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González MA, Ruiz-Arrondo I, Bravo-Barriga D, Cervera-Acedo C, Santibáñez P, Oteo JA, Miranda MÁ, Barceló C. Surveillance and screening of Stomoxyinae flies from Mallorca Island (Spain) reveal the absence of selected pathogens but confirm the presence of the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis. Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105206. [PMID: 38493661 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105206] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Adult brachycera biting flies can significantly impact livestock through both direct effects (reduction of food intake, disturbance, painful bites, and blood loss) and indirect effects (pathogen transmission), leading to substantial economic losses and production damage. This study aimed to assess the presence of blood-sucking flies in six mixed-animal farm environments on the island of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) by employing multiple trapping methods. Additionally, distribution maps of brachycera biting fly species recorded in Spain were created, based on data extracted thorough review of scientific literature and citizen digital databases. Investigation of several pathogens, including equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), Anaplasmataceae bacteria, and piroplasm protozoa, was carried out using different PCR targets (18S rRNA, 16S rRNA, groESL, and tat genes). Citizen science databases and literature review corroborated the consistent distribution trend for two Stomoxyinae species, underscoring the importance of citizen collaboration as a complement to traditional entomological surveillance. Our study confirmed the presence of two biting Stomoxyinae species: the prevalent stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans across all sampled farms, and the horn fly Haematobia irritans, which turned out to be less abundant. DNA barcoding techniques validated the identification of the two species. Neither EIAV nor bacterial/protozoan pathogens were detected using the selected PCR targets in either fly species. However, Wolbachia pipientis (clustered in the supergroup A together with the only sequence of W. pipientis from the USA) was identified through PCR targeting 16S rRNA, groESL and wsp genes in all pools of H. irritans (n = 13) collected from two of the examined farms. This study represents the first attempt to investigate pathogens in Stomoxyinae biting flies in Spain. The discovery of the endosymbiotic Wolbachia organism in H. irritans represents the first record in Spain and the second from Europe. This finding holds significant implications for future research on the applications of this bacterium in biocontrol programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel A González
- Doñana Biological Station, Spanish National Research Council (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Salud Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Sanidad Animal, Ctra.Madrid-Cadiz, Km.396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cervera-Acedo
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Paula Santibáñez
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - José A Oteo
- Center for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Miguel Á Miranda
- Instituto de Investigaciones Agroambientales y de Economía del Agua (INAGEA), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra de Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation research group (ZAP), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra de Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Carlos Barceló
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation research group (ZAP), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra de Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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Phetkarl T, Fungwithaya P, Udompornprasith S, Amendt J, Sontigun N. Preliminary study on prevalence of hemoprotozoan parasites harbored by Stomoxys (Diptera: Muscidae) and tabanid flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in horse farms in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Southern Thailand. Vet World 2023; 16:2128-2134. [PMID: 38023282 PMCID: PMC10668551 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2128-2134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Stomoxys and tabanid flies are of medical and veterinary importance because they play crucial roles in disease transmission as mechanical vectors of various hemopathogens. However, its role as a hemoprotozoan parasite vector in horse farms has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the occurrence of hemoprotozoan parasites belonging to the genera Babesia, Theileria, and Trypanosoma in Stomoxys and tabanid flies using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Materials and Methods All samples (Stomoxys and tabanid flies) were collected using an Nzi trap for three consecutive days each month from November 2022 to March 2023. The flies were morphologically identified to the species level and separated according to sex. Individual (for tabanid flies) or pooled samples (consisting of three specimens of Stomoxys flies of the same species and sex collected from the same site) were used for DNA extraction. Conventional PCR was used to screen for hemoprotozoan parasite DNA, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify the species. Results In total, 189 biting flies were collected, including four species of Stomoxys (Stomoxys bengalensis, Stomoxys calcitrans, Stomoxys indicus, and Stomoxys sitiens) and five species of tabanids (Atylotus cryptotaxis, Chrysops dispar, Tabanus megalops, Tabanus mesogaeus, and Tabanus rubidus). Stomoxys calcitrans was the most prevalent species, accounting for 58.7% (n = 111) of the collected flies. Ten (12.4%) of the 81 samples (individuals and pools) analyzed by PCR were positive for the 18S rRNA gene of the Theileria/Babesia species. Trypanosoma DNA was not detected in any sample. After performing Basic Local Alignment Search Tool searches and a phylogenetic analysis, only six samples (7.4%), including S. calcitrans (n = 2), S. sitiens (n = 2), T. megalops (n = 1), and A. cryptotaxis (n = 1), were found to be infected with Theileria sinensis. Furthermore, apicomplexan parasites, namely, Mattesia spp. and Colpodella spp., were found on S. indicus, the fungus Meira spp. was found on S. calcitrans, and the pathogenic green alga Helicosporidium spp. was found on A. cryptotaxis. Conclusion This study is the first to report a variety of Stomoxys and tabanid flies collected from horse farms in Thailand, which were found to be infected with Theileria and Colpodella species that affect mammals, suggesting that Stomoxys and tabanid flies can be used to confirm the presence of hemoprotozoan parasites in the study area. Understanding the presence of hemoprotozoa in flies could help design vector control programs and manage various diseases in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanakorn Phetkarl
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Punpichaya Fungwithaya
- School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand
| | - Supak Udompornprasith
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Narin Sontigun
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
- One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
- Center of Excellence Research for Melioidosis and Microorganisms, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
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Lakew BT, Eastwood S, Walkden-Brown SW. Epidemiology and Transmission of Theileria orientalis in Australasia. Pathogens 2023; 12:1187. [PMID: 37887703 PMCID: PMC10610506 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101187] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Oriental theileriosis, a disease primarily impacting cattle is caused by an apicomplexan hemoprotozoan parasite, Theileria orientalis. It has now become established in the Australasia region. The organism was long considered a benign cause of persistent infections; however, an increase in clinical outbreaks since 2006 in the eastern Australian states and New Zealand was associated with the identification of the pathogenic Ikeda (Type 2) and Chitose (Type 1) genotypes. Unlike the pathogenic T. parva and T. annulate, which target leucocytes, clinical manifestation with T. orientalis is due to its effects on erythrocytes, with the infection sometimes designated as Theileria associated bovine anemia (TABA). In Australia and New Zealand, the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis is the principal vector, though other Haemaphysalis species are also likely vectors. The endemic status of infection with pathogenic genotypes in areas with low or absent tick populations is an apparent paradox that may be attributable to alternative modes of transmission, such as mechanical transmission by hematophagous insects (lice, mosquitoes, and biting flies), vertical transmission, and transmission via iatrogenic means. This review addresses the evidence for the different modes of transmission of T. orientalis with particular focus on the reported and potential vectors in Australasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biniam T. Lakew
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia;
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa P.O. Box 138, Ethiopia
| | - Steve Eastwood
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia;
| | - Stephen W. Walkden-Brown
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia;
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Pereira MR, Trein CR, Webster A, Dallagnol B, Gonchoroski GZ, Pellegrini DP, Doyle R, Klafke G, Reck J. Comparison of Seroprevalence and Identification of Risk Factors for Theileria equi in Horses From Vector-Free and Infested Areas in Southern Brazil. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 126:104241. [PMID: 36773853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104241] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The apicomplexan hemoprotozoan Theileria equi is a tick-borne pathogen that causes disease in equids, and together with Babesia caballi, causes equine piroplasmosis (EP). Many ticks are associated with EP around the world, and in South America three species may be related: Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma sculptum, and Rhipicephalus microplus, as they are commonly found in horses. Among the species cited above, only R. microplus is found in Rio Grande do Sul state, Southern Brazil. In addition, this state has the only area legally free of R. microplus in Brazil. This study aimed to compare the seroprevalence for T. equi on farms located in a tick-free area (23 farms, 215 horses) and a tick-infested (25 farms, 141 horses) adjacent areas, as well as to identify potential risk factors for exposure to T. equi. Blood was collected from 356 horses from both areas, and later an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect anti-T. equi antibodies. Besides the blood collection, questionnaires and interviews were conducted in an attempt to identify potential risk factors. The R. microplus-free zone had 6% seropositive horses against 70% in the tick-infested zone. Previous observation of ticks on horses of the herd increased four times the odds of a horse to be seropositive for T. equi, and by three times if ticks were observed on cattle which share paddocks with horses on the farm. The results showed a large difference in T. equi seroprevalence between tick-infested and free areas, and also emphasized the relevance of R. microplus in the epidemiology of T. equi. The study also reveals the potential of the establishment of a T. equi-free zone for horse breeding in Southern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rocha Pereira
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cristina Rodrigues Trein
- Departamento de Vigilância e Defesa Sanitária Animal (DDA), Secretaria da Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural (SEAPDR) do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Vitória do Palmar, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Anelise Webster
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dallagnol
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Greice Zorzato Gonchoroski
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Débora Payão Pellegrini
- Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Uruguaiana, RS Brazil
| | - Rovaina Doyle
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Klafke
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - José Reck
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Detection and distribution of haematophagous flies and lice on cattle farms and potential role in the transmission of Theileria orientalis. Vet Parasitol 2021; 298:109516. [PMID: 34271315 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
On the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, endemic Theileria orientalis infection of cattle has been reported on farms where no ticks have been observed, raising the question of how Theileria is transmitted in these areas. To investigate the potential role of mechanical transmission by insects, the present study investigated the seasonal dynamics of biting fly species trapped between December 2017 and May 2019 on six cattle farms in the region where the presence of Theileria was confirmed. These flies, sucking lice collected from these farms and pools of Culicoides species affecting cattle also trapped in the region were subjected to qPCR detection of T. orientalis. Eleven species from eight genera of biting flies were collected using unbaited Nzi traps. Tabanid species were present in all farms, with Dasybasis oculata (43.6 %) and D. circumdata (27.6 %) being the most abundant and widespread species. The effect of season on the mean count per trapping event was statistically significant and highest in the summer months for Lilaea fuliginosa and D. oculata, and the autumn months for D. circumdata, with no seasonal effect on the abundance of the undescribed Dasybasis spp. No biting flies were trapped during the winter months. Sucking (Linognathus vituli and Haematopinus eurysternus) and biting (Bovicola bovis) cattle lice were also collected from all farms with the latter detected in only one farm. PCR screening for T. orientalis of trapped hematophagous insects resulted in parasite detection in the tabanid and Stomoxyini flies, biting midges and sucking lice with the highest proportion of positive samples for Haematopinus eurysternus (4/4 pools) and H. irritans exigua (6/15 individuals). The detection of the parasite in these potential vectors indicates a possible role in the mechanical transmission of T. orientalis and may partly explain the ubiquitous presence of Theileria in areas where ticks are absent.
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Novel Protozoans in Austria Revealed through the Use of Dogs as Sentinels for Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071392. [PMID: 34203236 PMCID: PMC8306317 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously isolated and cultivated the novel Rickettsia raoultii strain Jongejan. This prompted us to ask whether this strain is unique or more widely present in Austria. To assess this issue, we retrospectively screened ticks collected from dogs in 2008. Of these collected ticks, we randomly selected 75 (47 females and 28 males) Dermacentor reticulatus, 44 (21 females, 7 males, and 16 nymphs) Haemaphysalis concinna, and 55 (52 females and 3 males) ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. Subsequently, these ticks were individually screened for the presence of tick-borne pathogens using the reverse line blot hybridization assay. In our current study, we detected DNA from the following microbes in D. reticulatus: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia spielmanii, Borrelia valaisiana, and R. raoultii, all of which were R. raoultii strain Jongejan. In H. concinna, we found DNA of a Babesia sp., Rickettsia helvetica, and an organism closely related to Theileria capreoli. Lastly, I. ricinus was positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii/Borrelia bavariensis, B. lusitaniae, B. spielmanii, B. valaisiana, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, and Theileria (Babesia) microti DNA. The detection of DNA of the Babesia sp. and an organism closely related to Theileria capreoli, both found in H. concinna ticks, is novel for Austria.
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Scoles GA, Lohmeyer KH, Ueti MW, Bonilla D, Lahmers KK, Piccione J, Rogovskyy AS. Stray Mexico origin cattle captured crossing into Southern Texas carry Babesia bovis and other tick-borne pathogens. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101708. [PMID: 34175736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cattle fever ticks, Rhipicephalus microplus and R. annulatus have been eradicated from the United States and inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) monitor the quarantine zone along the Texas border to prevent the introduction of livestock carrying cattle fever ticks from Mexico. Stray livestock apprehended by CFTEP in the zone are checked for ticks and tested for infectious disease-causing pathogens but are not evaluated for evidence of infection with tick-borne pathogens. We tested blood samples collected from stray cattle by CFTEP inspectors for evidence of infection with tick-borne pathogens. As a comparison group representing U.S. resident cattle, we tested blood samples that had been sent to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for unrelated testing. Both sets of blood samples were evaluated using the same specific and broad-spectrum PCR assays. For the border cattle the overall prevalence of infection with one or more tick-borne pathogen was 58.5 % (79/135) with many co-infections, including 30 cattle positive for Babesia bovis and/or Babesia bigemina (22.2 %) and 77 cattle positive for Anaplasma marginale (57 %), three of these animals were also positive for Borrelia theileri. No resident cattle represented by the TVMDL samples were infected with either of the Babesia spp., or with Borrelia theileri, but three were positive for Theileria orientalis and 7.3 % (7/96) were positive for A. marginale. These data show that cattle originating in Mexico have a higher prevalence of infection with tick-borne pathogens relative to resident U.S. cattle and specifically, a proportion are infected with bovine Babesia, which is absent from U.S. cattle populations. Consequently, these stray cattle may be a reservoir of tick-borne pathogens and if populations of Boophilus ticks become reestablished in areas where they had previously been eradicated, could pose a significant risk to the U.S. Cattle industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen A Scoles
- USDA, ARS, Animal Disease Research Unit, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.
| | - Kimberly H Lohmeyer
- USDA, ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX, United States.
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- USDA, ARS, Animal Disease Research Unit, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.
| | - Denise Bonilla
- USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services, Fort Collins, CO, United States.
| | - Kevin K Lahmers
- Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States.
| | - Julie Piccione
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - Artem S Rogovskyy
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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Gałęcki R, Jaroszewski J, Bakuła T, Galon EM, Xuan X. Molecular Detection of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Deer Keds ( Lipoptena fortisetosa). Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030324. [PMID: 33801932 PMCID: PMC7999563 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Deer keds are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites of birds and mammals. Cervids serve as specific hosts for these insects. However, ked infestations have been observed in non-specific hosts, including humans, companion animals, and livestock. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a weakly studied ectoparasite, but there is evidence to indicate that it continues to spread across Europe. The existing knowledge on deer keds' impact on wildlife is superficial, and their veterinary importance is enigmatic. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a species with vectorial capacity, but potential pathogen transmission has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of selected pathogens in L. fortisetosa collected from cervids and host-seeking individuals in the environment. Out of 500 acquired samples, 307 (61.4%) had genetic material from at least one tested pathogen. Our research suggests that L. fortisetosa may be a potential vector of several pathogens, including A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Borellia spp., Coxiella-like endosymbionts, Francisiella tularensis, Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., and Theileria spp.; however, further, more extensive investigations are required to confirm this. The results of the study indicate that keds can be used as biological markers for investigating the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the population of free-ranging cervids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remigiusz Gałęcki
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Feed Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Tadeusz Bakuła
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Feed Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Eloiza M. Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (X.X.)
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (X.X.)
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Lakew BT, Kheravii SK, Wu SB, Eastwood S, Andrew NR, Jenkins C, Walkden-Brown SW. Endemic infection of cattle with multiple genotypes of Theileria orientalis on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales despite limited presence of ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101645. [PMID: 33388554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bovine theileriosis, caused by the Theileria orientalis complex, causes a mild persistent infection with the severity dependent on the infecting genotype and host exposure status. Clinical theileriosis was first detected on the Northern Tablelands of NSW in 2009 and a high prevalence of infection in cattle reported in 2013. However, the parasite was not genotyped and likely vectors not investigated. In response to ongoing clinical cases, here we identify the Theileria genotypes present in the region and potential vectors. Genotype-specific multiplex qPCR of 90 blood samples from eight farms revealed a 100 % prevalence of T. orientalis in individual cattle with concurrent infection with all three genotypes present in 73 % of cases. The prevalence of the pathogenic genotype (Ikeda) differed significantly between farms; however, the level of parasitemia was not affected by genotype or associated with clinical disease. Parasitaemia levels were higher in heifers than cows. Questing tick collection on six of the farms between November 2017 and May 2019 yielded 358 questing ticks from one farm, all of which were morphologically identified as Haemaphysalis bancrofti. Larvae accounted for 59 % of the ticks followed by nymphs (34 %) and adults (7%). Theileria was detected only in nymphs with Ikeda and Buffeli genotypes each being detected in one of four pools of ticks. The high prevalence of co-infection with three genotypes of T. orientalis indicates that they are now endemic in the region and confirms the lack of cross-protection between genotypes. This is the first detection of T. orientalis in questing H. bancrofti ticks: indicating that it may be a vector for T. orientalis in this region. However, the high prevalence of bovine infection is at odds with the absence of captured ticks or history of tick infestation on five of the six farms raising the possibility that other vectors or transmission pathways play key roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biniam T Lakew
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia; College of Veterinary Medicine, Haramaya University, P. O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
| | - Sarbast K Kheravii
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Shu-Biao Wu
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Steve Eastwood
- Local Land Services, Northern Tablelands, Armidale, 2350, NSW, Australia
| | - Nigel R Andrew
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia; Insect Ecology Lab, Zoology, Centre for Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, 2568, Australia
| | - Stephen W Walkden-Brown
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
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Paslaru AI, Verhulst NO, Maurer LM, Brendle A, Pauli N, Vögtlin A, Renzullo S, Ruedin Y, Hoffmann B, Torgerson PR, Mathis A, Veronesi E. Potential mechanical transmission of Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) by the stable fly ( Stomoxys calcitrans) through regurgitation and defecation. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 1:100007. [PMID: 36003591 PMCID: PMC9387481 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2020.100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disorder of cattle caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) which can induce severe infections leading to high economic losses. Being of African origin, the first LSD outbreaks in Europe occurred in Greece and later in the Balkan region. Little is known about the mode of transmission, especially in relation to the potential role of arthropods vectors. The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of Stomoxys calcitrans in the transmission of LSDV and their presence at different farms in Switzerland. Laboratory-reared flies were exposed to LSDV spiked-blood and incubated under a realistic fluctuating temperature regime. Body parts, regurgitated blood, and faecal samples were analysed by qPCR for the presence of viral DNA and infectious virus at different time points post-feeding (p.f.). LSDV DNA was detected in heads, bodies, and regurgitated blood up to three days p.f. and up to two days p.f. in the faeces. Infectious virus was isolated from bodies and faeces up to two days and in the regurgitated blood up to 12 h p.f. There was no increase in viral load, consolidating the role of S. calcitrans as mechanical vectors for LSDV. Stomoxys flies were present at all eight farms investigated, including a farm located at 2128 m asl. The persistence of LSDV in S. calcitrans in combination with the long flight ranges of this abundant and widespread fly might have implications on LSD epidemiology and on implementing control measures during disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca I. Paslaru
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr.266A, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Niels O. Verhulst
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr.266A, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Lena M. Maurer
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr.266A, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Alexsandra Brendle
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr.266A, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Pauli
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr.266A, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Vögtlin
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Renzullo
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Yelena Ruedin
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Paul R. Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Mathis
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr.266A, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Eva Veronesi
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr.266A, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
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Vergne T, Andraud M, Bonnet S, De Regge N, Desquesnes M, Fite J, Etore F, Garigliany MM, Jori F, Lempereur L, Le Potier MF, Quillery E, Saegerman C, Vial L, Bouhsira E. Mechanical transmission of African swine fever virus by Stomoxys calcitrans: Insights from a mechanistic model. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1541-1549. [PMID: 32910533 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) represents a global threat with huge economic consequences for the swine industry. Even though direct contact is likely to be the main transmission route from infected to susceptible hosts, recent epidemiological investigations have raised questions regarding the role of haematophagous arthropods, in particular the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans). In this study, we developed a mechanistic vector-borne transmission model for ASF virus (ASFV) within an outdoor domestic pig farm in order to assess the relative contribution of stable flies to the spread of the virus. The model was fitted to the ecology of the vector, its blood-feeding behaviour and pig-to-pig transmission dynamic. Model outputs suggested that in a context of low abundance (<5 flies per pig), stable flies would play a minor role in the spread of ASFV, as they are expected to be responsible for around 10% of transmission events. However, with abundances of 20 and 50 stable flies per pig, the vector-borne transmission would likely be responsible for almost 30% and 50% of transmission events, respectively. In these situations, time to reach a pig mortality of 10% would be reduced by around 26% and 40%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis emphasized that the expected relative contribution of stable flies was strongly dependent on the volume of blood they regurgitated and the infectious dose for pigs. This study identified crucial knowledge gaps that need to be filled in order to assess more precisely the potential contribution of stable flies to the spread of ASFV, including a quantitative description of the populations of haematophagous arthropods that could be found in pig farms, a better understanding of blood-feeding behaviours of stable flies and the quantification of the probability that stable flies partially fed with infectious blood transmit the virus to a susceptible pig during a subsequent blood-feeding attempt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothée Vergne
- UMR ENVT-INRAE IHAP, National Veterinary School of Toulouse, France
| | - Mathieu Andraud
- Unité d'Epidémiologie et de Bien-être Animal, Laboratoire de Ploufragan/Plouzané/Niort, Anses, France
| | - Sarah Bonnet
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Nick De Regge
- Sciensano, Scientific Direction Infectious Diseases in Animals, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Desquesnes
- InterTryp, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Johanna Fite
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Florence Etore
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Mutien-Marie Garigliany
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, University of Liège, Liège
| | - Ferran Jori
- UMR Animal, Santé, Territoires, Risque et Ecosystèmes (ASTRE), CIRAD-INRAE Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Elsa Quillery
- UMR Animal, Santé, Territoires, Risque et Ecosystèmes (ASTRE), CIRAD-INRAE Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, University of Liège, Liège
| | - Laurence Vial
- UMR Animal, Santé, Territoires, Risque et Ecosystèmes (ASTRE), CIRAD-INRAE Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Emilie Bouhsira
- UMR ENVT-INRAE InTheRes, National Veterinary School of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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