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Su S, Cui MY, Gui Z, Guo QQ, Ren H, Ma SF, Mu L, Yu JF, Fu SY, Qi DD. First detection of Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae in Hyalomma marginatum ticks. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296757. [PMID: 38306367 PMCID: PMC10836667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic diseases and play a major role in the circulation and transmission of many rickettsial species. The aim of this study was to investigate the carriage of Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae (CRT) in a total of 1168 ticks collected in Inner Mongolia to elucidate the potential public health risk of this pathogen, provide a basis for infectious disease prevention, control and prediction and contribute diagnostic ideas for clinical diseases that present with fever in populations exposed to ticks. A total of four tick species, Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 21), Dermacentor nuttalli (n = 122), Hyalomma marginatum (n = 148), and Ixodes persulcatus (n = 877), were collected at nine sampling sites in Inner Mongolia, China, and identified by morphological and molecular biological methods. Reverse transcription PCR targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (rrs), gltA, groEL, ompB and Sca4 genes was used to detect CRT DNA. Sequencing was used for pathogen species confirmation. The molecular epidemiological analysis showed that three species of ticks were infected with CRT, and the overall positive rate was as high as 42%. The positive rate of I. persulcatus collected in Hinggan League city was up to 96%, and that of I. persulcatus collected in Hulun Buir city was 50%. The pool positive rates of D. nuttalli and H. marginatum collected in Bayan Nur city and H. concinna collected in Hulun Buir city were 0%, 28% and 40%, respectively. This study revealed the high prevalence of CRT infection in ticks from Inner Mongolia and the first confirmation of CRT detected in H. marginatum in China. The wide host range and high infection rate in Inner Mongolia may dramatically increase the exposure of CRT to humans and other vertebrates. The role of H. marginatum in the transmission of rickettsiosis and its potential risk to public health should be further considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Su
- Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Meng-Yu Cui
- Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zheng Gui
- First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi-Qi Guo
- Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Hong Ren
- First Clinical College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shi-Fa Ma
- Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Psychiatry, The Third People’s Hospital of Hulunbuir City, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lan Mu
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jing-Feng Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shao-Yin Fu
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Science, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Dong-Dong Qi
- Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Psychiatry, The Third People’s Hospital of Hulunbuir City, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China
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Tian J, Liu J, Zhao H, Chen X, Geng X, Lu M, Li K. Molecular surveillance reveals a potential hotspot of tick-borne disease in Yakeshi City, Inner Mongolia. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:359. [PMID: 37986042 PMCID: PMC10662550 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A molecular surveillance of tick-borne diseases was performed in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. A total of 149 ticks including three species (Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and Dermacentor silvarum) were collected. As many as 11 tick-borne bacterial pathogens were identified in them. Some of them have high positive rates. For example, Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae was detected with a high prevalence of 72.48%, while Candidatus Lariskella sp. was detected in 31.54% of ticks. For both Rickettsia raoultii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, two distinct genotypes were identified based on their phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL sequences. Remarkable genetic diversity was also observed for 16S and flaB genes of Borreliella garinii, an agent of Lyme disease. Rickettsia heilongjiangensis causing Far-Eastern spotted fever (2.68%, 4/149), Ehrlichia muris causing human ehrlichiosis (4.70%, 7/149), Borrelia miyamotoi causing relapsing fever (2.01%, 3/149), and Borreliella afzelii causing Lyme disease (2.01%, 3/149) were also detected. Additionally, a previously uncharacterized Anaplasma species closely related to Anaplasma ovis was identified. Herein we name it "Candidatus Anaplasma mongolica". Based on these results, we propose that Yakeshi City might be a potential hotspot of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Tian
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430024, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430024, China
| | - Hongqing Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City, 102206, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430024, China
| | - Xueqin Geng
- Caidian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430100, China
| | - Miao Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City, 102206, China.
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Kun Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City, 102206, China.
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Ma R, Li C, Tian H, Zhang Y, Feng X, Li J, Hu W. The current distribution of tick species in Inner Mongolia and inferring potential suitability areas for dominant tick species based on the MaxEnt model. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:286. [PMID: 37587525 PMCID: PMC10428659 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05870-6] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are known to transmit a wide range of diseases, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The expansion of tick habitats has been intensified in recent years due to various factors such as global warming, alterations in microclimate, and human activities. Consequently, the probability of human exposure to diseases transmitted by ticks has increased, leading to a higher degree of risk associated with such diseases. METHODS In this study, we conducted a comprehensive review of domestic and international literature databases to determine the current distribution of tick species in Inner Mongolia. Next, we employed the MaxEnt model to analyze vital climatic and environmental factors influencing dominant tick distribution. Subsequently, we predicted the potential suitability areas of these dominant tick species under the near current conditions and the BCC-CSM2.MR model SSP245 scenario for the future periods of 2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100. RESULTS Our study revealed the presence of 23 tick species from six genera in Inner Mongolia, including four dominant tick species (Dermacentor nuttalli, Ixodes persulcatus, Dermacentor silvarum, and Hyalomma asiaticum). Dermacentor nuttalli, D. silvarum, and I. persulcatus are predominantly found in regions such as Xilin Gol and Hulunbuir. Temperature seasonality (Bio4), elevation (elev), and precipitation seasonality (Bio15) were the primary variables impacting the distribution of three tick species. In contrast, H. asiaticum is mainly distributed in Alxa and Bayannur and demonstrates heightened sensitivity to precipitation and other climatic factors. Our modeling results suggested that the potential suitability areas of these tick species would experience fluctuations over the four future periods (2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100). Specifically, by 2081-2100, the centroid of suitable habitat for D. nuttalli, H. asiaticum, and I. persulcatus was predicted to shift westward, with new suitability areas emerging in regions such as Chifeng and Xilin Gol. The centroid of suitable habitat for H. asiaticum will move northeastward, and new suitability areas are likely to appear in areas such as Ordos and Bayannur. CONCLUSIONS This study provided a comprehensive overview of the tick species distribution patterns in Inner Mongolia. Our research has revealed a significant diversity of tick species in the region, exhibiting a wide distribution but with notable regional disparities. Our modeling results suggested that the dominant tick species' suitable habitats will significantly expand in the future compared to their existing distribution under the near current conditions. Temperature and precipitation are the primary variables influencing these shifts in distribution. These findings can provide a valuable reference for future research on tick distribution and the surveillance of tick-borne diseases in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Chunfu Li
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Haoqiang Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Xinyu Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of China Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, China.
- One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 20025, China.
| | - Jian Li
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- Basic Medical College, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, 530005, Guangxi, China.
| | - Wei Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of China Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Ma H, Ai J, Kang M, Li J, Sun Y. The life cycle of Dermacentor nuttalli from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under laboratory conditions and detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1126266. [PMID: 36908514 PMCID: PMC9998488 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1126266] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor nuttalli has been a focus of study because tick-borne pathogens have been widely identified in this tick from northern and southwestern China. The aim of this study was to characterize the life cycle of D. nuttalli under laboratory conditions and to detect spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia in the midgut and salivary glands of both field-collected and first laboratory generation adults. D. nuttalli ticks were collected in the field on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from March to April 2021 and their life cycle was studied under laboratory conditions. Tick identify was molecularly confirmed, and SFG Rickettsia were detected in the midgut and salivary glands of males and females by PCR targeting different rickettsial genes. The results showed that the life cycle of D. nuttalli under laboratory conditions was completed in an average of 86.1 days. High positivity of Rickettsia spp. was detected in the midgut and salivary glands of both males (92.0%) and females (93.0%) of field-collected D. nuttalli ticks. However, a relatively lower positivity (4.0-6.0%) was detected in first laboratory generation adults. Furthermore, sequencing analysis showed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained in this study shared 98.6 to 100% nucleotide identity with Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii isolated from Dermacentor spp. in China. Phylogenetic analysis of Rickettsia spp. based on the gltA, ompA, ompB and sca4 genes revealed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained could be classified as belonging to R. slovaca and R. raoultii clades. This study described for the first time the life cycle of D. nuttalli from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under laboratory conditions. Two species of SFG Rickettsia were detected in the midgut and salivary glands of males and females in both field-collected and first laboratory-generation adults of D. nuttalli. Our study provides new insights into pathogen detection in ticks in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the relationships among hosts, ticks, and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jingkai Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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