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Pei T, Zhang M, Gao Z, Li L, Bing Z, Meng J, Nwanade CF, Yuan C, Yu Z, Liu J. Molecular characterization and induced changes of histone acetyltransferases in the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis in response to cold stress. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:218. [PMID: 38735919 PMCID: PMC11089763 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06288-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications of histones play important roles in the response of eukaryotic organisms to environmental stress. However, many histone acetyltransferases (HATs), which are responsible for histone acetylation, and their roles in mediating the tick response to cold stress have yet to be identified. In the present study, HATs were molecularly characterized and their associations with the cold response of the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis explored. METHODS HATs were characterized by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on published genome sequences, followed by multiple bioinformatic analyses. The differential expression of genes in H. longicornis under different cold treatment conditions was evaluated using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RNA interference was used to explore the association of HATs with the cold response of H. longicornis. RESULTS Two HAT genes were identified in H. longicornis (Hl), a GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (henceforth HlGNAT) and a type B histone acetyltransferase (henceforth HlHAT-B), which are respectively 960 base pairs (bp) and 1239 bp in length. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that HlGNAT and HlHAT-B are unstable hydrophilic proteins characterized by the presence of the acetyltransferase 16 domain and Hat1_N domain, respectively. RT-qPCR revealed that the expression of HlGNAT and HlHAT-B decreased after 3 days of cold treatment, but gradually increased with a longer period of cold treatment. The mortality rate following knockdown of HlGNAT or HlHAT-B by RNA interference, which was confirmed by RT-qPCR, significantly increased (P < 0.05) when H. longicornis was treated at the lowest lethal temperature (- 14 °C) for 2 h. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate that HATs may play a crucial role in the cold response of H. longicornis. Thus further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying the epigenetic regulation of the cold response in ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwei Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Ziwen Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Lu Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Ziyan Bing
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Jianglei Meng
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Chuks Fidel Nwanade
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Chaohui Yuan
- The Professional and Technical Center of Hebei Administration for Market Regulation, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Fang Y, Wang J, Sun J, Su Z, Chen S, Xiao J, Ni J, Hu Z, He Y, Shen S, Deng F. RNA viromes of Dermacentor nuttalli ticks reveal a novel uukuvirus in Qīnghǎi Province, China. Virol Sin 2024:S1995-820X(24)00066-X. [PMID: 38679334 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.04.006] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are a major parasite on the Qīnghǎi-Tibet Plateau, western China, and represent an economic burden to agriculture and animal husbandry. Despite research on tick-borne pathogens that threaten humans and animals, the viromes of dominant tick species remain unknown. In this study, we collected Dermacentor nuttalli ticks near Qīnghǎi Lake and identified 13 viruses belonging to at least six families through metagenomic sequencing. Four viruses were of high abundance in pools, including Xīnjiāng tick-associated virus 1 (XJTAV1), and three novel viruses: Qīnghǎi Lake virus 1, Qīnghǎi Lake virus 2 (QHLV1, and QHLV2, unclassified), and Qīnghǎi Lake virus 3 (QHLV3, genus Uukuvirus of family Phenuiviridae in order Bunyavirales), which lacks the M segment. The minimum infection rates of the four viruses among the tick groups were 8.2%, 49.5%, 6.2%, and 24.7%, respectively, suggesting the prevalence of these viruses in D. nuttalli ticks. A putative M segment of QHLV3 was identified from next-generation sequencing data and further characterized for its signal peptide cleavage site, N-glycosylation, and transmembrane region. Furthermore, we probed the L, M, and S segments of other viruses using the putative M segment sequence with sequencing data of other tick pools. By revealing the viromes of D. nuttalli ticks, this study enhances our understanding of tick-borne viral communities in highland regions. The putative M segment identified in a novel uukuvirus suggests that previously identified uukuviruses without M segments should have had the same genome organization as typical bunyaviruses. These results will facilitate virus discovery and our understanding of the phylogeny of tick-borne uukuviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohui Fang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jianqing Sun
- Qinghai lake national nature reserve administration, Xining 810000, China
| | - Zhengyuan Su
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shengyao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yubang He
- Qinghai lake national nature reserve administration, Xining 810000, China
| | - Shu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan 430200, China.
| | - Fei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Pei T, Zhang M, Nwanade CF, Meng H, Bai R, Wang Z, Wang R, Zhang T, Liu J, Yu Z. Sequential expression of small heat shock proteins contributing to the cold response of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2061-2071. [PMID: 38117216 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemaphysalis longicornis is an important livestock pest and a serious threat to public health. Cold is a common form of stress affecting its survival and distribution. However, H. longicornis exhibits different physiological responses to cold stress. In this study, we systematically explored the regulation and functions of small heat shock proteins (sHsps) in H. longicornis during cold stress. RESULTS Seven sHsp genes (HlsHsp14.9, HlsHsp19.9, HlsHsp20.3, HlsHsp21.4, HlsHsp23.7, HlsHsp24.0, and HlsHsp26.1) with open reading frame lengths ranging from 408 bp (HlsHsp14.9) to 673 bp (HlsHsp26.1) were cloned from H. longicornis, and featured the typical α-crystallin domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity with the sHsps of arachnid species. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the regulation of sHsp genes depended on the severity and duration of cold treatment. Moreover, the relative expression of each gene was largely dependent on the treatment period (P < 0.01; 3, 6, and 9 days of treatment at 8, 4, 0, and -4 °C). Among all genes, HlsHsp14.9, HlsHsp19.9, HlsHsp20.3, and HlsHsp24.0 were most sensitive to rapid cold treatment. After RNA interference, the mortality of H. longicornis was significantly increased at -14 °C (P < 0.05), suggesting that the expression of sHsp genes is closely related to cold tolerance in H. longicornis. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that sHsps play an important role in the cold stress response of H. longicornis, which may enhance our understanding of the cold adaptation mechanisms in ticks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwei Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chuks F Nwanade
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hao Meng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruwei Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruotong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tianai Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Tagoe JA, Addo SO, Mosore MT, Bentil RE, Agbodzi B, Behene E, Ladzekpo D, Addae CA, Nimo-Painstil S, Fox AT, Bimi L, Dafeamekpor C, Richards AL, Letizia AG, Diclaro JW, Dadzie SK. First Molecular Identification of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae in Ticks from Ghana. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:491-496. [PMID: 38295420 PMCID: PMC10919190 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The threats from vector-borne pathogens transmitted by ticks place people (including deployed troops) at increased risk for infection, frequently contributing to undifferentiated febrile illness syndromes. Wild and domesticated animals are critical to the transmission cycle of many tick-borne diseases. Livestock can be infected by ticks, and serve as hosts to tick-borne diseases such as rickettsiosis. Thus, it is necessary to identify the tick species and determine their potential to transmit pathogens. A total of 1,493 adult ticks from three genera-Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus-were identified using available morphological keys and were pooled (n = 541) by sex and species. Rickettsia species were detected in 308 of 541 (56.9%) pools by genus-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (Rick17b). Furthermore, sequencing of the outer membrane protein A and B genes (ompA and ompB) of random samples of Rickettsia-positive samples led to the identification of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae with most R. africae DNA (80.2%) detected in pools of Amblyomma variegatum. We report the first molecular detection and identification of the rickettsial pathogens R. africae and R. aeschlimannii in ticks from Ghana. Our findings suggest there is a need to use control measures to prevent infections from occurring among human populations in endemic areas in Ghana. This study underscores the importance of determining which vector-borne pathogens are in circulation in Ghana. Further clinical and prevalence studies are needed to understand more comprehensively the clinical impact of these rickettsial pathogens contributing to human disease and morbidity in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice A. Tagoe
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth O. Addo
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mba-tihssommah Mosore
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ronald E. Bentil
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bright Agbodzi
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Behene
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Danielle Ladzekpo
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charlotte A. Addae
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Anne T. Fox
- U.S Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Langbong Bimi
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Allen L. Richards
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Infectious Diseases Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Andrew G. Letizia
- Infectious Diseases Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | | | - Samuel K. Dadzie
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Ma Y, Jian Y, Wang G, Li X, Wang G, Hu Y, Yokoyama N, Ma L, Xuan X. Molecular Identification of Babesia and Theileria Infections in Livestock in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area, China. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:476. [PMID: 38338119 PMCID: PMC10854629 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The northwestern region of China, known as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Area (QTPA), is characterized by unique climate conditions that support the breeding of various highly-adapted livestock species. Tick vectors play a significant role in transmitting Babesia and Theileria species, posing serious risks to animal health as well as the economy of animal husbandry in QTPA. A total of 366 blood samples were collected from Tibetan sheep (n = 51), goats (n = 67), yaks (n = 43), cattle (n = 49), Bactrian camels (n = 50), horses (n = 65), and donkeys (n = 40). These samples were examined using conventional and nested PCR techniques to detect Theileria and Babesia species. The overall infection rates were 0.3% (1/366) for Babesia spp. and 38.2% (140/366) for Theileria spp. Notably, neither Babesia nor Theileria species were detected in donkeys and yaks. The infection rates of Babesia and Theileria species among animals in different prefectures were significantly different (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, B. caballi, and B. ovis were not detected in the current study. To our knowledge, this is the first documented detection of Theileria luwenshuni infection in Bactrian camels and goats, as well as T. sinesis in cattle and T. equi in horses on the Qinghai plateau. These novel findings shed light on the distribution of Babesia and Theileria species among livestock species in QTPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Ma
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yingna Jian
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Geping Wang
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Xiuping Li
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Guanghua Wang
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Liqing Ma
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
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Ma R, Li C, Gao A, Jiang N, Feng X, Li J, Hu W. Evidence-practice gap analysis in the role of tick in brucellosis transmission: a scoping review. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:3. [PMID: 38191468 PMCID: PMC10773131 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01170-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brucellosis is a zoonotic affliction instigated by bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella and is characterized by a diverse range of pervasiveness, multiple transmission routes, and serious hazards. It is imperative to amalgamate the current knowledge and identify gaps pertaining to the role of ticks in brucellosis transmission. METHODS We systematically searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, Google Scholar, and PubMed on the topic published until April 23, 2022. The procedure was performed in accordance with the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The selected articles were categorized across three major topic areas, and the potential data was extracted to describe evidence-practice gaps by two reviewers. RESULTS The search identified 83 eligible studies for the final analyses. The results highlighted the potential capacity of ticks in brucellosis transmission as evidenced by the detection of Brucella in 16 different tick species. The pooled overall prevalence of Brucella in ticks was 33.87% (range: 0.00-87.80%). The review also revealed the capability of Brucella to circulate in parasitic ticks' different developmental stages, thus posing a potential threat to animal and human health. Empirical evidence from in vitro rodent infection experiments has revealed that ticks possess the capability to transmit Brucella to uninfected animals (range: 45.00-80.00%). Moreover, significant epidemiological associations have been found between the occurrence of brucellosis in animals and tick control in rangelands, which further suggests that ticks may serve as potential vectors for brucellosis transmission in ruminants. Notably, a mere three cases of human brucellosis resulting from potential tick bites were identified in search of global clinical case reports from 1963 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS It is imperative to improve the techniques used to identify Brucella in ticks, particularly by developing a novel, efficient, precise approach that can be applied in a field setting. Furthermore, due to the lack of adequate evidence of tick-borne brucellosis, it is essential to integrate various disciplines, including experimental animal science, epidemiology, molecular genetics, and others, to better understand the efficacy of tick-borne brucellosis. By amalgamating multiple disciplines, we can enhance our comprehension and proficiency in tackling tick-borne brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Chunfu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Ai Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Na Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Xinyu Feng
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, China.
- One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 20025, China.
| | - Jian Li
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- Basic Medical College, Guangxi University of Chinese Medical, Nanning, 530005, Guangxi, China.
| | - Wei Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- Basic Medical College, Guangxi University of Chinese Medical, Nanning, 530005, Guangxi, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Su S, Hong M, Cui MY, Gui Z, Ma SF, Wu L, Xing LL, Mu L, Yu JF, Fu SY, Gao RJ, Qi DD. Microbial diversity of ticks and a novel typhus group Rickettsia species (Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b) in Inner Mongolia, China. Parasite 2023; 30:58. [PMID: 38084939 PMCID: PMC10714680 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks can carry multiple pathogens, and Inner Mongolia's animal husbandry provides excellent environmental conditions for ticks. This study characterized the microbiome of ticks from different geographical locations in Inner Mongolia; 905 Dermacentor nuttalli and 36 Ixodes persulcatus were collected from sheep in three main pasture areas and from bushes within the forested area. Mixed DNA samples were prepared from three specimens from each region and tick species. Microbial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and α and β diversity were determined. The predominant bacterial genera were Rickettsia (54.60%), including Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b (19.33%) and other Rickettsia (35.27%), Arsenophonus (11.21%), Candidatus Lariskella (10.84%), and Acinetobacter (7.17%). Rickettsia bellii was identified in I. persulcatus, while Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b was found in D. nuttalli from Ordos and Chifeng. Potential Rickettsia and Anaplasma coinfections were observed in the Ordos region. Tick microbial diversity analysis in Inner Mongolia suggests that sheep at the sampling sites were exposed to multiple pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Su
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Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010059 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Mei Hong
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Meng-Yu Cui
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Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010059 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Zheng Gui
- First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun 130021 China
| | - Shi-Fa Ma
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Hulunbuir Mental Health Center Hulunbuir 022150 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Lin Wu
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Beijing Guoke Biotechnology Co., Ltd 102200 Beijing China
| | - Li-Li Xing
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Department of Infection Control, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010000 China
| | - Lan Mu
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Jing-Feng Yu
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Shao-Yin Fu
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Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Science Hohhot 010031 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Rui-Juan Gao
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Dong-Dong Qi
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Hulunbuir Mental Health Center Hulunbuir 022150 Inner Mongolia China
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8
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Zhou Y, Cao J, Wang Y, Battsetseg B, Battur B, Zhang H, Zhou J. Repellent effects of Chinese cinnamon oil on nymphal ticks of Haemaphysalis longicornis, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, and Hyalomma asiaticum. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:497-507. [PMID: 37870735 PMCID: PMC10615911 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00855-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The repellent activity of Chinese cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum cassia) on nymphal ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides Supino, and Hyalomma asiaticum Schulze and Schlottke) was evaluated in a sample Y-tube bioassay. The results were based on the vertical migration of ticks during the host-seek phase and showed a dose-dependent repellent effect of Chinese cinnamon oil on the tested nymphs after 6 h. For H. longicornis, R. haemaphysaloides, and H. asiaticum at the concentrations (vol/vol) of 3, 3, and 1.5%, the repellent percentages over time were 68-97, 69-94, and 69-93%, respectively, which indicated strong repellent activities against ticks, similar to the positive control DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). Chinese cinnamon oil exerted the strongest effect on H. asiaticum nymphs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the repellent effects of Chinese cinnamon oil on ticks. Chinese cinnamon oil has considerable potential and should be developed as a practical tick repellent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Zhou
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Badgar Battsetseg
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Zaisan, Ulaanbaatar, 17024, Mongolia
| | - Banzragch Battur
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Zaisan, Ulaanbaatar, 17024, Mongolia
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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9
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Thanchomnang T, Rodpai R, Thinnabut K, Boonroumkaew P, Sadaow L, Tangkawanit U, Sanpool O, Janwan P, Intapan PM, Maleewong W. Characterization of the bacterial microbiota of cattle ticks in northeastern Thailand through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 115:105511. [PMID: 37820843 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of a variety of pathogens that can infect humans and animals. Ticks also harbor non-pathogenic microbiota. This study characterized the microbiota of the ticks infesting beef cattle in Thailand. Two species of ticks; Rhipicephalus microplus (n = 15) and Haemaphysalis bispinosa (n = 5), were collected in seven provinces in northeastern Thailand. Microbial community profile of ticks was examined based on sequences of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene. Proteobacteria (Pseudomonadota) was the most abundant phylum, followed by Firmicutes (Bacillota), and Actinobacteriota. Coxiella-like endosymbiont was the most abundant bacterial taxon overall (49% of sequence reads), followed by Anaplasma (8.5%), Corynebacterium (5.5%), Ehrlichia (3.9%), and Castellaniella (3.4%). Co-infections of the pathogenic bacteria Ehrlichia and Anaplasma were detected in 19/20 (95%) female ticks. The tick with the lowest number of bacteria had the lowest abundance of the Coxiella-like endosymbiont, and the pathogenic bacteria Anaplasma and Ehrlichia were absent. This study provides baseline information of the microbiota of cattle ticks in northeastern Thailand, suggesting that ticks carry a few dominant bacterial taxa that are primarily non-pathogenic but can co-occur with pathogenic microorganisms. The information obtained is useful for monitoring disease outbreaks in the future and informing prevention and control strategies against cattle tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongjit Thanchomnang
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
| | - Rutchanee Rodpai
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Kanchana Thinnabut
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Patcharaporn Boonroumkaew
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Lakkhana Sadaow
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Ubon Tangkawanit
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Oranuch Sanpool
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Penchom Janwan
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Pewpan M Intapan
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Wanchai Maleewong
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
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10
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Pei T, Zhang T, Zhang M, Nwanade CF, Wang R, Wang Z, Bai R, Yu Z, Liu J. Molecular characterization and modulated expression of histone acetyltransferases during cold response of the tick Dermacentor silvarum (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:358. [PMID: 37817288 PMCID: PMC10566034 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05955-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histone acetylation is involved in the regulation of stress responses in multiple organisms. Dermacentor silvarum is an important vector tick species widely distributed in China, and low temperature is a crucial factor restricting the development of its population. However, knowledge of the histone acetyltransferases and epigenetic mechanisms underlying cold-stress responses in this tick species is limited. METHODS Histone acetyltransferase genes were characterized in D. silvarum, and their relative expressions were determined using qPCR during cold stress. The association and modulation of histone acetyltransferase genes were further explored using RNA interference, and both the H3K9 acetylation level and relative expression of KAT5 protein were evaluated using western blotting. RESULTS Three histone acetyltransferase genes were identified and named as DsCREBBP, DsKAT6B, and DsKAT5. Bioinformatics analysis showed that they were unstable hydrophilic proteins, characterized by the conserved structures of CBP (ZnF_TAZ), PHA03247 super family, Creb_binding, and MYST(PLN00104) super family. Fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression of DsCREBBP, DsKAT6B, and DsKAT5 increased after 3 days of cold treatment, with subsequent gradual decreases, and was lowest on day 9. Western blotting showed that both the H3K9 acetylation level and relative expression of KAT5 in D. silvarum increased after treatment at - 4, 4, and 8 °C for 3 and 6 days, whereas they decreased significantly after a 9-day treatment. RNA interference induced significant gene silencing, and the mortality rate of D. silvarum significantly increased at the respective semi-lethal temperatures. CONCLUSION These results imply that histone acetyltransferases play an important role in tick adaptation to low temperatures and lay a foundation for further understanding of the epigenetic regulation of histone acetylation in cold-stressed ticks. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying histone acetylation during cold stress in ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwei Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Tianai Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Chuks F. Nwanade
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN USA
| | - Ruotong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Ruwei Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
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11
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Lu M, Ji Y, Zhao H, Wang W, Tian J, Duan C, Qin X, Guo Y, Chen G, Lei F, Meng C, Li K. Circulation of multiple Rickettsiales bacteria in ticks from Sichuan province, Southwest China. Microb Pathog 2023; 183:106313. [PMID: 37625661 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
During 2021, 403 ticks including Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, Ixodes ovatus, Ixodes acutitarsus, and Rhipicephalus microplus were collected from three sites (590, 310, and 576 km away from each other) in Sichuan Province, China. A total of nine Rickettsiales species were identified in them, including three Rickettsia spp., five Anaplasma spp., and one Ehrlichia sp. Anaplasma ovis and a novel Rickettsia sp. named "Candidatus Rickettsia liangshanensis" were characterized in I. ovatus ticks from Liangshan, with positive rates of 11.11% and 45.56%, respectively. Anaplasma capra (13.33%) and Anaplasma bovis (15.33%) were detected in H. qinghaiensis ticks from Maerkang. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL gene sequences indicated that the A. bovis strains were divided into two groups. Additionally, a novel Ehrlichia species named "Candidatus Ehrlichia maerkangensis" was identified. It is closely related to "Candidatus Ehrlichia zunyiensis" which was previously reported in Berylmys bowersi rats from Zunyi City, Southwest China. In R. microplus from Mianyang, "Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis" was detected with a high prevalence (92.99%). Notably, a variant of R. raoultii was identified in I. acutitarsus (33.33%). This may be the first Rickettsiales bacterium reported in I. acutitarsus. Our results reveal the remarkable biodiversity of Rickettsiales in this area. Some of these bacteria are human pathogens, indicating the potential exposure risk to local people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China
| | - Yuqi Ji
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongqing Zhao
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China
| | - Wen Wang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China
| | - Junhua Tian
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 430024, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chengyu Duan
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xincheng Qin
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China
| | - Yawen Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Gaosong Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fuyu Lei
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chao Meng
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China.
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12
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Yu Z, Wang R, Zhang T, Wang T, Nwanade CF, Pei T, Bai R, Wang Z, Liu J. The genome-wide characterization and associated cold-tolerance function of the superoxide dismutase in the cold response of the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 195:105573. [PMID: 37666626 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the first line of antioxidant defense in organisms and plays an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species produced during environmental stress. However, limited information is available regarding the response of SOD genes to cold stress in ticks. Therefore, in the present study, SOD genes were cloned and identified from the genome of Haemaphysalis longicornis, and the function of SOD during the cold response was further explored. Seven SOD genes were characterized: HlCCS1, HlCCS2, HlMSD, HlCSD1, HlCSD2, HlCSD3, and HlCSD4. Bioinformatics analysis showed that HlCCS1 and HlCCS2 are copper chaperones of SODs. HlCSD1-HlCSD4 belong to the Cu/Zn SOD, whereas HlMSD belongs to the Mn SOD gene family. Fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression of HlCCS2, HlMSD, and HlCSD1-3 was upregulated, whereas HlCCS1 and HlCSD4 were downregulated during the cold response of H. longicornis. Western blotting confirmed changes in the relative expression of HlCSD3 and HlMSD in H. longicornis after cold treatment. Mortality of H. longicornis increased significantly after dsRNA injection of HlCCS2, HlMSD, HlCSD1, and HlCSD3. The above results show that SODs have different regulatory functions during the cold response in H. longicornis, and there might be an interaction between treatment temperature and duration. Furthermore, the results lay a foundation for subsequent research on the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance in H. longicornis and shed light on the population distribution and diffusion limit of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Ruotong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Tianai Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Tongxuan Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Chuks F Nwanade
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Tingwei Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Ruwei Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
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13
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Ali M, Al-Ahmadi BM, Ibrahim R, Alahmadi S, Gattan H, Shater AF, Elshazly H. HARD TICKS (ACARI: IXODIDAE) INFESTING ARABIAN CAMELS (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS) IN MEDINA AND QASSIM, SAUDI ARABIA. J Parasitol 2023; 109:252-258. [PMID: 37367177 DOI: 10.1645/22-109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ixodid ticks are hematophagous obligatory ectoparasites that occur worldwide and transmit pathogens to humans and other vertebrates, causing economic livestock losses. The Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius Linnaeus, 1758) is an important livestock animal in Saudi Arabia that is vulnerable to parasitism by ticks. The diversity and intensity of ticks on Arabian camels in certain localities in the Medina and Qassim regions of Saudi Arabia were determined. One hundred forty camels were examined for ticks, and 106 were infested (98 females, 8 males). A total of 452 ixodid ticks (267 males, 185 females) were collected from the infested Arabian camels. The tick infestation prevalence was 83.1% and 36.4% in female and male camels, respectively (female camels harbored significantly more ticks than did male camels). The recorded tick species were Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 (84.5%); Hyalomma truncatum Koch, 1844 (11.1%); Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze and Schlottke, 1929 (4.2%); and Hyalomma scupense Schulze, 1919 (0.22%). Hyalomma dromedarii was the predominant tick species in most regions, with a mean intensity of 2.15 ± 0.29 ticks/camel (2.5 ± 0.53 male ticks/camel, 1.8 ± 0.21 female ticks/camel). The proportion of male ticks was higher than that of female ticks (59.1 vs. 40.9%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey of ixodid ticks on Arabian camels in Medina and Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medhat Ali
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, 344, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Bassam M Al-Ahmadi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, 344, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reda Ibrahim
- Department of Economic Entomology, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Saeed Alahmadi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, 344, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hattan Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21362, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, Jeddah, 21362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Shater
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Arts - Scientific Departments, Qassim University, Buraydah, Qassim, 52571, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62521, Egypt
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14
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Chisu V, Dei Giudici S, Foxi C, Chessa G, Peralta F, Sini V, Masala G. Anaplasma Species in Ticks Infesting Mammals of Sardinia, Italy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081332. [PMID: 37106895 PMCID: PMC10135370 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that are recognized for their ability to vector a wide variety of pathogens of viral, bacterial, protozoal, and helminthic nature to vertebrate hosts. Among the different diseases transmitted by ticks, also called "Tick-Borne Diseases" (TBD), many are zoonotic. Pathogens of the genus Anaplasma refer to obligate intracellular bacteria within the Rickettsiales order transmitted mainly through tick bites and considered as well-established threats to domestic animals, livestock, and humans, worldwide. In this retrospective study, 156 ticks collected from twenty goats, one marten, and one cattle from several Sardinian sites, were examined by molecular analyses to detect the presence of Anaplasma species. A total of 10 (10/156; 6.4%) ticks were shown to be Anaplasma-positive by PCR screening. After sequence analyses, A. phagocytophilum was detected in four Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (3.3%) and four Rh. bursa (11%) ticks from goats, while one Rh. sanguineus s.l. (0.8%) and one Rh. bursa (2.8%) collected from the marten and cattle, respectively, exhibited 100% of identity with A. marginale strains. In this study, we provide the first description and molecular detection of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum in ticks of the Rhiphicephalus genus in Sardinia. Considering the growing impact of tick-borne Anaplasma pathogens on human health, further studies are necessary to monitor the prevalence of these pathogens in Sardinia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Silvia Dei Giudici
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Cipriano Foxi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Chessa
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Peralta
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Valentina Sini
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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15
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Jin X, Liao J, Chen Q, Ding J, Chang H, Lyu Y, Yu L, Wen B, Sun Y, Qin T. Diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in five species of ticks collected from Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, China in 2021-2022. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1141217. [PMID: 37187539 PMCID: PMC10175684 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1141217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The order Rickettsiales in the class Alphaproteobacteria comprises vector-borne pathogens of both medical and veterinary importance. Ticks, as a group, are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of pathogens to humans, playing a critical role in the transmission of rickettsiosis. In the present study, 880 ticks collected from Jinzhai County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, China in 2021-2022 were identified as belonging to five species from three genera. DNA extracted from individual ticks was examined using nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene (rrs), and the gene fragments amplified were sequenced to detect and identify Rickettsiales bacteria in the ticks. For further identification, the rrs-positive tick samples were further amplified by PCR targeting the gltA and groEL gene and sequenced. As a result, 13 Rickettsiales species belonging to the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia were detected, including three tentative species of Ehrlichia. Our results reveal the extensive diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in ticks from Jinzhai County, Anhui Province. There, emerging rickettsial species may be pathogenic and cause under-recognized diseases. Detection of several pathogens in ticks that are closely related to human diseases may indicate a potential risk of infection in humans. Therefore, additional studies to assess the potential public health risks of the Rickettsiales pathogens identified in the present study are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jiasheng Liao
- Jinzhai County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhai, Anhui, China
| | - Qingqing Chen
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Research Institute of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Junfei Ding
- Jinzhai County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhai, Anhui, China
| | - Hongwei Chang
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Lyu
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Liang Yu
- Jinzhai County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhai, Anhui, China
| | - Bohai Wen
- Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- Bohai Wen
| | - Yong Sun
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Research Institute of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Yong Sun
| | - Tian Qin
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Tian Qin
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16
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Lu M, Meng C, Li Y, Zhou G, Wang L, Xu X, Li N, Ji Y, Tian J, Wang W, Li K. Rickettsia sp. and Anaplasma spp. in Haemaphysalis longicornis from Shandong province of China, with evidence of a novel species "Candidatus Anaplasma Shandongensis". Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102082. [PMID: 36403321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis is one of the most dominant and widespread tick species in China. This species mainly infests wild animals and occasionally attacks humans, and has been associated with the transmission of a variety of zoonotic pathogens including spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR), severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.. Although there are increasing reports of various pathogens associated with H. longicornis, some neglected pathogens in certain areas still need to be studied. In this study, a total of 171 H. longicornis ticks were collected from goats in three locations of Shandong Province, Eastern China (Zibo, Linyi, and Qingdao cities), and subsequently screened for the presence of Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia bacteria. A total of four bacterial species were identified and characterized. "Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis" was detected in one tick specimen from Zibo city. Of 98 ticks from Linyi city, 63.27% (62/98) were tested positive for Anaplasma capra and 5.10% (5/98) were positive for Anaplasma bovis. Interestingly, a novel Anaplasma species was detected and characterized in one tick specimen from Zibo and one other from Linyi, respectively. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S, gltA, groEL, and msp4 genes indicated that it was divergent from all known Anaplasma species but mostly related to A. phagocytophilum and "Cadidatus Anaplasma boleense". Based on where it was first detected, we named it "Candidatus Anaplasma shandongensis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing city, China
| | - Chao Meng
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yilin Li
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guangyi Zhou
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Laoshan No.3 middle school, 266061, Qingdao city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Na Li
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuqi Ji
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Junhua Tian
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 430024, Wuhan city, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wen Wang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing city, China
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing city, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Commerce, 300134, Beichen District, Tianjin City, China.
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17
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Identification of Bacterial Communities and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Haemaphysalis spp. Collected from Shanghai, China. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120413. [PMID: 36548668 PMCID: PMC9787663 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks can carry and transmit a large number of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and protozoa, posing a huge threat to human health and animal husbandry. Previous investigations have shown that the dominant species of ticks in Shanghai are Haemaphysalis flava and Haemaphysalis longicornis. However, no relevant investigations and research have been carried out in recent decades. Therefore, we investigated the bacterial communities and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in Haemaphysalis spp. from Shanghai, China. Ixodid ticks were collected from 18 sites in Shanghai, China, and identified using morphological and molecular methods. The V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were amplified from the pooled tick DNA samples and subject to metagenomic analysis. The microbial diversity in the tick samples was estimated using the alpha diversity that includes the observed species index and Shannon index. The Unifrac distance matrix as determined using the QIIME software was used for unweighted Unifrac Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). Individual tick DNA samples were screened with genus-specific or group-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for these TBPs and combined with a sequencing assay to confirm the results of the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. We found H. flava and H. longicornis to be the dominant species of ticks in Shanghai in this study. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria are the main bacterial communities of Haemaphysalis spp. The total species abundances of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, are 48.8%, 20.8% and 18.1%, respectively. At the level of genus analysis, H. longicornis and H. flava carried at least 946 genera of bacteria. The bacteria with high abundance include Lactobacillus, Coxiella, Rickettsia and Muribaculaceae. Additionally, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia japonica, Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, Anaplasma bovis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Coxiella spp. and Coxiella-like endosymbiont were detected in Haemaphysalis spp. from Shanghai, China. This study is the first report of bacterial communities and the prevalence of some main pathogens in Haemaphysalis spp. from Shanghai, China, and may provide insights and evidence for bacterial communities and the prevalence of the main pathogen in ticks. This study also indicates that people and other animals in Shanghai, China, are exposed to several TBPs.
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18
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Agwunobi DO, Wang M, Wang Z, Bai R, Wang R, Hu Q, Yu Z, Liu J. The toxicity of the monoterpenes from lemongrass is mitigated by the detoxifying symbiosis of bacteria and fungi in the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 247:114261. [PMID: 36332404 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The entry mode of terpenes into the atmosphere is via volatilization of hydrocarbons from foliage over heavily forested areas besides entering the environment through surface water runoff. Some monoterpenes in essential oils are phytotoxins, acting as plant chemical defenses against bacteria or fungi infections and plant-eating insects. For organisms to survive, their enzymatic systems are activated in response to an assault by potentially harmful compounds. Certain bacterial and fungal genera have developed special abilities to transform toxic terpenes into less toxic derivatives. Here, we investigated the response of the bacterial and fungal community in Haemaphysalis longicornis exposed to Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) essential oil (EO) and citronellal. Sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS1 regions on an Illumina NovaSeq PE250 sequencing platform was performed for H. longicornis tick samples treated with 15 and 20 mg/mL of lemongrass essential oil and citronellal. The diversity recorded in samples treated with C. citratus EO was higher in comparison to those treated with citronellal but significantly lower in the control samples as reflected by the Shannon diversity index. All major H. longicornis bacterial phyla, including Proteobacteria (93.81 %), Firmicutes (2.58 %), and Bacteroidota (0.99 %) were detected. A switch of dominance from Coxiella to Pseudomonas, which has high biotransformation capacity, was observed in the bacterial community, whereas the phylum Ascomycota (Genera: Aspergillus, Archaeorhizomyces, Alternaria, and Candida) dominated in the fungal community indicating detoxifying symbiosis. Other significantly abundant bacterial genera include Ralstonia, Acinetobacter, Vibrio, and Pseudoalteromonas, while Ganoderma and Trichosporon (yeasts) spp. represented the fungi Basidiomycota. This study expanded the understanding of enzymatic modification of phytotoxic substances by microorganisms, which could provide deeper insights into the mitigation of harmful phytotoxins and the synthesis of eco-friendly derivatives for the control of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O Agwunobi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Min Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Ruwei Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Ruotong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Qiuyu Hu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China.
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19
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Che TL, Jiang BG, Xu Q, Zhang YQ, Lv CL, Chen JJ, Tian YJ, Yang Y, Hay SI, Liu W, Fang LQ. Mapping the risk distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in China from 1986 to 2020: a geospatial modelling analysis. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1215-1226. [PMID: 35411829 PMCID: PMC9067995 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2065930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis, recognized as one of the most important tick-borne diseases worldwide, has been increasing in incidence and spatial extent. Currently, there are few geographic studies about the distribution of Lyme borreliosis risk across China. Here we established a nationwide database that involved Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi) detected in humans, vectors, and animals in China. The eco-environmental factors that shaped the spatial pattern of B. burgdorferi were identified by using a two-stage boosted regression tree model and the model-predicted risks were mapped. During 1986−2020, a total of 2,584 human confirmed cases were reported in 25 provinces. Borrelia burgdorferi was detected from 35 tick species with the highest positive rates in Ixodes granulatus, Hyalomma asiaticum, Ixodes persulcatus, and Haemaphysalis concinna ranging 20.1%−24.0%. Thirteen factors including woodland, NDVI, rainfed cropland, and livestock density were determined as important drivers for the probability of B. burgdorferi occurrence based on the stage 1 model. The stage 2 model identified ten factors including temperature seasonality, NDVI, and grasslands that were the main determinants used to distinguish areas at high or low-medium risk of B. burgdorferi, interpreted as potential occurrence areas within the area projected by the stage 1 model. The projected high-risk areas were not only concentrated in high latitude areas, but also were distributed in middle and low latitude areas. These high-resolution evidence-based risk maps of B. burgdorferi was first created in China and can help as a guide to future surveillance and control and help inform disease burden and infection risk estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Le Che
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Qi Zhang
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Research Center on Fictitious Economy and Data Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Long Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Jie Tian
- Research Center on Fictitious Economy and Data Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,School of Economics and Management, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Simon I Hay
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Qun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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20
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Yang X, Zhao Y, Chuai X, Cao Q, Meng H, Liu J, Chen Z. The life cycle of Hyalomma scupense (Acari: Ixodidae) under laboratory conditions. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102019. [PMID: 35963189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The life cycle of Hyalomma scupense on rabbit hosts was investigated under laboratory conditions. Hy. scupense exhibited one- and two-host life cycles of 163.2 and 161.4 days, respectively. The incubation of eggs required an average period of 52 days, which was the longest period among the four developmental stages. The average time for pre-feeding of larvae was 3.5 days. It took 20 days for larvae to become engorged nymphs and 52.3 days to become engorged females. The duration of the pre-feeding, feeding, pre-oviposition, and oviposition stages of female adults was 2.3, 13.5, 27.5, and 27.9 days, respectively. The average weight of engorged females was 390.0 mg (ranging from 129.3 mg to 828.6 mg), which was 28.95 times the weight of unfed females. There was a positive relationship between the weight and the number of eggs laid by engorged females (r = 0.927). The reproductive efficiency index (REI) was 8.63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, China.
| | - Yuqi Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China
| | - Xia Chuai
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China
| | - Qiao Cao
- Shijiazhuang Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050041, China
| | - Hao Meng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China
| | - Jiaze Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China
| | - Ze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, China.
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21
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Abstract
Blood-sucking ticks are obligate parasites and vectors of a variety of human and animal viruses. Some tick-borne viruses have been identified as pathogens of infectious diseases in humans or animals, potentially imposing significant public health burdens and threats to the husbandry industry. Therefore, identifying the profiles of tick-borne viruses will provide valuable information about the evolution and pathogen ecology of tick-borne viruses. In this study, we investigated the viromes of parasitic ticks collected from the body surfaces of herbivores in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, two regions in northwest China. By using a metatranscriptomic approach, 17 RNA viruses with high diversity in genomic organization and evolution were identified. Among them, nine are proposed to be novel species. The classified viruses belonged to six viral families, including Phenuiviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Lispiviridae, Chuviridae, and Reoviridae, and unclassified viruses were also identified. In addition, although some viruses from different sampling locations shared significant similarities, the abundance and diversity of viruses notably varied among the different collection locations. This study demonstrates the diversity of tick-borne viruses in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia and provides informative data for further study of the evolution and pathogenicity of these RNA viruses. IMPORTANCE Ticks are widely distributed in pastoral areas in northwestern China and act as vectors that carry and transmit a variety of pathogens, especially viruses. Our study revealed the diversity of tick viruses in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia and uncovered the phylogenetic relationships of some RNA viruses, especially the important zoonotic tick-borne severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in Inner Mongolia. These data suggest a complex and diverse evolutionary history and potential ecological factors associated with pathogenic viruses. The pathogenicity of these tick-borne viruses currently remains unclear. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating the transmissability and pathogenicity of these tick-borne viruses.
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22
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Tian J, Hou X, Ge M, Xu H, Yu B, Liu J, Shao R, Holmes EC, Lei C, Shi M. The diversity and evolutionary relationships of ticks and tick-borne bacteria collected in China. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:352. [PMID: 36182913 PMCID: PMC9526939 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05485-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks (order Ixodida) are ectoparasites, vectors and reservoirs of many infectious agents affecting humans and domestic animals. However, the lack of information on tick genomic diversity leaves significant gaps in the understanding of the evolution of ticks and associated bacteria. Results We collected > 20,000 contemporary and historical (up to 60 years of preservation) tick samples representing a wide range of tick biodiversity across diverse geographic regions in China. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on individual ticks to obtain the complete or near-complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences from 46 tick species, among which mitochondrial genomes of 23 species were recovered for the first time. These new mt genomes data greatly expanded the diversity of many tick groups and revealed five cryptic species. Utilizing the same metagenomic sequence data we identified divergent and abundant bacteria in Haemaphysalis, Ixodes, Dermacentor and Carios ticks, including nine species of pathogenetic bacteria and potentially new species within the genus Borrelia. We also used these data to explore the evolutionary relationship between ticks and their associated bacteria, revealing a pattern of long-term co-divergence relationship between ticks and Rickettsia and Coxiella bacteria. Conclusions In sum, our study provides important new information on the genetic diversity of ticks based on an analysis of mitochondrial DNA as well as on the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in China. It also sheds new light on the long-term evolutionary and ecological relationships between ticks and their associated bacteria. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05485-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- JunHua Tian
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430070, China.,Wuhan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430015, China
| | - Xin Hou
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China
| | - MiHong Ge
- Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430345, China
| | - HongBin Xu
- Jiangxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330029, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Wuhan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430015, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Wuhan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430015, China
| | - RenFu Shao
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4558, Australia.,GeneCology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Life & Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - ChaoLiang Lei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430070, China.
| | - Mang Shi
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China.
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23
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Hu H, Liu Z, Fu R, Liu Y, Ma H, Zheng W. Detection and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne bacterial and protozoan pathogens in a forest province of eastern China. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106634. [PMID: 35932842 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106634] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Ticks, as obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites, feed on a broad range of vertebrates and transmit a great diversity of pathogenic microorganisms. Some tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are endemic in China, whereas epidemiological studies are limited in Jiangxi, a forest province located in eastern China. Here, we have determined the positivity rates of TBPs in humans, rodents, dogs, goats and ticks, and performed the molecular characterization of TBPs in Jiangxi province. We found a high positivity rate of TBPs in the collected samples, demonstrating 23 (12.92%) samples positive for more than one TBPs. Of those, 11 (6.18%) samples were positive for Rickettsia spp., six (3.37%) Ehrlichia spp./Anaplasma spp., one (0.56%) Bartonella spp., two (1.12%) Borrelia spp., and five (2.81%) Babesia spp. The positivity rates of TBPs varied among ticks, animals, and humans as follow: goats (14/37, 37.84%), ticks (8/35, 22.86%), and dogs (1/11, 9.09%). Humans and rodents were negative for TBP presence. Phylogenetic analyses of these TBP sequences revealed the presence of Rickettsia japonica, Ehrlichia minasensis, and an unclassified Babesia spp. in goats, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia valaisiana, and an unclassified Bartonella spp. in ticks. Furthermore, R. japonica infection was exclusively found in goats with the positivity rate of 29.73%. Our study is the first report of R. japonica in goats around the world. These findings suggest high TBP positivity rates among goats, ticks, and dogs, and diverse TBPs in goats and ticks in the studied sites. Therefore, our results underscore the urgent need to assess TBP-tick-vertebrate-environment interactions and the risk of tick borne disease exposure in humans in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Hu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Zhanbin Liu
- Nanchang Police Dog Base of the Ministry of Public Security, Xinjian Dsitrict, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330100, China
| | - Renlong Fu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Yangqing Liu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Hongmei Ma
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Weiqing Zheng
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China.
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Alcon-Chino MET, De-Simone SG. Recent Advances in the Immunologic Method Applied to Tick-Borne Diseases in Brazil. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080870. [PMID: 36014992 PMCID: PMC9414916 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic-origin infectious diseases are one of the major concerns of human and veterinary health systems. Ticks, as vectors of several zoonotic diseases, are ranked second only to mosquitoes as vectors. Many ticks’ transmitted infections are still endemic in the Americas, Europe, and Africa and represent approximately 17% of their infectious diseases population. Although our scientific capacity to identify and diagnose diseases is increasing, it remains a challenge in the case of tick-borne conditions. For example, in 2017, 160 cases of the Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF, a tick-borne illness) were confirmed, alarming the notifiable diseases information system. Conversely, Brazilian borreliosis and ehrlichiosis do not require notification. Still, an increasing number of cases in humans and dogs have been reported in southeast and northeastern Brazil. Immunological methods applied to human and dog tick-borne diseases (TBD) show low sensitivity and specificity, cross-reactions, and false IgM positivity. Thus, the diagnosis and management of TBD are hampered by the personal tools and indirect markers used. Therefore, specific and rapid methods urgently need to be developed to diagnose the various types of tick-borne bacterial diseases. This review presents a brief historical perspective on the evolution of serological assays and recent advances in diagnostic tests for TBD (ehrlichiosis, BSF, and borreliosis) in humans and dogs, mainly applied in Brazil. Additionally, this review covers the emerging technologies available in diagnosing TBD, including biosensors, and discusses their potential for future use as gold standards in diagnosing these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônica E. T. Alcon-Chino
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
- Post-Graduation Program in Science and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 22040-036, Brazil
| | - Salvatore G. De-Simone
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
- Post-Graduation Program in Science and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 22040-036, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-38658183
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Li J, Zhang S, Liang W, Zhao S, Wang Z, Li H, Yang B, Zhang Z, Li J, Jia L. Survey of tick species and molecular detection of selected tick-borne pathogens in Yanbian, China. PARASITE (PARIS, FRANCE) 2022; 29:38. [PMID: 35861542 PMCID: PMC9302104 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases pose a significant threat to public health. In this study, we aimed to determine the tick species distribution and pathogens carried by ticks in Yanbian, China. A total of 2673 questing ticks were collected from eight counties and cities in Yanbian and were morphologically identified. The presence of Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae (CRT), spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR), severe fever thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), Theileria, and other pathogens was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR assays, followed by phylogenetic and genotypic analyses. According to the morphological identification, the tick species in Yanbian consisted of Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes persulcatus, Dermacentor silvarum, H. japonica, and H. concinna. In H. longicornis, CRT, SFGR, SFTSV and Theileria orientalis were detected, while CRT, SFGR, and SFTSV were detected in I. persulcatus, H. japonica, and D. silvarum. Only SFTSV was detected in H. concinna. Mixed infection with CRT and SFTSV was observed in I. persulcatus and H. japonica. The gene sequences of all tested pathogens exhibited 95.7%–100% identity with the corresponding sequences deposited in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that different SFGR and SFTSV genotypes were closely related to the Korean strains. This study is the first to describe the genetic diversity of SFGR Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii in H. longicornis in Yanbian, China, using the ompA, ompB, sca4, and rrs genes. These results provide epidemiological data to support the prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the border areas of China, North Korea, and Russia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixu Li
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No. 977 Park Road, Yanji 133002, PR China - Yanbian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yanji 133001, PR China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No. 977 Park Road, Yanji 133002, PR China
| | - Wanfeng Liang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No. 977 Park Road, Yanji 133002, PR China
| | - Shaowei Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No. 977 Park Road, Yanji 133002, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No. 977 Park Road, Yanji 133002, PR China
| | - Hang Li
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No. 977 Park Road, Yanji 133002, PR China
| | - Bingyi Yang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No. 977 Park Road, Yanji 133002, PR China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical College of Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, PR China
| | - Jialin Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical College of Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, PR China
| | - Lijun Jia
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No. 977 Park Road, Yanji 133002, PR China
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Li SS, Zhang XY, Zhou XJ, Chen KL, Masoudi A, Liu JZ, Zhang YK. Bacterial microbiota analysis demonstrates that ticks can acquire bacteria from habitat and host blood meal. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 87:81-95. [PMID: 35532740 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00714-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ticks have a diversity of habitats and host blood meals. Whether and how factors such as tick developmental stages, habitats and host blood meals affect tick bacterial microbiota is poorly elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the bacterial microbiotas of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, their blood meals and habitats using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. The bacterial richness and diversity in ticks varied depending on the tick developmental stage and feeding status. Results showed that fed ticks present a higher bacterial richness suggesting that ticks may acquire bacteria from blood meals. The significant overlap of the bacteria of fed ticks and the host blood also supports this possibility. Another possibility is that blood meals can stimulate the proliferation of certain bacteria. However, most shared bacteria cannot transmit throughout the tick life cycle, as they were not present in tick eggs. The most shared bacteria between ticks and habitats are members of the genera Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Acinetobacter and Stenotrophomonas, suggesting that these environmental bacteria cannot be completely washed away and can be acquired by ticks. The predominant proportion of Coxiella in fed females further demonstrates that this genus is involved in H. longicornis physiology, such as feeding activity and nutritional provision. These findings further reveal that the bacterial composition of ticks is influenced by a variety of factors and will help in subsequent studies of the function of these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Si Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Conservation, Hengshui University, Hengshui, 053000, Hebei, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Zhou
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Kai-Li Chen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Abolfazl Masoudi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Jing-Ze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China.
| | - Yan-Kai Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China.
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Protozoan and Rickettsial Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Infested Cattle from Turkey. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050500. [PMID: 35631021 PMCID: PMC9146054 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by tick-transmitted pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are of veterinary and medical importance, especially in tropical and subtropical regions including Turkey. Hence, molecular surveillance of tick-borne diseases will improve the understanding of their distribution towards effective control. This study aimed to investigate the presence and perform molecular characterization of Babesia sp., Theileria sp., Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia sp., and Rickettsia sp. in tick species collected from cattle in five provinces of Turkey. A total of 277 adult ticks (males and females) were collected. After microscopic identification, tick pools were generated according to tick species, host animal, and sampling sites prior to DNA extraction. Molecular identification of the tick species was conducted through PCR assays. Out of 90 DNA pools, 57.8% (52/90) were detected to harbor at least 1 pathogen. The most frequently-detected pathogens were Babesia bovis, with a minimum detection rate of 7.9%, followed by Ehrlichia sp. (7.2%), Theileria annulata (5.8%), Coxiella sp. (3.3%), Anaplasma marginale (2.5%), Rickettsia sp. (2.5%), and B. occultans (0.7%). Rickettsia sp. identified in this study include Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, R. aeschlimannii, and Rickettsia sp. Chad. All sequences obtained from this study showed 99.05−100% nucleotide identity with those deposited in GenBank (query cover range: 89−100%). This is the first molecular detection of Rickettsia sp. Chad, a variant of Astrakhan fever rickettsia, in Turkey. Results from this survey provide a reference for the distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in cattle and expand the knowledge of tick-borne diseases in Turkey.
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Agwunobi DO, Pei T, Bai R, Wang Z, Shi X, Zhang M, Yu Z, Liu J. miR-2a and miR-279 are functionally associated with cold tolerance in Dermacentor silvarum (Acari: Ixodidae). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 41:100946. [PMID: 34872025 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites that can attack mammals, birds, reptiles as well as amphibians. Dermacentor silvarum, an important vector of various pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoans, is widely distributed in China. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~22 nucleotide non-coding small RNA molecules, involved in the regulation of various physiological and cellular processes. Previous studies demonstrated the vital roles of miRNAs during the reproduction and development of ticks, whereas, the regulatory/functional roles of microRNAs during the cold response of ticks remain unexplored. Here, we identified and functionally explored D. silvarum miRNAs involved in cold response to gain further understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying cold stress in ticks. The microRNA libraries of D. silvarum were established via high-throughput sequencing after exposure to different cold treatments. A total of 147 miRNAs, including 44 known miRNAs and 103 new miRNAs, were identified. The verification of six highly differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-2a, miR-5305, miR-7, miR-279, miR-993, and novel-3) via RT-qPCR were consistent with the high-throughput sequence results. miR-2a peaked by day 6 and miR-279 expression was lowest by day 3 after cold treatment. The potential target genes of miR-2a and miR-279 were the glycogen phosphorylase (GPase) gene and serine gene, respectively. After injecting D. silvarum ticks with miR-2a and miR-279 antagonists, their respective target genes were up-regulated and vice-versa after injection with the agonists. These results indicated that these two miRNAs and their target genes may be involved in the cold response of D. silvarum ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O Agwunobi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Tingwei Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Ruwei Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Xinyue Shi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
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Arzamani K, Saghafipour A, Hashemi SA, Vatandoost H, Alavinia M, Raeghi S, Telmadarraiy Z. Biodiversity Indices and Medically Importance of Ticks in North Khorasan Province, Northeast of Iran. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2022; 15:187-195. [PMID: 35111857 PMCID: PMC8782747 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v15i2.7488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ticks are considered as the main vectors for the transmission of various pathogens such as relapsing fever and CCHF to humans. This study was investigated the biodiversity indices and medically importance of ticks in North Khorasan Province, Northeast of Iran during 2015–2019. Methods: Specimens were captured from infested ruminants including cows, sheep, and goats. Additionally, tick collections also were performed on non-domesticated creatures such as turtles, rodents, and hedgehogs. Specimens were identified using valid identification keys. Species diversity, species richness and evenness indices have been calculated to estimate species biodiversity of ticks. Results: A total of 1478 adult ticks were collected. The specimens were from two families: Ixodidae (90.05%) and Argasidae (9.95%), 6 genera and 17 species including: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (55.9%), Rhipicephalus bursa (13.4%), Hyalomma marginatum (9.5%), Hyalomma anatolicum (9.5%), Hyalomma asiaticum (0.2%), Hyalomma aegyptium (0.5%), Hyalomma scupense (1.3%), Hyalomma sp (1.2%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (0.7%), Haemaphysalis erinacea (0.1%), Haemaphysalis inermis (0.1%), Haemaphysalis punctata (0.2%), Haemaphysalis concinna (0.1% Boophilus annulatus (1.2), and Dermacentor marginatus (6.1%) among hard ticks as well as Argas persicus (91.8%) and Argas reflexus (8.2%) amongst soft ticks. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rh. Bursa, Hy. marginatum and Hy. anatolicum were known as the most frequent species of hard ticks. Tick’s species richness, Shannon diversity index and Simpson index in this area were S= 17, H’= 1.69, D= 0.294 respectively. Conclusion: Based on tick distribution veterinary authority, public health organizations and other officials should act for implementation of disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Arzamani
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Abedin Saghafipour
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Hashemi
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hassan Vatandoost
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Alavinia
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.,Toronto Rehabilitation Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Saber Raeghi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Zakkyeh Telmadarraiy
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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The new Haemaphysalis longicornis genome provides insights into its requisite biological traits. Genomics 2022; 114:110317. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Lu X, Zhang Z, Yuan D, Zhou Y, Cao J, Zhang H, da Silva Vaz I, Zhou J. The ecdysteroid receptor regulates salivary gland degeneration through apoptosis in Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:612. [PMID: 34930413 PMCID: PMC8686549 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is well established that ecdysteroid hormones play an important role in arthropod development and reproduction, mediated by ecdysteroid receptors. Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods and vectors of pathogens. The salivary gland plays an essential role in tick growth and reproduction and in the transmission of pathogens to vertebrate hosts. During tick development, the salivary gland undergoes degeneration triggered by ecdysteroid hormones and activated by apoptosis. However, it is unknown how the ecdysteroid receptor and apoptosis regulate salivary gland degeneration. Here, we report the functional ecdysteroid receptor (a heterodimer of the ecdysone receptor [EcR] and ultraspiracle [USP]) isolated from the salivary gland of the tick Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and explore the molecular mechanism of ecdysteroid receptor regulation of salivary gland degeneration. Methods The full length of RhEcR and RhUSP open reading frames (ORFs) was obtained from the transcriptome. The RhEcR and RhUSP proteins were expressed in a bacterial heterologous system, Escherichia coli. Polyclonal antibodies were produced against synthetic peptides and were able to recognize recombinant and native proteins. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to detect the distribution of RhEcR, RhUSP, and RhCaspases in the R. haemaphysaloides organs. A proteomics approach was used to analyze the expression profiles of the ecdysteroid receptors, RhCaspases, and other proteins. To analyze the function of the ecdysteroid receptor, RNA interference (RNAi) was used to silence the genes in adult female ticks. Finally, the interaction of RhEcR and RhUSP was identified by heterologous co-expression assays in HEK293T cells. Results We identified the functional ecdysone receptor (RhEcR/RhUSP) of 20-hydroxyecdysone from the salivary gland of the tick R. haemaphysaloides. The RhEcR and RhUSP genes have three and two isoforms, respectively, and belong to a nuclear receptor family but with variable N-terminal A/B domains. The RhEcR gene silencing inhibited blood-feeding, blocked engorgement, and restrained salivary gland degeneration, showing the biological role of the RhEcR gene in ticks. In the ecdysteroid signaling pathway, RhEcR silencing inhibited salivary gland degeneration by suppressing caspase-dependent apoptosis. The heterologous expression in mammalian HEK293T cells showed that RhEcR1 interacts with RhUSP1 and induces caspase-dependent apoptosis. Conclusions These data show that RhEcR has an essential role in tick physiology and represents a putative target for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05052-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Dongqi Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Wang T, Wang T, Zhang M, Shi X, Zhang M, Wang H, Yang X, Yu Z, Liu J. The Ovarian Development Genes of Bisexual and Parthenogenetic Haemaphysalis longicornis Evaluated by Transcriptomics and Proteomics. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:783404. [PMID: 34977217 PMCID: PMC8714755 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.783404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The tick Haemaphysalis longicornis has two reproductive groups: a bisexual group (HLBP) and a parthenogenetic group (HLPP). The comparative molecular regulation of ovarian development in these two groups is unexplored. We conducted transcriptome sequencing and quantitative proteomics on the ovaries of HLBP and HLPP, in different feeding stages, to evaluate the molecular function of genes associated with ovarian development. The ovarian tissues of HLBP and HLPP were divided into three feeding stages (early-fed, partially-fed and engorged). A total of 87,233 genes and 2,833 proteins were annotated in the ovary of H. longicornis in the different feeding stages. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of functional pathway analysis indicated that Lysosome, MAPK Signaling Pathway, Phagosome, Regulation of Actin Cytoskeleton, Endocytosis, Apoptosis, Insulin Signaling Pathway, Oxidative Phosphorylation, and Sphingolipid Metabolism were most abundant in the ovary of H. longicornis in the different feeding stages. Comparing the DEGs between HLBP and HLPP revealed that the ABC Transporter, PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway and cAMP Signaling Pathway were the most enriched and suggested that the functions of signal transduction mechanisms may have changed during ovarian development. The functions of the annotated proteome of ovarian tissues were strongly correlated with the transcriptome annotation results, and these were further validated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In the HLBP, the expression of cathepsin L, secreted proteins and glycosidase proteins was significantly up-regulated during feeding stages. In the HLPP, the lysozyme, yolk proteins, heat shock protein, glutathione S transferase, myosin and ATP synthase proteins were up-regulated during feeding stages. The significant differences of the gene expression between HLBP and HLPP indicated that variations in the genetic background and molecular function might exist in the two groups. These results provide a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanism and exploring the functions of genes in the ovarian development of different reproductive groups of H. longicornis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tongxuan Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xinyue Shi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Prevalence, Distribution, and Molecular Record of Four Hard Ticks from Livestock in the United Arab Emirates. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12111016. [PMID: 34821817 PMCID: PMC8617910 DOI: 10.3390/insects12111016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Ticks, as blood feeders and vectors of many diseases, can negatively impact livestock and human health, with potential economic impacts on the livestock industry. In this study, we documented the occurrence of four tick species (Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Amblyomma lepidum) on camels, cows, sheep, and goats from three areas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our findings indicated that H. dromedarii was the most prevalent tick species on camels. The other tick species were present at varying levels on hosts. Some of the tick species collected in this study are potential carriers of tick-borne diseases that are serious and sometimes fatal to humans and animals. Thus, there is a need for more research on ticks and tick-borne diseases in the UAE. Abstract Ticks are important arthropod vectors that serve as reservoirs of pathogens. Rapid urbanization and changes in animal breeding practices could be causing a rise in tick burden on animals. Studies on tick distribution on livestock and tick molecular diversity from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are limited. The aim of this study was to (i) provide molecular and morphological identification of tick species, (ii) compare tick infestation between different hosts, (iii) compare tick infestation in relation to the sex of the host, and (iv) assess the prevalence of tick species on hosts. A total of 5950 ticks were collected from camels (4803 ticks), cows (651 ticks), goats (219 ticks), and sheep (277 ticks). Ticks were identified based on morphological characters at the species level using taxonomic keys. In addition, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes was used to identify ticks. Four species were confirmed based on molecular and morphological characterization, namely, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Amblyomma lepidum. Hyalomma dromedarii (94.3%) was the most abundant species, followed by H. anatolicum (32.8%). Camels were heavily infested (94%) with ticks as compared to cows (38%), sheep (37%), and goats (14%). Widespread occurrence of these four tick species in the UAE poses a risk of spreading tick-borne pathogens wherever the conditions of infection prevail.
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Agwunobi DO, Zhang M, Zhang X, Wang T, Yu Z, Liu J. Transcriptome profile of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) exposed to Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and citronellal suggest a cytotoxic mode of action involving mitochondrial Ca 2+ overload and depolarization. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 179:104971. [PMID: 34802521 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis is an ixodid tick species of medical and veterinary importance. Investigation into the acaricidal activities of botanicals have increased recently but information about their molecular mechanism of action is scarce. Here, RNA-seq analysis of the ticks exposed to Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and citronellal was performed and the responsive genes were identified. More than 6.39 G clean reads with Q20 ≥ 94.88% were obtained for each H. longicornis sample, with an average GC content of 50.94%. Using the Trinity method, 166,710 unigenes with a mean length of 869 bp and a maximum contig length of 29,156 bp were obtained. The upregulation of genes was concentration-dependent in most of the treated groups. Many genes responsive to C. citratus oil and citronellal were stress-related and they include genes associated with adrenergic signaling/calcium channels, cGMP-PKG signaling, apoptosis, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, mTOR signaling pathway, and longevity regulating pathway. The upregulation of genes (CACNAID, ADCY9, TPM1, and MYH6) associated with calcium channels suggests a neurotoxic mode of action, whereas, the upregulation of apoptosis-associated genes (CYC, DRONC, CASP7, CASP9, BCL2L1, bcl-xL, etc.) suggests a cytotoxic mode of action. The metabolism of C. citratus essential oil generates oxidative stress which increases the intra-mitochondrial free Ca2+ and triggers the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that culminates to mitochondrial depolarization, ATP depletion, and either necrotic or apoptotic death. The neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects exhibited by the monoterpenes in H. longicornis is vital and could be exploited for the advancement of acaricide development and eco-friendly tick control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O Agwunobi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Tongxuan Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
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Ghafar A, Gasser RB, Abbas T, Rehman A, Gauci CG, Jabbar A. Ticks and tick-borne diseases of bovines in a smallholder livestock context: The Pakistani example. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2021; 114:167-244. [PMID: 34696843 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) substantially affect the health and production of ruminants, particularly in resource-poor, small-scale farming systems worldwide. However, to date, there has been no critical appraisal of the current state of knowledge of TTBDs in such farming systems. In this article, we systematically reviewed the situation in Pakistan-as an example of a country that is highly reliant on agriculture to sustain its economy, particularly smallholder livestock farms, which are continually faced with challenges associated with TTBDs. The main aims of this review were to gain improved insights into the current status of TTBDs in small-scale farming systems, and to identify knowledge gaps, through the systematic evaluation of published literature on this topic from Pakistan, and to recommend future research directions. We searched publicly available literature from three databases (i.e. Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed) on bovine TTBDs in Pakistan. Of 11,224 published studies identified, 185 were eligible for inclusion; these studies were published between August 1947 and June 2021. A critical analysis of these 185 studies revealed that the diagnosis of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in Pakistan has been based largely on the use of traditional methods (i.e. 'morpho-taxonomy'). At least 54 species of tick have been recorded, most of which belong to the genera Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The prevalence of ticks was higher, particularly in young, exotic and crossbred female cattle, during the summer season. Major TBPs include species of Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria, with prevalences being higher in cattle than buffaloes. Additionally, pathogens of zoonotic potential, including species of Anaplasma, Borrelia, the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, Coxiella, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, have been recorded in both tick and bovine populations. Information on risk factors, spatial-temporal distribution, genetic diversity, and control of ticks and TBPs is limited, the vector potential of ticks and the distribution patterns of ticks and TBPs in relation to climate remains largely unexplored. Future research should focus on addressing these knowledge gaps and the key challenges of poverty, food security and disease outbreaks in a small-scale livestock farming context in order to provide sustainable, environment-friendly control measures for TTBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Ghafar
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Tariq Abbas
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Rehman
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Charles G Gauci
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
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Agwunobi DO, Wang T, Zhang M, Wang T, Jia Q, Zhang M, Shi X, Yu Z, Liu J. Functional implication of heat shock protein 70/90 and tubulin in cold stress of Dermacentor silvarum. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:542. [PMID: 34666804 PMCID: PMC8527796 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05056-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tick Dermacentor silvarum Olenev (Acari: Ixodidae) is a vital vector tick species mainly distributed in the north of China and overwinters in the unfed adult stage. The knowledge of the mechanism that underlies its molecular adaptation against cold is limited. In the present study, genes of hsp70 and hsp90 cDNA, named Dshsp70 and Dshsp90, and tubulin were cloned and characterized from D. silvarum, and their functions in cold stress were further evaluated. Methods The genome of the heat shock proteins and tubulin of D. silvarum were sequenced and analyzed using bioinformatics methods. Each group of 20 ticks were injected in triplicate with Dshsp90-, Dshsp70-, and tubulin-derived dsRNA, whereas the control group was injected with GFP dsRNA. Then, the total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and subjected to RT-qPCR. After the confirmation of knockdown, the ticks were incubated for 24 h and were exposed to − 20 °C lethal temperature (LT50), and then the mortality was calculated. Results Results indicated that Dshsp70 and Dshsp90 contained an open reading frame of 345 and 2190 nucleotides that encoded 114 and 729 amino acid residues, respectively. The transcript Dshsp70 showed 90% similarity with that identified from Dermacentor variabilis, whereas Dshsp90 showed 85% similarity with that identified from Ixodes scapularis. Multiple sequence alignment indicates that the deduced amino acid sequences of D. silvarum Hsp90, Hsp70, and tubulin show very high sequence identity to their corresponding sequences in other species. Hsp90 and Hsp70 display highly conserved and signature amino acid sequences with well-conserved MEEVD motif at the C-terminal in Hsp90 and a variable C-terminal region with a V/IEEVD-motif in Hsp70 that bind to numerous co-chaperones. RNA interference revealed that the mortality of D. silvarum was significantly increased after injection of dsRNA of Dshsp70 (P = 0.0298) and tubulin (P = 0.0448), whereas no significant increases were observed after the interference of Dshsp90 (P = 0.0709). Conclusions The above results suggested that Dshsp70 and tubulin play an essential role in the low-temperature adaptation of ticks. The results of this study can contribute to the understanding of the survival and acclimatization of overwintering ticks. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05056-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O Agwunobi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Tongxuan Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Tianhong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Qingying Jia
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xinyue Shi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Agwunobi DO, Zhang M, Shi X, Zhang S, Zhang M, Wang T, Masoudi A, Yu Z, Liu J. DNA Methyltransferases Contribute to Cold Tolerance in Ticks Dermacentor silvarum and Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae). Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:726731. [PMID: 34513977 PMCID: PMC8426640 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.726731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts), is a typical epigenetic process that plays an important role in affecting organism acclimatization and adaptation to environmental changes. However, information about Dnmts and their associations with the cold tolerance of ticks remains meager. Hence, in the present study, the Dnmts in important vector ticks Dermacentor silvarum and Haemaphysalis longicornis were cloned and identified, and their functions in cold response were further explored. Results showed that the length of DsDnmt and DsDnmt1 in D. silvarum, and HlDnmt1 and HlDnmt in H. longicornis were 1,284, 549, 1,500, and 1,613 bp, respectively. Bioinformatics in protein analysis revealed that they were all unstable hydrophilic proteins and were mainly characterized with Dcm (DNA cytosine methyltransferase domain), Dnmt1-RFD (DNA methyltransferase replication foci domain), zf-CXXC (zinc finger-CXXC domain), and BAH (Bromo adjacent homology domain). The relative expression of these Dnmts was reduced after cold treatment for 3 days (P < 0.05), and increased with the extension of treatment. Western blot revealed that Dnmt1 decreased first and then increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both tick species, whereas other Dnmts fluctuated at varying degrees. RNA interference significantly silenced the genes Dnmts (P < 0.01), and mortality increased significantly (P < 0.05), when exposed to sub-lethal temperature, underscoring the important roles of Dnmts during the cold response of D. silvarum and H. longicornis. The above results lay the foundation for further understanding of the epigenetic regulation of DNA methylation in cold acclimatization and adaptation of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Hu S, Wang Y, Xu Z, Zhou Y, Cao J, Zhang H, Zhou J. Identification of the Bcl-2 and Bax homologs from Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and their function in the degeneration of tick salivary glands. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:386. [PMID: 34348769 PMCID: PMC8336254 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04879-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The salivary glands of female ticks degenerate rapidly by apoptosis and autophagy after feeding. Bcl-2 family proteins play an important role in the apoptosis pathways, but the functions of these proteins in ticks are unclear. We studied Bcl-2 and Bax homologs from Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and determined their functions in the degeneration of the salivary glands. Methods Two molecules containing conserved BH (Bcl-2 family homology) domains were identified and named RhBcl-2 and RhBax. After protein purification and mouse immunization, specific polyclonal antibodies (PcAb) were created in response to the recombinant proteins. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to detect the presence of RhBcl-2 and RhBax in ticks. TUNEL assays were used to determine the level of apoptosis in the salivary glands of female ticks at different feeding times after gene silencing. Co-transfection and GST pull-down assays were used to identify interactions between RhBcl-2 and RhBax. Results The RT-qPCR assay revealed that RhBax gene transcription increased significantly during feeding at all tick developmental stages (engorged larvae, nymphs, and adult females). Transcriptional levels of RhBcl-2 and RhBax increased more significantly in the female salivary glands than in other tissues post engorgement. RhBcl-2 silencing significantly inhibited tick feeding. In contrast, RhBax interference had no effect on tick feeding. TUNEL staining showed that apoptosis levels were significantly reduced after interference with RhBcl-2 expression. Co-transfection and GST pull-down assays showed that RhBcl-2 and RhBax could interact but not combine in the absence of the BH3 domain. Conclusions This study identified the roles of RhBcl-2 and RhBax in tick salivary gland degeneration and finds that the BH3 domain is a key factor in their interactions. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04879-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanming Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhengmao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Tan LP, Hamdan RH, Hassan BNH, Reduan MFH, Okene IAA, Loong SK, Khoo JJ, Samsuddin AS, Lee SH. Rhipicephalus Tick: A Contextual Review for Southeast Asia. Pathogens 2021; 10:821. [PMID: 34208961 PMCID: PMC8308476 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhipicephalus species are distributed globally with a notifiable presence in Southeast Asia (SEA) within animal and human populations. The Rhipicephalus species are highly adaptive and have established successful coexistence within human dwellings and are known to be active all year round, predominantly in tropical and subtropical climates existing in SEA. In this review, the morphological characteristics, epidemiology, and epizootiology of Rhipicephalus tick species found in SEA are reviewed. There are six commonly reported Rhipicephalus ticks in the SEA region. Their interactions with their host species that range from cattle, sheep, and goats, through cats and dogs, to rodents and man are discussed in this article. Rhipicephalus-borne pathogens, including Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia species, Babesia species, and Theileria species, have been highlighted as are relevant to the region in review. Pathogens transmitted from Rhipicepahalus ticks to host animals are usually presented clinically with signs of anemia, jaundice, and other signs of hemolytic changes. Rhipicephalus ticks infestation also account for ectoparasitic nuisance in man and animals. These issues are discussed with specific interest to the SEA countries highlighting peculiarities of the region in the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus species and attendant pathogens therein. This paper also discusses the current general control strategies for ticks in SEA proffering measures required for increased documentation. The potential risks associated with rampant and improper acaricide use are highlighted. Furthermore, such practices lead to acaricide resistance among Rhipicephalus species are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Peng Tan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Ruhil Hayati Hamdan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Basripuzi Nurul Hayyan Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Mohd Farhan Hanif Reduan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Ibrahim Abdul-Azeez Okene
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Shih Keng Loong
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.K.L.); (J.J.K.)
| | - Jing Jing Khoo
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.K.L.); (J.J.K.)
| | - Ahmad Syazwan Samsuddin
- Forest Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Forest Science and Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Mycology and Pathology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong 52109, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seng Hua Lee
- Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
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Ni J, Ren Q, Lin H, Aizezi M, Luo J, Luo Y, Ma Z, Chen Z, Liu W, Guo J, Qu Z, Xu X, Wu Z, Tan Y, Wang J, Li Y, Guan G, Luo J, Yin H, Liu G. Molecular Evidence of Bartonella melophagi in Ticks in Border Areas of Xinjiang, China. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:675457. [PMID: 34239911 PMCID: PMC8258404 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.675457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella are gram-negative intracellular bacteria; certain species of Bartonella can cause diseases in mammals and humans. Ticks play a major role in the transmission of Bartonella. Xinjiang is the largest province in China according to land area and has one-third of the tick species in China; the infection rate of Bartonella in ticks in the Xinjiang border areas has not been studied in detail. Therefore, this study investigated tick infections by Bartonella in Xinjiang border areas, and the purpose of the study was to fill in gaps in information regarding the genetic diversity of tick infections by Bartonella in Xinjiang. We tested 1,549 tick samples from domestic animals (sheep and cattle) for Bartonella using ribC-PCR. Positive samples from the ribC-PCR assay for Bartonella spp. were further subjected to PCR assays targeting the ITS, rpoB and gltA genes followed by phylogenetic analyses. Bartonella DNA was detected in 2.19% (34/1,549) of tick samples, and the ITS, rpoB and gltA genes of ribC gene-positive samples were amplified to identify nine samples of Bartonella melophagi. In this study, molecular analysis was used to assess the presence and genetic diversity of B. melophagi in ticks collected from sheep and cattle from Xinjiang, China. This study provides new information on the presence and identity of B. melophagi in ticks from sheep and cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiaoyun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hanliang Lin
- Animal Health Supervision Institute of Xinjiang, Ürümqi, China
| | - Malike Aizezi
- Animal Health Supervision Institute of Xinjiang, Ürümqi, China
| | - Jin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Animal Health Supervision Institute of Xinjiang, Ürümqi, China
| | - Zhan Ma
- Animal Health Supervision Institute of Xinjiang, Ürümqi, China
| | - Ze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junhui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zegong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangchun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Youquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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Nwanade CF, Wang M, Wang T, Zhang X, Wang C, Yu Z, Liu J. Acaricidal activity of Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cinnamon) against the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis is linked to its content of (E)-cinnamaldehyde. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:330. [PMID: 34158107 PMCID: PMC8220678 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04830-2] [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: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Neumann) is a well-known vector of numerous pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. Various control strategies, including the use of synthetic pesticides, have been developed to control this tick species. However, demand for effective and safe alternative pesticides is increasing due to the adverse effects associated with the intensive and injudicious use of synthetic pesticides, which include undesirable effects on non-target species and environmental pollution. Hence, the acaricidal activity of the extract and the essential oil of Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cinnamon) and their major components, and the underlying mechanisms of this activity, were evaluated against unfed larvae and nymphs of H. longicornis. Methods The components of the extract and essential oil of C. cassia were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and their larvicidal and nymphicidal activity were evaluated using the larval and nymphal packet test. The underlying detoxification mechanism was elucidated by targeting in vivo esterase and monooxygenase activity, and the toxicological effect was assessed on non-target Tenebrio molitor and Harmonia axyridis by topical application in open Petri dishes. Results (E)-cinnamaldehyde was the predominant component of the extract (50.79%) and essential oil (89.95%). The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) for larvae and nymphs treated with the extract was 11.56 and 49.18 mg/mL, respectively. The essential oil, (E)-cinnamaldehyde and fenvalerate exhibited acaricidal activity, with LC50 values of 3.81, 3.15, and 0.14 mg/mL, respectively, against the larvae, and 21.31, 16.93, and 1.89 mg/mL, respectively, against the nymphs. (E)-cinnamaldehyde significantly increased esterase and monooxygenase activity in both larvae and nymphs. Unlike fenvalerate, C. cassia essential oil and (E)-cinnamaldehyde did not cause mortality of T. molitor or H. axyridis adults. Conclusions This study demonstrates that C. cassia essential oil and (E)-cinnamaldehyde have the potential to be developed into botanical-based larvicidal and nymphicidal agents for tick control. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuks F Nwanade
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Min Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Tianhong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biology, Basic Medical College, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Can Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Chitanga S, Chibesa K, Sichibalo K, Mubemba B, Nalubamba KS, Muleya W, Changula K, Simulundu E. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Rickettsia Species in Ixodid Ticks Collected From Cattle in Southern Zambia. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:684487. [PMID: 34164457 PMCID: PMC8215536 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.684487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne zoonotic pathogens are increasingly becoming important across the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, tick-borne pathogens identified include viruses, bacteria and protozoa, with Rickettsia being the most frequently reported. This study was conducted to screen and identify Rickettsia species in ticks (Family Ixodidae) infesting livestock in selected districts of southern Zambia. A total of 236 ticks from three different genera (Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus) were collected over 14 months (May 2018-July 2019) and were subsequently screened for the presence of Rickettsia pathogens based on PCR amplification targeting the outer membrane protein B (ompB). An overall Rickettsia prevalence of 18.6% (44/236) was recorded. Multi-locus sequencing and phylogenetic characterization based on the ompB, ompA, 16S rRNA and citrate synthase (gltA) genes revealed the presence of Rickettsia africae (R. africae), R. aeschlimannii-like species and unidentified Rickettsia species. While R. aeschlimannii-like species are being reported for the first time in Zambia, R. africae has been reported previously, with our results showing a wider distribution of the bacteria in the country. Our study reveals the potential risk of human infection by zoonotic Rickettsia species and highlights the need for increased awareness of these infections in Zambia's public health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Chibesa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Karen Sichibalo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - King S. Nalubamba
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
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Jiao J, Lu Z, Yu Y, Ou Y, Fu M, Zhao Y, Wu N, Zhao M, Liu Y, Sun Y, Wen B, Zhou D, Yuan Q, Xiong X. Identification of tick-borne pathogens by metagenomic next-generation sequencing in Dermacentor nuttalli and Ixodes persulcatus in Inner Mongolia, China. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:287. [PMID: 34044867 PMCID: PMC8161991 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04740-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hard ticks act as arthropod vectors in the transmission of human and animal pathogens and are widely distributed in northern China. The aim of this study is to screen the important tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) carried by hard ticks in Inner Mongolia using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and to estimate the risk of human infection imposed by tick bites. Methods The adult Dermacentor nuttalli (n = 203) and Ixodes persulcatus (n = 36) ticks feeding on cattle were collected. The pooled DNA samples prepared from these ticks were sequenced as the templates for mNGS to survey the presence of TBPs at the genus level. Individual tick DNA samples were detected by genus--specific or group-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of these TBPs and combined with DNA sequencing assay to confirm the results of mNGS. Results R. raoultii (45.32%, 92/203), Candidatus R. tarasevichiae (5.42%, 11/203), Anaplasma sp. Mongolia (26.60%, 54/203), Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) (53.69%, 109/203), and Babesia venatorum (7.88%, 16/203) were detected in D. nuttalli, while R. raoultii (30.56%, 11/36), Anaplasma sp. Mongolia (27.80%, 10/36), and CLE (27.80%, 10/36) were detected in I. persulcatus. The double- and triple-pathogen/endosymbiont co-infections were detected in 40.39% of D. nuttalli and 13.89% of I. persulcatus, respectively. The dual co-infection with R. raoultii and CLE (14.29%, 29/203) and triple co-infection with R. raoultii, Anaplasma sp. Mongolia, and CLE (13.79%, 28/203) were most frequent in D. nuttalli. Conclusions This study provides insight into the microbial diversity of D. nuttalli and I. persulcatus in Inner Mongolia, China, reporting for the first time that Candidatus R. tarasevichiae had been found in D. nuttalli in China, and for the first time in the world that Anaplasma sp. Mongolia has been detected in I. persulcatus. This study proves that various vertically transmitted pathogens co-inhabit D. nuttalli and I. persulcatus, and indicates that cattle in Inner Mongolia are exposed to several TBPs. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04740-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yonghui Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yangxuan Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mengjiao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuee Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Nier Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Bohai Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qinghong Yuan
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Focal Disease Control and Prevention, Yunnan, PR China.
| | - Xiaolu Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China.
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Um J, Nam Y, Lim JN, Kim M, An Y, Hwang SH, Park JS. Seroprevalence of scrub typhus, murine typhus and spotted fever groups in North Korean refugees. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 106:23-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Mighell E, Ward MP. African Swine Fever spread across Asia, 2018-2019. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 68:2722-2732. [PMID: 33599077 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a highly contagious pathogen that causes disease in pigs, commonly characterized by acute haemorrhagic fever. Prior to August 2018, African Swine Fever (ASF) had not been reported in Asia, but has since spread throughout China, Mongolia, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea. Using data collated from reports of confirmed cases, we applied spatio-temporal analysis to describe ASFV spread throughout Asia during its early phase-from 1 August 2018 (reported start date) to 31 December 2019-to provide an overview and comparative analysis. Analysis revealed a propagating epidemic of ASFV throughout Asia, with peaks corresponding to increased reports from China, Vietnam and Laos. Two clusters of reported outbreaks were found. During the epidemic, ASFV primarily spread from the North-East to the South-East: A larger, secondary cluster in the North-East represented earlier reports, while the smaller, primary cluster in the South-East was characterized by later reports. Significant differences in country-specific epidemics, morbidity, mortality and unit types were discovered. The initial number of outbreaks and enterprise size are likely predictors of the speed of spread and the effectiveness of ASFV stamping out procedures. Biosecurity methods, wild boar populations and the transportation of pigs and movement of infected fomites are discussed as likely risk factors for facilitating ASFV spread across Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Mighell
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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Response of Leucine-Rich Repeat Domain-Containing Protein in Haemaphysalis longicornis to Babesia microti Infection and Its Ligand Identification. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00268-20. [PMID: 33593890 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00268-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis is a blood-feeding hard tick known for transmitting a variety of pathogens, including Babesia How the parasites in the imbibed blood become anchored in the midgut of ticks is still unknown. Leucine-rich repeat domain (LRR)-containing protein, which is associated with the innate immune reaction and conserved in many species, has been detected in H. longicornis and has previously been indicated in inhibiting the growth of Babesia gibsoni However, the detailed mechanism is unknown. In this study, one of the ligands for LRR from H. longicornis (HlLRR) was identified in Babesia microti, designated BmActin, using glutathione transferase (GST) pulldown experiments and immunofluorescence assays. Moreover, RNA interference of HlLRR led to a decrease in the BmActin mRNA expression in the midgut of fully engorged ticks which fed on B. microti-infected mice. We also found that the expression level of the innate immune molecules in H. longicornis, defensin, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and lysozyme, were downregulated after the knockdown of HlLRR. However, subolesin expression was upregulated. These results indicate that HlLRR not only recognizes BmActin but may also modulate innate immunity in ticks to influence Babesia growth, which will further benefit the development of anti-Babesia vaccines or drugs.
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Agwunobi DO, Yu Z, Liu J. A retrospective review on ixodid tick resistance against synthetic acaricides: implications and perspectives for future resistance prevention and mitigation. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 173:104776. [PMID: 33771255 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ending of the nineteenth-century was characterized by an escalation of ticks and tick-borne diseases that resulted in the death of many cattle. This necessitated the search for an effective means of tick control. Arsenicals were introduced in Australia in 1895, and arsenic-based dipping vats went on to be used for about 40 years until resistance was found in ticks and more effective alternatives - chemical acaricides - were developed after World War II. However, the development of resistance by ticks, environmental persistence, and mammalian toxicity militated against the sustained use of subsequent chemical acaricides. Furthermore, the development of resistance is a phenomenon that would always evolve, and the multiple mechanisms underlying the synthetic acaricides resistance are of great importance for future integrated control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Hence, this study retrospectively reviewed the development of synthetic acaricides and the underlying mechanisms of tick resistance against synthetic acaricides in the hope of providing the implications and perspectives for resistance prevention and mitigation for future tick control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O Agwunobi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
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Shekede MD, Chikerema SM, Spargo M, Gwitira I, Kusangaya S, Mazhindu AN, Ndhlovu DN. Spatial clustering of fourteen tick species across districts of Zimbabwe. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:91. [PMID: 33639938 PMCID: PMC7913385 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02792-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks transmit several diseases that result in high morbidity and mortality in livestock. Tick-borne diseases are an economic burden that negatively affect livestock production, cost countries billions of dollars through vaccine procurement and other disease management efforts. Thus, understanding the spatial distribution of tick hotspots is critical for identifying potential areas of high tick-borne disease transmission and setting up priority areas for targeted tick disease management. In this study, optimised hotspot analysis was applied to detect hotspots and coldspots of 14 common tick species in Zimbabwe. Data on the spatial distribution of tick species were obtained from the Epidemiology Unit of the Division of Veterinary Field Services of Zimbabwe. Results A total of 55,133 ticks were collected with Rhipicephalus decoloratus being the most common species (28.7%), followed by Amblyomma hebraeum (20.6%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (0.06%) being the least common species. Results also showed that tick hotspots are species-specific with particular tick species occupying defined localities in the country. For instance, Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus compostus, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus pravus, and Rhipicephalus simus were concentrated in the north and north eastern districts of the country. In contrast, Amblyomma hebraeum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma trancatum and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi were prevalent in the southern districts of Zimbabwe. Conclusion The occurrence of broadly similar hotspots of several tick species in different districts suggests presence of spatial overlaps in the niche of the tick species. As ticks are vectors of several tick-borne diseases, there is high likelihood of multiple disease transmission in the same geographic region. This study is the first in Zimbabwe to demonstrate unique spatial patterns in the distribution of several tick species across the country. The results of this study provide an important opportunity for the development of spatially-targeted tick-borne disease management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munyaradzi Davis Shekede
- Department of Geography Geospatial Sciences and Earth Observation, Faculty of Science, University of Zimbabwe, MP167 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Silvester Maravanyika Chikerema
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, MP167 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Moregood Spargo
- Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services, 18 Borrowdale Rd, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Isaiah Gwitira
- Department of Geography Geospatial Sciences and Earth Observation, Faculty of Science, University of Zimbabwe, MP167 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Samuel Kusangaya
- Department of Geography Geospatial Sciences and Earth Observation, Faculty of Science, University of Zimbabwe, MP167 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Aldridge Nyasha Mazhindu
- Department of Geography Geospatial Sciences and Earth Observation, Faculty of Science, University of Zimbabwe, MP167 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Daud Nyosi Ndhlovu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, MP167 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Damian D, Damas M, Wensman JJ, Berg M. Molecular Diversity of Hard Tick Species from Selected Areas of a Wildlife-Livestock Interface Ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Vet Sci 2021; 8:36. [PMID: 33668208 PMCID: PMC7995979 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are one of the most important arthropod vectors and reservoirs as they harbor a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, which can cause diseases in human and livestock. Due to their impact on human, livestock, and wild animal health, increased knowledge of ticks is needed. So far, the published data on the molecular diversity between hard ticks species collected in Tanzania is scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity between hard tick species collected in the wildlife-livestock interface ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania using the mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene sequences. Adult ticks were collected from cattle (632 ticks), goats (187 ticks), and environment (28 ticks) in the wards which lie at the border of Mikumi National Park. Morphological identification of ticks was performed to genus level. To identify ticks to species level, molecular analysis based on mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene was performed. Ticks representing the two genera (Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus) were identified using morphological characters. Six species were confirmed based on mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene, including Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Hyalomma marginatum, and Hhyalomma turanicum. The presence of different clusters of tick species reflects the possible biological diversity of the hard ticks present in the study region. Further studies are however required to quantify species of hard ticks present in the study region and the country in general over a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donath Damian
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, 35091 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Modester Damas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, 35091 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
| | - Jonas Johansson Wensman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Mikael Berg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
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Zhao GP, Wang YX, Fan ZW, Ji Y, Liu MJ, Zhang WH, Li XL, Zhou SX, Li H, Liang S, Liu W, Yang Y, Fang LQ. Mapping ticks and tick-borne pathogens in China. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1075. [PMID: 33597544 PMCID: PMC7889899 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21375-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding ecological niches of major tick species and prevalent tick-borne pathogens is crucial for efficient surveillance and control of tick-borne diseases. Here we provide an up-to-date review on the spatial distributions of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in China. We map at the county level 124 tick species, 103 tick-borne agents, and human cases infected with 29 species (subspecies) of tick-borne pathogens that were reported in China during 1950-2018. Haemaphysalis longicornis is found to harbor the highest variety of tick-borne agents, followed by Ixodes persulcatus, Dermacentor nutalli and Rhipicephalus microplus. Using a machine learning algorithm, we assess ecoclimatic and socioenvironmental drivers for the distributions of 19 predominant vector ticks and two tick-borne pathogens associated with the highest disease burden. The model-predicted suitable habitats for the 19 tick species are 14‒476% larger in size than the geographic areas where these species were detected, indicating severe under-detection. Tick species harboring pathogens of imminent threats to public health should be prioritized for more active field surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
- Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Wei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Jin Liu
- College of Public Health and Health Professions and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Wen-Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Lou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Xia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Song Liang
- College of Public Health and Health Professions and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Public Health and Health Professions and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Li-Qun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China.
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