1
|
Borowski S, Viljoen A, D'Hanis L, Mahabir S, Geurden T. Evaluation of the efficacy of Simparica Trio ® in the prevention of the transmission of Babesia canis by infected Dermacentor reticulatus to dogs. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:51. [PMID: 38308372 PMCID: PMC10836058 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06115-2] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia canis is a clinically relevant vector-borne pathogen in dogs, and its presence is expanding. The efficacy of Simparica Trio® (Zoetis) in the prevention of B. canis transmission was evaluated at the minimum recommended label dose of 1.2 mg/kg sarolaner, 24 µg/kg moxidectin and 5 mg/kg pyrantel per kg bodyweight. METHODS Twenty-four (24) dogs were randomly allocated to either a placebo-treated group or one of two treatment groups with Simparica Trio. Dogs were infested with B. canis-infected Dermacentor reticulatus ticks 21 or 28 days after treatment administration. Blood samples for antibody and DNA detection were collected from each dog prior to tick infestation until 28 days after infestation. A dog was defined as being B. canis positive if it tested positive by both an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and PCR at any time during the study. RESULTS No treatment-related adverse reactions were recorded during the study. All placebo-treated animals displayed clinical signs due to babesiosis and tested positive on both IFA and PCR. None of the Simparica Trio-treated animals displayed any clinical symptoms or tested positive, resulting in a 100% efficacy in the prevention of canine babesiosis (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS A single treatment with Simparica Trio at the minimum recommended label dose of 1.2 mg/kg sarolaner, 24 µg/kg moxidectin and 5 mg/kg pyrantel per kg bodyweight prevents the transmission of B. canis by infected D. reticulatus to dogs for at least 28 days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stasia Borowski
- Zoetis Belgium SA, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, Mercuriusstraat 20, 1930, Zaventem, Belgium.
| | - Alta Viljoen
- Clinvet International, Uitzich Road, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, 9338, South Africa
| | - Lina D'Hanis
- Zoetis Belgium SA, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, Mercuriusstraat 20, 1930, Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Sean Mahabir
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, 333 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Thomas Geurden
- Zoetis Belgium SA, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, Mercuriusstraat 20, 1930, Zaventem, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bauer BU, Knittler MR, Andrack J, Berens C, Campe A, Christiansen B, Fasemore AM, Fischer SF, Ganter M, Körner S, Makert GR, Matthiesen S, Mertens-Scholz K, Rinkel S, Runge M, Schulze-Luehrmann J, Ulbert S, Winter F, Frangoulidis D, Lührmann A. Interdisciplinary studies on Coxiella burnetii: From molecular to cellular, to host, to one health research. Int J Med Microbiol 2023; 313:151590. [PMID: 38056089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2023.151590] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Q-GAPS (Q fever GermAn interdisciplinary Program for reSearch) consortium was launched in 2017 as a German consortium of more than 20 scientists with exceptional expertise, competence, and substantial knowledge in the field of the Q fever pathogen Coxiella (C.) burnetii. C. burnetii exemplifies as a zoonotic pathogen the challenges of zoonotic disease control and prophylaxis in human, animal, and environmental settings in a One Health approach. An interdisciplinary approach to studying the pathogen is essential to address unresolved questions about the epidemiology, immunology, pathogenesis, surveillance, and control of C. burnetii. In more than five years, Q-GAPS has provided new insights into pathogenicity and interaction with host defense mechanisms. The consortium has also investigated vaccine efficacy and application in animal reservoirs and identified expanded phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of C. burnetii and their epidemiological significance. In addition, conceptual principles for controlling, surveilling, and preventing zoonotic Q fever infections were developed and prepared for specific target groups. All findings have been continuously integrated into a Web-based, interactive, freely accessible knowledge and information platform (www.q-gaps.de), which also contains Q fever guidelines to support public health institutions in controlling and preventing Q fever. In this review, we will summarize our results and show an example of how an interdisciplinary consortium provides knowledge and better tools to control a zoonotic pathogen at the national level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin U Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael R Knittler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jennifer Andrack
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Berens
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, (IBEI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bahne Christiansen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Akinyemi M Fasemore
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany; University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ZB MED - Information Centre for Life Science, Cologne, Germany
| | - Silke F Fischer
- Landesgesundheitsamt Baden-Württemberg, Ministerium für Soziales, Gesundheit und Integration, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophia Körner
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gustavo R Makert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Svea Matthiesen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Sven Rinkel
- Institut für Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Schulze-Luehrmann
- Institut für Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Fenja Winter
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, (IBEI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Frangoulidis
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany; Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters VI-2, Medical Intelligence & Information, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Lührmann
- Institut für Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de la Fuente J, Estrada-Peña A, Rafael M, Almazán C, Bermúdez S, Abdelbaset AE, Kasaija PD, Kabi F, Akande FA, Ajagbe DO, Bamgbose T, Ghosh S, Palavesam A, Hamid PH, Oskam CL, Egan SL, Duarte-Barbosa A, Hekimoğlu O, Szabó MPJ, Labruna MB, Dahal A. Perception of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Worldwide. Pathogens 2023; 12:1258. [PMID: 37887774 PMCID: PMC10610181 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this comprehensive review study, we addressed the challenge posed by ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) with growing incidence affecting human and animal health worldwide. Data and perspectives were collected from different countries and regions worldwide, including America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The results updated the current situation with ticks and TBD and how it is perceived by society with information bias and gaps. The study reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary and international collaborations to advance in the surveillance, communication and proposed future directions to address these challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group in Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Rafael
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
| | - Consuelo Almazán
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonóma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Bermúdez
- Medical Entomology Research Department, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Research, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama;
| | - Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Sapporo 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Paul D. Kasaija
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Fredrick Kabi
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Foluke Adedayo Akande
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Dorcas Oluwakemi Ajagbe
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, College of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Timothy Bamgbose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Kings University, Ode-Omu City 221102, Osun State, Nigeria;
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
- IVRI-Eastern Regional Station, 37, Belgachia Road, Kolkata 700037, West Bengal, India
| | - Azhahianambi Palavesam
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Penny H. Hamid
- Department of Animal Science, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia;
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Siobhon L. Egan
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Amanda Duarte-Barbosa
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Olcay Hekimoğlu
- Division of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara 06800, Turkey;
| | - Matias P. J. Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia 38400-902, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-220, Brazil;
| | - Ananta Dahal
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan 44200, Nepal;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ionita M, Leica L, Wassermann M, Mitrea E, Nicorescu IM, Mitrea IL. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Canine Babesiosis Causative Agent Babesia canis in Naturally Infected Dogs in the Dobrogea Area (Southeastern Romania). Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1354. [PMID: 37374136 DOI: 10.3390/life13061354] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease of major veterinary concern in Europe. Its prevalence has increased in the last two decades and is spreading rapidly toward the north. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of Babesia spp. strains isolated from naturally infected dogs in a tick-endemic area (Dobrogea) in southeastern Romania. For this purpose, a total of twenty-three samples from dogs diagnosed with various clinical forms of babesiosis, evaluated by means of clinical history, physical examination, and hematological tests, were subjected to a molecular investigation using PCR, sequencing analysis, and genetic characterization. A microscopic examination of thin Diff-quick-stained blood smears revealed large intra-erythrocytic Babesia piroplasms in all dogs. The PCR and sequencing analysis results indicated the presence of Babesia canis in 22 dogs (95.7%) and Babesia vogeli in 1 dog (4.3%). Among the B. canis isolates, two genotypes were distinguished based on two nucleotide substitutions (GA→AG) observed in the 18S rRNA gene sequences (at positions 609 and 610), with the AG genotype predominating (54.5% of samples), while the GA variant was identified in 9.1% of samples. In the remaining isolates (36.4%), both variants were identified. The B. vogeli-positive dog also tested positive for antibodies against Ehrlichia canis and displayed severe disease. This study reports, for the first time, the presence of genetically heterogenic B. canis strains in dogs with clinical babesiosis in Romania. These findings provide a basis for future studies on the relationship between the genetic structure of the causative agents of canine babesiosis in Romania and the course of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ionita
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases & Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 11464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laurentiu Leica
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases & Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 11464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marion Wassermann
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Emanuel Mitrea
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases & Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 11464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Isabela Madalina Nicorescu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases & Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 11464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioan Liviu Mitrea
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases & Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 11464 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rubel F, Kahl O. The Eurasian shrew and vole tick Ixodes trianguliceps: geographical distribution, climate preference, and pathogens detected. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s10493-023-00797-0. [PMID: 37160597 PMCID: PMC10293386 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The Eurasian shrew and vole tick Ixodes trianguliceps Birula lives in the nests and burrows of its small mammalian hosts and is-along with larvae and nymphs of Ixodes ricinus or Ixodes persulcatus-one of the most commonly collected tick species from these hosts in its Eurasian range. Ixodes trianguliceps is a proven vector of Babesia microti. In this study, up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution and the climate preference of I. trianguliceps are presented. A dataset was compiled, resulting in 1161 georeferenced locations in Eurasia. This data set covers the entire range of I. trianguliceps for the first time. The distribution area between 8[Formula: see text] W-105[Formula: see text] E and 40-69[Formula: see text] N extends from Northern Spain to Western Siberia. To investigate the climate adaptation of I. trianguliceps, the georeferenced locations were superimposed on a high-resolution map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The Köppen profile for I. trianguliceps, i.e., a frequency distribution of the tick occurrence under different climates, shows two peaks related to the following climates: warm temperate with precipitation all year round (Cfb), and boreal with warm or cold summers and precipitation all year round (Dfb, Dfc). Almost 97% of all known I. trianguliceps locations are related to these climates. Thus, I. trianguliceps prefers climates with warm or cold summers without dry periods. Cold winters do not limit the distribution of this nidicolous tick species, which has been recorded in the European Alps and the Caucasus Mountains up to altitudes of 2400 m. Conversely, I. trianguliceps does not occur in the Mediterranean area with its hot and dry summers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ebert CL, Söder L, Kubinski M, Glanz J, Gregersen E, Dümmer K, Grund D, Wöhler AS, Könenkamp L, Liebig K, Knoll S, Hellhammer F, Topp AK, Becher P, Springer A, Strube C, Nagel-Kohl U, Nordhoff M, Steffen I, Bauer BU, Ganter M, Feige K, Becker SC, Boelke M. Detection and Characterization of Alongshan Virus in Ticks and Tick Saliva from Lower Saxony, Germany with Serological Evidence for Viral Transmission to Game and Domestic Animals. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030543. [PMID: 36985117 PMCID: PMC10055853 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The newly discovered group of Jingmenviruses has been shown to infect a wide range of hosts and has been associated with febrile illness in humans. During a survey for Jingmenviruses in ticks from Lower Saxony, Germany, Alongshan virus (ALSV) was identified in Ixodes spp. ticks. Additional virus screenings revealed the presence of ALSV in the bodies and saliva of ticks collected at several locations in Lower Saxony. Vector competence studies that included Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus validated the replication of ALSV within those tick species. In vitro feeding experiments with ALSV-injected Ixodes ricinus demonstrated effective viral transmission during blood feeding. To evaluate the potential viral transmission during a natural blood meal, sera from wild game and domestic animals were investigated. One serum sample from a red deer was found to be positive for ALSV RNA, while serological screenings in game and domestic animals revealed the presence of ALSV-specific antibodies at different locations in Lower Saxony. Overall, those results demonstrate the broad distribution of ALSV in ticks in Lower Saxony and hypothesize frequent exposure to animals based on serological investigations. Hence, its potential risk to human and animal health requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cara Leonie Ebert
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Lars Söder
- Institute of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Mareike Kubinski
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Julien Glanz
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Eva Gregersen
- Institute of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Katrin Dümmer
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Domenic Grund
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Ann-Sophie Wöhler
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Laura Könenkamp
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Katrin Liebig
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Steffen Knoll
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Fanny Hellhammer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Topp
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Paul Becher
- Institute of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Uschi Nagel-Kohl
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hanover, Germany
| | - Marcel Nordhoff
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Oldenburg, Philosophenweg 38, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Imke Steffen
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ulrich Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 9, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Stefanie C. Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.C.B.); (M.B.); Tel.: +49-511-953-8717 (S.C.B.)
| | - Mathias Boelke
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.C.B.); (M.B.); Tel.: +49-511-953-8717 (S.C.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Probst J, Springer A, Strube C. Year-round tick exposure of dogs and cats in Germany and Austria: results from a tick collection study. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:70. [PMID: 36797779 PMCID: PMC9933410 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks and tick-borne diseases play a major role in companion animal health. Additionally, the European tick fauna is changing, for instance due to the spread of Dermacentor reticulatus, displaying a higher likelihood of winter activity than Ixodes ricinus. Therefore, we investigated current tick infestations in dogs and cats in Germany and in parts of Austria and the seasonal infestation risk. METHODS Overall, 219 veterinary practices were invited to collect ticks from cats and dogs on a monthly basis. Ticks were morphologically identified and female I. ricinus specimens were measured to estimate attachment duration. RESULTS In total, 19,514 ticks, 17,789 (91.2%) from Germany and 1506 (7.7%) from Austria, were received between March 2020 and October 2021, with 10,287 specimens (52.7%) detached from dogs, 8005 from cats (41.0%) and 1222 from other species (6.3%). In Germany, the most common tick species collected from dogs were I. ricinus (78.0%) and D. reticulatus (18.8%), while cats mainly harboured I. ricinus (91.3%) and I. hexagonus (5.5%) and only few D. reticulatus (0.6%). In Austria, collected I. ricinus reached similar proportions in dogs (90.4%) and cats (95.3%), followed by D. reticulatus in both dogs (5.2%) and cats (1.5%), with I. hexagonus (0.9%) collected only marginally from cats. The average infestation intensity amounted to 1.62 ticks/dog and 1.88 ticks/cat. The single to multiple infestation ratio was 79.1% to 20.9% in dogs and 69.0% to 31.0% in cats, with cats being significantly more often multiple infested than dogs, while the proportion of mixed-species infestations was 2.0% for both dogs and cats. The average attachment duration of female I. ricinus specimens amounted to 78.76 h for dogs and 82.73 h for cats. Furthermore, year-round tick exposure was confirmed, with 108 D. reticulatus and 70 I. ricinus received on average per month during December 2020 to February 2021. CONCLUSIONS The study shows a year-round tick infestation risk, with activity of both D. reticulatus and I. ricinus during winter, and confirms the widespread occurrence of D. reticulatus in Germany. Additionally, long average attachment durations and frequent multiple infestations underline the need for adequate year-round tick control, even during the winter months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Probst
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rubel F, Zaenker S, Weigand A, Weber D, Chitimia-Dobler L, Kahl O. Atlas of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) in Germany: 1st data update. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:251-274. [PMID: 36928533 PMCID: PMC10020077 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00784-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The first data update of the atlas of ticks in Germany published in 2021 is presented here. This atlas provides maps based on georeferenced tick locations of 21 species endemic in Germany as well as three tick species that are regularly imported to Germany. The data update includes the following numbers of newly georeferenced tick locations: 17 Argas reflexus, 79 Carios vespertilionis, 2 Dermacentor marginatus, 43 Dermacentor reticulatus, 4 Haemaphysalis concinna, 3 Haemaphysalis punctata, 3 Hyalomma rufipes, 3 Ixodes apronophorus, 9 Ixodes arboricola, 1 Ixodes ariadnae, 30 Ixodes canisuga, 3 Ixodes frontalis, 80 Ixodes hexagonus, 3 Ixodes lividus, 497 Ixodes ricinus/inopinatus, 1 Ixodes rugicollis, 17 Ixodes trianguliceps, 14 Ixodes vespertilionis, and 45 Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Old and new tick findings were mapped, such as the northernmost occurrence of D. marginatus in Germany observed in 2021, but also the historical records from the first descriptions of I. apronophorus and I. arboricola, which were georeferenced here for the first time. The digital dataset of tick locations available for Germany is supplemented by 854 new tick locations. These records increase the number of tick species mapped in the federal states Bavaria, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg Western Pomerania by five each, those in Berlin and Schleswig-Holstein by four each, those in Hamburg by three, those in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bremen, Lower Saxony, Northrhine-Westphalia, Rhineland Palatinate and Thuringia by two each, and those in Hesse, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt by one each. Thus, the first data update of the tick atlas in Germany and the underlying digital dataset significantly improve our knowledge of the distribution of these tick species and helps to investigate the effects of climate change and habitat changes on them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Stefan Zaenker
- Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research, Fulda, Germany
| | - Alexander Weigand
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Fondation Faune-Flore, Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Dieter Weber
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Fondation Faune-Flore, Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Martin JT, Fischhoff IR, Castellanos AA, Han BA. Ecological Predictors of Zoonotic Vector Status Among Dermacentor Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae): A Trait-Based Approach. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:2158-2166. [PMID: 36066562 PMCID: PMC9667724 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Increasing incidence of tick-borne human diseases and geographic range expansion of tick vectors elevates the importance of research on characteristics of tick species that transmit pathogens. Despite their global distribution and role as vectors of pathogens such as Rickettsia spp., ticks in the genus Dermacentor Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) have recently received less attention than ticks in the genus Ixodes Latreille, 1795 (Acari: Ixodidae). To address this knowledge gap, we compiled an extensive database of Dermacentor tick traits, including morphological characteristics, host range, and geographic distribution. Zoonotic vector status was determined by compiling information about zoonotic pathogens found in Dermacentor species derived from primary literature and data repositories. We trained a machine learning algorithm on this data set to assess which traits were the most important predictors of zoonotic vector status. Our model successfully classified vector species with ~84% accuracy (mean AUC) and identified two additional Dermacentor species as potential zoonotic vectors. Our results suggest that Dermacentor species that are most likely to be zoonotic vectors are broad ranging, both in terms of the range of hosts they infest and the range of ecoregions across which they are found, and also tend to have large hypostomes and be small-bodied as immature ticks. Beyond the patterns we observed, high spatial and species-level resolution of this new, synthetic dataset has the potential to support future analyses of public health relevance, including species distribution modeling and predictive analytics, to draw attention to emerging or newly identified Dermacentor species that warrant closer monitoring for zoonotic pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilya R Fischhoff
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Box AB, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | | | - Barbara A Han
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Box AB, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rubel F, Dautel H, Nijhof AM, Kahl O. Ticks in the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102029. [PMID: 35987114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
A high-resolution city map showing the geographic distribution of 12 tick species (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) that have been recorded from the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany is presented. A total of 237 tick locations was mapped. These include ten ixodid tick species: Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Hyalomma rufipes, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes arboricola, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes trianguliceps and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The two tick species Hy. rufipes and R. sanguineus s.l. are not endemic to Berlin. Hyalomma rufipes ticks are introduced in Europe with migratory birds from Africa every spring. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. are introduced to Central Europe with dogs that had travelled to or were imported from countries where this tick is endemic. In Germany, they are able to develop and reproduce inside heated buildings. Occurrences of two soft tick species, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus and the short-legged bat tick Carios vespertilionis were also mapped. Other tick species that are likely to be endemic to Berlin and its environs, but for which documented findings or geographical coordinates are lacking, are mentioned. These include the long-legged bat tick I. vespertilionis and the marten tick I. rugicollis documented in Brandenburg, the federal state surrounding Berlin. It can be assumed that if appropriate field studies are carried out, these tick species will also be found in the metropolitan area of Berlin. The high-resolution mapping of all tick species found in a city (like Berlin) forms the basis for further investigations into the impact of climate change and changing land use on ticks and tick-borne diseases, precisely in those habitats where most people will live in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Răileanu C, Tauchmann O, Silaghi C. Sympatric occurrence of Ixodes ricinus with Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis concinna and the associated tick-borne pathogens near the German Baltic coast. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:65. [PMID: 35193661 PMCID: PMC8862291 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05173-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ixodid ticks from the Northern Hemisphere have registered a northward expansion in recent years, and Dermacentor reticulatus is such an example in Europe, its expansion being considered a result of climate change alongside other factors. The aim of this study was to identify the composition of questing tick species and the associated pathogens at different sites near the German Baltic coast. Methods Questing ticks were collected monthly at four sites (May–November, 2020), mainly grasslands, and in October and November 2020 at a fifth site. Molecular screening of ticks for pathogens included RT-qPCR for the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), qPCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, PCR for Babesia species and Rickettsia species, and nested PCR for Borrelia species. Results Altogether 1174 questing ticks were collected: 760 Ixodes ricinus, 326 D. reticulatus and 88 Haemaphysalis concinna. The highest activity peak of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus was in May, in June for H. concinna while a second peak was observed only for I. ricinus and D. reticulatus in September and October, respectively. All samples tested negative for TBEV. For A. phagocytophilum, 1.5% of I. ricinus adults tested positive while the minimum infection rate (MIR) in nymphs was 1.3%. This pathogen was found in 0.6% of D. reticulatus. Babesia spp. were detected in I. ricinus (18.2% adults, 2.1% MIR in nymphs) and H. concinna (13.3% adults, 9.7% MIR in nymphs). Borrelia spp. were present only in I. ricinus (49.1% adults, 11.9% MIR in nymphs), while Rickettsia spp. were detected in I. ricinus (14% adults, 8.9% MIR in nymphs) and D. reticulatus (82%). Co-detection of pathogens was observed in 26.6% and 54.8% of positive I. ricinus adults and nymph pools, respectively, while one D. reticulatus tested positive for A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. The most common co-infection in I. ricinus adults was Babesia microti and Borrelia afzelii (12.3% of positive ticks). Conclusions The results of this study confirm the northern expansion of D. reticulatus and H. concinna in Germany. The detailed data of the infection levels at each location could be useful in assessing the risk of pathogen acquisition following a tick bite. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05173-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Răileanu
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Oliver Tauchmann
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany. .,Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Domstraße 11, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rubel F, Brugger K. Maps of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) for Austria and South Tyrol, Italy. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 86:211-233. [PMID: 35050437 PMCID: PMC8858313 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00688-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A first compilation of georeferenced tick locations in Austria and South Tyrol, Italy, is presented here. This allows the tick fauna to be examined in the various climatic regions of the European Alps. The dataset comprises 424 tick locations of Austria and 48 tick locations of South Tyrol, which were digitized from literature and visualized in the form of geographical maps. The tick fauna of Austria includes two species of Argasidae in the genera Argas and Carios and 15 species of Ixodidae in the genera Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, altogether 17 tick species. In addition, two species of Ixodidae in the genera Hyalomma (each spring imported by migratory birds) and Rhipicephalus (occasionally imported by dogs returning from abroad with their owners) are included in the tick atlas. Of these, the georeferenced locations of 18 tick species are depicted in maps. The occurrence of the one remaining tick species, Ixodes inopinatus, is given at the level of the federal states. The first Austrian distribution map of the long-legged bat tick Ixodes vespertilionis, which was reported from 21 caves, deserves special mention. The most common and widespread tick species is Ixodes ricinus, with records in all nine federal states of Austria, followed by Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, and I. vespertilionis in six federal states each. Haemaphysalis concinna and Dermacentor reticulatus are only endemic in the eastern plains, while Dermacentor marginatus only occurs in the west, in the Tyrolean Alpine valleys. Eight tick species were reported from South Tyrol, Italy. There, the most frequently flagged tick from the vegetation is also I. ricinus, while D. marginatus and Haemaphysalis punctata are often collected from sheep. The locations are shown together with those from North and East Tyrol on a separate Tyrol map. The tick atlas in Austria and South Tyrol as well as the underlying digital dataset in the supplement contribute to the closing of data gaps in global distribution maps of ticks and improve the data basis for new species distribution models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Brugger
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sun R, Chang R, Yu T, Wang D, Jiang L. U-Net Modelling-Based Imaging MAP Score for Tl Stage Nephrectomy: An Exploratory Study. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:1084853. [PMID: 35035806 PMCID: PMC8754594 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1084853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We evaluate the stability of the clinical application of the MAP scoring system based on anatomical features of renal tumour images, explore the relevance of this scoring system to the choice of surgical procedure for patients with limited renal tumours, and investigate the effectiveness of automated segmentation and reconstruction 3D models of renal tumour images based on U-net for interpretative cognitive navigation during laparoscopy Tl stage radical renal tumour cancer surgery. A total of 5 000 kidney tumour images containing manual annotations were applied to the training set, and a stable and efficient full CNN algorithm model oriented to clinical needs was constructed to regionalism and multistructure and to finely automate segmentation of kidney tumour images, output modelling information in STL format, and apply a tablet computer to intraoperatively display the Tl stage kidney tumour model for cognitive navigation. Based on a training sample of MR images from 201 patients with stage Tl renal tumour cancer, an adaptation of the classical U-net allows individual segmentation of important structures such as renal tumours and 3D visualisation to visualise the structural relationships and the extent of tumour invasion at key surgical sites. The preoperative CT and clinical data of 225 patients with limited renal tumours treated surgically at our hospital from August 2011 to August 2012 were retrospectively analysed by three imaging physicians using the MAP scoring system for the total score and the variables R (maximum diameter), E (exogenous/endogenous), N (distance from the renal sinus), A (ventral/dorsal), L (relationship along the longitudinal axis of the kidney), and h (whether in contact with the renal hilum). The score for each variable (contact with the renal hilum) was statistically compared with each other for the three observers. Patients were divided into three groups according to the total score-low, medium, and high-and according to the surgical procedure-radical and partial resection. The correlation between the total score and the score of each variable and the choice of surgical procedure was analysed. The agreement rate of the total score and the score of each variable for all three observers was over 90% (P ≤ 0.001). The map scoring system based on the anatomical features of renal tumour imaging was well stabilized, and the scores were significantly correlated with the surgical approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Sun
- Imaging Department Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui 053000, China
| | - Ruiting Chang
- Imaging Department Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui 053000, China
| | - Tianshu Yu
- Imaging Department Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui 053000, China
| | - Dongxin Wang
- Imaging Department Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui 053000, China
| | - Lijie Jiang
- Imaging Department Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui 053000, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sands BO, Bryer KE, Wall R. Climate and the seasonal abundance of the tick Dermacentor reticulatus. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:434-441. [PMID: 33942903 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Fabricius 1794) is one of the most widely distributed and abundant tick species in central Europe and is a vector for a range of pathogens. Nevertheless, many aspects of its ecology and distribution remain poorly understood. To quantify the seasonal abundance of this species in the U.K. and the environmental factors that determine this, weekly sampling at sites throughout Wales and southern England was undertaken for 12 months. This showed that the activity of adult D. reticulatus peaked February and March and that no individuals were collected between May and mid-October; no questing tick activity was observed when the 5-day average temperature was greater than 15 °C. A single nymph was collected by dragging, confirming speculation over the nidicolous status of larval and nymphal stadia. Laboratory analysis found that D. reticulatus were able survive cold shock and the lower lethal temperature was estimated to be between -18 and -20 °C. Habitat was significantly associated with tick activity, with higher numbers of ticks collected from low lying vegetation in marsh environments than from exposed grassland or woodland. A strong association was observed between activity and saturation deficit suggesting that the seasonal pattern of activity seen in the field, within the sites where it was abundant, is more strongly determined by temperature than humidity. Range expansion within the U.K. should be expected, bringing with it an elevated disease risk for animal and human hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B O Sands
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - K E Bryer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - R Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rubel F, Brugger K, Chitimia-Dobler L, Dautel H, Meyer-Kayser E, Kahl O. Atlas of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) in Germany. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 84:183-214. [PMID: 33939100 PMCID: PMC8102463 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00619-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
An updated and increased compilation of georeferenced tick locations in Germany is presented here. This data collection extends the dataset published some years ago by another 1448 new tick locations, 900 locations of which were digitized from literature and 548 locations are published here for the first time. This means that a total of 3492 georeferenced tick locations is now available for Germany. The tick fauna of Germany includes two species of Argasidae in the genera Argas and Carios and 19 species of Ixodidae in the genera Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, altogether 21 tick species. In addition, three species of Ixodidae in the genera Hyalomma (each spring imported by migratory birds) and Rhipicephalus (occasionally imported by dogs returning from abroad with their owners) are included in the tick atlas. Of these, the georeferenced locations of 23 tick species are depicted in maps. The occurrence of the one remaining tick species, the recently described Ixodes inopinatus, is given at the level of the federal states. The most common and widespread tick species is Ixodes ricinus, with records in all 16 federal states. With the exception of Hamburg, Dermacentor reticulatus was also found in all federal states. The occurrence of the ixodid ticks Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes hexagonus and I. inopinatus were documented in at least 11 federal states each. The two mentioned argasid tick species were also documented in numerous federal states, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus in 11 and the bat tick Carios vespertilionis in seven federal states. The atlas of ticks in Germany and the underlying digital dataset in the supplement can be used to improve global tick maps or to study the effects of climate change and habitat alteration on the distribution of tick species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Obiegala A, Arnold L, Pfeffer M, Kiefer M, Kiefer D, Sauter-Louis C, Silaghi C. Host-parasite interactions of rodent hosts and ectoparasite communities from different habitats in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:112. [PMID: 33596984 PMCID: PMC7890891 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04615-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small mammals are important maintenance hosts of ectoparasites as well as reservoir hosts for many arthropod-borne pathogens. In Germany, only a few studies have investigated ectoparasite communities on small mammals in their natural habitats. The aim of this study was to assess the species diversity and parameters influencing the mean intensity and prevalence of macroscopically visible ectoparasites, such as fleas, predatory mites and ticks. Methods A total of 779 small mammals and 3383 ticks were available from earlier investigations for the data analysis of the current study from three differently structured study sites. In addition, fleas and predatory mites were collected from the captured rodents and taxonomically identified. Regression analyses were conducted on the group (ticks/mites/fleas) and species levels using hurdle models for the abundance of ectoparasite groups and a negative binomial model for the abundance of species. Results Nearly 90% of the small mammals analyzed were infested with ectoparasites, with an average of 7.3 specimens per host. Hosts were infested with up to six species of ectoparasites simultaneously. In total, 12 flea, 11 mite and three tick species were detected. Ticks were more prevalent than fleas or mites, with > 80% of the hosts in urban and forest areas hosting ticks and around 60% of hosts presenting fleas, and only 20–40% of hosts presenting mites. Polyparasitism had a statistically significant influence on the prevalence of the investigated tick, mite and flea species, with odds ratios of > 1.0. Trapping location, season and host characteristics had significant influences on some—but not all—of the investigated species. Conclusions The diversity of flea species was unexpectedly high and higher than that reported in comparable studies, which can be explained by the differently structured habitats and regions examined in this study. Polyparasitism was a key influencing factor and had a positive effect on the prevalence and/or abundance of the predominant tick, flea and mite species occurring on small mammals. Season, trapping location, host species and sex of the host species also had an influence on the prevalence and mean intensity of certain, but not all, ectoparasite species.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. .,Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Leonie Arnold
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Kiefer
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Riems, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Riems, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Drehmann M, Springer A, Lindau A, Fachet K, Mai S, Thoma D, Schneider CR, Chitimia-Dobler L, Bröker M, Dobler G, Mackenstedt U, Strube C. The Spatial Distribution of Dermacentor Ticks (Ixodidae) in Germany-Evidence of a Continuing Spread of Dermacentor reticulatus. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:578220. [PMID: 33088837 PMCID: PMC7544815 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.578220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In Europe, two tick species of the genus Dermacentor occur, Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus. When the spatial distribution of both species in Germany was studied comprehensively for the first time in 1976, D. marginatus populations were recorded along the Rhine and Main river valleys in southwestern Germany, while D. reticulatus was very rare. In the last 50 years, however, a considerable range expansion of D. reticulatus has been noted in several European countries. To assess the current distribution of Dermacentor spp. in Germany, citizens were asked to send in ticks suspected to belong to the genus Dermacentor or that were of “unusual” appearance. From February 2019 until February 2020, 3,902 Dermacentor ticks were received in total. Of those, 15.48% (604/3,902) were identified as D. marginatus and 84.24% (3,287/3,902) as D. reticulatus, while 11 specimens could not be identified to species level. The majority of D. reticulatus specimens was collected from dogs (1,212/2,535; 47.12%), while D. marginatus was mostly collected from horses (184/526; 34.98%). Our results confirm that the adults of both Dermacentor species are active all year round. D. reticulatus specimens were sent in from all federal states except the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, while D. marginatus specimens were only received from locations in southwestern Germany. Overall, data obtained from this citizen-science study show that D. reticulatus has significantly expanded its range, especially in northern Germany. Regarding D. marginatus, new locations northwest of the previous range were detected, although the distribution has remained rather stable as compared to D. reticulatus. The spread of D. reticulatus, the vector of Babesia canis, is of major importance for veterinarians and dog owners in terms of canine babesiosis outbreaks or endemization in hitherto B. canis-free areas. Thus, veterinarians and veterinary students need to be informed about the new situation to be able to give adequate advice to dog owners on the extended D. reticulatus range and appropriate control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Drehmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Alexander Lindau
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Katrin Fachet
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sabrina Mai
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dorothea Thoma
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Carina R Schneider
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.,Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Gerhard Dobler
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.,Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rubel F, Brugger K, Belova OA, Kholodilov IS, Didyk YM, Kurzrock L, García-Pérez AL, Kahl O. Vectors of disease at the northern distribution limit of the genus Dermacentor in Eurasia: D. reticulatus and D. silvarum. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 82:95-123. [PMID: 32815071 PMCID: PMC7471206 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The two ixodid tick species Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius) and Dermacentor silvarum Olenev occur at the northern distribution limit of the genus Dermacentor in Eurasia, within the belt of [Formula: see text] latitude. Whilst the distribution area of D. reticulatus extends from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to Western Siberia, that of D. silvarum extends from Western Siberia to the Pacific coast. In Western Siberia, the distribution areas of the two Dermacentor species overlap. Although the two tick species are important vectors of disease, detailed information concerning the entire distribution area, climate adaptation, and proven vector competence is still missing. A dataset was compiled, resulting in 2188 georeferenced D. reticulatus and 522 D. silvarum locations. Up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution and climate adaptation of the two Dermacentor species are presented. To investigate the climate adaptation of the two tick species, the georeferenced locations were superimposed on a high-resolution map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The frequency distribution of D. reticulatus under different climates shows two major peaks related to the following climates: warm temperate with precipitation all year round (57%) and boreal with precipitation all year round (40%). The frequency distribution of D. silvarum shows also two major peaks related to boreal climates with precipitation all year round (30%) and boreal winter dry climates (60%). Dermacentor silvarum seems to be rather flexible concerning summer temperatures, which can range from cool to hot. In climates with cool summers D. reticulatus does not occur, it prefers warm and to a lesser extent hot summers. Lists are given in this paper for cases of proven vector competence for various agents of both Dermacentor species. For the first time, the entire distribution areas of D. reticulatus and D. silvarum were mapped using georeferenced data. Their climate adaptations were quantified by Köppen profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oxana A Belova
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S Kholodilov
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya M Didyk
- Institute of Zoology SAS, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Schmuck HM, Chitimia-Dobler L, Król N, Kacza J, Pfeffer M. Collection of immature Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) ticks from vegetation and detection of Rickettsia raoultii in them. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101543. [PMID: 32993950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
It is commonly assumed that Dermacentor reticulatus immature life stages are nidicolous and therefore cannot be collected from vegetation. However, in June and July of 2018 and 2019, a total of 47 questing D. reticulatus larvae and two nymphs were collected by the flagging method in two different sites close to the city of Leipzig, Germany. To confirm their role in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens, 45 larvae (pooled by 2 in 21 pools and 1 pool with three individuals) and one nymph were tested either by conventional or real-time PCR for the presence of Bartonella spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp. All samples tested negative for Bartonella spp., N. mikurensis, and Babesia spp.; while the minimal infection rate of larvae for Rickettsia spp. was 42%, and the one tested nymph was also positive. Sequencing partial ompB genes revealed the presence of Rickettsia raoultii in larvae and nymph. Further research needs to be done to determine under which circumstances immature D. reticulatus ticks are found outside the burrows of their hosts and can be collected from vegetation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Schmuck
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Kacza
- BioImaging Core Facility, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Helm CS, Samson-Himmelstjerna GV, Liesner JM, Kohn B, Müller E, Schaper R, Pachnicke S, Schulze C, Krücken J. Identical 18S rRNA haplotypes of Hepatozoon canis in dogs and foxes in Brandenburg, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101520. [PMID: 32993940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatozoon canis is a blood parasite of the suborder Adeleorina infecting wild and domestic canids. Transmission occurs by oral uptake of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato vector ticks infected with H. canis, but vertical transmission is also assumed to be possible. In German foxes, a high prevalence of H. canis has previously been reported despite the fact that R. sanguineus s.l. is not endemic. In the absence of knowledge about local transmission pathways, foxes should be considered to be possible reservoirs of H. canis and contribute to infection of domestic dogs. The present study aimed to determine how often foxes and dogs are infected in Brandenburg (Germany) and if identical or different H. canis 18S rRNA haplotypes are found in these host species. Hepatozoon spp. were detected by PCR in 46/1050 (4.4 %) of dog blood and 176/201 (77.6 %) of fox spleen samples from Brandenburg. Sequencing of 19 dog and 56 fox samples identified all as H. canis. For nine positive dogs, owners stated that they had never left Germany suggesting that autochthonous transmission occurs not only in foxes but also in dogs. Sequences for seven of these possible autochthonous cases were obtained and six were identical to the predominant haplotype found in the foxes. Haplotype network analysis confirmed that many dogs, including some without travel history, carried the same or very similar 18S rRNA haplotypes as the foxes suggesting that both hosts participate in the same epidemiological cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Helm
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jana M Liesner
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Okely M, Anan R, Gad-Allah S, Samy AM. Mapping the environmental suitability of etiological agent and tick vectors of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Acta Trop 2020; 203:105319. [PMID: 31874130 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is one of the most important public health threats in many regions across Africa, Europe, and Asia. This study used ecological niche modeling analyses to map the environmental suitability of both CCHF virus (CCHFV), and its tick vectors (Amblyomma variegatum, Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi) in the Old World countries. The CCHFV was anticipated to occur with high environmental suitability across southern and central Europe, northwestern Africa, central Asia, and western Mediterranean region. Ecological niche models of tick vectors anticipated diverse patterns based on the tick species in question; D. marginatus and H. marginatum showed high environmental suitability in southern and central Europe, and North Africa. The remaining vector species were anticipated to occur in Africa. All models were statistically robust and performed better than random (P < 0.001). Finally, we tested the niche similarities between CCHFV and diverse tick vectors and could not reject the null hypotheses of niche similarity in all vector-virus combinations (P > 0.05) except the combinations of CCHFV with A. variegatum, R. evertsi evertsi and R. appendiculatus (P < 0.05).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Okely
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Rabia Anan
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Sohair Gad-Allah
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Abdallah M Samy
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Răileanu C, Tauchmann O, Vasić A, Wöhnke E, Silaghi C. Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) identification and survey of tick-borne encephalitis virus in ticks from north-eastern Germany. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:106. [PMID: 32106890 PMCID: PMC7045458 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3969-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ixodes ricinus is the most common tick species in Europe and the main vector for Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). It is involved also in the transmission of Borrelia miyamotoi, a relapsing fever spirochete that causes health disorders in humans. Little is known regarding the circulation of Borrelia species and the natural foci of TBEV in north-eastern Germany. The goal of this study was to investigate the infection rates of Borrelia spp. and of TBEV in I. ricinus ticks from north-eastern Germany. Methods Ticks were collected by flagging from 14 forest sites in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania between April and October 2018. RNA and DNA extraction was performed from individual adult ticks and from pools of 2–10 nymphs. Real time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) targeted the 3′ non-coding region of TBEV, while DNA of Borrelia spp. was tested by nested PCR for the amplification of 16S-23S intergenic spacer. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed on B. miyamotoi isolates. Results In total, 2407 ticks were collected (239 females, 232 males and 1936 nymphs). Female and male I. ricinus ticks had identical infection rates (both 12.1%) for Borrelia spp., while nymphal pools showed a minimum infection rate (MIR) of 3.3%. Sequencing revealed four Borrelia species: B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana and B. miyamotoi. Borrelia afzelii had the highest prevalence in adult ticks (5.5%) and nymphs (MIR of 1.8%). Borrelia miyamotoi was identified in 3.0% of adults and registered the MIR of 0.8% in nymphs. Borrelia valaisiana was confirmed in 2.5% adult ticks and nymphs had the MIR of 0.7%, while B. garinii was present in 1.1% of adults and showed a MIR of 0.1% in nymphs. The MLST of B. miyamotoi isolates showed that they belong to sequence type 635. No tick sample was positive after RT-qPCR for TBEV RNA. Conclusions The prevalence of B. miyamotoi in I. ricinus ticks registered similar levels to other reports from Europe suggesting that this agent might be well established in the local tick population. The detection of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) indicates a constant circulation in tick populations from this region.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Răileanu
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17943, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Oliver Tauchmann
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17943, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ana Vasić
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17943, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Wöhnke
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17943, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17943, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany. .,Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany. .,Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Domstrasse 11, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gillingham EL, Hansford KM, Meadows S, Henney J, Wieckowski F, Hernández-Triana LM, Muscat I, Muscat J, Beckert C, Nikolova NI, Cull B, Medlock JM. Ticks on the Channel Islands and implications for public health. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101405. [PMID: 32046929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Channel Islands are British Crown dependencies located in the English Channel to the west of the Normandy coast in northern France. Whilst there have been studies investigating tick occurrence and distribution in different habitats on the mainland of the UK and in France, the Channel Islands have been relatively understudied. As such, little is known about whether the sheep tick, Ixodes ricinus, is present, and whether there is a potential risk of Lyme borreliosis on the Channel Islands. To ascertain the presence of I. ricinus on the three largest islands in the archipelago: Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, surveys of ticks questing in the vegetation and ticks feeding on hosts were undertaken during April and May 2016. Across all three islands, the highest numbers of ticks were found in woodland habitats. Ixodes ricinus was the predominant questing tick species found on Jersey, and Ixodes ventalloi the most common questing tick species on Alderney and Guernsey, with little or no evidence of questing I. ricinus on either island. During field studies on small mammals, I. ricinus was the predominant tick species feeding on Jersey bank voles (Myodes glareolus caesarius), with Ixodes hexagonus the most common species infesting hedgehogs on Guernsey. We propose that the greater diversity of small mammals on Jersey may be important in supporting immature stages of I. ricinus, in contrast to Guernsey and Alderney. Morphological identification of tick species was confirmed by PCR sequencing based on amplification of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit one (cox1) gene (COI DNA barcoding). To date, there have been few records of human tick bites in the Channel Islands, suggesting that the current risk from tick-borne disease may be low, but continued reporting of any human tick bites, along with reporting of cases of Lyme borreliosis will be important for continued assessment of the impact of tick-borne diseases in the Channel Islands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Gillingham
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, UK.
| | - Kayleigh M Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, UK
| | - Scott Meadows
- Howard Davis Farm, la Route de la Trinité, Trinity, JE3 5JP, Jersey
| | - Julia Henney
- Environment Guernsey Ltd, The Old Tobacco Factory, Route De La Ramee, St. Peter Port, GY1 2ET, Guernsey
| | - Filip Wieckowski
- Alderney Wildlife Trust, 51 Victoria Street, St Anne, Alderney, GY93TA, Guernsey
| | - Luis M Hernández-Triana
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Research Group, Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ivan Muscat
- Jersey General Hospital, The Parade, St Helier, JE1 3QS, Jersey
| | - Joseph Muscat
- Charles University, Opletalova 38, 110 00, Staré Město, Czechia
| | - Clara Beckert
- Charles University, Opletalova 38, 110 00, Staré Město, Czechia
| | - Nadya I Nikolova
- Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ben Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Huercha, Song R, Li M, Fan X, Hu Z, Wu L, Li Y, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Bayin C. Caracterization of glutathione S-transferase of Dermacantor marginatus and effect of the recombinant antigen as a potential anti-tick vaccine. Vet Parasitol 2020; 279:109043. [PMID: 32070900 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Dermacentor marginatus is one of the main tick species in northwestern China, and is a vector of various tick-borne pathogens. Tick control method largely depends on chemical agents, but the disadvantages of using such approach would cause environmental damage and the risk of developing tick resistance to acaricides. Vaccination of tick protective antigen is an eco-friendly approach which is an alternative and promising method to mitigate tick infestation in livestock. In the study, a mu-class glutathione S-transferase (GST) sequence of D. marginatus was cloned and the recombinant protein (rDmGST) was expressed. Transcriptional level of the GST was measured together with native GST activity of the tick. Finally, A vaccine trial on rabbits against D. marginatus was proceeded to evaluate the anti-tick effect of rDmGST. Results reveled that the CDs of the D. margiantus glutathione S-transferase mu 1 gene has 669 base pair nucleotide sequence encoding a 223 amino acid. The deduced GST protein sequence had over 95 % similarity with that of D. variabilis. The rDmGST was efficiently expressed soluble and purified by His trap affinity chromatography. Enzyme activity of native GST and transcriptional profiles of the GST showed up-regulation in different stages and organs of D. marginaus during blood feeding. Polyclonal antibody reacted with rDmGST in Western blotting. Tick challenge on rDmGST inoculated rabbits showed reductions in adult female engorgement rate, total egg mass and egg hatching rate with an overall vaccine efficacy of 43.69 %. The results of the experiment indicated the GST has potential value to be an effective protective antigen of D. marginatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huercha
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China; Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ruiqi Song
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China; Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China
| | - Min Li
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xinli Fan
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhengxiang Hu
- Bayingol Vocational and Technical College, Korla 841000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Lijiang Wu
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yongchang Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Wei Zhang
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yuhui Ma
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chahan Bayin
- Parasitology Laboratory, College of Veterinary, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830053, Xinjiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hodžić A, Georges I, Postl M, Duscher GG, Jeschke D, Szentiks CA, Ansorge H, Heddergott M. Molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens reveals a high prevalence and low genetic variability of Hepatozoon canis in free-ranging grey wolves (Canis lupus) in Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101389. [PMID: 32008999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Wild carnivores are important hosts for ixodid ticks and presumed reservoirs for several tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of medical and veterinary importance. However, little is known about the role that the European grey wolf (Canis lupus) plays in the enzootic cycle of TBPs. The recent recolonization of Central European lowland, including some regions in Germany, by the grey wolf, opened up an excellent opportunity for studying the impact of the wolf population on pathogen diversity and transmission dynamics. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated spleen samples collected from 276 grey wolves in 11 federal states in Germany for common TBPs by molecular methods. In total, 127 grey wolves (46.0 %) were found to be positive for Hepatozoon canis. Only two genetic variants of this protozoan parasite (herein designated as G1 and G2) were found to circulate among the grey wolves, which can be potentially shared between populations of domestic and other wild carnivores in the country. Two grey wolves were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.7 %), and both were co-infected with H. canis G1 genotype. The presence of other pathogens could not be confirmed by PCR and sequencing. This study represents the first one reporting H. canis in a grey wolf population worldwide, and it provides highly relevant information, which may contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of TBPs and the pathogen transmission dynamics among the reintroduced population of grey wolves and other carnivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabell Georges
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Postl
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Moedling, Austria.
| | - Diana Jeschke
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Görlitz, Germany
| | | | - Hermann Ansorge
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Görlitz, Germany; International Institute Zittau, Technische Universität Dresden, Zittau, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Alcala-Canto Y, Figueroa-Castillo JA, Ibarra-Velarde F, Vera-Montenegro Y, Cervantes-Valencia ME, Alberti-Navarro A. First database of the spatial distribution of Eimeria species of cattle, sheep and goats in Mexico. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1057-1074. [PMID: 31901110 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06548-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ruminant coccidiosis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by parasites of the genus Eimeria. Environmental and climatic factors are relevant for the development, survival, and transmission of coccidiosis because Eimeria oocysts are able to survive in the environment for several weeks or months in favorable conditions of moderate heat and moisture. The aim of the present study was to georeference, for the first time, the locations of Eimeria occurrences in Mexico from 1961 to 2018. A dataset was created for 3414 reports of Eimeria occurrences in cattle, sheep, and goats in Mexico. Twelve species of Eimeria that infect cattle were recorded, 11 Eimeria species of sheep are present in Mexico, and eight species of goats are geographically distributed in the country. In the current findings, it has been observed that Eimeria colonizes mainly the temperate semihumid, temperate humid, warm humid, and warm semihumid areas during spring and summer in animals younger than 1 year of age. Macroenvironmental variables like temperature and rainfall influence the prevalence of Eimeria in cattle, sheep, and goats, and for some species, the rearing system, facility type, farm size, and altitude affect the occurrence of this parasite. Results may support future studies aimed at reducing the disease prevalence of the parasite in endemic regions of Mexico. The use of recorded cases and climate variables yields a more comprehensive perspective of the epidemiology of eimeriosis, which would be difficult to infer from laboratory studies alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazmin Alcala-Canto
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UNAM, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Froylan Ibarra-Velarde
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UNAM, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yolanda Vera-Montenegro
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UNAM, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Aldo Alberti-Navarro
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Rumiantes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UNAM, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rogovskyy AS, Threadgill DW, Akimov IA, Nebogatkin IV, Rogovska YV, Melnyk MV, Rogovskyy SP. Borrelia and Other Zoonotic Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks Collected from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone on the 30th Anniversary of the Nuclear Disaster. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:466-473. [PMID: 31112094 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The 26th of April 2016 marked 30 years since the Chernobyl accident has occurred in Ukraine. As a result, the uninhabited Chernobyl region has been directly exposed to ionizing radiation for >30 years. Most work has focused on identifying associations between levels of radiation and the abundance, distribution, and mutation rates of plants and animals. Much less, however, is known about microbial communities in this affected region. To date, there are no reports on the prevalence of any tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes ricinus ticks from the Chernobyl exclusion zone (CEZ). The objective of our study was to examine the abundance of I. ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in the CEZ and to investigate the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and other zoonotic agents in these ixodid ticks. Methods: A total of 260 questing I. ricinus and 100 D. reticulatus adult ticks were individually polymerase chain reaction analyzed for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Francisella tularensis, and/or Rickettsia spp. Results: The respective infections rates were identified and compared with those of ixodid ticks that were concurrently collected from Kyiv. The significant differences between the infection rates of the CEZ and Kyiv ticks were observed for Rickettsia raoultii in D. reticulatus ticks (53.0% vs. 35.7%, respectively; p < 0.05) and Bartonella spp. (8.1% vs. 2.7%; P < 0.05) in I. ricinus ticks. Conclusions: Although the current data clearly demonstrated that the prevalence of some zoonotic pathogens were significantly higher in the ixodid ticks from the CEZ, a more comprehensive systematic approach is required to examine the causal effect of long-term ionizing radiation on adaptive changes of tick-borne pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Artem S Rogovskyy
- 1 Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - David W Threadgill
- 1 Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.,2 Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Igor A Akimov
- 3 I.I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Igor V Nebogatkin
- 3 I.I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Yuliya V Rogovska
- 1 Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Maria V Melnyk
- 4 Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Sergii P Rogovskyy
- 3 I.I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chitimia-Dobler L, Schaper S, Rieß R, Bitterwolf K, Frangoulidis D, Bestehorn M, Springer A, Oehme R, Drehmann M, Lindau A, Mackenstedt U, Strube C, Dobler G. Imported Hyalomma ticks in Germany in 2018. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:134. [PMID: 30909964 PMCID: PMC6434826 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3380-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma rufipes are two-host tick species, which are mainly distributed in southern Europe, Africa and middle-eastern Asia. They are well-known vectors of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus and other viruses as well as Rickettsia aeschlimannii. In recent years, these tick species have been found sporadically in Germany, but they do not belong to the autochthonous tick fauna in Germany. Methods Ticks with unusual morphology were collected and sent from private persons or public health offices to involve institutions for morphological identification and further testing. All ticks identified as Hyalomma spp. were tested using molecular detection methods for CCHF virus, Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii and Coxiella-like organisms, Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Results Thirty-five ticks with an unusual appearance or behaviour were reported to us during summer-autumn 2018. For 17 of them, the description or photos implied that they belong to the hard tick genus Hyalomma. The remaining 18 ticks were sent to us and were identified as adult Hyalomma marginatum (10 specimens) or adult Hyalomma rufipes (8 specimens). All ticks tested negative for CCHF virus, Coxiella burnetii, Coxiella-like organisms, Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. The screening for rickettsiae gave positive results in 9 specimens . The Rickettsia species in all cases was identified as R. aeschlimannii. Conclusions These results show that exotic tick species imported into Germany were able to develop from the nymphal to the adult stage under appropriate weather conditions. Fifty percent of the ticks carried R. aeschlimannii, a human pathogen, while CCHF virus or other pathogens were not detected. Imported Hyalomma ticks may be the source of exotic diseases acquired in Germany.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany.,Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Emil Wolff-Strasse 34, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sabine Schaper
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Ramona Rieß
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Bitterwolf
- Public Health Office Main-Kinzig, Barbarossastrasse 24, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany
| | | | - Malena Bestehorn
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Emil Wolff-Strasse 34, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Rainer Oehme
- Baden-Wuerttemberg State Health Office, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marco Drehmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Emil Wolff-Strasse 34, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alexander Lindau
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Emil Wolff-Strasse 34, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Emil Wolff-Strasse 34, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Emil Wolff-Strasse 34, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kiewra D, Czułowska A, Dyczko D, Zieliński R, Plewa-Tutaj K. First record of Haemaphysalis concinna (Acari: Ixodidae) in Lower Silesia, SW Poland. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 77:449-454. [PMID: 30758801 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00344-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis concinna Koch is one of 19 species of the genus Haemaphysalis which has been reported in the Palearctic region. In Europe, the presence of H. concinna ticks has been reported in numerous countries. In Poland, to date, the precise occurrence of H. concinna was known only from one site in the north-western region. This paper shows that H. concinna ticks can be considered a typical example of the tick fauna occurring in Lower Silesia, SW Poland. Tick monitoring was conducted using a standard flagging method in 24 sites in the various forest types of Lower Silesia. Among 1622 host-seeking ticks collected, H. concinna accounted for 2.7%. From the collected H. concinna there were: 25 (58.1%) larvae, 15 (34.9%) nymphs, 1 (2.3%) female, and 2 (4.7%) males. The presence of H. concinna was confirmed in 6 out of 24 tested sites in fresh mixed broadleaf forests, fresh mixed coniferous forests and in pastures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kiewra
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Czułowska
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dagmara Dyczko
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Remigiusz Zieliński
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kinga Plewa-Tutaj
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Selmi M, Tomassone L, Ceballos LA, Crisci A, Ragagli C, Pintore MD, Mignone W, Pautasso A, Ballardini M, Casalone C, Mannelli A. Analysis of the environmental and host-related factors affecting the distribution of the tick Dermacentor marginatus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 75:209-225. [PMID: 29713917 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and responding to the ecological, social and economic conditions that facilitate disease emergence and transmission represents a substantial challenge for epidemiologists and health professionals. In this article we integrate knowledge about the human and the vector population, to provide a context from which to examine the underlying causal factors of D. marginatus-borne diseases emergence in the study area. Within this framework we analyse the biotic and abiotic factors that drive D. marginatus population dynamics and the role of its typical host for dispersal. These investigations suggest that D. marginatus is a tick species prone to spatially overlap its presence with human population presence. Then we consider the public health implications for the residents, when simply carrying out trivial outdoor activities may increase the risk to contact an infected tick.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Selmi
- Department of Prevention, Observatory for Vector Borne Diseases, Piazza Aldo Moro, Capannori, 55012, Lucca, Italy.
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Leonardo A Ceballos
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Alfonso Crisci
- Institute of Biometeorology, Italian National Research Council, Via G. Caproni 8, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Maria D Pintore
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont Liguria and Aosta Valley, Turin, Italy
| | - Walter Mignone
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont Liguria and Aosta Valley, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pautasso
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont Liguria and Aosta Valley, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Ballardini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont Liguria and Aosta Valley, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Casalone
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont Liguria and Aosta Valley, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mannelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rubel F, Brugger K, Walter M, Vogelgesang JR, Didyk YM, Fu S, Kahl O. Geographical distribution, climate adaptation and vector competence of the Eurasian hard tick Haemaphysalis concinna. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1080-1089. [PMID: 29678401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The ixodid tick Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, 1844 is a proven vector of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus and Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularaemia. In the present study, up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution and climate adaptation of H. concinna are presented. A dataset was compiled, resulting in 656 georeferenced locations in Eurasia. The distribution of H. concinna ranges from the Spanish Atlantic coast to Kamchatka, Russia, within the belt of 28-64° N latitude. H. concinna is the second most abundant tick species after Ixodes ricinus collected from birds, and third most abundant tick species flagged from vegetation in Central Europe. To investigate the climate adaptation of H. concinna, the georeferenced locations were superimposed on a high-resolution map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. A frequency distribution of the H. concinna occurrence under different climates shows three peaks related to the following climates: warm temperate with precipitation all year round, boreal with precipitation all year round and boreal, winter dry. Almost 87.3 % of all H. concinna locations collected are related to these climates. Thus, H. concinna prefers climates with a warm and moist summer. The remaining tick locations were characterized as cold steppes (6.2%), cold deserts (0.8%), Mediterranean climates (2.7%) or warm temperate climates with dry winter (2.9%). In those latter climates H. concinna occurs only sporadically, provided the microclimate is favourable. Beyond proven vector competence pathogen findings in questing H. concinna are compiled from the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Melanie Walter
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Janna R Vogelgesang
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuliya M Didyk
- Department of Acarology, Institute of Zoology, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Su Fu
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fischer S, Spierling NG, Heuser E, Kling C, Schmidt S, Rosenfeld UM, Reil D, Imholt C, Jacob J, Ulrich RG, Essbauer S. High prevalence of Rickettsia helvetica in wild small mammal populations in Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:500-505. [PMID: 29398604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since the beginning of the 21st century, spotted fever rickettsioses are known as emerging diseases worldwide. Rickettsiae are obligately intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropod vectors. The ecology of Rickettsia species has not been investigated in detail, but small mammals are considered to play a role as reservoirs. Aim of this study was to monitor rickettsiae in wild small mammals over a period of five years in four federal states of Germany. Initial screening of ear pinna tissues of 3939 animals by Pan-Rick real-time PCR targeting the citrate synthase (gltA) gene revealed 296 rodents of seven species and 19 shrews of two species positive for rickettsial DNA. Outer membrane protein gene (ompB, ompAIV) PCRs based typing resulted in the identification of three species: Rickettsia helvetica (90.9%) was found as the dominantly occurring species in the four investigated federal states, but Rickettsia felis (7.8%) and Rickettsia raoultii (1.3%) were also detected. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in rodents of the genus Apodemus was found to be higher (approximately 14%) than in all other rodent and shrew species at all investigated sites. General linear mixed model analyses indicated that heavier (older) individuals of yellow-necked mice and male common voles seem to contain more often rickettsial DNA than younger ones. Furthermore, rodents generally collected in forests in summer and autumn more often carried rickettsial DNA. In conclusion, this study indicated a high prevalence of R. helvetica in small mammal populations and suggests an age-dependent increase of the DNA prevalence in some of the species and in animals originating from forest habitats. The finding of R. helvetica and R. felis DNA in multiple small mammal species may indicate frequent trans-species transmission by feeding of vectors on different species. Further investigations should target the reason for the discrepancy between the high rickettsial DNA prevalence in rodents and the so far almost absence of clinical apparent human infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Fischer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Nastasja G Spierling
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Elisa Heuser
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christopher Kling
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schmidt
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ulrike M Rosenfeld
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Daniela Reil
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Imholt
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Jens Jacob
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Sandra Essbauer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Rogovskyy A, Batool M, Gillis DC, Holman PJ, Nebogatkin IV, Rogovska YV, Rogovskyy MS. Diversity of Borrelia spirochetes and other zoonotic agents in ticks from Kyiv, Ukraine. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:404-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
34
|
Brugger K, Walter M, Chitimia-Dobler L, Dobler G, Rubel F. Seasonal cycles of the TBE and Lyme borreliosis vector Ixodes ricinus modelled with time-lagged and interval-averaged predictors. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 73:439-450. [PMID: 29181672 PMCID: PMC5727152 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0197-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus (L.) are the major vectors for tick-borne diseases in Europe. The aim of this study was to quantify the influence of environmental variables on the seasonal cycle of questing I. ricinus. Therefore, an 8-year time series of nymphal I. ricinus flagged at monthly intervals in Haselmühl (Germany) was compiled. For the first time, cross correlation maps were applied to identify optimal associations between observed nymphal I. ricinus densities and time-lagged as well as temporal averaged explanatory variables. To prove the explanatory power of these associations, two Poisson regression models were generated. The first model simulates the ticks of the entire time series flagged per 100 m[Formula: see text], the second model the mean seasonal cycle. Explanatory variables comprise the temperature of the flagging month, the relative humidity averaged from the flagging month and 1 month prior to flagging, the temperature averaged over 4-6 months prior to the flagging event and the hunting statistics of the European hare from the preceding year. The first model explains 65% of the monthly tick variance and results in a root mean square error (RMSE) of 17 ticks per 100 m[Formula: see text]. The second model explains 96% of the tick variance. Again, the accuracy is expressed by the RMSE, which is 5 ticks per 100 m[Formula: see text]. As a major result, this study demonstrates that tick densities are higher correlated with time-lagged and temporal averaged variables than with contemporaneous explanatory variables, resulting in a better model performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Brugger
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Melanie Walter
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
- German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
- German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Straße 34, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Franz Rubel
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Geurden T, Six R, Becskei C, Maeder S, Lloyd A, Mahabir S, Fourie J, Liebenberg J. Evaluation of the efficacy of sarolaner (Simparica®) in the prevention of babesiosis in dogs. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:415. [PMID: 28877743 PMCID: PMC5588728 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2358-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine babesiosis is a clinically significant emerging vector-borne disease caused among others by the protozoan Babesia canis. The efficacy of sarolaner (Simparica®; Zoetis; at the minimum recommended label dose of 2.0 mg per kg bodyweight) in the prevention of babesiosis was evaluated in twenty-four dogs randomly allocated to either a placebo-treated group or one of two sarolaner-treated groups. At 21 or 28 days after treatment administration, dogs were infested with 50 ± 4 Dermacentor reticulatus ticks of which 25% were confirmed to be infected with Babesia canis. Blood samples were collected from each dog prior to tick infestation and weekly thereafter until 49 days after infestation. The blood was assayed for B. canis antibodies using an indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT) and for B. canis DNA by PCR assay. A dog was a priori defined as B. canis-positive if it tested positive by both IFAT and PCR at any time during the study. Results No treatment-related adverse reactions were recorded during the study. All placebo-treated animals displayed clinical signs due to babesiosis and tested positive on both IFAT and PCR. None of the sarolaner-treated animals displayed any clinical symptoms or tested positive on both IFAT and PCR, resulting in a 100% efficacy in the prevention of canine babesiosis (P = 0.0002). Conclusion When given 21 or 28 days before tick infestation, a single treatment with sarolaner at the minimum recommended label dose of 2.0 mg per kg body weight prevented the transmission of B. canis by D. reticulatus to dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Six
- Zoetis, 333 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | | | - Steven Maeder
- Zoetis, 333 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Anne Lloyd
- Zoetis, Mercuriusstraat 20, B-1930, Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Sean Mahabir
- Zoetis, 333 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Josephus Fourie
- Clinvet International, PO Box 11186, 9321, Uitsig Road, Universitas, Bloemfontein, 9338, South Africa
| | - Julian Liebenberg
- Clinvet International, PO Box 11186, 9321, Uitsig Road, Universitas, Bloemfontein, 9338, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Brugger K, Boehnke D, Petney T, Dobler G, Pfeffer M, Silaghi C, Schaub GA, Pinior B, Dautel H, Kahl O, Pfister K, Süss J, Rubel F. A Density Map of the Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Lyme Borreliosis Vector Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) for Germany. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:1292-1302. [PMID: 27498885 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus (L.) is the principal vector for a variety of viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens causing a growing public-health issue over the past decades. However, a national density map of I. ricinus is still missing. Here, I. ricinus nymphs in Germany were investigated by compiling a high-resolution map depicting the mean annually accumulated nymphal density, as observed by monthly flagging an area of 100 m2 Input data comprise ticks collected at 69 sampling sites. The model domain covers an area of about 357,000 km2 (regional scale). Two negative binomial regression models were fitted to the data to interpolate the tick densities to unsampled locations using bioclimatic variables and land cover, which were selected according to their significance by the Akaike information criterion (AIC). The default model was fitted to the complete dataset resulting in AIC = 842. An optimized model resulted in a significantly better value of AIC = 732. Tick densities are very low in urban (green) areas. Maximum annual densities up to 1,000 nymphs per 100 m2 are observed in broad-leaved forests. The tick maps were verified by leave-one-out cross-validation. Root mean square errors of RMSE = 137 and RMSE = 126 nymphs per 100 m2 were estimated for the two models, respectively. These errors are of the order of the interannual variation of the tick densities. The compilation of a high-resolution density map of unfed nymphal I. ricinus for Germany provides a novel, nationwide insight into the distribution of an important disease vector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Brugger
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria (; ; )
| | - Denise Boehnke
- Institute of Geography and Geoecology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Reinhard-Baumeister-Platz 1, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Trevor Petney
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Ecology and Parasitology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kornblumen Straße 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Parasitology, National Center of Vector Entomology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstraße 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Günter A Schaub
- Group Zoology/Parasitology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Beate Pinior
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria (; ; )
| | - Hans Dautel
- Tick-Radar GmbH, Haderslebener Straße 9, 12163 Berlin, Germany (; )
| | - Olaf Kahl
- Tick-Radar GmbH, Haderslebener Straße 9, 12163 Berlin, Germany (; )
| | - Kurt Pfister
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstraße 5, 80752 Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Süss
- Tick Information Center, Lindenstraße 35, 07646 Lippersdorf, Germany
| | - Franz Rubel
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria (; ; )
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Solano-Gallego L, Sainz Á, Roura X, Estrada-Peña A, Miró G. A review of canine babesiosis: the European perspective. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:336. [PMID: 27289223 PMCID: PMC4902949 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1596-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease caused by various species of the protozoan genus Babesia. Although it occurs worldwide, data relating to European infections have now been collected for many years. These data have boosted the publication record and increased our working knowledge of these protozoan parasites. Both the large and small forms of Babesia species (B. canis, B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, and B. microti-like isolates also referred to as "B. vulpes" and "Theileria annae") infect dogs in Europe, and their geographical distribution, transmission, clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis vary widely for each species. The goal of this review is to provide veterinary practitioners with practical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of babesiosis in European dogs. Our hope is that these guidelines will answer the most frequently asked questions posed by veterinary practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laia Solano-Gallego
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ángel Sainz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Clinic Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Clinic Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Földvári G, Široký P, Szekeres S, Majoros G, Sprong H. Dermacentor reticulatus: a vector on the rise. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:314. [PMID: 27251148 PMCID: PMC4888597 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is a hard tick species with extraordinary biological features. It has a high reproduction rate, a rapid developmental cycle, and is also able to overcome years of unfavourable conditions. Dermacentor reticulatus can survive under water for several months and is cold-hardy even compared to other tick species. It has a wide host range: over 60 different wild and domesticated hosts are known for the three active developmental stages. Its high adaptiveness gives an edge to this tick species as shown by new data on the emergence and establishment of D. reticulatus populations throughout Europe. The tick has been the research focus of a growing number of scientists, physicians and veterinarians. Within the Web of Science database, more than a fifth of the over 700 items published on this species between 1897 and 2015 appeared in the last three years (2013–2015). Here we attempt to synthesize current knowledge on the systematics, ecology, geographical distribution and recent spread of the species and to highlight the great spectrum of possible veterinary and public health threats it poses. Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis is a severe leading canine vector-borne disease in many endemic areas. Although less frequently than Ixodes ricinus, D. reticulatus adults bite humans and transmit several Rickettsia spp., Omsk haemorrhagic fever virus or Tick-borne encephalitis virus. We have not solely collected and reviewed the latest and fundamental scientific papers available in primary databases but also widened our scope to books, theses, conference papers and specialists colleagues’ experience where needed. Besides the dominant literature available in English, we also tried to access scientific literature in German, Russian and eastern European languages as well. We hope to inspire future research projects that are necessary to understand the basic life-cycle and ecology of this vector in order to understand and prevent disease threats. We conclude that although great strides have been made in our knowledge of the eco-epidemiology of this species, several gaps still need to be filled with basic research, targeting possible reservoir and vector roles and the key factors resulting in the observed geographical spread of D. reticulatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Pavel Široký
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Majoros
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Walter M, Brugger K, Rubel F. The ecological niche of Dermacentor marginatus in Germany. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2165-74. [PMID: 26993325 PMCID: PMC4863919 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ixodid tick Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer, 1776) is endemic throughout southern Europe in the range of 33-51 (°) N latitude. In Germany, however, D. marginatus was exclusively reported in the Rhine valley and adjacent areas. Its northern distribution limit near Giessen is located at the coordinates 8.32 (°) E/50.65 (°) N. Particularly with regard to the causative agents of rickettsioses, tularemia, and Q fever, the observed locations as well as the potential distribution of the vector D. marginatus in Germany are of special interest. Applying a dataset of 118 georeferenced tick locations, the ecological niche for D. marginatus was calculated. It is described by six climate parameters based on temperature and relative humidity and another six environmental parameters including land cover classes and altitude. The final ecological niche is determined by the frequency distributions of these 12 parameters at the tick locations. Main parameters are the mean annual temperature (frequency distribution characterized by the minimum, median, and maximum of 6.1, 9.9, and 12.2 (°)C), the mean annual relative humidity (73.7, 76.7, and 80.9 %), as well as the altitude (87, 240, 1108 m). The climate and environmental niche is used to estimate the habitat suitability of D. marginatus in Germany by applying the BIOCLIM model. Finally, the potential spatial distribution of D. marginatus was calculated and mapped by determining an optimal threshold value of the suitability index, i.e., the maximum of sensitivity and specificity (Youden index). The model performance is expressed by AUC = 0.91.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Walter
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Rubel
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Geographical distribution of Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus in Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:224-233. [PMID: 26552893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this paper is to present up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution of Dermacentor species in Europe based on georeferenced sampling sites. Therefore, a dataset was compiled, resulting in 1286 D. marginatus (Sulzer, 1776) and 1209 D. reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) locations. Special emphasis is given to the region of the European Alps depicting a presumable climate barrier of the mountains and to overlaps in the distribution of both species as well as on the situation in eastern European countries. For the latter newly described Dermacentor findings comprise 59 locations in Romania and 62 locations in Ukraine. The geographical distributions of both species in Europe range from Portugal to Ukraine (and continue to the east of Kazakhstan). Although it is well known that D. marginatus is adapted to a warmer and drier climate at more southern latitudes and D. reticulatus to a moderately moist climate at more northern latitudes, the distribution limits of both species were not well known. Here, the northern and southern distribution limits for both species in Europe, as determined from the georeferenced database, were specified for D. marginatus by the belt of 33-51° N latitude and for D. reticulatus by the belt of 41-57° N latitude. Thus, overlapping species distributions were found between 41° N and 51° N.
Collapse
|
41
|
Estimating Ixodes ricinus densities on the landscape scale. Int J Health Geogr 2015; 14:23. [PMID: 26272596 PMCID: PMC4536605 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-015-0015-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study describes the estimation of the spatial distribution of questing nymphal tick densities by investigating Ixodes ricinus in Southwest Germany as an example. The production of high-resolution maps of questing tick densities is an important key to quantify the risk of tick-borne diseases. Previous I. ricinus maps were based on quantitative as well as semi-quantitative categorisations of the tick density observed at study sites with different vegetation types or indices, all compiled on local scales. Here, a quantitative approach on the landscape scale is introduced. Methods During 2 years, 2013 and 2014, host-seeking ticks were collected each month at 25 sampling sites by flagging an area of 100 square meters. All tick stages were identified to species level to select nymphal ticks of I. ricinus, which were used to develop and calibrate Poisson regression models. The environmental variables height above sea level, temperature, relative humidity, saturation deficit and land cover classification were used as explanatory variables. Results The number of flagged nymphal tick densities range from zero (mountain site) to more than 1,000 nymphs/100 m2. Calibrating the Poisson regression models with these nymphal densities results in an explained variance of 72 % and a prediction error of 110 nymphs/100 m2 in 2013. Generally, nymphal densities (maximum 374 nymphs/100 m2), explained variance (46 %) and prediction error (61 nymphs/100 m2) were lower in 2014. The models were used to compile high-resolution maps with 0.5 km2 grid size for the study region of the German federal state Baden-Württemberg. The accuracy of the mapped tick densities was investigated by leave-one-out cross-validation resulting in root-mean-square-errors of 227 nymphs/100 m2 for 2013 and 104 nymphs/100 m2 for 2014. Conclusions The methodology introduced here may be applied to further tick species or extended to other study regions. Finally, the study is a first step towards the spatial estimation of tick-borne diseases in Central Europe. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12942-015-0015-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
42
|
Host preferences of immature Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Ixodidae) in a forest habitat in Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:508-15. [PMID: 25983104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is widespread throughout Europe and is expanding its range in several European countries. It is associated with a number of different pathogens. Its role in the transmission of disease to humans is currently small; however, it might play an important role in the maintenance of pathogens in enzootic cycles. The ecology of D. reticulatus, especially of the immatures, is not well known. In this study, ticks from small mammals, caught in a capture-mark-release study between May 2012 and October 2014 in a unique woodland area close to Karlsruhe, Germany, were collected. The main host species trapped were the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). Small mammal populations showed high variability in their density between the study years, which is probably due to harsh winter conditions in 2012/2013 and missing mast leading to high winter mortality. Larvae and nymphs of D. reticulatus were predominantly found in July and August, respectively, and the infestation rates among the different small mammal species suggest a host preference of D. reticulatus for M. glareolus.
Collapse
|
43
|
Jongejan F, Ringenier M, Putting M, Berger L, Burgers S, Kortekaas R, Lenssen J, van Roessel M, Wijnveld M, Madder M. Novel foci of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks infected with Babesia canis and Babesia caballi in the Netherlands and in Belgium. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:232. [PMID: 25889392 PMCID: PMC4404102 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0841-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autochthonous populations of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in the Netherlands were discovered after fatal cases of babesiosis occurred in resident dogs in 2004. The presence of D. reticulatus in the Netherlands has also linked with the emergence of piroplasmosis in the resident horse population. The aim of this study was to put together results of continued surveillance of field sites and hosts for this tick in the Netherlands and also in Belgium and determine their infection status for Babesia and Theileria species. Methods Ticks were collected from the vegetation at 11 locations between 2011 and 2013. D. reticulatus ticks were also collected from different hosts between 2007 and 2013. Ticks were screened by PCR and reverse line blot (RLB). Results A total of 1368 D. reticulatus ticks were collected from 4 previously known field locations and from 5 new locations in the Netherlands and from 2 sites in Belgium (one old and one new location). A total of 855 ticks collected from 8 locations in the Netherlands and 2 locations in Belgium were tested. Fourteen ticks (1,64%) collected at 4 field locations (Dintelse Gorzen, Rozenburg, Slikken van de Heen and St. Philipsland) were positive for Babesia canis, whereas two ticks were positive for Babesia caballi, one tick in the Dintelse Gorzen in the Netherlands and one tick was found positive in De Panne in Belgium. A further 1092 D. reticulatus ticks were collected between 2007 and 2013 from 40 dogs (132 ticks), two ticks from two humans, 51 ticks from 15 horses, two ticks from two cats, one tick from a roe deer, whereas most ticks (904) were collected from cattle (n = 25). Ticks were found throughout the year on dogs in nearly all provinces of the Netherlands. None of the ticks collected from these hosts were infected. Conclusions D. reticulatus is continuing its spread into novel areas. The finding that some autochthonous ticks are infected with B. canis and B. caballi poses a threat to the resident dog and horse population and justifies year-round tick control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frans Jongejan
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Moniek Ringenier
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Michael Putting
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Laura Berger
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Stefan Burgers
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Reinier Kortekaas
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jesse Lenssen
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Marleen van Roessel
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Michiel Wijnveld
- Current address: Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Maxime Madder
- Unit of Veterinary Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B2000, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wächter M, Wölfel S, Pfeffer M, Dobler G, Kohn B, Moritz A, Pachnicke S, Silaghi C. Serological differentiation of antibodies against Rickettsia helvetica, R. raoultii, R. slovaca, R. monacensis and R. felis in dogs from Germany by a micro-immunofluorescent antibody test. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:126. [PMID: 25889200 PMCID: PMC4369902 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsiae can cause febrile diseases with or without rash in humans worldwide. In Germany only limited data are available about their medical significance. Serological screening tests for antibodies against rickettsiae usually only distinguish between SFG and Typhus Group (TG) Rickettsiae due to the strong cross reactivities within the groups. Seroprevalence rates in dogs, as possible sentinels for tick-borne diseases, could serve as an indicator for the distribution of different Rickettsia species. Methods In this study, a micro-immunofluorescence assay (micro-IFA) was established for detection and differentiation of antibodies against five Rickettsia species in dogs (R. helvetica, R. raoultii, R. slovaca, R. monacensis and R. felis). Dogs that never left Germany (n = 605) previously investigated with an SFG-ELISA were included in this study and screened at a 1:128 dilution. Endpoint titres of fifty randomly selected seropositive samples of each of the five investigated regions in Germany were determined in order to allow a differentiation of the causative Rickettsia species. Sensitivity and specificity of the micro-IFA were compared with ELISA results of the previous study. Results A total of 93.9% of the dogs were positive for antibodies of the SFG Rickettsiae at the screening titer of 1:128. Differentiation of SFG Rickettsiae with the micro-IFA was possible in 70.4%, but in 29.6% of the cases the detected antibodies were not differentiable. Considering a clear differentiation by a twofold titre difference between observed reactions, the seroprevalence rates were 66.0% for R. helvetica, 2.8% for R. raoultii, 1.6% for R. slovaca, but no serological reaction could be clearly attributed to R. monacensis or R. felis. No statistically significant regional differences were found for R. helvetica, R. slovaca and R. raoultii comparing the five regions of Germany. Comparison of micro-IFA with ELISA revealed a sensitivity of 82.0% and a specificity of 83.8% for the Rickettsia SFG ELISA. Conclusions The micro-IFA is a useful serological tool to differentiate antibodies against different Rickettsia species in dogs. Seroprevalence rates in dogs correspond to the prevalence rates and distribution of Rickettsia-carrying tick species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Wächter
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802, Munich, Germany.
| | - Silke Wölfel
- Department of Virology and Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany. .,DZIF German Centre for Infection Research-Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany.
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Department of Virology and Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937, Munich, Germany. .,DZIF German Centre for Infection Research-Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany.
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Moritz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Clinical Pathology and Clinical Pathophysiology, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurterstrasse 126, 35392, Gießen, Germany.
| | | | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802, Munich, Germany. .,Current affiliation: National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|