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Diakou A, Sofroniou D, Paoletti B, Tamvakis A, Kolencik S, Dimzas D, Morelli S, Grillini M, Traversa D. Ticks, Fleas, and Harboured Pathogens from Dogs and Cats in Cyprus. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121403. [PMID: 36558737 PMCID: PMC9786688 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121403] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and fleas are blood-sucking ectoparasites that cause irritation and anaemia to their hosts and act as vectors of pathogens (vector-borne pathogens, VBPs) of relevance for animal and human health. In the present study, tick and flea species in dogs and cats from Cyprus were recorded and VBPs were detected in the collected specimens. Ectoparasites were collected from 220 animals (161 dogs and 59 cats), and a questionnaire including demographic, clinical, and other information was filled out for each animal. The ectoparasites were morphologically identified and the detection of VBPs was performed by PCR-coupled sequencing. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was found on 108 dogs and 13 cats, and Ixodes gibbosus on 2 dogs. Ctenocephalides felis was the predominant flea species (on 62 dogs and 45 cats), while one dog and one cat were infested by Ctenocephalides canis and Echidnophaga gallinacea, respectively. The VBPs in ticks were Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia felis, Hepatozoon felis and Hepatozoon canis, while Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia sp., Bartonella koehlerae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella henselae were recorded in fleas. Statistical analysis (chi-square test and multiple univariate generalized linear model) showed that animals up to 6 months of age were less likely to be infested with ticks than older animals, but more likely to be infested with fleas. Ticks were more prevalent in sheltered than in owned animals, while the odds ratio of flea presence was higher in owned animals than those living in shelters. The present study is the first investigation on the occurrence of ticks and fleas in dogs and cats from Cyprus, showing the presence of different VBPs in these important ectoparasites. The results point out the importance of systematic ectoparasite control in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Barbara Paoletti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Androniki Tamvakis
- Laboratory of Ecology and System Dynamics, Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
| | | | - Dimitris Dimzas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marika Grillini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Moerbeck L, Domingos A, Antunes S. Tick-Borne Rickettsioses in the Iberian Peninsula. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111377. [PMID: 36422628 PMCID: PMC9695430 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses (TBR) are caused by obligate, intracellular bacteria of the spotted-fever group (SFG) of the genus Rickettsia (Order Rickettsiales), transmitted by hard ticks. TBR are one of the oldest known vector-borne zoonoses and pose a threat to both human and animal health, as over the years, new SFG Rickettsia spp. have been reported worldwide with the potential to be human pathogens. In Portugal and Spain, the countries that constitute the Iberian Peninsula, reported TB rickettsiae causing human disease include Rickettsia conorii conorii, Rickettsia conorii israelensis, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia rioja, Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae, and Rickettsia monacensis. An allochthonous case of TBR caused by Rickettsia massiliae, described in Spain, points to the need to monitor disease epidemiology, to predict risks of exposure and spread of disease, and taking into account globalization and climate changes. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on the status of TBR in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as to show the importance of a national and international collaborative epidemiology surveillance network, towards monitoring Rickettsia spp. circulation in both Portugal and Spain.
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Vieira Lista MC, Belhassen-García M, Vicente Santiago MB, Sánchez-Montejo J, Pedroza Pérez C, Monsalve Arteaga LC, Herrador Z, del Álamo-Sanz R, Benito A, Soto López JD, Muro A. Identification and Distribution of Human-Biting Ticks in Northwestern Spain. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13050469. [PMID: 35621803 PMCID: PMC9144542 DOI: 10.3390/insects13050469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary We conducted a tick surveillance study in northwestern Spain. Nymphs of Ixodes ricinus were the most frequently collected. Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Hyalomma marginatum, Hy. lusitanicum, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus and Haemaphysalis punctata were also found, with adults as the main stage. The number of collected Hyalomma spp. and R. bursa has been progressively increasing over time. Although bites occurred throughout the year, the highest number of incidents was reported from April to July. The distribution patterns of the tick species were different between the north and the south of the region, which was related to cases detected in humans of the pathogens they carried. Adult men were more likely to be bitten by ticks than women. Ticks were most frequently removed from adults from the lower limbs, while for children, they were mainly attached to the head. Epidemiological surveillance is essential given the increase in tick populations in recent years. Abstract Ticks transmit a wide diversity of pathogens to a great variety of hosts, including humans. We conducted a tick surveillance study in northwestern Spain between 2014 and 2019. Ticks were removed from people and identified. Tick numbers, species, development stages, the timeline, seasonal and geographical distribution and epidemiological characteristics of people bitten by ticks were studied. We collected ticks from 8143 people. Nymphs of I. ricinus were the most frequently collected. Rhipicephalus bursa, R. sanguineus s.l., Hy. marginatum, Hy. lusitanicum, D. marginatus, D. reticulatus and H. punctata were also found, with adults as the main stage. The number of collected Hyalomma spp. and R. bursa has been progressively increasing over time. Although bites occurred throughout the year, the highest number of incidents was reported from April to July. The distribution patterns of the tick species were different between the north and the south of the region, which was related to cases detected in humans of the pathogens they carried. Adult men were more likely to be bitten by ticks than women. Ticks were most frequently removed from adults from the lower limbs, while for children, they were mainly attached to the head. Epidemiological surveillance is essential given the increase in tick populations in recent years, mainly of species potentially carrying pathogens causing emerging diseases in Spain, such as Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCFH).
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Affiliation(s)
- María Carmen Vieira Lista
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | - Moncef Belhassen-García
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.B.-G.); (A.M.)
| | - María Belén Vicente Santiago
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | - Javier Sánchez-Montejo
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | - Carlos Pedroza Pérez
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | | | - Zaida Herrador
- National Centre for Tropical Medicine, Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (Z.H.); (A.B.)
| | | | - Agustin Benito
- National Centre for Tropical Medicine, Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (Z.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Julio David Soto López
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.B.-G.); (A.M.)
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Santibáñez S, Portillo A, Ibarra V, Santibáñez P, Metola L, García-García C, Palomar AM, Cervera-Acedo C, Alba J, Blanco JR, Oteo JA. Epidemiological, Clinical, and Microbiological Characteristics in a Large Series of Patients Affected by Dermacentor-Borne-Necrosis-Erythema-Lymphadenopathy from a Unique Centre from Spain. Pathogens 2022; 11:528. [PMID: 35631049 PMCID: PMC9146834 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent decades, a tick-borne rickettsial syndrome, characterized by eschar and painful lymphadenopathy after Dermacentor marginatus-bite, has been described as an emerging rickettsiosis in Europe. Our group named it DEBONEL (Dermacentor-borne-necrosis-erythema-lymphadenopathy), regarding the vector and the main infection signs. Other groups called it TIBOLA (tick-borne-lymphadenophathy) and, later, SENLAT (scalp-eschar-and-neck-lymphadenopathy-after-tick-bite), expanding, in the latter, the etiological spectrum to other pathogens. Objective: To investigate the etiology of DEBONEL agents in our area, and to compare their epidemiological/clinical/microbiological characteristics. During 2001-2020, 216 patients clinically diagnosed of DEBONEL (the largest series from one center) in La Rioja (northern Spain) were examined. Rickettsia spp. were amplified in 14/104 (13.46%) blood samples, 69/142 (48.59%) eschar swabs, 7/7 (100%) biopsies, and 71/71 (100%) D. marginatus from patients. For samples in which Rickettsia was undetected, no other microorganisms were found. 'Candidatus Rickettsia rioja', Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia raoultii, and Rickettsia DmS1 genotype were detected in 91, 66, 4, and 3 patients, respectively. DEBONEL should be considered in patients with clinical manifestations herein described in areas associated to Dermacentor. The most frequently involved agent in our environment is 'Ca. R. rioja'. The finding of Rickettsia sp. DmS1 in ticks attached to DEBONEL patients suggests the implication of other rickettsia genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases (CRETAV), Infectious Diseases Department, San Pedro University Hospital-Center for Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, Spain; (S.S.); (V.I.); (P.S.); (L.M.); (C.G.-G.); (A.M.P.); (C.C.-A.); (J.A.); (J.R.B.); (J.A.O.)
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Mediterranean Spotted Fever: Current Knowledge and Recent Advances. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6040172. [PMID: 34698275 PMCID: PMC8544691 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040172] [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: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an emerging tick-borne rickettsiosis of the spotted fever group (SFG), endemic in the Mediterranean basin. By virtue of technological innovations in molecular genetics, it has been determined that the causative agent of MSF is Rickettsia conorii subspecies conorii. The arthropod vector of this bacterium is the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The true nature of the reservoir of R. conorii conorii has not been completely deciphered yet, although many authors theorize that the canine population, other mammals, and the ticks themselves could potentially contribute as reservoirs. Typical symptoms of MSF include fever, maculopapular rash, and a characteristic eschar (“tache noire”). Atypical clinical features and severe multi-organ complications may also be present. All of these manifestations arise from the disseminated infection of the endothelium by R. conorii conorii. Several methods exist for the diagnosis of MSF. Serological tests are widely used and molecular techniques have become increasingly available. Doxycycline remains the treatment of choice, while preventive measures are focused on modification of human behavior and vector control strategies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of MSF.
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Gillingham EL, Cull B, Pietzsch ME, Phipps LP, Medlock JM, Hansford K. The Unexpected Holiday Souvenir: The Public Health Risk to UK Travellers from Ticks Acquired Overseas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7957. [PMID: 33138220 PMCID: PMC7663673 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Overseas travel to regions where ticks are found can increase travellers' exposure to ticks and pathogens that may be unfamiliar to medical professionals in their home countries. Previous studies have detailed non-native tick species removed from recently returned travellers, occasionally leading to travel-associated human cases of exotic tick-borne disease. There are 20 species of tick endemic to the UK, yet UK travellers can be exposed to many other non-native species whilst overseas. Here, we report ticks received by Public Health England's Tick Surveillance Scheme from humans with recent travel history between January 2006 and December 2018. Altogether, 16 tick species were received from people who had recently travelled overseas. Confirmed imports (acquired outside of the UK) were received from people who recently travelled to 22 countries. Possible imports (acquired abroad or within the UK) were received from people who had recently travelled to eight European countries. Species-specific literature reviews highlighted nine of the sixteen tick species are known to vector at least one tick-borne pathogen to humans in the country of acquisition, suggesting travellers exposed to ticks may be at risk of being bitten by a species that is a known vector, with implications for novel tick-borne disease transmission to travellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Gillingham
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Maaike E. Pietzsch
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - L. Paul Phipps
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Research Group, Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK;
| | - Jolyon M. Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Kayleigh Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
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Epidemiology, Clinical Aspects, Laboratory Diagnosis and Treatment of Rickettsial Diseases in the Mediterranean Area During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of the Literature. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2020; 12:e2020056. [PMID: 32952967 PMCID: PMC7485464 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2020.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present review is to give an update regarding the classification, epidemiology, clinical manifestation, diagnoses, and treatment of the Rickettsial diseases present in the Mediterranean area. We performed a comprehensive search, through electronic databases (Pubmed – MEDLINE) and search engines (Google Scholar), of peer-reviewed publications (articles, reviews, and books). The availability of new diagnostic tools, including Polymerase Chain Reaction and nucleotide sequencing has significantly modified the classification of intracellular bacteria, including the order Rickettsiales with more and more new Rickettsia species recognized as human pathogens. Furthermore, emerging Rickettsia species have been found in several countries and are often associated with unique clinical pictures that may challenge the physician in the early detection of the diseases. Rickettsial infections include a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from a benign to a potentially life treating disease that requires prompt recognition and proper management. Recently, due to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the differential diagnosis with COVID-19 is of crucial importance. The correct understanding of the clinical features, diagnostic tools, and proper treatment can assist clinicians in the management of Rickettsioses in the Mediterranean area.
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Ali A, Khan MA, Zahid H, Yaseen PM, Qayash Khan M, Nawab J, Ur Rehman Z, Ateeq M, Khan S, Ibrahim M. Seasonal Dynamics, Record of Ticks Infesting Humans, Wild and Domestic Animals and Molecular Phylogeny of Rhipicephalus microplus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Front Physiol 2019; 10:793. [PMID: 31379587 PMCID: PMC6646419 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although ticks prevalent in various agro-systems of Pakistan are associated with economic losses, information is still missing about the tick's diversity, hosts they infest, seasonal dynamics and molecular phylogeny of Rhipicephalus microplus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. This study for the first time enlisted ticks infesting diverse hosts including humans in various regions of KP. A total of 8,641 ticks were collected across the northern, southern and central regions of KP and were morpho-taxonomically categorized into six genera comprising 17 species, R. microplus (n = 3,584, 42%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 2,253, 27%), Argas persicus (n = 1,342, 16%), Hya. impeltatum (n = 586, 7%), R. turanicus (n = 161, 2%), R. haemaphysaloides (n = 142, 2%), R. annulatus (n = 132, 2%), Hae. montgomeryi (n = 123, 1.4%), Hya. marginatum (n = 110, 1.3%), R. sanguineus (n = 34, 0.4%), and Hae. longicornis (n = 31, 0.4%). Ticks infesting wild animals included Amblyomma gervaisi, Amb. exornatum, Amb. latum, Dermacentor marginatus, and Hae. indica, while ticks collected from humans included R. microplus, R. annulatus, Hya. anatolicum, Hya. marginatum, and Hae. punctata. The overall prevalence of ticks infesting domestic animals was 69.4% (536/772). Among animal hosts, cattle were found highly infested (87.2%, 157/180) followed by buffalos (79%, 91/114), domestic fowls (74.7%, 112/150), goats (68.3%, 82/120), dogs (66.7%, 32/48), horses (61.3%, 49/80), and sheep (16.3%, 13/80). Analysis revealed that the tick burden significantly differed among domestic animals and was found to be high in cattle, followed by buffalos, goats, sheep, domestic fowl, dogs, and horses. Seasonal patterns of ticks distribution showed highest prevalance in July, August, and September due to the prevailing high temperature and humidity during these months. The phylogenetic analysis of cattle tick R. microplus based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COX1), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences, revealed that R. microplus prevalent in this region belongs to clade C which include ticks originating from Bangladesh, Malaysia, and India. Further large scale studies across the country are necessary to explore the molecular and cross breeding aspects at the geographical overlapping of various tick species and their associated pathogens to facilitate designing control strategies as well as awareness against tick infestation in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Munsif Ali Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Pir Muhammad Yaseen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Qayash Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Javed Nawab
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zia Ur Rehman
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ateeq
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sardar Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Baxarias M, Álvarez-Fernández A, Martínez-Orellana P, Montserrat-Sangrà S, Ordeix L, Rojas A, Nachum-Biala Y, Baneth G, Solano-Gallego L. Does co-infection with vector-borne pathogens play a role in clinical canine leishmaniosis? Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:135. [PMID: 29554918 PMCID: PMC5859550 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severity of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) due to Leishmania infantum might be affected by other vector-borne organisms that mimic its clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens based on serological and molecular techniques in dogs with clinical leishmaniosis living in Spain and to associate them with clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities as well as disease severity. METHODS Sixty-one dogs with clinical leishmaniosis and 16 apparently healthy dogs were tested for Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Bartonella henselae antigens by the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and for E. canis, Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and filarioid DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Among the dogs examined by IFAT, the seroprevalences were: 69% for R. conorii, 57% for E. canis, 44% for A. phagocytophilum and 37% for B. henselae; while the prevalences found by PCR were: 8% for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, 3% for Anaplasma platys and 1% for H. canis. No other pathogen DNA was detected. Statistical association was found between dogs with clinical leishmaniosis and seroreactivity to R. conorii antigen (Fisher's exact test: P = 0.025, OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1-17) and A. phagocytophilum antigen (Fisher's exact test: P = 0.002, OR = 14.3, 95% CI = 2-626) and being positive to more than one serological or molecular tests (co-infections) (Mann-Whitney test: U = 243, Z = -2.6, n 1 = 14, n 2 = 61, P = 0.01) when compared with healthy dogs. Interestingly, a statistical association was found between the presence of R. conorii, E. canis, A. phagocytophilum and B. henselae antibodies in sick dogs and some clinicopathological abnormalities such as albumin and albumin/globulin ratio decrease and increase in serum globulins. Furthermore, seroreactivity with A. phagocytophilum antigens was statistically associated with CanL clinical stages III and IV. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that dogs with clinical leishmaniosis from Catalonia (Spain) have a higher rate of co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens when compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, positivity to some vector-borne pathogens was associated with more marked clinicopathological abnormalities as well as disease severity with CanL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baxarias
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Pamela Martínez-Orellana
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sara Montserrat-Sangrà
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Ordeix
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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10
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Torpiano P, Pace D. Clinically-diagnosed Mediterranean Spotted Fever in Malta. Travel Med Infect Dis 2018; 26:16-24. [PMID: 29462726 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) is a tick-borne zoonosis caused by Rickettsia conorii which is endemic in Malta, an island in the South Mediterranean that is a popular tourist destination. Diagnosis is frequently based on clinical manifestations as laboratory results are often limited to a retrospective diagnosis. We describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of children <16 years who presented with MSF from 2011 to 2016. METHOD The demographics, clinical findings, laboratory results, management and outcome of all children hospitalised with suspected MSF based on the presence of fever and an eschar, were retrieved from their case notes. RESULTS Over the five-year study period six children, aged between 17 months and 15 years, were diagnosed with MSF. All children had contact with ticks and the majority presented in summer. Laboratory results were non-specific and included elevated inflammatory markers, lymphocytosis/lymphopenia and hyponatraemia. Serological and molecular techniques were used for diagnosis. Response to clarithromycin or doxycycline was immediate. CONCLUSION MSF should be included in the differential diagnosis of fever, rash and an eschar in children who travel to Malta. Despite advances in molecular diagnostics, clinical diagnosis remains important in the management of children with suspected MSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Torpiano
- Department of Paediatrics, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Msida, MSD 2090, Malta.
| | - David Pace
- Department of Paediatrics, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Msida, MSD 2090, Malta
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11
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El Karkouri K, Kowalczewska M, Armstrong N, Azza S, Fournier PE, Raoult D. Multi-omics Analysis Sheds Light on the Evolution and the Intracellular Lifestyle Strategies of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1363. [PMID: 28775717 PMCID: PMC5517468 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne Rickettsia species are obligate intracellular bacteria which are pathogenic for humans. Within this genus, Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia conorii cause frequent and potentially severe infections, whereas Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia massiliae cause rare and milder infections. All four species belong to spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. However, R. slovaca and R. raoultii cause scalp eschar and neck lymphadenopathy (SENLAT) and are mainly associated with Dermacentor ticks, whereas the other two species cause Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) and are mainly transmitted by Rhipicephalus ticks. To identify the potential genes and protein profiles and to understand the evolutionary processes that could, comprehensively, relate to the differences in virulence and pathogenicity observed between these four species, we compared their genomes and proteomes. The virulent and milder agents displayed divergent phylogenomic evolution in two major clades, whereas either SENLAT or MSF disease suggests a discrete convergent evolution of one virulent and one milder agent, despite their distant genetic relatedness. Moreover, the two virulent species underwent strong reductive genomic evolution and protein structural variations, as well as a probable loss of plasmid(s), compared to the two milder species. However, an abundance of mobilome genes was observed only in the less pathogenic species. After infecting Xenopus laevis cells, the virulent agents displayed less up-regulated than down-regulated proteins, as well as less number of identified core proteins. Furthermore, their similar and distinct protein profiles did not contain some genes (e.g., ompA/B and rickA) known to be related to rickettsial adhesion, motility and/or virulence, but may include other putative virulence-, antivirulence-, and/or disease-related proteins. The identified evolutionary forces herein may have a strong impact on intracellular expressions and strategies in these rickettsiae, and that may contribute to the emergence of distinct virulence and diseases in humans. Thus, the current multi-omics data provide new insights into the evolution and fitness of SFG virulence and pathogenicity, and intracellular pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid El Karkouri
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique 7278, IRD 198, Institut National De La Santé Et De La Recherche Médicale U1095, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseille, France
| | - Malgorzata Kowalczewska
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique 7278, IRD 198, Institut National De La Santé Et De La Recherche Médicale U1095, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseille, France
| | - Nicholas Armstrong
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique 7278, IRD 198, Institut National De La Santé Et De La Recherche Médicale U1095, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseille, France
| | - Said Azza
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique 7278, IRD 198, Institut National De La Santé Et De La Recherche Médicale U1095, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseille, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique 7278, IRD 198, Institut National De La Santé Et De La Recherche Médicale U1095, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique 7278, IRD 198, Institut National De La Santé Et De La Recherche Médicale U1095, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-Infection, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseille, France
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12
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Blanda V, Torina A, La Russa F, D'Agostino R, Randazzo K, Scimeca S, Giudice E, Caracappa S, Cascio A, de la Fuente J. A retrospective study of the characterization of Rickettsia species in ticks collected from humans. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:610-614. [PMID: 28457821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsiae (family Rickettsiaceae, order Rickettsiales) are obligate intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropod vectors. Several Rickettsia species causing vector-borne rickettsioses belong to the spotted fever group (SFG). Traditionally, Rickettsia conorii has been considered as the main etiologic agent of Mediterranean spotted fever. However, the molecular characterization of rickettsiae allowed identifying other species involved in spotted fever in the Mediterranean region. In this study, 42 ticks collected from humans were subjected to morphological identification and molecular characterization of Rickettsia species potentially involved in human rickettsiosis in Sicily. Fourteen ticks positive to at least two Rickettsia spp. molecular markers were used in the study. Identified Rickettsia spp. included R. conorii, found in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rickettsia aeschlimannii found in Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Dermacentor marginatus and Ixodes ricinus, Rickettsia massiliae found in R. turanicus and R. sanguineus s.l., and Rickettsia slovaca found in D. marginatus and R. sanguineus s.l. Our results showed a great variety of zoonotic Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected from humans in Sicily. The Rickettsia spp. reported in this study were identified in previously recognized or new potential tick vectors in Europe, highlighting the risk of infection by different Rickettsia spp. for humans bitten by ticks in Sicily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Rosalia D'Agostino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Kety Randazzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Scimeca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 S. Agata-Messina, Italy.
| | - Santo Caracappa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Antonio Cascio
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129 - 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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13
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Genetic characterization of spotted fever group rickettsiae in questing ixodid ticks collected in Israel and environmental risk factors for their infection. Parasitology 2017; 144:1088-1101. [PMID: 28330517 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to genetically characterize spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) in questing ixodid ticks from Israel and to identify risk factors associated with SFGR-positive ticks using molecular techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis. 1039 ticks from the genus Rhipicephalus were collected during 2014. 109/1039 (10·49%) carried SFGR-DNA of either Rickettsia massiliae (95), 'Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae' (8) or Rickettsia conorii (6). Higher prevalence of SFGR was found in Rhipicephalus turanicus (18·00%) compared with Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (3·22%). Rickettsia massiliae was the most commonly detected species and the most widely disseminated throughout Israel (87·15% of all Rickettsia-positive ticks). GIS analysis revealed that Central and Northern coastal regions are at high risk for SFGR. The presence of ticks was significantly associated with normalized difference vegetation index and temperature variation over the course of the year. The presence of rickettsiae was significantly associated with brown type soils, higher land surface temperature and higher precipitation. The latter parameters may contribute to infection of the tick with SFGR. Health care professionals should be aware of the possible exposure of local communities and travellers to R. massillae. Molecular and geographical information can help professionals to identify areas that are susceptible to SFGR-infected ticks.
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14
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Ereqat S, Nasereddin A, Vayssier-Taussat M, Abdelkader A, Al-Jawabreh A, Zaid T, Azmi K, Abdeen Z. Molecular Evidence of Bartonella Species in Ixodid Ticks and Domestic Animals in Palestine. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1217. [PMID: 27540374 PMCID: PMC4972812 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks play an important role in disease transmission as vectors for human and animal pathogens, including the Gram-negative pathogen Bartonella. Here, we evaluated the presence of Bartonella in ixodid ticks and domestic animals from Palestine. We tested 633 partly engorged ticks and 139 blood samples from domestic animals (dogs, sheep and camels) for Bartonella using ITS-PCR. Bartonella DNA was detected in 3.9% of the tested ticks. None of the ticks collected from sheep and goats were positive for Bartonella. Seventeen R. sanguineus ticks (17/391; 4.3%) collected from dogs were infected with B. rochalimae (n = 10), B. chomelii (n = 6), and B. koehlerae (n = 1). Four H. dromedarri ticks (4/63; 6.3%) obtained from camels were infected with B. bovis (n = 2) and B. rochalimae (n = 2). Among canine blood samples (n = 110), we found one asymptomatic female dog to be infected with B. rochalimae (0.9%). The detection of zoonotic Bartonella species in this study should raise awareness of these vector-borne diseases among physicians, veterinarians and public health workers and highlight the importance of surveillance and preventive measures in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suheir Ereqat
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu DeisPalestine; Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu DeisPalestine
| | - Abdelmajeed Nasereddin
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis Palestine
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- L'Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR), Biologie Moléculaire et Immunologie Parasitaires (BIPAR), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (ENVA)-Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail (ANSES), Paris France
| | - Ahmad Abdelkader
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis Palestine
| | - Amer Al-Jawabreh
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis Palestine
| | - Taher Zaid
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis Palestine
| | - Kifaya Azmi
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu DeisPalestine; Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu DeisPalestine
| | - Ziad Abdeen
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis Palestine
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15
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Faccini-Martínez ÁA, García-Álvarez L, Hidalgo M, Oteo JA. Syndromic classification of rickettsioses: an approach for clinical practice. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 28:126-39. [PMID: 25242696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsioses share common clinical manifestations, such as fever, malaise, exanthema, the presence or absence of an inoculation eschar, and lymphadenopathy. Some of these manifestations can be suggestive of certain species of Rickettsia infection. Nevertheless none of these manifestations are pathognomonic, and direct diagnostic methods to confirm the involved species are always required. A syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms that characterizes a disease with many etiologies or causes. This situation is applicable to rickettsioses, where different species can cause similar clinical presentations. We propose a syndromic classification for these diseases: exanthematic rickettsiosis syndrome with a low probability of inoculation eschar and rickettsiosis syndrome with a probability of inoculation eschar and their variants. In doing so, we take into account the clinical manifestations, the geographic origin, and the possible vector involved, in order to provide a guide for physicians of the most probable etiological agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara García-Álvarez
- Infectious Diseases Department, Center of Rickettsioses and Vector-borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José A Oteo
- Infectious Diseases Department, Center of Rickettsioses and Vector-borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
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16
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Milhano N, Popov V, Vilhena M, Bouyer DH, de Sousa R, Walker DH. Quantitative study of Rickettsia massiliae in Rhipicephalus sanguineus organs. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:709-14. [PMID: 25108779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia massiliae, belonging to the spotted fever group of Rickettsia, is a human pathogen causing a similar course of disease to that caused by R. conorii, the originally recognized etiologic agent of Mediterranean spotted fever. In view of this similarity, we performed an ultrastructural study of R. massiliae in organs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, in order to advance knowledge of the complex dynamics at the tick-pathogen interface in rickettsioses. Adult R. massiliae-infected Rh. sanguineus ticks were fed on uninfected Hartley strain guinea pigs, and five females were collected daily throughout their feeding period up to day 6, and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and electron microscopy. An increase in rickettsial content was observed in the salivary glands, particularly in the first two days of feeding, and a plateau was observed between days 3 and 6. Rickettsial organisms were observed in all tick organs analyzed, in higher numbers in the fed state, and statistically significant differences were observed in measurements of the periplasmic layer of R. massiliae in salivary glands of fed and unfed Rh. sanguineus ticks, with increased thickness in the former case. This study provides insight into the interface between R. massiliae and Rh. sanguineus ticks, highlighting the need for analysis of R. massiliae to fully ascertain its place as an important pathogenic agent of a spotted fever rickettsiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Milhano
- National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal.
| | - Vsevolod Popov
- Department of Pathology and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Manuela Vilhena
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Donald H Bouyer
- Department of Pathology and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rita de Sousa
- National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - David H Walker
- Department of Pathology and Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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17
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Ticks infesting humans in Italy and associated pathogens. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:328. [PMID: 25023709 PMCID: PMC4223688 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks may transmit a large variety of pathogens, which cause illnesses in animals and humans, commonly referred to as to tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The incidence of human TBDs in Italy is underestimated because of poor surveillance and the scant amount of studies available. Methods Samples (n = 561) were collected from humans in four main geographical areas of Italy (i.e., northwestern, northeastern, southern Italy, and Sicily), which represent a variety of environments. After being morphologically identified, ticks were molecularly tested with selected protocols for the presence of pathogens of the genera Rickettsia, Babesia, Theileria, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia and Anaplasma. Results Ticks belonged to 16 species of the genera Argas, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus, with Ixodes ricinus (59.5%) being the species most frequently retrieved, followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (21.4%). Nymphs were the life stage most frequently retrieved (41%), followed by adult females (34.6%). The overall positivity to any pathogen detected was 18%. Detected microorganisms were Rickettsia spp. (17.0%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.8%), Borrelia afzelii (0.5%), Borrelia valaisiana (0.3%), C. N. mikurensis (0.5%) and Babesia venatorum (0.6%). Conclusions Results indicate that people living in the Italian peninsula are at risk of being bitten by different tick species, which may transmit a plethora of TBD causing pathogens and that co-infections may also occur.
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18
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Levin ML, Zemtsova GE, Montgomery M, Killmaster LF. Effects of homologous and heterologous immunization on the reservoir competence of domestic dogs for Rickettsia conorii (israelensis). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:33-40. [PMID: 24201056 PMCID: PMC5659121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A number of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae cause serious infections in humans. Several antigenically related rickettsial agents may coexist within the same geographical area, and humans or vertebrate hosts may be sequentially exposed to multiple SFG agents. We assessed whether exposure of a vertebrate reservoir to one SFG Rickettsia will affect the host's immune response to a related pathogen and the efficiency of transmission to uninfected ticks. Two pairs of dogs were each infected with either Rickettsia massiliae or Rickettsia conorii israelensis, and their immune response was monitored twice weekly by IFA. The four immunized dogs and a pair of naïve dogs were each challenged with R. conorii israelensis-infected Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs. Uninfected Rh. sanguineus larvae were acquisition-fed on the dogs on days 1, 7, and 14 post-challenge. These ticks were tested for the presence of rickettsial DNA after molting to the nymphal stage. The naive dogs became infected with R. conorii israelensis and were infectious to ticks for at least 3 weeks, whereas reservoir competence of dogs previously infected with either R. massiliae or R. conorii was significantly diminished. This opens an opportunity for decreasing the efficiency of transmission and propagation of pathogenic Rickettsia in natural foci by immunizing the primary hosts with closely related nonpathogenic SFG bacteria. However, neither homologous immunization nor cross-immunization significantly affected the efficiency of R. conorii transmission between cofeeding infected nymphs and uninfected larvae. At high densities of ticks, the efficiency of cofeeding transmission may be sufficient for yearly amplification and persistent circulation of a rickettsial pathogen in the vector population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Levin
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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19
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Gonçalves DD, Carreira T, Nunes M, Benitez A, Lopes-Mori FMR, Vidotto O, de Freitas JC, Vieira ML. First record of Borrelia burgdorferi B31 strain in Dermacentor nitens ticks in the northern region of Parana (Brazil). Braz J Microbiol 2014; 44:883-7. [PMID: 24516456 PMCID: PMC3910206 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822013000300035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in ticks that feed on horses used for animal traction in rural Jataizinho, Parana, Brazil. Between February and June 2008, a total of 224 ticks was collected of which 75% were identified as Dermacentor nitens and 25% as Amblyomma cajenense. To amplify B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA, the intergenic space region (ISR) between the 5S (rrf) 23S (rrl) rRNA genes was used as targets for nested-PCR. Two ticks of the D. nitens species were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. Both species showed a fragment of 184 bp, but the sequencing revealed 99.9% homology with the B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) strain B31. These results showed, for the first time, the presence of spirochete DNA infecting ticks that parasitize horses used for animal traction, in the rural municipality mentioned. In conclusion, this study opens up promising prospects for determining the infection rate of B. burgdorferi s.s. genospecies or other species in the equine population, as well as the impact of the infection rate on Lyme disease in the state of Parana.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Borrelia burgdorferi/classification
- Borrelia burgdorferi/genetics
- Borrelia burgdorferi/isolation & purification
- Brazil
- DNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
- Dermacentor/microbiology
- Female
- Male
- Molecular Sequence Data
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dib Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Teresa Carreira
- Grupo de Leptospirose e Borreliose de Lyme, Unidade de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Recursos Microbiológicos, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Mónica Nunes
- Grupo de Leptospirose e Borreliose de Lyme, Unidade de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Recursos Microbiológicos, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Aline Benitez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Maria Ruiz Lopes-Mori
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Odilon Vidotto
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar de Freitas
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Luísa Vieira
- Grupo de Leptospirose e Borreliose de Lyme, Unidade de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Recursos Microbiológicos, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Caparica, Portugal
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Parola P, Paddock CD, Socolovschi C, Labruna MB, Mediannikov O, Kernif T, Abdad MY, Stenos J, Bitam I, Fournier PE, Raoult D. Update on tick-borne rickettsioses around the world: a geographic approach. Clin Microbiol Rev 2013; 26:657-702. [PMID: 24092850 PMCID: PMC3811236 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00032-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 908] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group of the genus Rickettsia. These zoonoses are among the oldest known vector-borne diseases. However, in the past 25 years, the scope and importance of the recognized tick-associated rickettsial pathogens have increased dramatically, making this complex of diseases an ideal paradigm for the understanding of emerging and reemerging infections. Several species of tick-borne rickettsiae that were considered nonpathogenic for decades are now associated with human infections, and novel Rickettsia species of undetermined pathogenicity continue to be detected in or isolated from ticks around the world. This remarkable expansion of information has been driven largely by the use of molecular techniques that have facilitated the identification of novel and previously recognized rickettsiae in ticks. New approaches, such as swabbing of eschars to obtain material to be tested by PCR, have emerged in recent years and have played a role in describing emerging tick-borne rickettsioses. Here, we present the current knowledge on tick-borne rickettsiae and rickettsioses using a geographic approach toward the epidemiology of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | | | - Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade de São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Tahar Kernif
- Service d'Ecologie des Systèmes Vectoriels, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Mohammad Yazid Abdad
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Idir Bitam
- University of Boumerdes, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
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21
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Socolovschi C, Audoly G, Raoult D. Connection of toxin-antitoxin modules to inoculation eschar and arthropod vertical transmission in Rickettsiales. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 36:199-209. [PMID: 23414774 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The biological role of toxin-antitoxin systems (TAS) in pathogenicity and cell addiction of Rickettsia was recently reported. We realized a comparative genomic analysis onto 33 rickettsial genomes and correlated the presence of TAS encoding genes with vertical transmission (VT) in arthropod hosts, the presence of inoculation eschar in humans and experimental animals, and the mortality in humans. There is a significant statistical link between TAS and the presence of an eschar (p≤0.0001). The presence of TAS is also significantly inversely correlated with mortality. The toxic effect of TAS may increase the local reaction, thus inhibiting the spread of rickettsiae associated with fatal outcome of the disease. The TAS were also linked to VT (p≤0.0001). Together with our previous findings we speculate that this is the first addiction system evidenced in intracellular bacteria. Thus, the TAS, as selfish genetic elements, might be essential to the evolutionary strategy of intracellular bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, 13005 Marseille, France
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22
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Abstract
Rickettsioses are caused by obligate intracellular bacteria within the genus Rickettsia, mainly transmitted by arthropods. Until recently, Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) caused by Rickettsia conorii was considered the only tick-borne rickettsiosis in Europe. However, 'new' TBR have been described in Europe during last years. For instance, other subspecies such as R. conorii caspia and R. conorii israelensis have been involved in MSF. Dermacentor-borne necrosis erythema and lymphadenopathy/tick-borne lymphadenopathy (DEBONEL/TIBOLA) cases caused by Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia raoultii, and Rickettsia rioja been described in several countries where Dermacentor marginatus ticks (the mainly implicated vector) are present. Rickettsia helvetica has also been involved as a human pathogen in cases of fever with and without rash and in patients with meningitis and carditis. Other TBR such as lymphangitis-associated rickettsioses (LAR), caused by Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae, have been diagnosed in different European countries (France, Spain, Portugal and Greece). Rickettsia massiliae is considered an etiological agent of MSF-like illness in the Mediterranean basin. Furthermore, Rickettsia monacensis that is distributed all along Europe has been isolated from patients with MSF-like illness in Spain. Although Rickettsia aeschlimannii has been associated with MSF-like in Africa and is distributed in the Mediterranean area, no autochthonous human cases have been reported for Europe. Other Rickettsia species detected in ticks and unrelated to human disease (Candidatus Rickettsia kotlanii, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, Candidatus Rickettsia vini) could be potentially involved in the next years. Climate changes, among other factors, may contribute to the emergence of other rickettsioses or change their distribution. Lastly, African tick-bite fever (ATBF), caused by Rickettsia africae, is frequently diagnosed in Europe in patients returning from endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Oteo
- Infectious Diseases Area, Center of Rickettsioses and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño (La Rioja), Spain.
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23
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Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are caused by parasites, bacteria, or viruses transmitted by the bites of hematophagous arthropods. In Africa, there has been a recent emergence of new diseases and the re-emergence of existing diseases, usually with changes in disease epidemiology (e.g., geographical distribution, prevalence, and pathogenicity). In Africa, rickettsioses are recognized as important emerging vector-borne infections in humans. Rickettsial diseases are transmitted by different types of arthropods, ticks, fleas, lice, and mites. This review will examine the roles of these different arthropod vectors and their geographical distributions.
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Molecular detection of rickettsial agents in ticks and fleas collected from a European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Marseilles, France. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 35:77-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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25
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Marié JL, Davoust B, Socolovschi C, Mediannikov O, Roqueplo C, Beaucournu JC, Raoult D, Parola P. Rickettsiae in arthropods collected from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in France. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 35:59-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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26
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Dantas-Torres F. Biology and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:26. [PMID: 20377860 PMCID: PMC2857863 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the most widespread tick in the world and a well-recognized vector of many pathogens affecting dogs and occasionally humans. This tick can be found on dogs living in both urban and rural areas, being highly adapted to live within human dwellings and being active throughout the year not only in tropical and subtropical regions, but also in some temperate areas. Depending on factors such as climate and host availability, Rh. sanguineus can complete up to four generations per year. Recent studies have demonstrated that ticks exposed to high temperatures attach and feed on humans and rabbits more rapidly. This observation suggests that the risk of human parasitism by Rh. sanguineus could increase in areas experiencing warmer and/or longer summers, consequently increasing the risk of transmission of zoonotic agents (e.g., Rickettsia conorii and Rickettsia rickettsii). In the present article, some aspects of the biology and ecology of Rh. sanguineus ticks are discussed including the possible impact of current climate changes on populations of this tick around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Zootecnia, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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Socolovschi C, Matsumoto K, Huynh TP, Davoust B, Raoult D, Parola P. Transmission of Rickettsia sp. DmS1 in the tick, Dermacentor marginatus. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15 Suppl 2:322-3. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02258.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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28
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Abstract
As newly recognized rickettsial diseases and rickettsial pathogens increase in scope and magnitude, several elements related to the concept of emerging rickettsioses deserve consideration. Newly identified rickettsiae may be mildly pathogenic, or perhaps even nonpathogenic, and have little direct impact on human or animal health, yet nonetheless wield considerable influence on the epidemiology and ecology of historically recognized diseases. In this context "new" rickettsioses provide a lens through which "old" rickettsioses are more accurately represented. Predicting pathogen from nonpathogen is not an exact science, particularly as so few rickettsiae have been broadly accepted as nonpathogenic by contemporary rickettsiologists. However, various factors relating to specific physiologic requirements and molecular machinery of the particular rickettsia, as well as characteristics of its invertebrate host that either position or exclude the rickettsia from infecting a human host, must be considered. Close inspection of mild or atypical forms of historically recognized rickettsioses and a greater emphasis on culture- and molecular-based diagnostic techniques are the keys to identifying future rickettsial agents of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Paddock
- Infectious Disease Pathology Branch, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
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29
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Amusategui I, Tesouro MA, Kakoma I, Sainz Á. Serological Reactivity toEhrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neorickettsia risticii, Borrelia burgdorferiandRickettsia conoriiin Dogs from Northwestern Spain. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2008; 8:797-803. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2007.0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Amusategui
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugia Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Tesouro
- Departamento de Patologia Animal, Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Ibulaimu Kakoma
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
| | - Ángel Sainz
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugia Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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30
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Fernández-Soto P, Díaz Martín V, Pérez-Sánchez R, Encinas-Grandes A. Increased prevalence of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Castilla y León, Spain. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2008; 28:693-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s10096-008-0667-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Paddock C, Finley R, Wright C, Robinson H, Schrodt B, Lane C, Ekenna O, Blass M, Tamminga C, Ohl C, McLellan S, Goddard J, Holman R, Openshaw J, Sumner J, Zaki S, Eremeeva M. Rickettsia parkeriRickettsiosis and Its Clinical Distinction from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Clin Infect Dis 2008; 47:1188-96. [DOI: 10.1086/592254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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32
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Abstract
Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) was first described in 1910. Twenty years later, it was recognized as a rickettsial disease transmitted by the brown dog tick. In contrast to Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), MSF was thought to be a benign disease; however, the first severe case that resulted in death was reported in France in the 1980s. We have noted important changes in the epidemiology of MSF in the last 10 years, with emergence and reemergence of MSF in several countries. Advanced molecular tools have allowed Rickettsia conorii conorii to be classified as a subspecies of R. conorii. New clinical features, such as multiple eschars, have been recently reported. Moreover, MSF has become more severe than RMSF; the mortality rate was as high as 32% in Portugal in 1997. Whether Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the only vector and reservoir for R. conorii conorii is a question not yet answered.
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33
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Márquez FJ. Spotted fever group Rickettsia in ticks from southeastern Spain natural parks. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2008; 45:185-194. [PMID: 18677442 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-008-9181-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2008] [Accepted: 07/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
During an 8-years study, we collected from vegetation or domestic and wild mammals 1246 ticks (624 males, 511 females and 111 nymphs) belonging to 13 species in Jaen province (Andalusia) and we analyzed these ticks by PCR and sequencing for the presence of rickettsiae. Specific rickettsiae DNA was detected in 243 (19.5%) of the ticks tested. Sequence analysis of amplicons of gltA, ompA and ompB genes revealed that Ixodes ricinus were infected with R. monacensis, including strain IRS3, and R. helvetica (prevalences of 27.0% and 2.7%, respectively), while in I. ventalloi we found only this last species (12.5%). Moreover, Dermacentor marginatus presents R. slovaca (24.7%) and R. raoultii (59.9%). In Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks (Rh. sanguineus, Rh. turanicus and Rh. pusillus) only R. massiliae (15.2%) was found. Haemaphysalis punctata and Ha. sulcata were infected with a Rickettsia sp. near R. hoogstraalii (prevalence of 3.1% and 16.1%, respectively). In addition, Ha. punctata appeared infected with R. monacensis-like Rickettsia (1.0%) and R. raoultii (9.3%). None of I. hexagonus, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hyalomma sp., Ha. hispanica or Rh. bursa studied ticks contained rickettsiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Márquez
- Dpto. Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071, Jaen, Spain.
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34
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Spotted fever group Rickettsia in brown dog ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus in southwestern Spain. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:119-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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