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Alaverdyan J, Celina SS, Jirků M, Golovchenko M, Italiya J, Grubhoffer L, Rudenko N, Černý J. A First Look at the Relationship Between Large Herbivore-Induced Landscape Modifications and Ixodes ricinus Tick Abundance in Rewilding Sites. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:666-672. [PMID: 38717050 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0146] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: While the influence of landscape and microclimatic conditions on tick populations is well-documented, there remains a gap in more specific data regarding their relationship to rewilding efforts with large herbivore activity. Objective: This pilot study, spanning from 2019 to 2021, explores the effects of naturalistic grazing by large semi-wild ungulates on tick abundance in the Milovice Reserve, Czechia. Methods: Tick collection was observed using flagging techniques at two distinct sites of rewilding area: one grazed, actively utilized by animals involved in the rewilding project, and one ungrazed, left fallow in neighboring areas utilized only by wild animals. Transects, each measuring 150 m in length and 5 m in width (750 m2), were established at these two sampling locations from March to September between 2019 and 2021. To minimize potential bias resulting from tick movement, a 300 m buffer zone separated the two sites. Data analysis employed a generalized estimating equations (GEE) model with negative binomial regression. The study assessed potential variations in tick abundance between selected transects, considering factors such as plant cover seasonality, temperature, and humidity. Results: During the collection periods, we gathered 586 live ticks, with 20% found in grazed areas and 80% in ungrazed areas. Notably, tick abundance was significantly higher in ungrazed areas. Peaks in tick abundance occurred in both grazed and ungrazed areas during spring, particularly in April. However, tick numbers declined more rapidly in grazed areas. Microclimatic variables like temperature and humidity did not significantly impact tick abundance compared to landscape management and seasonal factors. Conclusion: Rewilding efforts, particularly natural grazing by large ungulates, influence tick abundance and distribution. This study provides empirical data on tick ecology in rewilded areas, highlighting the importance of landscape management and environmental factors in tick management and conservation. Trophic rewilding plays a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and tick population dynamics in transformed landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johana Alaverdyan
- Center for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Seyma S Celina
- Center for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Miloslav Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Marina Golovchenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jignesh Italiya
- Center for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Natalie Rudenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jiří Černý
- Center for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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Yousery A, Soliman DE, Samy AA, Allam AM, Shaalan MG, Abdel Hamid AE. Molecular detection of some zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from camels (Camelus dromedarius) as hosts and wild rodents as potential reservoirs. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:3197-3207. [PMID: 39145855 PMCID: PMC11442481 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10488-9] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a great threat to human and animal health. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of ticks that infest camels and investigate the presence of tick-borne pathogens in the blood of camels, associated ticks, and surrounding rodents as reservoirs. From 100 inspected camels, from different localities in the Giza governorate, 1000 ixodid ticks were collected; these ticks belonged to three genera: Hyalomma, Amblyomma, and Rhipicephalus. The genus Hyalomma was represented by four species, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent species (55.4%), followed by Hyalomma excavatum (22%), Hyalomma impeltatum (11.6%) and Hyalomma rufipes (2.8%). The genus Amblyomma was represented by two species, Amblyomma gemma (2.8%) and Amblyomma marmoreum (2.7%), while the genus Rhipicephalus was represented by only one species, Rhipicephalus pulchellus (2.7%). Ticks, camel blood, and rodents (total number 100 brown rats) are screened for tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Babesia sp., and Coxiella burnetii) using PCR. Camel blood was found to be infected with Borrelia burgdorferi (66.6%), Borrelia miyamotoi (55%), and Babesia sp. (11.6%). Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in all the collected ticks but was not detected in the blood of camels or rodents. Borrelia miyamotoi was detected in 12.5% of H. impeltatum, 55% of Camels, and 6% of the rodents, which may indicate a proposed risk of dispersal of B. miyamotoi, the agent of tick-borne relapsing fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Yousery
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa E Soliman
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - A A Samy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M Allam
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Mona G Shaalan
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira E Abdel Hamid
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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Dwużnik-Szarek D, Beliniak A, Malaszewicz W, Krauze-Gryz D, Gryz J, Jasińska KD, Wężyk D, Bajer A. Pathogens detected in ticks (Ixodes ricinus) feeding on red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from city parks in Warsaw. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 93:677-699. [PMID: 39249583 PMCID: PMC11464548 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00955-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The European red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a common host for Ixodes ricinus ticks in urban and rural habitats, however, studies on ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of squirrels have not been conducted in Poland yet. Thus, the aims of the current study were to assess and compare the prevalence and abundance of ticks on red squirrels trapped at two sites in the Warsaw area (in an urban forest reserve and an urban park) and using molecular tools, to assess the genetic diversity of three pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia and Babesia spp.) in I. ricinus ticks collected from squirrels. For the detection of Rickettsia spp. a 750 bp long fragment of the citrate synthase gltA gene was amplified; for B. burgdorferi s.l. 132f/905r and 220f/824r primers were used to amplify the bacterial flaB gene fragments (774 and 605 bp, respectively) and for Babesia spp., a 550 bpfragment of 18S rRNA gene was amplified. In total, 91 red squirrels were examined for ticks. There were differences in tick prevalence and mean abundance of infestation in squirrels from the urban forest reserve and urban park. Three species of B. burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia microti were detected in ticks removed from the squirrels. Our results broaden knowledge of S. vulgaris as an important host for immature I. ricinus stages and support the hypothesis that red squirrels act as a reservoir of B. burgdorferi. Moreover, we conclude that red squirrels may also play a role in facilitating the circulation of other pathogens causing serious risk of tick-borne diseases in natural and urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw, 02-096, Poland.
| | - Agata Beliniak
- Department of Forest Zoology and Wildlife Management, Warsaw University of Life Sciences WULS-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, Warsaw, 02-776, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Malaszewicz
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw, 02-096, Poland
| | - Dagny Krauze-Gryz
- Department of Forest Zoology and Wildlife Management, Warsaw University of Life Sciences WULS-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, Warsaw, 02-776, Poland
| | - Jakub Gryz
- Department of Forest Ecology, Forest Research Institute, Sękocin Stary, Braci Leśnej 3, Raszyn, 05-090, Poland
| | - Karolina D Jasińska
- Department of Forest Zoology and Wildlife Management, Warsaw University of Life Sciences WULS-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, Warsaw, 02-776, Poland
| | - Dagmara Wężyk
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw, 02-096, Poland
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, Warsaw, 02-096, Poland
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Vada R, Zanet S, Occhibove F, Fantini E, Palencia P, Ferroglio E. Relating Wildlife Camera Trap Data to Tick Abundance: Testing the Relationship in Different Habitats. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2749. [PMID: 39335338 PMCID: PMC11429502 DOI: 10.3390/ani14182749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The increase in acarological risk of tick bites is significantly driven by profound changes in landscape, which alter the density and distribution of wildlife that support tick populations. As a result of habitat shifts and land abandonment, which create environments conducive to tick proliferation, the risk of disease transmission to humans and animals is increasing. In this context, it is important to explore tick ecology by applying a comprehensive methodology. In this study, we examined the relationship between wildlife temporal occupancy and tick abundance in two distinct regions: an alpine hunting district and a natural park in the Apennines. For each sampling point, we calculated wildlife temporal occupancy from camera trap pictures and estimated ticks' abundance from dragging transects in the area immediately surrounding camera traps. In modelling the relationship between those two variables, we included abiotic factors such as saturation deficit, normalized difference vegetation index, and altitude. Results show the importance of altitude and wildlife temporal occupancy (itself related to different habitat and land management characteristics) on the ecology of questing ticks. If employed in management decisions for natural environments, such information is useful to modulate the acarological risk and thus the risk of tick-borne pathogens' transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Vada
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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Schöbi N, Kourti M, Verhagen LM. Planetary Health: What You Need to Know as a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Doctor. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024:00006454-990000000-01014. [PMID: 39264178 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schöbi
- From the Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Kourti
- Third Department of Paediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine, Ippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lilly M Verhagen
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Amalia Children's Hospital
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Lakshminarayana SB, Guthrie A, Blake DP, Harley J, MacKintosh A, Lait PJP, Bacon A, Milnes EL. DETECTION OF BABESIA CF. ODOCOILEI, BABESIA CAPREOLI, AND ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM IN CERVIDS OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:750-756. [PMID: 39255218 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of suspected tick-borne disease (redwater fever) have been reported in captive deer of the Scottish Highlands. In this pilot study, polymerase chain reaction and amplicon sequencing were used to detect tick-borne pathogens in opportunistically collected blood and spleen samples from 63 (healthy, n = 44; diseased, n = 19) cervids, and 45 questing and feeding ticks (Ixodes ricinus) from the outbreak sites in 2021-2022. Potentially pathogenic Babesia species were detected in deer but not identified in ticks, Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in both deer and ticks, and Borrelia afzelii was detected in ticks but not in deer. Sequencing confirmed Babesia capreoli and Babesia cf. odocoilei parasitemia in clinically healthy red deer (Cervus elaphus), B. capreoli parasitemia in clinically healthy domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), and two cases of B. cf. odocoilei-associated hemolytic anemia in white-lipped deer (Cervus albirostris), of which one was fatal despite imidocarb treatment. White-lipped deer appear to be highly susceptible to babesiosis caused by B. cf. odocoilei. This investigation highlights the importance of disease surveillance, including molecular diagnostics, for the detection of emerging tick-borne pathogens in managed populations of cervids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika B Lakshminarayana
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Guthrie
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Damer P Blake
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Harley
- Strathspey Veterinary Centre, Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire PH26 3JJ, United Kingdom
| | - Arran MacKintosh
- Strathspey Veterinary Centre, Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire PH26 3JJ, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa J P Lait
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Bacon
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie, Inverness-shire PH21 1NL, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie L Milnes
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom,
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie, Inverness-shire PH21 1NL, United Kingdom
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Šofranková L, Baňas M, Pipová N, Majláth I, Kurimský J, Cimbala R, Zbojovský J, Šimo L, Majláthová V. Anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation alters the transcription levels of the genes encoding the SIFamide and myoinhibitory peptide and their receptors in Ixodes ricinus synganglion. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:306. [PMID: 39167261 PMCID: PMC11339154 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08326-7] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The research of the influences of man-made electromagnetic fields on tick physiology has been very sparse and long neglected since the pioneer studies published in 1996 and 2000. Once multiple behavioral tests confirmed an attraction and possible perception of electromagnetic fields in ticks, a new interest in this topic erupted in recent years. In this study, qRT-PCR is utilized to determine the changes in the mRNA transcript levels of neuropeptides SIFamide and myoinhibitory peptide (mip and sifa) and their representative receptors (mip-r1 and sifa-r1) in the synganglia of the tick Ixodes ricinus irradiated by 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field. It was determined that 40 V/m intensity has a significant suppressory effect on the transcript levels of all genes after at least 60 minutes of constant exposure in both sexes. Commonly occurring intensity of radiation in urban areas (2 V/m) produced an elevation in mRNA levels after various timespans in every gene. A significant decrease of transcript abundances was detected in females after one hour of exposure to 2 V/m. Results of this study widen the knowledge of EMF-induced alterations in the neurophysiology of I. ricinus, the most commonly distributed hard tick in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Šofranková
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Baňas
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Natália Pipová
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Igor Majláth
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Kurimský
- Department of Electric Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engeneering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 04120, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Roman Cimbala
- Department of Electric Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engeneering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 04120, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Zbojovský
- Department of Electric Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engeneering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 04120, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Unitè Mixte de Recherche de Biologie Molèculaire et d'Immunologie Parasitaires (UMR BIPAR), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRAE, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, ANSES, France
| | - Viktória Majláthová
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia.
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Hartemink N, Gort G, Krawczyk AI, Fonville M, van Vliet AJ, Takken W, Sprong H. Spatial and temporal variation of five different pathogens and symbionts in Ixodes ricinus nymphs in the Netherlands. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 6:100209. [PMID: 39309546 PMCID: PMC11414485 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of diseases caused by pathogens transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus vary over time and space through incompletely understood mechanisms. An important determinant of the disease risk is the density of infected ticks, which is the infection prevalence times the density of questing ticks. We therefore investigated the spatial and temporal variation of four pathogens and one of the most abundant symbionts in Ixodes ricinus in questing nymphs over four years of monthly collections in 12 locations in the Netherlands. The infection prevalence of all microbes showed markedly different patterns with significant spatial variation for Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.), Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Rickettsia helvetica, and Midichloria mitochondrii, significant seasonal variation of B. burgdorferi (s.l.), N. mikurensis, and M. mitochondrii and a significant interannual variation of R. helvetica. Despite its ubiquitous presence, no spatio-temporal variation was observed for the infection prevalence of B. miyamotoi. The variation in infection prevalence was generally smaller than the variation in the density of nymphs, which fluctuated substantially both seasonally and between locations. This means that the variation in the densities of infected nymphs for all pathogens was mostly the result of the variation in densities of nymphs. We also investigated whether there were positive or negative associations between the symbionts, and more specifically whether ticks infected with vertically transmitted symbionts like M. mitochondrii and R. helvetica, have a higher prevalence of horizontally transmitted symbionts, such as B. burgdorferi (s.l.) and N. mikurensis. We indeed found a clear positive association between M. mitochondrii and B. burgdorferi (s.l.). The positive association between R. helvetica and B. burgdorferi (s.l.) was less clear and was only shown in two locations. Additionally, we found a clear positive association between B. burgdorferi (s.l.) and N. mikurensis, which are both transmitted by rodents. Our longitudinal study indicated strong between-location variation, some seasonal patterns and hardly any differences between years for most symbionts. Positive associations between symbionts were observed, suggesting that infection with a (vertically transmitted) symbiont may influence the probability of infection with other symbionts, or that there is a common underlying mechanism (e.g. feeding on rodents).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Hartemink
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Gort
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Aleksandra I. Krawczyk
- Jacob Blaustein Center for Scientific Cooperation, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Arnold J.H. van Vliet
- Earth Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Willem Takken
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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9
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Guardone L, Nogarol C, Accorsi A, Vitale N, Listorti V, Scala S, Brusadore S, Miceli IN, Wolfsgruber L, Guercio A, Di Bella S, Grippi F, Razzuoli E, Mandola ML. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: Occurrence and Host Associations over Four Years of Wildlife Surveillance in the Liguria Region (Northwest Italy). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2377. [PMID: 39199911 PMCID: PMC11350676 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a considerable public health problem worldwide. The occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) was investigated via PCR and sequencing in 683 ticks collected from 105 roe deer, 61 wild boars, 49 fallow deer, and 2 chamois, in the Liguria region, northwest Italy, between 2019 and 2022. The ticks were morphologically identified. Four different tick species were found: Ixodes ricinus (66.8% of the collected ticks), Dermacentor marginatus (15.8%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (15.7%), and Haemaphysalis punctata (0.9%). Six ticks (0.9%) were only identified as Rhipicephalus spp. Of the 222 pools analyzed, 27.9% were positive. Most pools (n = 58, 26.1% of pools analyzed) were positive for Rickettsia spp., and several species were found: Rickettsia slovaca was the dominant species (15.3%), followed by R. monacensis (8.1%), while R. helvetica (1.8%), R. massiliae (0.5%), and R. raoultii (0.5%) were found only sporadically. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified in three pools and B. burgdorferi s.l. in one pool. All samples were negative for C. burnetii and TBEv. Significant associations were found between I. ricinus and roe deer, D. marginatus and wild boar, and between R. monacensis and I. ricinus. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. differed significantly between tick and host species. This updated picture of tick species and TBPs in wild ungulates in Liguria, where the population of these animals is increasing, shows a widespread presence of potentially zoonotic Rickettsia spp. Continuous monitoring and public information on preventive measures are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Guardone
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Nogarol
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Annalisa Accorsi
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- S.S. Epidemiologia—Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy;
| | - Valeria Listorti
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Sonia Scala
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Sonia Brusadore
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Ilaria Nina Miceli
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Lara Wolfsgruber
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Centro Nazionale di Referenza per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia e Theileria (C.R.A.Ba.R.T.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Santina Di Bella
- Centro Nazionale di Referenza per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia e Theileria (C.R.A.Ba.R.T.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Francesca Grippi
- S.C. Diagnostica Sierologica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Maria Lucia Mandola
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
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10
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Menzano A, Tizzani P, Farber MD, Garcia-Vozmediano A, Martinelli L, Rossi L, Tomassone L. Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks from Vegetation and Alpine Ibex ( Capra ibex) in the Maritime Alps, Italy. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2251. [PMID: 39123777 PMCID: PMC11311104 DOI: 10.3390/ani14152251] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the Maritime Alps (northwestern Italy), we collected ticks from vegetation and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). Ixodes ricinus was the most abundant species in the study area, questing up to 1824 m a.s.l. and infesting 28 out of 72 ibexes. Haemaphysalis punctata, H. sulcata and Dermacentor marginatus were also collected. The abundance of questing ticks significantly decreased with altitude, with beechwoods being the preferred habitat. By PCR, we identified Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in questing I. ricinus (28.3%; 95%CI: 19.4-38.6) but not in specimens collected from animals. Rickettsia spp. infected both questing (20.6%; 95%CI: 12.9-30.3) and on-host (30.2%; 95%CI: 21.2-40.4) I. ricinus. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 4.3% (95%CI: 1.2-10.8) of questing I. ricinus and in 45.3% (95%CI: 34.6-56.4) of I. ricinus collected from ibex. Female I. ricinus collected on animals were significantly more infected with A. phagocytophilum than females collected from vegetation (OR = 11.7; 95%CI: 3.8-48.1). By amplifying and sequencing a fragment of the groEL gene, we identified 13 groEL haplotypes, clustering with ecotypes I and II; ecotype I, prevalent in our sample, is considered zoonotic. Our study demonstrates the presence of different tick-borne zoonotic agents in the study area, encompassing a wide altitudinal range, as confirmed by the ticks found on ibex, a typical mountain-dwelling mammal. The results also confirm the altitudinal range expansion of ticks and associated pathogens in the Alps and suggest that Alpine ibex may act as a reservoir for A. phagocytophilum, as do other wild ungulate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Menzano
- Ente di Gestione delle Aree Protette delle Alpi Marittime, 12010 Valdieri, Cuneo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Paolo Tizzani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Turin, Italy; (P.T.); (A.G.-V.); (L.R.)
| | - Marisa Diana Farber
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular (IABIMO) Inta-Conicet, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina;
| | - Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Turin, Italy; (P.T.); (A.G.-V.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Martinelli
- Ente di Gestione delle Aree Protette delle Alpi Marittime, 12010 Valdieri, Cuneo, Italy; (A.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Turin, Italy; (P.T.); (A.G.-V.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Turin, Italy; (P.T.); (A.G.-V.); (L.R.)
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11
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Essa IM, Azzal GY, Thamer NK. First molecular sequencing of Babesia gibsoni in ticks, Iraq. Open Vet J 2024; 14:2029-2039. [PMID: 39308724 PMCID: PMC11415923 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2024.v14.i8.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tick is one of the most important ectoparasites distributed worldwide and plays an obvious role in the transmission of different infections to humans and animals as dogs. Aim This study conducted to molecular demonstration of Babesia gibsoni in ticks of stray dogs and phylogenetic analysis of study isolates to detect their identity to global isolates. Prevalence of ticks in dogs, identification of tick species, and their relationship to some risk factors were aimed, also. Methods A total of 97 stray dogs were inspected grossly to detect and collect ticks that existed in different body parts. After collection, all ticks were examined morphologically to identify their species, and then molecularly by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect B. gibsoni in different species of ticks. Local B. gibsoni isolates were sequenced, documented in the National Center For biotechnology information (NCBI) database, analyzed phylogenetically, and compared with the global GenBank-NCBI isolates. Results In the current study, ticks were detected in 43.3% of dogs, and were shown to be varied in number and distribution among different body parts of each dog. Concerning its distribution, ticks were observed significantly on the abdomen, ear, and perineal region. In relation to risk factors, ticks were increased significantly in dogs <6 months old in comparison to older dogs, males more than females; and in rural areas more than dogs of sub-urban and urban areas. Based on morphology, different tick species were seen including Hylaomma anatolicum (86.12%), R. sanguineus (11.99%), and Rhipicephalus turanicus (1.89%). Targeting the 18S rRNA gene, PCR assay reported 3.79% positive ticks to B. gibsoni that were seen in R. sanguineus (13.16%) and H. anatolicum (2.56%). Based on phylogenetic analysis data of five local B. gibsoni isolates, this study demonstrated their close relations to the global NCBI-BLAST B. gibsoni Iraqi isolate (ID: MN385424.1). Conclusion This represents the first Iraqi study that demonstrated molecularly B. gibsoni in different species of ticks that infected stray dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa M. Essa
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basra, Iraq
| | - Ghazi Y. Azzal
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basra, Iraq
| | - Nadia K. Thamer
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basra, Iraq
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12
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Kauer L, Dobler G, Schmuck HM, Chitimia‐Dobler L, Pfeffer M, Kühn R. Interrelation of the spatial and genetic structure of tick-borne encephalitis virus, its reservoir host ( Myodes glareolus), and its vector ( Ixodes ricinus) in a natural focus area. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70163. [PMID: 39165543 PMCID: PMC11333545 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is considered the medically most important arthropod-borne virus in Europe. Although TBE is endemic throughout central Europe, ticks and rodents determine its maintenance in small, difficult-to-assess, natural foci. We investigated the interrelation between the population genetics of the main TBE virus (TBEV) vector tick (Ixodes ricinus), the most important reservoir host (Myodes glareolus, syn. Clethrionomys glareolus), and TBEV. Rodents and ticks were sampled on 15 sites within an exploratory study area, which has been screened regularly for TBEV occurrence in ticks for more than 10 years. On all 15 sites, ticks and bank voles were sampled, screened for TBEV presence via serology and RT-PCR, and genetically examined. Moreover, TBEV isolates derived from these analyses were sequenced. In long-term TBEV foci bank vole populations show extraordinary genetic constitutions, leading to a particular population structure, whereas ticks revealed a panmictic genetic structure overall sampling sites. Landscape genetics and habitat connectivity modeling (analysis of isolation by resistance) showed no landscape-related barriers explaining the genetic structure of the bank vole populations. The results suggest that bank voles do not simply serve as TBEV reservoirs, but their genetic composition appears to have a significant influence on establishing and maintaining long-term natural TBEV foci, whereas the genetic structure of TBEV's main vector I. ricinus does not play an important role in the sustainability of long-term TBEV foci. A thorough investigation of how and to which extent TBEV and M. glareolus genetics are associated is needed to further unravel the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Kauer
- Molecular Zoology, Department of Zoology, TUM School of Life SciencesTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | | | - Hannah M. Schmuck
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public HealthUniversity of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | | | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public HealthUniversity of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Ralph Kühn
- Molecular Zoology, Department of Zoology, TUM School of Life SciencesTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation EcologyNew Mexico State UniversityLas CrucesNew MexicoUSA
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13
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Worton AJ, Norman RA, Gilbert L, Porter RB. GIS-ODE: linking dynamic population models with GIS to predict pathogen vector abundance across a country under climate change scenarios. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20240004. [PMID: 39106949 PMCID: PMC11303026 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0004] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic mathematical models such as ordinary differential equations (ODEs) have a long history for their use in describing population dynamics and determining estimates of key parameters that summarize the potential growth or decline of a population over time. More recently, geographic information systems (GIS) have become important tools to provide a visual representation of statistically determined parameters and environmental features over space. Here, we combine these tools to form a 'GIS-ODE' approach to generate spatiotemporal maps predicting how projected changes in thermal climate may affect population densities and, uniquely, population dynamics of Ixodes ricinus, an important tick vector of several human pathogens. Assuming habitat and host densities are not greatly affected by climate warming, the GIS-ODE model predicted that, even under the lowest projected temperature increase, I. ricinus nymph densities could increase by 26-99% in Scotland, depending on the habitat and climate of the location. Our GIS-ODE model provides the vector-borne disease research community with a framework option to produce predictive, spatially explicit risk maps based on a mechanistic understanding of vector and vector-borne disease transmission dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Worton
- Division of Computing Science and Mathematics, University of Stirling, StirlingFK9 4LA, UK
| | - R. A. Norman
- Division of Computing Science and Mathematics, University of Stirling, StirlingFK9 4LA, UK
| | - L. Gilbert
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
| | - R. B. Porter
- Department of Engineering and Mathematics, Sheffield Hallam University, SheffieldS1 1WB, UK
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14
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Asman M, Bartosik K, Jakubas-Zawalska J, Świętek A, Witecka J. A New Endemic Locality of Dermacentor reticulatus in Central-Southern Poland and Its Potential Epidemiological Implications. INSECTS 2024; 15:580. [PMID: 39194785 DOI: 10.3390/insects15080580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Ixodidae) is an important arthropod vector in medical and veterinary contexts. Its geographic range is divided into western and eastern populations separated by a "Dermacentor-free zone" in central Poland. Recent faunistic studies showed a new endemic locality of the species in Upper Silesia to the west of the Vistula River (central-southern Poland) and its co-occurrence with I. ricinus. The prevalence of five tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), e.g., B. burgdorferi s.l., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp., in the ticks was assessed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. The molecular studies revealed the presence of Rickettsia spp. in 23.8% of the D. reticulatus specimens. In turn, 94.1% of the I. ricinus adults were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l., 11.7 % with Babesia spp., and 5.8% with Rickettsia spp. Coinfections with two TBPs were noted in 17.6% of the I. ricinus. These findings highlight not only the risk of infestation by both tick species in an area previously considered Dermacentor-free, but also the high prevalence of TBPs in the study area. Increased focus on medical and veterinary services appears necessary to diagnose and prevent tick-borne diseases in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Asman
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jordana 19 St., 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Chair of Pharmacology and Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Agata Świętek
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jordana 19 St., 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
- Silesia LabMed Research and Implementation Centre, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 19 Jordana St., 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Joanna Witecka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jedności 8 St., 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
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15
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Peard EF, Luu C, Hageman KJ, Sepesy R, Bernhardt SA. Exploring sources of inaccuracy and irreproducibility in the CDC bottle bioassay through direct insecticide quantification. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:310. [PMID: 39030647 PMCID: PMC11264779 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06369-4] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassay is a commonly used susceptibility test for measuring insect response to insecticide exposure. However, inconsistencies and high variability in insect response when conducting CDC bottle bioassays have been reported in previous publications. We hypothesized that the CDC bottle bioassay results may be compromised when expected and actual insecticide concentrations in the bottles are not equivalent and that inadequate bottle cleaning and/or loss during insecticide introduction and bottle storage steps could be responsible. We explored this hypothesis by quantifying insecticides using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in bottles that had been cleaned, prepared, and stored according to the CDC guidelines. METHODS We investigated the bottle cleaning, preparation, and storage methods outlined in the CDC bottle bioassay procedure to identify sources of irreproducibility. We also investigated the effectiveness of cleaning bottles by autoclaving because this method is commonly used in insecticide assessment laboratories. The two insecticides used in this study were chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin (λ-cyhalothrin). Insecticides were removed from glass bioassay bottles by rinsing with ethyl-acetate and n-hexane and then quantified using GC-MS/MS. RESULTS The CDC bottle bioassay cleaning methods did not sufficiently remove both insecticides from the glass bottles. The cleaning methods removed chlorpyrifos, which has higher water solubility, more effectively than λ-cyhalothrin. Chlorpyrifos experienced significant loss during the bottle-coating process whereas λ-cyhalothrin did not. As for bottle storage, no significant decreases in insecticide concentrations were observed for 6 h following the initial drying period for either insecticide. CONCLUSIONS The CDC bottle bioassay protocol is susceptible to producing inaccurate results since its recommended bottle cleaning method is not sufficient and semi-volatile insecticides can volatilize from the bottle during the coating process. This can lead to the CDC bottle bioassay producing erroneous LC50 values. High levels of random variation were also observed in our experiments, as others have previously reported. We have outlined several steps that CDC bottle bioassay users could consider that would lead to improved accuracy and reproducibility when acquiring toxicity data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evah F Peard
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Calvin Luu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Kimberly J Hageman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.
| | - Rose Sepesy
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
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16
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Dyczko D, Błażej P, Kiewra D. The influence of forest habitat type on Ixodes ricinus infections with Rickettsia spp. in south-western Poland. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 6:100200. [PMID: 39148674 PMCID: PMC11324835 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in Ixodes ricinus tick populations in different forest habitat types (broadleaf forest, mixed broadleaf and coniferous forest, and coniferous forest) in south-western Poland. During the survey periods from April to June 2018 and 2019 a total of 494 I. ricinus ticks, including 374 nymphs, 60 females and 60 males, were tested for Rickettsia infections by nested PCR targeting the gltA gene. The overall infection rate was 42.3%; however, we observed statistically significant year-to-year variation. Infection rates varied between tick developmental stages and were significantly influenced by forest habitat type. As assessed by a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), the highest infection rates were observed in mixed broadleaf and coniferous forests, while coniferous forests had a significant negative effect on infection prevalence. DNA sequencing of selected samples confirmed the predominance of Rickettsia helvetica (91.2%) and less frequent Rickettsia monacensis (8.8%). This study suggests that the forest habitat types can influence Rickettsia spp. infection in tick populations; however, a comprehensive understanding of all factors influencing the level of infection requires future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Dyczko
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Błażej
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kiewra
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
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17
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Peralbo-Moreno A, Espí A, Barandika JF, García-Pérez AL, Acevedo P, Ruiz-Fons F. Spatiotemporal dynamics of Ixodes ricinus abundance in northern Spain. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102373. [PMID: 38964219 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102373] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus is the most medically relevant tick species in Europe because it transmits the pathogens that cause Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis. Northern Spain represents the southernmost margin of its main European range and has the highest rate of Lyme borreliosis hospitalisations in the country. Currently, the environmental determinants of the spatiotemporal patterns of I. ricinus abundance remain unknown in this region and these may differ from drivers in highly favourable areas for the species in Europe. Therefore, our study aimed to understand the main factors modulating questing I. ricinus population dynamics to map abundance patterns in northern Spain. From 2012 to 2014, monthly/fortnightly samplings were conducted at 13 sites in two regions of northern Spain to estimate spatiotemporal variation in I. ricinus questing abundance. Local abundance of I. ricinus was modelled in relation to variation in local biotic and abiotic environmental conditions by constructing generalised linear mixed models with a zero-inflated negative binomial distribution for overdispersed data. The different developmental stages of I. ricinus were most active at different times of the year. Adults and nymphs showed a peak of abundance in spring, while questing larvae were more frequent in summer. The main determinants affecting the spatiotemporal abundance of the different stages were related to humidity and temperature. For adults and larvae, summer seemed to be the most influential period for their abundance, while for nymphs, winter conditions and those of the preceding months seemed to be determining factors. The highest abundances of nymphs and adults were predicted for the regions of northern Spain with the highest rate of Lyme borreliosis hospitalisations. Our models could be the basis on which to build more accurate predictive models to identify the spatiotemporal windows of greatest potential interaction between animals/humans and I. ricinus that may lead to the transmission of I. ricinus-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Peralbo-Moreno
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) group, Spanish Game & Wildlife Research Institute (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | - Jesús F Barandika
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) group, Spanish Game & Wildlife Research Institute (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) group, Spanish Game & Wildlife Research Institute (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISC III, Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Pustijanac E, Buršić M, Millotti G, Paliaga P, Iveša N, Cvek M. Tick-Borne Bacterial Diseases in Europe: Threats to public health. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:1261-1295. [PMID: 38676855 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04836-5] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases, caused by bacterial pathogens, pose a growing threat to public health in Europe. This paper provides an overview of the historical context of the discovery of the most impactful pathogens transmitted by ticks, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Understanding the historical context of their discovery provides insight into the evolution of our understanding of these pathogens. METHODS AND RESULTS Systematic investigation of the prevalence and transmission dynamics of these bacterial pathogens is provided, highlighting the intricate relationships among ticks, host organisms, and the environment. Epidemiology is explored, providing an in-depth analysis of clinical features associated with infections. Diagnostic methodologies undergo critical examination, with a spotlight on technological advancements that enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, the paper discusses available treatment options, addressing existing therapeutic strategies and considering future aspects. CONCLUSIONS By integrating various pieces of information on these bacterial species, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and healthcare professionals addressing the impact of bacterial tick-borne diseases in Europe. This review underscores the importance of understanding the complex details influencing bacterial prevalence and transmission dynamics to better combat these emerging public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Pustijanac
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia.
| | - Moira Buršić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Gioconda Millotti
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Paolo Paliaga
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Neven Iveša
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Maja Cvek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Region of Istria, Nazorova 23, 52100, Pula, Croatia
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Koutantou M, Drancourt M, Angelakis E. Prevalence of Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever Borrelia spp. in Vectors, Animals, and Humans within a One Health Approach in Mediterranean Countries. Pathogens 2024; 13:512. [PMID: 38921809 PMCID: PMC11206712 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060512] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Borrelia has been divided into Borreliella spp., which can cause Lyme Disease (LD), and Borrelia spp., which can cause Relapsing Fever (RF). The distribution of genus Borrelia has broadened due to factors such as climate change, alterations in land use, and enhanced human and animal mobility. Consequently, there is an increasing necessity for a One Health strategy to identify the key components in the Borrelia transmission cycle by monitoring the human-animal-environment interactions. The aim of this study is to summarize all accessible data to increase our understanding and provide a comprehensive overview of Borrelia distribution in the Mediterranean region. Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google were searched to determine the presence of Borreliella and Borrelia spp. in vectors, animals, and humans in countries around the Mediterranean Sea. A total of 3026 were identified and screened and after exclusion of papers that did not fulfill the including criteria, 429 were used. After examination of the available literature, it was revealed that various species associated with LD and RF are prevalent in vectors, animals, and humans in Mediterranean countries and should be monitored in order to effectively manage and prevent potential infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Koutantou
- Diagnostic Department and Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Emmanouil Angelakis
- Diagnostic Department and Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
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Noubissi JH, Kamgang JC. Stability analysis of a metapopulation model for the dynamics of malaria's spread including climatic factors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31666. [PMID: 38845931 PMCID: PMC11154208 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Eradicating malaria remains a big challenge for computer scientists, mathematicians, epidemiologists, entomologists, physicians and many others. Their approaches range from recovering patients to eradicating the disease. However, collaboration, not always efficient between all these scientists, leads to the implementation of incomplete prototypes or to an under-exploitation of their results. Environmental and climatic factors are part of these elements that are usually omitted by computer scientists and mathematicians in the modelling of the malaria spread dynamic. Tropical countries, most affected by the disease are also mostly underdeveloped or developing countries, and therefore, statistical data are often lacking or difficult to access. Populations are constantly in motion over ecosystems with different environmental and climatic conditions, from a region to another. In this paper, we analyse the global asymptotic stability at the disease-free equilibrium of a metapopulation model including climatic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin-Hervé Noubissi
- Mathematics and Computer Science Department, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, 455, Cameroon
| | - Jean Claude Kamgang
- Mathematics and Computer Science Department, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, 455, Cameroon
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21
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Barbosa A, Azevedo NF, Goeres DM, Cerqueira L. Ecology of Legionella pneumophila biofilms: The link between transcriptional activity and the biphasic cycle. Biofilm 2024; 7:100196. [PMID: 38601816 PMCID: PMC11004079 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been considerable discussion regarding the environmental life cycle of Legionella pneumophila and its virulence potential in natural and man-made water systems. On the other hand, the bacterium's morphogenetic mechanisms within host cells (amoeba and macrophages) have been well documented and are linked to its ability to transition from a non-virulent, replicative state to an infectious, transmissive state. Although the morphogenetic mechanisms associated with the formation and detachment of the L. pneumophila biofilm have also been described, the capacity of the bacteria to multiply extracellularly is not generally accepted. However, several studies have shown genetic pathways within the biofilm that resemble intracellular mechanisms. Understanding the functionality of L. pneumophila cells within a biofilm is fundamental for assessing the ecology and evaluating how the biofilm architecture influences L. pneumophila survival and persistence in water systems. This manuscript provides an overview of the biphasic cycle of L. pneumophila and its implications in associated intracellular mechanisms in amoeba. It also examines the molecular pathways and gene regulation involved in L. pneumophila biofilm formation and dissemination. A holistic analysis of the transcriptional activities in L. pneumophila biofilms is provided, combining the information of intracellular mechanisms in a comprehensive outline. Furthermore, this review discusses the techniques that can be used to study the morphogenetic states of the bacteria within biofilms, at the single cell and population levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Barbosa
- LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE – Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno F. Azevedo
- LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE – Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Darla M. Goeres
- LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE – Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- The Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Laura Cerqueira
- LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE – Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
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Facile V, Sabetti MC, Balboni A, Urbani L, Tirolo A, Magliocca M, Lunetta F, Dondi F, Battilani M. Detection of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in dogs from a veterinary teaching hospital in Italy: a retrospective study 2012-2020. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1727-1740. [PMID: 38536514 PMCID: PMC11147850 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10358-4] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis, responsible of diseases in dogs, are tick-borne pathogens with a proven or potential zoonotic role that have shown increasing prevalence worldwide. The aims of this retrospective study were to assess the frequency of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. exposure in dogs tested in a veterinary teaching hospital in Italy over a 9-year period, to compare the performance of the diagnostic tests used, to evaluate correlations with clinical data, and to genetically analyse the identified bacteria. During the study period, 1322 dogs tested by at least one of the rapid immunoenzymatic test, indirect immunofluorescent antibody test or end-point PCR assay for Anaplasmataceae detection were included. Dogs were tested if they had clinical signs or clinicopathological alteration or risk factors related to infection, and if they were potential blood-donor animals. Ninety-four of 1322 (7.1%) dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen: 53 (4.3%) for A. phagocytophilum, one (0.1%) for A. platys and 63 (4.6%) for E. canis. The number of dogs tested increased and the positivity rate progressively declined over the years. Comparison of tests showed a near-perfect agreement between serological tests and a poor agreement between PCR and indirect assays. A breed predisposition has been highlighted for A. phagocytophilum infection in hunting breed dogs and for E. canis infection in mixed breed dogs. Phylogeny confirmed potential zoonotic implications for A. phagocytophilum and showed no correlation of the identified bacteria with the geographical origin. Our study provides new insights into possible risk factors in dogs and evidenced discordant results between different tests, suggesting that a combination of serological and molecular assays is preferable for a correct diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Facile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Sabetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Andrea Balboni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Lorenza Urbani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tirolo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Martina Magliocca
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Francesco Lunetta
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy.
| | - Mara Battilani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
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Rousseau R, Mori M, Kabamba B, Vanwambeke SO. Tick abundance and infection with three zoonotic bacteria are heterogeneous in a Belgian peri-urban forest. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 93:49-69. [PMID: 38869724 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00919-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus is a vector of several pathogens of public health interest. While forests are the primary habitat for I. ricinus, its abundance and infection prevalence are expected to vary within forest stands. This study assesses the spatio-temporal variations in tick abundance and infection prevalence with three pathogens in and around a peri-urban forest where human exposure is high. Ticks were sampled multiple times in 2016 and 2018 in multiple locations with a diversity of undergrowth, using the consecutive drags method. Three zoonotic pathogens were screened for, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, and Francisella tularensis. The influence of season, type of site and micro-environmental factors on tick abundance were assessed with negative binomial generalized linear mixed-effects models. We collected 1642 nymphs and 181 adult ticks. Ticks were most abundant in the spring, in warmer temperatures, and where undergrowth was higher. Sites with vegetation unaffected by human presence had higher abundance of ticks. Forest undergrowth type and height were significant predictors of the level of tick abundance in a forest. The consecutive drags method is expected to provide more precise estimates of tick abundance, presumably through more varied contacts with foliage. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. prevalence was estimated from pooled ticks at 5.33%, C. burnetii was detected in six pools and F. tularensis was not detected. Borrelia afzelii was the dominant B. burgdorferi genospecies. Tick abundance and B. burgdorferi s.l. infection prevalence were lower than other estimates in Belgian forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Rousseau
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI), Earth and Climate pole (ELIC), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marcella Mori
- Bacterial zoonoses unit, Veterinary bacteriology, Sciensano, Ukkel/Uccle, Belgium
| | - Benoît Kabamba
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Research (IREC), Pôle de Microbiologie Médicale, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie O Vanwambeke
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI), Earth and Climate pole (ELIC), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Effective factors in the pathogenesis of Toxoplasmagondii. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31558. [PMID: 38818168 PMCID: PMC11137575 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite in humans and animals. It infects about 30 % of the human population worldwide and causes potentially fatal diseases in immunocompromised hosts and neonates. For this study, five English-language databases (ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar were searched. This review was accomplished to draw a global perspective of what is known about the pathogenesis of T. gondii and various factors affecting it. Virulence and immune responses can influence the mechanisms of parasite pathogenesis and these factors are in turn influenced by other factors. In addition to the host's genetic background, the type of Toxoplasma strain, the routes of transmission of infection, the number of passages, and different phases of parasite life affect virulence. The identification of virulence factors of the parasite could provide promising insights into the pathogenesis of this parasite. The results of this study can be an incentive to conduct more intensive research to design and develop new anti-Toxoplasma agents (drugs and vaccines) to treat or prevent this infection. In addition, further studies are needed to better understand the key agents in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Belete D, Amare A, Andualem T, Kasew D, Biset S. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors among Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital, South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Parasitol Res 2024; 2024:8993666. [PMID: 38799382 PMCID: PMC11127764 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8993666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfections have been perceived to be high. The geographic distributions of helminths and TB overlap substantially. Parasitic infections affect the outcome of TB by changing the cell-mediated immune response to a humoral response, while Mycobacterium infection favors the immune escape of helminths. There are limited studies on the epidemiology of intestinal parasites among presumptive pulmonary TB (PTB) patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital. Methods and Materials A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2021. The sociodemographic data and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire, and stool samples were collected by convenient sampling technique and processed for the detection of intestinal parasites using a direct wet mount saline preparation and formal ether concentration technique. The data was coded, cleaned, and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 25.6% (81/316); of these, 12.9% (41/316) were protozoan infections and 12.7% (40/316) were helminth infections. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being older than 36 years (AOR: 4.35; 95% CI: 1.26, 13.91; p = 0.001), rural residence (AOR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.18, 9.97; p < 0.001), unable to read and write (AOR = 2.62; 95%CI = 2.15, 8.43; p = 0.004), and use of river water (AOR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.62, 8.21; p < 0.001) were associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion The present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis patients was high in the study area. Age, residence, educational status, and source of water were significant factors in IPIs among presumptive TB patients. Moreover, our findings suggest a proper health education program for good personal hygiene habits, the coloration of water, avoiding open-field defecation, and also preventative measures to avoid the acquisition of IPIs in patients with TB. Presumptive tuberculosis patients should be screened and treated accordingly. Additionally, it needs further research and recommends more assessment for intestinal parasitic infection in PTB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debaka Belete
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Azanaw Amare
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Andualem
- Debre Tabor University, College of Health Sciences and School of Medicine, Department of Medical Laboratory, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Desie Kasew
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Sirak Biset
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Goletić T, Klarić Soldo D, Kapo N, Goletić Š, Koro-Spahić A, Alispahić A, Softić A, Škapur V, Omeragić J. Tick-Borne Pathogens in Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pathogens 2024; 13:421. [PMID: 38787273 PMCID: PMC11123776 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor (D.) reticulatus ticks carry and transmit a wide range of pathogens to vertebrate hosts. Limited information is available about the existence of emerging tick-borne pathogens and the distribution of D. reticulatus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence and distribution of D. reticulatus and to detect the presence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp. in samples originating from questing ticks and ticks collected from domestic animals in various regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 402 collected D. reticulatus ticks were widely distributed throughout the country. Of the 41 pools consisting of 205 individual D. reticulatus ticks, 21 (51.2%) indicated the presence of Rickettsia spp., 17 (41.4%) of Babesia spp., 2 (4.8%) of Anaplasma spp., and 1 (2.4%) of B. burgdorferi s.l. after real-time PCR screening. Our study indicates that D. reticulatus has significantly expanded its distribution and host range in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, our results represent the first detection of Babesia spp. in D. reticulatus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given the demonstrated presence of emerging pathogens in questing and feeding ticks, there is an urge to establish a surveillance system for ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teufik Goletić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Darinka Klarić Soldo
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Naida Kapo
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Šejla Goletić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Amira Koro-Spahić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Amra Alispahić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Adis Softić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Vedad Škapur
- University of Sarajevo—Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Jasmin Omeragić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
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27
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Brown TL, Morgan ER. Helminth Prevalence in European Deer with a Focus on Abomasal Nematodes and the Influence of Livestock Pasture Contact: A Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2024; 13:378. [PMID: 38787230 PMCID: PMC11123710 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050378] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Deer are susceptible to infection with parasitic helminths, including species which are of increasing economic concern to the livestock industry due to anthelmintic drug resistance. This paper systematically collates helminth prevalence data from deer across Europe and explores patterns in relation to host and parasite species, as well as landscape factors. A livestock pasture contact index (LPCI) is developed to predict epidemiological overlap between deer and livestock, and hence to examine deer helminth fauna in the context of their surrounding environment. Fifty-eight studies comprising fallow (Dama dama), red (Cervus elaphus), roe (Capreolus capreolus) and sika (Cervus nippon) deer were identified. Deer populations in "likely" contact with livestock pasture had a higher mean prevalence of the abomasal nematodes Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus axei (p = 0.01), which are common in livestock and not primarily associated with deer. Roe deer populations had a higher prevalence of T. circumcincta (p = 0.02) and T. axei (p = 0.01) than fallow deer and a higher prevalence of H. contortus than both red (p = 0.01) and fallow deer (p = 0.02). Liver fluke and lungworm species were present sporadically at low prevalence, while the abomasal nematode Ashworthius sidemi occurred locally at high prevalence. Insights from this research suggest that deer helminth fauna is reflective of their surrounding environment, including the livestock species which inhabit areas of shared grazing. This is explored from an epidemiological perspective, and the prospect of helminth transmission between wild and domestic hosts is discussed, including drug-resistant strains, alongside the role of helminths as indicators relevant to the transmission of other pathogens at the wildlife-livestock interface.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric R. Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
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28
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Asghari A, Mahdavi F, Karimi K, Mohammadi MR, Shamsi L, Asgari Q, Motazedian MH, Shahabi S, Sadrebazzaz A. Molecular epidemiology and multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in individuals attending major public hospitals in Shiraz, southwestern Iran: A public health concern. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 25:e00354. [PMID: 38711926 PMCID: PMC11070919 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease worldwide, and is often associated with outbreaks of diarrhea in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblages in individuals attending major public hospitals in Shiraz, southwestern Iran. From August 2022 to May 2023, a total of 614 stool samples from individuals were collected and initially examined for G. duodenalis cysts using parasitological techniques, sucrose flotation, and microscopy. Microscopy-positive samples were validated by SSU-PCR amplification of the parasite DNA. A multilocus genotyping (MLG) scheme, which focused on the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) and the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes, was employed for genotyping purposes. G. duodenalis cysts were found in 7.5% (46/614) and 8.5% (52/614) of samples through microscopy and SSU-PCR, respectively. Successful amplification and sequencing results were obtained for 77.3% (17/22) and 45.5% (10/22) of the infected samples at the tpi and gdh loci, respectively. MLG data for the two loci were available for only five samples. Out of the 22 samples genotyped at any loci, 54.5% (12/22) were identified as assemblage A, while 45.5% (10/22) were identified as assemblage B. AII was the most predominant sub-assemblage identified [54.5% (12/22)], followed by BIII [27% (6/22)], discordant BIII/BIV [13.6% (3/22)], and BIV [4.5% (1/22)]. In the present study, no assemblages suited for non-human animal hosts (e.g., C-F) were detected. This suggests that the transmission of human giardiasis in Shiraz is primarily anthroponotic. Further molecular-based analyses are necessary to confirm and expand upon these findings. These analyses will also help determine the presence and public health importance of the parasite in environmental samples, such as drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Children Growth Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Farzad Mahdavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Kambiz Karimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mohammadi
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadrebazzaz
- Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Mashhad, Iran
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Brestrich G, Hagemann C, Diesing J, Kossack N, Stark JH, Pilz A, Angulo FJ, Yu H, Suess J. Incidence of Lyme Borreliosis in Germany: A retrospective observational healthcare claims study. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102326. [PMID: 38417196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102326] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease in Germany. Although the incidence of LB in Germany has been assessed in several studies, those studies either used data from statutory surveillance, which frequently underreport cases, or data from health claims databases, which may overestimate cases due to non-specific LB case definitions. Here, using a more specific case definition, we describe the incidence of medically-attended LB by disease manifestation, age group, and federal state for the period 2015-2019. Both inpatient and outpatient cases were analyzed from a claims database. To be eligible for inclusion, patients were required to have an LB specific ICD-10 GM diagnosis code plus an antibiotic prescription, and for disseminated manifestations, a laboratory test order additionally. LB cases were classified as erythema migrans (EM), or disseminated disease including Lyme arthritis (LA), Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), and all other disease manifestations (OTH). Between 2015 and 2019, the incidence of medically-attended LB cases ranged from 195.7/100,000 population per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 191.0 - 200.5) to 254.5/100,000 population per year (95% CI, 249.0 - 260.0) per year. The majority of cases (92.2%) were EM, while 2.8% presented as LA, 3.8% as LNB, and 1.2% as OTH. For both EM and disseminated disease, the incidence peaked in children aged 5-9 years and in older adults. By federal state, the incidence of medically-attended EM ranged from 74.4/100,000 population per year (95% CI, 71.9 - 77.0) per year in Hamburg, to 394.1/100,000 population per year (95% CI, 370.7 - 417.6) per year in Saxony, whereas for medically-attended disseminated disease, the highest incidence was in Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria (range: 22.0 [95% CI, 19.9 - 24.0] to 35.7 [95% CI, 34.7 - 36.7] per 100,000 population per year). This study comprehensively estimated the incidence of all manifestations of medically-attended LB and showed a high incidence of LB throughout Germany. Results from the study support performing epidemiological studies in all federal states to measure the burden of LB and to invest in public health interventions for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joanna Diesing
- Scientific Institute for Health Economics and Health System Research (WIG2 GmbH), Germany
| | - Nils Kossack
- Scientific Institute for Health Economics and Health System Research (WIG2 GmbH), Germany
| | - James H Stark
- Vaccines, Antivirals, and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Biopharma Group, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Frederick J Angulo
- Vaccines, Antivirals, and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Biopharma Group, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Holly Yu
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Pfizer Biopharma Group, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jochen Suess
- Brehm Memorial Center (BREHM WORLD), Renthendorf, Germany
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Mbiri P, Matomola OC, Muleya W, Mhuulu L, Diegaardt A, Noden BH, Changula K, Chimwamurombe P, Matos C, Weiss S, Nepolo E, Chitanga S. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Rickettsia Species in Ixodid Ticks from Selected Regions of Namibia. Microorganisms 2024; 12:912. [PMID: 38792739 PMCID: PMC11124484 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Rickettsial pathogens are among the emerging and re-emerging vector-borne zoonoses of public health importance. Reports indicate human exposure to Rickettsial pathogens in Namibia through serological surveys, but there is a lack of data on infection rates in tick vectors, hindering the assessment of the relative risk to humans. Our study sought to screen Ixodid ticks collected from livestock for the presence of Rickettsia species in order to determine infection rates in ticks and to determine the Rickettsia species circulating in the country. We collected and pooled Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus ticks from two adjacent regions of Namibia (Khomas and Otjozondjupa) and observed an overall minimum Rickettsia infection rate of 8.6% (26/304), with an estimated overall pooled prevalence of 9.94% (95% CI: 6.5-14.3). There were no statistically significant differences in the estimated pooled prevalence between the two regions or tick genera. Based on the nucleotide sequence similarity and phylogenetic analysis of the outer membrane protein A (n = 9) and citrate synthase (n = 12) genes, BLAST analysis revealed similarity between Rickettsia africae (n = 2) and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (n = 11), with sequence identities ranging from 98.46 to 100%. Our initial study in Namibia indicates that both zoonotic R. africae and R. aeschlimannii are in circulation in the country, with R. aeschlimannii being the predominant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pricilla Mbiri
- Department of Production Animal Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia;
| | - Ophelia Chuma Matomola
- Department of Preclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia;
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Preclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
| | - Lusia Mhuulu
- Department of Human Biology and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (L.M.); (A.D.); (E.N.)
| | - Azaria Diegaardt
- Department of Human Biology and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (L.M.); (A.D.); (E.N.)
| | - Bruce Howard Noden
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
| | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
| | - Percy Chimwamurombe
- Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science & Technology, Windhoek 10005, Namibia;
| | - Carolina Matos
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.M.); (S.W.)
| | - Sabrina Weiss
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.M.); (S.W.)
| | - Emmanuel Nepolo
- Department of Human Biology and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (L.M.); (A.D.); (E.N.)
| | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Preclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
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Boulanger N, Aran D, Maul A, Camara BI, Barthel C, Zaffino M, Lett MC, Schnitzler A, Bauda P. Multiple factors affecting Ixodes ricinus ticks and associated pathogens in European temperate ecosystems (northeastern France). Sci Rep 2024; 14:9391. [PMID: 38658696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In Europe, the main vector of tick-borne zoonoses is Ixodes ricinus, which has three life stages. During their development cycle, ticks take three separate blood meals from a wide variety of vertebrate hosts, during which they can acquire and transmit human pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis. In this study conducted in Northeastern France, we studied the importance of soil type, land use, forest stand type, and temporal dynamics on the abundance of ticks and their associated pathogens. Negative binomial regression modeling of the results indicated that limestone-based soils were more favorable to ticks than sandstone-based soils. The highest tick abundance was observed in forests, particularly among coniferous and mixed stands. We identified an effect of habitat time dynamics in forests and in wetlands: recent forests and current wetlands supported more ticks than stable forests and former wetlands, respectively. We observed a close association between tick abundance and the abundance of Cervidae, Leporidae, and birds. The tick-borne pathogens responsible for Lyme borreliosis, anaplasmosis, and hard tick relapsing fever showed specific habitat preferences and associations with specific animal families. Machine learning algorithms identified soil related variables as the best predictors of tick and pathogen abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Boulanger
- Université de Strasbourg UR3073: PHAVI: Groupe Borrelia, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Centre National de Référence Borrelia, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Delphine Aran
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, 57000, Metz, France
| | - Armand Maul
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, 57000, Metz, France
| | - Baba Issa Camara
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, 57000, Metz, France
- Université de Lorraine, LCOMS EA 7306, 57073, Metz, France
| | - Cathy Barthel
- Université de Strasbourg UR3073: PHAVI: Groupe Borrelia, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie Zaffino
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, 57000, Metz, France
| | | | - Annick Schnitzler
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, 57000, Metz, France
- Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7194 HNHP CNRS/MNHN/UPVD, 75000, Paris, France
| | - Pascale Bauda
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, 57000, Metz, France.
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Kim K, Kim K, Yoon K, Park Y. Parasitic Characteristics of Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Collected from Water Deer ( Hydropotes inermis argyropus) and Spatiotemporal Distribution Prediction within Host-Influenced Cultivated Areas. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1153. [PMID: 38672301 PMCID: PMC11047606 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081153] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases result from human-ixodid tick encounters, making it crucial to understand host-ixodid tick interactions and host-dependent distribution for epidemiology and prevention. This study examines water deer patterns and ixodid tick interactions in designated croplands of South Korea over two years, finding that the highest deer presence occurred in July and the lowest in May, during crop harvesting. Four tick species were identified, with Haemaphysalis longicornis being predominant (92.2%). Tick life stage analysis revealed peak nymphs and adults in July and larvae in October. Nymph abundance correlated positively with nearby water deer. MaxEnt biodiversity prediction results indicated wider water deer distribution in summer, reflecting their tendency to use multiple croplands. Areas with nymphs and adults aligned with predicted deer presence in summer, while larval areas aligned in autumn. Increased agroforestry expanded water deer habitats, enhancing tick dispersion. Prevention involved minimizing human-deer encounters by strategic land use in tick-prone areas. This comprehensive study provides insights into preventing severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in agricultural workers, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions based on host behavior and tick life stages in different seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Eco Creative, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kwangbae Yoon
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yungchul Park
- Division of Forest Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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Habib J, Zenner L, Garel M, Mercier A, Poirel MT, Itty C, Appolinaire J, Amblard T, Benedetti P, Sanchis F, Benabed S, Abi Rizk G, Gibert P, Bourgoin G. Prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from the wild mountain ungulates mouflon and chamois in 4 regions of France. Parasite 2024; 31:21. [PMID: 38602373 PMCID: PMC11008225 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024011] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are major vectors of various pathogens of health importance, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. The problems associated with ticks and vector-borne pathogens are increasing in mountain areas, particularly in connection with global climate change. We collected ticks (n = 2,081) from chamois and mouflon in 4 mountainous areas of France. We identified 6 tick species: Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rh. sanguineus s.l., Haemaphysalis sulcata, H. punctata and Dermacentor marginatus. We observed a strong variation in tick species composition among the study sites, linked in particular to the climate of the sites. We then analysed 791 ticks for DNA of vector-borne pathogens: Babesia/Theileria spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. ovis, and Rickettsia of the spotted fever group (SFG). Theileria ovis was detected only in Corsica in Rh. bursa. Babesia venatorum (2 sites), Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (B. afzelii and B. garinii; 2 sites) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (3 sites) were detected in I. ricinus. Anaplasma ovis was detected at one site in I. ricinus and Rh. sanguineus s.l. SFG Rickettsia were detected at all the study sites: R. monacensis and R. helvetica in I. ricinus at the 3 sites where this tick is present; R. massiliae in Rh. sanguineus s.l. (1 site); and R. hoogstraalii and Candidatus R. barbariae in Rh. bursa in Corsica. These results show that there is a risk of tick-borne diseases for humans and domestic and wild animals frequenting these mountain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Habib
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
- Université Libanaise, Faculté d’Agronomie et de Médecine Vétérinaire, Département de Médecine Vétérinaire 3 rue de l'université Beyrouth Lebanon
| | - Lionel Zenner
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Mathieu Garel
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Anthropisation et Fonctionnement des Écosystèmes Terrestres 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin 38610 Gières France
| | - Antoine Mercier
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Poirel
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Christian Itty
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Appui aux Acteurs et Mobilisation des Territoires, Direction Régionale Occitanie 7 rue du Four, Fagairolles 34610 Castanet-le-Haut France
| | - Joël Appolinaire
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Anthropisation et Fonctionnement des Écosystèmes Terrestres 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin 38610 Gières France
| | - Thibaut Amblard
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Anthropisation et Fonctionnement des Écosystèmes Terrestres 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin 38610 Gières France
| | - Pierre Benedetti
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Unité Espaces Naturels de Corse Funtanella 20218 Moltifao France
| | - Frédéric Sanchis
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Unité Espaces Naturels de Corse Funtanella 20218 Moltifao France
| | - Slimania Benabed
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Georges Abi Rizk
- Université Libanaise, Faculté d’Agronomie et de Médecine Vétérinaire, Département de Médecine Vétérinaire 3 rue de l'université Beyrouth Lebanon
| | - Philippe Gibert
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Anthropisation et Fonctionnement des Écosystèmes Terrestres 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin 38610 Gières France
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat BP 83 69280 Marcy-l’Etoile France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne France
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Ahmad N, Khan SA, Majid HA, Ali R, Ullah R, Bari A, Akbar NU, Majid A. Epidemiology and phylogeny of Haemonchus contortus through internal transcribed spacer 2 gene in small ruminants. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1380203. [PMID: 38655530 PMCID: PMC11036863 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1380203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) is a blood-feeding nematode causing infectious disease haemonchosis in small ruminants of tropical and subtropical regions around the world. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and phylogeny of H. contortus in small ruminants using the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) gene. In addition, a comprehensive review of the available literature on the status of H. contortus in Pakistan was conducted. Methods Fecal samples were collected from sheep and goats (n = 180). Microscopically positive samples were subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR using species-specific primers. Results The overall prevalence of H. contortus was 25.55% in small ruminants. The prevalence of H. contortus was significantly associated with months and area. The highest occurrence of haemonchosis was documented in July (38.70%), whereas the lowest occurred in December (11.11%), with significant difference. The prevalence was highest in the Ghamkol camp (29.4%) and lowest in the arid zone of the Small Ruminant Research Institute (17.5%) (p = 0.01). The results of the systematic review revealed the highest prevalence of haemonchosis (34.4%) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (p = 0.001). Discussion Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between H. contortus and isolates from Asia (China, India, Iran, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Mongolia) and European countries (Italy and the United Kingdom). It has been concluded that H. contortus is prevalent in small ruminants of Kohat district and all over Pakistan, which could be a potential threat to food-producing animals, farmers, dairy, and the meat industry. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that H. contortus isolates share close phylogenetic relationships with species from Asia and Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisar Ahmad
- Aquatic Eco-Health Group, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Saeed A. Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz A. Majid
- Livestock and Dairy Development (Research Wing), Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Rehman Ali
- Aquatic Eco-Health Group, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Bari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor Ul Akbar
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Majid
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
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Van Gestel M, Heylen D, Verheyen K, Fonville M, Sprong H, Matthysen E. Recreational hazard: Vegetation and host habitat use correlate with changes in tick-borne disease hazard at infrastructure within forest stands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170749. [PMID: 38340833 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Studies on density and pathogen prevalence of Ixodes ricinus indicate that vegetation and local host community drive much of their variation between green spaces. Contrarily, micro-geographic variation is understudied, although its understanding could reduce disease risk. We studied the density of infectious nymphal Ixodes sp. ("DIN", proxy for disease hazard), density of questing nymphs ("DON") and nymphal infection prevalence ("NIP") near recreational forest infrastructure. Drag sampling within forest stands and at adjacent benches and trails was combined with vegetation surveys, camera trapping hosts and pathogen screening of ticks. We analysed Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and its genospecies, with complementary analyses on Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Borrelia miyamotoi. DIN was highest in forest interior and at trails enclosed by forest. Lower disease hazard was observed at benches and trails at forest edges. This infrastructure effect can be attributed to variation in vegetation characteristics and the habitat use of tick hosts, specifically roe deer, rodents and songbirds. DON is the main driver of DIN at micro-geographic scale and negatively affected by infrastructure and forest edges. A positive association with vegetation cover in understorey and canopy was observed, as were positive trends for local rodent and songbird abundance. NIP of different pathogens was affected by different drivers. Lower B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence in the interior of forest stands, driven by its most prevalent genospecies B. afzelii, points towards higher density of uninfected hosts there. B. afzelii was positively associated with understorey containing tall species and with high canopy cover, whereas local bird community composition predicts B. garinii prevalence. A positive effect of songbird abundance and a negative effect of pigeons were observed. Our findings support amplification and inhibition mechanisms within forest stands and highlight that the effect of established drivers of DIN may differ based on the considered spatial scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Van Gestel
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Gontrode, Belgium.
| | - Dieter Heylen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kris Verheyen
- Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Manoj Fonville
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Matthysen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Boulanger N. [Anthropization and tick-borne diseases: the example of Lyme borreliosis]. C R Biol 2024; 346:35-41. [PMID: 37655860 DOI: 10.5802/crbiol.115] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are on the rise throughout the world. The reasons are multifactorial but all associated with human practices, including climate change and socio-economic and eco systemic changes. In the northern hemisphere, Lyme borreliosis and its vector, the tick belonging to the Ixodes ricinus complex, are particularly studied. Changes in forestry and the expansion of certain wild ungulates since the Second World War could explain the increasing presence of this tick in our environment. As it is likely to transmit other microorganisms potentially pathogenic to humans, an integrated multidisciplinary approach to identify human practices promoting its expansion is critical to control the (re)emergence of infectious diseases. Other ticks also benefit from the same anthropised context to increase their numbers in the environment.
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Boonyuan W, Panthawong A, Thannarin T, Kongratarporn T, Khamvarn V, Chareonviriyaphap T, Nararak J. Irritant and repellent behaviors of sterile male Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes are crucial in the development of disease control strategies applying sterile insect technique. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17038. [PMID: 38529314 PMCID: PMC10962334 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The mosquito Aedes aegypti, known to transmit important arboviral diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever. Given the importance of this disease vector, a number of control programs have been proposed involving the use of the sterile insect technique (SIT). However, the success of this technique hinges on having a good understanding of the biology and behavior of the male mosquito. Behavioral responses of Ae. aegypti male populations developed for SIT technology were tested under laboratory conditions against chemical and natural irritants and repellents using an excito-repellency (ER) chamber. The results showed that there were no significant behavioral escape responses in any of the radiation-sterilized male Ae. aegypti test populations when exposed to citronella, DEET, transfluthrin, and deltamethrin, suggesting that SIT did not suppress the expected irritancy and repellency (avoidance) behaviors. The type of information reported in the current study is vital in defining the effects of SIT on vector behavior and understanding how such behavior may influence the success of SIT technology with regard to other vector control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasana Boonyuan
- Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Amonrat Panthawong
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thodsapon Thannarin
- Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Titima Kongratarporn
- Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Vararas Khamvarn
- Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | | | - Jirod Nararak
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Espiritu H, Lee HW, Al Faruk MS, Jin SJ, Lee SS, Cho YI. Latitude and seasons influence the prevalence of Theileria orientalis and affect the hematology of non-grazed dairy cows in Korea. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2024; 62:64-74. [PMID: 38443771 PMCID: PMC10915266 DOI: 10.3347/phd.23087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of regional and seasonal variations on the prevalence of Theileria orientalis and the hematological profile of non-grazed dairy cows in Korea. A total of 365 clinically healthy lactating Holstein Friesian cows from 26 dairy farms in 7 provinces that were categorized into northern, central, and southern regions were sampled during the warm period from July to August and the cold period from October to December. The detection of T. orientalis major piroplasm surface protein gene and the hematology non-grazed dairy cows were analyzed using peripheral blood samples. The T. orientalis prevalence was 20.0% (73/365). The prevalence in the southern region was 35.9%, which was significantly higher than that in the central (21.6%) and northern (12.9%) regions (P < 0.05). The prevalence during warm period was higher (43.0%) than that during the cold season (13.5%). The infected cows showed significantly lower erythrocyte counts in the southern region (5.8 ± 0.6 M/µl) and during the warm period (5.8 ± 0.7 M/µl) compared with those in the central and northern regions and during the cold season, which affected the extended RBC parameters, including hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations. Our findings revealed the prevalence of T. orientalis in Korea, highlighting its high occurrence during warm periods and in certain geographical regions. Climatic factors could contribute to the health and productivity of cattle, as evidenced by the prevalence of T. orientalis and its negative impact on animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Espiritu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922,
Korea
| | - Hee-Woon Lee
- Mari Animal Medical Center, Yongin, 17178,
Korea
| | - Md Shohel Al Faruk
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922,
Korea
| | - Su-Jeong Jin
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922,
Korea
| | - Sang-Suk Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922,
Korea
| | - Yong-Il Cho
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922,
Korea
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Arsevska E, Hengl T, Singleton DA, Noble PJM, Caminade C, Eneanya OA, Jones PH, Medlock JM, Hansford KM, Bonannella C, Radford AD. Risk factors for tick attachment in companion animals in Great Britain: a spatiotemporal analysis covering 2014-2021. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:29. [PMID: 38254168 PMCID: PMC10804489 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06094-4] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are an important driver of veterinary health care, causing irritation and sometimes infection to their hosts. We explored epidemiological and geo-referenced data from > 7 million electronic health records (EHRs) from cats and dogs collected by the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) in Great Britain (GB) between 2014 and 2021 to assess the factors affecting tick attachment in an individual and at a spatiotemporal level. METHODS EHRs in which ticks were mentioned were identified by text mining; domain experts confirmed those with ticks on the animal. Tick presence/absence records were overlaid with a spatiotemporal series of climate, environment, anthropogenic and host distribution factors to produce a spatiotemporal regression matrix. An ensemble machine learning spatiotemporal model was used to fine-tune hyperparameters for Random Forest, Gradient-boosted Trees and Generalized Linear Model regression algorithms, which were then used to produce a final ensemble meta-learner to predict the probability of tick attachment across GB at a monthly interval and averaged long-term through 2014-2021 at a spatial resolution of 1 km. Individual host factors associated with tick attachment were also assessed by conditional logistic regression on a matched case-control dataset. RESULTS In total, 11,741 consultations were identified in which a tick was recorded. The frequency of tick records was low (0.16% EHRs), suggesting an underestimation of risk. That said, increased odds for tick attachment in cats and dogs were associated with younger adult ages, longer coat length, crossbreeds and unclassified breeds. In cats, males and entire animals had significantly increased odds of recorded tick attachment. The key variables controlling the spatiotemporal risk for tick attachment were climatic (precipitation and temperature) and vegetation type (Enhanced Vegetation Index). Suitable areas for tick attachment were predicted across GB, especially in forests and grassland areas, mainly during summer, particularly in June. CONCLUSIONS Our results can inform targeted health messages to owners and veterinary practitioners, identifying those animals, seasons and areas of higher risk for tick attachment and allowing for more tailored prophylaxis to reduce tick burden, inappropriate parasiticide treatment and potentially TBDs in companion animals and humans. Sentinel networks like SAVSNET represent a novel complementary data source to improve our understanding of tick attachment risk for companion animals and as a proxy of risk to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Arsevska
- Unit for Animals, Health, Territories, Risks and Ecosystems (UMR ASTRE), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), 34980, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France.
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK.
| | - Tomislav Hengl
- OpenGeoHub Foundation, 6708 PW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - David A Singleton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK
| | - Peter-John M Noble
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK
| | - Cyril Caminade
- Earth System Physics Department, Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), 34151, Trieste, Italy
| | - Obiora A Eneanya
- Health Programs, The Carter Center, 30307, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Philip H Jones
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, SP4 0JG, Salisbury, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Kayleigh M Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, SP4 0JG, Salisbury, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Carmelo Bonannella
- OpenGeoHub Foundation, 6708 PW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alan D Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK
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40
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Jaenson TGT, Gray JS, Lindgren PE, Wilhelmsson P. Coinfection of Babesia and Borrelia in the Tick Ixodes ricinus-A Neglected Public Health Issue in Europe? Pathogens 2024; 13:81. [PMID: 38251388 PMCID: PMC10818971 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus nymphs and adults removed from humans, and larvae and nymphs from birds, have been analysed for infection with Babesia species and Borrelia species previously in separately published studies. Here, we use the same data set to explore the coinfection pattern of Babesia and Borrelia species in the ticks. We also provide an overview of the ecology and potential public health importance in Sweden of I. ricinus infected both with zoonotic Babesia and Borrelia species. Among 1952 nymphs and adult ticks removed from humans, 3.1% were PCR-positive for Babesia spp. Of these Babesia-positive ticks, 43% were simultaneously Borrelia-positive. Among 1046 immatures of I. ricinus removed from birds, 2.5% were Babesia-positive, of which 38% were coinfected with Borrelia species. This study shows that in I. ricinus infesting humans or birds in Sweden, potentially zoonotic Babesia protozoa sometimes co-occur with human-pathogenic Borrelia spp. Diagnostic tests for Babesia spp. infection are rarely performed in Europe, and the medical significance of this pathogen in Europe could be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G. T. Jaenson
- Evolutionary Biology Centre, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18d, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jeremy S. Gray
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, D04 N2E5 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 11 Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Wilhelmsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 11 Jönköping, Sweden
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41
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Offei Addo S, Essah Bentil R, Olivia Ama Baako B, Ansah-Owusu J, Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah C, Behene E, Asoala V, Dunford JC, Asiedu Larbi J, Kweku Baidoo P, David Wilson M, Diclaro JW, Dadzie SK. Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of Tick Infestations in Kassena-Nankana Livestock. Vet Med Int 2024; 2024:8889907. [PMID: 38234318 PMCID: PMC10791324 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8889907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of ticks to adapt to different ecological zones, coupled with the spread of infectious pathogens negatively affects livestock production and thus, there is a need for better control strategies. However, control measures within a geographical region can only be effective if there is available information on tick population dynamics and ecology. This study focused on ticks infesting livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The ticks were morphologically identified, variables such as season, animal host, and predilection sites were recorded, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 13. Out of 448 livestock examined, tick infestation in cattle was (78.60%), followed by sheep (25%) and goats (5.88%). A total of 1,550 ticks including nymphs (303) and adults (1,247) were collected. Adult ticks were found to be significantly associated with season (p < 0.001), with a high burden in the wet season. The nymph burden and body parts of livestock hosts were significantly associated with more nymphs collected from male animals than females (p < 0.001). Three genera of ticks, Amblyomma (62.97%), Hyalomma (18.71%), and Rhipicephalus (18.32%) were morphologically identified with the most predominant tick species recorded as Amblyomma variegatum (62.97%). Matured A. variegatum was sampled primarily in the wet season with their predilection site as the udder/scrotum (p < 0.001). However, adult Hyalomma truncatum was observed to have a significant association with the anal region (p < 0.001). Findings from this study are essential for formulating tick control measures to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ronald Essah Bentil
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Jane Ansah-Owusu
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Eric Behene
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana
| | - James C. Dunford
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Asiedu Larbi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip Kweku Baidoo
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael David Wilson
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph W. Diclaro
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Detachment, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Samuel K. Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Melis S, Batisti Biffignandi G, Olivieri E, Galon C, Vicari N, Prati P, Moutailler S, Sassera D, Castelli M. High-throughput screening of pathogens in Ixodes ricinus removed from hosts in Lombardy, northern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102285. [PMID: 38035456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102285] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens in Europe, where the most impactful species is Ixodes ricinus. Recently, the geographical distribution of this tick species has been expanding, resulting in an increased risk of human exposure to tick bites. With the present study, we aimed to screen 350 I. ricinus specimens collected from humans and wild animals (mainly ungulates), to have a broader understanding of the tick-borne pathogens circulating in the Lombardy region, in northern Italy. To do so, we took advantage of a high-throughput real-time microfluidic PCR approach to screen ticks in a cost-effective and time-saving manner. Molecular analysis of the dataset revealed the presence of four genera of bacteria and two genera of protozoa: in ungulates, 77 % of collected ticks carried Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while the most common pathogen species in ticks removed from humans were those belonging to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group (7.6 %). We also detected other pathogenic microorganisms, such as Rickettisa monacensis, Rickettsia helvetica, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Babesia venatorum, and Hepatozoon martis. Besides, we also reported the presence of the pathogenic agent Borrelia miyamotoi in the area (1.4 % overall). The most common dual co-infection detected in the same tick individual involved A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. Our study provided evidence of the circulation of different tick-borne pathogens in a densely populated region in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Melis
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Olivieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clémence Galon
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Nadia Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Prati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Davide Sassera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Pavia Italy
| | - Michele Castelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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43
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Sipari S, Kiljunen M, Nylund M, Kallio ER. Identifying breeding hosts of Ixodes ricinus ticks using stable isotope analysis of their larvae - Proof of concept. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102252. [PMID: 37741086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102252] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Ticks are parasites that are dependent on their hosts for blood meal to develop and reproduce. The abundance of ticks is dependent on the availability of suitable breeding hosts, often medium- and large-sized mammals. So far there has been a shortage of direct methods identifying the breeding hosts for the female ticks. In this study, we introduce a stable isotope analysis (SIA) method that enables us to identify the trophic group of the breeding host, i.e. the host on which the tick mother fed, by sampling larval ticks from the field. We established a reference database on the stable isotope (SI) values (δ13C and δ15N) of the blood of potential tick host species, and of larvae from Ixodes ricinus females, which have fed on known hosts. By comparing the SI values from field collected larval ticks to our reference data, we can determine their most likely host species group. Our results show that the isotopic signatures of I. ricinus tick larvae reflect the diet of the breeding host of the mother tick. SIA proved reliable in categorizing the breeding hosts of I. ricinus into two distinguishable trophic groups; herbivores and carni-omnivores. To our knowledge, this is the first time that stable isotope analyses have been applied to detect transovarial (i.e. over-generational) traces of a blood meal in ticks. The method provides an efficient, novel tool for directly identifying tick breeding hosts by sampling field collected larvae. Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector of TBPs (tick-borne pathogens) in Europe, and to predict and mitigate against the future risks that TBPs pose, it is crucial to have detailed knowledge on the hosts that support tick reproduction in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saana Sipari
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Republic of Finland.
| | - Mikko Kiljunen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Republic of Finland
| | - Minna Nylund
- Animal Health and Diagnostic Unit, Finnish Food Safety Authority, Republic of Finland
| | - Eva R Kallio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Republic of Finland
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44
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Eisen RJ, Eisen L. Evaluation of the association between climate warming and the spread and proliferation of Ixodes scapularis in northern states in the Eastern United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102286. [PMID: 38016209 PMCID: PMC10884982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102286] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Ixodes scapularis (the blacklegged tick) is widely distributed in forested areas across the eastern United States. The public health impact of I. scapularis is greatest in the north, where nymphal stage ticks commonly bite humans and serve as primary vectors for multiple human pathogens. There were dramatic increases in the tick's distribution and abundance over the last half-century in the northern part of the eastern US, and climate warming is commonly mentioned as a primary driver for these changes. In this review, we summarize the evidence for the observed spread and proliferation of I. scapularis being driven by climate warming. Although laboratory and small-scale field studies have provided insights into how temperature and humidity impact survival and reproduction of I. scapularis, using these associations to predict broad-scale distribution and abundance patterns is more challenging. Numerous efforts have been undertaken to model the distribution and abundance of I. scapularis at state, regional, and global scales based on climate and landscape variables, but outcomes have been ambiguous. Across the models, the functional relationships between seasonal or annual measures of heat, cold, precipitation, or humidity and tick presence or abundance were inconsistent. The contribution of climate relative to landscape variables was poorly defined. Over the last half-century, climate warming occurred in parallel with spread and population increase of the white-tailed deer, the most important reproductive host for I. scapularis adults, in the northern part of the eastern US. There is strong evidence for white-tailed deer playing a key role to facilitate spread and proliferation of I. scapularis in the US over the last century. However, due to a lack of spatially and temporally congruent data, climate, landscape, and host variables are rarely included in the same models, thus limiting the ability to evaluate their relative contributions or interactions in defining the geographic range and abundance patterns of ticks. We conclude that the role of climate change as a key driver for geographic expansion and population increase of I. scapularis in the northern part of the eastern US over the last half-century remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States.
| | - Lars Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
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Tóth AG, Farkas R, Papp M, Kilim O, Yun H, Makrai L, Maróti G, Gyurkovszky M, Krikó E, Solymosi N. Ixodes ricinus tick bacteriome alterations based on a climatically representative survey in Hungary. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0124323. [PMID: 37966205 PMCID: PMC10715062 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01243-23] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Climate-sensitive disease vectors, such as ticks, respond to the environment with changes in their microbiome. These changes can affect the emergence or re-emergence of various vector-borne pathogens, such as the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis (LB) or tick-borne encephalitis. This aspect is particularly emphasized in light of climate change. The climatically representative assessment of microbiome differences in various developmental stages of the most common Central European tick species, Ixodes ricinus, deepens our understanding of the potential climatic factors behind microbial relative abundance and interaction changes. This knowledge can support the development of novel disease vector control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Gréta Tóth
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márton Papp
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Oz Kilim
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Haeun Yun
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Gergely Maróti
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, HUN-REN, Szeged, Hungary
- Faculty of Water Sciences, University of Public Service, Baja, Hungary
| | - Mónika Gyurkovszky
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Krikó
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Zortman I, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Arsevska E, Dub T, Van Bortel W, Lefrançois E, Vial L, Pollet T, Binot A. A social-ecological systems approach to tick bite and tick-borne disease risk management: Exploring collective action in the Occitanie region in southern France. One Health 2023; 17:100630. [PMID: 38024266 PMCID: PMC10665146 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are amongst the most important zoonotic disease vectors affecting human and animal health worldwide. Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are rapidly expanding geographically and in incidence, most notably in temperate regions of Europe where ticks are considered the principal zoonotic vector of Public Health relevance, as well as a major health and economic preoccupation in agriculture and equine industries. Tick-borne pathogen (TBP) transmission is contingent on complex, interlinked vector-pathogen-host dynamics, environmental and ecological conditions and human behavior. Tackling TBD therefore requires a better understanding of the interconnected social and ecological variables (i.e., the social-ecological system) that favor disease (re)-emergence. The One Health paradigm recognizes the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health and proposes an integrated approach to manage TBD. However, One Health interventions are limited by significant gaps in our understanding of the complex, systemic nature of TBD risk, in addition to a lack of effective, universally accepted and environmentally conscious tick control measures. Today individual prevention gestures are the most effective strategy to manage TBDs in humans and animals, making local communities important actors in TBD detection, prevention and management. Yet, how they engage and collaborate within a multi-actor TBD network has not yet been explored. Here, we argue that transdisciplinary collaborations that go beyond research, political and medical stakeholders, and extend to local community actors can aid in identifying relevant social-ecological risk indicators key for informing multi-level TBD detection, prevention and management measures. This article proposes a transdisciplinary social-ecological systems framework, based on participatory research approaches, to better understand the necessary conditions for local actor engagement to improve TBD risk. We conclude with perspectives for implementing this methodological framework in a case study in the south of France (Occitanie region), where multi-actor collaborations are mobilized to stimulate multi-actor collective action and identify relevant social-ecological indicators of TBD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyonna Zortman
- Joint Research Unit Animal, Health, Territories, Risks, Ecosystems (UMR ASTRE), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Montpellier, France
| | - Michel de Garine-Wichatitsky
- Joint Research Unit Animal, Health, Territories, Risks, Ecosystems (UMR ASTRE), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Montpellier, France
- Kasetsart University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elena Arsevska
- Joint Research Unit Animal, Health, Territories, Risks, Ecosystems (UMR ASTRE), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Montpellier, France
| | - Timothée Dub
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccination Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Unit Po Box 30. FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Wim Van Bortel
- Unit Entomology and Outbreak Research Team, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, 155, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Estelle Lefrançois
- LIRDEF, Université de Montpellier and Université Paul Valéry Montpellier, France
| | - Laurence Vial
- Joint Research Unit Animal, Health, Territories, Risks, Ecosystems (UMR ASTRE), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Montpellier, France
| | - Thomas Pollet
- Joint Research Unit Animal, Health, Territories, Risks, Ecosystems (UMR ASTRE), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélie Binot
- Joint Research Unit Animal, Health, Territories, Risks, Ecosystems (UMR ASTRE), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Montpellier, France
- Maison des Sciences de l'Homme Sud, Montpellier, France
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47
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Schantz AV, Dörge DD, Peter N, Klimpel S. The hidden threat: Exploring the parasite burden and feeding habits of invasive raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) in central Europe. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:155-166. [PMID: 37869059 PMCID: PMC10585636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Originally from Asia, the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides is an invasive alien species in Europe, listed since 2019 on the List of invasive alien species of Union concern. The raccoon dog is considered to have negative impact on native biodiversity, as well as a crucial role in hosting and transmitting diverse parasites and pathogens of human and veterinary importance. In the present study, stomach content analyses and parasitological examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany. In addition, fecal samples were analyzed. The results of the study confirm the assumption that the examined raccoon dogs were infested with a various ecto- and endoparasite fauna. A total of 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasites were detected, with 6 of the endoparasites having human pathogenic potential. Trichodectes canis (P = 53.42%), Toxocara canis (P = 50.68%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (P = 68.49%) were the most abundant parasite species. The stomach contents consisted of approximately one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components, composed of various species of amphibians, fish, insects, mammals and birds. Among them were specially protected or endangered species such as the grass frog Rana temporaria. The study shows that the raccoon dog exerts predation pressure on native species due to its omnivorous diet and, as a carrier of various parasites, poses a potential risk of infection to wild, domestic and farm animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Schantz
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt/Main, D-60439, Germany
| | - Dorian D. Dörge
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt/Main, D-60439, Germany
| | - Norbert Peter
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt/Main, D-60439, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt/Main, D-60439, Germany
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt/Main, D-60325, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Branch Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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48
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Lindsø LK, Anders JL, Viljugrein H, Herland A, Stigum VM, Easterday WR, Mysterud A. Individual heterogeneity in ixodid tick infestation and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in a northern community of small mammalian hosts. Oecologia 2023; 203:421-433. [PMID: 37955713 PMCID: PMC10684702 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05476-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Heterogeneous aggregation of parasites between individual hosts is common and regarded as an important factor in understanding transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Lyme disease is vectored by generalist tick species, yet we have a limited understanding of how individual heterogeneities within small mammal host populations affect the aggregation of ticks and likelihood of infection. Male hosts often have higher parasite and infection levels than females, but whether this is linked to sexual body size dimorphism remains uncertain. Here, we analysed how host species, sex, and body mass influenced Ixodes ricinus tick infestations and the infection prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in three species of small mammals involved in the enzootic transmission cycle of Lyme disease in Norway from 2018 to 2022. Larval and nymphal ticks were found on 98% and 34% of all individual hosts, respectively. In bank voles and wood mice, both larval and nymphal tick infestation and infection probability increased with body mass, and it increased more with mass for males than for females. Tick infestation in the common shrew increased with body mass and was higher in males, while pathogen infection was higher in females. Sex-biases in infestation did not correspond with level of sexual body mass dimorphism across species. This study contributes to our understanding of how individual heterogeneity among small mammalian hosts influences I. ricinus tick aggregation and prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. at northern latitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars K Lindsø
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1066, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jason L Anders
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1066, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hildegunn Viljugrein
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1066, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 64, NO-1431, Ås, Norway
| | - Anders Herland
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1066, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vetle M Stigum
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1066, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - W Ryan Easterday
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1066, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, P.O. Box 1066, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Torgarden, P.O. Box 5685, NO-7485, Trondheim, Norway
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49
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Jore S, Viljugrein H, Hjertqvist M, Dub T, Mäkelä H. Outdoor recreation, tick borne encephalitis incidence and seasonality in Finland, Norway and Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020/2021). Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2023; 13:2281055. [PMID: 38187169 PMCID: PMC10769561 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2023.2281055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
During the pandemic outdoor activities were encouraged to mitigate transmission risk while providing safe spaces for social interactions. Human behaviour, which may favour or disfavour, contact rates between questing ticks and humans, is a key factor impacting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) incidence. We analyzed annual and weekly TBE cases in Finland, Norway and Sweden from 2010 to 2021 to assess trend, seasonality, and discuss changes in human tick exposure imposed by COVID-19. We compared the pre-pandemic incidence (2010-2019) with the pandemic incidence (2020-2021) by fitting a generalized linear model (GLM) to incidence data. Pre-pandemic incidence was 1.0, 0.29 and 2.8 for Finland, Norway and Sweden, respectively, compared to incidence of 2.2, 1.0 and 3.9 during the pandemic years. However, there was an increasing trend for all countries across the whole study period. Therefore, we predicted the number of cases in 2020/2021 based on a model fitted to the annual cases in 2010-2019. The incidences during the pandemic were 1.3 times higher for Finland, 1.7 times higher for Norway and no difference for Sweden. When social restrictions were enforced to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 there were profound changes in outdoor recreational behavior. Future consideration of public health interventions that promote outdoor activities may increase exposure to vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Jore
- Zoonotic, Food & Waterborne Infections, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Hildegunn Viljugrein
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Norway
| | - Marika Hjertqvist
- Department of Communicable Disease Control and Health Protection, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Timothée Dub
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henna Mäkelä
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
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50
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Hills SL, Poehling KA, Chen WH, Staples JE. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2023. MMWR Recomm Rep 2023; 72:1-29. [PMID: 37943707 PMCID: PMC10651317 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7205a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is focally endemic in parts of Europe and Asia. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans by the bites of infected Ixodes species ticks but can also be acquired less frequently by alimentary transmission. Other rare modes of transmission include through breastfeeding, blood transfusion, solid organ transplantation, and slaughtering of viremic animals. TBE virus can cause acute neurologic disease, which usually results in hospitalization, often permanent neurologic or cognitive sequelae, and sometimes death. TBE virus infection is a risk for certain travelers and for laboratory workers who work with the virus. In August 2021, the Food and Drug Administration approved Ticovac TBE vaccine for use among persons aged ≥1 year. This report summarizes the epidemiology of and risks for infection with TBE virus, provides information on the immunogenicity and safety of TBE vaccine, and summarizes the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for use of TBE vaccine among U.S. travelers and laboratory workers. The risk for TBE for most U.S. travelers to areas where the disease is endemic is very low. The risk for exposure to infected ticks is highest for persons who are in areas where TBE is endemic during the main TBE virus transmission season of April–November and who are planning to engage in recreational activities in woodland habitats or who might be occupationally exposed. All persons who travel to areas where TBE is endemic should be advised to take precautions to avoid tick bites and to avoid the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products because alimentary transmission of TBE virus can occur. TBE vaccine can further reduce infection risk and might be indicated for certain persons who are at higher risk for TBE. The key factors in the risk-benefit assessment for vaccination are likelihood of exposure to ticks based on activities and itinerary (e.g., location, rurality, season, and duration of travel or residence). Other risk-benefit considerations should include 1) the rare occurrence of TBE but its potentially high morbidity and mortality, 2) the higher risk for severe disease among certain persons (e.g., older persons aged ≥60 years), 3) the availability of an effective vaccine, 4) the possibility but low probability of serious adverse events after vaccination, 5) the likelihood of future travel to areas where TBE is endemic, and 6) personal perception and tolerance of risk ACIP recommends TBE vaccine for U.S. persons who are moving or traveling to an area where the disease is endemic and will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary. Extensive exposure can be considered based on the duration of travel and frequency of exposure and might include shorter-term (e.g., <1 month) travelers with daily or frequent exposure or longer-term travelers with regular (e.g., a few times a month) exposure to environments that might harbor infected ticks. In addition, TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas where ticks are likely to be found, with a decision to vaccinate made on the basis of an assessment of their planned activities and itinerary, risk factors for a poor medical outcome, and personal perception and tolerance of risk. In the laboratory setting, ACIP recommends TBE vaccine for laboratory workers with a potential for exposure to TBE virus
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