from Africa into Europe.
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Keve G, Sándor AD, Hornok S. Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with birds in Europe: Review of literature data. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:928756. [PMID: 36090176 PMCID: PMC9453168 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.928756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are considered the most important transmitters of pathogens in the temperate zone that covers most of Europe. In the era of climate change tick-borne diseases are predicted to undergo geographical range expansion toward the north through regions that are connected to southern areas of the continent by bird migration. This alone would justify the importance of synthesized knowledge on the association of tick species with avian hosts, yet birds also represent the most taxonomically and ecologically diverse part of urban vertebrate fauna. Birds frequently occur in gardens and near animal keeping facilities, thus playing a significant role in the dispersal of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in synanthropic environments. The primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive reference source (baseline data) for future studies, particularly in the context of discovering new tick-host associations after comparison with already published data. The records on the ixodid tick infestations of birds were assessed from nearly 200 papers published since 1952. In this period, 37 hard tick species were reported from 16 orders of avian hosts in Europe. Here we compile a list of these tick species, followed by the English and Latin name of all reported infested bird species, as well as the tick developmental stage and country of origin whenever this information was available. These data allowed a first-hand analysis of general trends regarding how and at which developmental stage of ticks tend to infest avian hosts. Five tick species that were frequently reported from birds and show a broad geographical distribution in the Western Palearctic (Ixodes arboricola, I. frontalis, I. ricinus, Haemaphysalis concinna and Hyalomma marginatum) were also selected for statistical comparisons. Differences were demonstrated between these tick species regarding their association with bird species that typically feed from the ground and those that rarely occur at the soil level. The ecology of these five bird-infesting tick species is also illustrated here according to avian orders, taking into account the ecology (habitat type) and activity (circadian rhythm and feeding level) of most bird species that represent a certain order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- *Correspondence: Attila D. Sándor
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Goletic T, Satrovic L, Softic A, Omeragic J, Goletic S, Soldo DK, Spahic AK, Zuko A, Satrovic E, Alic A. Serologic and molecular evidence for circulation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks and cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102004. [PMID: 35834930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus is a tick-borne zoonotic agent of the genus Orthonairovirus, and the causal agent of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in humans. The study is aimed at investigating the presence of CCHFV RNA in ticks and cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), as well as the exposure of cattle to CCHFV in this country. Only one pool of three male Hyalomma marginatum ticks tested positive for viral RNA (3/760, 0.39%). No viral RNA was detected in 206 bovine blood samples using real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR). The overall seroprevalence of CCHFV in the cattle population was estimated as 14.97% (72/481). The results indicate the presence and the established circulation of CCHFV in B&H. Considering the endemic character of CCHFV in the Balkans as well as our results, the possibility that CCHFV is endemic in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered to be very high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teufik Goletic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Lejla Satrovic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adis Softic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasmin Omeragic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Sejla Goletic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Darinka Klaric Soldo
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amira Koro Spahic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Almedina Zuko
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Edin Satrovic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amer Alic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Tsapko NV. Importation of Hyalomma rufipes Koch, 1844, Vectors of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus to the South Russia by Migratory Birds: Epidemiological Aspect. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s2075111722020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Benyedem H, Lekired A, Mhadhbi M, Dhibi M, Romdhane R, Chaari S, Rekik M, Ouzari HI, Hajji T, Darghouth MA. First insights into the microbiome of Tunisian Hyalomma ticks gained through next-generation sequencing with a special focus on H. scupense. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268172. [PMID: 35587930 PMCID: PMC9119559 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are one of the most important vectors of several pathogens affecting humans and animals. In addition to pathogens, ticks carry diverse microbiota of symbiotic and commensal microorganisms. In this study, we have investigated the first Tunisian insight into the microbial composition of the most dominant Hyalomma species infesting Tunisian cattle and explored the relative contribution of tick sex, life stage, and species to the diversity, richness and bacterial species of tick microbiome. In this regard, next generation sequencing for the 16S rRNA (V3-V4 region) of tick bacterial microbiota and metagenomic analysis were established. The analysis of the bacterial diversity reveals that H. marginatum and H. excavatum have greater diversity than H. scupense. Furthermore, microbial diversity and composition vary according to the tick’s life stage and sex in the specific case of H. scupense. The endosymbionts Francisella, Midichloria mitochondrii, and Rickettsia were shown to be the most prevalent in Hyalomma spp. Rickettsia, Francisella, Ehrlichia, and Erwinia are the most common zoonotic bacteria found in Hyalomma ticks. Accordingly, Hyalomma ticks could represent potential vectors for these zoonotic bacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayet Benyedem
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Abdelmalek Lekired
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Laboratoire des Microorganismes et Biomolécules Actives (LR03ES03), Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Moez Mhadhbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mokhtar Dhibi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Rihab Romdhane
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Soufiene Chaari
- Laboratoire pharmaceutique vétérinaire MEDIVET, Soliman, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hadda-Imene Ouzari
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Laboratoire des Microorganismes et Biomolécules Actives (LR03ES03), Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Tarek Hajji
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology—Sidi Thabet, Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Bio-Geo-Resources (LR11ES31), Univ. Manouba, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles and Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
- * E-mail:
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THE TICKS <i>HYALOMMA RUFIPES</i> KOCH, 1844 IMPORTATION BY MIGRATORY BIRDS TO THE SOUTH OF RUSSIA - VECTORS OF CRIMEAN-CONGO HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER VIRUS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECT. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.35885/1996-1499-15-1-129-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Koch, 1844 (Acari, Ixodidae) is the main vector of the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in southern and eastern Africa. In the spring migrations of birds, immature stages of this species are carried out beyond the range of the parasite and are often found in various countries of Europe. Finds of adult ticks in Europe are single. In June 2018, in the north of the Stavropol Territory, one male of with characteristic features was removed from a cow. Prior to this, single registrations of this species were known on the territory of the Astrakhan Region, Dagestan and the Stavropol Territory in the middle of the last century.
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Detailed new insights about tick infestations in domestic ruminant groups: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:526-601. [DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01460-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Hoffman T, Carra LG, Öhagen P, Fransson T, Barboutis C, Piacentini D, Figuerola J, Kiat Y, Onrubia A, Jaenson TGT, Nilsson K, Lundkvist Å, Olsen B. Association between guilds of birds in the African-Western Palaearctic region and the tick species Hyalomma rufipes, one of the main vectors of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. One Health 2021; 13:100349. [PMID: 34825045 PMCID: PMC8605260 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The ecology of the vertebrate host contributes to the geographical range expansion of ticks. In this study, we investigated which tick taxa that infest and are dispersed by birds along African-Western Palaearctic flyways during northward migration, and whether bird ecology was associated with tick taxa. Materials and methods Ticks were collected from birds trapped at bird observatories in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Israel during the spring migration of 2014 and 2015, using mist nets. The tick-infested bird species were classified into guilds, using different combinations of the variables: migration distance, wintering region, foraging behaviour, and winter habitat. Ticks were molecularly determined to genus and species level by sequencing fragments of the 12S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene and by phylogenetic inference, using the Maximum Likelihood algorithm. Data were analysed using descriptive measures, graphs, Chi2 tests, the Tukey-Kramer test, and a parametric linear model (generalized linear model) in order to analyse and adjust for characteristics in the bird guilds and their relationship to collected tick taxa. Results Most (84.2%) of the 10,209 trapped birds were long-distance migrants, of which 2.4% were infested by ticks. The most common tick species was Hyalomma rufipes (77.7%; 447/575), a known vector and reservoir of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Bird guilds containing only long-distance migrants with wintering areas in Africa were associated with the tick species H. rufipes (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, bird winter habitat was associated with H. rufipes (p = 0.003); with bird species overwintering in open habitat (p = 0.014) and wetlands (p = 0.046) having significantly more H. rufipes as compared to birds with a winter habitat comprising forest and shrubs (p = 0.82). Conclusions With climate change, the likelihood of establishment of permanent Hyalomma populations in central and northern Europe is increasing. Thus, surveillance programs for monitoring the risk of introduction and establishment of H. rufipes in the Western-Palaearctic should be established. Our study suggests that migratory bird species wintering in African open habitats and wetlands are good candidates for monitoring potential introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Hoffman
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laura G Carra
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrik Öhagen
- Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 38, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thord Fransson
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christos Barboutis
- Antikythira Bird Observatory, Hellenic Ornithological Society/BirdLife Greece, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n, 410 92 Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 280 29 Madrid, Spain
| | - Yosef Kiat
- Israeli Bird Ringing Center (IBRC), Israel Ornithological Center (IOC), Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Thomas G T Jaenson
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18d, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kenneth Nilsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Olsen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
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Cull B. Potential for online crowdsourced biological recording data to complement surveillance for arthropod vectors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250382. [PMID: 33930066 PMCID: PMC8087023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Voluntary contributions by citizen scientists can gather large datasets covering wide geographical areas, and are increasingly utilized by researchers for multiple applications, including arthropod vector surveillance. Online platforms such as iNaturalist accumulate crowdsourced biological observations from around the world and these data could also be useful for monitoring vectors. The aim of this study was to explore the availability of observations of important vector taxa on the iNaturalist platform and examine the utility of these data to complement existing vector surveillance activities. Of ten vector taxa investigated, records were most numerous for mosquitoes (Culicidae; 23,018 records, 222 species) and ticks (Ixodida; 16,214 records, 87 species), with most data from 2019–2020. Case studies were performed to assess whether images associated with records were of sufficient quality to identify species and compare iNaturalist observations of vector species to the known situation at the state, national and regional level based on existing published data. Firstly, tick data collected at the national (United Kingdom) or state (Minnesota, USA) level were sufficient to determine seasonal occurrence and distribution patterns of important tick species, and were able to corroborate and complement known trends in tick distribution. Importantly, tick species with expanding distributions (Haemaphysalis punctata in the UK, and Amblyomma americanum in Minnesota) were also detected. Secondly, using iNaturalist data to monitor expanding tick species in Europe (Hyalomma spp.) and the USA (Haemaphysalis longicornis), and invasive Aedes mosquitoes in Europe, showed potential for tracking these species within their known range as well as identifying possible areas of expansion. Despite known limitations associated with crowdsourced data, this study shows that iNaturalist can be a valuable source of information on vector distribution and seasonality that could be used to supplement existing vector surveillance data, especially at a time when many surveillance programs may have been interrupted by COVID-19 restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Cull
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Fernández-Ruiz N, Estrada-Peña A. Towards New Horizons: Climate Trends in Europe Increase the Environmental Suitability for Permanent Populations of Hyalomma marginatum (Ixodidae). Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020095. [PMID: 33494140 PMCID: PMC7909578 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens are changing their current distribution, presumably due to the impact of the climate trends. On a large scale, these trends are changing the environmental suitability of Hyalomma marginatum, the main vector of several pathogens affecting human health. We generated annual models of environmental suitability for the tick in the period 1970-2018, using harmonic regression-derived data of the daily maximum and minimum temperature, soil moisture and water vapor deficit. The results demonstrate an expansion of the suitable area in Mediterranean countries, southeast central Europe and south of the Balkans. Also, the models allowed us to interpret the impact of the ecological variables on these changes. We deduced that (i) maximum temperature was significant for all of the biogeographical categories, (ii) soil humidity has an influence in the Mediterranean climate areas, and (iii) the minimum temperature and deficit water vapor did not influence the environmental suitability of the species. The conclusions clearly show that climate change could create new areas in Europe with suitable climates for H. marginatum, while keeping its "historical" distribution in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore possible risk areas for H. marginatum and its associated pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Fernández-Ruiz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Group of Research on Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Group of Research on Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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Toma L, Mancuso E, d'Alessio SG, Menegon M, Spina F, Pascucci I, Monaco F, Goffredo M, Di Luca M. Tick species from Africa by migratory birds: a 3-year study in Italy. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 83:147-164. [PMID: 33206312 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The role of resident or migratory birds in dispersal of tick species and tick-borne pathogens is still poorly known in Italy. We report here the results of a 3-year project based on sampling ticks from migratory birds, as well as from the vegetation at three stop-over sites for migrants, namely the islands of Ventotene (Latium), Asinara (Sardinia) and Ustica (Sicily). During the spring seasons from 2017-2019, in total 2681 ticks were collected, 2344 of which were sampled from migratory birds and 337 from the vegetation. Ticks were identified by morphology or by molecular tools when necessary. In total, 16 tick species were identified among which the following were exclusively found on birds: Hyalomma rufipes (43.3%), Hy. truncatum (0.1%), Ixodes frontalis (11.8%), Ix. inopinatus (0.2%), Ix. ricinus (3%), Haemaphysalis punctata (0.08%), Hae. erinacei (0.1%), Amblyomma variegatum (0.08%) and Argas vulgaris 0.1%), whereas five species were exclusively collected from the vegetation: Rhipicephalus bursa (10.5%), Rh. turanicus (5.9%), Rh. sanguineus sensu lato (2%), Rh. pusillus (2.4%), Hae. sulcata (0.08%). Hy. marginatum (10.3%) and Ix. ventalloi (9.3%) were found both on birds and on the vegetation on the island Ustica. It is worth noting that the search for ticks on the vegetation did not detect allochthonous tick species. Although we found several interesting local species and allochthonous ticks like Hy. rufipes, Am. variegatum and Ar. vulgaris on birds, further investigations are needed to better define the possible role of migratory birds in the introduction of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Italy, above all after the evidence of imported ticks positive to Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in several European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Toma
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - E Mancuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - S G d'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Menegon
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - F Spina
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Bird Migration Research Area, Via Ca' Fornacetta 9, Ozzano dell' Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - I Pascucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "T. Rosati" Sezione Di Pesaro, Via Canonici 140, 61122, Villa Fastiggi, Pesaro, Italy
| | - F Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Goffredo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Di Luca
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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21
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Földes F, Madai M, Papp H, Kemenesi G, Zana B, Geiger L, Gombos K, Somogyi B, Bock-Marquette I, Jakab F. Small Interfering RNAs Are Highly Effective Inhibitors of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Replication In Vitro. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235771. [PMID: 33297527 PMCID: PMC7731286 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is one of the prioritized diseases of the World Health Organization, considering its potential to create a public health emergency and, more importantly, the absence of efficacious drugs and/or vaccines for treatment. The highly pathogenic characteristic of CCHFV restricts research to BSL-4 laboratories, which complicates effective research and developmental strategies. In consideration of antiviral therapies, RNA interference can be used to suppress viral replication by targeting viral genes. RNA interference uses small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to silence genes. The aim of our study was to design and test siRNAs in vitro that inhibit CCHFV replication and can serve as a basis for further antiviral therapies. A549 cells were infected with CCHFV after transfection with the siRNAs. Following 72 h, nucleic acid from the supernatant was extracted for RT Droplet Digital PCR analysis. Among the investigated siRNAs we identified effective candidates against all three segments of the CCHF genome. Consequently, blocking any segment of CCHFV leads to changes in the virus copy number that indicates an antiviral effect of the siRNAs. In summary, we demonstrated the ability of specific siRNAs to inhibit CCHFV replication in vitro. This promising result can be integrated into future anti-CCHFV therapy developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanni Földes
- National Laboratory of Virology, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.F.); (M.M.); (H.P.); (G.K.); (B.Z.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mónika Madai
- National Laboratory of Virology, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.F.); (M.M.); (H.P.); (G.K.); (B.Z.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Henrietta Papp
- National Laboratory of Virology, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.F.); (M.M.); (H.P.); (G.K.); (B.Z.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- National Laboratory of Virology, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.F.); (M.M.); (H.P.); (G.K.); (B.Z.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Zana
- National Laboratory of Virology, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.F.); (M.M.); (H.P.); (G.K.); (B.Z.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Lili Geiger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (L.G.); (K.G.)
| | - Katalin Gombos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (L.G.); (K.G.)
| | - Balázs Somogyi
- National Laboratory of Virology, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.F.); (M.M.); (H.P.); (G.K.); (B.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Ildikó Bock-Marquette
- Regenerative Science, Sport and Medicina Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- National Laboratory of Virology, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.F.); (M.M.); (H.P.); (G.K.); (B.Z.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-72-501-668 (ext. 29044)
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22
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Kumar B, Manjunathachar HV, Ghosh S. A review on Hyalomma species infestations on human and animals and progress on management strategies. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05675. [PMID: 33319114 PMCID: PMC7726666 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hyalomma species of ticks have gained additional attention due to their role in the transmission of Theileria annulata infection in animals and the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus in humans. Apart from these, many other pathogens viz., other species of Theileria, a few species of Babesia, Rickettsia and viruses are either maintained or transmitted by this tick species. The medium to large size species with longer proboscis has inflicted additional burden on the overall impact of tick infestations. Being a multi-host species, management of the species is very challenging. Presently, the traditional method of tick management using chemical acaricides is found insufficient and unsustainable. Henceforth, the overall burden of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases are increasing gradually. After the successful development of vaccines against cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, the anti-Hyalomma vaccine is considered a feasible and sustainable management option. In the recent past research on herbal acaricides and its possible application for tick control seems promising. Other eco-friendly methods are still under experimental stage. The present review is focused on impact of Hyalomma species infestation on human and animal health with special emphasis on progress on its sustainable management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh 362001, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Srikanta Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, India
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23
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Medialdea-Carrera R, Melillo T, Micaleff C, Borg ML. Detection of Hyalomma rufipes in a recently arrived asylum seeker to the EU. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101571. [PMID: 33065382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101571] [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: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The importation of novel tick species to Europe and the emergence of tick-borne diseases have been of rising concern over the last decades. In May 2019, a total of 349 asylum seekers arrived in Malta by boat. Public health syndromic surveillance was conducted on all migrant boat arrivals. The incidental finding of a tick with anomalous morphology in a newly arrived migrant in Malta prompted an epidemiological investigation. Morphological identification of the tick followed by species identification using keys specific to North Africa was conducted and molecular testing for Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was performed. Detailed interview and clinical examination of the case were conducted on arrival and follow-up interviews were undertaken 1- and 4-weeks post-arrival. A Hyalomma rufipes tick was identified on the chest of a 28-year-old male from Sudan. The patient reported malaise and headache on arrival. No further symptoms were reported during follow-up. There was no evidence of previous CCHFV infection or the presence of other ticks or pathogens on the patient. The investigation revealed that the H. rufipes tick had likely been acquired in Libya. This is the first report of the presence of a H. rufipes tick, the main vector for CCHFV, on a recently arrived migrant in Europe. This event highlights the importance of increasing awareness on the risk of tick-borne infections among recently arrived migrants in the Mediterranean countries and the need to consider tick screening as part of the health screening offered in the EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Medialdea-Carrera
- Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Unit (IDCU), Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate (HPDP), Msida, Malta; European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Tanya Melillo
- Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Unit (IDCU), Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate (HPDP), Msida, Malta.
| | - Cristina Micaleff
- Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Unit (IDCU), Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate (HPDP), Msida, Malta.
| | - Maria Louise Borg
- Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Unit (IDCU), Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate (HPDP), Msida, Malta.
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24
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New geographical area on the map of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus: First serological evidence in the Hungarian population. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101555. [PMID: 33022559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne disease that is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Balkan region of Europe; the disease is spreading northwards following widespread distribution of the main vector, Hyalomma marginatum, which was first found in Hungary in 2011. The aim of this pilot sero-surveillance study was to assess CCHF seroprevalence in Hungary. A total of 2700 serum samples obtained from healthy volunteer blood donors were screened using an in-house immunofluorescence assay and a commercially available ELISA kit. We found ten (0.37 %) seropositive donors. The western and central regions proved to be the most affected areas, with a prevalence of 2.97 %. Higher positivity was found among male donors (0.55 %) and younger donors (18-34 years; 0.78 %). Based on these results, a more extended surveillance focusing on specific at-risk populations and animals is advised. The results should also raise the awareness of clinicians and other high-risk populations, such as foresters and hunters, about the emerging threat of CCHF in Hungary.
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25
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Valcárcel F, González J, González MG, Sánchez M, Tercero JM, Elhachimi L, Carbonell JD, Olmeda AS. Comparative Ecology of Hyalomma lusitanicum and Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 1844 (Acarina: Ixodidae). INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11050303. [PMID: 32414220 PMCID: PMC7290797 DOI: 10.3390/insects11050303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The genus Hyalomma belongs to the Ixodidae family and includes many tick species. Most species in this genus are African species, but two of them, Hyalomma lusitanicum and Hyalomma marginatum, are also found in Europe and, owing to their morphological similarity, it is very difficult to tell them apart. This is a major concern because their phenology and vector capacities are quite different. Moreover, they share many habitats and both are currently spreading to new areas, probably due to climate change and animal/human movements. In this study, we review the described ecology of the two species and provide further interesting data on H. lusitanicum based on the authors' experience, which could be useful in assessing the risk they pose to humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Valcárcel
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.G.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Julia González
- Villamagna S.A., Finca ‘‘La Garganta’’, 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain; (J.G.); (J.M.T.)
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Marta G. González
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.G.); (M.S.)
- Villamagna S.A., Finca ‘‘La Garganta’’, 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain; (J.G.); (J.M.T.)
| | - María Sánchez
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.G.); (M.S.)
- Villamagna S.A., Finca ‘‘La Garganta’’, 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain; (J.G.); (J.M.T.)
| | - José María Tercero
- Villamagna S.A., Finca ‘‘La Garganta’’, 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain; (J.G.); (J.M.T.)
| | - Latifa Elhachimi
- Département de Parasitologie et Santé Publique, Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat-Instituts B.P. 6202, Morocco;
| | - Juan D. Carbonell
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.D.C.); (A.S.O.)
| | - A. Sonia Olmeda
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.D.C.); (A.S.O.)
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26
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Hubálek Z, Sedláček P, Estrada-Peña A, Vojtíšek J, Rudolf I. First record of Hyalomma rufipes in the Czech Republic, with a review of relevant cases in other parts of Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101421. [PMID: 32360146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We found a male Hyalomma rufipes Koch, 1844 tick feeding on a horse grazing near Valtice, south Moravia, Czech Republic on October 24, 2019. The horse was born in Czechland and did not leave the country at least during the last five years. Relevant findings of Hyalomma ticks in other parts of central Europe are reviewed, including also records of pre-imaginal Hyalomma marginatum complex ticks on migrating birds all over Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenek Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Sedláček
- Protected Landscape Area "Palava", Mikulov, Czech Republic
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 500-13 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jakub Vojtíšek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic
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27
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Hornok S, Kováts D, Horváth G, Kontschán J, Farkas R. Checklist of the hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) fauna of Hungary with emphasis on host-associations and the emergence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 80:311-328. [PMID: 32030605 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00461-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Hungary is situated in the southern part of Central Europe, next to the northern boundary of the Mediterranean region. This geographical position may allow the northward expansion of Mediterranean ixodid tick species into Hungary, particularly in the era of warming climate. During the past 14 years numerous surveys have been published on the species and activity of hard ticks occurring in the country. However, it was 60 years ago that the last comprehensive review of ixodid ticks of Hungary was published, and only in Hungarian language. The purpose of the present checklist is to provide a comprehensive and complete overview of the ixodid fauna of Hungary, based on tick reports published so far in Hungarian or English, also including hitherto unpublished data. Altogether 27 hard tick species were identified in Hungary, of which 21 can be regarded as indigenous. Most importantly, the autochthonous occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was not known prior to 2005, but during the last 14 years increasing numbers of cases have been reported, attesting the emergence of this tick species in Hungary. Whereas R. sanguineus sensu lato was always associated with dogs and cats in Hungary, other tick species show differences in host associations according to habitat type, seasonal activity and questing height. Changes in the distribution, abundance and seasonality of a few tick species were also noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Dávid Kováts
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- Hungarian Biodiversity Research Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Researches, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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28
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First records of adult Hyalomma marginatum and H. rufipes ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Sweden. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101403. [PMID: 32037097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
From July 2018 to January 2019 we recorded 41 specimens of adult Hyalomma ticks, which had been found on horses, cattle or humans in 14 Swedish provinces. In 20 cases we received tick specimens, which were identified morphologically as adults of H. marginatum (n = 11) or H. rufipes (n = 9). These are the first documented records in Sweden of adults of H. marginatum and H. rufipes. Molecular tests for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus and piroplasms (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) proved negative; 12 out of 20 tested specimens were positive for rickettsiae (R. aeschlimannii was identified in 11 of the ticks). All ticks originated from people or animals that had not been abroad during the previous two months. These data suggest (i) that the adult Hyalomma ticks originated from immature ticks, which had been brought from the south by migratory birds arriving in Sweden during spring or early summer; and that (ii) due to the exceptionally warm summer of 2018 these immature ticks had been able to develop to the adult stage in the summer and/or autumn of the same year. The rapidly changing climate most likely now permits these two Hyalomma species to develop to the adult, reproductive stage in northern Europe. There is consequently a need to revise the risk maps on the potential geographic occurrence of relevant tick species and related tick-borne pathogens in Sweden and in the neighbouring countries.
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29
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Mancuso E, Toma L, Polci A, d'Alessio SG, Di Luca M, Orsini M, Di Domenico M, Marcacci M, Mancini G, Spina F, Goffredo M, Monaco F. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Genome in Tick from Migratory Bird, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1418-1420. [PMID: 31211933 PMCID: PMC6590740 DOI: 10.3201/eid2507.181345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in a Hyalomma rufipes nymph collected from a whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) on the island of Ventotene in April 2017. Partial genome sequences suggest the virus originated in Africa. Detection of the genome of this virus in Italy confirms its potential dispersion through migratory birds.
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30
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Duscher GG, Hodžić A, Hufnagl P, Wille-Piazzai W, Schötta AM, Markowicz MA, Estrada-Peña A, Stanek G, Allerberger F. Adult Hyalomma marginatum tick positive for Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Austria, October 2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 30621821 PMCID: PMC6280420 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.48.1800595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We report on a non-indigenous adult Hyalomma marginatum tick in Austria carrying the human pathogenic Rickettsia aeschlimannii; presumably introduced as a nymph via migratory birds and completed the moulting within the same year. It was negative for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, but the finding of R. aeschlimannii represents a potential threat for humans due to its zoonotic character. Awareness of invasive tick species and carried pathogens should be improved in central and northern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Hufnagl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | - Gerold Stanek
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Allerberger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Vienna, Austria
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31
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Földes F, Madai M, Németh V, Zana B, Papp H, Kemenesi G, Bock-Marquette I, Horváth G, Herczeg R, Jakab F. Serologic survey of the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus infection among wild rodents in Hungary. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101258. [PMID: 31302067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne pathogen, which causes an increasing number of severe infections in many parts of Africa, Asia and in Europe. The virus is primarily transmitted by ticks, however, the spectrum of natural hosts regarding CCHFV includes a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. Although the presence of CCHFV was hypothesized in Hungary, data in support of CCHFV prevalence has thus far, proven insufficient. In the present study, rodents belonging to four species, the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), the striped field mouse (A. agrarius), the wood mouse (A. sylvaticus) and the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), were all systematically trapped in the Mecsek Mountain region (Southwest Hungary), from 2011 through 2013. Rodent sera were collected and screened for CCHFV antibodies with dot-blot pre-screening and immunofluorescence assay. Among the 2085 tested rodents, 20 (0.96%) were positive for IgG antibody against CCHFV. Seroprevalence was the highest (1.25%) in A. flavicollis serum samples. Distinctly, we now provide the first data regarding CCHFV occurrence and seroprevalence among wild rodents in Hungary. This observation represents a need for large-scale surveillance to effectively assess the enzootic background and the potential public health risk of CCHFV in Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanni Földes
- Virological Research Group, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mónika Madai
- Virological Research Group, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Németh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Zana
- Virological Research Group, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Henrietta Papp
- Virological Research Group, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- Virological Research Group, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Bock-Marquette
- Genomics and Experimental Cardiology Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Győző Horváth
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Róbert Herczeg
- Bioinformatics Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- Virological Research Group, BSL-4 Laboratory, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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Esser HJ, Mögling R, Cleton NB, van der Jeugd H, Sprong H, Stroo A, Koopmans MPG, de Boer WF, Reusken CBEM. Risk factors associated with sustained circulation of six zoonotic arboviruses: a systematic review for selection of surveillance sites in non-endemic areas. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:265. [PMID: 31133059 PMCID: PMC6537422 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses represent a significant burden to public health and local economies due to their ability to cause unpredictable and widespread epidemics. To maximize early detection of arbovirus emergence in non-endemic areas, surveillance efforts should target areas where circulation is most likely. However, identifying such hotspots of potential emergence is a major challenge. The ecological conditions leading to arbovirus outbreaks are shaped by complex interactions between the virus, its vertebrate hosts, arthropod vector, and abiotic environment that are often poorly understood. Here, we systematically review the ecological risk factors associated with the circulation of six arboviruses that are of considerable concern to northwestern Europe. These include three mosquito-borne viruses (Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, Rift Valley fever virus) and three tick-borne viruses (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, and louping-ill virus). We consider both intrinsic (e.g. vector and reservoir host competence) and extrinsic (e.g. temperature, precipitation, host densities, land use) risk factors, identify current knowledge gaps, and discuss future directions. Our systematic review provides baseline information for the identification of regions and habitats that have suitable ecological conditions for endemic circulation, and therefore may be used to target early warning surveillance programs aimed at detecting multi-virus and/or arbovirus emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Esser
- Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ramona Mögling
- Department of Viroscience, WHO CC for arbovirus and viral hemorrhagic fever reference and research, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie B Cleton
- Department of Viroscience, WHO CC for arbovirus and viral hemorrhagic fever reference and research, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Henk van der Jeugd
- Vogeltrekstation-Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stroo
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), National Reference Centre (NRC), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Ministry of Economic Affairs, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marion P G Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, WHO CC for arbovirus and viral hemorrhagic fever reference and research, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem F de Boer
- Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal B E M Reusken
- Department of Viroscience, WHO CC for arbovirus and viral hemorrhagic fever reference and research, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Hansford KM, Carter D, Gillingham EL, Hernandez-Triana LM, Chamberlain J, Cull B, McGinley L, Paul Phipps L, Medlock JM. Hyalomma rufipes on an untraveled horse: Is this the first evidence of Hyalomma nymphs successfully moulting in the United Kingdom? Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:704-708. [PMID: 30876825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
During September 2018, a tick was submitted to Public Health England's Tick Surveillance Scheme for identification. The tick was sent from a veterinarian who removed it from a horse in Dorset, England, with no history of overseas travel. The tick was identified as a male Hyalomma rufipes using morphological and molecular methods and then tested for a range of tick-borne pathogens including; Alkhurma virus, Anaplasma, Babesia, Bhanja virus, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever virus, Rickettsia and Theileria. The tick tested positive for Rickettsia aeschlimannii, a spotted fever group rickettsia linked to a number of human cases in Africa and Europe. This is the first time H. rufipes has been reported in the United Kingdom (UK), and the lack of travel by the horse (or any in-contact horses) suggests that this could also be the first evidence of successful moulting of a Hyalomma nymph in the UK. It is postulated that the tick was imported into the UK on a migratory bird as an engorged nymph which was able to complete its moult to the adult stage and find a host. This highlights that passive tick surveillance remains an important method for the detection of unusual species that may present a threat to public health in the UK. Horses are important hosts of Hyalomma sp. adults in their native range, therefore, further surveillance studies should be conducted to check horses for ticks in the months following spring bird migration; when imported nymphs may have had time to drop off their avian host and moult to adults. The potential human and animal health risks of such events occurring more regularly are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh M Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, UK.
| | - Daniel Carter
- Diagnostic and Genomic Technologies, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, UK
| | - Emma L Gillingham
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, UK
| | - Luis M Hernandez-Triana
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - John Chamberlain
- Virology & Pathogenesis, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Liz McGinley
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - L Paul Phipps
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, UK; Virology & Pathogenesis, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
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Spengler JR, Bergeron É, Spiropoulou CF. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and expansion from endemic regions. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 34:70-78. [PMID: 30660091 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a virus-mediated hemorrhagic disease that occurs over a wide geographic region. In recent years, a variety of active and passive surveillance networks have improved our knowledge of areas with existing circulation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), the etiologic agent of CCHF. These investigations aid in better defining the distribution of the virus. Expansion of a virus into new areas can occur through a variety of means, including introduction of infected humans, vectors, or animals. Here, these potential contributors to expansion of CCHFV into neighboring countries and geographically distant locations are reviewed, and the likelihood and possible implications of these events, based on known characteristics of the virus and its natural maintenance and transmission cycles are explored. Furthermore, this report discusses limitations in the currently described distribution of CCHFV, and the challenges in assessing viral circulation identified in a new region as geographic expansion of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Éric Bergeron
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Hornok S, Horváth G, Takács N, Kontschán J, Szőke K, Farkas R. Molecular identification of badger-associated Babesia sp. DNA in dogs: updated phylogeny of piroplasms infecting Caniformia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:235. [PMID: 29642942 PMCID: PMC5896074 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Piroplasms are unicellular, tick-borne parasites. Among them, during the past decade, an increasing diversity of Babesia spp. has been reported from wild carnivores. On the other hand, despite the known contact of domestic and wild carnivores (e.g. during hunting), and a number of ixodid tick species they share, data on the infection of dogs with babesiae from other families of carnivores are rare. METHODS In this study blood samples were collected from 90 dogs and five road-killed badgers. Ticks were also removed from these animals. The DNA was extracted from all blood samples, and from 33 ticks of badgers, followed by molecular analysis for piroplasms with PCR and sequencing, as well as by phylogenetic comparison of detected genotypes with piroplasms infecting carnivores. RESULTS Eleven of 90 blood DNA extracts from dogs, and all five samples from badgers were PCR-positive for piroplasms. In addition to the presence of B. canis DNA in five dogs, sequencing identified the DNA of badger-associated "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" in six dogs and in all five badgers. The DNA of "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" occurred significantly more frequently in dogs often taken to forests (i.e. the preferred habitat of badgers in Hungary), than in dogs without this characteristic. Moreover, detection of DNA from this Babesia sp. was significantly associated with hunting dogs in comparison with dogs not used for hunting. Two PCR-positive dogs (in one of which the DNA of the badger-associated Babesia sp. was identified, whereas in the other the DNA of B. canis was present) showed clinical signs of babesiosis. Engorged specimens of both I. canisuga and I. hexagonus were collected from badgers with parasitaemia, but only I. canisuga contained the DNA of "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1". This means a significant association of the DNA from "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" with I. canisuga. Phylogenetically, "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" belonged to the "B. microti" group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first detection of the DNA from a badger-associated Babesia sp. in dogs, one of which also showed relevant clinical signs. Based on the number of dogs with blood samples containing the DNA of "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" in this study (i.e. exceeding the number of B. canis-positives), these findings should not be regarded as isolated cases. It is assumed that dogs, which are used for hunting or frequently visit forests, are more likely to be exposed to this piroplasm, probably as a consequence of infestation with I. canisuga from badgers or from the burrows of badgers. The above results suggest that "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" should be added to the range of piroplasms, which are naturally capable of infecting hosts from different families of Caniformia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Szőke
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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Davari B, Alam FN, Nasirian H, Nazari M, Abdigoudarzi M, Salehzadeh A. Seasonal distribution and faunistic of ticks in the Alashtar county (Lorestan Province), Iran. Pan Afr Med J 2017; 27:284. [PMID: 29187953 PMCID: PMC5660903 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2017.27.284.10341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ticks are non-permanent obligate parasites that have considerable medical-veterinary and zoonosis importance. In this regard a study designed to investigate the distribution and fauna of ticks in the Alashtar county in Iran from April and March 2014. Methods Ticks were collected from livestock farms and facilities from selected rural and geographically location in the Alashtar county. Based morphological characteristics and reference identification keys, ticks were identified. Results A total of 549 ticks including 411 hard and 138 soft ticks were found. Ten tick species including Haemaphysalis concinna (0.36%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (0.36%), Hyalomma anatolicum (0.18%), Hyalomma dromedarii (0.18%), Hyalomma marginatum (1.45 %), Hyalomma schulzei (0.36%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (0.18%), Rhipicephalus bursa (28.1%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (43.63%) and Argas persicus (25.2%) were identified. Tick seasonal distribution were 47.26%, 22.63%, 14.96% and 15.15% in the spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. The tick distribution was more from plain areas (64.96%) than the mountainous areas (35.04%). The rates of the tick contamination were 97.3% and 2.7% in the traditional and industrial livestock's, respectively. The livestock contamination ranks to the hard ticks were cattle (39.51%), sheep (34.15%) and goats (26.34 %), respectively. Chi-square analysis showed a significant difference among the seasonal distribution of the ticks in the spring, summer and autumn or winter; between the tick distribution in the plain and mountainous areas; and between the traditional and industrial livestock's tick contamination (P < 0.05). Conclusion Present study proves to change the traditional livestock's to the industrial livestock's. These findings highlight the importance of ticks and shows need to their control and tick pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behroz Davari
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Firoz Nazari Alam
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hassan Nasirian
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansour Nazari
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdigoudarzi
- Reference Lab For tick Study, Department of Parasitology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Tehran, Iran
| | - Aref Salehzadeh
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Luo J, Liu MX, Ren QY, Chen Z, Tian ZC, Hao JW, Wu F, Liu XC, Luo JX, Yin H, Wang H, Liu GY. Micropathogen Community Analysis in Hyalomma rufipes via High-Throughput Sequencing of Small RNAs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:374. [PMID: 28861401 PMCID: PMC5559533 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors in the transmission of a broad range of micropathogens to vertebrates, including humans. Because of the role of ticks in disease transmission, identifying and characterizing the micropathogen profiles of tick populations have become increasingly important. The objective of this study was to survey the micropathogens of Hyalomma rufipes ticks. Illumina HiSeq2000 technology was utilized to perform deep sequencing of small RNAs (sRNAs) extracted from field-collected H. rufipes ticks in Gansu Province, China. The resultant sRNA library data revealed that the surveyed tick populations produced reads that were homologous to St. Croix River Virus (SCRV) sequences. We also observed many reads that were homologous to microbial and/or pathogenic isolates, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. As part of this analysis, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to display the relationships among the homologous sequences that were identified. The study offered a unique opportunity to gain insight into the micropathogens of H. rufipes ticks. The effective control of arthropod vectors in the future will require knowledge of the micropathogen composition of vectors harboring infectious agents. Understanding the ecological factors that regulate vector propagation in association with the prevalence and persistence of micropathogen lineages is also imperative. These interactions may affect the evolution of micropathogen lineages, especially if the micropathogens rely on the vector or host for dispersal. The sRNA deep-sequencing approach used in this analysis provides an intuitive method to survey micropathogen prevalence in ticks and other vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China
| | - Min-Xuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural UniversityLanzhou, China
| | - Qiao-Yun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China
| | - Ze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China
| | - Zhan-Cheng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China
| | - Jia-Wei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China
| | - Feng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Cui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China
| | - Jian-Xun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and ZoonosesYangzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China.,Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)Wallingford, United Kingdom.,Department of Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of OxfordOxford, United Kingdom
| | - Guang-Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesLanzhou, China
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Chitimia-Dobler L, Nava S, Bestehorn M, Dobler G, Wölfel S. First detection of Hyalomma rufipes in Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1135-1138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Vial L, Stachurski F, Leblond A, Huber K, Vourc’h G, René-Martellet M, Desjardins I, Balança G, Grosbois V, Pradier S, Gély M, Appelgren A, Estrada-Peña A. Strong evidence for the presence of the tick Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 1844 in southern continental France. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1162-1167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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40
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Schuster I, Mertens M, Köllner B, Korytář T, Keller M, Hammerschmidt B, Müller T, Tordo N, Marianneau P, Mroz C, Rissmann M, Stroh E, Dähnert L, Hammerschmidt F, Ulrich RG, Groschup MH. A competitive ELISA for species-independent detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus specific antibodies. Antiviral Res 2016; 134:161-166. [PMID: 27623345 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.09.004] [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: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) circulates in many countries of Asia, Africa, and Europe. CCHFV can cause a severe hemorrhagic fever in humans with case-fatality rates of up to 80%. CCHF is considered to be one of the major emerging diseases spreading to and within Europe. Ticks of the genus Hyalomma function as vector as well as natural reservoir of CCHFV. Ticks feed on various domestic animals (e.g. cattle, sheep, goats) and on wildlife (e.g. hares, hedgehogs). Those animal species play an important role in the life cycle of the ticks as well as in amplification of CCHFV. Here we present a competitive ELISA (cELISA) for the species-independent detection of CCHFV-specific antibodies. For this purpose nucleocapsid (N) protein specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated against an Escherichia coli (E. coli) expressed CCHFV N-protein. Thirty-three mAbs reacted with homologous and heterologous recombinant CCHFV antigens in ELISA and Western blot test and 20 of those 33 mAbs reacted additionally in an immunofluorescence assay with eukaryotic cells expressing the N-protein. Ten mAbs were further characterized in a prototype of the cELISA and nine of them competed with positive control sera of bovine origin. The cELISA was established by using the mAb with the strongest competition. For the validation, 833 sera from 12 animal species and from humans were used. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the cELISA was determined to be 95% and 99%, respectively, and 2% of the sera gave inconclusive results. This cELISA offers the possibility for future large-scale screening approaches in various animal species to evaluate their susceptibility to CCHFV infection and to identify and monitor the occurrence of CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isolde Schuster
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Marc Mertens
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bernd Köllner
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Tomáš Korytář
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bärbel Hammerschmidt
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Noël Tordo
- Unit Antiviral Strategies Antivirales, WHO Collaborative Centre for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers and Arboviruses, OIE Reference Laboratory for RVFV and CCHFV, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Claudia Mroz
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Melanie Rissmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Eileen Stroh
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Lisa Dähnert
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Felicitas Hammerschmidt
- Chair of Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Földvári G, Široký P, Szekeres S, Majoros G, Sprong H. Dermacentor reticulatus: a vector on the rise. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:314. [PMID: 27251148 PMCID: PMC4888597 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is a hard tick species with extraordinary biological features. It has a high reproduction rate, a rapid developmental cycle, and is also able to overcome years of unfavourable conditions. Dermacentor reticulatus can survive under water for several months and is cold-hardy even compared to other tick species. It has a wide host range: over 60 different wild and domesticated hosts are known for the three active developmental stages. Its high adaptiveness gives an edge to this tick species as shown by new data on the emergence and establishment of D. reticulatus populations throughout Europe. The tick has been the research focus of a growing number of scientists, physicians and veterinarians. Within the Web of Science database, more than a fifth of the over 700 items published on this species between 1897 and 2015 appeared in the last three years (2013–2015). Here we attempt to synthesize current knowledge on the systematics, ecology, geographical distribution and recent spread of the species and to highlight the great spectrum of possible veterinary and public health threats it poses. Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis is a severe leading canine vector-borne disease in many endemic areas. Although less frequently than Ixodes ricinus, D. reticulatus adults bite humans and transmit several Rickettsia spp., Omsk haemorrhagic fever virus or Tick-borne encephalitis virus. We have not solely collected and reviewed the latest and fundamental scientific papers available in primary databases but also widened our scope to books, theses, conference papers and specialists colleagues’ experience where needed. Besides the dominant literature available in English, we also tried to access scientific literature in German, Russian and eastern European languages as well. We hope to inspire future research projects that are necessary to understand the basic life-cycle and ecology of this vector in order to understand and prevent disease threats. We conclude that although great strides have been made in our knowledge of the eco-epidemiology of this species, several gaps still need to be filled with basic research, targeting possible reservoir and vector roles and the key factors resulting in the observed geographical spread of D. reticulatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Pavel Široký
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Majoros
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Dreshaj S, Ahmeti S, Ramadani N, Dreshaj G, Humolli I, Dedushaj I. Current situation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Southeastern Europe and neighboring countries: a public health risk for the European Union? Travel Med Infect Dis 2016; 14:81-91. [PMID: 27044611 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most widespread tick-borne viral infection of humans, occurring across western China through southern Asia, Middle East, and Southeastern Europe (SEE) and in the most of African countries. CCHF virus is maintained through vertical and horizontal transmission in several genera of ticks, mainly in Hyalomma, which spreads the virus to a variety of wild and domestic mammals, which develop a transient viremia without signs of illness. Human infections occur through tick bite or exposure to the blood or other body fluids of an infected animal or of a CCHF patient. In SEE the number of clinical cases of CCHF as well as the areal of the infected ticks continuously rapidly increased after 2000. The aim of this study was to present actual situation of CCHF in SEE. Sources of information include published literature and personal unpublished data. CONCLUSIONS Based on: 1. Hyaloma's presence in Western EU countries, 2. Changes in climatic conditions and 3. Absence of an active vaccination against CCHF, it can be expected that this disease will continue to present real threat for human health in SEE and Southwestern Europe (SWE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shemsedin Dreshaj
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Prishtina University Clinical Centre, Kosovo.
| | - Sali Ahmeti
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Prishtina University Clinical Centre, Kosovo
| | | | - Gresa Dreshaj
- Family Medicine, Primary Health Care, Prishtina, Kosovo
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Hornok S, Flaisz B, Takács N, Kontschán J, Csörgő T, Csipak Á, Jaksa BR, Kováts D. Bird ticks in Hungary reflect western, southern, eastern flyway connections and two genetic lineages of Ixodes frontalis and Haemaphysalis concinna. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:101. [PMID: 26912331 PMCID: PMC4765043 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1365-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birds play an important role in short- and long-distance transportation of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The aim of the present study was to provide comprehensive information on the species and genetic diversity of ixodid ticks transported by migratory and non-migratory bird species in Central Europe, and to evaluate relevant data in a geographical, as well as in an ecological context. METHODS During a three year period (2012-2014), altogether 3339 ixodid ticks were collected from 1167 passerine birds (representatives of 47 species) at ringing stations in Hungary. These ticks were identified, and the tick-infestations of bird species were compared according to various traits. In addition, PCR and sequencing of part of the cytochrome oxidase subunit-I (COI) and 16S rDNA genes were performed from representatives of five tick species. RESULTS The most abundant tick species found were Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna (with 2296 and 989 immature stages, respectively). In addition, 48 I. frontalis (all stages), three Hyalomma rufipes nymphs, one I. lividus and two I. festai females were collected. The majority of I. ricinus and I. frontalis specimens occurred on ground-feeding bird species, as contrasted to Ha. concinna. Hy. rufipes showed the highest degree of sequence identity to an Ethiopian hybrid of the same tick species. Based on both COI and 16S rDNA gene analyses, two genetic lineages of I. frontalis were recognized (with only 91.4 % identity in their partial COI gene). These were highly similar to South-Western European isolates of the same tick species. Phylogenetic analysis of Ha. concinna specimens collected from birds in Hungary also revealed two genetic lineages, one of which showed high (≥99 %) degree of 16S rDNA sequence identity to conspecific East Asian isolates. CONCLUSIONS Two genetic lineages of I. frontalis and Ha. concinna are transported by birds in Central Europe, which reflect a high degree of sequence identity to South-Western European and East Asian isolates of the same tick species, respectively. In addition, I. festai was collected for the first time in Hungary. These findings highlight the importance of western and eastern migratory connections by birds (in addition to the southern direction), which are also relevant to the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - B Flaisz
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - N Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - J Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - T Csörgő
- Department of Anatomy, Cell- and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránt University, Budapest, Hungary. .,Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary.
| | - Á Csipak
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary.
| | - B R Jaksa
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary.
| | - D Kováts
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary. .,Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
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Geographical distribution of Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus in Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:224-233. [PMID: 26552893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this paper is to present up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution of Dermacentor species in Europe based on georeferenced sampling sites. Therefore, a dataset was compiled, resulting in 1286 D. marginatus (Sulzer, 1776) and 1209 D. reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) locations. Special emphasis is given to the region of the European Alps depicting a presumable climate barrier of the mountains and to overlaps in the distribution of both species as well as on the situation in eastern European countries. For the latter newly described Dermacentor findings comprise 59 locations in Romania and 62 locations in Ukraine. The geographical distributions of both species in Europe range from Portugal to Ukraine (and continue to the east of Kazakhstan). Although it is well known that D. marginatus is adapted to a warmer and drier climate at more southern latitudes and D. reticulatus to a moderately moist climate at more northern latitudes, the distribution limits of both species were not well known. Here, the northern and southern distribution limits for both species in Europe, as determined from the georeferenced database, were specified for D. marginatus by the belt of 33-51° N latitude and for D. reticulatus by the belt of 41-57° N latitude. Thus, overlapping species distributions were found between 41° N and 51° N.
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Estrada-Peña A, de la Fuente J, Latapia T, Ortega C. The Impact of Climate Trends on a Tick Affecting Public Health: A Retrospective Modeling Approach for Hyalomma marginatum (Ixodidae). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125760. [PMID: 25955315 PMCID: PMC4425654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of climate trends during the period 1901–2009 on the life cycle of Hyalomma marginatum in Europe was modeled to assess changes in the physiological processes of this threat to public health. Monthly records of temperature and water vapour at a resolution of 0.5° and equations describing the life cycle processes of the tick were used. The climate in the target region affected the rates of the life cycle processes of H. marginatum: development rates increased, mortality rates in molting stages decreased, and the survival rates of questing ticks decreased in wide territories of the Mediterranean basin. The modeling framework indicated the existence of critical areas in the Balkans, central Europe, and the western coast of France, where the physiological processes of the tick improved to extents that are consistent with the persistence of populations if introduced. A spatially explicit risk assessment was performed to detect candidate areas where active surveys should be performed to monitor changes in tick density or persistence after a hypothetical introduction. We detected areas where the critical abiotic (climate) and biotic (host density) factors overlap, including most of the Iberian peninsula, the Mediterranean coast of France, eastern Turkey, and portions of the western Black Sea region. Wild ungulate densities are unavailable for large regions of the territory, a factor that might affect the outcome of the study. The risk of successfully establishing H. marginatum populations at northern latitudes of its current colonization range seems to be still low, even if the climate has improved the performance of the tick in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 3 Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States of America
| | - Tamara Latapia
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carmelo Ortega
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
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Gale P, Kelly L, Snary EL. Pathways for Entry of Livestock Arboviruses into Great Britain: Assessing the Strength of Evidence. Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 62:115-23. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Gale
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency; Addlestone UK
| | - L. Kelly
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency; Addlestone UK
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics; University of Strathclyde; Glasgow UK
| | - E. L. Snary
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences; Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency; Addlestone UK
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Estrada-Peña A, de la Fuente J. The ecology of ticks and epidemiology of tick-borne viral diseases. Antiviral Res 2014; 108:104-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Szigeti A, Kreizinger Z, Hornok S, Abichu G, Gyuranecz M. Detection of Francisella-like endosymbiont in Hyalomma rufipes from Ethiopia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:818-20. [PMID: 25108781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The expanding family of Francisellaceae includes the genus Francisella, where several pathogen bacteria, e.g. the zoonotic F. tularensis, and different Francisella-like agents belong to. Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) are widespread in hard and soft ticks and their pathogenicity is unknown. The examination of 296 ticks collected in Ethiopia was performed for the detection of F. tularensis and FLEs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays based on the amplification of 16S rRNA, sdhA and tul4 gene fragments. FLE was described in one Hyalomma rufipes tick based on the 16S rRNA and sdhA gene sequences. The 16S rRNA gene fragment was identical with the ones detected previously in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Hyalomma marginatum marginatum in Bulgaria. The presence of endosymbionts with identical 16S rRNA gene sequence in both Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma species further supports the hypotheses, that certain FLEs had independent evolution from their tick hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Szigeti
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungária krt 21, Budapest 1143, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Kreizinger
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungária krt 21, Budapest 1143, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, István utca 2, Budapest 1078, Hungary
| | - Getachew Abichu
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, István utca 2, Budapest 1078, Hungary
| | - Miklós Gyuranecz
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungária krt 21, Budapest 1143, Hungary.
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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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Toma L, Mancini F, Di Luca M, Cecere JG, Bianchi R, Khoury C, Quarchioni E, Manzia F, Rezza G, Ciervo A. Detection of microbial agents in ticks collected from migratory birds in central Italy. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:199-205. [PMID: 24576218 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick species characterization and molecular studies were performed within ornithological surveys conducted during 2010 and 2011 in the Lazio Region of central Italy. A total of 137 ticks were collected from 41 migratory birds belonging to 17 species (four partial migrants and 13 long-distance migrants). Most ticks were nymphs, with a predominance of Hyalomma marginatum marginatum and H. m. rufipes, and a small portion of Ixodes and Amblyomma species. All tick species analyzed were infected, and the molecular pathogen recognition revealed the presence of Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia africae, Erlichia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, and Babesia microti, whereas no genomic DNA of Bartonella spp. or Francisella tularensis was detected. The results of the survey show that H. marginatum ticks appear to be a vector of microbial agents that may affect human and animal health and that migratory birds may be an important carrier of these ticks. Additional studies are needed to better investigate the role of migratory birds in the epidemiology of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Toma
- 1 Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immuno-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome, Italy
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