Detection of selected pathogens in ticks collected from cats and dogs in the Wrocław Agglomeration, South-West Poland

Pathogens detected in ticks (Ixodes ricinus) feeding on red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from city parks in Warsaw

The European red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a common host for Ixodes ricinus ticks in urban and rural habitats, however, studies on ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of squirrels have not been conducted in Poland yet. Thus, the aims of the current study were to assess and compare the prevalence and abundance of ticks on red squirrels trapped at two sites in the Warsaw area (in an urban forest reserve and an urban park) and using molecular tools, to assess the genetic diversity of three pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia and Babesia spp.) in I. ricinus ticks collected from squirrels. For the detection of Rickettsia spp. a 750 bp long fragment of the citrate synthase gltA gene was amplified; for B. burgdorferi s.l. 132f/905r and 220f/824r primers were used to amplify the bacterial flaB gene fragments (774 and 605 bp, respectively) and for Babesia spp., a 550 bpfragment of 18S rRNA gene was amplified. In total, 91 red squirrels were examined for ticks. There were differences in tick prevalence and mean abundance of infestation in squirrels from the urban forest reserve and urban park. Three species of B. burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia microti were detected in ticks removed from the squirrels. Our results broaden knowledge of S. vulgaris as an important host for immature I. ricinus stages and support the hypothesis that red squirrels act as a reservoir of B. burgdorferi. Moreover, we conclude that red squirrels may also play a role in facilitating the circulation of other pathogens causing serious risk of tick-borne diseases in natural and urban areas.

Terrestrial invertebrate hosts of human pathogens in urban ecosystems

Terrestrial invertebrates in urban ecosystems are extremely species-rich, have many important roles in material flow and energy circulation, and are host to many human pathogens that pose threats to human health. These invertebrates are widely distributed in urban areas, including both out- and in-door environments. Consequently, humans are frequently in contact with them, which provides many opportunities for them to pose human health risks. However, comprehensive knowledge on human pathogen transfer via invertebrates is lacking, with research to date primarily focused on dipterans (e.g., mosquitoes, flies). Here, we take a broad taxonomic approach and review terrestrial invertebrate hosts (incl. mosquitoes, flies, termites, cockroaches, mites, ticks, earthworms, collembola, fleas, snails, and beetles) of human pathogens, with a focus on transmission pathways. We also discuss how urbanization and global warming are likely to influence the communities of invertebrate hosts and have flow-on risks to human health. Finally, we identify current research gaps and provide perspectives on future directions.

Bacterial pathogens in Ixodes ricinus collected from lizards Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara in urban areas of Wrocław, SW Poland- preliminary study

The aim of this study was to determine the level of infection of Ixodes ricinus ticks with pathogens (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp.) collected from Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara lizards in the urban areas of Wrocław (SW Poland). The study was carried out in July-August 2020. Lizards were caught by a noose attached to a pole or by bare hands, identified by species, and examined for the presence of ticks. Each lizard was then released at the site of capture. Ticks were removed with tweezers, identified by species using keys, and molecular tests were performed for the presence of pathogens. From 28 lizards (17 specimens of Z. vivipara and 11 specimens of L. agilis) a total of 445 ticks, including 321 larvae and 124 nymphs, identified as I. ricinus were collected. A larger number of ticks were obtained from L. agilis compared to Z. vivipara. Molecular tests for the presence of pathogens were performed on 445 specimens of I. ricinus. The nested PCR method for the fla gene allowed the detection of Borrelia spp. in 9.4% of ticks, and it was higher in ticks from L. agilis (12.0%) than from Z. vivipara (1.0%). The RFLP method showed the presence of three species, including two belonging to the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex (B. lusitaniae and B. afzelii), and B. miyamotoi. The overall level of infection of Rickettsia spp. was 19.3%, including 27.2% in ticks collected from Z. vivipara and 17.0% from L. agilis. Sequencing of randomly selected samples confirmed the presence of R. helvetica. DNA of Anaplasma spp. was detected only in one pool of larvae collected from L. agilis, and sample sequencing confirmed the presence of (A) phagocytophilum. The research results indicate the important role of lizards as hosts of ticks and their role in maintaining pathogens in the environment including urban agglomeration as evidenced by the first recorded presence of (B) miyamotoi and (A) phagocytophilum in I. ricinus ticks collected from L. agilis. However, confirmation of the role of sand lizards in maintaining (B) miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum requires more studies and sampling of lizard tissue.

Co-Occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato and Babesia spp. DNA in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Collected from Vegetation and Pets in the City of Poznań, Poland

Here, we described the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Babesia species found in mono- and double infections among Ixodes ricinus ticks occurring in urban areas of the city of Poznań, Poland. We tested 1029 host-seeking ticks and 1268 engorged ticks removed from pet animals. Borrelia afzelii and B. garinii prevailed both in ticks from vegetation (3.7% and 3.7%, respectively) and from pets (3.7% and 0.6%, respectively). Babesia canis and Ba. microti were the most prevalent in host-seeking (2.6% and 1.4%, respectively) and feeding ticks (2.8% and 2.2%, respectively). Babesia microti sequences proved to be identical to the human pathogenic Ba. microti genotype "Jena/Germany". Sequences of the rarest piroplasm Ba. venatorum (0.7%) were identical with those isolated from European patients. About 1.0% of tested ticks yielded dual infections; in host-seeking ticks, Ba. canis prevailed in co-infections with B. afzelii and B. garinii, whereas Ba. microti and B. afzelii dominated in double-infected feeding ticks. Dual infections, even with a low prevalence, pose a challenge for differential diagnosis in patients with acute febrile disease after a tick bite. The finding of Ba. canis in both tick groups suggests that I. ricinus could be involved in the circulation of this piroplasm.

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus collected from dogs in eastern Poland

Introduction

Ixodes ricinus ticks are an important vector and reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms causing dangerous infectious diseases in humans and animals. The presence of ticks in urban greenery is a particularly important public health concern due to the potential for humans and companion animals to be exposed to tick-borne diseases there. The study assessed the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in I. ricinus ticks feeding on dogs.

Material and Methods

The study consisted in analyses of I. ricinus ticks collected in 2018-2020 from owned and stray dogs in the north-eastern part of Lubelskie province (eastern Poland). An AmpliSens PCR kit was used for qualitative detection and differentiation of tick-borne infections.

Results

Infections of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum were detected in 10.9% and 12.9% of the examined ticks, respectively. One tick (0.7%) was co-infected by both pathogens. Infection with B. burgdorferi was significantly more highly prevalent in ticks collected from the owned dogs than from the strays (18.7% and 2.8%, respectively), whereas the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was similar in both groups (12.0% and 13.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

The co-infection observed in the study suggests the possibility of simultaneous infection by both pathogens from a single tick bite. The presence of pathogens in ticks collected from dogs is a factor in assessing infection risk not only to companion animals but also to their owners, who are in close contact with their dogs and visit the same green areas recreationally.

Frequency of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp., and coinfections in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from dogs and cats in Germany

BACKGROUND

Changing geographical and seasonal activity patterns of ticks may increase the risk of tick infestation and tick-borne pathogen (TBP) transmission for both humans and animals.

METHODS

To estimate TBP exposure of dogs and cats, 3000 female I. ricinus from these hosts were investigated for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia species.

RESULTS

qPCR inhibition, which was observed for ticks of all engorgement stages but not questing ticks, was eliminated at a template volume of 2 µl. In ticks from dogs, A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp. prevalence amounted to 19.0% (285/1500) and 28.5% (427/1500), respectively, while ticks from cats showed significantly higher values of 30.9% (464/1500) and 55.1% (827/1500). Accordingly, the coinfection rate with both A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp. was significantly higher in ticks from cats (17.5%, 262/1500) than dogs (6.9%, 104/1500). Borrelia prevalence significantly decreased with increasing engorgement duration in ticks from both host species, whereas A. phagocytophilum prevalence decreased only in ticks from dogs. While A. phagocytophilum copy numbers in positive ticks did not change significantly over the time of engorgement, those of Borrelia decreased initially in dog ticks. In ticks from cats, copy numbers of neither A. phagocytophilum nor Borrelia spp. were affected by engorgement. Borrelia species differentiation was successful in 29.1% (365/1254) of qPCR-positive ticks. The most frequently detected species in ticks from dogs were B. afzelii (39.3% of successfully differentiated infections; 70/178), B. miyamotoi (16.3%; 29/178), and B. valaisiana (15.7%; 28/178), while B. afzelii (40.1%; 91/227), B. spielmanii (21.6%; 49/227), and B. miyamotoi (14.1%; 32/227) occurred most frequently in ticks from cats.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in pathogen prevalence and Borrelia species distribution between ticks collected from dogs and cats may result from differences in habitat overlap with TBP reservoir hosts. The declining prevalence of A. phagocytophilum with increasing engorgement duration, without a decrease in copy numbers, could indicate transmission to dogs over the time of attachment. The fact that this was not observed in ticks from cats may indicate less efficient transmission. In conclusion, the high prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp. in ticks collected from dogs and cats underlines the need for effective acaricide tick control to protect both animals and humans from associated health risks.

Molecular Survey of Rickettsia raoultii in Ticks Infesting Livestock from Pakistan with Notes on Pathogen Distribution in Palearctic and Oriental Regions

Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit different pathogens such as Rickettsia spp. to domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Genetic characterizations of Rickettsia spp. from different regions of Pakistan are mostly based on one or two genetic markers and are confined to small sampling areas and limited host ranges. Therefore, this study aimed to molecularly screen and genetically characterize Rickettsia spp. in various tick species infesting camels, sheep, and goats. All the collected tick specimens were morphologically identified, and randomly selected tick species (148) were screened molecularly for the detection of Rickettsia spp. by amplifying three rickettsial DNA fragments, namely, the citrate-synthase gene (gltA), outer-membrane protein A (ompA), and outer-membrane protein B (ompB). After examining 261 hosts, 161 (61.7%) hosts were found infested by 564 ticks, including 287 (50.9%) nymphs, 171 (30.3%) females, and 106 (18.8%) males in five districts (Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Lower Dir, Bajaur, and Mansehra). The highest occurrence was noted for Hyalomma dromedarii (number = 72, 12.8%), followed by Haemaphysalis sulcata (n = 70, 12.4%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 64, 11.3%), Rhipicephalus microplus (n = 55, 9.7%), Haemaphysalis cornupunctata (n = 49, 8.7%), Hyalomma turanicum (n = 48, 8.5%), Hyalomma isaaci (n = 45, 8.0%), Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (n = 44, 7.8%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 42, 7.5%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (n = 38, 6.7%), and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (n = 37, 6.6%). A subset of 148 ticks were tested, in which eight (5.4%) ticks, including four Hy. turanicum, two Ha. cornupunctata, one Ha. montgomeryi, and one Ha. bispinosa, were found positive for Rickettsia sp. The gltA, ompA, and ompB sequences revealed 100% identity and were phylogenetically clustered with Rickettsia raoultii reported in China, Russia, USA, Turkey, Denmark, Austria, Italy, and France. Additionally, various reports on R. raoultii from Palearctic and Oriental regions were summarized in this study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of R. raoultii from Pakistan. Further studies to investigate the association between Rickettsia spp. and ticks should be encouraged to apprise effective management of zoonotic consequences.

Year-round tick exposure of dogs and cats in Germany and Austria: results from a tick collection study

BACKGROUND

Ticks and tick-borne diseases play a major role in companion animal health. Additionally, the European tick fauna is changing, for instance due to the spread of Dermacentor reticulatus, displaying a higher likelihood of winter activity than Ixodes ricinus. Therefore, we investigated current tick infestations in dogs and cats in Germany and in parts of Austria and the seasonal infestation risk.

METHODS

Overall, 219 veterinary practices were invited to collect ticks from cats and dogs on a monthly basis. Ticks were morphologically identified and female I. ricinus specimens were measured to estimate attachment duration.

RESULTS

In total, 19,514 ticks, 17,789 (91.2%) from Germany and 1506 (7.7%) from Austria, were received between March 2020 and October 2021, with 10,287 specimens (52.7%) detached from dogs, 8005 from cats (41.0%) and 1222 from other species (6.3%). In Germany, the most common tick species collected from dogs were I. ricinus (78.0%) and D. reticulatus (18.8%), while cats mainly harboured I. ricinus (91.3%) and I. hexagonus (5.5%) and only few D. reticulatus (0.6%). In Austria, collected I. ricinus reached similar proportions in dogs (90.4%) and cats (95.3%), followed by D. reticulatus in both dogs (5.2%) and cats (1.5%), with I. hexagonus (0.9%) collected only marginally from cats. The average infestation intensity amounted to 1.62 ticks/dog and 1.88 ticks/cat. The single to multiple infestation ratio was 79.1% to 20.9% in dogs and 69.0% to 31.0% in cats, with cats being significantly more often multiple infested than dogs, while the proportion of mixed-species infestations was 2.0% for both dogs and cats. The average attachment duration of female I. ricinus specimens amounted to 78.76 h for dogs and 82.73 h for cats. Furthermore, year-round tick exposure was confirmed, with 108 D. reticulatus and 70 I. ricinus received on average per month during December 2020 to February 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows a year-round tick infestation risk, with activity of both D. reticulatus and I. ricinus during winter, and confirms the widespread occurrence of D. reticulatus in Germany. Additionally, long average attachment durations and frequent multiple infestations underline the need for adequate year-round tick control, even during the winter months.

The First Records of Canine Babesiosis in Dogs from Dermacentor reticulatus-Free Zone in Poland

Tick-borne microorganisms belong to important etiological agents of many infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. Among them, there are haemoprotozoans of the Babesia genus, which infect erythrocytes of a host and may cause many clinical symptoms. Canine babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease in Southern and Central Europe. In this study, we report two cases of symptomatic canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis in domestic dogs from the Silesian Voivodeship, Poland, as well as the presence of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks detected on one of the Babesia-infected dogs (D. reticulatus-free zone). The molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Babesia canis in the dogs’ blood, and the sequencing analysis showed that the obtained sequence is 100% identical to the sequence of Babesia canis isolate 3469 (sequence ID: KX712122.1). Our findings should raise awareness of B. canis infection among dog owners and veterinarians in the region where B. canis was not previously reported in residential, non-traveling dogs, as well as ensuring that adequate diagnostic methods are available.

Exposure of domestic dogs and cats to ticks (Acari: Ixodida) and selected tick-borne diseases in urban and recreational areas in southern Poland

The public health problem of tick-borne diseases has attracted much attention in recent years due to an increasing incidence in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of exposure to ticks and tick-borne infections in dogs and cats in recreational and urbanized areas in the Lesser Poland and Silesian Provinces. For molecular testing for the presence of the selected pathogens, 207 I. ricinus females collected from 119 dogs and 50 cats, and 2 I. hexagonus females collected from 2 domestic dogs, were examined. Overall, A. phagocytophilum was found in 3.7% of the I. ricinus specimens, B. microti in 27.1%, and B. burgdorferi s.l. in 0.9%. In urban areas of both provinces, A. phagocytophilum was found in 4.8% of the I. ricinus specimens, B. microti in 41.6% andB. burgdorferi s.l. in 3.9%. Pathogens were detected B. microti in both studied I. hexagonus specimens. These findings may indicate the important role that these animals play in the circulation of these pathogens in nature.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection rates in questing and host-attached ticks: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes a multi-organ non-specific febrile illness referred to as human granulocytic anaplasmosis. The epidemiologic risk of the pathogen is underestimated despite human encroachment into the natural habitats of ticks. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global infection rates and distribution of A. phagocytophilum in tick vectors. We pooled data using the random-effects model, assessed individual study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal instrument for prevalence studies and determined heterogeneity and across study bias using Cochran's Q-test and Egger's regression test respectively. A total of 126 studies from 33 countries across 4 continents reported A. phagocytophilum estimated infection rate of 4.76% (9453/174,967; 95% CI: 3.96, 5.71). Estimated IRs across sub-groups varied significantly (p <0.05) with a range of 1.95 (95% CI: 0.63, 5.86) to 7.15% (95% CI: 5.31, 9.56). Country-based IRs ranged between 0.42 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.80) in Belgium and 37.54% (95% CI: 0.72, 98.03) in Norway. The highest number of studies on A. phagocytophilum were in Europe (82/126) by continent and the USA (33/126) by country. The risk of transmitting this pathogens from ticks to animals and humans exist and therefore, we recommend the use of chemical and biological control measures as well as repellents and protective clothing by occupationally exposed individuals to curtail further transmission of the pathogen to humans and animals.

Infection rates, species diversity, and distribution of zoonotic Babesia parasites in ticks: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

Zoonotic Babesia species are emerging public health threats globally, and are the cause of a mild to severe malaria-like disease which may be life threatening in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, we determine the global infection rate, distribution, and the diversity of zoonotic Babesia species in tick vectors using a systematic review and meta-analysis. We used the random-effects model to pool data and determined quality of individual studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal instrument for prevalence studies, heterogeneity using Cochran's Q test, and across study bias using Egger's regression test. Herein, we reported a 2.16% (3915/175345, 95% CI: 1.76-2.66) global infection rate of zoonotic Babesia species (B. divergens, B. microti, and B. venatorum) in tick vectors across 36 countries and 4 continents. Sub-group infection rates ranged between 0.65% (95% CI: 0.09-4.49) and 3.70% (95% CI: 2.61-5.21). B. microti was the most prevalent (1.79%, 95% CI: 1.38-2.31) species reported in ticks, while Ixodes scapularis recorded the highest infection rate (3.92%, 95% CI: 2.55-5.99). Larvae 4.18% (95% CI: 2.15-7.97) and females 4.08% (95% CI: 2.56-6.43) were the tick stage and sex with the highest infection rates. The presence of B. divergens, B. microti, and B. venatorum in tick vectors as revealed by the present study suggests possible risk of transmission of these pathogens to humans, especially occupationally exposed population. The control of tick vectors through chemical and biological methods as well as the use of repellants and appropriate clothing by occupationally exposed population are suggested to curtail the epidemiologic, economic, and public health threats associated with this emerging public health crisis.

Prevalence of Babesia canis DNA in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in forest and urban ecosystems in west-central Poland

Babesia canis, a widely distributed European tick-borne protozoan haemoparasite, causes canine babesiosis, the most important tick-borne disease afflicting dogs worldwide. The meadow tick, Dermacentor reticulatus, is considered to be the primary vector of this parasite in central Europe. Females of the more broadly distributed and medically important castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus, also commonly feed upon dogs, but their role in the enzootic transmission cycle of B. canis is unclear. Here, we screened 1,598 host-seeking I. ricinus ticks collected from two different ecosystems, forest stands vs. urban recreational forests, for the presence of B. canis DNA. Ticks were sampled during their two seasonal peaks of activity, spring (May/June) and late summer (September). Babesia species were identified by amplification and sequencing of a hypervariable 18S rRNA gene fragment. Babesia canis was the only piroplasm detected in 13% of 200 larvae and 8.2% of 324 nymphs in the forest ecosystems. In urban recreational areas, B. canis DNA was found in 1.5% of 460 nymphs, 3.5% of 289 females and 3.2% of 280 males. Additionally, three samples, including one female, one male, and one nymph, were co-infected with B. venatorum and one nymph with B. divergens or B. capreoli. Our findings implicate that B. canis can be transmitted transovarially and maintained transstadially within populations of I. ricinus, but the vector competence of I. ricinus for transmitting B. canis remains to be investigated.

Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Features of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Dogs: A Systematic Review

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a worldwide emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen transmitted by Ixodid ticks and naturally maintained in complex and incompletely assessed enzootic cycles. Several studies have demonstrated an extensive genetic variability with variable host tropisms and pathogenicity. However, the relationship between genetic diversity and modified pathogenicity is not yet understood. Because of their proximity to humans, dogs are potential sentinels for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, the strong molecular similarity between human and canine isolates of A. phagocytophilum in Europe and the USA and the positive association in the distribution of human and canine cases in the USA emphasizes the epidemiological role of dogs. Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects and survives within neutrophils by disregulating neutrophil functions and evading specific immune responses. Moreover, the complex interaction between the bacterium and the infected host immune system contribute to induce inflammatory injuries. Canine granulocytic anaplasmosis is an acute febrile illness characterized by lethargy, inappetence, weight loss and musculoskeletal pain. Hematological and biochemistry profile modifications associated with this disease are unspecific and include thrombocytopenia, anemia, morulae within neutrophils and increased liver enzymes activity. Coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) may occur, especially with Borrelia burgdorferi, complicating the clinical presentation, diagnosis and response to treatment. Although clinical studies have been published in dogs, it remains unclear if several clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities can be related to this infection.

Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Wild Ungulates in North-Eastern Poland

This study was carried out in north-eastern Poland during two hunting seasons between 2018 and 2020. Ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus) were removed from wild cervids and boars and examined for the presence of Borrelia spirochetes and Rickettsiales members: Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The present study contributes to the knowledge of even-toed ungulates, which are an important reservoir of the above-mentioned pathogens and a potential source of infections for humans through ticks as vectors. Almost 40% of the collected ticks (191 out of 484) were infected with the following pathogens: 3.3% with Borrelia spp., 19.2% with A. phagocytophilum and 26.9% with Rickettsia spp. Only the ticks collected from cervids carried Borrelia. Typing of the species DNA confirmed the presence of B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. lusitaniae and B. miyamotoi. An analysis of Rickettsia spp. sequences using the GenBank data revealed the presence of R. helvetica, R. raoultii and R. monacensis. Monoinfections (79.1%) dominated over co-infections (20.9%). Among co-infections, the most frequent was A. phagocytophilum/Rickettsia spp. (70%), however co-infections, including B. afzelii/A. phagocytophilum, B. afzelii/Rickettsia spp., B. miyamotoi/A. phagocytophilum and B. afzelii/B. garinii/B. lusitaniae, were also noted. Significant differences were observed in the affinity of some pathogens to their vectors. Thus, Borrelia spp. and A. phagocytophilum were more frequently detected in I. ricinus (5.3% and 23.1%) than in D. reticulatus (1.2% and 15.3%). Infection frequency with Rickettsia spp. was similar (approximately 25–29%) in both tick species. The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. in ticks removed from cervids was 19.8% and 27.1%, and in ticks from wild boars it was 13.3% and 24.4%, respectively.

The first serological evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses in Slovakia

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis. It affects humans and several wild and domesticated mammals, including horses. The aim of our study was a preliminary survey of the occurrence of these re-emerging pathogens in horses in Slovakia. The sera from 200 animals of different ages and both sexes were tested for the presence of A. phagocytophilum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Subsequently, detection of the 16S rRNA gene fragment of A. phagocytophilum was attempted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in each blood sample. Our results confirmed the presence of specific antibodies in 85 out of 200 individuals (42.5%), but no significant changes were found between the animals of different ages and sexes. However, the PCR analysis did not detect any positive animals. Our data represent one of the highest values of seropositivity to A. phagocytophilum in horses in Central Europe. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the circulation of A. phagocytophilum in this region, thus indicating a potential risk to other susceptible species.

Prevalence and distribution of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks collected from dogs in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the etiological agent of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis in dogs and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Tick-borne anaplasmosis has been recognised as an emerging zoonotic health concern worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in ticks collected from dogs in the UK and map its distribution. Routine surveillance of tick-borne disease is essential as part of a "One Health" approach to infectious disease management.

METHODS

Tick DNA samples collected in 2015 as part of a large-scale tick surveillance programme were analysed using a previously validated diagnostic quantitative PCR for A. phagocytophilum.

RESULTS

PCR analysis indicated that 138 out of 2994 tick DNA samples analysed were positive for A. phagocytophilum, a prevalence of 4.6% (95% CI: 3.89-5.42). Among these 138 tick DNA samples, 131 were from Ixodes ricinus, six were from Ixodes hexagonus and one was from Ixodes canisuga. Three of the I. ricinus tick DNA samples positive for A. phagocytophilum DNA were also positive for Borrelia spp. DNA and one was positive for Babesia spp. DNA, indicating co-infection. The ticks positive for the pathogen DNA were found widely distributed throughout the UK.

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide important information on the prevalence and wide distribution of A. phagocytophilum in ticks infesting dogs within the UK.

Molecular detection of Rickettsia spp. in ticks and fleas collected from rescued hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Portugal

Hedgehogs (e.g., Erinaceus europaeus, E. roumanicus) are wild mammals that frequently are observed near residential areas. The aim of this study was to investigate ticks and fleas collected from European hedgehogs in Portugal and to evaluate the prevalence of Rickettsia in those ectoparasites. Ticks and fleas were identified by morphological and molecular methods, and molecular detection by PCR and genotypic characterization of Rickettsia spp. was performed targeting ompB, ompA and gltA gene fragments. In total, 1892 ticks and 213 fleas were collected from 33 rescued European hedgehogs captured in seven districts of the north and centre of Portugal. Two tick species were identified - Rhipicephalus sanguineus accounted for 91 % (n = 1719) of the total ticks collected and 9 % (n = 173) were Ixodes hexagonus. All fleas were identified as Archaeopsylla erinacei. Regarding pathogen detection, Rickettsia massiliae DNA was found in 22 of the 212 tested Rh. sanguineus. None of the 48 I. hexagonus tested showed to be positive for rickettsiae. Rickettsia asembonensis DNA was identified in 55 A. erinacei fleas tested (n = 117). These results show that European hedgehogs are exposed to R. massiliae transmitted by ticks and to R. asembonensis via fleas suggesting that these mammals might be involved in the natural transmission cycle of these Rickettsia species. This study is the first report of R. asembonensis in fleas in Portugal.

Emerging Human Babesiosis with "Ground Zero" in North America

The first case of human babesiosis was reported in the literature in 1957. The clinical disease has sporadically occurred as rare case reports in North America and Europe in the subsequent decades. Since the new millennium, especially in the last decade, many more cases have apparently appeared not only in these regions but also in Asia, South America, and Africa. More than 20,000 cases of human babesiosis have been reported in North America alone. In several cross-sectional surveys, exposure to Babesia spp. has been demonstrated within urban and rural human populations with clinical babesiosis reported in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent humans. This review serves to highlight the widespread distribution of these tick-borne pathogens in humans, their tick vectors in readily accessible environments such as parks and recreational areas, and their phylogenetic relationships.

Importation of Ticks on Companion Animals and the Risk of Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases to Non-Endemic Regions in Europe

Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.

Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from pets in selected mountainous areas of Tatra County (Tatra Mountains, Poland)

The mountainous and foothill areas, in which the city of Zakopane, the capital of Tatra County, is located are characterized by continuous weather changes, lower air temperature, persistent snow cover, and poorer vegetation than in the lowlands. Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes hexagonus are vectors of tick-borne diseases and play an important role in the persistence of tick-borne diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the risk of exposure of domestic cats and dogs to the attacks of Ixodid ticks, to tick-borne infections with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti and Toxoplasma gondii in the city of Zakopane and the surrounding area. In 2017–2018 ticks were collected from a total of 10 domestic cats and 88 domestic dogs. Selected pathogens of tick-borne diseases were detected by PCR and nested PCR. The study material contained 119 I. ricinus and 36 I. hexagonus. The molecular examinations showed the presence of A. phagocytophilum in 3.8%, B. microti in 24.5% and T. gondii in 4.5% of the all ticks. In addition, in the study area, there is a high potential risk of tick-borne infection by B. microti, and a low potential risk of exposure to A. phagocytophilum and T. gondii infection.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Parasitizing Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Slovakia and New Data About Subgenus Pholeoixodes Occurrence

Background

Distribution and biology of Pholeoixodes ticks is not very well understood. The goal of the study was to collect new data on the Pholeoixodes tick occurrence in Slovakia.

Methods

Tick infestation of red foxes in the regions of Košice, Prešov, Bratislava and Žilina was studied during the period 2017–2018. Ticks were collected from the fur of animals using tweezers and identified using appropriate keys. In total, 146 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were investigated.

Results

In total, 39 (26.7%) of animals were found to be infected with ticks from five species. Pholeoixodes ticks were found on 13 (3.4%) of the foxes: Ixodes hexagonus (Leach, 1815) on 5 specimens (3.4%), in the Košice, Prešov and Žilina regions; I. crenulatus (Koch, 1844) on 8 specimens (5.5%) in the Prešov and Bratislava regions; Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from 25 (17.2%) foxes in every locality; Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) from 5 foxes (3.4%) in the Košice, Prešov and Žilina regions; Haemaphysalis concinna (Koch, 1844), from 4 foxes (2.8%) from the Košice region.

Conclusions

Ixodes hexagonus has been previously recorded in Slovakia. However, this is the first finding of I. crenulatus in the country. The morphological features of the I. crenulatus specimens found in Slovakia were identical to those of ticks described in Poland and descriptions given in identification keys.

Molecular Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ticks Collected from Dogs in Urban Areas of North-Eastern Poland

From 2016 to 2018, ticks were collected from 272 dogs admitted to veterinary clinics in the city of Olsztyn (north-eastern Poland). Among 522 collected ticks, 423 were identified as Ixodes ricinus (413 females and 10 males) and 99 as Dermacentor reticulatus (62 females and 37 males). Non-engorged (86 individuals) and engorged (436 individuals) ticks were screened for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA. Borrelia and A. phagocytophilum species detection was determined based on the sequence of the fla B and 16S RNA genes, respectively. DNA of B. burgdorferi s.l. was identified in 31.6% (165/522, 95% CI: 27.6-35.8%) of ticks (I. ricinus 151/423, 35.7%, 95% CI: 31.1-40.4%; D. reticulates 14/99, 14.1%, 95% CI: 7.9-22.6%). A. phagocytophilum was identified in 0.96% (5/522, 95% CI: 0.3-2.2%) of specimens. All positive samples were engorged I. ricinus females (5/402, 1.2%, 95% CI: 0.4-2.9%). In 85.4% (141/165, 95% CI: 79.1-90.4%) of Borrelia infected ticks, the DNA of one genospecies was revealed. The DNA of at least two different genospecies was detected in 14.5% of specimens (24/165, 95% CI: 9.5-20.8). The coexistence of B. burgdorferii s.l. and A. phagocytophilum was not detected.

Tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from dogs, Latvia, 2011-2016

BACKGROUND

Different tick species are able to transmit different pathogens, and tick-borne diseases are of substantial concern worldwide for both humans and animals. Environmental changes and changes in the range of tick species, including Dermacentor reticulatus in Europe, can affect the spread of zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from dogs in Latvia, and to explore possible changes between years 2011 and 2016.

RESULTS

In 2011, only Ixodes ticks (221 Ixodes ricinus and 22 Ixodes persulcatus) were collected from dogs, while in 2016 tick samples belonged to Ixodes ricinus (360), Ixodes persulcatus (2) and Dermacentor reticulatus (27) species. In total, 35.8 and 40.0% of adult ticks were pathogen-positive in 2011 and 2016, respectively; the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The molecular analysis indicated the presence of 13 tick-borne microorganisms; the most prevalent pathogen was Rickettsia, followed by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group spirochetes, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia species. Borrelia miyamotoi was also present. A co-infection with two and three tick-borne pathogens was detected in 7.9 and 7.4% of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus, respectively. The results of this study confirmed that the spread of novel vectors could bring additional risk of exposure to novel emerging pathogens to pets and their owners, as both Babesia canis and Rickettsia raoultii were shown to be highly associated with Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in Latvia.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the potential danger from the inadvertent introduction of novel disease pathogens and vectors. Awareness of co-infections and Dermacentor reticulatus-related pathogens needs to be increased.

A new focus of the tick Haemaphysalis concinna in Western Poland

The relict tick Haemaphysalis concinna has a fragmented and focal distribution in Central Europe and Asia. Although in the majority of neighboring countries the occurrence of this tick species is well-documented (i.e., in Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine), to-date its occurrence in Poland has been registered only once, in 1953 in Troszyn in North-Western Pomerania, close to the German-Polish border. In the present study we report the first documented finding of H. concinna in Western Poland, confirmed both by collection of juvenile ticks from rodent hosts and questing ticks from vegetation. Trapping of rodents took place in the summer of 2018 in three locations in Western Poland (Słonin, Nowy Młyn 1, Nowy Młyn 2). Rodents were inspected for ectoparasites, which were detached and fixed in 70% ethanol. All the collected ticks were assigned to species and developmental stages using appropriate morphological keys, and representative individuals were genotyped by molecular methods. A total of 1482 feeding ticks were collected from 106 rodents from three sites. The common tick Ixodes ricinus was found in abundance on small rodents at all three sites; Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were identified at two sites in small numbers and, finally, numerous juvenile H. concinna (n = 427) were found at one of our study sites (Nowy Młyn 2). The highest prevalence and abundance of H. concinna were recorded on voles, Microtus agrestis and M. oeconomus, from this site in August. Additionally, questing nymphs and adult H. concinna were collected locally from vegetation (n = 20). Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the species as H. concinna. A new focus of H. concinna has been described in Western Poland. Our long-term field work monitoring the expansion of the distribution of D. reticulatus in Poland, during which all collected ticks are identified, suggests that H. concinna is still very rare in the country.

"Tekenscanner": a novel smartphone application for companion animal owners and veterinarians to engage in tick and tick-borne pathogen surveillance in the Netherlands

Background

The engagement of companion animal owners into the process of collecting epidemiological data can be facilitated through smartphone applications. In April 2018, the “tekenscanner“ (Dutch for tick scanner) app was launched with the aim of engaging pet owners and veterinarians to record ticks removed from their pets and submit these ticks for identification and pathogen testing. Tick-borne pathogens identified in ticks removed from dogs and cats during the first 6 months after the app was launched in the Netherlands are reported.

Methods

The tekenscanner app was used to record the geographical coordinates of ticks removed from dogs or cats onto a map of the Netherlands. A barcode was assigned to each tick for the easy tracking of each submission to our laboratory for taxonomic identification. Thereafter, DNA extracted from the ticks was PCR amplified, subjected to reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) and screened for a broad range of tick-borne pathogens. Results were added to the same app, usually within 2 weeks after the submission of each tick.

Results

The app was downloaded 5591 times and resulted in the collection of 1273 georeferenced and barcoded ticks, with a peak submission in May and June of 2018. There were 1005 ticks collected from 406 dogs and 268 ticks collected from 111 cats. Ixodes ricinus was the predominant species (90.0%), with all stages found on dogs as well as on cats. Ixodes hexagonus (7.3%) female and nymphal ticks were also identified on both hosts, whereas adults of Dermacentor reticulatus (2.4%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.2%) were exclusively found on dogs. Nearly 15% of the ticks recovered from dogs carried one or more pathogens, whereas 13.8% of the ticks removed from cats were infected. Ixodes ricinus collected from dogs contained Borrelia spp. (1.9%), Babesia spp. (0.7%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.3%), “Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis” (2.9%) and Rickettsia helvetica (7.3%). Ixodes ricinus recovered from cats were infected with Borrelia spp. (1.9%), Babesia spp. (0.4%), A. phagocytophilum (1.9%), “Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis” (2.6%) and R. helvetica (6.7%). Ixodes hexagonus ticks (n = 93) were not infected. Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, found only in autumn, were infected with Rickettsia raoultii (16 %) and A. phagocytophilum. Three R. sanguineus, on dogs from France and the USA imported into the Netherlands, were all negative.

Conclusions

The tekenscanner app is a versatile tool to use for submission of ticks and facilitated the fast feedback of test results. Community engagement through the app is suitable for identifying hotspots for ticks and tick-borne pathogens and provided an early warning system for exotic ticks invading the Netherlands.

Sensitivity of Ixodes ricinus (L., 1758) and Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabr., 1794) ticks to Bacillus thuringiensis isolates: preliminary study

Bacillus thuringiensis is a highly specific entomopathogenic microorganism. Although defined as having properties which work against insects, its role in the control of tick populations is still insufficiently known. In our bioassay, four environmental strains of B. thuringiensis, along with one commercially available product (Vectobac), have been used against ticks. Vectobac turned out to be ineffective in the biocontrol of ticks; however, two of environmental B. thuringiensis strains proved to be efficient against both Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. In those cases, the mortality rate for ticks was assessed as being up to 80%, and LC₅₀ ranged between 9.1 × 10⁶ and 1.3 × 10¹⁵ (cfu/ml). Dermacentor reticulatus males were the most sensitive to bacteria. The similarity between the most and least efficient B. thuringiensis strains in enzymatic profiles-including lipases, phosphatases, proteases, and chitinases-may indicate a limited role of detected enzymes in the pathogenicity profile of bacterial strains against ticks.

Detection of tick-borne pathogens in ticks from dogs and cats in different European countries

Ticks are known to transmit pathogens which threaten the health and welfare of companion animals and man globally. In the present study, mainly adult ticks were collected from dogs and cats presented at their local veterinary practice in Hungary, France, Italy, Belgium (dogs only) and Germany (cats only), and identified based on tick morphology. If more than one tick was collected from a host animal, ticks were pooled by tick species for DNA extraction and subsequent PCR examination for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. Out of 448 tick samples, 247 (95 from dogs and 152 from cats) were Ixodes ricinus, 26 (12 from dogs and 14 from cats) were I. hexagonus, 59 (43 from dogs and 16 from cats) were Dermacentor reticulatus and 116 (74 from dogs and 42 from cats) were Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). In 17% of the I. ricinus samples Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found. Borrelia spp. were mainly identified in I. ricinus collected from cats (18%) and to a lesser extent in dog-sourced ticks (1%), with Borrelia afzelii (n = 11), B. garinii (n = 7), B. valaisiana (n = 5), B. lusitaniae (n = 3) and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (n = 3) being identified. One I. hexagonus sample collected from a cat in France tested positive for B. afzelii. Babesia canis was detected in 20% of the D. reticulatus samples, mainly from Hungary. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. was found positive for Hepatozoon canis (3%), A. platys (5%) and three Rickettsia species (7%; R. massiliae; R. raoultii and R. rhipicephali). Furthermore, a total of 66 R. sanguineus s.l. ticks were subjected to molecular analysis and were identified as R. sanguineus sp. II-temperate lineage, with seven haplotypes recorded. Amongst them, the most prevalent sequence types were haplotype XIII (n = 24; 69%) and haplotype XIV (n = 16; 52%) in France and in Italy, respectively, found both in cats and dogs. Although differences related to both country and host, were observed, the results of this study indicate that cats and dogs are exposed to tick-borne pathogen infected ticks, which may represent a medical risk to these host animals.

Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) distribution in north-eastern Poland: an endemic area of tick-borne diseases

Dermacentor reticulatus is the second most important tick species in Poland. Although the north-eastern region of Poland is considered typical for D. reticulatus and is treated as a contiguous area of Eastern populations of the meadow ticks, the occurrence of this tick species in this region to date has been recorded as separate foci. The present report supplements data on the geographical distribution of D. reticulatus in urban and natural biotopes of north-eastern Poland (Warmia and Mazury province). In 2015-2017 (during the springtime activity of ticks) adult questing D. reticulatus were found in 13 of 25 monitored localities. Six sites are located in urbanized areas, within the administrative borders of the city of Olsztyn and seven sites are in natural biotopes in the central part of Warmia and Mazury. A total of 398 adult D. reticulatus ticks, including 257 females and 141 males, were collected. A comparison of data grouped according to urban and natural type of area revealed no statistical differences between them. Taking into account the habitat type, the mean tick density was the highest in open landscapes. The identification of new foci D. reticulatus in the endemic areas of Lyme borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis and canine babesiosis is crucial for determining the risk of diseases transmitted by ticks and taking proper preventive measures.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., haemoplasma species and Hepatozoon spp. in ticks infesting cats: a large-scale survey

Background

Ticks derived from cats have rarely been evaluated for the presence of pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., haemoplasma species and Hepatozoon spp. in ticks collected from cats in the UK.

Methods

Five hundred and forty DNA samples extracted from 540 ticks collected from cats presenting to veterinarians in UK practices were used. Samples underwent a conventional generic PCR assay for detection of Hepatozoon spp. and real-time quantitative PCR assays for detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and three feline haemoplasma species and a generic qPCR for detection of Bartonella spp. Feline 28S rDNA served as an endogenous internal PCR control and was assessed within the haemoplasma qPCR assays. Samples positive on the conventional and quantitative generic PCRs were submitted for DNA sequencing for species identification.

Results

Feline 28S rDNA was amplified from 475 of the 540 (88.0%) ticks. No evidence of PCR inhibition was found using an internal amplification control. Of 540 ticks, 19 (3.5%) contained DNA from one of the tick-borne pathogens evaluated. Pathogens detected were: A. phagocytophilum (n = 5; 0.9%), Bartonella spp. (n = 7; 1.3%) [including Bartonella henselae (n = 3; 0.6%) and Bartonella clarridgeiae (n = 1; 0.2%)], haemoplasma species (n = 5; 0.9%), “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (n = 3; 0.6%), Mycoplasma haemofelis (n = 1; 0.2%), “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” (n = 1; 0.2%), Hepatozoon spp. (n = 2; 0.4%), Hepatozoon felis (n = 1; 0.2%) and Hepatozoon silvestris (n = 1; 0.2%).

Conclusion

These data provide important information on the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks infesting cats, with the identification of haemoplasma species, A. phagocytophilum, H. felis and Bartonella spp. (including B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae). This study also documents the first report of H. silvestris in ticks collected from domestic cats.

Surveillance of British ticks: An overview of species records, host associations, and new records of Ixodes ricinus distribution

Public Health England's passive Tick Surveillance Scheme (TSS) records the distribution, seasonality and host associations of ticks submitted from across the United Kingdom (UK), and helps to inform the UK government on emerging tick-borne disease risks. Here we summarise data collected through surveillance during 2010-2016, and compare with previous TSS data from 2005 to 2009, particularly in relation to the primary Lyme borreliosis vector Ixodes ricinus. 4173 records were submitted, constituting >14,000 ticks; 97% were endemic tick records (13,833 ticks of 11 species), with an additional 97 records of imported ticks (438 ticks of 17 species). Tick submissions were mainly from veterinary professionals (n = 1954; 46.8%) and members of the public and amateur entomologists (n = 1600; 38.3%), as well as from academic institutions (n = 249; 6.0%), wildlife groups (n = 239; 5.7%) and health professionals (n = 131; 3.1%). The most commonly reported hosts of endemic ticks were dogs (n = 1593; 39.1% of all records), humans (n = 835; 20.5%) and cats (n = 569; 14%). New host associations were recorded for a number of tick species. Ixodes ricinus was the most frequently recorded endemic tick species (n = 2413; 59.2% of all records), followed by I. hexagonus (n = 1355; 33.2%), I. canisuga (n = 132; 3.2%) and I. frontalis (n = 56; 1.4%), with other species each making up <1% total records. 81% of I. ricinus recorded from humans were nymphs, whereas 93.4% of I. ricinus from companion animals were adults. Recent TSS records of I. ricinus in the UK add a considerable amount of new presence data for this species, particularly in the southern regions of England, and confirm that this species is widespread across the UK. The scheme remains a valuable method of collecting continuous national distribution data on ticks from a variety of host species.

'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' in Europe

'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' is an uncultured emerging bacterium that is provisionally included in the family Anaplasmataceae. In Europe, it is transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks. Rodents are the reservoirs. It is widely distributed in mammals (both wild and domestic) and birds. It causes an inflammatory disease in humans with underlying diseases, but the microorganism also affects immunocompetent individuals in which asymptomatic infection has been recognized. A high degree of suspicion and the use of molecular tools are needed for the correct diagnosis. Efforts to cultivate it and to investigate its pathogenesis should be a priority.

Spotted fever rickettsiae in wild-living rodents from south-western Poland

BACKGROUND

Rickettsiae are obligate intracellular alpha-proteobacteria. They are transmitted via arthropod vectors, which transmit the bacteria between animals and occasionally to humans. So far, much research has been conducted to indicate reservoir hosts for these microorganisms, but our knowledge is still non-exhaustive. Therefore, this survey was undertaken to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. in wild-living small rodents from south-western Poland.

RESULTS

In total, 337 samples (193 from spleen and 144 from blood) obtained from 193 wild-living rodents: Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, and Myodes glareolus were tested by qPCR for Rickettsia spp. based on a fragment of gltA gene. The prevalence of infection was 17.6% (34/193). Subsequently, the positive samples were analysed by conventional PCR targeting the gltA gene fragment. The genus Rickettsia was confirmed by sequence analysis in four samples from the blood. In two blood samples from A. agrarius, the identified pathogen was Rickettsia helvetica. The Rickettsia obtained from A. flavicollis was assigned to Rickettsia felis-like organisms group. One isolate from A. agrarius could be determined only to the genus level.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the presence of Rickettsia DNA in tissues of wild-living rodents, suggesting some potential role of these animals in temporarily maintaining and spreading the bacteria in enzootic cycles.

Detection of Kobe-type and Otsu-typeBabesia microtiin wild rodents in China's Yunnan province

Babesiosis is an emerging tick-transmitted zoonosis prevalent in large parts of the world. This study was designed to determine the rates ofBabesia microtiinfection among small rodents in Yunnan province, where human cases of babesiosis have been reported. Currently, distribution ofBabesiain its endemic regions is largely unknown. In this study, we cataloged 1672 small wild rodents, comprising 4 orders, from nine areas in western Yunnan province between 2009 and 2011.Babesia microtiDNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 4·3% (72/1672) of the rodents analyzed. The most frequently infected rodent species includedApodemus chevrieriandNiviventer fulvescens. Rodents from forests and shrublands had significantly higherBabesiainfection rates. Genetic comparisons revealed thatBabesiawas most similar to the Kobe- and Otsu-type strains identified in Japan. A variety of rodent species might be involved in the enzootic maintenance and transmission ofB. microti, supporting the need for further serological investigations in humans.