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Stafford KC, Molaei G, Williams SC, Mertins JW. Introduction of the ectoparasite Rhipicephalus pulchellus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) into Connecticut with a human traveler from Tanzania, and a review of its importation records into the United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:1426-1432. [PMID: 37963278 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Globalization, increased frequency of travel, and a rise in legal and illegal animal trades can introduce exotic ticks into the United States. We herein report the importation of a male Rhipicephalus pulchellus (Gerstäcker) on a human traveler returning to Connecticut from Tanzania, Africa, and review historical importation records of this species into the United States. This common tick is broadly distributed throughout East Africa, from Eritrea to Tanzania, has a wide host range on domestic animals and wildlife, and has been most frequently introduced into the United States on tick-infested wild animal hosts and animal trophies, but documentation of importation on humans has been rare. Archival records at the United States Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories show R. pulchellus has been introduced into the United States at least 40 times over the last 62 yr. Rhipicephalus pulchellus has been linked to Rickettsia conorii, the agent of boutonneuse fever in humans, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus, and Nairobi sheep disease orthonairovirus. Given the potential for this exotic tick to introduce animal or human pathogens, proper surveillance, interception, identification, and reporting of these ticks are vital in protecting human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby C Stafford
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Scott C Williams
- Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James W Mertins
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Diagnostics and Biologics, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA, USA
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Hahn MB, Hojgaard A, Disler G, George W, Droghini A, Schlaht R, Durden LA, Coburn S, Gerlach R, Eisen RJ. Ticks and tick-borne microbes identified through passive and active surveillance in Alaska. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:1099-1107. [PMID: 37348952 PMCID: PMC10496432 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Rapid environmental change in Alaska and other regions of the Arctic and sub-Arctic has raised concerns about increasing human exposure to ticks and the pathogens they carry. We tested a sample of ticks collected through a combination of passive and active surveillance from humans, domestic animals, and wildlife hosts in Alaska for a panel of the most common tick-borne pathogens in the contiguous United States to characterize the diversity of microbes present in this region. We tested 189 pooled tick samples collected in 2019-2020 for Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Babesia spp. using a multiplex PCR amplicon sequencing assay. We found established populations of Ixodes angustus Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae), Ixodes uriae White (Acari: Ixodidae), and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris Packard (Acari: Ixodidae) in Alaska, with I. angustus found on a variety of hosts including domestic companion animals (dogs and cats), small wild mammals, and humans. Ixodes angustus were active from April through October with peaks in adult and nymphal activity observed in summer months (mainly July). Although no known human pathogens were detected, Babesia microti-like parasites and candidatus Ehrlichia khabarensis were identified in ticks and small mammals. The only human pathogen detected (B. burgdorferi s.s.) was found in a tick associated with a dog that had recently traveled to New York, where Lyme disease is endemic. This study highlights the value of a combined passive and active tick surveillance system to detect introduced tick species and pathogens and to assess which tick species and microbes are locally established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah B Hahn
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Andrias Hojgaard
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Gale Disler
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - William George
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Amanda Droghini
- Alaska Center for Conservation Science, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Renate Schlaht
- UAF/CSU 2 + 2 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, Colorado State University, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-160, USA
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Road, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA
| | - Sarah Coburn
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of the State Veterinarian, 5251 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA
| | - Robert Gerlach
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of the State Veterinarian, 5251 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
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Chalco-Torres LE, Guerrero-López AE, Sánchez-Prado RG, Pérez Rodríguez JE, Oliveira C, Gómez JA, Lenin-Aguilar F, Nirchio-Tursellino M. Detección molecular de coinfección por Ehrlichia canis y Ehrlichia ewingii en un perro en Ecuador. REVISTA CIENTÍFICA DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS VETERINARIAS 2023. [DOI: 10.52973/rcfcv-e33219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Se presenta el estudio de un perro con sintomatología de Parvovirosis que resultó positivo a los test de inmunocromatografìa para Parvovirus y Ehrlichia canis el cual fue confirmado, a nivel molecular, como positivo para E. canis y E. ewingii. Además del interés que representa este caso desde el punto de vista clínico, la detección mediante PCR de E. ewingii sugiere la presencia de este patógeno fuera de su rango de distribución geográfica natural (México, Guatemala, Guyana, Guayana Francesa y Estados Unidos) y destaca la necesidad de realizar estudios moleculares en garrapatas locales a fin de verificar si éste es un caso aislado en Ecuador o si, por el contrario, existe colonización de E. ewingii en vectores locales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Claudio Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional. Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juan Antonio Gómez
- Universidad de Panamá, Departamento de Biología Marina y Limnología, Panamá
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Tiffin HS, Rajotte EG, Sakamoto JM, Machtinger ET. Tick Control in a Connected World: Challenges, Solutions, and Public Policy from a United States Border Perspective. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:388. [PMID: 36422939 PMCID: PMC9695313 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are able to transmit the highest number of pathogen species of any blood-feeding arthropod and represent a growing threat to public health and agricultural systems worldwide. While there are numerous and varied causes and effects of changes to tick-borne disease (re)emergence, three primary challenges to tick control were identified in this review from a U.S. borders perspective. (1) Climate change is implicated in current and future alterations to geographic ranges and population densities of tick species, pathogens they can transmit, and their host and reservoir species, as highlighted by Ixodes scapularis and its expansion across southern Canada. (2) Modern technological advances have created an increasingly interconnected world, contributing to an increase in invasive tick species introductions through the increased speed and frequency of trade and travel. The introduction of the invasive Haemaphysalis longicornis in the eastern U.S. exemplifies the challenges with control in a highly interconnected world. (3) Lastly, while not a new challenge, differences in disease surveillance, control, and management strategies in bordering countries remains a critical challenge in managing ticks and tick-borne diseases. International inter-agency collaborations along the U.S.-Mexico border have been critical in control and mitigation of cattle fever ticks (Rhipicephalus spp.) and highlight the need for continued collaboration and research into integrated tick management strategies. These case studies were used to identify challenges and opportunities for tick control and mitigation efforts through a One Health framework.
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Stafford KC, Molaei G, Williams SC, Mertins JW. Rhipicephalus Capensis (Acari: Ixodidae), A geographically restricted South African tick, returning with a human traveler to the United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101912. [PMID: 35121229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Accelerated frequency of recreational travel, globalization of business, and legal and illegal plant and animal trades have contributed to enduring introductions of exotic ticks into the United States. We herein report a new incursion of a female Rhipicephalus capensis on a human traveler returning to Connecticut from South Africa. Natural distribution of R. capensis is restricted to the Western Cape Province and southwestern portion of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, an area called the Fynbos Biome, and adults of this species primarily parasitize large, wild ungulate hosts. Only one previous international introduction of this tick is documented on imported South African plant material into the United States in 1985. The specimen described here was identified initially by morphological means and subsequently, a partial DNA sequence for the mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene was generated in a PCR assay, which showed 94.86% identity to an R. capensis sequence in GenBank. We also provide information on several other previously unreported or under-reported incursions by South African ticks into the United States in association with imported Fynbos floricultural materials and speckled Cape tortoises, Chersobius signatus. Documentation of these additional exotic tick species incursions highlights ongoing challenges of the international movement of humans, animals, and other goods carrying ticks of human and veterinary importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby C Stafford
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, P. O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Scott C Williams
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Forestry and Horticulture, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - James W Mertins
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Diagnostics and Biologics, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010, USA
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Molaei G, Little EAH, Williams SC, Stafford KC. First Record of Established Populations of the Invasive Pathogen Vector and Ectoparasite Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Connecticut, United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:2508-2513. [PMID: 34185871 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A number of invasive tick species capable of transmitting pathogens have been accidentally introduced into the U.S. in recent years. The invasion and further range expansion of these exotic ticks have been greatly facilitated by frequent global travel and trade as well as increases in legal and illegal importation of animals. We describe the discovery of the first established populations of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann and the first fully engorged human parasitizing specimen documented through passive tick surveillance in Fairfield County, Connecticut, U.S. We also report several individual specimens of this invasive arthropod and vector of multiple pathogens of medical and veterinary importance collected through active tick surveillance from three counties (Fairfield, New Haven, and New London). Considering the potential for invasive ticks to transmit numerous native and emerging pathogens, the implementation of comprehensive surveillance programs will aid in prompt interception of these ticks and reduce the risk of infection in humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goudarz Molaei
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eliza A H Little
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06504, USA
| | - Scott C Williams
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Forestry and Horticulture, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kirby C Stafford
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06504, USA
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