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Bravo-Ramos JL, Sánchez-Montes S, Sánchez-Otero MG, Ballados-Gonzalez GG, Gamboa-Prieto J, Romero-Salas D, Olivares-Muñoz A. Molecular detection of Theileria cervi in equids from México. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105017. [PMID: 37696108 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis is a parasitic illness caused by various protozoa of the Babesia and Theileria genera, which parasitize within red blood cells. The transmission of these pathogens occurs through certain genus of ticks, including Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus. In recent times, an increase in the identification of new Theileria species and genotypes has been observed. This is further complicated by the presence of mixed Theileria infections in both mammals and tick vectors, particularly in regions where wildlife and livestock share habitats and vectors. Therefore, the objective of this study is to document the occurrence of Theileria cervi in a non-typical host. A total of 88 horses (Equus caballus) and 10 donkeys (Equus asinus) were sampled in three municipalities in Veracruz, Mexico. Molecular techniques were employed to identify Babesia/Theileria through the amplification of a segment of the 18S-rDNA and hsp70 genes. The phylogenetic reconstruction grouped the obtained sequences into a monophyletic cluster alongside sequences of T. cervi. This work represents the first documented occurrence of T. cervi in equids. These findings have significant implications from an epidemiological point of view. In addition, further studies are needed to determine the distribution and pathogenicity of this species for domestic animals and to develop effective control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Bravo-Ramos
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico; Facultad de Bioanálisis, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, Mexico; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jannete Gamboa-Prieto
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Dora Romero-Salas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
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Herb H, González J, Ferreira FC, Fonseca DM. Multiple piroplasm parasites (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) in northeastern populations of the invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Ixodida: Ixodidae), in the United States. Parasitology 2023; 150:1063-1069. [PMID: 37791496 PMCID: PMC10801381 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Piroplasms, which include the agents of cattle fever and human and dog babesiosis, are a diverse group of blood parasites of significant veterinary and medical importance. The invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, is a known vector of piroplasms in its native range in East Asia and invasive range in Australasia. In the USA, H. longicornis has been associated with Theileria orientalis Ikeda outbreaks that caused cattle mortality. To survey invasive populations of H. longicornis for a broad range of piroplasms, 667 questing H. longicornis collected in 2021 from 3 sites in New Jersey, USA, were tested with generalist piroplasm primers targeting the 18S small subunit rRNA (395–515 bp, depending on species) and the cytochrome b oxidase loci (1009 bp). Sequences matching Theileria cervi type F (1 adult, 5 nymphs), an unidentified Theileria species (in 1 nymph), an undescribed Babesia sensu stricto (‘true’ Babesia, 2 adults, 2 nymphs), a Babesia sp. Coco (also a ‘true Babesia’, 1 adult, 1 nymph), as well as Babesia microti S837 (1 adult, 4 nymphs) were recovered. Babesia microti S837 is closely related to the human pathogen B. microti US-type. Additionally, a 132 bp sequence matching the cytochrome b locus of deer, Odocoileus virginanus, was obtained from 2 partially engorged H. longicornis. The diverse assemblage of piroplasms now associated with H. longicornis in the USA spans 3 clades in the piroplasm phylogeny and raises concerns of transmission amplification of veterinary pathogens as well as spillover of pathogens from wildlife to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Herb
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Julia González
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | | | - Dina M. Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Kurth KA, Watson EM, Gerhold RW, Metts DL, Miller BF, Morin DJ, Eda S, Yang SI, Muller LI. MORTALITY, SURVIVAL, AND SEROLOGIC RESULTS FOR ELK (CERVUS CANADENSIS) IN THE CUMBERLAND MOUNTAINS OF TENNESSEE, USA. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:420-431. [PMID: 37269302 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive disease surveillance has not been conducted in elk (Cervus canadensis) in Tennessee, US, since their reintroduction to the state 20 yr ago. We identified causes of death, estimated annual survival, and identified pathogens of concern in elk at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (NCWMA), Tennessee, US. In 2019 and 2020, we captured 29 elk (21 females, eight males) using chemical immobilization and fitted individuals with GPS collars with mortality sensors. Elk that died between February 2019 and February 2022 were necropsied to identify causes of death; these included disease associated with meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis; n=3), poaching (n=1), vehicular collision (n=1), legal hunter harvest (n=1), and unknown due to carcass degradation (n=3). Using data from GPS collars and known-fate survival models, we estimated an average yearly survival rate of 80.2%, indicating that survival had not significantly increased from soon after elk reintroduction (79.9%). We collected blood, tissue, feces, and ectoparasites opportunistically from anesthetized elk for health surveillance. We identified lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum; n=53, 85.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 73.72-92.75), American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis; n=8, 12.9%; 95% CI, 6.13-24.40), and black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis; n=1, 1.6%; 95% CI, 0.08-9.83). We detected evidence of exposure to Anaplasma marginale (100%; 95% CI, 84.50-100.00), Leptospira interrogans (70.4%; 95% CI, 49.66-85.50), Toxoplasma gondii (55.6%; 95% CI, 35.64-73.96), epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (51.9%; 95% CI, 32.35-70.84), and Theileria cervi (25.9%; 95% CI, 11.78-46.59). Johne's disease (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis) is potentially established within the population, but has not been previously documented in eastern elk populations. Disease associated with P. tenuis was a primary cause of death, and more research is needed to understand its ecology and epidemiology. Research to determine population implications of other detected pathogens at the NCWMA is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Kurth
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Eryn M Watson
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Richard W Gerhold
- Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, A201 Veterinary Medical Center, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Dailee L Metts
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Brad F Miller
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, 609 Titus Hollow Road, Pioneer, Tennessee 37847, USA
| | - Dana J Morin
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University, Thompson Hall, Starkville, Mississippi 39762, USA
| | - Shigetoshi Eda
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Sheng-I Yang
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Lisa I Muller
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, 427 Plant Biotechnology, 2505 E. J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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Bhosale CR, Wilson KN, Ledger KJ, White ZS, Dorleans R, De Jesus CE, Wisely SM. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Recreational Greenspaces in North Central Florida, USA. Microorganisms 2023; 11:756. [PMID: 36985329 PMCID: PMC10057063 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne infections are an increasing medical and veterinary concern in the southeastern United States, but there is limited understanding of how recreational greenspaces influence the hazard of pathogen transmission. This study aimed to estimate the potential human and companion animal encounter risk with different questing tick species, and the bacterial or protozoal agents they carry in recreational greenspaces. We collected ticks bimonthly along trails and designated recreational areas in 17 publicly accessible greenspaces, in and around Gainesville, Florida, USA. We collected Amblyomma americanum, Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor variabilis, Ixodes affinis, and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris. Across the six tick species collected, we detected 18 species of bacteria or protozoa within the Babesia, Borrelia, Cytauxzoon, Cryptoplasma (Allocryptoplasma), Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, Rickettsia, and Theileria genera, including pathogens of medical or veterinary importance. While tick abundance and associated microorganism prevalence and richness were the greatest in natural habitats surrounded by forests, we found both ticks and pathogenic microorganisms in manicured groundcover. This relationship is important for public health and awareness, because it suggests that the probability of encountering an infected tick is measurable and substantial even on closely manicured turf or gravel, if the surrounding landcover is undeveloped. The presence of medically important ticks and pathogenic microorganisms in recreational greenspaces indicates that public education efforts regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases are warranted in this region of the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanakya R. Bhosale
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Kristen N. Wilson
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kimberly J. Ledger
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Rayann Dorleans
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Carrie E. De Jesus
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Thompson AT, Garrett KB, Kirchgessner M, Ruder MG, Yabsley MJ. A survey of piroplasms in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) in the southeastern United States to determine their possible role as Theileria orientalis hosts. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 18:180-183. [PMID: 35637865 PMCID: PMC9142371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In 2017, clinical disease and mortality in cattle associated with Theileria orientalis Ikeda was reported in Virginia, U.S. The exotic tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, is a competent vector for this species. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are commonly infested with H. longicornis in the eastern U.S. and are also infected with several genotypes of piroplasms such as a Theileria sp. (often called Theileria cervi-like), Babesia odocoilei, and Babesia sp. H10. However, it is currently unknown if deer are susceptible to T. orientalis and can act as potential hosts. In this study, we tested 552 white-tailed deer samples from the southeastern U.S. to determine the presence of T. orientalis. We used a PCR-RFLP to test 293 (53%) of these samples to distinguish between piroplasm genera. A total of 189 white-tailed deer were positive with Theileria, 47 were positive with Babesia, and 57 did not amplify. Because this assay does not determine species, we sequenced 30 random samples targeting a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Although a high diversity of Theileria and Babesia spp. were detected, none were T. orientalis. All 552 samples were then screened with a T. orientalis specific real-time PCR protocol, but none were positive for T. orientalis. Our data suggests that white-tailed deer are commonly infected with piroplasm species but not T. orientalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec T. Thompson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Kayla B. Garrett
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | | | - Mark G. Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 30602, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Selim A, Weir W, Khater H. Prevalence and risk factors associated with tropical theileriosis in Egyptian dairy cattle. Vet World 2022; 15:919-924. [PMID: 35698515 PMCID: PMC9178591 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.919-924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Theileria annulata is the most prevalent piroplasm infecting cattle across Egypt. Theileriosis is transmitted by ixodid ticks of the genus Hyalomma. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of theileriosis in cattle and their associated risk factors for infection. Materials and Methods: A total of 570 blood samples were collected from cattle from five governorates (administrative districts) in Egypt and examined using a polymerase chain reaction assay to estimate the prevalence of tropical theileriosis and assess the associated risk factors Results: The overall prevalence rate was 16.49%, with the Alexandria district having the highest prevalence. The results revealed that the risk of theileriosis was elevated in older cattle (odds ratio [OR]=8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6-21.9), especially in summers (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.4-6.3). Cattle heavily infested with ticks were at particular risk (OR=3.05, 95% CI: 2.1-4.5), as were those to which acaricide had not been applied (OR=13.7, 95% CI: 5.6-33.6). Conclusion: Understanding the risk factors associated with T. annulata infection and regular infection monitoring could reduce infection rates and economic losses and is essential for the implementation of efficient control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
| | - William Weir
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Hanem Khater
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
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Almazán C, Scimeca RC, Reichard MV, Mosqueda J. Babesiosis and Theileriosis in North America. Pathogens 2022; 11:168. [PMID: 35215111 PMCID: PMC8874406 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesia and Theileria are apicomplexan parasites that cause established and emerging diseases in humans, domestic and wild animals. These protozoans are transmitted by Ixodid ticks causing babesiosis or theileriosis, both characterized by fever, hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly. In North America (NA), the most common species affecting humans is B. microti, which is distributed in the Northeastern and Upper Midwestern United States (US), where the tick vector Ixodes scapularis is established. In livestock, B. bovis and B. bigemina are the most important pathogens causing bovine babesiosis in tropical regions of Mexico. Despite efforts toward eradication of their tick vector, Rhipicephalus microplus, B. bovis and B. bigemina present a constant threat of being reintroduced into the southern US and represent a continuous concern for the US cattle industry. Occasional outbreaks of T. equi, and T. orientalis have occurred in horses and cattle, respectively, in the US, with significant economic implications for livestock including quarantine, production loss, and euthanasia of infected animals. In addition, a new species, T. haneyi, has been recently discovered in horses from the Mexico-US border. Domestic dogs are hosts to at least four species of Babesia in NA that may result in clinical disease that ranges from subclinical to acute, severe anemia. Herein we review the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and epidemiology of the most important diseases caused by Babesia and Theileria to humans, domestic and wild animals in Canada, the US, and Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo Almazán
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, C. A. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Carretera a Chichimequillas, Queretaro 76140, Mexico;
| | - Ruth C. Scimeca
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (R.C.S.); (M.V.R.)
| | - Mason V. Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (R.C.S.); (M.V.R.)
| | - Juan Mosqueda
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, C. A. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Carretera a Chichimequillas, Queretaro 76140, Mexico;
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Pavón-Rocha AJ, Cárdenas-Flores A, Rábago-Castro JL, Barrón-Vargas CA, Mosqueda J. First molecular evidence of Theileria cervi infection in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Mexico. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100482. [PMID: 33308731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Theileria cervi is a tick-borne protozoan that infects different deer species around the world. Clinical diseases due to Theileria cervi have been reported in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the USA, however, information about this parasite has not been documented in Mexico. Here, blood samples from three white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from a region in northeastern Mexico were analyzed by blood smear, PCR, and DNA sequencing. The results confirmed the presence of T. cervi for the first time in white-tailed deer in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo J Pavón-Rocha
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Campus Aeropuerto, Carretera a Chichimequillas, Ejido Bolaños, Queretaro, Querétaro 76140, Mexico; Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal Sustentable, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N, Col. Juriquilla, C.P 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Alma Cárdenas-Flores
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Campus Aeropuerto, Carretera a Chichimequillas, Ejido Bolaños, Queretaro, Querétaro 76140, Mexico; Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal Sustentable, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N, Col. Juriquilla, C.P 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Jaime L Rábago-Castro
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Km 5 Carretera Victoria-Mante, C.P. 87000 Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Carlos A Barrón-Vargas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Km 5 Carretera Victoria-Mante, C.P. 87000 Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Juan Mosqueda
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Campus Aeropuerto, Carretera a Chichimequillas, Ejido Bolaños, Queretaro, Querétaro 76140, Mexico.
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Olafson PU, Buckmeier BG, May MA, Thomas DB. Molecular screening for rickettsial bacteria and piroplasms in ixodid ticks surveyed from white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) and nilgai antelope ( Boselaphus tragocamelus) in southern Texas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:252-260. [PMID: 33294364 PMCID: PMC7691163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A survey of ixodid ticks parasitizing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) was completed during the 2018–2019 public hunt season on the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (Cameron County, Texas) and the East Foundation's El Sauz Ranch in nearby Willacy County (Texas). Anocenter nitens was the predominant tick species identified with 5% of these ticks collected from nilgai. All life stages were encountered in high numbers on white-tailed deer, indicating that deer may be a primary host in this region. Amblyomma maculatum and Amblyomma inornatum were identified from both hosts, while Ixodes scapularis was encountered only on white-tailed deer. This is the first published record of A. inornatum on nilgai. A subset of ticks was used in PCR assays to detect Rickettsia spp., family Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp., and Theileria-Babesia spp. Borrelia spp. were not detected in any of the ticks analyzed. Rickettsia parkeri was detected in three A. maculatum adult ticks from deer, Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont sequences were present in all I. scapularis ticks, and Rickettsia amblyommatis was detected in three A. inornatum adult ticks from deer. Sequence analysis of Anaplasmataceae-positive amplicons from A. nitens and A. maculatum had low percent identity to published Anaplasma spp. sequences, suggesting a unique Anaplasma sp. may be circulating in the population. Anaplasma platys was detected from A. nitens larvae and an Ehrlichia sp. Delta strain was present in A. maculatum, both of unknown pathogenicity towards deer. Theileria cervi was detected in all stages of A. nitens ticks, and positive ticks originated from 27 of 31 deer and a single nilgai sampled from throughout the survey site. The primary vector for T. cervi is absent from this region, suggesting T. cervi is possibly maintained by a different tick species. Anocenter nitens predominates on white-tailed deer and nilgai in southern Texas. Theileria cervi was detected in Anocenter nitens ticks from deer and a single nilgai. Three Theileria cervi genotypes were detected in this region of southern Texas. Unique Anaplasma sp. detected in A. nitens; low identity to known Anaplasma sp. Amblyomma inornatum ticks were identified on nilgai; a first record on this host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia U Olafson
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Beverly Greta Buckmeier
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Melinda A May
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Donald B Thomas
- USDA-ARS Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, 22675 N. Moorefield Road, Moore Air Base, Edinburg, TX, 78541, USA
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Antibodies to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) in Farmed and Wild Florida White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). J Wildl Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.7589/2019-02-034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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