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Moravedji M, Latifian M, Rahravani M, Mostafavi E, Seyfi H, Mohammadi M, Mozoun MM, Stenos J, Esmaeili S. Detection of Various Rickettsial Species in Ticks Collected from Small Ruminants in Western Iran. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 38856658 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2024.0014] [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: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Most of the rickettsioses are transmitted by ticks, and often overlooked by the medical profession, but are clinically important as they cause major human diseases. Recent studies have shown the existence of some rickettsial species in Iran, but very little information is available about the status of rickettsial epidemiology and ecology. This study investigated the presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks and ruminants in western of Iran by molecular methods. Materials and Methods: 250 blood samples were collected from sheep and goats, as well as 244 ticks were collected opportunistically from ruminants in the Kurdistan province. The collected samples were tested using a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the Rickettsia 16SrRNA gene. Rickettsia spp. positive by the qPCR were further amplified by conventional PCR of the gltA and OmpA genes. These ampliqons were further analyzed by sequencing. Results: The ticks species collected in this study included Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rh. turanicus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and Dermacentor marginatus. In total, DNA of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 131 collected ticks (53.7%). Of the positives, Rickettsia slovaca (59.2%) and Ri. hoogstraalii (16.3%) were the most common species identified followed by Ri. raoultii, Ri. massiliae, Ri. sibirica, and Ri. conorii subsp. israelensis. In contrast, there were no positives observed in the blood samples collected from ruminants. Conclusion: The results indicate the presence of rickettsial species in ticks. The detection of these pathogens is significant because they cause clinical disease in humans. The results support the notion that the Iranian public health system needs to be more aware of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Moravedji
- Department of Veterinary, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mina Latifian
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rahravani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Seyfi
- Department of Veterinary, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Mohammadi
- Department of Veterinary, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong 3220, VIC, Australia
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Li F, Zhao S, Li E, Xie S, Wang N, Tan W, Wang Y. Detection of Rickettsia raoultii in Vermipsylla alakurt-Like Fleas of Sheep in Northwestern China. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:776-784. [PMID: 38418764 PMCID: PMC11001666 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To date, a total of 2574 validated flea species have been discovered. Vermipsyllidae is a family of fleas that comprises at least eight species. Vermipsylla is a genus of the family Vermipsyllidae within the order Siphonaptera of fleas. Here a novel Vermipsylla species was described, and rickettsial agent was also detected in it. METHODS A total of 128 fleas were collected directly from 260 pastured sheep in China. Of these, eight representative fleas (four males and four females) were identified by key morphological features. Meanwhile, 120 flea DNAs, including six flea samples for molecular taxonomy, were subjected to Rickettsia spp. DNA detection. The molecular identity of fleas was determined by amplification and sequenmce analysis of four genetic markers (the 28S rDNA genes, the 18S rDNA genes, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and subunit II). In addition, five Rickettsia-specific gene fragments were used to identify the species of the rickettsial agents. The amplified products were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. RESULTS The morphological characteristics of the flea species identified in this study were similar to Vermipsylla alakurt, but presented difference in hair number of the metepimeron, the third tergum, the genitals and the tibiae of hind leg. The 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and COII genetic markers from fleas showed the highest identity to those of V. alakurt, shared 98.45% (954/969), 95.81% (892/931) and 85.86% (571/665) similarities, respectively. However, the COI sequence showed the highest identity to that of Dorcadia ioffi with 88.48% (576/651) similarity. Rickettsia raoutii tested positive in 14.17% (17/120) flea DNA samples. CONCLUSION Our study reports the detection of R. raoultii in V. alakurt-like fleas infesting sheep in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengshi Li
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ente Li
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Songsong Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical School, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Tan
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
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Liu G, Tan W, Wang H, Han X, Hornok S, Zhao S, Mi L, Wang S, Yang M, Wang Y. The great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) as a host for tick species in Gurbantunggut Desert. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:55. [PMID: 38326828 PMCID: PMC10851595 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodents play an important role in the life cycle of ixodid and argasid ticks, particularly as hosts of larvae and nymphs. The great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), the preferred prey item of several carnivores (e.g. the red fox and marbled polecat), is the dominant rodent species in the Gurbantunggut Desert in northwestern China. The aim of this study was to investigate tick species associated with different hosts in the habitat of great gerbils, including wildlife and livestock. METHODS During 2018-2023, ticks were removed from 326 great gerbils, two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), three marbled polecats (Vormela peregusna), 35 pastured sheep (Ovis aries), and one long-eared desert hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) in the Gurbantunggut Desert. Ticks were identified according to standard morphological keys. Then, they were further analyzed by molecular and phylogenic methods based on two mitochondrial markers, 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. RESULTS A total of 889 ticks were collected, representing five species. These included Hyalomma asiaticum (n = 425: 24 larvae, 79 nymphs and 322 adults), Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 153: 2 nymphs and 151 adults), Haemaphysalis erinacei (n = 298: 4 larvae, 7 nymphs and 287 adults), Ixodes acuminatus (n = 7: 4 nymphs and 3 adults) and Ornithodoros tartakovskyi (6 adults). Based on COI sequences, molecular and phylogenetic analyses showed that (i) I. acuminatus from great gerbils and marbled polecats clustered with I. acuminatus reported from Europe; (ii) O. tartakovskyi found in northwestern China belonged to an independent clade; (iii) Hy. asiaticum, R. turanicus and Ha. erinacei had 100% sequence identities to conspecific ticks sampled previously in China. CONCLUSIONS The great gerbil is an important host for the developmental stages of I. acuminatus, O. tartakovskyi, Ha. erinacei, Hy. asiaticum and R. turanicus, thus supporting the life cycle of several tick species which, as adults, parasitize predators (red fox and marble polecat) as well as pastured sheep and hedgehogs in the Gurbantunggut Desert. Ixodes acuminatus and O. tartakovskyi were found for the first time on great gerbil and marbled polecat, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Tan
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiqian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshuang Han
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ligu Mi
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Suwen Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihua Yang
- Department of Forest, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
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Dong Q, Yang M, Li F, Jia Y, Rizabek K, Kairullayev K, Bauyrzhan O, Adil K, Oralhazi K, Wang Y. Spotted fever group rickettsiae in hard ticks in eastern and southern Kazakhstan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102238. [PMID: 37722147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Infections with spotted fever group rickettsiae represent a worldwide health problem, characterized by persistent high fever, headache, and rash in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. To date, the occurrence of Rickettsia species in hard ticks has not been thoroughly studied, especially in eastern and southern Kazakhstan. A total of 1,245 adult ticks, comprising 734 Dermacentor marginatus, 219 Hyalomma scupense, 144 Hyalomma asiaticum, 84 Hyalomma marginatum, 48 Rhipicephalus turanicus, and 16 Haemaphysalis erinacei, collected from East Kazakhstan, Abay, Jetsu, Almaty, Jambyl, South Kazakhstan and Qyzylorda oblasts of Kazakhstan, were used to screen rickettsial agents using molecular methods. Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia heilongjiangensis were identified using sequencing, and 31.5% (392/1245) of ticks carried rickettsial agents. The difference in the natural landscapes explains the variety of the collected ticks and expands our knowledge of Rickettsia species and their geographical distribution in Kazakhstan. To the best of our knowledge, this study reports the first finding of R. heilongjiangensis in Kazakhstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyan Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihua Yang
- Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengshi Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Jia
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832000, People's Republic of China
| | - Kadyken Rizabek
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty Oblast 835004, Kazakhstan
| | - Kenesbay Kairullayev
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty Oblast 835004, Kazakhstan
| | - Otarbayev Bauyrzhan
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty Oblast 835004, Kazakhstan
| | - Ketan Adil
- Tacheng Area Animal Disease Control and Diagnosis Center, Tacheng, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 834700, People's Republic of China
| | - Kazkhan Oralhazi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832000, People's Republic of China.
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Shehla S, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Tanaka T, Chang SC, Chen CC, Ali A. Molecular Survey of Rickettsia raoultii in Ticks Infesting Livestock from Pakistan with Notes on Pathogen Distribution in Palearctic and Oriental Regions. Vet Sci 2023; 10:636. [PMID: 37999459 PMCID: PMC10675567 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit different pathogens such as Rickettsia spp. to domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Genetic characterizations of Rickettsia spp. from different regions of Pakistan are mostly based on one or two genetic markers and are confined to small sampling areas and limited host ranges. Therefore, this study aimed to molecularly screen and genetically characterize Rickettsia spp. in various tick species infesting camels, sheep, and goats. All the collected tick specimens were morphologically identified, and randomly selected tick species (148) were screened molecularly for the detection of Rickettsia spp. by amplifying three rickettsial DNA fragments, namely, the citrate-synthase gene (gltA), outer-membrane protein A (ompA), and outer-membrane protein B (ompB). After examining 261 hosts, 161 (61.7%) hosts were found infested by 564 ticks, including 287 (50.9%) nymphs, 171 (30.3%) females, and 106 (18.8%) males in five districts (Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Lower Dir, Bajaur, and Mansehra). The highest occurrence was noted for Hyalomma dromedarii (number = 72, 12.8%), followed by Haemaphysalis sulcata (n = 70, 12.4%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 64, 11.3%), Rhipicephalus microplus (n = 55, 9.7%), Haemaphysalis cornupunctata (n = 49, 8.7%), Hyalomma turanicum (n = 48, 8.5%), Hyalomma isaaci (n = 45, 8.0%), Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (n = 44, 7.8%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 42, 7.5%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (n = 38, 6.7%), and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (n = 37, 6.6%). A subset of 148 ticks were tested, in which eight (5.4%) ticks, including four Hy. turanicum, two Ha. cornupunctata, one Ha. montgomeryi, and one Ha. bispinosa, were found positive for Rickettsia sp. The gltA, ompA, and ompB sequences revealed 100% identity and were phylogenetically clustered with Rickettsia raoultii reported in China, Russia, USA, Turkey, Denmark, Austria, Italy, and France. Additionally, various reports on R. raoultii from Palearctic and Oriental regions were summarized in this study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of R. raoultii from Pakistan. Further studies to investigate the association between Rickettsia spp. and ticks should be encouraged to apprise effective management of zoonotic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehla Shehla
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Shun-Chung Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
- Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
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Incidence of tick-borne spotted fever group Rickettsia species in rodents in two regions in Kazakhstan. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14872. [PMID: 36050456 PMCID: PMC9437098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19145-0] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Records on the distribution of Rickettsia spp. in their natural hosts in Central Asia are incomplete. Rodents and small mammals are potential natural reservoirs for Rickettsiae in their natural lifecycle. Studies about the maintenance of Rickettsia in wild animals are available for Western nations, but—to our knowledge—no studies and data are available in the Republic of Kazakhstan so far. The first case description of Rickettsioses in Kazakhstan was made in the 1950ies in the Almaty region and now Kyzylorda, East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and North Kazakhstan are endemic areas. The existence of murine and endemic typhus was proven in arthropod vectors in the regions Kyzylorda and Almaty. Here we show for the first time investigations on tick-borne Rickettsia species detected by a pan-rickettsial citrate synthase gene (gltA) real-time PCR in ear lobes of small mammals (n = 624) in Kazakhstan. From all analysed small mammals 2.72% were positive for Rickettsia raoultii, R. slovaca or R. conorii. Sequencing of the rickettsial gene OmpAIV and the 23S–5S interspacer region revealed a similar heritage of identified Rickettsia species that was observed in ticks in previous studies from the region. In summary, this study proves that rodents in Kazakhstan serve as a natural reservoir of Rickettsia spp.
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Zhang Y, Jiang L, Yang Y, Xie S, Yuan W, Wang Y. A tick bite patient with fever and meningitis co-infected with Rickettsia raoultii and Tacheng tick virus 1: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1187. [PMID: 34823477 PMCID: PMC8620164 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06877-z] [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: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing numbers of tick-borne pathogens are being discovered, including those that infect humans. However, reports on co-infections caused by two or more tick-borne pathogens are scarce. CASE PRESENTATION A 38-year-old male farmer was bitten by a hard tick, presented with fever (37.7 °C), severe headache and ejection vomiting. Lumbar puncture was performed in the lateral decubitus. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was clear, and analysis showed severe increased pressure (320 mm H2O), mild leukocytosis (126.0 × 106/L, mononuclear cells accounting for 73%) and elevated total protein concentration (0.92 g/L). Bacterial cultures of CSF and blood were negative. The diagnosis of Rickettsia raoultii and Tacheng tick virus 1 (TcTV-1) co-infection was confirmed by amplifying four rickettsial genetic markers and the partial small (S) RNA segment of TcTV-1 from the patient's blood. The patient gradually recovered after treatment with levofloxacin and ribavirin. CONCLUSIONS This is the first reported co-infection case with fever and meningitis caused by R. raoultii and TcTV-1. It is vital to screen for multiple pathogens in tick-bitten patients, especially in those with severe complex symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Liang Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yicheng Yang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Songsong Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wumei Yuan
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
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Atelerix algirus, the North African Hedgehog: Suitable Wild Host for Infected Ticks and Fleas and Reservoir of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Tunisia. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080953. [PMID: 34451417 PMCID: PMC8399139 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small wild mammals are an important element in the emergence and transmission of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs). Among these species, hedgehogs have been found to be a reservoir of VBPs and host of arthropod vectors. Surveillance of VBPs in wildlife and their arthropods are crucial in a one health context. We conducted an exploratory study to screen Atelerix algirus hedgehogs and their infesting ticks and fleas for VBPs using a high throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system. Tested biopsies from hedgehogs were found to be naturally infected by Theileria youngi, Hepatozoon sp., Ehrlichia ewingii, Coxiella burnetii, and Candidatus Ehrlichia shimanensis. Similarly, Haemaphysalis erinacei and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick species were infected by Ehrlichia ewingii, Rickettsia spp., Rickettsia massiliae, Borrelia sp., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia lusitaniae and Anaplasma sp. Archaeopsylla erinacei fleas were infected by Rickettsia asembonensis, Coxiella burnetii, and Rickettsia massiliae. Co-infections by two and three pathogens were detected in hedgehogs and infesting ticks and fleas. The microfluidic real-time PCR system enabled us not only to detect new and unexpected pathogens, but also to identify co-infections in hedgehogs, ticks, and fleas. We suggest that hedgehogs may play a reservoir role for VBPs in Tunisia and contribute to maintaining enzootic pathogen cycles via arthropod vectors.
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Replication Kinetics of Rickettsia raoultii in Tick Cell Lines. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071370. [PMID: 34202443 PMCID: PMC8303373 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia raoultii is one of the causative agents of tick-borne lymphadenopathy in humans. This bacterium was previously isolated and propagated in tick cell lines; however, the growth characteristics have not been investigated. Here, we present the replication kinetics of R. raoultii in cell lines derived from different tick genera (BME/CTVM23, RSE/PILS35, and IDE8). Tick cell cultures were infected in duplicate with cryopreserved R. raoultii prepared from homologous cell lines. By 12–14 days post infection, 100% of the cells were infected, as visualized in Giemsa-stained cytocentrifuge smears. R. raoultii growth curves, determined by rickettsiae-specific gltA qPCR, exhibited lag, exponential, stationary and death phases. Exponential phases of 4–12 days and generation times of 0.9–2.6 days were observed. R. raoultii in BME/CTVM23 and RSE/PILS35 cultures showed, respectively, 39.5- and 37.1-fold increases compared to the inoculum. In contrast, multiplication of R. raoultii in the IDE8 cultures was 110.1-fold greater than the inoculum with a 7-day stationary phase. These findings suggest variation in the growth kinetics of R. raoultii in the different tick cell lines tested, amongst which IDE8 cells could tolerate the highest levels of R. raoultii replication. Further studies of R. raoultii are needed for a better understanding of its persistence within tick populations.
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Liu G, Zhao S, Tan W, Hornok S, Yuan W, Mi L, Wang S, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Hazihan W, Gu X, Wang Y. Rickettsiae in red fox (Vulpes vulpes), marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) and their ticks in northwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:204. [PMID: 33874985 PMCID: PMC8054388 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04718-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, twelve Rickettsia species were identified in ticks, fleas, sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus), bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and a tick-bitten patient in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in northwestern China. Here we aimed to molecularly detect rickettsial agents in red fox (Vulpes vulpes), marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) and their ticks. METHODS During 2018-2019, 12 red foxes, one marbled polecat and their ticks were sampled in two counties and a city of the XUAR. The heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney of these 13 carnivores were dissected, followed by DNA extraction. Hard ticks were identified both morphologically and molecularly. All samples were examined for the presence of rickettsiae by amplifying four genetic markers (17-kDa, gltA, ompA, sca1). RESULTS A total of 26 adult ticks and 28 nymphs (38 Ixodes canisuga, nine Ixodes kaiseri, six Haemaphysalis erinacei and one Dermacentor marginatus) were collected from red foxes, and four Ha. erinacei ticks were removed from the marbled polecat. Analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences indicated that 2-32 nucleotides differed between I. canisuga, I. kaiseri and Ha. erinacei from northwestern China and Europe. Rickettsia raoultii was detected in three red foxes, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae in a red fox, Rickettsia sibirica in a red fox and a marbled polecat, and R. raoultii in two tick species (I. canisuga and D. marginatus). CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, I. canisuga and I. kaiseri have not been previously reported from red foxes in China. The DNA of R. sibirica and R. raoultii was detected for the first time in the organs of red foxes, and R. sibirica in the organs of a marbled polecat. This is also the first molecular evidence for the presence of R. raoultii in I. canisuga. Our findings expand the range of tick-borne pathogens in wildlife species and associated ticks in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal & Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wenbo Tan
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Wumei Yuan
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ligu Mi
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Suwen Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wurelihazi Hazihan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal & Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xinli Gu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal & Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
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11
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Yang Y, Tong J, Ruan H, Yang M, Sang C, Liu G, Hazihan W, Xu B, Hornok S, Rizabek K, Gulzhan K, Liu Z, Wang Y. Genetic Diversity of Hard Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the South and East Regions of Kazakhstan and Northwestern China. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 59:103-108. [PMID: 33684994 PMCID: PMC7939963 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2021.59.1.103] [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: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To date, there is no report on the genetic diversity of ticks in these regions. A total of 370 representative ticks from the south and east regions of Kazakhstan (SERK) and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) were selected for molecular comparison. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene, ranging from 631 bp to 889 bp, was used to analyze genetic diversity among these ticks. Phylogenetic analyses indicated 7 tick species including Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma anatolicum, Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus turanicus and Haemaphysalis erinacei from the SERK clustered together with conspecific ticks from the XUAR. The network diagram of haplotypes showed that i) Hy. asiaticum from Almaty and Kyzylorda Oblasts together with that from Yuli County of XUAR constituted haplogroup H-2, and the lineage from Chimkent City of South Kazakhstan was newly evolved; and ii) the R. turanicus ticks sampled in Israel, Almaty, South Kazakhstan, Usu City, Ulugqat and Baicheng Counties of XUAR were derivated from an old lineage in Alataw City of XUAR. These findings indicate that: i) Hy. asiaticum, R. turanicus and Ha. erinacei shared genetic similarities between the SERK and XUAR; and ii) Hy. marginatum and D. reticulatus show differences in their evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, People's Republic of China.,Emergency Department, Shihezi City People's Hospital, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Tong
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyin Ruan
- Department of Stomatology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihua Yang
- Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunli Sang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Wurelihazi Hazihan
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitology and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest 1078, Hungary
| | - Kadyken Rizabek
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty Oblast 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - Kulmanova Gulzhan
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty Oblast 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, People's Republic of China
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12
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Fang LZ, Lei SC, Yan ZJ, Xiao X, Liu JW, Gong XQ, Yu H, Yu XJ. Detection of Multiple Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens in Haemaphysalis flava Ticks Collected from Hedgehogs in Central China. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020115. [PMID: 33498714 PMCID: PMC7911675 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tickborne intracellular bacterial pathogens including Anaplasma, Coxiella burnetti, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia cause emerging infectious diseases worldwide. PCR was used to amplify the genes of these pathogens in Haemaphysalis flava ticks collected from hedgehogs in Central China. Among 125 samples including 20 egg batches, 24 engorged females, and 81 molted male and female adult ticks, the DNA sequences and phylogenetic analysis showed that the minimum infection rate of the ticks was 4% (5/125) for A. bovis, 3.2% (4/125) for C. burnetti, 9.6%, (12/125) for E. ewingii, and 5.6% for Rickettsia including R.japonica (3.2%, 4/125) and R. raoultii (2.4%, 3/125), respectively. The prevalence of these pathogens was significantly higher in dead engorged females (83.3%, 20/24) than in eggs (5%, 1/20) and molted ticks (8.6%, 7/81). Our study indicated that H. flava ticks could be infected with multiple species of tickborne pathogens including Anaplasma, C. burnetti, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia in Central China, and the prevalence of these pathogens was reduced during transovarial and transstadial transmission in ticks, suggesting that ticks may not be real reservoirs but only vectors for these tickborne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhu Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Si-Cong Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | | | - Xiao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
- Lab Animal Research Center, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Jian-Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Xiao-Qing Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Wang X, Sun X, Sun Y, Chen K, Zhang K, Xu W, Fan K, Lin W, Chen T, Lin X, Lin K, Chiu HC, Huang C. Identification and molecular analysis of Ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting wild boars (Sus scrofa) and tick-borne pathogens at the Meihua mountain of southwestern Fujian, China. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100492. [PMID: 33308736 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife is essential to the biodiversity of the Meihua mountain, southwestern Fujian province, China. However, there have been few surveys of the distribution of ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne pathogens affecting wild animals at these locations. In this study, 1197 adult ixodid ticks infesting wild boars were collected from 10 sampling sites during 2019. Ticks were identified to species based on morphology, and the identification was confirmed based on mitochondrial 16S, ITS1 and ITS2 rRNA sequences. Eight tick species belonging to 2 genera were identified, including H. longicornis (n = 373, 31.1%), H. flava (n = 265, 22.1%), D. auratus (n = 153, 12.8%), H. hystricis (n = 119, 9.9%), D. silvarum (n = 116, 9.7%), H. bispinosa (n = 114, 9.5%), D. atrosignatus (n = 33, 2.8%), and D. taiwanensis (n = 24, 2.0%). DNA sequences of Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever group) and Babesia spp. were detected in these ticks. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the possible existence of Candidatus Rickettsia laoensis and Rickettsia raoultii. This study illustrates the potential threat to wild animals and humans from tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshuang Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yankuo Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihua Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kewei Fan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiming Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tengteng Chen
- Fujian Meihuashan Institute of South China Tigers Breeding, Shanghang County, 364201, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xipan Lin
- Fujian Meihuashan Institute of South China Tigers Breeding, Shanghang County, 364201, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixiong Lin
- Fujian Meihuashan Institute of South China Tigers Breeding, Shanghang County, 364201, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hung-Chuan Chiu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cuiqin Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Zhao S, Yang M, Liu G, Hornok S, Zhao S, Sang C, Tan W, Wang Y. Rickettsiae in the common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) and the bat soft tick Argas vespertilionis (Ixodida: Argasidae). Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:10. [PMID: 31918751 PMCID: PMC6953312 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3885-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing molecular evidence supports that bats and/or their ectoparasites may harbor vector-borne bacteria, such as bartonellae and borreliae. However, the simultaneous occurrence of rickettsiae in bats and bat ticks has been poorly studied. Methods In this study, 54 bat carcasses and their infesting soft ticks (n = 67) were collected in Shihezi City, northwestern China. The heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, small intestine and large intestine of bats were dissected, followed by DNA extraction. Soft ticks were identified both morphologically and molecularly. All samples were examined for the presence of rickettsiae by amplifying four genetic markers (17-kDa, gltA, ompA and ompB). Results All bats were identified as Pipistrellus pipistrellus, and their ticks as Argas vespertilionis. Molecular analyses showed that DNA of Rickettsia parkeri, R. lusitaniae, R. slovaca and R. raoultii was present in bat organs/tissues. In addition, nine of the 67 bat soft ticks (13.43%) were positive for R. raoultii (n = 5) and R. rickettsii (n = 4). In the phylogenetic analysis, these bat-associated rickettsiae clustered together with conspecific sequences reported from other host and tick species, confirming the above results. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, DNA of R. parkeri, R. slovaca and R. raoultii was detected for the first time in bat organs/tissues. This is also the first molecular evidence for the presence of R. raoultii and R. rickettsii in bat ticks. To our knowledge, R. parkeri was not known to occur in Asia. Our results highlight the need to assess rickettsial agents in a broader range of bat species and associated tick species.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhao
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihua Yang
- School of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Liu
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunli Sang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Tan
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Turebekov N, Abdiyeva K, Yegemberdiyeva R, Dmitrovsky A, Yeraliyeva L, Shapiyeva Z, Amirbekov A, Oradova A, Kachiyeva Z, Ziyadina L, Hoelscher M, Froeschl G, Dobler G, Zinner J, Frey S, Essbauer S. Prevalence of Rickettsia species in ticks including identification of unknown species in two regions in Kazakhstan. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:197. [PMID: 31053085 PMCID: PMC6500025 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3440-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 60 years ago clinical patterns resembling tick-borne rickettsioses have been described for the first time in Kazakhstan. Since 1995 the incidence of clinical cases of tick-borne rickettsioses in humans seems to be rising but studies on epidemiological data regarding the occurring etiological agents, tick vector species, prevalence and distribution throughout Kazakhstan are still scarce to date. The aim of the study was molecular investigation of ticks for spotted-fever group rickettsiae in the endemic Kyzylorda region and the so far considered as non-endemic Almaty region. A total of 2341 ticks was collected in the two regions in Kazakhstan and sorted in 501 pools: Ixodes persulcatus (243); Dermacentor marginatus (129); Haemaphysalis punctata (104); Hyalomma asiaticum (17); Dermacentor reticulatus (3); and Rhipicephalus turanicus (5). Pools were tested for Rickettsia spp. using real-time PCR. For positive samples multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed. RESULTS The calculated minimum infection rate (MIR) for rickettsiae in the investigated ticks in Almaty region varied between 0.4-15.1% and 12.6-22.7% in the Kyzylorda region. At least four different Rickettsia species were identified in the two selected regions of Kazakhstan. Two of these are already known to science: Rickettsia raoultii and R. slovaca, the latter being reported for the first time in Almaty region One new form, "Candidatus R. yenbekshikazakhensis", was described by MLST of six gene fragments in Almaty region and one new genotype, "genotype R. talgarensis" was detected using three gene fragments. CONCLUSIONS Kazakh physicians should be aware of rickettsioses after tick bites in both regions studied. Both, R. raoultii and R. slovaca should be included in the diagnostics. The role for human diseases has further to be investigated for the newly described rickettsiae, "Candidatus R. yenbekshikazakhensis" and "Genotype R. talgarensis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurkeldi Turebekov
- Center for International Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Central Reference Laboratory, Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Karlygash Abdiyeva
- Center for International Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Central Reference Laboratory, Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Ravilya Yegemberdiyeva
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Andrey Dmitrovsky
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyazzat Yeraliyeva
- Department of Children's Infectious Diseases, Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanna Shapiyeva
- Scientific Practical Center of Sanitary Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Aday Amirbekov
- Research Institute of Applied and Fundamental Medicine, Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Aksoltan Oradova
- Research Institute of Applied and Fundamental Medicine, Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Zulfiya Kachiyeva
- Research Institute of Applied and Fundamental Medicine, Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyazzat Ziyadina
- Scientific Practical Center of Sanitary Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Michael Hoelscher
- Center for International Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maxmilians-University, German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Guenter Froeschl
- Center for International Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maxmilians-University, German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Department Virology & Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Josua Zinner
- Department Virology & Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Frey
- Department Virology & Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Essbauer
- Department Virology & Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner site, Munich, Germany.
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16
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Jiang J, Choi YJ, Kim J, Kim HC, Klein TA, Chong ST, Richards AL, Park HJ, Shin SH, Song D, Park KH, Jang WJ. Distribution of Rickettsia spp. in Ticks from Northwestern and Southwestern Provinces, Republic of Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 57:161-166. [PMID: 31104408 PMCID: PMC6526208 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2019.57.2.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was done to characterize distribution of Rickettsia spp. in ticks in the northwestern and southwestern provinces in the Republic of Korea. A total of 2,814 ticks were collected between May and September 2009. After pooling, 284 tick DNA samples were screened for a gene of Rickettsia-specific 17-kDa protein using nested PCR (nPCR), and produced 88 nPCR positive samples. Of these positives, 75% contained 190-kDa outer membrane protein gene (ompA), 50% 120-kDa outer membrane protein gene (ompB), and 64.7% gene D (sca4). The nPCR products of ompA, ompB, and sca4 genes revealed close relatedness to Rickettsia japonica, R. heilongjiangensis, and R. monacensis. Most Rickettsia species were detected in Haemaphysalis longicornis. This tick was found a dominant vector of rickettsiae in the study regions in the Republic of Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Jiang
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD 20910-7500, USA
| | - Yeon-Joo Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Jeoungyeon Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Heung-Chul Kim
- Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Unit 15281, APO AP 96271-5281, USA
| | - Terry A Klein
- Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Unit 15281, APO AP 96271-5281, USA
| | - Sung-Tae Chong
- Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Unit 15281, APO AP 96271-5281, USA
| | - Allen L Richards
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD 20910-7500, USA
| | - Hye-Jin Park
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Sun-Hye Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Dayoung Song
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hee Park
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Won-Jong Jang
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
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17
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Guo WP, Wang YH, Lu Q, Xu G, Luo Y, Ni X, Zhou EM. Molecular detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae in hard ticks, northern China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1587-1596. [PMID: 30920159 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae are important causative agents of (re)emerging tick-borne infectious diseases in humans, and ticks play a key role in their maintenance and transmission. In this study, hard ticks were collected from five sampling sites in North China in 2017 and 2018. Of them, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nuttalli were collected from livestock (sheep and goats) and the vegetation, Hyalomma asiaticum from sheep, goats and camels, and Hyalomma marginatum from sheep and goats. The SFG rickettsiae were identified in these ticks by amplifying the partial rrs and complete 17-kDa genes, with an overall infection rate of 52.9%. In addition, the nearly full-length rrs and gltA and partial ompA genes were recovered to classify the species of SFG rickettsiae further. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of three human pathogenic species in Hy. asiaticum, Hy. marginatum, Ha. longicornis and De. nuttalli, including two cultured ones (Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia aeschlimannii) and one uncultured (Candidatus R. jingxinensis). Furthermore, partial groEL gene was also obtained, and phylogenetic trees were also reconstructed to better understand the genetic relationship with known sequences in each SFG rickettsiae species detected in the current study. Notably, the R. aeschlimannii sequences described in this study were closely related to those from abroad rather than from another part of China, indicating their different origin. However, the R. raoultii and Ca. R. jingxinensis sequences presented close relationship with variants from other parts of China. In sum, our data revealed SFG rickettsiae species in northern China, highlighting the need for surveillance of their infection in local humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Guo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi-Han Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qizhong Lu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuhang Luo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuebing Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Disease, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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18
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Zhao S, Yang M, Jiang M, Yan B, Zhao S, Yuan W, Wang B, Hornok S, Wang Y. Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia sibirica in ticks from the long-tailed ground squirrel near the China-Kazakhstan border. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 77:425-433. [PMID: 30805816 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00349-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae cause infection in humans, domestic animals and wildlife. To date, no rickettsial agents have been reported in hard ticks from the long-tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus undulatus). A total of 50 adult ticks and 48 nymphs were collected from S. undulatus in the border region of northwestern China. Tick species (identified according to morphological and molecular characteristics) included Dermacentor nuttalli, Dermacentor silvarum and Ixodes kaiseri. Based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) haplotype analysis, I. kaiseri from S. undulatus belongs to an ancestral. In addition, all tick samples were analyzed for the presence of rickettsiae by PCR amplification and sequencing of six genetic markers. Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia sibirica subsp. sibirica were shown to occur in adults and nymphs of D. nuttalli and D. silvarum. Rickettsia sibirica subsp. sibirica was also detected in an I. kaiseri adult. Dermacentor silvarum and I. kaiseri were found for the first time on S. undulatus. Rickettsia raoultii and R. sibirica subsp. sibirica were detected in two Dermacentor and one Ixodes species, respectively, suggesting that these rickettsiae circulate in the region of the China-Kazakhstan border by hard ticks infesting S. undulatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhao
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Meihua Yang
- Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Mengmeng Jiang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal and Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Wumei Yuan
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Baoju Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China.
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19
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Sheng J, Jiang M, Yang M, Bo X, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Wureli H, Wang B, Tu C, Wang Y. Tick distribution in border regions of Northwestern China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:665-669. [PMID: 30833199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of emerging and re-emerging pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine tick species occurring in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), especially on border regions. A total of 22,994 ticks (including 22,629 adults, 365 larvae and nymphs), belonging to six tick genera (i.e. Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis, Ixodes and Argas) and fourteen tick species, were collected from ten animal hosts in thirty-five counties (cities) in XUAR during 2011 - 2017. Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor niveus, Hyalomma asiaticum and Dermacentor marginatus were dominantly sampled from domestic animals while Dermacentor nuttalli, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis concinna, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Dermacentor silvarum, Hyalomma scupense and Argas persicus were sporadically found. Based on 16S rDNA, phylogenetic analyses showed that: i) R. turanicus genotypes in XUAR showed geographical separation, and belonged to clade I (major distribution in the Central Asian) rather than clade II (major distribution in the Mediterranean Basin); ii) Ixodes kaiseri, firstly sampled from Asian badgers (Meles leucurus), was in ancestral position compared to European tick species when combining COI haplotypes; and iii) Haemaphysalis erinacei from marbled polecats in China was a separate genotype compared with that in Mediterranean and Europe. Our findings suggest that geographical range plays a more important role than host-association in tick phylogeny, especially for R. turanicus, I. kaiseri and H. erinacei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinliang Sheng
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China.
| | - Mengmeng Jiang
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China.
| | - Meihua Yang
- School of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China.
| | - Xinwen Bo
- The Breed & Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Sheep in XinJiang Bingtuan/Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, China.
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China.
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- The Breed & Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Sheep in XinJiang Bingtuan/Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, China.
| | - Hazihan Wureli
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China.
| | - Baoju Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Changchun Tu
- Institue of Veterinary Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Jilin, Changchun, 1300062, China.
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China.
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20
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Hazihan W, Dong Z, Guo L, Rizabek K, Askar D, Gulzhan K, Kudaibergen M, Kenjebaevich AN, Talgat T, Kairullayev K, Wang Y. Molecular detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks parasitizing pet dogs in Shihezi City, northwestern China. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 77:73-81. [PMID: 30649634 PMCID: PMC6341051 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-00337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
A total of 178 adult ticks were collected from 32 pet dogs from five veterinary clinics in Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), northwestern China. All the ticks were identified by comprehensive morphological and genetic analyses, and rickettsiae were detected by seven Rickettsia-specific genetic markers in the ticks. The ticks collected were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Twenty-one of the 178 samples (11.8%) were positive for rickettsiae. Among these, in 13 (61.9%) samples Candidatus R. barbariae were identified, in five (23.8%) samples R. massiliae, and in three (14.3%) samples R. conorii. This study indicates that more attention should be paid to rickettsial infection in pet dogs and their ticks, because the latter may pose an epidemiological risk for tick-borne transmission of rickettsiae to human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wurelihazi Hazihan
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000 Xinjiang China
| | - Zhihui Dong
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi, 832002 China
| | - Liping Guo
- School of Medicine, Sun yat-sen university, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Kadyken Rizabek
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty, 050010 Kazakhstan
| | - Dzhunysov Askar
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty, 050010 Kazakhstan
| | - Kulmanova Gulzhan
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty, 050010 Kazakhstan
| | - Mahanov Kudaibergen
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty, 050010 Kazakhstan
| | | | - Tolegen Talgat
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty, 050010 Kazakhstan
| | - Kenesbay Kairullayev
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty, 050010 Kazakhstan
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi, 832002 China
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21
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Song S, Chen C, Yang M, Zhao S, Wang B, Hornok S, Makhatov B, Rizabek K, Wang Y. Diversity of Rickettsia species in border regions of northwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:634. [PMID: 30545379 PMCID: PMC6293579 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3233-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rickettsia species belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG) cause infections in humans, domestic animals and wildlife. At least ten SFG Rickettsia species are known to occur in China. However, the distribution of rickettsiae in ticks and fleas in the border region of northwestern China have not been systematically studied to date. Results A total of 982 ticks (Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor marginatus, D. nuttalli and Haemaphysalis punctata) and 5052 fleas (18 flea species from 14 species of wild mammals) were collected in ten and five counties, respectively, of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (northwestern China). Tick and flea species were identified according to morphological and molecular characteristics. Seven sets of primers for amplifying the 17-kDa antigen gene (17-kDa), citrate synthase gene (gltA), 16S rRNA gene (rrs), outer membrane protein A and B genes (ompA, ompB), surface cell antigen 1 gene (sca1) and PS120-protein encoding gene (gene D) were used to identify the species of rickettsiae. Nine Rickettsia species have been detected, seven of them in ticks: R. aeschlimannii, R. conorii, R. raoultii, Rickettsia sibirica, R. slovaca, R. massiliae and “Candidatus R. barbariae”. In addition, R. bellii and two genotypes of a rickettsia endosymbiont (phylogenetically in an ancestral position to R. bellii) have been detected from flea pools. Conclusions This study provides molecular evidence for the occurrence of several SFG rickettsiae in Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor nuttalli and D. marginatus. Furthermore, R. bellii and two ancestral rickettsia endosymbionts are present in fleas infesting wild rodents in the border regions of northwestern China. These data extend our knowledge on the diversity of rickettsiae in Central Asia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3233-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Song
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal & Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chuangfu Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal & Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Meihua Yang
- Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Baoju Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bolatkhan Makhatov
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Kadyken Rizabek
- Department of Food Engineering, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
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22
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Liu X, Yang M, Liu G, Zhao S, Yuan W, Xiao R, Hazihan W, Hornok S, Wang Y. Molecular evidence of Rickettsia raoultii, "Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae" and a novel Babesia genotype in marbled polecats (Vormela peregusna) at the China-Kazakhstan border. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:450. [PMID: 30075738 PMCID: PMC6090811 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, two road-killed marbled polecats (Vormela peregusna) were molecularly analysed for tick-borne pathogens. Rickettsia raoultii, "Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae" and a novel Babesia genotype have been identified, for the first time in marbled polecat. DNA of this Babesia sp. genotype was also present in four out of 15 Haemaphysalis erinacei ticks collected from the Babesia PCR-positive marbled polecat. Results of this study suggest that marbled polecats may serve as reservoirs for these bacteria and protozoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiafei Liu
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihua Yang
- School of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, People's Republic of 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 Science, Xujiaping 1#, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Wumei Yuan
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Ronghai Xiao
- Inspection and Comprehensive Technology Center of Ruili Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, No.75, Ruihong Road, Ruili, 678600, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wurelihazi Hazihan
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, People's Republic of China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Nooroong P, Trinachartvanit W, Baimai V, Ahantarig A. Phylogenetic studies of bacteria (Rickettsia, Coxiella, and Anaplasma) in Amblyomma and Dermacentor ticks in Thailand and their co-infection. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:963-971. [PMID: 29610046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we attempted to detect Rickettsia, Coxiella and Anaplasma bacteria in one hundred and fourteen-Dermacentor and thirty three-Amblyomma unfed adult ticks that were collected from under leaves along animal trails at different places across Thailand. PCR amplification was used to identify bacterial infection with general conserved sequences of bacteria. The results revealed single infection in Amblyomma testudinarium ticks with Rickettsia (24%) and Coxiella (6%). Anaplasma bacteria were often detected in Dermacentor auratus ticks (32%). Coxiella spp. were detected in Dermacentor atrosignatus (6%) and D. auratus ticks (3%) in this study. Moreover, we found co-infection by Coxiella and Rickettsia bacteria (39%) in Am. testudinarium. In contrast, D. atrosignatus ticks were co-infected with Coxiella and Anaplasma bacteria (3%) and Dermacentor compactus ticks were co-infected with Rickettsia and Anaplasma spp. (25%). Interestingly, Am. testudinarium ticks (12%) were found for the first time to exhibit triple infection by these three bacteria. Phylogenetic studies showed the rickettsiae from ticks causing both single and multiple infections had sequence similarity with spotted fever group rickettsial strains, including Rickettsia massilliae, R. raoultii and R. tamurae. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of Coxiella bacteria showed that they were closely grouped with Coxiella endosymbionts in both Dermacentor and Amblyomma. Moreover, the Anaplasma identified in a D. auratus tick was grouped in the same clade with the pathogenic bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Bacterial co-infections in Dermacentor and Amblyomma ticks may cause co-transmission of some tick-borne microorganisms (pathogen and endosymbiont, whether enhance or reduce) in humans and animals and they could affect medical and veterinary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornpiroon Nooroong
- Biodiversity Research Cluster, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wachareeporn Trinachartvanit
- Biodiversity Research Cluster, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visut Baimai
- Biodiversity Research Cluster, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University at Salaya, Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Arunee Ahantarig
- Biodiversity Research Cluster, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University at Salaya, Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
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24
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Fischer S, Spierling NG, Heuser E, Kling C, Schmidt S, Rosenfeld UM, Reil D, Imholt C, Jacob J, Ulrich RG, Essbauer S. High prevalence of Rickettsia helvetica in wild small mammal populations in Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:500-505. [PMID: 29398604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since the beginning of the 21st century, spotted fever rickettsioses are known as emerging diseases worldwide. Rickettsiae are obligately intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropod vectors. The ecology of Rickettsia species has not been investigated in detail, but small mammals are considered to play a role as reservoirs. Aim of this study was to monitor rickettsiae in wild small mammals over a period of five years in four federal states of Germany. Initial screening of ear pinna tissues of 3939 animals by Pan-Rick real-time PCR targeting the citrate synthase (gltA) gene revealed 296 rodents of seven species and 19 shrews of two species positive for rickettsial DNA. Outer membrane protein gene (ompB, ompAIV) PCRs based typing resulted in the identification of three species: Rickettsia helvetica (90.9%) was found as the dominantly occurring species in the four investigated federal states, but Rickettsia felis (7.8%) and Rickettsia raoultii (1.3%) were also detected. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in rodents of the genus Apodemus was found to be higher (approximately 14%) than in all other rodent and shrew species at all investigated sites. General linear mixed model analyses indicated that heavier (older) individuals of yellow-necked mice and male common voles seem to contain more often rickettsial DNA than younger ones. Furthermore, rodents generally collected in forests in summer and autumn more often carried rickettsial DNA. In conclusion, this study indicated a high prevalence of R. helvetica in small mammal populations and suggests an age-dependent increase of the DNA prevalence in some of the species and in animals originating from forest habitats. The finding of R. helvetica and R. felis DNA in multiple small mammal species may indicate frequent trans-species transmission by feeding of vectors on different species. Further investigations should target the reason for the discrepancy between the high rickettsial DNA prevalence in rodents and the so far almost absence of clinical apparent human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Fischer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Nastasja G Spierling
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Elisa Heuser
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christopher Kling
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schmidt
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ulrike M Rosenfeld
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Daniela Reil
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Imholt
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Jens Jacob
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Sandra Essbauer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.
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Molecular prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks from Qinghai Province, northwestern China. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 57:1-7. [PMID: 29107656 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses is one of the oldest known vector-borne diseases and has been viewed as emerging or re-emerging disease in China. The causative agents have been increasingly recognized and exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity and widespread distribution. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks from Qinghai Province, northwestern China. In total, 860 questing adult ticks representing six species were collected. The SFG rickettsiae were detected in Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis (19.6%, 79/404), Dermacentor abaensis (73.7%, 157/213), Dermacentor silvarum (50.0%, 47/94), Dermacentor nuttalli (67.4%, 97/144), and Ixodes crenulatus (100%, 3/3), with an overall infection rate of 44.5%. The infection rates of SFG rickettsiae were significantly higher in Dermacentor spp. than in Haemaphysalis spp. (p<0.05). Sequence analyses of the gltA and ompA genes revealed that five SFG rickettsiae are present in ticks in Qinghai, including R. sibirica subspecies sibirica, R. raoultii, "Candidatus Rickettsia tibetani", and "Candidatus Rickettsia gannanii" Y27 and F107. Moreover, a potential novel Rickettsia species (Rickettsia sp. 10CYF) was identified in D. nuttalli and I. crenulatus. These findings extend our knowledge of the potential vector spectrum and distribution of rickettsiae, and provided valuable information for assessing the potential risk for public health.
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Pereira A, Parreira R, Cotão AJ, Nunes M, Vieira ML, Azevedo F, Campino L, Maia C. Tick-borne bacteria and protozoa detected in ticks collected from domestic animals and wildlife in central and southern Portugal. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:225-234. [PMID: 28958791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of many human and animal pathogens. The aim of this study was to screen bacteria and protozoa from ticks infesting domestic animals and wildlife collected in central and southern Portugal. A total of 593 ticks, comprising 465 (78.4%) adults, 122 (20.6%) nymphs, and six (1.0%) larvae, were collected from 283 hosts of 25 different species (4 domestic and 21 wild). Overall, the analysis of DNA extracts prepared from ticks collected from hosts of 11 different species in the districts of Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Lisboa, Setúbal, Beja and Faro, revealed the presence of genomic sequences from Anaplasma sp., A. ovis, Babesia sp., relapsing fever-like Borrelia sp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Ri. helvetica, Ri. massiliae, Ri. raoultii, Ri. slovaca, Candidatus Ri. barbariae, Theileria annulata and T. ovis, in specimens of Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hy. marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa and Rh. sanguineus sensu lato. The obtained results suggest the circulation of a wide variety of infectious agents, some of zoonotic concern, in hard ticks from Portugal. Further studies should be conducted to better characterize (both genetically and phenotypically) the putative novel microorganisms detected, both in what regards their potential pathogenity towards vertebrates, and to assist the implementation of effective control strategies for the management of ticks and human and animal tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal; Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Parreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | | | - Mónica Nunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | - Maria Luísa Vieira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | | | - Lenea Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal; Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal.
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Hornok S, Wang Y, Otranto D, Keskin A, Lia RP, Kontschán J, Takács N, Farkas R, Sándor AD. Phylogenetic analysis of Haemaphysalis erinacei Pavesi, 1884 (Acari: Ixodidae) from China, Turkey, Italy and Romania. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:643. [PMID: 27978852 PMCID: PMC5159981 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1927-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Haemaphysalis erinacei is one of the few ixodid tick species for which valid names of subspecies exist. Despite their disputed taxonomic status in the literature, these subspecies have not yet been compared with molecular methods. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of H. erinacei subspecies, in the context of the first finding of this tick species in Romania. Results After morphological identification, DNA was extracted from five adults of H. e. taurica (from Romania and Turkey), four adults of H. e. erinacei (from Italy) and 17 adults of H. e. turanica (from China). From these samples fragments of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 16S rRNA genes were amplified via PCR and sequenced. Results showed that cox1 and 16S rRNA gene sequence divergences between H. e. taurica from Romania and H. e. erinacei from Italy were below 2%. However, the sequence divergences between H. e. taurica from Romania and H. e. turanica from China were high (up to 7.3% difference for the 16S rRNA gene), exceeding the reported level of sequence divergence between closely related tick species. At the same time, two adults of H. e. taurica from Turkey had higher 16S rRNA gene similarity to H. e. turanica from China (up to 97.5%) than to H. e. taurica from Romania (96.3%), but phylogenetically clustered more closely to H. e. taurica than to H. e. turanica. Conclusions This is the first finding of H. erinacei in Romania, and the first (although preliminary) phylogenetic comparison of H. erinacei subspecies. Phylogenetic analyses did not support that the three H. erinacei subspecies evaluated here are of equal taxonomic rank, because the genetic divergence between H. e. turanica from China and H. e. taurica from Romania exceeded the usual level of sequence divergence between closely related tick species, suggesting that they might represent different species. Therefore, the taxonomic status of the subspecies of H. erinacei needs to be revised based on a larger number of specimens collected throughout its geographical range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Adem Keskin
- Department of Biology, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tasliciftlik-Tokat, Turkey
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Liu D, Wang YZ, Zhang H, Liu ZQ, Wureli HZ, Wang SW, Tu CC, Chen CF. First report of Rickettsia raoultii and R. slovaca in Melophagus ovinus, the sheep ked. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:600. [PMID: 27884170 PMCID: PMC5123371 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1885-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melophagus ovinus (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), a hematophagous ectoparasite, is mainly found in Europe, Northwestern Africa, and Asia. This wingless fly infests sheep, rabbits, and red foxes, and causes inflammation, wool loss and skin damage. Furthermore, this parasite has been shown to transmit diseases, and plays a role as a vector. Herein, we investigated the presence of various Rickettsia species in M. ovinus. METHODS In this study, a total of 95 sheep keds were collected in Kuqa County and Alaer City southern region of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwestern China. First, collected sheep keds were identified on the species level using morphological keys and molecular methods based on a fragment of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene (18S rDNA). Thereafter, to assess the presence of rickettsial DNA in sheep keds, the DNA of individual samples was screened by PCR based on six Rickettsia-specific gene fragments originating from six genes: the 17-kilodalton antigen gene (17-kDa), 16S rRNA gene (rrs), surface cell antigen 4 gene (sca4), citrate synthase gene (gltA), and outer membrane protein A and B genes (ompA and ompB). The amplified products were confirmed by sequencing and BLAST analysis ( https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi?PROGRAM=blastn&PAGE_TYPE=BlastSearch&LINK_LOC=blasthome ). RESULTS According to its morphology and results of molecular analysis, the species was identified as Melophagus ovinus, with 100% identity to M. ovinus from St. Kilda, Australia (FN666411). DNA of Rickettsia spp. were found in 12 M. ovinus samples (12.63%, 12/95). Rickettsia raoultii and R. slovaca were confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis, although the genetic markers of these two rickettsial agents amplified in this study showed molecular diversity. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of R. raoultii and R. slovaca DNA in M. ovinus. Rickettsia slovaca was found for the first time around the Taklimakan Desert located in China. This finding extends the geographical range of spotted fever group rickettsiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China
| | - Yuan-Zhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 830000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ha-Zi Wureli
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China
| | - Shi-Wei Wang
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 843300, China
| | - Chang-Chun Tu
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Jilin, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Chuang-Fu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China.
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Liu H, Li Q, Zhang X, Li Z, Wang Z, Song M, Wei F, Wang S, Liu Q. Characterization of rickettsiae in ticks in northeastern China. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:498. [PMID: 27623998 PMCID: PMC5022169 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1764-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne rickettsioses are considered important emerging zoonoses worldwide, but their etiological agents, rickettsiae, remain poorly characterized in northeastern China, where many human cases have been reported during the past several years. Here, we determined the characteristics of Rickettsia spp. infections in ticks in this area. Methods Ticks were collected by flagging vegetation from Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces of northeastern China followed by morphological identification. The presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks was detected by PCR targeting the 23S-5S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer, citrate synthase (gltA) gene, and 190-kDa outer membrane protein gene (ompA). The newly-generated sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the software MEGA 6.0. Results The overall infection rate of Rickettsia spp. was 6.12 %. Phylogenetic analyses based on the partial gltA and ompA genes demonstrated that rickettsiae detected in the ticks belong to four species, including “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae”, Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, Rickettsia raoultii, and a potential new species isolate. The associated tick species were also identified, i.e. Dermacentor nuttalli and Dermacentor silvarum for R. raoultii, Haemaphysalis concinna and Haemaphysalis longicornis for R. heilongjiangensis, and Ixodes persulcatus for “Ca. R. tarasevichiae”. All Rickettsia spp. showed significantly high infection rates in ticks from Heilongjiang when compared to Jilin Province. Conclusion Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, R. raoultii and “Ca. R. tarasevichiae” are widely present in the associated ticks in northeastern China, but more prevalent in Heilongjiang Province. The data of this study increase the information on the distribution of Rickettsia spp. in northeastern China, which have important public health implications in consideration of their recent association with human diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1764-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Liu
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Qihong Li
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China.,Affiliated hospital of Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhuo Zhang
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zedong Wang
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Wei
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuchao Wang
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
| | - Quan Liu
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
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Zhao SS, Li HY, Yin XP, Liu ZQ, Chen CF, Wang YZ. First detection of Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae in the flea Vermipsylla alakurt from north-western China. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:325. [PMID: 27267467 PMCID: PMC4895814 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1614-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vermipsylla is a genus of the family Vermipsyllidae within the order Siphonaptera of fleas. Vermipsylla alakurt is mainly distributed in alpine pastoral areas of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and Nepal, and infests sheep, yaks and horses, causing irritation, poor condition, anaemia and even death. However, to date, no rickettsial agents have been reported in V. alakurt. Findings A total of 133 fleas were collected directly from the tails of three sheep flocks (n = 335) in Minfeng County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, north-western China. Of these, 55 fleas were identified by morphological examination and molecular analysis of four loci (the ribosomal 18S and 28S rDNA genes and the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit II and elongation factor 1-alpha). Eight Rickettsia-specific gene fragments originated from seven genes: the 17-kilodalton antigen gene (17-kDa), citrate synthase gene (gltA), 16S rRNA gene (rrs), outer membrane protein A gene (ompA), surface cell antigen 1 gene (sca1), PS120 protein gene (gene D), and outer membrane protein B gene (ompB, two fragments), were used to identify the species of Rickettsia in 53 fleas. The amplified products were sequenced and included in a phylogenetic analysis to verify the taxonomic identification of the rickettsial agents. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, the flea was identified as Vermipsylla alakurt. Nine samples were positive (16.98 %, 9/53) for Rickettsia spp. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the rickettsial agents found in V. alakurt cluster with Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae. Conclusions Our study suggests that: (i) V. alakurt may serve as a carrier for Candidatus R. barbariae; and (ii) Candidatus R. barbariae, previously reported in Israel, is the eighth newly discovered validated Rickettsia species in China. This finding extends our knowledge of the distribution of Candidatus R. barbariae and the profile of carriers, which not only comprise ticks but also fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Zhao
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, China
| | - Hong-Yu Li
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Yin
- Alashankou Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Alashankou, 833418, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Chuang-Fu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Yuan-Zhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, China.
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Wei QQ, Guo LP, Wang AD, Mu LM, Zhang K, Chen CF, Zhang WJ, Wang YZ. The first detection of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia massiliae in Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks, in northwest China. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:631. [PMID: 26652857 PMCID: PMC4675064 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rickettsia spp. belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG) cause infections in humans, domestic animals and wildlife. At least five SFG rickettsial species have been reported in China, but the occurrence of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and R. massiliae in ticks has not been characterized to date. Findings A total of 114 adult ticks were collected from sheep in Yining County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in northwest China. The ticks were identified from morphological and molecular characteristics. All samples were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and six genetic markers were used to determine the Rickettsia spp. in the ticks. The ticks collected were identified as Rhipicephalus turanicus. Three different lineages of Rh. turanicus from Yining County were discovered on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA and cox1. Twenty-one of the 114 samples (18.42%) were positive for rickettsial agents. Phylogenetic analysis based on six genetic sequences showed that three rickettsial species were present, namely: R. aeschlimannii (19.05%, 4/21), R. massiliae (19.05%, 4/21) and R. sibirica variant (61.90%, 13/21), which is clustered in the clade of R. sibirica subsp. sibirica. Conclusions This is the first description of R. aeschlimannii and R. massiliae in China. R. massiliae, R. aeschlimannii and R. sibirica variant co-circulate in the region of the China-Kazakhstan border, in northwest China. Rickettsial agents in ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus from migrant birds, transported livestock, wildlife and human beings should be investigated further in the region of the China–Central Asian border. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-1242-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Wei
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li-Ping Guo
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, People's Republic of China.
| | - An-Dong Wang
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lu-Meng Mu
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ke Zhang
- Pingdingshan University, Pingdingshan, Henan, 467000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chuang-Fu Chen
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wan-Jiang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuan-Zhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832000, People's Republic of China.
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