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Janzén T, Choudhury F, Hammer M, Petersson M, Dinnétz P. Ticks - public health risks in urban green spaces. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1031. [PMID: 38614967 PMCID: PMC11015579 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18540-8] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban green spaces are important for human health, but they may expose visitors to tick-borne diseases. This not only presents a potential public health challenge but also undermines the expected public health gains from urban green spaces. The aim of this study is to assess the public health risk of tick-borne diseases in an urban green space used for recreation in Stockholm, Sweden. METHODS We used a mixed method approach identifying both the magnitude of the tick hazard and the extent of the human exposure to tick-borne diseases. At six entry points to an urban green space, we sampled ticks and documented microhabitat conditions from five randomly assigned 2 m × 2 m plots. Surrounding habitat data was analyzed using geographical information system (GIS). Nymphs and adult ticks were tested for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum using TaqMan qPCR. Positive B. burgdorferi (s.l.) ticks were further analyzed by nested PCR amplification and sequence analysis. Population census data and visitor count data were used to estimate the degree of human exposure to tick-borne diseases. To further understand the degree to which visitors get in contact with infected ticks we also conducted interviews with visitors to green spaces. RESULTS High tick densities were commonly found in humid broadleaved forest with low field vegetation. High pathogen prevalence was significantly correlated with increasing proportions of artificial areas. Integrating the tick hazard with human exposure we found that the public health risk of tick-borne diseases was moderate to high at most of the studied entry points. Many of the visitors frequently used urban green spaces. Walking was the most common activity, but visitors also engaged in activities with higher risk for tick encounters. Individual protective measures were connected to specific recreational activities such as picking berries or mushrooms. CONCLUSIONS The number of visitors can be combined with tick inventory data and molecular analyses of pathogen prevalence to make crude estimations of the public health risk of tick-borne diseases in urban green spaces. The risk of encountering infected ticks is omnipresent during recreational activities in urban green spaces, highlighting the need for public health campaigns to reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thérese Janzén
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden.
| | - Firoza Choudhury
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
| | - Monica Hammer
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
| | - Mona Petersson
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
| | - Patrik Dinnétz
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
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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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Kjær LJ, Johansson M, Lindgren PE, Asghar N, Wilhelmsson P, Fredlund H, Christensson M, Wallenhammar A, Bødker R, Rasmussen G, Kjellander P. Potential drivers of human tick-borne encephalitis in the Örebro region of Sweden, 2010-2021. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7685. [PMID: 37169798 PMCID: PMC10175290 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has increased during the last years in Scandinavia, but the underlying mechanism is not understood. TBE human case data reported between 2010 and 2021 were aggregated into postal codes within Örebro County, south-central Sweden, along with tick abundance and environmental data to analyse spatial patterns and identify drivers of TBE. We identified a substantial and continuing increase of TBE incidence in Örebro County during the study period. Spatial cluster analyses showed significant hotspots (higher number of cases than expected) in the southern and northern parts of Örebro County, whereas a cold spot (lower number of cases than expected) was found in the central part comprising Örebro municipality. Generalised linear models showed that the risk of acquiring TBE increased by 12.5% and 72.3% for every percent increase in relative humidity and proportion of wetland forest, respectively, whereas the risk decreased by 52.8% for every degree Celsius increase in annual temperature range. However, models had relatively low goodness of fit (R2 < 0.27). Results suggest that TBE in Örebro County is spatially clustered, however variables used in this study, i.e., climatic variables, forest cover, water, tick abundance, sheep as indicator species, alone do not explain this pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Jung Kjær
- Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Magnus Johansson
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Naveed Asghar
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Peter Wilhelmsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Hans Fredlund
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Örebro County Council, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Christensson
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Riddarhyttan, Sweden
| | - Amélie Wallenhammar
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - René Bødker
- Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Gunløg Rasmussen
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Örebro County Council, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Petter Kjellander
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Riddarhyttan, Sweden
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Noll M, Wall R, Makepeace BL, Vineer HR. Distribution of ticks in the Western Palearctic: an updated systematic review (2015-2021). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:141. [PMID: 37095583 PMCID: PMC10127368 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05773-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The distributions of ticks and tick-borne pathogens are thought to have changed rapidly over the last two decades, with their ranges expanding into new regions. This expansion has been driven by a range of environmental and socio-economic factors, including climate change. Spatial modelling is being increasingly used to track the current and future distributions of ticks and tick-borne pathogens and to assess the associated disease risk. However, such analysis is dependent on high-resolution occurrence data for each species. To facilitate such analysis, in this review we have compiled georeferenced tick locations in the Western Palearctic, with a resolution accuracy under 10 km, that were reported between 2015 and 2021 METHODS: The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers documenting the distribution of ticks that were published between 2015 and 2021, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The papers were then screened and excluded in accordance with the PRISMA flow chart. Coordinate-referenced tick locations along with information on identification and collection methods were extracted from each eligible publication. Spatial analysis was conducted using R software (version 4.1.2). RESULTS From the 1491 papers identified during the initial search, 124 met the inclusion criteria, and from these, 2267 coordinate-referenced tick records from 33 tick species were included in the final dataset. Over 30% of articles did not record the tick location adequately to meet inclusion criteria, only providing a location name or general location. Among the tick records, Ixodes ricinus had the highest representation (55%), followed by Dermacentor reticulatus (22.1%) and Ixodes frontalis (4.8%). The majority of ticks were collected from vegetation, with only 19.1% collected from hosts. CONCLUSIONS The data presented provides a collection of recent high-resolution, coordinate-referenced tick locations for use in spatial analyses, which in turn can be used in combination with previously collated datasets to analyse the changes in tick distribution and research in the Western Palearctic. In the future it is recommended that, where data privacy rules allow, high-resolution methods are routinely used by researchers to geolocate tick samples and ensure their work can be used to its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Noll
- Institute of Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Richard Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hannah Rose Vineer
- Institute of Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Carlströmer Berthén N, Tompa E, Olausson S, Nyberg C, Nyman D, Ringbom M, Perander L, Svärd J, Lindgren PE, Forsberg P, Wilhelmsson P, Sjöwall J, Nordberg M. The AxBioTick Study: Borrelia Species and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Ticks, and Clinical Responses in Tick-Bitten Individuals on the Aland Islands, Finland. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1100. [PMID: 37317075 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051100] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The AxBioTick study was initiated to investigate the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens and their impact on antibody and clinical responses in tick-bitten individuals on the Aland Islands. This geographical area is hyperendemic for both Lyme borreliosis (LB) and Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Blood samples and ticks were collected from 100 tick-bitten volunteers. A total of 425 ticks was collected, all determined to Ixodes ricinus using molecular tools. Of them 20% contained Borrelia species, of which B. garinii and B. afzelii were most common. None contained the TBE virus (TBEV). Blood samples were drawn in conjunction with the tick bite, and eight weeks later. Sera were analyzed for Borrelia- and TBEV-specific antibodies using an ELISA and a semiquantitative antibody assay. In total 14% seroconverted in Borrelia C6IgG1, 3% in TBEV IgG, and 2% in TBEV IgM. Five participants developed clinical manifestations of LB. The high seroprevalence of both Borrelia (57%) and TBEV (52%) antibodies are likely attributed to the endemic status of the corresponding infections as well as the TBE vaccination program. Despite the similar prevalence of Borrelia spp. detected in ticks in other parts of Europe, the infection rate in this population is high. The AxBioTick study is continuing to investigate more participants and ticks for co-infections, and to characterize the dermal immune response following a tick bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nellie Carlströmer Berthén
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- Bimelix AB, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Eszter Tompa
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Susanne Olausson
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- Bimelix AB, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Clara Nyberg
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Dag Nyman
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- Bimelix AB, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Malin Ringbom
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Linda Perander
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Joel Svärd
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, 551 85 Jonkoping, Sweden
| | - Pia Forsberg
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Peter Wilhelmsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, 551 85 Jonkoping, Sweden
| | - Johanna Sjöwall
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vrinnevi Hospital, 603 79 Norrkoping, Sweden
| | - Marika Nordberg
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
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Hansford KM, Gandy SL, Gillingham EL, McGinley L, Cull B, Johnston C, Catton M, Medlock JM. Mapping and monitoring tick (Acari, Ixodida) distribution, seasonality, and host associations in the United Kingdom between 2017 and 2020. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:152-163. [PMID: 36309852 PMCID: PMC10092223 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne disease risk is intrinsically linked to the distribution of tick vector species. To assess risk and anticipate disease emergence, an understanding of tick distribution, host associations, and seasonality is needed. This can be achieved, to some extent, using passive surveillance supported by engagement with the public, animal health, and public health experts. The Tick Surveillance Scheme (TSS) collects data and maps tick distribution across the United Kingdom (UK). Between 2017 and 2020, 3720 tick records were received and 39 tick species were detected. Most records were acquired in the UK, with a subset associated with recent overseas travel. The dominant UK acquired species was Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Linnaeus), the main vector of Lyme borreliosis. Records peaked during May and June, highlighting a key risk period for tick bites. Other key UK species were detected, including Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Fabricius) and Haemaphysalis punctata (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Canestrini & Fanzago) as well as several rarer species that may present novel tick-borne disease risk to humans and other animals. Updated tick distribution maps highlight areas in the UK where tick exposure has occurred. There is evidence of increasing human tick exposure over time, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, but seasonal patterns remain unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara L. Gandy
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Emma L. Gillingham
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Liz McGinley
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Colin Johnston
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Matthew Catton
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Jolyon M. Medlock
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
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Zverev SA, Andreev SV, Sakharov KA, Akhmetshina MB, Istomina LI, Verzhutskaya YA, Shashina NI. Evaluation of the efficacy of permethrin- and cypermethrin-based textile against taiga tick, Ixodes persulcatus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:275-286. [PMID: 37017750 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00785-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
A comparison of the efficacy of permethrin- and cypermethrin-based textile against taiga ticks (Ixodes persulcatus) was carried out in a tick-borne viral encephalitis hotspot in the Irkutsk Region (Russia) using model samples of impregnated textiles. We demonstrated that permethrin- and cypermethrin-treated model samples have similar protective parameters in terms of maximum height reached by the tick when climbing up the treated textile (20.9-38.7 cm for cypermethrin, 27.6-39.3 cm for permethrin, depending on concentration) and knockdown time (i.e., the time until a female tick falls off the treated textile; 3.52-4.31 min for cypermethrin, 5.02-8.25 min for permethrin, depending on concentration). In contrast, when evaluating the 'biting speed' index (which is the ratio of the average attaching time of ticks contacting untreated textiles and ticks contacting treated textiles), it has been shown that permethrin-treated textiles accelerate biting. So, using permethrin-treated protective clothing against the taiga tick could be risky because it increases the likelihood of being bitten and thus getting infected. In contrast, cypermethrin-treated textiles appear to block the ability of ticks to attack warm-blooded animals and humans - after contact with cypermethrin-treated textiles none of the ticks attached to a rabbit. So cypermethrin-based textiles could be an alternative to permethrin for tick-bite protection clothing production if there is no toxic effect on humans of textile materials based on it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey A Zverev
- Disinfectology institute of Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene named after F.F. Erisman of the Federal Service on Surveillance for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Moscow region, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey V Andreev
- Disinfectology institute of Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene named after F.F. Erisman of the Federal Service on Surveillance for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Moscow region, Russian Federation
| | - Konstantin A Sakharov
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Marina B Akhmetshina
- Disinfectology institute of Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene named after F.F. Erisman of the Federal Service on Surveillance for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Moscow region, Russian Federation
| | - Liudmila I Istomina
- Disinfectology institute of Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene named after F.F. Erisman of the Federal Service on Surveillance for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Moscow region, Russian Federation
| | - Yulia A Verzhutskaya
- Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East, Irkutsk, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia I Shashina
- Disinfectology institute of Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene named after F.F. Erisman of the Federal Service on Surveillance for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Moscow region, Russian Federation
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Bugmyrin SV, Romanova LY, Belova OA, Kholodilov IS, Bespyatova LA, Chernokhaeva LL, Gmyl LV, Klimentov AS, Ivannikova AY, Polienko AE, Yakovlev AS, Ieshko EP, Gmyl AP, Karganova GG. Pathogens in Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes ricinus ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) in Karelia (Russia). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102045. [PMID: 36183587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ixodid ticks (Acarina, Ixodidae) are vectors of dangerous human infections. The main tick species that determine the epidemiological situation for tick-borne diseases in northern Europe are Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus. In recent years, significant changes in the number and distribution of these species have been observed, accompanied by an expansion of the sympatric range. This work summarizes the data of long-term studies carried out in Karelia since 2007 on the infection of I. persulcatus and I. ricinus ticks with various pathogens, including new viruses with unclear pathogenic potential. As a result, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV, Siberian genotype), Alongshan virus, several representatives of the family Phenuiviridae, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, Ehrlichia muris, Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae and Candidatus Lariskella arthropodarum were identified. Data were obtained on the geographical and temporal variability of tick infection rates with these main pathogens. The average infection rates of I. persulcatus with TBEV and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were 4.4% and 23.4% and those of I. ricinus were 1.1% and 11.9%, respectively. We did not find a correlation between the infection rate of ticks with TBEV, B. burgdorferi s.l. and Ehrlichia muris/chaffeensis with the sex of the vector. In general, the peculiarities of the epidemiological situation in Karelia are determined by the wide distribution and high abundance of I. persulcatus ticks and by their relatively high infection rate with TBEV and B. burgdorferi s.l. in most of the territory, including the periphery of the range.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Bugmyrin
- Institute of Biology, Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, 11 Pushkinskaya St., Petrozavodsk 185910, Russia
| | - L Yu Romanova
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia; Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov University, Moscow 119146, Russia
| | - O A Belova
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia
| | - I S Kholodilov
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia
| | - L A Bespyatova
- Institute of Biology, Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, 11 Pushkinskaya St., Petrozavodsk 185910, Russia
| | - L L Chernokhaeva
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia
| | - L V Gmyl
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia
| | - A S Klimentov
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia
| | - A Y Ivannikova
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia
| | - A E Polienko
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia
| | - A S Yakovlev
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia
| | - E P Ieshko
- Institute of Biology, Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, 11 Pushkinskaya St., Petrozavodsk 185910, Russia
| | - A P Gmyl
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia
| | - G G Karganova
- FSASI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" (Institute of Poliomyelitis), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow 108811, Russia; Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov University, Moscow 119146, Russia; Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Biology, Moscow 119991, Russia.
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9
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Uusitalo R, Siljander M, Lindén A, Sormunen JJ, Aalto J, Hendrickx G, Kallio E, Vajda A, Gregow H, Henttonen H, Marsboom C, Korhonen EM, Sironen T, Pellikka P, Vapalahti O. Predicting habitat suitability for Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Finland. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:310. [PMID: 36042518 PMCID: PMC9429443 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05410-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are responsible for transmitting several notable pathogens worldwide. Finland lies in a zone where two human-biting tick species co-occur: Ixodesricinus and Ixodespersulcatus. Tick densities have increased in boreal regions worldwide during past decades, and tick-borne pathogens have been identified as one of the major threats to public health in the face of climate change. Methods We used species distribution modelling techniques to predict the distributions of I.ricinus and I.persulcatus, using aggregated historical data from 2014 to 2020 and new tick occurrence data from 2021. By aiming to fill the gaps in tick occurrence data, we created a new sampling strategy across Finland. We also screened for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Borrelia from the newly collected ticks. Climate, land use and vegetation data, and population densities of the tick hosts were used in various combinations on four data sets to estimate tick species’ distributions across mainland Finland with a 1-km resolution. Results In the 2021 survey, 89 new locations were sampled of which 25 new presences and 63 absences were found for I.ricinus and one new presence and 88 absences for I.persulcatus. A total of 502 ticks were collected and analysed; no ticks were positive for TBEV, while 56 (47%) of the 120 pools, including adult, nymph, and larva pools, were positive for Borrelia (minimum infection rate 11.2%, respectively). Our prediction results demonstrate that two combined predictor data sets based on ensemble mean models yielded the highest predictive accuracy for both I.ricinus (AUC = 0.91, 0.94) and I.persulcatus (AUC = 0.93, 0.96). The suitable habitats for I.ricinus were determined by higher relative humidity, air temperature, precipitation sum, and middle-infrared reflectance levels and higher densities of white-tailed deer, European hare, and red fox. For I.persulcatus, locations with greater precipitation and air temperature and higher white-tailed deer, roe deer, and mountain hare densities were associated with higher occurrence probabilities. Suitable habitats for I.ricinus ranged from southern Finland up to Central Ostrobothnia and North Karelia, excluding areas in Ostrobothnia and Pirkanmaa. For I.persulcatus, suitable areas were located along the western coast from Ostrobothnia to southern Lapland, in North Karelia, North Savo, Kainuu, and areas in Pirkanmaa and Päijät-Häme. Conclusions This is the first study conducted in Finland that estimates potential tick species distributions using environmental and host data. Our results can be utilized in vector control strategies, as supporting material in recommendations issued by public health authorities, and as predictor data for modelling the risk for tick-borne diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05410-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, 00014, Helsinki, Finland. .,Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland. .,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mika Siljander
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andreas Lindén
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, P.O. Box 2, 00791, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jani J Sormunen
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.,Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Juha Aalto
- Weather and Climate Change Impact Research Unit, Finnish Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 503, 00101, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Eva Kallio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and School of Resource Wisdom, University of Jyväskylä, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Andrea Vajda
- Weather and Climate Change Impact Research Unit, Finnish Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 503, 00101, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hilppa Gregow
- Weather and Climate Change Impact Research Unit, Finnish Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 503, 00101, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Henttonen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, P.O. Box 2, 00791, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Essi M Korhonen
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Pellikka
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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Gandy S, Hansford K, McGinley L, Cull B, Smith R, Semper A, Brooks T, Fonville M, Sprong H, Phipps P, Johnson N, Medlock JM. Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs across twenty recreational areas in England and Wales. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101965. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Trevisan G, Cinco M, Trevisini S, di Meo N, Chersi K, Ruscio M, Forgione P, Bonin S. Borreliae Part 1: Borrelia Lyme Group and Echidna-Reptile Group. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10101036. [PMID: 34681134 PMCID: PMC8533607 DOI: 10.3390/biology10101036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Borreliae are spirochaetes, which represent a heterogeneous phylum within bacteria. Spirochaetes are indeed distinguished from other bacteria for their spiral shape, which also characterizes Borreliae. This review describes briefly the organization of the phylum Spirocheteales with a digression about its pathogenicity and historical information about bacteria isolation and characterization. Among spirochaetes, Borrelia genus is here divided into three groups, namely the Lyme group (LG), the Echidna-Reptile group (REPG) and the Relapsing Fever group (RFG). Borreliae Part 1 deals with Lyme group and Echidna-Reptile group Borreliae, while the subject of Borreliae Part 2 is Relapsing Fever group and unclassified Borreliae. Lyme group Borreliae is organized here in sections describing ecology, namely tick vectors and animal hosts, epidemiology, microbiology, and Borrelia genome organization and antigen characterization. Furthermore, the main clinical manifestations in Lyme borreliosis are also described. Although included in the Lyme group due to their particular clinical features, Borrelia causing Baggio Yoshinari syndrome and Borrelia mayonii are described in dedicated paragraphs. The Borrelia Echidna-Reptile group has been recently characterized including spirochaetes that apparently are not pathogenic to humans, but infect reptiles and amphibians. The paragraph dedicated to this group of Borreliae describes their vectors, hosts, geographical distribution and their characteristics. Abstract Borreliae are divided into three groups, namely the Lyme group (LG), the Echidna-Reptile group (REPG) and the Relapsing Fever group (RFG). Currently, only Borrelia of the Lyme and RF groups (not all) cause infection in humans. Borreliae of the Echidna-Reptile group represent a new monophyletic group of spirochaetes, which infect amphibians and reptiles. In addition to a general description of the phylum Spirochaetales, including a brief historical digression on spirochaetosis, in the present review Borreliae of Lyme and Echidna-Reptile groups are described, discussing the ecology with vectors and hosts as well as microbiological features and molecular characterization. Furthermore, differences between LG and RFG are discussed with respect to the clinical manifestations. In humans, LG Borreliae are organotropic and cause erythema migrans in the early phase of the disease, while RFG Borreliae give high spirochaetemia with fever, without the development of erythema migrans. With respect of LG Borreliae, recently Borrelia mayonii, with intermediate characteristics between LG and RFG, has been identified. As part of the LG, it gives erythema migrans but also high spirochaetemia with fever. Hard ticks are vectors for both LG and REPG groups, but in LG they are mostly Ixodes sp. ticks, while in REPG vectors do not belong to that genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusto Trevisan
- DSM—Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.T.); (N.d.M.)
| | - Marina Cinco
- DSV—Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Sara Trevisini
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Nicola di Meo
- DSM—Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.T.); (N.d.M.)
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Karin Chersi
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Maurizio Ruscio
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Patrizia Forgione
- UOSD Dermatologia, Centro Rif. Regionale Malattia di Hansen e Lyme, P.O. dei Pellegrini, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Serena Bonin
- DSM—Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.T.); (N.d.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-3993266
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12
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Aminikhah M, Forsman JT, Koskela E, Mappes T, Sane J, Ollgren J, Kivelä SM, Kallio ER. Rodent host population dynamics drive zoonotic Lyme Borreliosis and Orthohantavirus infections in humans in Northern Europe. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16128. [PMID: 34373474 PMCID: PMC8352996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95000-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases, caused by pathogens transmitted between other vertebrate animals and humans, pose a major risk to human health. Rodents are important reservoir hosts for many zoonotic pathogens, and rodent population dynamics affect the infection dynamics of rodent-borne diseases, such as diseases caused by hantaviruses. However, the role of rodent population dynamics in determining the infection dynamics of rodent-associated tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria, have gained limited attention in Northern Europe, despite the multiannual abundance fluctuations, the so-called vole cycles, that characterise rodent population dynamics in the region. Here, we quantify the associations between rodent abundance and LB human cases and Puumala Orthohantavirus (PUUV) infections by using two time series (25-year and 9-year) in Finland. Both bank vole (Myodes glareolus) abundance as well as LB and PUUV infection incidence in humans showed approximately 3-year cycles. Without vector transmitted PUUV infections followed the bank vole host abundance fluctuations with two-month time lag, whereas tick-transmitted LB was associated with bank vole abundance ca. 12 and 24 months earlier. However, the strength of association between LB incidence and bank vole abundance ca. 12 months before varied over the study years. This study highlights that the human risk to acquire rodent-borne pathogens, as well as rodent-associated tick-borne pathogens is associated with the vole cycles in Northern Fennoscandia, yet with complex time lags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Aminikhah
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Jukka T Forsman
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), University of Oulu, Paavo Havaksen tie 3, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Esa Koskela
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tapio Mappes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jussi Sane
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Ollgren
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami M Kivelä
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Eva R Kallio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland.
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13
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Jaenson TGT, Wilhelmsson P. First Record of a Suspected Human-Pathogenic Borrelia Species in Populations of the Bat Tick Carios vespertilionis in Sweden. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1100. [PMID: 34065313 PMCID: PMC8160990 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The bat tick Cariosvespertilionis has been reported from Sweden to occasionally feed on humans resulting in disease symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate C. vespertilionis as a potential vector and reservoir of Borrelia species. In 2015 and 2018 in south-central Sweden, C. vespertilionis ticks were collected from a wooden bat box harboring Soprano pipistrelle bats, Pipistrellus pygmaeus. In addition, one C. vespertilionis tick found inside a house in southern Sweden in 2019 was collected. Ticks were screened for Borrelia spp. using a genus-specific quantitative PCR assay. The Borrelia species of the positive specimens were determined by conventional PCR followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. A total of 24% (22 of 92) of the analyzed C. vespertilionis ticks were Borrelia-positive. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the bacteria belong to the relapsing fever group of borreliae; some of them appear to be identical with Borrelia sp. CPB1, a spirochete only found twice before-in the United Kingdom and in France. Our results also indicate a temporal and spatial distribution of this Borrelia species. Since C. vespertilionis occasionally bites humans, and since it exhibits a high prevalence of Borrelia bacteria, it is possible that it presents a risk of human disease. Further studies are needed to characterize Borrelia sp. CPB1 to determine if it is human-pathogenic and to determine if C. vespertilionis is a vector and/or reservoir of this agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G. T. Jaenson
- Evolutionary Biology Centre, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Peter Wilhelmsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Jönköping County, 553 05 Jönköping, Sweden
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14
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Beliavskaia A, Hönig V, Erhart J, Vyhlidalova T, Palus M, Cerny J, Kozlova I, Ruzek D, Palomar AM, Bell-Sakyi L. Spiroplasma Isolated From Third-Generation Laboratory Colony Ixodes persulcatus Ticks. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:659786. [PMID: 33842580 PMCID: PMC8032855 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.659786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiroplasma are vertically-transmitted endosymbionts of ticks and other arthropods. Field-collected Ixodes persulcatus have been reported to harbour Spiroplasma, but nothing is known about their persistence during laboratory colonisation of this tick species. We successfully isolated Spiroplasma from internal organs of 6/10 unfed adult ticks, belonging to the third generation of an I. persulcatus laboratory colony, into tick cell culture. We screened a further 51 adult male and female ticks from the same colony for presence of Spiroplasma by genus-specific PCR amplification of fragments of the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes; 100% of these ticks were infected and the 16S rRNA sequence showed 99.8% similarity to that of a previously-published Spiroplasma isolated from field-collected I. persulcatus. Our study shows that Spiroplasma endosymbionts persist at high prevalence in colonised I. persulcatus through at least three generations, and confirms the usefulness of tick cell lines for isolation and cultivation of this bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Beliavskaia
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Vaclav Hönig
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.,Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Erhart
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Tereza Vyhlidalova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Martin Palus
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.,Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jiri Cerny
- Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Irina Kozlova
- Science Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Daniel Ruzek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.,Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ana M Palomar
- Centre of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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15
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Onyiche TE, Răileanu C, Fischer S, Silaghi C. Global Distribution of Babesia Species in Questing Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Published Literature. Pathogens 2021; 10:230. [PMID: 33669591 PMCID: PMC7926846 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis caused by the Babesia species is a parasitic tick-borne disease. It threatens many mammalian species and is transmitted through infected ixodid ticks. To date, the global occurrence and distribution are poorly understood in questing ticks. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the distribution of the pathogen. A deep search for four electronic databases of the published literature investigating the prevalence of Babesia spp. in questing ticks was undertaken and obtained data analyzed. Our results indicate that in 104 eligible studies dating from 1985 to 2020, altogether 137,364 ticks were screened with 3069 positives with an estimated global pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of 2.10%. In total, 19 different Babesia species of both human and veterinary importance were detected in 23 tick species, with Babesia microti and Ixodesricinus being the most widely reported Babesia and tick species, respectively. Regardless of species, adult ticks with 2.60% had the highest infection rates, while larvae had the least with 0.60%. Similarly, female ticks with 4.90% were infected compared to males with 3.80%. Nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 2.80% had the highest prevalence among the molecular techniques employed. In conclusion, results obtained indicate that Babesia species are present in diverse questing tick species at a low prevalence, of which some are competent vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- ThankGod E. Onyiche
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri 600230, Nigeria;
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
- Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Domstrasse 11, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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16
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Andersson E, Kendall A, Url A, Auer A, Leschnik M. The first RT-qPCR confirmed case of tick-borne encephalitis in a dog in Scandinavia. Acta Vet Scand 2020; 62:51. [PMID: 32912238 PMCID: PMC7488111 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-020-00550-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a zoonotic neurological disease caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus endemic in parts of Europe and Asia. Seroconversion without signs of clinical disease is common in dogs and most of the cases previously described have been tentatively diagnosed by combining neurologic signs with serum antibody titres. Here, the first Scandinavian RT-qPCR-confirmed clinical case of TBE in a dog is reported. Case presentation A 4-year old castrated male Pointer Labrador cross was presented with acute-onset ataxia. During hospitalisation, the dog developed seizures. Despite aggressive treatment with steroids, antimicrobials and sedation/anaesthesia, there was continued deterioration during the following 24 h after admission and the dog was euthanised and submitted for necropsy. Histopathological changes in the brain were consistent with lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic meningoencephalomyelitis. RT-qPCR examination of the brain was positive for TBEV, confirming infection. Conclusions Meningoencephalomyelitis caused by TBEV should be a diagnostic consideration in dogs presenting with clinical signs of central nervous system disease such as acute-onset ataxia and seizures in areas where TBEV-positive ticks are endemic. Clinical TBE may be underdiagnosed in dogs due to lack of specific testing.
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17
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Pakanen VM, Sormunen JJ, Sippola E, Blomqvist D, Kallio ER. Questing abundance of adult taiga ticks Ixodes persulcatus and their Borrelia prevalence at the north-western part of their distribution. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:384. [PMID: 32727555 PMCID: PMC7391513 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04259-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Because ixodid ticks are vectors of zoonotic pathogens, including Borrelia, information of their abundance, seasonal variation in questing behaviour and pathogen prevalence is important for human health. As ticks are invading new areas northwards, information from these new areas are needed. Taiga tick (Ixodes persulcatus) populations have been recently found at Bothnian Bay, Finland. We assessed seasonal variation in questing abundance of ticks and their pathogen prevalence in coastal deciduous forests near the city of Oulu (latitudes 64–65°) in 2019. Methods We sampled ticks from May until September by cloth dragging 100 meters once a month at eight study sites. We calculated a density index (individuals/100 m2) to assess seasonal variation. Samples were screened for Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) (including B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. burgdorferi (sensu stricto) and B. valaisana), Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Francisella tularensis and Bartonella spp., Babesia spp. and for the tick-borne encephalitis virus. Results All except one nymph were identified as I. persulcatus. The number of questing adults showed a strong peak in May (median: 6.5 adults/100 m2), which is among the highest values reported in northern Europe, and potentially indicates a large population size. After May, the number of questing adults declined steadily with few adults still sampled in August. Nymphs were present from May until September. We found a striking prevalence of Borrelia spp. in adults (62%) and nymphs (40%), with B. garinii (51%) and B. afzelii (63%) being the most common species. In addition, we found that 26% of infected adults were coinfected with at least two Borrelia genospecies, mainly B. garinii and B. afzelii, which are associated with different host species. Conclusions The coastal forest environments at Bothnian Bay seem to provide favourable environments for I. persulcatus and the spread of Borrelia. High tick abundance, a low diversity of the host community and similar host use among larvae and nymphs likely explain the high Borrelia prevalence and coinfection rate. Research on the infestation of the hosts that quantifies the temporal dynamics of immature life stages would reveal important aspects of pathogen circulation in these tick populations.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Veli-Matti Pakanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 463, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden. .,Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Jani J Sormunen
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Ella Sippola
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Donald Blomqvist
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 463, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden
| | - Eva R Kallio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40041, Jyväskylä, Finland
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