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Kwofie KD, Hernandez EP, Anisuzzaman, Kawada H, Koike Y, Sasaki S, Inoue T, Jimbo K, Mikami F, Ladzekpo D, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Yamaji K, Tanaka T, Matsubayashi M, Alim MA, Dadzie SK, Iwanaga S, Tsuji N, Hatta T. RNA activation in ticks. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9341. [PMID: 37291173 PMCID: PMC10250327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36523-4] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA activation (RNAa) is a burgeoning area of research in which double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) or small activating RNAs mediate the upregulation of specific genes by targeting the promoter sequence and/or AU-rich elements in the 3'- untranslated region (3'-UTR) of mRNA molecules. So far, studies on the phenomenon have been limited to mammals, plants, bacteria, Caenorhabditis elegans, and recently, Aedes aegypti. However, it is yet to be applied in other arthropods, including ticks, despite the ubiquitous presence of argonaute 2 protein, which is an indispensable requirement for the formation of RNA-induced transcriptional activation complex to enable a dsRNA-mediated gene activation. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the possible presence of RNAa phenomenon in the tick vector, Haemaphysalis longicornis (Asian longhorned tick). We targeted the 3'-UTR of a novel endochitinase-like gene (HlemCHT) identified previously in H. longicornis eggs for dsRNA-mediated gene activation. Our results showed an increased gene expression in eggs of H. longicornis endochitinase-dsRNA-injected (dsHlemCHT) ticks on day-13 post-oviposition. Furthermore, we observed that eggs of dsHlemCHT ticks exhibited relatively early egg development and hatching, suggesting a dsRNA-mediated activation of the HlemCHT gene in the eggs. This is the first attempt to provide evidence of RNAa in ticks. Although further studies are required to elucidate the detailed mechanism by which RNAa occurs in ticks, the outcome of this study provides new opportunities for the use of RNAa as a gene overexpression tool in future studies on tick biology, to reduce the global burden of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofi Dadzie Kwofie
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Pacia Hernandez
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines at Los Baños, College, 4031, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Anisuzzaman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Hayato Kawada
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Yuki Koike
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Sana Sasaki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Takahiro Inoue
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Kei Jimbo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Fusako Mikami
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Danielle Ladzekpo
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kayoko Yamaji
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Center for Medical Entomology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsubayashi
- Department of Veterinary Immunology, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka, 598-8531, Japan
| | - Md Abdul Alim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Samuel Kweku Dadzie
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shiroh Iwanaga
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CIDER), Osaka University, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naotoshi Tsuji
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hatta
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan.
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Ravindran R, Hembram PK, Kumar GS, Kumar KGA, Deepa CK, Varghese A. Transovarial transmission of pathogenic protozoa and rickettsial organisms in ticks. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:691-704. [PMID: 36797442 PMCID: PMC9936132 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07792-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Transovarial transmission (TOT) is an efficient vertical transmission of pathogens that is observed in many arthropod vectors. This method seems to be an evolutionarily unique development observed only in Babesia sensu stricto (clade VI) and Rickettsia spp., whereas transstadial transmission is the common/default way of transmission. Transovarial transmission does not necessarily contribute to the amplification of tick-borne pathogens but does contribute to the maintenance of disease in the environment. This review aims to provide an updated summary of previous reports on TOT of tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reghu Ravindran
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India.
| | - Prabodh Kumar Hembram
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Gatchanda Shravan Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | | | - Chundayil Kalarickal Deepa
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Anju Varghese
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
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SELÇİN Ö, OĞUZ B. Van İlindeki Sokak Köpeklerinde Babesia Türlerinin Polimeraz Zincir Reaksiyonu Yöntemi İle Araştırılması. KOCAELI ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.30934/kusbed.1097664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amaç: Köpek babesiosisi Babesia spp.’ nin neden olduğu hemolitik anemi, splenomegali, trombositopeni ve ateşe neden olabilen kene kaynaklı bir protozoal hastalıktır. Türkiye’de yapılan moleküler çalışmalar soncunda B. canis, B. gibsoni, B. vogeli, B. rossi ve B. vulpes türlerinin varlığı ortaya konulmuştur. Yapılan literatür taramalarına göre Van ilinde yaşayan köpeklerde Babesia türlerini ortaya koyan herhangi bir çalışma bulunmamaktadır. Bu çalışma, Van ilindeki köpeklerde babesiosisin varlığı ve yaygınlığının Polimeraz Zincir Reaksiyonu (PZR) tekniği ile araştırılması amacıyla yapılmıştır.
Yöntem: Rastgele seçilen toplam 100 asemptomatik köpeğin vena cephalica antebrachii’lerinden EDTA’lı tüplere kan örnekleri alınmıştır. Alınan örneklerden elde edilen DNA’lar, Babesia spp.’ nin varlığı yönünden 18S ribozomal RNA geninin amplifiye edildiği PZR yöntemi ile araştırılmıştır.
Bulgular: Muayene edilen 100 köpeğin PZR sonuçlarına göre hiçbirinde Babesia spp. DNA’sına rastlanmamıştır.
Sonuç: Bu çalışma ile Van yöresi sokak köpeklerinde ilk kez Babesia spp. türleri moleküler olarak araştırılmıştır.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer SELÇİN
- VAN YÜZÜNCÜ YIL ÜNİVERSİTESİ, SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ENSTİTÜSÜ, PARAZİTOLOJİ (YL) (TEZLİ) (VETERİNER)
| | - Bekir OĞUZ
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Van
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Novel High-Throughput Multiplex qPCRs for the Detection of Canine Vector-Borne Pathogens in the Asia-Pacific. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051092. [PMID: 34069665 PMCID: PMC8161336 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Asia-Pacific hosts a large diversity of canine vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) with some of the most common and most pathogenic, generating significant mortality as well as a spectrum of health impacts on local dog populations. The VBPs Anaplasma platys, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. are all endemic throughout the region, with many exhibiting shifting geographical distributions that warrant urgent attention. Moreover, many of these species cause similar clinical signs when parasitising canine hosts, whilst knowledge of the exact pathogen is critical to ensure treatment is effective. This is complicated by frequent coinfection that can exacerbate pathology. Here, we describe the development, optimisation and validation of two novel quadruplex Taq-Man based real-time PCRs (qPCRs) for the specific and sensitive detection of the aforementioned VBPs. To ensure accurate evaluation of diagnostic performance, results of our qPCRs were evaluated on field samples from Thai dogs and compared with both conventional PCR (cPCR) results and next-generation sequencing (NGS) metabarcoding. Our qPCRs were found to be more sensitive at detecting canine VBP than cPCR and generated results similar to those achieved by NGS. These qPCRs will provide a valuable high-throughput diagnostic tool available to epidemiologists, researchers and clinicians for the diagnosis of key canine VBPs in the Asia-Pacific and further afield.
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Lee SH, Li J, Moumouni PFA, Okado K, Zheng W, Liu M, Ji S, Kim S, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Xuan X. Subolesin vaccination inhibits blood feeding and reproduction of Haemaphysalis longicornis in rabbits. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:478. [PMID: 32948229 PMCID: PMC7501621 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04359-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks can transmit numerous tick-borne pathogens and cause a huge economic loss to the livestock industry. Tick vaccines can contribute to the prevention of tick-borne diseases by inhibiting tick infestation or reproduction. Subolesin is an antigenic molecule proven to be a potential tick vaccine against different tick species and even some tick-borne pathogens. However, its effectivity has not been verified in Haemaphysalis longicornis, which is a widely distributed tick species, especially in East Asian countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectivity of subolesin vaccination against H. longicornis in a rabbit model. Methods Haemaphysalis longicornis (Okayama strain, female, adult, parthenogenetic strain) and Japanese white rabbits were used as the model tick and animal, respectively. The whole open reading frame of H. longicornis subolesin (HlSu) was identified and expressed as a recombinant protein using E. coli. The expression was verified using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the immunogenicity of rHlSu against anti-H. longicornis rabbit serum was confirmed using Western blotting. After vaccination of rHlSu in rabbits, experimental infestation of H. longicornis was performed. Variables related to blood-feeding periods, pre-oviposition periods, body weight at engorgement, egg mass, egg mass to body weight ratio, and egg-hatching periods were measured to evaluate the effectiveness of subolesin vaccination. Results The whole open reading frame of HlSu was 540 bp, and it was expressed as a recombinant protein. Vaccination with rHlSu stimulated an immune response in rabbits. In the rHlSu-vaccinated group, body weight at engorgement, egg mass, and egg mass to body weight ratio were statistically significantly lower than those in the control group. Besides, egg-hatching periods were extended significantly. Blood-feeding periods and pre-oviposition periods were not different between the two groups. In total, the calculated vaccine efficacy was 37.4%. Conclusions Vaccination of rabbits with rHlSu significantly affected the blood-feeding and reproduction in H. longicornis. Combined with findings from previous studies, our findings suggest subolesin has the potential to be used as a universal tick vaccine.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hun Lee
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, South Korea
| | - Jixu Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Okado
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Weiqing Zheng
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Soochong Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, South Korea
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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Kuo CY, Zhao C, Cheng T, Tsou CC, Li YC, Zhang Y, Hsieh MC, Haung SB, Chen WY. Rapid identification of Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni (Asian genotype) in canine blood samples using a customized portable real-time PCR analyzer and TaqMan-based assay. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101362. [PMID: 31883909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a serious infectious disease in subtropical and tropical regions. Typically, clinical detection of canine babesiosis is performed by blood smear observation or the traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Herein, we developed a new TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay combined with a customized portable real-time PCR platform for a rapid and accurate detection of canine babesiosis. Two new primer/probe pairs (B18S and BITS1) were designed based on 18S ribosomal RNA and an internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequence to differentiate Babesia canis and B. gibsoni (Asian genotype) DNAs from canine blood samples. Additionally, a corresponding customized compact real-time PCR platform with low 6-carboxyfluorescein fluorescence detection (≤5 nM), including a fast and accurate thermal cycling ability with a user-friendly interface for thermal control and data analysis, was designed for the limited space use. Both assays (B18S and BITS1) demonstrated a sensitivity of 100 copies/reaction based on the 95 % confidence interval evaluation method. The self-developed customized portable real-time PCR analyzer presented high repeatability and reproducibility with the TaqMan-based assay. Moreover, 501 clinical specimens were collected for evaluating the performance of the proposed PCR. The positive and negative predictive values were 90 % (18 of 20) and 100 % (226 of 226), respectively, for samples suspected with B. canis infection and 98 % (55 of 56) and 100 % (199 of 199), respectively, for samples suspected with B. gibsoni infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yen Kuo
- PreciGen Laboratories Business Department, Delta Electronics, Inc., Taiwan
| | - Chihyu Zhao
- PreciGen Laboratories Business Department, Delta Electronics, Inc., Taiwan
| | - TsunLi Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | | | - Yi-Chen Li
- Delta Research Center, Delta Electronics, Inc., Taiwan
| | - Yong Zhang
- Delta Research Center, Delta Electronics, Inc., Singapore
| | - Ming-Che Hsieh
- PreciGen Laboratories Business Department, Delta Electronics, Inc., Taiwan
| | - Song-Bin Haung
- PreciGen Laboratories Business Department, Delta Electronics, Inc., Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Ying Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.
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Mihara R, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Abe Y, Matsuo T, Horiuchi N, Kawano S, Fujisaki K, Suzuki H. The development of oocytes in the ovary of a parthenogenetic tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:465-471. [PMID: 29678671 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis is an important vector of various pathogens in domestic animals and humans. The tick is a unique species with bisexual and parthenogenetic races. Although mating induces oocyte development, it is possible in the parthenogenetic race to complete oogenesis without copulation. Here we examined the developmental process of oocytes from unfed to the oviposition period in parthenogenetic H. longicornis. We classified the developmental stages of oocytes into five stages: stage I, germinal vesicle occupies more than half of the cytoplasm; stage II, germinal vesicle occupies less than half of the cytoplasm; stage III, germinal vesicle migrates from the center in the oocyte to the vicinity of the pedicel cells; stage IV, the cytoplasm is filled with yolk granules of various sizes; stage V, the cytoplasm is occupied by large yolk granules. Oocytes at the unfed period were undeveloped and classified as stage I. Stage I and II oocytes were observed at the rapid feeding period, indicating that oocyte development began after the initiation of blood feeding. All developmental stages of oocytes were observed at the pre-oviposition period. At 10 days after the beginning of the oviposition period, the ratios of stage I and II oocytes were higher than those of the previous period, suggesting that the ovarian development and activity may be continuing. Based on these findings, we propose classification criteria for the oocyte development in the parthenogenetic H. longicornis. The criteria will be useful for understanding the mechanisms of tick reproduction and transovarial transmission of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Mihara
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagito 1-1, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Abe
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Tomohide Matsuo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Horiuchi
- Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Suguru Kawano
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagito 1-1, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suzuki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagito 1-1, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Jongejan F, Su BL, Yang HJ, Berger L, Bevers J, Liu PC, Fang JC, Cheng YW, Kraakman C, Plaxton N. Molecular evidence for the transovarial passage of Babesia gibsoni in Haemaphysalis hystricis (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks from Taiwan: a novel vector for canine babesiosis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:134. [PMID: 29554924 PMCID: PMC5859485 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2722-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia gibsoni is the predominant tick-borne protozoan blood parasite affecting dogs throughout the Oriental region. Babesia gibsoni is transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis, whereas a similar role has been suggested for Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Haemaphysalis longicornis does not occur in Taiwan, but R. sanguineus is widely distributed on dogs. However, clinical cases of babesiosis are mainly restricted to the northern part of the island. The discrepancy between tick distribution and clinical cases stimulated us to investigate the tick species distribution on dogs in northern Taiwan, with the aim to identify the local vector for canine babesiosis. METHODS Ticks were collected from stray dogs or free ranging pet dogs in northern Taiwan between 2015 and 2017 and, after identification, were tested for the presence of tick-borne Babesia parasites using PCR and reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation. Moreover, engorged ticks collected from the dogs were incubated at 28 °C to allow them to oviposit. Their subsequent larval progeny was also examined by PCR/RLB. RESULTS A total of 1085 ticks collected from 144 stray dogs at different residential areas consisted of 5 different species: H. hystricis (n = 435), R. sanguineus (n = 582), R. haemaphysaloides (n = 43), Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 14) and Ixodes ovatus (n = 11) were identified. Babesia gibsoni DNA was detected in H. hystricis females (10.3%), males (7.0%) and in 2.6% of the nymphs. One R. sanguineus female and one A. testudinarium female tick also carried B. gibsoni DNA. DNA of B. gibsoni was demonstrated in 11 out of 68 (16.2%) batches of larval ticks derived from engorged H. hystricus ticks only. Babesia vogeli DNA was detected only in R. sanguineus females (2.6%) and males (2.4%). DNA of B. vogeli was detected in 13 out of 95 (13.7%) batches of larval ticks derived from engorged R.sanguineus females. CONCLUSIONS Babesia gibsoni DNA was detected in the larval progeny of H. hystricis ticks only, whereas B. vogeli was restricted to the larvae of R. sanguineus. This provides evidence for transovarial passage of B. gibsoni in H. hystricis and evidence that this tick does act as the local vector for this parasite on dogs in northern Taiwan where most cases of babesiosis are reported. The vectorial capacity of R. sanguineus for babesiosis is probably restricted to the transmission of B. vogeli only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans Jongejan
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584, CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Bi-Ling Su
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiang-Ju Yang
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Laura Berger
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584, CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Bevers
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584, CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pin-Chen Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Jou-Chien Fang
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Cheng
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Charlotte Kraakman
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584, CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nadine Plaxton
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584, CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Hatta T, Okubo K, Sato M, Maeda H, Kume A, Yokoyama N, Igarashi I, Tsuji N, Fujisaki K, Inoue N, Suzuki H. Transovarial persistence of Babesia ovata DNA in a hard tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, in a semi-artificial mouse skin membrane feeding system. Acta Parasitol 2017; 62:836-841. [PMID: 29035855 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2017-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Bovine piroplasmosis, a tick-borne protozoan disease, is a major concern for the cattle industry worldwide due to its negative effects on livestock productivity. Toward the development of novel therapeutic and vaccine approaches, tick-parasite experimental models have been established to clarify the development of parasites in the ticks and the transmission of the parasites by ticks. A novel tick-Babesia experimental infection model recently revealed the time course of Babesia ovata migration in its vector Haemaphysalis longicornis, which is a dominant tick species in Japan. However, there has been no research on the transovarial persistence of B. ovata DNA using this experimental infection model. Here we assessed the presence of B. ovata DNA in eggs derived from parthenogenetic H. longicornis female ticks that had engorged after semi-artificial mouse skin membrane feeding of B. ovata-infected bovine red blood cells. The oviposition period of the engorged female ticks was 21-24 days in the semi-artificial feeding. Total egg weight measured daily reached a peak by day 3 in all female ticks. Nested PCR revealed that 3 of 10 female ticks laid B. ovata DNA-positive eggs after the semi-artificial feeding. In addition, B. ovata DNA was detected at the peak of egg weight during oviposition, indicating that B. ovata exist in the eggs laid a few days after the onset of oviposition in the tick. These findings will contribute to the establishment of B. ovata-infected H. longicornis colonies under laboratory conditions.
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Establishment of a novel tick-Babesia experimental infection model. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37039. [PMID: 27841321 PMCID: PMC5107930 DOI: 10.1038/srep37039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are potent vectors of many deadly human and animal pathogens. Tick-borne babesiosis is a well-recognized malaria-like disease that occurs worldwide and recently has attracted increased attention as an emerging zoonosis. Although the proliferation of Babesia organisms is essential in the vectors, their detailed lifecycle with time information for migration in ticks remains unknown. A novel study model for the elucidation of the migration speed of Babesia parasites in their vector tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, has been developed using an artificial feeding system with quantitative PCR method. The detectable DNA of Babesia parasites gradually disappeared in the tick midgut at 1 day post engorgement (DPE), and in contrary increased in other organs. The results indicated that the Babesia parasite passed the H. longicornis midgut within 24 hours post engorgement, migrated to the hemolymph, and then proliferated in the organs except the midgut. This time point may be an important curfew for Babesia parasites to migrate in the tick lumen. We also visualized the Babesia parasites in the experimentally infected ticks and in their eggs using IFAT for detecting their cytoskeletal structure, which suggested the successful tick infection and transovarial transmission of the parasite. This model will shed light on the further understanding of tick-Babesia interactions.
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11
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Solano-Gallego L, Sainz Á, Roura X, Estrada-Peña A, Miró G. A review of canine babesiosis: the European perspective. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:336. [PMID: 27289223 PMCID: PMC4902949 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1596-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease caused by various species of the protozoan genus Babesia. Although it occurs worldwide, data relating to European infections have now been collected for many years. These data have boosted the publication record and increased our working knowledge of these protozoan parasites. Both the large and small forms of Babesia species (B. canis, B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, and B. microti-like isolates also referred to as "B. vulpes" and "Theileria annae") infect dogs in Europe, and their geographical distribution, transmission, clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis vary widely for each species. The goal of this review is to provide veterinary practitioners with practical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of babesiosis in European dogs. Our hope is that these guidelines will answer the most frequently asked questions posed by veterinary practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Solano-Gallego
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ángel Sainz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Clinic Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Clinic Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Greay TL, Oskam CL, Gofton AW, Rees RL, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ. A survey of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of companion animals in Australia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:207. [PMID: 27160149 PMCID: PMC4862205 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are among the most important vectors of pathogens affecting companion animals, and also cause health problems such as tick paralysis, anaemia, dermatitis, and secondary infections. Twenty ixodid species have previously been recorded on dogs, cats, and horses in Australia, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes holocyclus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, which transmit tick-borne diseases. A survey of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) was conducted during 2012-2015 to investigate tick species that infest dogs, cats, and horses in Australia. METHODS Individual tick specimens were collected from dogs, cats and horses across Australia and sample collection locations were mapped using QGIS software. Ticks were morphologically examined to determine species, instar and sex. The companion animal owners responded to questionnaires and data collected were summarised with SPSS software. RESULTS A total of 4765 individual ticks were identified in this study from 7/8 states and territories in Australia. Overall, 220 larvae, 805 nymphs, 1404 males, and 2336 females of 11 tick species were identified from 837 companion animal hosts. One novel host record was obtained during this study for Ixodes myrmecobii, which was found on Felis catus (domestic cat) in the town of Esperance, Western Australia. The most common tick species identified included R. sanguineus on dogs (73 %), I. holocyclus on cats (81 %) and H. longicornis on horses (60 %). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Australia and our results contribute to the understanding of the species and distribution of ticks that parasitise dogs, cats, and horses in Australia. Records of R. sanguineus outside of the recorded distribution range emphasise the need for a systematic study of the habitat range of this species. Several incomplete descriptions of ixodid species encountered in this study hindered morphological identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telleasha L. Greay
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Alexander W. Gofton
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | | | - Una M. Ryan
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
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Harrup LE, Bellis GA, Balenghien T, Garros C. Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) taxonomy: current challenges and future directions. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2015; 30:249-266. [PMID: 25535946 PMCID: PMC4330985 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Culicoides Latreille biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) cause a significant biting nuisance to humans, livestock and equines, and are the biological vectors of a range of internationally important pathogens of both veterinary and medical importance. Despite their economic significance, the delimitation and identification of species and evolutionary relationships between species within this genus remains at best problematic. To date no phylogenetic study has attempted to validate the subgeneric classification of the genus and the monophyly of many of the subgenera remains doubtful. Many informal species groupings are also known to exist but few are adequately described, further complicating accurate identification. Recent contributions to Culicoides taxonomy at the species level have revealed a high correlation between morphological and molecular analyses although molecular analyses are revealing the existence of cryptic species. This review considers the methods for studying the systematics of Culicoides using both morphological and genetic techniques, with a view to understanding the factors limiting our current understanding of Culicoides biology and hence arbovirus epidemiology. In addition, we examine the global status of Culicoides identification, highlighting areas that are poorly addressed, including the potential implementation of emerging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Harrup
- Vector-borne Viral Diseases Programme, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK.
| | - G A Bellis
- University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - T Balenghien
- Cirad, UMR15 CMAEE, 34398 Montpellier, France; INRA, UMR1309 CMAEE, 34398 Montpellier, France
| | - C Garros
- Cirad, UMR15 CMAEE, 34398 Montpellier, France; INRA, UMR1309 CMAEE, 34398 Montpellier, France
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