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Butler LR, Gonzalez J, Pedra JHF, Oliva Chavez AS. Tick extracellular vesicles in host skin immunity and pathogen transmission. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:873-885. [PMID: 37591719 PMCID: PMC10528898 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.07.009] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Ticks can transmit a variety of human pathogens, including intracellular and extracellular bacteria, viruses, and protozoan parasites. Historically, their saliva has been of immense interest due to its anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic properties. Only recently, it was discovered that tick saliva contains extracellular vesicles (EVs). Briefly, it has been observed that proteins associated with EVs are important for multiple tick-borne intracellular microbial lifestyles. The impact of tick EVs on viral and intracellular bacterial pathogen transmission from the tick to the mammalian host has been shown experimentally. Additionally, tick EVs interact with the mammalian skin immune system at the bite site. The interplay between tick EVs, the transmission of pathogens, and the host skin immune system affords opportunities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julia Gonzalez
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joao H F Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Yang TS, LaDouceur EEB, Baumgartner WA, Marr HS, Karounos M, Robertson J, Whitehurst N, Miller LS, Birkenheuer AJ. A practical protocol to prepare paraffin-embedded whole tick histology sections. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102162. [PMID: 36965259 PMCID: PMC10652274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important ectoparasites that are capable of transmitting multiple classes of pathogens and are currently linked with many emerging tick-borne diseases worldwide. With increasing occurrences of tick-borne diseases in both humans and veterinary species, there is a continuous need to further our understanding of ticks and the pathogens they transmit. Whole tick histology provides a full scope of the tick internal anatomy, allowing researchers to examine multiple organs of interest in a single section. This is in contrast to other techniques that are more commonly utilized in tick-borne disease research, such as electron microscopy and light microscopy of individual organs. There is a lack of literature describing a practical technique to process whole tick histologic sections. Therefore, the current study aims to provide researchers with a workable protocol to prepare high quality paraffin-embedded whole tick histology sections. Amblyomma americanum adults were used as an example species for this study. After a series of pilot experiments using a combination of various fixatives, softening agents and processing techniques, we elected to compare two common fixatives, 10% neutral-buffered formalin (NBF) and Bouin's solution for whole ticks. Equal numbers of A. americanum unfed adults (n = 10/fixative) were processed identically and their whole tick histology coronal sections were individually scored. Higher scores were assigned to whole tick sections that contained more internal organs that are crucial for tick-borne disease research (e.g. salivary glands and midgut), high integrity of tissues and exoskeleton on the section, and good fixation and staining quality of the tissues. The mean total scores for Bouin's-fixed ticks were significantly higher compared to NBF-fixed ticks (p = 0.001). To further assess our preferred technique, we also demonstrated the feasibility of producing high quality whole tick sections for three other common tick species of medical importance (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes scapularis, and Dermacentor variabilis) using Bouin's solution. While this technique may require further optimization for other tick species, we described a feasible protocol that uses commonly available tools, reagents and standard histologic equipment. This should allow any investigator to easily make adjustments to this protocol as needed based on their experimental goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzushan S Yang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Elise E B LaDouceur
- Joint Pathology Center, Veterinary Pathology Services, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Wes A Baumgartner
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Henry S Marr
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Michael Karounos
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - James Robertson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Nathan Whitehurst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Laura S Miller
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
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Liu L, Sonenshine DE, Sultana H, Neelakanta G. Identification of a rickettsial endosymbiont in a soft tick Ornithodoros turicata americanus. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278582. [PMID: 36473013 PMCID: PMC9725135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial endosymbionts are abundantly found in both hard and soft ticks. Occidentia massiliensis, a rickettsial endosymbiont, was first identified in the soft tick Ornithodoros sonrai collected from Senegal and later was identified in a hard tick Africaniella transversale. In this study, we noted the presence of Occidentia species, designated as Occidentia-like species, in a soft tick O. turicata americanus. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the two genetic markers, 16S rRNA and groEL confirmed the presence of Occidentia-like species in O. turicata americanus ticks. The Occidentia-like species was noted to be present in all developmental stages of O. turicata americanus and in different tick tissues including ovaries, synganglion, guts and salivary gland. The levels of Occidentia-like species 16S rRNA transcripts were noted to be significantly higher in ovaries than in a gut tissue. In addition, Occidentia-like species groEL expression was noted to be significantly higher in tick synganglion than in ovaries and gut tissues. Furthermore, levels of Occidentia-like species 16S rRNA transcripts increased significantly upon O. turicata americanus blood feeding. Taken together, our study not only shows that Occidentia-like species is present in O. turicata americanus but also suggests that this bacterium may play a role in tick-bacteria interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Liu
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Daniel E. Sonenshine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States of America
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lynn GE, Breuner NE, Hojgaard A, Oliver J, Eisen L, Eisen RJ. A comparison of horizontal and transovarial transmission efficiency of Borrelia miyamotoi by Ixodes scapularis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102003. [PMID: 35858517 PMCID: PMC10880489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever spirochete carried by Ixodes spp. ticks throughout the northern hemisphere. The pathogen is acquired either transovarially (vertically) or horizontally through blood-feeding and passed transtadially across life stages. Despite these complementary modes of transmission, infection prevalence of ticks with B. miyamotoi is typically low (<5%) in natural settings and the relative contributions of the two transmission modes have not been studied extensively. Horizontal transmission of B. miyamotoi (strain CT13-2396 or wild type strain) was initiated using infected Ixodes scapularis larvae or nymphs to expose rodents, which included both the immunocompetent CD-1 laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) and a natural reservoir host, the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus. leucopus), to simulate natural enzootic transmission. Transovarial transmission was evaluated using I. scapularis exposed to B. miyamotoi as either larvae or nymphs feeding on immunocompromised SCID mice (M. musculus) and subsequently fed as females on New Zealand white rabbits. Larvae from infected females were qPCR-tested individually to assess transovarial transmission rates. Tissue tropism of B. miyamotoi in infected ticks was demonstrated using in situ hybridization. Between 1 and 12% of ticks were positive (post-molt) for B. miyamotoi after feeding on groups of CD-1 mice or P. leucopus with evidence of infection, indicating that horizontal transmission was inefficient, regardless of whether infected larvae or nymphs were used to challenge the mice. Transovarial transmission occurred in 7 of 10 egg clutches from infected females. Filial infection prevalence in larvae ranged from 3 to 100% (median 71%). Both larval infection prevalence and spirochete load were highly correlated with maternal spirochete load. Spirochetes were disseminated throughout the tissues of all three stages of unfed ticks, including the salivary glands and female ovarian tissue. The results indicate that while multiple transmission routes contribute to enzootic maintenance of B. miyamotoi, transovarial transmission is likely to be the primary source of infected ticks and therefore risk assessment and tick control strategies should target adult female ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey E Lynn
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; AgriLife Texas A&M University, 1619 Garner Field Road, Uvalde, TX 78801, United States.
| | - Nicole E Breuner
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Current address: College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 160 SW 26th St. Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Andrias Hojgaard
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
| | - Jonathan Oliver
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Lars Eisen
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
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Thorpe CJ, Wang XR, Munderloh UG, Kurtti TJ. Tick Cell Culture Analysis of Growth Dynamics and Cellular Tropism of Rickettsia buchneri, an Endosymbiont of the Blacklegged Tick, Ixodes scapularis. INSECTS 2021; 12:968. [PMID: 34821769 PMCID: PMC8626015 DOI: 10.3390/insects12110968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, a species of significant importance to human and animal health, harbors an endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri sensu stricto. The symbiont is largely restricted to the ovaries, but all life stages can harbor various quantities or lack R. buchneri entirely. The endosymbiont is cultivable in cell lines isolated from embryos of Ixodes ticks. Rickettsia buchneri most readily grows and is maintained in the cell line IRE11 from the European tick, Ixodes ricinus. The line was characterized by light and electron microscopy and used to analyze the growth dynamics of wildtype and GFPuv-expressing R. buchneri. qPCR indicated that the genome copy doubling time in IRE11 was >7 days. Measurements of fluorescence using a plate reader indicated that the amount of green fluorescent protein doubled every 11 days. Two 23S rRNA probes were tested via RNA FISH on rickettsiae grown in vitro and adapted to evaluate the tissue tropism of R. buchneri in field-collected female I. scapularis. We observed strong positive signals of R. buchneri in the ovaries and surrounding the nucleus of the developing oocytes. Tissue tropism in I. scapularis and in vitro growth dynamics strengthen the contemporary understanding of R. buchneri as a transovarially transmitted, non-pathogenic endosymbiont.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J. Thorpe
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (X.-R.W.); (U.G.M.)
| | | | | | - Timothy J. Kurtti
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (X.-R.W.); (U.G.M.)
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Tsao JI, Hamer SA, Han S, Sidge JL, Hickling GJ. The Contribution of Wildlife Hosts to the Rise of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in North America. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1565-1587. [PMID: 33885784 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife vertebrate hosts are integral to enzootic cycles of tick-borne pathogens, and in some cases have played key roles in the recent rise of ticks and tick-borne diseases in North America. In this forum article, we highlight roles that wildlife hosts play in the maintenance and transmission of zoonotic, companion animal, livestock, and wildlife tick-borne pathogens. We begin by illustrating how wildlife contribute directly and indirectly to the increase and geographic expansion of ticks and their associated pathogens. Wildlife provide blood meals for tick growth and reproduction; serve as pathogen reservoirs; and can disperse ticks and pathogens-either through natural movement (e.g., avian migration) or through human-facilitated movement (e.g., wildlife translocations and trade). We then discuss opportunities to manage tick-borne disease through actions directed at wildlife hosts. To conclude, we highlight key gaps in our understanding of the ecology of tick-host interactions, emphasizing that wildlife host communities are themselves a very dynamic component of tick-pathogen-host systems and therefore complicate management of tick-borne diseases, and should be taken into account when considering host-targeted approaches. Effective management of wildlife to reduce tick-borne disease risk further requires consideration of the 'human dimensions' of wildlife management. This includes understanding the public's diverse views and values about wildlife and wildlife impacts-including the perceived role of wildlife in fostering tick-borne diseases. Public health agencies should capitalize on the expertise of wildlife agencies when developing strategies to reduce tick-borne disease risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean I Tsao
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, and Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Seungeun Han
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jennifer L Sidge
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Graham J Hickling
- Center for Wildlife Health, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Saleh MN, Allen KE, Lineberry MW, Little SE, Reichard MV. Ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America: Biology, geographic distribution, and pathogen transmission. Vet Parasitol 2021; 294:109392. [PMID: 33971481 PMCID: PMC9235321 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A diverse array of ixodid and argasid ticks infest dogs and cats in North America, resulting in skin lesions, blood loss, and disease. The ticks most commonly found on pets in this region are hard ticks of the genera Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus, as well as the more recently established Haemaphysalis longicornis. Soft tick genera, especially Otobius and Ornithodoros, are also reported from pets in some regions. In this review, we provide a summary of the complex and diverse life histories, distinct morphologies, and questing and feeding behaviors of the more common ticks of dogs and cats in North America with a focus on recent changes in geographic distribution. We also review pathogens of dogs and cats associated with the different tick species, some of which can cause serious, potentially fatal disease, and describe the zoonotic risk posed by ticks of pets. Understanding the natural history of ticks and the maintenance cycles responsible for providing an ongoing source of tick-borne infections is critical to effectively combatting the challenges ticks pose to the health of pets and people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriam N Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States
| | - Kelly E Allen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States.
| | - Megan W Lineberry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States
| | - Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States
| | - Mason V Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States
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Mateos-Hernández L, Pipová N, Allain E, Henry C, Rouxel C, Lagrée AC, Haddad N, Boulouis HJ, Valdés JJ, Alberdi P, de la Fuente J, Cabezas-Cruz A, Šimo L. Enlisting the Ixodes scapularis Embryonic ISE6 Cell Line to Investigate the Neuronal Basis of Tick-Pathogen Interactions. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010070. [PMID: 33466622 PMCID: PMC7828734 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are small signaling molecules expressed in the tick central nervous system, i.e., the synganglion. The neuronal-like Ixodes scapularis embryonic cell line, ISE6, is an effective tool frequently used for examining tick–pathogen interactions. We detected 37 neuropeptide transcripts in the I. scapularis ISE6 cell line using in silico methods, and six of these neuropeptide genes were used for experimental validation. Among these six neuropeptide genes, the tachykinin-related peptide (TRP) of ISE6 cells varied in transcript expression depending on the infection strain of the tick-borne pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The immunocytochemistry of TRP revealed cytoplasmic expression in a prominent ISE6 cell subpopulation. The presence of TRP was also confirmed in A. phagocytophilum-infected ISE6 cells. The in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry of TRP of I. scapularis synganglion revealed expression in distinct neuronal cells. In addition, TRP immunoreaction was detected in axons exiting the synganglion via peripheral nerves as well as in hemal nerve-associated lateral segmental organs. The characterization of a complete Ixodes neuropeptidome in ISE6 cells may serve as an effective in vitro tool to study how tick-borne pathogens interact with synganglion components that are vital to tick physiology. Therefore, our current study is a potential stepping stone for in vivo experiments to further examine the neuronal basis of tick–pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Natália Pipová
- Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafarik University in Košice, 04180 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Eléonore Allain
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Céline Henry
- AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, PAPPSO, INRAE, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France;
| | - Clotilde Rouxel
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Anne-Claire Lagrée
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Nadia Haddad
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - James J. Valdés
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (J.d.l.F.)
- Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Centre for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Ciu-dad Real Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (J.d.l.F.)
- Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.-C.); (L.Š.); Tel.: +33-6-31-23-51-91 (A.C.-C.); +33-1-49-77-46-52 (L.Š.)
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.-C.); (L.Š.); Tel.: +33-6-31-23-51-91 (A.C.-C.); +33-1-49-77-46-52 (L.Š.)
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Putative morphology of Neoehrlichia mikurensis in salivary glands of Ixodes ricinus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15987. [PMID: 32994495 PMCID: PMC7525475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoehrlichia mikurensis is an emerging tick-borne intracellular pathogen causing neoehrlichiosis. Its putative morphology was described in mammalian, but not in tick cells. In this study, we aim to show the presumptive morphology of N. mikurensis in salivary glands of engorged females of Ixodes ricinus. To accomplish this, we collected I. ricinus ticks in a locality with a high N. mikurensis prevalence, allowed them to feed in the artificial in vitro feeding system, dissected salivary glands and screened them by PCR for N. mikurensis and related bacteria. Ultrathin sections of salivary glands positive for N. mikurensis but negative for other pathogens were prepared and examined by transmission electron microscopy. We observed two individual organisms strongly resembling N. mikurensis in mammalian cells as described previously. Both bacteria were of ovoid shape between 0.5–0.8 μm surrounded by the inner cytoplasmic and the rippled outer membrane separated by an irregular electron-lucent periplasmic space. Detection of N. mikurensis in salivary glands of I. ricinus suggests that this bacterium uses the “salivary pathway of transmission” to infect mammals.
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Ondruš J, Hubatka F, Kulich P, Odehnalová N, Harabiš V, Hesko B, Sychra O, Široký P, Turánek J, Novobilský A. A novel approach to imaging engorged ticks: Micro-CT scanning of Ixodes ricinus fed on blood enriched with gold nanoparticles. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101559. [PMID: 33137638 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is an exceptional imaging modality which is limited in visualizing soft biological tissues that need pre-examination contrasting steps, which can cause serious deformation to sizeable specimens like engorged ticks. The aim of this study was to develop a new technique to bypass these limitations and allow the imaging of fed ticks in their natural state. To accomplish this, adult Ixodes ricinus females were allowed to engorge in vitro on blood supplemented with PEGylated gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs). In total, 73/120 females divided into 6 groups engorged on blood enriched with 0.07-2.16 mg PEG-AuNPs per ml of blood. No toxic effect was observed for any of the tested groups compared to the control group, in which 12/20 females engorged on clear blood. The ticks were scanned on a Bruker micro-CT SkyScan 1276. The mean radiodensity of the examined ticks exceeded 0 Hounsfield Units only in the case of the two groups with the highest concentration. The best contrast was observed in ticks engorged on blood with the highest tested concentration of 2.16 mg/mL PEG-AuNPs. In these ticks, the midgut and rectal sac were clearly visible. Also, the midgut lumen volume was computed from segmented image data. The reduction in midgut volume was documented during the egg development process. According to this pilot study, micro-CT of ticks engorged on blood supplemented with contrasting agents in vitro may reveal additional information regarding the engorged ticks' anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Ondruš
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - František Hubatka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Kulich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Odehnalová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vratislav Harabiš
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, 616 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Branislav Hesko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, 616 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Sychra
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Široký
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Turánek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Novobilský
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
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11
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Pérez-Tanoira R, Ramos-Rincón JM, Martín-Martín I, Prieto-Pérez L, Tefasmariam A, Tiziano G, Anda P, González-Martín-Niño RM, Rodríguez-Vargas M, Górgolas M, Jado I. Molecular Survey of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Bartonella spp., and Borrelia spp. in Fleas and Lice in Ethiopia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 20:10-14. [PMID: 31408412 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial arthropod-borne pathogens can often cause fever in Africa, but rural laboratories in these settings are usually too basic to provide a precise picture of their epidemiological impact. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of bacterial pathogens in fleas and lice in a rural area of southeast Ethiopia. Between July and November 2013, we extracted DNA from 91 fleas (Ctenocephalides felis [n = 50; 54.9%], Pulex irritans [n = 37; 40.1%], and C. canis [n = 4; 4.4%] and 30 lice (Pediculus humanus capitis [n = 16; 53.3%] and Pediculus humanus humanus [n = 14; 46.7%]), using two quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses to look for bacteria from the genera: Anaplasma, Bartonella, Borrelia, Coxiella, Ehrlichia, Francisella, and Rickettsia. Of the 91 fleas analyzed, pathogens were present in 79 (86.8%), including Rickettsia felis (n = 41; 45%), Anaplasma platys (n = 40; 44.0%), Rickettsia monacensis (n = 2; 2.2%), Ehrlichia muris-like agent (n = 1; 1.1%), and Bartonella clarridgeiae (n = 1; 1.1%). P. irritans was the flea species most frequently infected with A. platys (67.7%), followed by C. felis (30.7%) (p < 0.001). Of the 30 lice identified, pathogens were present in 7 (23.3%): Bartonella quintana (n = 4; 16.7%), E. muris (n = 2, 6.7%), and Borrelia recurrentis (n = 1, 3.3%). Thus, in this rural area of Africa, fleas and lice can transmit parasitic pathogens to humans, causing febrile symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Pérez-Tanoira
- Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, Ethiopia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Ramos-Rincón
- Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, Ethiopia.,Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital of Alicante, Institute for Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL-Foundation FISABIO) and Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Inés Martín-Martín
- National Centre of Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Prieto-Pérez
- Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, Ethiopia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Abraham Tefasmariam
- Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, Ethiopia
| | - Gebre Tiziano
- Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, Ethiopia
| | - Pedro Anda
- National Centre of Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Miguel Górgolas
- Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, Ethiopia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Jado
- National Centre of Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Ehrlichia Isolate from a Minnesota Tick: Characterization and Genetic Transformation. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.00866-19. [PMID: 31076433 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00866-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia muris subsp. eauclairensis is recognized as the etiological agent of human ehrlichiosis in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We describe the culture isolation of this organism from a field-collected tick and detail its relationship to other species of Ehrlichia The isolate could be grown in a variety of cultured cell lines and was effectively transmitted between Ixodes scapularis ticks and rodents, with PCR and microscopy demonstrating a broad pattern of dissemination in arthropod and mammalian tissues. Conversely, Amblyomma americanum ticks were not susceptible to infection by the Ehrlichia Histologic sections further revealed that the wild-type isolate was highly virulent for mice and hamsters, causing severe systemic disease that was frequently lethal. A Himar1 transposase system was used to create mCherry- and mKate-expressing EmCRT mutants, which retained the ability to infect rodents and ticks.IMPORTANCE Ehrlichioses are zoonotic diseases caused by intracellular bacteria that are transmitted by ixodid ticks. Here we report the culture isolation of bacteria which are closely related to, or the same as the Ehrlichia muris subsp. eauclairensis, a recently recognized human pathogen. EmCRT, obtained from a tick removed from deer at Camp Ripley, MN, is the second isolate of this subspecies described and is distinctive in that it was cultured directly from a field-collected tick. The isolate's cellular tropism, pathogenic changes caused in rodent tissues, and tick transmission to and from rodents are detailed in this study. We also describe the genetic mutants created from the EmCRT isolate, which are valuable tools for the further study of this intracellular pathogen.
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13
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Oliva Chávez AS, Herron MJ, Nelson CM, Felsheim RF, Oliver JD, Burkhardt NY, Kurtti TJ, Munderloh UG. Mutational analysis of gene function in the Anaplasmataceae: Challenges and perspectives. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:482-494. [PMID: 30466964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mutational analysis is an efficient approach to identifying microbial gene function. Until recently, lack of an effective tool for Anaplasmataceae yielding reproducible results has created an obstacle to functional genomics, because surrogate systems, e.g., ectopic gene expression and analysis in E. coli, may not provide accurate answers. We chose to focus on a method for high-throughput generation of mutants via random mutagenesis as opposed to targeted gene inactivation. In our search for a suitable mutagenesis tool, we considered attributes of the Himar1 transposase system, i.e., random insertion into AT dinucleotide sites, which are abundant in Anaplasmataceae, and lack of requirement for specific host factors. We chose the Anaplasma marginale tr promoter, and the clinically irrelevant antibiotic spectinomycin for selection, and in addition successfully implemented non-antibiotic selection using an herbicide resistance gene. These constructs function reasonably well in Anaplasma phagocytophilum harvested from human promyelocyte HL-60 cells or Ixodes scapularis tick cells. We describe protocols developed in our laboratory, and discuss what likely makes them successful. What makes Anaplasmataceae electroporation competent is unknown and manipulating electroporation conditions has not improved mutational efficiency. A concerted effort is needed to resolve remaining problems that are inherent to the obligate intracellular bacteria. Finally, using this approach, we describe the discovery and characterization of a putative secreted effector necessary for Ap survival in HL-60 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela S Oliva Chávez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Michael J Herron
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Curtis M Nelson
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Jonathan D Oliver
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Timothy J Kurtti
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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14
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Cangi N, Pinarello V, Bournez L, Lefrançois T, Albina E, Neves L, Vachiéry N. Efficient high-throughput molecular method to detect Ehrlichia ruminantium in ticks. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:566. [PMID: 29132402 PMCID: PMC5683323 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2490-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ehrlichia ruminantium is the causal agent of heartwater, a fatal tropical disease affecting ruminants with important economic impacts. This bacterium is transmitted by Amblyomma ticks and is present in sub-Saharan Africa, islands in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean, where it represents a threat to the American mainland. METHODS An automated DNA extraction method was adapted for Amblyomma ticks and a new qPCR targeting the pCS20 region was developed to improve E. ruminantium screening capacity and diagnosis. The first step in the preparation of tick samples, before extraction, was not automated but was considerably improved by using a Tissue Lyser. The new pCS20 Sol1 qPCR and a previously published pCS20 Cow qPCR were evaluated with the OIE standard pCS20 nested PCR. RESULTS pCS20 Sol1 qPCR was found to be more specific than the nested PCR, with a 5-fold increase in sensitivity (3 copies/reaction vs 15 copies/reaction), was less prone to contamination and less time-consuming. As pCS20 Sol1 qPCR did not detect Rickettsia, Anasplasma and Babesia species or closely related species such as Panola Mountain Ehrlichia, E. chaffeensis and E. canis, its specificity was also better than Cow qPCR. In parallel, a tick 16S qPCR was developed for the quality control of DNA extraction that confirmed the good reproducibility of the automated extraction. The whole method, including the automated DNA extraction and pCS20 Sol1 qPCR, was shown to be sensitive, specific and highly reproducible with the same limit of detection as the combined manual DNA extraction and nested PCR, i.e. 6 copies/reaction. Finally, 96 samples can be tested in one day compared to the four days required for manual DNA extraction and nested PCR. CONCLUSIONS The adaptation of an automated DNA extraction using a DNA/RNA viral extraction kit for tick samples and the development of a new qPCR increased the accuracy of E. ruminantium epidemiological studies, as well as the diagnostic capabilities and turn-over time for surveillance of heartwater. This new method paves the way for large-scale screening of other bacteria and viruses in ticks as well as genetic characterization of ticks and tick-pathogen coevolution studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nídia Cangi
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France.,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France.,Centro de Biotecnologia-UEM, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.,Université des Antilles, Pointe à Pitre, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Valérie Pinarello
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France.,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France
| | - Laure Bournez
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France.,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Lefrançois
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France.,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France.,CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France
| | - Emmanuel Albina
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France.,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France
| | - Luís Neves
- Centro de Biotecnologia-UEM, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Nathalie Vachiéry
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170, Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France. .,ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier, France. .,CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-34398, Montpellier, France.
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15
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Bagheri G, Lehner JD, Zhong J. Enhanced detection of Rickettsia species in Ixodes pacificus using highly sensitive fluorescence in situ hybridization coupled with Tyramide Signal Amplification. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:915-921. [PMID: 28882513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.08.001] [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] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ixodes pacificus is a host of many bacteria including Rickettsia species phylotypes G021 and G022. As part of the overall goal of understanding interactions of phylotypes with their tick host, this study focused on molecular detection of rickettsiae in ovarian and midgut tissue of I. pacificus by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), PCR, and ultrastructural analysis. Of three embedding media (Technovit 8100, Unicryl, and paraffin) tested for generating thin sections, tissues embedded in paraffin resulted in the visualization of bacteria with low autofluorescence in FISH. Digoxigenin-labeled probes were used in FISH to intensify bacterial hybridization signals using Tyramide Signal Amplification reaction. Using this technique, rickettsiae were detected in the cytoplasm of oocytes of I. pacificus. The presence of rickettsiae in the ovary and midgut was further confirmed by PCR and transmission electron microscopic analysis. Overall, the methods in this study can be used to identify locations of tick-borne bacteria in tick tissues and understand transmission routes of bacterial species in ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Bagheri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 95521, USA
| | - Jeremy D Lehner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 95521, USA
| | - Jianmin Zhong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 95521, USA.
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16
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Pritt BS, Allerdice MEJ, Sloan LM, Paddock CD, Munderloh UG, Rikihisa Y, Tajima T, Paskewitz SM, Neitzel DF, Hoang Johnson DK, Schiffman E, Davis JP, Goldsmith CS, Nelson CM, Karpathy SE. Proposal to reclassify Ehrlichia muris as Ehrlichia muris subsp. muris subsp. nov. and description of Ehrlichia muris subsp. eauclairensis subsp. nov., a newly recognized tick-borne pathogen of humans. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2017; 67:2121-2126. [PMID: 28699575 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously described a novel taxon of the genus Ehrlichia (type strain WisconsinT), closely related to Ehrlichia muris, that causes human ehrlichiosis among patients with exposures to ticks in the upper midwestern USA. DNA from this bacterium was also detected in Ixodes scapularis and Peromyscus leucopus collected in Minnesota and Wisconsin. To determine the relationship between the E. muris-like agent (EMLA) and other species of the genus Ehrlichia phenotypic, genotypic and epidemiologic comparisons were undertaken, including sequence analysis of eight gene loci (3906 nucleotides) for 39 EMLA DNA samples and the type strain of E. muris AS145T. Three loci were also sequenced from DNA of nine strains of E. muris from mouse spleens from Japan. All sequences from E. muris were distinct from homologous EMLA sequences, but differences between them were less than those observed among other species of the genus Ehrlichia. Phenotypic comparison of EMLA and E. muris revealed similar culture and electron microscopic characteristics, but important differences were noted in their geographic distribution, ecological associations and behavior in mouse models of infection. Based on these comparisons, we propose that type strain WisconsinT represents a novel subspecies, Ehrlichia murissubsp. eauclairensis,subsp. nov. This strain is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Rickettsial Isolate Reference Collection (CRIRC EMU002T) and through the Collection de Souches de l'Unité des Rickettsies (CSURP2883 T). The subspecies Ehrlichia murissubsp. muris subsp. nov. is automatically created and the type strain AS145T is also available through the same collections (CRIRC EMU001T, CSUR E2T). Included is an emended description of E. muris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbi S Pritt
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michelle E J Allerdice
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lynne M Sloan
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christopher D Paddock
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Susan M Paskewitz
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Cynthia S Goldsmith
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Curtis M Nelson
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Sandor E Karpathy
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Atlanta, GA, USA
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17
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Lynn GE, Oliver JD, Cornax I, O'Sullivan MG, Munderloh UG. Experimental evaluation of Peromyscus leucopus as a reservoir host of the Ehrlichia muris-like agent. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:48. [PMID: 28129781 PMCID: PMC5273795 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1980-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Ehrlichia muris-like agent (EMLA) is a newly recognized human pathogen in the North Central United States. Although blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) have been identified as capable vectors, wild reservoirs have not yet been established for EMLA. As key hosts for I. scapularis, white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are important reservoirs for various tick-borne pathogens, and potentially, for EMLA. The objective of this study was to evaluate reservoir competence in P. leucopus using a natural vector. Results Mice acquired EMLA infection from feeding ticks and were able to transmit infection to naïve ticks. Transmission between simultaneously feeding tick life stages was also demonstrated. Infections in mice were acute and severe, with systemic dissemination. Limited host survival and clearance of infection among survivors resulted in a narrow interval where EMLA could be acquired by feeding ticks. Conclusions Peromyscus leucopus is a competent reservoir of EMLA and likely to play a role in its enzootic transmission cycle. The duration and severity of EMLA infection in these hosts suggests that tick phenology is a critical factor determining the geographic distribution of EMLA in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey E Lynn
- Entomology Department, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 1980 Folwell Ave, St. Paul, MN, USA.
| | - Jonathan D Oliver
- Entomology Department, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 1980 Folwell Ave, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Ingrid Cornax
- Masonic Cancer Center Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - M Gerard O'Sullivan
- Masonic Cancer Center Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ulrike G Munderloh
- Entomology Department, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 1980 Folwell Ave, St. Paul, MN, USA
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18
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Murphy DS, Lee X, Larson SR, Johnson DKH, Loo T, Paskewitz SM. Prevalence and Distribution of Human and Tick Infections with the Ehrlichia muris-Like Agent and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Wisconsin, 2009-2015. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:229-236. [PMID: 28055326 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are important emerging tickborne zoonoses that affect both humans and animals. Knowledge of the geographic distribution and prevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Wisconsin is important information as a baseline for future comparisons. Reported human cases between 2009 and 2015 were identified using the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) and mapped by county of residence. Vector surveillance was established using ticks collected from animals by partners, including veterinary medical clinics, domestic animal shelters, and wildlife rehabilitation centers from 40 Wisconsin counties. A total of 1835 Ixodes scapularis tick specimens (larvae, nymphs, and adults) were collected from 18 different domestic and wildlife species from July 2011 to November 2015. An additional 1136 nymphs were collected by drag sampling at 23 locations in 19 counties in 2015. A real-time PCR assay that detects and distinguishes several Ehrlichia species, including a pathogenic Ehrlichia muris-like agent (EMLA), and A. phagocytophilum was performed on adult and nymphal ticks. A total of 757 I. scapularis ticks (predominately adults) were tested from animal collections, with 67 (8.9%) individuals positive for A. phagocytophilum and 22 (2.9%) positive for EMLA DNA. Of the 1150 questing nymphs, 62 (5.4%) were positive for A. phagocytophilum and 10 (0.9%) were positive for EMLA DNA. Specimens of I. scapularis that were positive for A. phagocytophilum were found in 27 of the 33 counties surveyed. Specimens that were positive for EMLA were less common and were found in nine counties. This study provides the first statewide survey of I. scapularis ticks for these pathogens and indicates that the risk of human exposure is widely distributed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby S Murphy
- 1 Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Xia Lee
- 1 Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Scott R Larson
- 1 Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Diep K Hoang Johnson
- 2 Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Theoren Loo
- 2 Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Susan M Paskewitz
- 1 Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
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19
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Oliver JD, Lynn GE, Burkhardt NY, Price LD, Nelson CM, Kurtti TJ, Munderloh UG. Infection of Immature Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) by Membrane Feeding. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:409-15. [PMID: 26721866 PMCID: PMC5853672 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A reduction in the use of animals in infectious disease research is desirable for animal welfare as well as for simplification and standardization of experiments. An artificial silicone-based membrane-feeding system was adapted for complete engorgement of adult and nymphal Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae), and for infecting nymphs with pathogenic, tick-borne bacteria. Six wild-type and genetically transformed strains of four species of bacteria were inoculated into sterile bovine blood and fed to ticks. Pathogens were consistently detected in replete nymphs by polymerase chain reaction. Adult ticks that ingested bacteria as nymphs were evaluated for transstadial transmission. Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia muris-like agent showed high rates of transstadial transmission to adult ticks, whereas Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia monacensis demonstrated low rates of transstadial transmission/maintenance. Artificial membrane feeding can be used to routinely maintain nymphal and adult I. scapularis, and infect nymphs with tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D. Oliver
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave., 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 (
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)
| | - Geoffrey E. Lynn
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave., 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 (
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| | - Nicole Y. Burkhardt
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave., 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 (
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| | - Lisa D. Price
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave., 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 (
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| | - Curtis M. Nelson
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave., 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 (
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| | - Timothy J. Kurtti
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave., 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 (
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| | - Ulrike G. Munderloh
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave., 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 (
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Karpathy SE, Allerdice MEJ, Sheth M, Dasch GA, Levin ML. Co-Feeding Transmission of the Ehrlichia muris-Like Agent to Mice (Mus musculus). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:145-50. [PMID: 26824725 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ehrlichia muris-like agent (EMLA) is a newly recognized human pathogen found in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Ecological investigations have implicated both the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus, as playing roles in the maintenance of EMLA in nature. The work presented here shows that I. scapularis is an efficient vector of EMLA in a laboratory mouse model, but that Dermacentor variabilis, another frequent human biting tick found in EMLA endemic areas, is not. Additionally, I. scapularis larvae are able to acquire EMLA through co-feeding with infected nymphs. As EMLA only persists in mouse blood for a relatively short period of time, co-feeding transmission may play an important role in the maintenance of EMLA in ticks, and subsequently may play a role in limiting the geographic distribution of this pathogen in areas where co-feeding of larvae and nymphs is less common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandor E Karpathy
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michelle E J Allerdice
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mili Sheth
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gregory A Dasch
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael L Levin
- 1 Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , Atlanta, Georgia
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Oliver JD, Chávez ASO, Felsheim RF, Kurtti TJ, Munderloh UG. An Ixodes scapularis cell line with a predominantly neuron-like phenotype. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 66:427-442. [PMID: 25894426 PMCID: PMC4449809 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9908-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The Ixodes scapularis embryo-derived cell line ISE6 is the most widely utilized tick-derived cell line due to its susceptibility to a wide variety of tick- and non-tick-vectored pathogens. Little is known about its tissue origin or biological background. Protein expression of ISE6 cells was compared with that of another I. scapularis-derived cell line, IDE12, and dissected tick synganglia. Results demonstrated the presence of a neuronal marker protein, type 3 β-tubulin, in all three samples, as well as other shared and unique neuronal and immune response-associated proteins. Of neuronal proteins shared between the two cell lines, ISE6 expressed several in significantly greater quantities than IDE12. Stimulation of ISE6 cells by in vivo exposure to the hemocoel environment in unfed larval and molting nymphal ticks, but not unfed nymphal ticks, resulted in the development of neuron-like morphologic characteristics in the implanted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Oliver
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA,
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