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Deézsi-Magyar N, Dénes B, Novák B, Zsidei G, Déri D, Henczkó J, Pályi B, Kis Z. First Broad-Range Serological Survey of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever among Hungarian Livestock. Viruses 2024; 16:875. [PMID: 38932166 PMCID: PMC11209279 DOI: 10.3390/v16060875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne disease endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Balkan and Mediterranean regions of Europe. Although no human CCHF cases have been reported, based on vector presence, serological evidence among small vertebrates, and the general human population, Hungary lies within high evidence consensus for potential CCHF introduction and future human infection. Thus, the aim of our pilot serosurvey was to assess CCHF seropositivity among cattle and sheep as indicator animals for virus circulation in the country. (2) Methods: In total, 1905 serum samples taken from free-range cattle and sheep in 2017 were tested for the presence of anti-CCHF virus IgG antibodies using commercial ELISA and commercial and in-house immunofluorescent assays. (3) Results: We found a total of eleven reactive samples (0.58%) from five administrative districts of Hungary comprising 8 cattle and 3 sheep. The most affected regions were the south-central and northwestern parts of the country. (4) Conclusions: Based on these results, more extended surveillance is advised, especially in the affected areas, and there should be greater awareness among clinicians and other high-risk populations of the emerging threat of CCHF in Hungary and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Deézsi-Magyar
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Dénes
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1143 Budapest, Hungary;
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, 1024 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bereniké Novák
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Gyula Zsidei
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Dániel Déri
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Judit Henczkó
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Pályi
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents (ERINHA-AISBL), B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zoltán Kis
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents (ERINHA-AISBL), B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Keve G, Csörgő T, Kováts D, Benke A, Bende AT, Ágoston H, Mórocz A, Németh Á, Tamás EA, Huber A, Gyurácz J, Keve G, Kontschán J, Németh A, Hornok S. Contributions to our knowledge on avian louse flies (Hippoboscidae: Ornithomyinae) with the first European record of the African species Ornithoctona laticornis. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:237. [PMID: 38797857 PMCID: PMC11129389 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06303-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Louse flies (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) are important blood-sucking parasites of birds and mammals with a worldwide distribution. The aim of our study was to collect louse flies from birds across multiple sites in Hungary and evaluate the effects of avian traits on louse fly-host relationships. METHODS Between 2015 and 2022, 237 louse flies were collected from birds at multiple locations in Hungary. The louse flies were identified to species level by morphological and molecular methods. Louse fly species and their seasonal dynamics were analyzed. RESULTS Six louse fly species were identified: Ornithomya avicularia, Ornithomya fringillina, Ornithomya biloba, Ornithomya chloropus, Ornithoica turdi and Ornithoctona laticornis. Results of statistical analyses indicated that habitat, migration habits and the feeding places of birds have significant effects on their possible role as hosts of O. avicularia, O. fringillina and O. turdi. Analysis of the temporal distribution of avian louse flies showed different seasonal patterns according to species. Phylogenetic analyses highlighted that O. turdi clustered separately from other members of the subfamily Ornithomyinae which thus did not form a monophyletic group. CONCLUSIONS This study presents one of the longest continuous collections of ornithophilic louse fly species in Europe so far. Avian traits were shown to influence louse-fly infestation. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on O. laticornis in Europe. The ability of this African louse fly species to survive in Europe, as demonstrated in the present study, may be an indication of its future establishment. Our findings, in accordance with previous reports, also indicated that the subfamily Ornithomyinae should be taxonomically revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Tibor Csörgő
- Department of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- MME BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Kováts
- MME BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Biodiversity-Research Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anikó Benke
- MME BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Fenékpuszta Bird Ringing Station, Fenékpuszta, Hungary
| | - Attila Tibor Bende
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Management, University of Sopron, Sopron, Hungary
| | - Hunor Ágoston
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Management, University of Sopron, Sopron, Hungary
| | - Attila Mórocz
- MME BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Németh
- MME BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Kiskunság National Park Directorate, Kecskemét, Hungary
- Kiskunság Bird Protection Association, Izsák, Hungary
| | - Enikő Anna Tamás
- MME BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Water Sciences, LUDOVIKA University of Public Service, Baja, Hungary
| | - Attila Huber
- MME BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Jósvafő, Hungary
| | - József Gyurácz
- MME BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biology, Savaria Campus, Eötvös Loránd University, Szombathely, Hungary
| | - Gábor Keve
- Faculty of Water Sciences, LUDOVIKA University of Public Service, Baja, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Plant Sciences, Albert Kázmér Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences of Széchenyi, István University in Mosonmagyaróvár, Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
| | - Anna Németh
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Pitó A, Bukor B, Győrig E, Brlík V, Kontschán J, Keve G, Takács N, Hornok S. Investigations of the tick burden on passeriform, water-associated and predatory birds reveal new tick-host associations and habitat-related factors of tick infestation. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:144. [PMID: 38500221 PMCID: PMC10949810 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06229-1] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on the tick infestation of birds in the Carpathian Basin focused on songbirds (Passeriformes). Thus, the primary aim of the present work was to extend the scope of previous studies, i.e. to include aquatic (water-associated) bird species in a similar context, especially considering that these birds are usually long-distance migrants. METHODS Between March 2021 and August 2023, 11,919 birds representing 126 species were checked for the presence of ticks. From 352 birds belonging to 40 species, 905 ixodid ticks were collected. Tick species were identified morphologically and/or molecularly. RESULTS Ticks from avian hosts belonged to seven species: Ixodes ricinus (n = 448), I. frontalis (n = 31), I. festai (n = 2), I. arboricola (n = 36), I. lividus (n = 4), Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 382) and Dermacentor reticulatus (n = 2). Nymphs of I. ricinus occurred with a single activity peak around March-May, whereas its larvae typically infested birds in May, June or July. By contrast, H. concinna usually had its activity maximum during the summer (nymphs in June-July, larvae later in July-August). Interestingly, two ornithophilic species, I. frontalis and I. arboricola, were most active around winter months (between October and April). A significantly lower ratio of aquatic birds was found tick-infested than songbirds. Several new tick-host associations were revealed, including I. ricinus from Greylag Goose (Anser anser) and D. reticulatus from Great Egret (Ardea alba) and Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus). Ticks were collected for the first time in Europe from two species of predatory birds as well as from Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus). Bird species typically inhabiting reedbeds were most frequently infested with H. concinna, and most ticks localized at their throat, as opposed to forest-dwelling avian hosts, on which I. ricinus predominated and ticks were more evenly distributed. CONCLUSIONS In the evaluated region, aquatic birds appear to be less important in tick dispersal than songbirds. However, newly revealed tick-host associations in this category attest to their hitherto neglected contribution. The results suggest that the habitat type will have significant impact not only on the species composition but also on the feeding location of ticks on birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andor Pitó
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Boglárka Bukor
- HUN-REN-PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, University of Pannonia, Pf. 1158, 8210, Veszprém, Hungary
- Behavioral Ecology Research Group, Center for Natural Sciences, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary
| | | | - Vojtěch Brlík
- Department of Ecology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Plant Sciences, Albert Kázmér Faculty of Mosonmagyaróvár, Széchenyi István University, Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
| | - Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- 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
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Keve G, Csörgő T, Kováts D, Hornok S. Long term evaluation of factors influencing the association of ixodid ticks with birds in Central Europe, Hungary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4958. [PMID: 38418856 PMCID: PMC10902401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55021-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Birds play a crucial role in disseminating ticks that carry pathogens of high veterinary-medical importance. The aim of this study was to analyze data of a long-term tick collection from birds at a single stop-over site in Central Europe, Hungary. Over eight years (2015-2022) 5833 ticks (ten species) were collected from 2395 tick-infested birds. The most abundant species were Ixodes ricinus (n = 3971) and Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 1706). Ixodes ricinus nymphs and larvae were the most frequently occurring on resident and short-distance migratory birds with forest habitat but Ha. concinna was the most abundant species on reed-associated, long-distance migrants. Haemaphysalis concinna occurred mostly on birds feeding above the ground level, while I. ricinus predominated on ground feeding birds. Infestation with I. ricinus nymphs always peaked in the first half of the year, in contrast to larvae which were more abundant on avian hosts in the autumn. At the same time, Ha. concinna larvae and nymphs had their peak numbers in the summer. This is the first long-term study on the tick infestation of birds in Central Europe. The study shows that, migration distance, habitat type, and typical feeding level of birds, as well as characteristics of tick life cycle are all key factors in the role of birds as tick disseminators. It was revealed that Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) is the most frequent hosts of Ha. concinna in Central Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Tibor Csörgő
- Department of Anatomy, Cell- and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Kováts
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Biodiversity Research Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Liu J, Han XY, Ye RZ, Xu Q, Wang XY, Li ZH, Sun Y, Song K, Wang BY, Wang SS, Liu JY, Zhao L, Cao WC. An integrated data analysis reveals distribution, hosts, and pathogen diversity of Haemaphysalis concinna. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:92. [PMID: 38414058 PMCID: PMC10900579 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06152-5] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemaphysalis concinna, carrying multiple pathogens, has attracted increasing attention because of its expanded geographical range and significant role in disease transmission. This study aimed to identify the potential public health risks posed by H. concinna and H. concinna-associated pathogens. METHODS A comprehensive database integrating a field survey, literature review, reference book, and relevant websites was developed. The geographical distribution of H. concinna and its associated pathogens was illustrated using ArcGIS. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence of H. concinna-associated microbes. Phylogenetic and geographical methods were used to investigate the role of birds in the transmission of H. concinna-associated microbes. The potential global distribution of H. concinna was predicted by ecological niche modeling. RESULTS Haemaphysalis concinna was distributed in 34 countries across the Eurasian continent, predominantly in China, Russia, and Central Europe. The tick species carried at least 40 human pathogens, including six species in the Anaplasmataceae family, five species of Babesia, four genospecies in the complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, ten species of spotted fever group rickettsiae, ten species of viruses, as well as Francisella, Coxiella, and other bacteria. Haemaphysalis concinna could parasitize 119 host species, with nearly half of them being birds, which played a crucial role in the long-distance transmission of tick-borne microbes. Our predictive modeling suggested that H. concinna could potentially survive in regions where the tick has never been previously recorded such as central North America, southern South America, southeast Oceania, and southern Africa. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed the wide distribution, broad host range, and pathogen diversity of H. concinna. Authorities, healthcare professionals, and the entire community should address the growing threat of H. concinna and associated pathogens. Tick monitoring and control, pathogen identification, diagnostic tools, and continuous research should be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-da Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Run-Ze Ye
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Xu
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yang Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Hui Li
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-da Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Song
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Yu Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Yue Liu
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-da Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China.
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Wu Y, Zhou Q, Mao M, Chen H, Qi R. Diversity of species and geographic distribution of tick-borne viruses in China. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1309698. [PMID: 38476950 PMCID: PMC10929907 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1309698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tick-borne pathogens especially viruses are continuously appearing worldwide, which have caused severe public health threats. Understanding the species, distribution and epidemiological trends of tick-borne viruses (TBVs) is essential for disease surveillance and control. Methods In this study, the data on TBVs and the distribution of ticks in China were collected from databases and literature. The geographic distribution of TBVs in China was mapped based on geographic locations of viruses where they were prevalent or they were detected in vector ticks. TBVs sequences were collected from The National Center for Biotechnology Information and used to structure the phylogenetic tree. Results Eighteen TBVs from eight genera of five families were prevalent in China. Five genera of ticks played an important role in the transmission of TBVs in China. According to phylogenetic analysis, some new viral genotypes, such as the Dabieshan tick virus (DTV) strain detected in Liaoning Province and the JMTV strain detected in Heilongjiang Province existed in China. Discussion TBVs were widely distributed but the specific ranges of viruses from different families still varied in China. Seven TBVs belonging to the genus Orthonairovirus of the family Nairoviridae such as Nairobi sheep disease virus (NSDV) clustered in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and northeastern areas of China. All viruses of the family Phenuiviridae except Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) were novel viruses that appeared in the last few years, such as Guertu virus (GTV) and Tacheng tick virus 2 (TcTV-2). They were mainly distributed in the central plains of China. Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) was distributed in at least fourteen provinces and had been detected in more than ten species of tick such as Rhipicephalus microplus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, which had the widest distribution and the largest number of vector ticks among all TBVs. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) and Lymphatic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) were two potential TBVs in Northeast China that could cause serious diseases in humans or animals. Ixodes persulcatus carried the highest number of TBVs, followed by Dermacentor nuttalli and H. longicornis. They could carry as many as ten TBVs. Three strains of Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) from Inner Mongolia Province clustered with ones from Russia, Japan and Heilongjiang Province, respectively. Several SFTSV strains from Zhejiang Province clustered with strains from Korea and Japan. Specific surveillance of dominant TBVs should be established in different areas in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rui Qi
- Institute of Microbiome Frontiers and One Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Zamoto-Niikura A, Saigo A, Sato M, Kobayashi H, Sasaki M, Nakao M, Suzuki T, Morikawa S. The presence of Ixodes pavlovskyi and I. pavlovskyi-borne microorganisms in Rishiri Island: an ecological survey. mSphere 2023; 8:e0021323. [PMID: 37930050 PMCID: PMC10871164 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00213-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Understanding the ecology of ticks and tick-borne microorganisms is important to assess the risk of emerging tick-borne diseases. Despite the fact that the Ixodes pavlovskyi tick bites humans, we lack information including population genetics and the reason for the inadequate distribution in Japan. A 5-year survey revealed that Rishiri Island, the main stopover in the East Asian Flyway of wild birds in the northern Sea of Japan, was a refuge of I. pavlovskyi. The I. pavlovskyi included two haplogroups, which were supposed to diverge a long time before the island separated from the continent and Hokkaido mainland. The detection of microorganisms from wildlife revealed that wild birds and rodents play a role in diffusion and settlement, respectively, of not only I. pavlovskyi but also I. pavlovskyi-borne microorganisms including Candidatus Ehrlichia khabarensis and Babesia microti US lineage. Various island-specific factors control I. pavlovskyi dominance and tick-borne pathogen maintenance. The results may enable us to explain how tick-borne infectious microorganisms are transported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Zamoto-Niikura
- Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Saigo
- Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hirotaka Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Tadaki Suzuki
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Morikawa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Okayama, Japan
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Celina SS, Černý J, Samy AM. Mapping the potential distribution of the principal vector of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus Hyalomma marginatum in the Old World. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010855. [PMID: 38011221 PMCID: PMC10703407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most widely distributed tick-borne viral disease in humans and is caused by the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). The virus has a broader distribution, expanding from western China and South Asia to the Middle East, southeast Europe, and Africa. The historical known distribution of the CCHFV vector Hyalomma marginatum in Europe includes most of the Mediterranean and the Balkan countries, Ukraine, and southern Russia. Further expansion of its potential distribution may have occurred in and out of the Mediterranean region. This study updated the distributional map of the principal vector of CCHFV, H. marginatum, in the Old World using an ecological niche modeling approach based on occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and a set of covariates. The model predicted higher suitability of H. marginatum occurrences in diverse regions of Africa and Asia. Furthermore, the model estimated the environmental suitability of H. marginatum across Europe. On a continental scale, the model anticipated a widespread potential distribution encompassing the southern, western, central, and eastern parts of Europe, reaching as far north as the southern regions of Scandinavian countries. The distribution of H. marginatum also covered countries across Central Europe where the species is not autochthonous. All models were statistically robust and performed better than random expectations (p < 0.001). Based on the model results, climatic conditions could hamper the successful overwintering of H. marginatum and their survival as adults in many regions of the Old World. Regular updates of the models are still required to continually assess the areas at risk using up-to-date occurrence and climatic data in present-day and future conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyma S. Celina
- Center for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Černý
- Center for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Abdallah M. Samy
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
- Medical Ain Shams Research Institute (MASRI), Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Kitryt N, Baltrnait L. Ectoparasitic mites, ticks (Acari: Trombidiformes, Mesostigmata, Ixodida) and insects (Insecta: Psocodea, Siphonaptera) of ground-dwelling small mammals in the Baltic States. An annotated checklist. Zootaxa 2023; 5353:1-46. [PMID: 38221425 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5353.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents an annotated checklist of 77 species of ectoparasitic mites, ticks (Acari: Trombidiformes, Mesostigmata, Ixodida) and insects (Insecta: Psocodea, Siphonaptera) found on ground-dwelling small mammals in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). Eight species of five genera of chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), 26 species of eight genera of laelapid mites (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae), six species of two genera of ixodid ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae), 11 species of three genera of blood-sucking lice (Psocodea: Hoplopleuridae, Pediculidae, Polyplacidae) and 26 species of 15 genera of fleas (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae, Ctenophthalmidae, Hystrichopsyllidae, Pulicidae) were recorded on ground-dwelling small mammals in the Baltic States. Neotrombicula japonica (Tanaka, Kaiwa, Teramura & Kagaya), Neotrombicula vulgaris (Schluger), Miyatrombicula muris (Oudemans), Hoplopleura edentula Fahrenholz and Polyplax hannswrangeli Eichler are recorded for the first time in the Baltic States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neringa Kitryt
- Nature Research Centre; Akademijos Street 2; LT-08412 Vilnius; Lithuania.
| | - Laima Baltrnait
- Nature Research Centre; Akademijos Street 2; LT-08412 Vilnius; Lithuania.
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Keve G, Csörgő T, Benke A, Huber A, Mórocz A, Németh Á, Kalocsa B, Tamás EA, Gyurácz J, Kiss O, Kováts D, Sándor AD, Karcza Z, Hornok S. Ornithological and molecular evidence of a reproducing Hyalomma rufipes population under continental climate in Europe. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1147186. [PMID: 37035818 PMCID: PMC10073722 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1147186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Reports on adult Hyalomma ticks in certain regions of the Carpathian Basin date back to the 19th century. These ticks were thought to emerge from nymphs dropping from birds, then molting to adults. Although the role of migratory birds in carrying ticks of this genus is known from all parts of Europe, in most countries no contemporaneous multiregional surveillance of bird-associated ticks was reported which could allow the recognition of hotspots in this context. From 38 passeriform bird species 956 ixodid ticks were collected at seven locations in Hungary. Tick species were identified as Ixodes ricinus (n = 598), Ixodes frontalis (n = 18), Ixodes lividus (n = 6), Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 321), and D. reticulatus (n = 1). All 12 Hyalomma sp. ticks (11 engorged nymphs and 1 unengorged larva) were identified as H. rufipes based on three mitochondrial markers. This species was only found in the Transdanubian region and along its southeastern border. The Common Blackbird and the European Robin were the two main hosts of I. ricinus and I. frontalis, whereas H. concinna was almost exclusively collected form long-distance migrants. The predominant hosts of H. rufipes were reed-associated bird species, the Sedge Warbler and the Bearded Reedling, both in their nesting period. This study provides ornithological explanation for the regional, century-long presence of adult Hyalomma ticks under continental climate in the Transdanubian Region of the Carpathian Basin. More importantly, the autochthonous occurrence of a H. rufipes population was revealed for the first time in Europe, based on the following observations: (1) the bird species infested with H. rufipes are not known to migrate during their nesting period; (2) one larva was not yet engorged; (3) the larva and the nymphs must have belonged to different local generations; and (4) all H. rufipes found in the relevant location were identical in their haplotypes based on three maternally inherited mitochondrial markers, probably reflecting founder effect. This study also demonstrated regional and temporal differences in tick species carried by birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Gergő Keve
| | - Tibor Csörgő
- Department of Anatomy, Cell- and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anikó Benke
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Fenékpuszta Bird Ringing Station, Keszthely, Hungary
| | - Attila Huber
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Jósvafő, Hungary
| | - Attila Mórocz
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Németh
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Kiskunság National Park Directorate, Kecskemét, Hungary
- Kiskunság Bird Protection Association, Izsák, Hungary
| | | | - Enikő Anna Tamás
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Water Sciences, University of Public Service, Baja, Hungary
| | - József Gyurácz
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Savaria, Szombathely, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Sciences and Wildlife Management, University of Szeged, Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary
| | - Dávid Kováts
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Biodiversity Research Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Reynolds C, Kontschán J, Takács N, Solymosi N, Sándor AD, Keve G, Hornok S. Shift in the seasonality of ixodid ticks after a warm winter in an urban habitat with notes on morphotypes of Ixodes ricinus and data in support of cryptic species within Ixodes frontalis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 88:127-138. [PMID: 36282440 PMCID: PMC9663398 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00756-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was initiated to assess the seasonality and to investigate the morphology of questing ixodid ticks in an urban habitat in Central Europe, Hungary. A neglected part of a large cemetery, with sparse tree covering and dense lower vegetation, was sampled monthly from February 2019 to May 2021. All ticks were analyzed morphologically, and selected specimens by amplifying and sequencing two genetic markers. During the study 3818 ticks were collected, including Ixodes ricinus (n = 2772), Ixodes frontalis (n = 350) and Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 696). Ixodes ricinus adults and nymphs showed year-round activity, whereas H. concinna was not active during winter months and early spring. Most I. frontalis nymphs were collected in late winter and early spring, whereas the peak activity of larvae was during late autumn. Interestingly, during the spring, the peak activity of I. ricinus adults and nymphs was later (in May) when preceded by a warm winter in 2020. In contrast, the 2019 and 2021 spring activity peaks occurred in March and April after sharply rising temperatures in February. This shift in the peak activity of I. ricinus coincided with the initiation of questing activity of H. concinna. Three notably different morphotypes and four malformed specimens of I. ricinus were found. However, these were not significantly different in their mitochondrial haplotypes and phylogenetic clustering from typical specimens of this species. On the other hand, I. frontalis was represented by two remarkably different haplogroups, between which in the nymph stage there were no recognizable morphological differences, suggesting the status of these as cryptic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Reynolds
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
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Keve G, Sándor AD, Hornok S. Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with birds in Europe: Review of literature data. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:928756. [PMID: 36090176 PMCID: PMC9453168 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.928756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are considered the most important transmitters of pathogens in the temperate zone that covers most of Europe. In the era of climate change tick-borne diseases are predicted to undergo geographical range expansion toward the north through regions that are connected to southern areas of the continent by bird migration. This alone would justify the importance of synthesized knowledge on the association of tick species with avian hosts, yet birds also represent the most taxonomically and ecologically diverse part of urban vertebrate fauna. Birds frequently occur in gardens and near animal keeping facilities, thus playing a significant role in the dispersal of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in synanthropic environments. The primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive reference source (baseline data) for future studies, particularly in the context of discovering new tick-host associations after comparison with already published data. The records on the ixodid tick infestations of birds were assessed from nearly 200 papers published since 1952. In this period, 37 hard tick species were reported from 16 orders of avian hosts in Europe. Here we compile a list of these tick species, followed by the English and Latin name of all reported infested bird species, as well as the tick developmental stage and country of origin whenever this information was available. These data allowed a first-hand analysis of general trends regarding how and at which developmental stage of ticks tend to infest avian hosts. Five tick species that were frequently reported from birds and show a broad geographical distribution in the Western Palearctic (Ixodes arboricola, I. frontalis, I. ricinus, Haemaphysalis concinna and Hyalomma marginatum) were also selected for statistical comparisons. Differences were demonstrated between these tick species regarding their association with bird species that typically feed from the ground and those that rarely occur at the soil level. The ecology of these five bird-infesting tick species is also illustrated here according to avian orders, taking into account the ecology (habitat type) and activity (circadian rhythm and feeding level) of most bird species that represent a certain order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- *Correspondence: Attila D. Sándor
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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13
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Rataud A, Galon C, Bournez L, Henry PY, Marsot M, Moutailler S. Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Tick Larvae Feeding on Breeding Birds in France. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080946. [PMID: 36015066 PMCID: PMC9414652 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds play a role in maintaining tick-borne diseases by contributing to the multiplication of ticks and pathogens on a local scale during the breeding season. In the present study, we describe the diversity of tick and pathogen species of medical and veterinary importance in Europe hosted by 1040 captured birds (56 species) during their breeding season in France. Of the 3114 ticks collected, Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent species (89.5%), followed by I. frontalis (0.8%), I. arboricola (0.7%), Haemaphysalis concinna (0.5%), H. punctata (0.5%), Hyalomma spp. (0.2%), and Rhipicephalus spp. (0.06%). Because they may be representative of the bird infection status for some pathogen species, 1106 engorged tick larvae were screened for pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was the most prevalent pathogen genus in bird-feeding larvae (11.7%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (7.4%), Anaplasma spp. (5.7%), Babesia spp. (2.3%), Ehrlichia spp. (1.4%), and B. miyamotoi (1%). Turdidae birds (Turdus merula and T. philomelos), Troglodytes troglodytes, and Anthus trivialis had a significantly higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected larvae than other pathogen genera. This suggests that these bird species could act as reservoir hosts for B. burgdorferi s.l. during their breeding season, and thus play an important role in acarological risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Rataud
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Université Paris Est, ANSES, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Clemence Galon
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Laure Bournez
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Henry
- Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution (MECADEV UMR 7179), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 91800 Brunoy, France
- Centre de Recherches sur la Biologie des Populations d’Oiseaux (CRBPO), Centre d’Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR 7204), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Maud Marsot
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Université Paris Est, ANSES, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.M.)
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14
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On the way between Africa and Europe: molecular taxonomy of ticks collected from birds in Malta. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102001. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Hornok S, Daccord J, Takács N, Kontschán J, Tuska-Szalay B, Sándor AD, Szekeres S, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Investigation on haplotypes of ixodid ticks and retrospective finding of Borrelia miyamotoi in bank vole (Myodes glareolus) in Switzerland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101865. [PMID: 34814063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The current status of tick species, important tick-borne bacteria and protozoan parasites is well-documented in Switzerland. However, reports on the genetic diversity and geographical relationships of tick species in this country appear to be in part lacking or outdated. Thus, the aim of this study was to collect ticks from various host species in southern Switzerland, to compare them in a geographical context and to screen in these samples rare tick-borne pathogens hitherto not reported or having low prevalence in Switzerland. In 2019-2020 altogether 177 ixodid ticks were collected from the vegetation, as well as from humans (n = 17), dogs (n = 23), cats (n = 41), red deer (n = 8), a European rabbit and a European hedgehog at 25 locations in three cantons of south Switzerland. Tick species were identified morphologically, followed by DNA extraction and comparison of mitochondrial haplotypes with molecular-phylogenetic methods. Tick DNA extracts, as well as sixty-two rodent liver or spleen tissue DNA extracts (representing six species) available from 2005 to 2006 were screened for trypanosomes, Occidentia massiliensis and Borrelia miyamotoi. Morphologically, three tick species were identified: Ixodes ricinus (n = 170), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 6) and I. hexagonus (n = 1). In contrast to companion animals (dogs, cats) immature ticks (larvae and nymphs) predominated on humans, which was a highly significant association (P < 0.0001). Molecular comparison of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene with GenBank data established the species as R. sanguineus sensu stricto and confirmed I. hexagonus, both showing 99.8-100% sequence identity to conspecific ticks from northern Italy. Seventy-nine specimens morphologically identified as I. ricinus revealed high 16S rRNA gene haplotype diversity and represented two phylogenetic groups. Two I. ricinus haplotypes from Switzerland belonged to the same haplogroup with I. inopinatus from Spain, Germany and Austria as well as with I. ricinus reported from a broad geographical range of Europe (including Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Latvia and Sweden). All 141 tick DNA extracts (from five R. sanguineus s.l., 135 I. ricinus and one I. hexagonus) and 62 rodent tissue DNA extracts were negative for trypanosomes and O. massiliensis. However, B. miyamotoi was identified in a bank vole (Myodes glareolus) and three ticks by sequencing. From Switzerland, this is the first report of tick haplotypes that are phylogenetically closely related to I. inopinatus. However, based on their morphology, both specimens are considered as I. ricinus. These results highlight the importance that the identification of I. inopinatus should be based on coherent morphologic and molecular properties. This is also the first report of rodent-borne B. miyamotoi in Switzerland. Taking into account the year of collection (2005), in a chronological order this might be the first indication of B. miyamotoi in any rodent species in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Julie Daccord
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Tuska-Szalay
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marina L Meli
- Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Clinical Laboratory, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Clinical Laboratory, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Dwużnik-Szarek D, Mierzejewska EJ, Alsarraf M, Alsarraf M, Bajer A. Pathogens detected in the tick Haemaphysalis concinna in Western Poland: known and unknown threats. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 84:769-783. [PMID: 34379235 PMCID: PMC8367898 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00647-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a new focus of the relict tick Haemaphysalis concinna was discovered in Western Poland, near Wolsztyn, Greater Poland voivodeship. This species may play an important role in the circulation of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. In the present study we tested 880 juvenile ticks collected from rodents, including 427 H. concinna, 443 Ixodes ricinus and 10 Dermacentor reticulatus for three of the most common pathogens vectored by ticks in Poland: Rickettsia and Babesia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. Additionally, molecular techniques were applied for accurate identification of tick host species (the voles Microtus and Alexandromys). Our study found differences in the range and prevalence of vectored pathogens between the three tick species. DNA of all three pathogens was found in I. ricinus. In juvenile H. concinna, DNA of Babesia microti, Borrelia afzelii and Rickettsia sp. was identified. Moreover, DNA of a new unnamed Babesia species related to B. crassa, was found in two H. concinna nymphs. This genotype of Babesia was previously identified in H. concinna in the Far East and then in Central Europe. DNA of Rickettsia raoulti and B. afzelii was detected in D. reticulatus nymphs. Among rodent hosts, Alexandromys oeconomus seems to be host of the highest significance for juvenile tick stages and was the only host species with B. afzelii detected in blood samples. Using phylogenetic methods, we confirmed a clear division between rodents from the genera Microtus and Alexandromys. Moreover, we found that A. oeconomus trapped in Western Poland clustered with a Central European A. oeconomus allopatric phylogroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ewa Julia Mierzejewska
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohammed Alsarraf
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mustafa Alsarraf
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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17
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Toma L, Mancuso E, d'Alessio SG, Menegon M, Spina F, Pascucci I, Monaco F, Goffredo M, Di Luca M. Tick species from Africa by migratory birds: a 3-year study in Italy. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 83:147-164. [PMID: 33206312 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The role of resident or migratory birds in dispersal of tick species and tick-borne pathogens is still poorly known in Italy. We report here the results of a 3-year project based on sampling ticks from migratory birds, as well as from the vegetation at three stop-over sites for migrants, namely the islands of Ventotene (Latium), Asinara (Sardinia) and Ustica (Sicily). During the spring seasons from 2017-2019, in total 2681 ticks were collected, 2344 of which were sampled from migratory birds and 337 from the vegetation. Ticks were identified by morphology or by molecular tools when necessary. In total, 16 tick species were identified among which the following were exclusively found on birds: Hyalomma rufipes (43.3%), Hy. truncatum (0.1%), Ixodes frontalis (11.8%), Ix. inopinatus (0.2%), Ix. ricinus (3%), Haemaphysalis punctata (0.08%), Hae. erinacei (0.1%), Amblyomma variegatum (0.08%) and Argas vulgaris 0.1%), whereas five species were exclusively collected from the vegetation: Rhipicephalus bursa (10.5%), Rh. turanicus (5.9%), Rh. sanguineus sensu lato (2%), Rh. pusillus (2.4%), Hae. sulcata (0.08%). Hy. marginatum (10.3%) and Ix. ventalloi (9.3%) were found both on birds and on the vegetation on the island Ustica. It is worth noting that the search for ticks on the vegetation did not detect allochthonous tick species. Although we found several interesting local species and allochthonous ticks like Hy. rufipes, Am. variegatum and Ar. vulgaris on birds, further investigations are needed to better define the possible role of migratory birds in the introduction of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Italy, above all after the evidence of imported ticks positive to Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in several European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Toma
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - E Mancuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - S G d'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Menegon
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - F Spina
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Bird Migration Research Area, Via Ca' Fornacetta 9, Ozzano dell' Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - I Pascucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "T. Rosati" Sezione Di Pesaro, Via Canonici 140, 61122, Villa Fastiggi, Pesaro, Italy
| | - F Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Goffredo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Di Luca
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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18
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Abdiyeva K, Turebekov N, Yegemberdiyeva R, Dmitrovskiy A, Yeraliyeva L, Shapiyeva Z, Nurmakhanov T, Sansyzbayev Y, Froeschl G, Hoelscher M, Zinner J, Essbauer S, Frey S. Vectors, molecular epidemiology and phylogeny of TBEV in Kazakhstan and central Asia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:504. [PMID: 33023633 PMCID: PMC7539389 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04362-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the South of Kazakhstan, Almaty Oblast' (region) is endemic for tick-borne encephalitis, with 0.16-0.32 cases/100,000 population between 2016-2018. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and circulating subtypes of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in Almaty Oblast' and Kyzylorda Oblast'. METHODS In 2015 we investigated 2341 ticks from 7 sampling sites for the presence of TBEV. Ticks were pooled in 501 pools and isolated RNA was tested for the presence of TBEV by RT-qPCR. For the positive samples, the E gene was amplified, sequenced and a phylogenetic analysis was carried out. RESULTS A total of 48 pools were TBEV-positive by the RT-qPCR. TBEV-positive ticks were only detected in three districts of Almaty Oblast' and not in Kyzylorda Oblast'. The positive TBEV pools were found within Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis punctata and Dermacentor marginatus. These tick species prevailed only in Almaty Oblast' whereas in Kyzylorda Oblast' Hyalomma asiaticum and D. marginatus are endemic. The minimum infection rates (MIR) in the sampling sites were 4.4% in Talgar, 2.8% in Tekeli and 1.1% in Yenbekshikazakh, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of the generated sequences indicates that TBEV strains found in Almaty Oblast' clusters in the Siberian subtype within two different clades. CONCLUSIONS We provided new data about the TBEV MIR in ticks in Almaty Oblast' and showed that TBEV clusters in the Siberian Subtype in two different clusters at the nucleotide level. These results indicate that there are different influences on the circulating TBEV strains in south-eastern Kazakhstan. These influences might be caused by different routes of the virus spread in ticks which might bring different genetic TBEV lineages to Kazakhstan. The new data about the virus distribution and vectors provided here will contribute to an improvement of monitoring of tick-borne infections and timely anti-epidemic measures in Kazakhstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlygash Abdiyeva
- Center for International Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- National Scientific Center for Highly Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Nurkeldi Turebekov
- Center for International Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- National Scientific Center for Highly Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | | | - Zhanna Shapiyeva
- Scientific Practical Center of Sanitary Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Talgat Nurmakhanov
- National Scientific Center for Highly Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Yerlan Sansyzbayev
- National Scientific Center for Highly Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Guenter Froeschl
- Center for International Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelscher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Stefan Frey
- Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
- present Address: Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protective Technologies and CBRN Protection, Munster, Germany
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19
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Estrada-Peña A, D'Amico G, Fernández-Ruiz N. Modelling the potential spread of Hyalomma marginatum ticks in Europe by migratory birds. Int J Parasitol 2020; 51:1-11. [PMID: 32991918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study modelled the probability of introduction of Hyalomma marginatum into Europe by predicting the potential migratory routes of 28 bird species and the probability to carry immatures of the tick. Flyways were modelled as a spatio-temporal feature, at weekly intervals, using satellite-derived data of temperature and vegetal phenology, together with cost surfaces derived from speed and direction of the wind (years 2002-2018). The expected period of activity of tick immatures defined the probability of ticks being carried by birds along the modelled flyways. The probability of moulting of the engorged nymphs was modelled as a linear relationship of the daily sum of temperatures after tick introduction by birds. Positive probabilities of tick introduction extend the known northern range of permanent populations to central and western France, and large portions of central Europe. The flight of birds into an area and thence the risk of introduction of H. marginatum is very heterogeneous, with sites receiving "waves" of different bird species at diverse times of the year. Therefore, there is not a clear period of time for introduction, as it depends on the modelled behaviour of the bird species. The probability of introduction into Baltic and Nordic countries is small. We hypothesise that conditions of a warmer climate might support permanent populations of H. marginatum if a high number of immatures is introduced. Active surveys in risky territories, where the tick is not yet established, are advisable for rapid intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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20
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Hasle G, Leinaas HP, Heier L, Garcia AL, Røed KH. Mitochondrial DNA in Ixodus ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) on birds reflects ticks' transportation routes to Lista, Norway. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101553. [PMID: 33130437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are important pathogen vectors, and large mammals and birds have the greatest potential for dispersing them. To study tick dispersal by migrating birds, we have analysed genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA control region from Ixodes ricinus from northward migrating blackbird, Turdus merula, and (European) robin, Erithacus rubecula, at the Lista Bird Observatory in southwestern Norway. We compared their genetic structure with that of resident tick populations from areas covering their expected last stop (i.e. Great Britain and Jutland, Denmark) before taking off for southern Norway, and the resident tick population at Lista. The statistical analysis showed that the I. ricinus found on blackbirds differed significantly from those found on robins, which is consistent with the birds' differential migration routes. I. ricinus from robins did not differ genetically from those flagged at Jutland, suggesting that the former mainly originate in continental Europe. Bayesian analysis indicated that most of the blackbirds caught early in the spring (i.e. before or on the 1st of April) carried ticks of a mixed origin from both Great Britain and continental Europe, while blackbirds caught later in the season carried an increasing amount of ticks acquired locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Hasle
- Reiseklinikken, St Olavs Plass 3, Oslo, 0165, Norway.
| | - Hans Petter Leinaas
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O.Box 1066, Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway.
| | - Lise Heier
- Reiseklinikken, St Olavs Plass 3, Oslo, 0165, Norway.
| | - Aïda López Garcia
- NOF-BirdLife Norway, Lista Bird Observatory, Fyrveien 6, Borhaug, 4563, Norway.
| | - Knut Håkon Røed
- School of Veterinary Science, NMBU-Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 369 Sentrum, Oslo, 0102, Norway.
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21
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Paulauskas A, Sakalauskas P, Kaminskienė E, Šimkevičius K, Kibiša A, Radzijevskaja J. First record of Haemaphysalis concinna (Acari: Ixodidae) in Lithuania. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101460. [PMID: 32417294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The relict tick Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) has high medical and veterinary importance as it is known as a vector or a carrier of various pathogens causing human and animal diseases. Haemaphysalis concinna is a widely distributed species in forests of temperate Eurasia. In Europe, it is found mainly in deciduous or mixed forests near shores of lakes or rivers. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about current distribution, relative density, and other ecological parameters of H. concinna. On June 30th, 2019, one specimen of H. concinna was found on the fur of a hunted roe deer in Lithuania. This is the first record of H. concinna in Lithuania and, to the best of our knowledge, it represents the northernmost distribution point of H. concinna in Europe (22°55'26.5"E/ 55°27'50.7"N).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Artūras Kibiša
- Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, LT-44404, Kaunas, Lithuania
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22
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Hubálek Z, Sedláček P, Estrada-Peña A, Vojtíšek J, Rudolf I. First record of Hyalomma rufipes in the Czech Republic, with a review of relevant cases in other parts of Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101421. [PMID: 32360146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We found a male Hyalomma rufipes Koch, 1844 tick feeding on a horse grazing near Valtice, south Moravia, Czech Republic on October 24, 2019. The horse was born in Czechland and did not leave the country at least during the last five years. Relevant findings of Hyalomma ticks in other parts of central Europe are reviewed, including also records of pre-imaginal Hyalomma marginatum complex ticks on migrating birds all over Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenek Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Sedláček
- Protected Landscape Area "Palava", Mikulov, Czech Republic
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 500-13 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jakub Vojtíšek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic
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23
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The Potential Role of Migratory Birds in the Rapid Spread of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in the Changing Climatic and Environmental Conditions in Europe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17062117. [PMID: 32209990 PMCID: PMC7142536 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17062117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This opinion piece highlights the role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and their role in the circulation and dissemination of pathogens in Europe. Birds with different lifestyles, i.e., non-migrants residing in a specific area, or short-, medium-, and long-distance migrants, migrating within one or several distant geographical regions are carriers of a number of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. During seasonal migrations, birds that cover long distances over a short time and stay temporarily in different habitats can introduce tick and pathogen species in areas where they have never occurred. An increase in the geographical range of ticks as well as the global climate changes affecting the pathogens, vectors, and their hosts increase the incidence and the spread of emerging tick-borne diseases worldwide. Tick infestations of birds varied between regions depends on the rhythms of tick seasonal activity and the bird migration rhythms determined by for example, climatic and environmental factors. In areas north of latitude ca. 58°N, immature Ixodes ricinus ticks are collected from birds most frequently, whereas ticks from the Hyalomma marginatum group dominate in areas below 42°N. We concluded that the prognosis of hazards posed by tick-borne pathogens should take into account changes in the migration of birds, hosts of many epidemiologically important tick species.
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24
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Hornok S, Kováts D, Horváth G, Kontschán J, Farkas R. Checklist of the hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) fauna of Hungary with emphasis on host-associations and the emergence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 80:311-328. [PMID: 32030605 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00461-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Hungary is situated in the southern part of Central Europe, next to the northern boundary of the Mediterranean region. This geographical position may allow the northward expansion of Mediterranean ixodid tick species into Hungary, particularly in the era of warming climate. During the past 14 years numerous surveys have been published on the species and activity of hard ticks occurring in the country. However, it was 60 years ago that the last comprehensive review of ixodid ticks of Hungary was published, and only in Hungarian language. The purpose of the present checklist is to provide a comprehensive and complete overview of the ixodid fauna of Hungary, based on tick reports published so far in Hungarian or English, also including hitherto unpublished data. Altogether 27 hard tick species were identified in Hungary, of which 21 can be regarded as indigenous. Most importantly, the autochthonous occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was not known prior to 2005, but during the last 14 years increasing numbers of cases have been reported, attesting the emergence of this tick species in Hungary. Whereas R. sanguineus sensu lato was always associated with dogs and cats in Hungary, other tick species show differences in host associations according to habitat type, seasonal activity and questing height. Changes in the distribution, abundance and seasonality of a few tick species were also noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Dávid Kováts
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- Hungarian Biodiversity Research Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Researches, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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25
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Hornok S, Grima A, Takács N, Szekeres S, Kontschán J. First records and molecular-phylogenetic analyses of three tick species (Ixodes kaiseri, Hyalomma lusitanicum and Ornithodoros coniceps) from Malta. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101379. [PMID: 32001157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Maltese islands are situated south of mainland Europe and north of Africa, therefore are expected to share tick species and tick-borne pathogens with both continents. This situation highlights the importance of studying ticks in this country. Nevertheless, the tick fauna of Malta appears to be a seldom investigated issue, with hitherto only five tick species reported in the country. Here, as part of a tick collection campaign continuing since 2016 in Malta, three tick species new to the country are reported and analyzed in comparison with GenBank data. Ixodes kaiseri (collected from North African hedgehog in Malta) had unique cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and 16S rRNA gene haplotypes (with 98.1-99.3 % sequence identity to I. kaiseri from Europe and China). Phylogenetically, these haplotypes from Malta clustered separately from other, mainland-associated haplotypes, with high support. On the other hand, Ornithodoros coniceps (collected from domestic chicken in Malta) had identical or nearly identical cox1 and 16S rRNA gene haplotypes with soft ticks reported from France, northern Africa and western African islands, similarly to Hyalomma lusitanicum (collected from rabbit and cat in Malta) in comparison with conspecific ticks in Spain and Portugal. These results are most likely related to differences in host associations and corresponding translocality of these three tick species. Taken together, results of the present study add three new tick species to those five already known to be present in Malta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | | | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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26
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Charrier NP, Hermouet A, Hervet C, Agoulon A, Barker SC, Heylen D, Toty C, McCoy KD, Plantard O, Rispe C. A transcriptome-based phylogenetic study of hard ticks (Ixodidae). Sci Rep 2019; 9:12923. [PMID: 31501478 PMCID: PMC6733903 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49641-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks are widely distributed across temperate regions, show strong variation in host associations, and are potential vectors of a diversity of medically important zoonoses, such as Lyme disease. To address unresolved issues with respect to the evolutionary relationships among certain species or genera, we produced novel RNA-Seq data sets for nine different Ixodes species. We combined this new data with 18 data sets obtained from public databases, both for Ixodes and non-Ixodes hard tick species, using soft ticks as an outgroup. We assembled transcriptomes (for 27 species in total), predicted coding sequences and identified single copy orthologues (SCO). Using Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian frameworks, we reconstructed a hard tick phylogeny for the nuclear genome. We also obtained a mitochondrial DNA-based phylogeny using published genome sequences and mitochondrial sequences derived from the new transcriptomes. Our results confirm previous studies showing that the Ixodes genus is monophyletic and clarify the relationships among Ixodes sub-genera. This work provides a baseline for studying the evolutionary history of ticks: we indeed found an unexpected acceleration of substitutions for mitochondrial sequences of Prostriata, and for nuclear and mitochondrial genes of two species of Rhipicephalus, which we relate with patterns of genome architecture and changes of life-cycle, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stephen C Barker
- Department of Parasitology, School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Dieter Heylen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Céline Toty
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC (Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution & Contrôle), Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR5290), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (UR224), Montpellier, France
| | - Karen D McCoy
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC (Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution & Contrôle), Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR5290), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (UR224), Montpellier, France
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27
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Pascucci I, Di Domenico M, Capobianco Dondona G, Di Gennaro A, Polci A, Capobianco Dondona A, Mancuso E, Cammà C, Savini G, Cecere JG, Spina F, Monaco F. Assessing the role of migratory birds in the introduction of ticks and tick-borne pathogens from African countries: An Italian experience. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101272. [PMID: 31481344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The continuous flow of billions of birds between Africa and Europe creates an "ecological bridge" between physically remote areas. Migratory birds fly south from their breeding grounds during late summer/fall and fly back in spring. These movements regulate the spread of internal and external parasites, as well as pathogens of potential public health concern. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible introduction of exotic tick species and tick-borne pathogens into Europe via migratory birds. At the bird observatory of Ventotene island (Italy), 443 feeding ticks were collected from 249 birds captured and ringed during their northbound migration in spring 2013. Each tick was identified by morphological and molecular methods and then tested for bacterial and viral pathogens: Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia ruminantium and Coxiella burnetii, Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Flavivirus. Morphological and molecular identification confirmed Hyalomma rufipes as the most abundant species among the collected arthropods (366/443; 82.6%) followed by Hyalomma marginatum (10/433; 2.3%). Rickettsia aeschlimannii was identified in 158 ticks, while one engorged Amblyomma variegatum nymph was infected with Rickettsia africae. The other bacteria were not detected in any specimen. Among viruses, RNA belonging to West Nile virus and other Flavivirus were detected whereas all ticks were negative for CCHFV RNA. These results confirm how migratory birds play a role in carrying Rickettsia-infected ticks, as well as viruses of zoonotic importance, from Africa into Europe. To what extent tick species are capable of establishing a permanent population once introduced in naïve areas, is far from defined and deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Pascucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Marco Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giulia Capobianco Dondona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Annapia Di Gennaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Polci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Capobianco Dondona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisa Mancuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Cesare Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Jacopo G Cecere
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), via Ca' Fornacetta 9, I-40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Fernando Spina
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), via Ca' Fornacetta 9, I-40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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28
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Unravelling the phenology of Ixodes frontalis, a common but understudied tick species in Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:505-512. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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29
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Hansford KM, Carter D, Gillingham EL, Hernandez-Triana LM, Chamberlain J, Cull B, McGinley L, Paul Phipps L, Medlock JM. Hyalomma rufipes on an untraveled horse: Is this the first evidence of Hyalomma nymphs successfully moulting in the United Kingdom? Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:704-708. [PMID: 30876825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
During September 2018, a tick was submitted to Public Health England's Tick Surveillance Scheme for identification. The tick was sent from a veterinarian who removed it from a horse in Dorset, England, with no history of overseas travel. The tick was identified as a male Hyalomma rufipes using morphological and molecular methods and then tested for a range of tick-borne pathogens including; Alkhurma virus, Anaplasma, Babesia, Bhanja virus, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever virus, Rickettsia and Theileria. The tick tested positive for Rickettsia aeschlimannii, a spotted fever group rickettsia linked to a number of human cases in Africa and Europe. This is the first time H. rufipes has been reported in the United Kingdom (UK), and the lack of travel by the horse (or any in-contact horses) suggests that this could also be the first evidence of successful moulting of a Hyalomma nymph in the UK. It is postulated that the tick was imported into the UK on a migratory bird as an engorged nymph which was able to complete its moult to the adult stage and find a host. This highlights that passive tick surveillance remains an important method for the detection of unusual species that may present a threat to public health in the UK. Horses are important hosts of Hyalomma sp. adults in their native range, therefore, further surveillance studies should be conducted to check horses for ticks in the months following spring bird migration; when imported nymphs may have had time to drop off their avian host and moult to adults. The potential human and animal health risks of such events occurring more regularly are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh M Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, UK.
| | - Daniel Carter
- Diagnostic and Genomic Technologies, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, UK
| | - Emma L Gillingham
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, UK
| | - Luis M Hernandez-Triana
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - John Chamberlain
- Virology & Pathogenesis, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Liz McGinley
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - L Paul Phipps
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, UK; Virology & Pathogenesis, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
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Kiewra D, Czułowska A, Dyczko D, Zieliński R, Plewa-Tutaj K. First record of Haemaphysalis concinna (Acari: Ixodidae) in Lower Silesia, SW Poland. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 77:449-454. [PMID: 30758801 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00344-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis concinna Koch is one of 19 species of the genus Haemaphysalis which has been reported in the Palearctic region. In Europe, the presence of H. concinna ticks has been reported in numerous countries. In Poland, to date, the precise occurrence of H. concinna was known only from one site in the north-western region. This paper shows that H. concinna ticks can be considered a typical example of the tick fauna occurring in Lower Silesia, SW Poland. Tick monitoring was conducted using a standard flagging method in 24 sites in the various forest types of Lower Silesia. Among 1622 host-seeking ticks collected, H. concinna accounted for 2.7%. From the collected H. concinna there were: 25 (58.1%) larvae, 15 (34.9%) nymphs, 1 (2.3%) female, and 2 (4.7%) males. The presence of H. concinna was confirmed in 6 out of 24 tested sites in fresh mixed broadleaf forests, fresh mixed coniferous forests and in pastures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kiewra
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Czułowska
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dagmara Dyczko
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Remigiusz Zieliński
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kinga Plewa-Tutaj
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego str. 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland.
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Keskin A, Erciyas-Yavuz K. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Parasitizing Passerine Birds in Turkey With New Records and New Tick-Host Associations. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:156-161. [PMID: 30169689 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In 2016 spring and autumn migration seasons, 7,992 birds belonging to 83 species, 51 genera, 34 families, and 12 orders were examined for tick (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation in the Kızılırmak Delta, Samsun, Turkey. A total of 1,229 (649 larvae, 536 nymphs, 40 females, 4 males) ticks were collected from 349 (4.36%) birds belonging to 33 (39.75%) species within 16 families in the order Passeriformes. Nine tick species were identified belonging to the family Ixodidae, namely Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, Haemaphysalis punctata Canestrini & Fanzago, Haemaphysalis sulcata Canestrini & Fanzago, Hyalomma marginatum gr., Ixodes eldaricus Djaparidze, Ixodes festai Tonelli-Rondelli, Ixodes frontalis (Panzer), Ixodes redikorzevi Olenev, and Ixodes ricinus (L.). The present study also reports 78 different avian (resident, migratory or partially migratory) hosts for documented tick species; 63 (80.76%) of them were new tick-host records for Turkey. In addition, the presence of I. eldaricus and I. festai ticks were documented in Turkey for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adem Keskin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science & Art, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, Tasliciftlik, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Kiraz Erciyas-Yavuz
- Ornithology Research Center, Ondokuz Mayis University, Atakum, Samsun, Turkey
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Fatemian Z, Salehzadeh A, Sedaghat MM, Telmadarraiy Z, Hanafi-Bojd AA, Zahirnia AH. Hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) species of livestock and their seasonal activity in Boyer-Ahmad and Dena cities of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwest of Iran. Vet World 2018; 11:1357-1363. [PMID: 30410246 PMCID: PMC6200559 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.1357-1363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The present study was carried out to identify the Ixodidae ticks fauna of livestock and their seasonal activity in the cities of Boyer-Ahmad and Dena of Kohgiluyeh Province, south-west of Iran. Materials and Methods: Hard ticks from sheep, goats, and cattle were collected manually, stored in 70% ethanol, and identified using morphological characters. Results: During the study, a total of 1273 hard ticks from four genera, including Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Dermacentor, and Haemaphysalis, were collected. Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) had the highest frequencies in both cities with 62.08 and 62.88% of collected specimens, followed by Hyalomma scupense with 14.36 and 13.54% in Boyer-Ahmad and Dena, respectively. Furthermore, Hyalomma marginatum with only one sample or 0.12% of collected ticks showed the lowest frequencies in the studied areas. Dermacentor marginatus with three samples or 0.37% was recorded only in Boyer-Ahmad, and Haemaphysalis sulcata with two samples or 0.43% was recorded only in Dena. In both cities, sheep were the most infested ruminant, and the ears in sheep and goats were the most affected areas. The highest activity was observed in spring, and the lowest activity was observed in winter and autumn. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus genera were the most widespread genera in the study areas. Regarding the importance of genera, such as Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Haemaphysalis, in transmitting disease agents and the location of Kohgiloyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in the routes of migrant birds, further studies are required to elucidate their exact roles in human and livestock health in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Fatemian
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Aref Salehzadeh
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zakieh Telmadarraiy
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hosein Zahirnia
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Santos AS, de Bruin A, Veloso AR, Marques C, Pereira da Fonseca I, de Sousa R, Sprong H, Santos-Silva MM. Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp., Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp. in questing ticks from a recreational park, Portugal. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1555-1564. [PMID: 30097348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne agents with medical relevance have been recorded in Portugal but little is known about their occurrence in urban outdoor leisure areas. This study aimed to investigate ticks and tick-borne agents in three public parks of Lisbon's metropolitan area. A total of 234 questing ticks belonging to eight species were found in Parque Florestal de Monsanto (PFM). Ixodes ventalloi represented 40% of collections. Mitochondrial genes confirmed Ixodes morphological identification, evidencing the intraspecific variability of I. ricinus and particularly I. frontalis populations. Regarding tick-borne agents, Rickettsia massiliae DNA were found in 21 (9.0%) ticks, Coxiella burnetii in 15 (6.4%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum in five (2.1%), an agent closely related to Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in two (0.9%), Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae and Rickettsia monacensis each in one (0.4%). Active enzootic cycles were suggested for these agents by the detection of positives in different time periods. Five tick species were founded with C. burnetii, including I. ventalloi which seems to be a new association record. This tick was also the only species found positive for A. phagocytophilum and the Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis-like agent. Two A. phagocytophilum variants were detected in PFM, one of them representing a potentially new ecotype already found in I. ventalloi from another Portuguese area. To the authors´ knowledge, this is also the first report of such a Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis-like microorganism. These data show an interesting diversity of ticks and tick-borne agents with potential public health relevance in PFM, an urban recreational area commonly frequented by humans and their pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Santos
- Centro de Estudos de Vetores e Doenças Infeciosas Dr. Francisco Cambournac, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (CEVDI-INSA), Av. da Liberdade 5, 2965-575, Águas de Moura, Portugal.
| | - Arnout de Bruin
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, 3720, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Raquel Veloso
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cátia Marques
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita de Sousa
- Centro de Estudos de Vetores e Doenças Infeciosas Dr. Francisco Cambournac, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (CEVDI-INSA), Av. da Liberdade 5, 2965-575, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, 3720, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Margarida Santos-Silva
- Centro de Estudos de Vetores e Doenças Infeciosas Dr. Francisco Cambournac, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (CEVDI-INSA), Av. da Liberdade 5, 2965-575, Águas de Moura, Portugal
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Rubel F, Brugger K, Walter M, Vogelgesang JR, Didyk YM, Fu S, Kahl O. Geographical distribution, climate adaptation and vector competence of the Eurasian hard tick Haemaphysalis concinna. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1080-1089. [PMID: 29678401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The ixodid tick Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, 1844 is a proven vector of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus and Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularaemia. In the present study, up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution and climate adaptation of H. concinna are presented. A dataset was compiled, resulting in 656 georeferenced locations in Eurasia. The distribution of H. concinna ranges from the Spanish Atlantic coast to Kamchatka, Russia, within the belt of 28-64° N latitude. H. concinna is the second most abundant tick species after Ixodes ricinus collected from birds, and third most abundant tick species flagged from vegetation in Central Europe. To investigate the climate adaptation of H. concinna, the georeferenced locations were superimposed on a high-resolution map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. A frequency distribution of the H. concinna occurrence under different climates shows three peaks related to the following climates: warm temperate with precipitation all year round, boreal with precipitation all year round and boreal, winter dry. Almost 87.3 % of all H. concinna locations collected are related to these climates. Thus, H. concinna prefers climates with a warm and moist summer. The remaining tick locations were characterized as cold steppes (6.2%), cold deserts (0.8%), Mediterranean climates (2.7%) or warm temperate climates with dry winter (2.9%). In those latter climates H. concinna occurs only sporadically, provided the microclimate is favourable. Beyond proven vector competence pathogen findings in questing H. concinna are compiled from the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Melanie Walter
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Janna R Vogelgesang
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuliya M Didyk
- Department of Acarology, Institute of Zoology, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Su Fu
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Hansford KM, Pietzsch ME, Cull B, Gillingham EL, Medlock JM. Potential risk posed by the importation of ticks into the UK on animals: records from the Tick Surveillance Scheme. Vet Rec 2017; 182:107. [PMID: 29217768 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to monitor important tick vectors in the UK, Public Health England's Tick Surveillance Scheme (TSS) receives specimens from across the country for identification. In recent years, an increasing number of these specimens have been removed from animals with a recent history of travel outside the UK. This paper presents all data collated by the TSS on ticks entering the country on recently travelled or imported animals since surveillance commenced in 2005. Ten different tick species representing six different genera were identified, entering the UK from 15 different countries. Key themes appear to be emerging from the last 10 years of data, including canine travel from Cyprus and Spain being associated with Rhipicephalus sanguineus importation, and canine travel from France being associated with the importation of multiple tick species and canine illness. In addition, more unusual importation routes have been uncovered, such as the importation of Hyalomma lusitanicum on a dog. Some companion animal owners may not be fully aware of the risks associated with ticks, and may not seek advice from a veterinarian before travel or importing a pet. Promoting awareness of ticks and tickborne disease risk during and after travel or animal importation is needed and veterinarians play an importation role in disseminating this information to their clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh M Hansford
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Environmental Change & Health, UK
| | - Maaike E Pietzsch
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK
| | - Emma L Gillingham
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Environmental Change & Health, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, UK
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36
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Matulaitytė V, Radzijevskaja J, Paulauskas A. First records of Ixodes lividus from sand martin (Riparia riparia) nests in Lithuania. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2017; 42:264-270. [PMID: 29125245 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Ixodes lividus (Koch, 1844) ticks are specific parasites of the sand martin Riparia riparia (L.). The distribution range of I. lividus covers Europe (being absent from the Mediterranean area) and Asia. However, until now there have been no reports on the presence of this tick in Lithuania. A total of 47 nests were collected in three different colonies of sand martins in the central part of Lithuania and 46.8% of them were infested with ticks. In total, 2,770 ticks were found and identified as I. lividus based on morphological characteristics. Larvae were the predominant stage, representing 99.6% of all collected ticks. The taxonomic identification of I. lividus was confirmed by sequence analysis of the tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences indicates six genotypes of I. lividus transported by the sand martin in the Baltic region. The detection of genotypes like those reported from other European regions pointed to the importance of avian migratory connections, which are associated with the dispersal of I. lividus and the related tick-borne pathogens in the Baltic region. This study represents the first record of I. lividus from sand martin nests in Lithuania.
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Flaisz B, Sulyok KM, Kováts D, Kontschán J, Csörgő T, Csipak Á, Gyuranecz M, Hornok S. Babesia genotypes in Haemaphysalis concinna collected from birds in Hungary reflect phylogeographic connections with Siberia and the Far East. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:666-670. [PMID: 28499722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis concinna is the second most common tick species attaching to birds in Hungary. Recently, Babesia genotypes, found in Siberia and the Far East, have been detected in this tick species collected from the vegetation in Hungary and Slovakia. The aim of this study was to molecularly investigate if these piroplasms also occur in H. concinna carried by migratory birds, which might explain their occurrence in the western Palaearctic. During a 2-year period, 321 H. concinna larvae and nymphs were collected from 121 passerine birds (of 19 species) in Hungary. These were molecularly investigated for the presence of piroplasm DNA with PCR and sequencing. The prevalence of PCR positive ticks was 15.9% (51 out of 321). Piroplasm PCR positivity of H. concinna ticks was significantly more frequent during the summer and autumn compared to spring, suggesting that migratory birds arriving in Hungary from the north or north east are the most important in the dispersal of H. concinna-associated piroplasms. Three genotypes, i.e. Babesia sp. "Irk-Hc133", "Irk-Hc130" (originally found in Irkutsk, Siberia) and "Kh-Hc222" (originally found in Khabarovsk, Far East) were detected. Phylogenetically all these belonged to the group formed by Babesia spp. of ruminants. Four bird species, which had 14-60% prevalence of PCR positive ticks, are known to be associated with northeast to southwest autumn migration. In conclusion, the presence of Central and East Asian Babesia genotypes in Central Europe are most likely related to bird species with known eastern migratory habit and/or phylogenetically substantiated connections between their eastern and western Eurasian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Flaisz
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kinga M Sulyok
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Csörgő
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary; Department of Anatomy, Cell- and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Miklós Gyuranecz
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
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Palomar AM, Portillo A, Santibáñez P, Mazuelas D, Roncero L, Gutiérrez Ó, Oteo JA. Presence of Borrelia turdi and Borrelia valaisiana (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in Ticks Removed From Birds in the North of Spain, 2009-2011. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:243-246. [PMID: 28082654 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The genus Borrelia includes species responsible for severe human diseases such as Lyme disease. Birds are involved in their epidemiology as dispersers of infected ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and as reservoirs or amplifiers of the bacterium. Herein, the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner in 336 ticks collected from birds in the north of Spain from 2009 to 2011 was investigated. Nucleic acid extracts from 174 Ixodes frontalis (Panzer), 108 Haemaphysalis punctata Canestrini & Fanzango, 34 Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 17 Ixodes ricinus (L.), and 3 Ixodes spp. were screened for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. by PCR. Borrelia turdi was detected in 22 I. frontalis, 2 H. punctata, and 2 I. ricinus Additionally, 1 I. frontalis and 1 H. punctata were found to be infected with the human pathogen Borrelia valaisiana Moreover, 3 I. frontalis showed coinfection with both Borrelia species. This study corroborates the presence of B. turdi and B. valaisiana in ticks from birds in the north of Spain. The presence of these bacteria in larval specimens could suggest the role of birds as their reservoirs, or the occurrence of the cofeeding phenomenon. In addition, the detection of B. turdi and B. valaisiana in H. punctata and I. frontalis ticks, respectively, is reported for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Palomar
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; ; ; )
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; ; ; )
| | - Paula Santibáñez
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; ; ; )
| | - David Mazuelas
- Abies, Environment Resources Inc., Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; )
| | - Lidia Roncero
- Abies, Environment Resources Inc., Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; )
| | - Óscar Gutiérrez
- Aranzadi Society of Sciences, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
| | - José A Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; ; ; )
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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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Hornok S, Szőke K, Kováts D, Estók P, Görföl T, Boldogh SA, Takács N, Kontschán J, Földvári G, Barti L, Corduneanu A, Sándor AD. DNA of Piroplasms of Ruminants and Dogs in Ixodid Bat Ticks. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167735. [PMID: 27930692 PMCID: PMC5145180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study 308 ticks (Ixodes ariadnae: 26 larvae, 14 nymphs, five females; I. vespertilionis: 89 larvae, 27 nymphs, eight females; I. simplex: 80 larvae, 50 nymphs, nine females) have been collected from 200 individuals of 17 bat species in two countries, Hungary and Romania. After DNA extraction these ticks were molecularly analysed for the presence of piroplasm DNA. In Hungary I. ariadnae was most frequently identified from bat species in the family Vespertilionidae, whereas I. vespertilionis was associated with Rhinolophidae. Ixodes ariadnae was not found in Romania. Four, four and one new bat host species of I. ariadnae, I. vespertilionis and I. simplex were identified, respectively. DNA sequences of piroplasms were detected in 20 bat ticks (15 larvae, four nymphs and one female). I. simplex carried piroplasm DNA sequences significantly more frequently than I. vespertilionis. In I. ariadnae only Babesia vesperuginis DNA was detected, whereas in I. vespertilionis sequences of both B. vesperuginis and B. crassa. From I. simplex the DNA of B. canis, Theileria capreoli, T. orientalis and Theileria sp. OT3 were amplified, as well as a shorter sequence of the zoonotic B. venatorum. Bat ticks are not known to infest dogs or ruminants, i.e. typical hosts and reservoirs of piroplasms molecularly identified in I. vespertilionis and I. simplex. Therefore, DNA sequences of piroplasms detected in these bat ticks most likely originated from the blood of their respective bat hosts. This may indicate either that bats are susceptible to a broader range of piroplasms than previously thought, or at least the DNA of piroplasms may pass through the gut barrier of bats during digestion of relevant arthropod vectors. In light of these findings, the role of bats in the epidemiology of piroplasmoses deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
| | - Krisztina Szőke
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Kováts
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Debrecen University, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Péter Estók
- Department of Zoology, Eszterházy Károly University, Eger, Hungary
| | - Tamás Görföl
- Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor A. Boldogh
- Department of Nature Conservation, Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Jósvafő, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Levente Barti
- Romanian Bat Protection Association, Satu Mare, Romania
| | - Alexandra Corduneanu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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