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Cotes-Perdomo AP, Sánchez-Vialas A, Thomas R, Jenkins A, Uribe JE. New insights into the systematics of the afrotropical Amblyomma marmoreum complex (Acari: Ixodidae) and the genome of a novel Rickettsia africae strain using morphological and metagenomic approaches. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102323. [PMID: 38387163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The Amblyomma marmoreum complex includes afrotropical species, such as Amblyomma sparsum, a three-host tick that parasitizes reptiles, birds, and mammals, and is a recognized vector of Ehrlichia ruminantium. However, the lack of morphological, genetic and ecological data on A. sparsum has caused considerable confusion in its identification. In this study, we used microscopy and metagenomic approaches to analyze A. sparsum ticks collected from a puff adder snake (Bitis arietans) in southwest Senegal (an endemic rickettsioses area) in order to supplement previous morphological descriptions, provide novel genomic data for the A. marmoreum complex, and describe the genome of a novel spotted fever group Rickettsia strain. Based on stereoscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological evaluations, we provide high-quality images and new insights about punctation and enameling in the adult male of A. sparsum to facilitate identification for future studies. The metagenomic approach allowed us assembly the complete mitochondrial genome of A. sparsum, as well as the nearly entire chromosome and complete plasmid sequences of a novel Rickettsia africae strain. Phylogenomic analyses demonstrated a close relationship between A. sparsum and Amblyomma nuttalli for the first time and confirmed the position of A. sparsum within the A. marmoreum complex. Our results provide new insights into the systematics of A. sparsum and A. marmoreum complex, as well as the genetic diversity of R. africae in the Afrotropical region. Future studies should consider the possibility that A. sparsum may be a vector for R. africae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea P Cotes-Perdomo
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-Eastern, Norway; Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 2José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Vialas
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 2José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Richard Thomas
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Andrew Jenkins
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-Eastern, Norway
| | - Juan E Uribe
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 2José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain.
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Hema DM, Biguezoton AS, Coulibaly A, Compaore M, Sawadogo I, Bationo RK, Dah FF, Kiendrebeogo M, Nebié RCH. Efficacy of local essential oils against Amblyomma variegatum tick from Burkina Faso. Vet Parasitol 2023; 324:110059. [PMID: 37939623 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The native tick Amblyomma variegatum remains one of the most important tick species affecting cattle in West Africa. This hinders animal production by negatively impacting the health and reproduction of animals infested with the tick. Given the negative consequences on production quality and environmental health, the use of chemical products for tick control is increasingly being discouraged. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the acaricidal activity of essential oils such as Ageratum conyzoïdes, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon giganteus, Lippia multiflora and Ocimum gratissimum against specimens of A. variegatum from Burkina Faso. A larval immersion test was performed to investigate the larvicidal activities of these essential oils. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine the chemical compositions of essential oils. The chemical composition was predominantly oxygenated monoterpenes in A. conyzoïdes (48.71 %), C. citratus (99.9 %) and C. giganteus (73.63 %), while hydrocarbon monoterpenes were the most abundant in O. gratissimum (63.7 %) and hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes in L. multiflora (71.719 %). The recorded larvicidal activity, varied according to the species of plants and the dose applied. At a dose of 12.5 mg/mL, all essential oils studied, except L. multiflora (7.54 %), induced 100 % larval mortality. In this study, we highlight the promising larvicidal effects of local essential oils against A. variegatum. These essential oils can be used as bio-acaricides, which are effective and environmentally-friendly alternatives to chemical products. However, further investigations are required to determine the mechanisms of action of these essential oils for in vivo experimentation and their practical application in the control of A. variegatum ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine M Hema
- Centre National de Recherche Scientifique et Technologique / CNRST / IRSAT, 03 BP 7047, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.
| | - Abel S Biguezoton
- Centre International de Recherche-Développement sur l'Élevage en zone Subhumide (CIRDES), 01 B.P. 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Anass Coulibaly
- Centre National de Recherche Scientifique et Technologique / CNRST / IRSAT, 03 BP 7047, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Moussa Compaore
- Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo (UJKZ), 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Ignace Sawadogo
- Centre National de Recherche Scientifique et Technologique / CNRST / IRSAT, 03 BP 7047, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Rémy K Bationo
- Centre National de Recherche Scientifique et Technologique / CNRST / IRSAT, 03 BP 7047, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Firmin F Dah
- Centre International de Recherche-Développement sur l'Élevage en zone Subhumide (CIRDES), 01 B.P. 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Roger C H Nebié
- Centre National de Recherche Scientifique et Technologique / CNRST / IRSAT, 03 BP 7047, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
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Onyiche TE, Labruna MB, Saito TB. Unraveling the epidemiological relationship between ticks and rickettsial infection in Africa. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.952024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are emerging and re-emerging diseases of public health concern caused by over 30 species of Rickettsia. Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods with over 700 species of Ixodid ticks known worldwide. The escalating geographical dispersal of tick vectors and concomitant increase in the incidences of tick-borne diseases have fueled interest in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens. This review focuses on aspects of the Rickettsia pathogen, including biology, taxonomy, phylogeny, genetic diversity, epidemiology of the disease, and the role of vertebrate host in the perpetuation of rickettsioses in Africa. Our review also highlights some of the species of Rickettsia that are responsible for disease, the role of tick vectors (both hard and soft ticks) and the species of Rickettsia associated with diverse tick species across the continent. Additionally, this article emphasizes the evolutionary perspective of rickettsiae perpetuation and the possible role of amplifying vertebrate host and other small mammals, domestic animals and wildlife in the epidemiology of Rickettsia species. We also specifically, discussed the role of avian population in the epidemiology of SFG rickettsiae. Furthermore, we highlighted tick-borne rickettsioses among travelers due to African tick-bite fever (ATBF) and the challenges to surveillance of rickettsial infection, and research on rickettsiology in Africa. Our review canvasses the need for more rickettsiologists of African origin based within the continent to further research towards understanding the biology, characterization, and species distribution, including the competent tick vectors involved in their transmission of rickettsiae across the continent in collaboration with established researchers in western countries. We further highlighted the need for proper funding to encourage research despite competing demands for resources across the various sectors. We finalize by discussing the similarities between rickettsial diseases around the world and which steps need to be taken to help foster our understanding on the eco-epidemiology of rickettsioses by bridging the gap between the growing epidemiological data and the molecular characterization of Rickettsia species.
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Francois Millien M, Saint-Louis D, Michel D. Overview of the Main Species of Ticks and Animal and Human Tick-Related Diseases in the Caribbean, Particularly in Haiti. Infect Dis (Lond) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.106080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The Caribbean region faces a wide diversity of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in animals and humans. But to date, these have been the subject of few studies, resulting in a relative lack of knowledge of their epidemiology, pathogenicity, and the best prevention and control methods. Ticks are hematophagous mites, which feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are subdivided into two large families: the Ixodidae or hard ticks and the Argasidae or soft ticks. Each collection of blood by ticks from infected hosts can lead to their infection, which will contaminate other previously unharmed animals and contribute to the spread of tick-borne diseases caused mainly by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It seems important to us to draw up a state of knowledge on ticks. Some long-known tick species like Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, and Amblyomma and diseases like Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis deserve to be better studied, and others are yet to be identified for further research. The study consists of a review of the various documents published on this theme by Haitian and foreign researchers. The data are analyzed to assess the spatiotemporal distribution of ticks and identify the pathogenic germs they harbor and the various pathologies they induce in the Caribbean and Haiti.
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Pillay A, Manyangadze T, Mukaratirwa S. Prevalence of Rickettsia africae in tick vectors collected from mammalian hosts in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101960. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Silva-Ramos CR, Faccini-Martínez ÁA. Clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory features of Rickettsia africae infection, African tick-bite fever: A systematic review. LE INFEZIONI IN MEDICINA 2022; 29:366-377. [PMID: 35146341 DOI: 10.53854/liim-2903-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
African tick-bite fever (ATBF), caused by Rickettsia africae, is the main tick-borne rickettsiosis and the second most frequent cause of fever after malaria in travelers returning from sub-Saharan Africa. General descriptions on ATBF were made in the first two decades after recognized as a new infectious entity, and since then, many authors have contributed to the knowledge of the disease by reporting clinical cases in scientific literature. We developed a systematic review that evaluated all available evidence in the literature regarding clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory features of confirmed R. africae rickettsiosis cases. We followed the recommendations made by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guide. A total of 48 scientific publications (108 confirmed cases) were analyzed in order to extract data for developing this review. Overall, our results show that R. africae rickettsiosis is more frequent in males in the age group of 18-64 years, more than 80% of the cases occurred in European travelers, South Africa was the country where most infections were acquired, and almost 40% of cases occurred in clusters. Clinically, more than 80% of the cases had fever and eschar (55% developed multiple eschars), rash was present in less than the half of cases, and lymphangitis was not a common sign (11%). Headache, myalgia and regional lymphadenopathy were predominant nonspecific clinical manifestation (mean of 60%, 49% and 51%, respectively). Our results show that at least 70% of R. africae cases had altered laboratory parameters, most often showing an increase in transaminases and C-reactive protein. Tetracycline-class antibiotics, as monotherapy, were used in most (>90%) of the patients. Overall, only 4% of cases had complications, 12% required hospitalization, and there was a 100% rate of clinical recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Álvaro A Faccini-Martínez
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Committee of Tropical Medicine, Zoonoses and Travel Medicine, Asociación Colombiana de Infectología, Bogotá, Colombia
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Francis S, Frank C, Buchanan L, Green S, Stennett-Brown R, Gordon-Strachan G, Rubio-Palis Y, Grant C, Alexander-Lindo RL, Nwokocha C, Robinson D, Delgoda R. Challenges in the control of neglected insect vector diseases of human importance in the Anglo-Caribbean. One Health 2021; 13:100316. [PMID: 34485673 PMCID: PMC8405964 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in developing countries like the Caribbean, negatively affect multiple income-generating sectors, including the tourism industry upon which island states are highly dependent. Insect-transmitted NTDs include, but are not limited to, malaria, dengue and lymphatic filariasis. Control measures for these disease, are often ignored because of the associated cost. Many of the developing country members are thus retained in a financially crippling cycle, balancing the cost of prophylactic measures with that of controlling an outbreak.The purpose of the paper is to bring awareness to NTDs transmitted by insects of importance to humans, and to assess factors affecting such control, in the English-speaking Caribbean. METHOD Comprehensive literature review on reports pertaining to NTDs transmitted by insects in the Caribbean and Latin America was conducted. Data search was carried out on PubMed, and WHO and PAHO websites. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Potential risk factors for NTDs transmitted by arthropods in the English-speaking Caribbean are summarised. The mosquito appears to be the main insect-vector of human importance within the region of concern. Arthropod-vectors of diseases of veterinary importance are also relevant because they affect the livelihood of farmers, in highly agriculture based economies. Other NTDs may also be in circulation gauged by the presence of antibodies in Caribbean individuals. However, routine diagnostic tests for specific diseases are expensive and tests may not be conducted when diseases are not prevalent in the population. It appears that only a few English-speaking Caribbean countries have examined secondary reservoirs of pathogens or assessed the effectivity of their insect control methods. As such, disease risk assessment appears incomplete. Although continuous control is financially demanding, an integrated and multisectoral approach might help to deflect the cost. Such interventions are now being promoted by health agencies within the region and various countries are creating and exploring the use of novel tools to be incorporated in their insect-vector control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Francis
- Natural Products Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Jamaica
| | - Chelsea Frank
- Natural Products Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Jamaica
| | - Luke Buchanan
- Mona Geoinformatics Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Sean Green
- Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Roxann Stennett-Brown
- Department of Physics, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Jamaica
| | - Georgiana Gordon-Strachan
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Jamaica
| | - Yasmin Rubio-Palis
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, sede Aragua, Universidad de Carabobo, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Charles Grant
- International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Jamaica
| | - Ruby Lisa Alexander-Lindo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Jamaica
| | - Chukwuemeka Nwokocha
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Jamaica
| | - Dwight Robinson
- Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Jamaica
| | - Rupika Delgoda
- Natural Products Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Jamaica
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Charles RA, Bermúdez S, Banović P, Alvarez DO, Díaz-Sánchez AA, Corona-González B, Etter EMC, Rodríguez González I, Ghafar A, Jabbar A, Moutailler S, Cabezas-Cruz A. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Central America and the Caribbean: A One Health Perspective. Pathogens 2021; 10:1273. [PMID: 34684222 PMCID: PMC8538257 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks have complex life cycles which involve blood-feeding stages found on wild and domestic animals, with humans as accidental hosts. At each blood-feeding stage, ticks can transmit and/or acquire pathogens from their hosts. Therefore, the circulation of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), especially the zoonotic ones, should be studied in a multi-layered manner, including all components of the chain of infections, following the 'One Health' tenets. The implementation of such an approach requires coordination among major stakeholders (such as veterinarians, physicians, acarologists, and researchers) for the identification of exposure and infection risks and application of effective prevention measures. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in Central America and the Caribbean and the challenges associated with the implementation of 'One Health' surveillance and control programs in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne A Charles
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Sergio Bermúdez
- Department of Medical Entomology, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Research, Panama 0816-02593, Panama
| | - Pavle Banović
- Ambulance for Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Microbiology with Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | | | - Belkis Corona-González
- Department of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque 32700, Cuba
| | - Eric Marcel Charles Etter
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Petit-Bourg, 97170 Guadeloupe, France
- ASTRE, University de Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34398 Montpellier, France
| | - Islay Rodríguez González
- Department of Mycology-Bacteriology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí, Marianao 13, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - Abdul Ghafar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, the University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, the University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Seroprevalence of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in extensively managed sheep and goats in Nigeria, West Africa. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:425. [PMID: 34338946 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Sheep and goats raised extensively are frequently infested by Ixodid ticks that may act as vectors or reservoirs of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae (SFGR). A study to determine the seroprevalence of SFGR infection in 300 sheep and goats in Plateau State, Nigeria was conducted from September to November, 2018 using the Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). Overall, 85 out of 300 animals (28.3%) were seropositive to SFGR. Relatively higher seroprevalence was recorded in sheep than goats (28.8% vs 28.0%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, seropositivity was not affected by age, sex or location of the animals screened in this study. This is the first serological study to report the prevalence of SFGR in sheep and goats using IFAT in this study area. The presence of SFGR antibodies in domestic ruminants is of public health concern considering the close association between farmers and their animals occasioned by the management system practiced in the study area. This finding calls for further studies to evaluate the level of human exposure to this group of pathogen.
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Ghoneim NH, Abdel-Moein KA, Zaher HM, Abuowarda MM. Investigation of Ixodidae ticks infesting camels at slaughterhouse and its potential role in transmitting Coxiella burnetii in Egypt. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Fralish MS, Mangalindan KE, Farris CM, Jiang J, Green MC, Blaylock JM. African Tick-Bite Fever. Am J Med 2020; 133:1051-1053. [PMID: 32325042 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Fralish
- Department of Internal Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md
| | - Kristin E Mangalindan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.
| | - Christina M Farris
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Bethesda, Md
| | - Ju Jiang
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Bethesda, Md
| | - Margaret C Green
- Department of Pathology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md
| | - Jason M Blaylock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md
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Gondard M, Delannoy S, Pinarello V, Aprelon R, Devillers E, Galon C, Pradel J, Vayssier-Taussat M, Albina E, Moutailler S. Upscaling the Surveillance of Tick-borne Pathogens in the French Caribbean Islands. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9030176. [PMID: 32121571 PMCID: PMC7157729 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high burden of vector-borne disease in (sub)tropical areas, few information are available regarding the diversity of tick and tick-borne pathogens circulating in the Caribbean. Management and control of vector-borne disease require actual epidemiological data to better assess and anticipate the risk of (re)emergence of tick-borne diseases in the region. To simplify and reduce the costs of such large-scale surveys, we implemented a high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system suitable for the screening of the main bacterial and parasitic genera involved in tick-borne disease and potentially circulating in the area. We used the new screening tool to perform an exploratory epidemiological study on 132 adult specimens of Amblyomma variegatum and 446 of Rhipicephalus microplus collected in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Not only the system was able to detect the main pathogens of the area-Ehrlichia ruminantium, Rickettsia africae, Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis-but the system also provided evidence of unsuspected microorganisms in Caribbean ticks, belonging to the Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia and Leishmania genera. Our study demonstrated how high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR technology can assist large-scale epidemiological studies, providing a rapid overview of tick-borne pathogen and microorganism diversity, and opening up new research perspectives for the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Gondard
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, 94700 Paris, France; (M.G.); (E.D.); (C.G.); (M.V.-T.)
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170 Petit-Bourg, 97170 Guadeloupe, France; (V.P.); (R.A.); (J.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Sabine Delannoy
- IdentyPath Platform, Laboratory for Food Safety, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, 94700 Paris, France;
| | - Valérie Pinarello
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170 Petit-Bourg, 97170 Guadeloupe, France; (V.P.); (R.A.); (J.P.); (E.A.)
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Rosalie Aprelon
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170 Petit-Bourg, 97170 Guadeloupe, France; (V.P.); (R.A.); (J.P.); (E.A.)
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Elodie Devillers
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, 94700 Paris, France; (M.G.); (E.D.); (C.G.); (M.V.-T.)
| | - Clémence Galon
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, 94700 Paris, France; (M.G.); (E.D.); (C.G.); (M.V.-T.)
| | - Jennifer Pradel
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170 Petit-Bourg, 97170 Guadeloupe, France; (V.P.); (R.A.); (J.P.); (E.A.)
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, 94700 Paris, France; (M.G.); (E.D.); (C.G.); (M.V.-T.)
| | - Emmanuel Albina
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, F-97170 Petit-Bourg, 97170 Guadeloupe, France; (V.P.); (R.A.); (J.P.); (E.A.)
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRAE, National Veterinary School of Alfort, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, 94700 Paris, France; (M.G.); (E.D.); (C.G.); (M.V.-T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-49-77-46-50
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Johnson JW, Lucas H, King S, Caron T, Wang C, Kelly PJ. Serosurvey for Brucella spp. and Coxiella burnetii in animals on Caribbean islands. Vet Med Sci 2019; 6:39-43. [PMID: 31729197 PMCID: PMC7036303 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the prevalence of antibodies to Brucella melitensis, Brucella abortus and Coxiella burnetii in animals on Caribbean islands we obtained sera from convenience samples of cattle (C), sheep (S), goats (G) and cats (F) from Dominica (C, S, G), Grenada (C, S, G), Montserrat (C, S, G), Puerto Rico (C), Nevis (C, S, G), St Kitts (C, S, G, F) and St Lucia (C, G). The sera were tested for antibodies against the Brucella spp. using commercial ELISA kits. Some sera were also tested at 1/80 for antibodies to C. burnetii using an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Positive sera were also tested at 1/640. None of 599 cattle, 462 sheep or 434 goats were positive in the Brucella ELISAs. None of 230 cattle had antibodies against C. burnetii, but one of 299 sheep was positive at 1/80 (Dominica – 1/54, 2%, 95% CI (0%–5.6%)), as were two of 314 goats, at 1/80 (Grenada – 1/53, 2%, 95% CI (0%–7.5%)) and 1/640 (St Kitts − 1/18, 5.6%, 95% CI (0%–16.7%)), and one of 34 cats, at 1/80 (St Kitts − 1/34; 3%, 95% CI (0%–8.8%)). Our data suggests that there is a very low prevalence or absence of B. melitensis and B. abortus on Caribbean islands. Coxiella burnetii, however, is present but it appears to be present on only some islands and then only at low levels. Overall, there appears to be a low threat to human and animal health from these organisms in the Caribbean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Johnson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Helene Lucas
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
| | - Sharon King
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
| | - Tyler Caron
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
| | - Chengming Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Patrick J Kelly
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
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Peckle M, Luz HR, Labruna MB, Serpa MCA, Lima S, Maturano R, Faccini JLH, McIntosh D. Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis groups the New World bacterium Rickettsia sp. strain ApPR with the Old World species R. africae; proposal of "Candidatus Rickettsia paranaensis". Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101261. [PMID: 31337544 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia parkeri sensu stricto (s.s.) is an emerging human pathogen in the Americas. Comprehension of the etiology of R. parkeri infections in South America is complicated by the existence of genetic variants (Atlantic rainforest, NOD and Parvitarsum) of this species that are associated with specific groups of Amblyomma ticks. The rickettsial bacterium strain ApPR was first reported in Amblyomma parkeri ticks in Southern Brazil in 2012 and was considered, based on sequencing of fragments of the gltA, htrA, ompA and ompB genes, to represent yet another genetic variant of R. parkeri. In the current work, a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis employing additional genes and intragenic regions was performed using DNA extracted from (a) larvae of A. parkeri and Amblyomma species haplotype Nazaré ticks collected from wild birds, (b) a nymph of Amblyomma sp. haplotype Nazaré recovered from a monkey (Callicebus nigrifons), representing the first report of that tick parasitizing a non-human primate and (c) from a cultured isolate of ApPR, isolated from colony-reared adults of Amblyomma geayi. Phylogenetic inference performed using Maximum-likelihood (ML), Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Bayesian (B) methods, consistently placed strain ApPR outside the New World R. parkeri complex and instead grouped it in proximity to the Old World species Rickettsia africae and Rickettsia sibirica. Estimates of evolutionary divergence provided additional support for the inferred phylogenetic relationship. Given the clear evolutionary distance between strain ApPR and R. parkeri we propose the recognition of "Candidatus Rickettsia paranaensis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristela Peckle
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hermes R Luz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia do RENORBIO, Ponto Focal Maranhão, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina A Serpa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Stanley Lima
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ralph Maturano
- Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de For a - UFJF, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João L H Faccini
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Douglas McIntosh
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Cicculli V, de Lamballerie X, Charrel R, Falchi A. First molecular detection of Rickettsia africae in a tropical bont tick, Amblyomma variegatum, collected in Corsica, France. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 77:207-214. [PMID: 30656468 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-00336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Here we report the first detection of Amblyomma variegatum, a tick species of medical and veterinary importance, and the first molecular evidence of a pathogen, Rickettsia africae, both new to Corsica (France). In August 2018, an ixodid tick with an unusual morphology was removed from the ventral part of a cow's whole skin in a slaughterhouse located in the village of Ponte-Leccia (Haute-Corse). The tick was morphologically identified as an adult male of A. variegatum. This result was confirmed by 16S rDNA sequence analysis with a close relative being a sequence from Senegal showing 99% nucleotide identity. We tested the tick for Ehrlichia and Rickettsia. The tick was positive to Rickettsia and the corresponding sequence matched with R. africae. There is little or no risk of the introduction and establishment of a viable population of A. variegatum in Corsica by migrating birds. However, if it did, it could produce major economic losses for livestock production. Further studies and sustained surveillance are indicated, not only focusing on this species of tick and this rickettsia, but also on other microorganisms of veterinary and medical importance that might be transmitted in Corsica and other Mediterranean islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Cicculli
- EA7310 BIOSCOPE, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, Marseille, France
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, Marseille, France
| | - Alessandra Falchi
- EA7310 BIOSCOPE, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250, Corte, France.
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Cherry CC, Denison AM, Kato CY, Thornton K, Paddock CD. Diagnosis of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses in U.S. Travelers Returning from Africa, 2007-2016. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:136-142. [PMID: 29848404 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGRs), such as African tick bite fever (ATBF), are among the most commonly diagnosed diseases for ill travelers returning from southern Africa. We summarized demographic, clinical, and diagnostic features of imported SFGR cases in U.S. travelers returning from Africa who had laboratory specimens submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnosis of SFGR was performed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay, immunohistochemical staining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or culture. Cases were defined as probable SFGR, confirmed SFGR, or confirmed ATBF. Clinical and epidemiological categorical variables were described as counts and proportions; continuous variables were described using geometric mean titers, median, and range. One hundred and twenty-seven patients satisfied laboratory criteria for confirmed or probable SFGR. Fever was the most common symptom (N = 88; 69%), followed by ≥ 1 eschars (N = 70; 55%). Paired serums were submitted for 36 patients (28%); 12 patients (33%) had nonreactive initial serum sample but converted to a titer ≥ 64 with the convalescent sample. Twenty-seven patients (21%) had infection with Rickettsia africae based on PCR analysis of eschar swab (N = 8) or biopsy (N = 23). Fifteen patients had eschar biopsy or swab samples and serum sample(s) submitted together; 9 (60%) had PCR-positive eschar results and nonreactive acute serology. Health-care providers should consider SFGR when evaluating patients for a febrile illness with eschar and compatible foreign travel history. Polymerase chain reaction testing of eschar biopsies or swabs provides a confirmed diagnosis in early stages of disease; eschar swabs or biopsies are an underutilized diagnostic technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara C Cherry
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amy M Denison
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cecilia Y Kato
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katrina Thornton
- Epidemiology Elective Program, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christopher D Paddock
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Parasites of small Indian mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus, on St. Kitts, West Indies. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:989-994. [PMID: 29383501 PMCID: PMC5978914 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5773-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Herpestes auropunctatus, the small Indian mongoose, is an invasive omnivore introduced to the Caribbean, including the island of St. Kitts over 150 years ago. It has played a role in changing native fauna and can carry zoonotic pathogens of public health importance. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of parasites harbored by mongooses. In total, 87 mongooses trapped from April to July 2015 were examined for parasites using (1) hair plucks (N = 79), ear swabs (N = 79), and general coat and skin examination (N = 87) for mites, ticks, lice, and fleas; (2) dissection of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs for lungworms and flukes (N = 76); (3) a double centrifugation fecal flotation method for parasites of the gastrointestinal tract (N = 75); and (4) PCR of heart homogenates for Toxoplasma gondii (N = 60). The only ectoparasite seen was Ctenocephalides felis (79.3%; 69/87), with most mongooses having > 10 fleas (based on a subjective assessment) but insufficient numbers to result in signs of pruritus or anemia. On fecal flotation, coccidial oocysts were found with a prevalence of 69.3% (52/75). Neither T. gondii, lungworm, nor fluke infections were detected with the methods used. The high number of C. felis-infested mongooses and the infestation level of the individual mongooses suggest that they could serve as a reservoir for these potential vectors of pathogens. No evidence was found to support that mongooses are a component of T. gondii cycles on St. Kitts, although this finding needs to be confirmed with a larger sample size from other geographic locations.
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Gondard M, Cabezas-Cruz A, Charles RA, Vayssier-Taussat M, Albina E, Moutailler S. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens of the Caribbean: Current Understanding and Future Directions for More Comprehensive Surveillance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:490. [PMID: 29238699 PMCID: PMC5713125 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods of significant importance to human and veterinary medicine. They transmit a vast array of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths. Most epidemiological data on ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in the West Indies are limited to common livestock pathogens such as Ehrlichia ruminantium, Babesia spp. (i.e., B. bovis and B. bigemina), and Anaplasma marginale, and less information is available on companion animal pathogens. Of note, human tick-borne diseases (TBDs) remain almost completely uncharacterized in the West Indies. Information on TBP presence in wildlife is also missing. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the ticks and TBPs affecting human and animal health in the Caribbean, and introduce the challenges associated with understanding TBD epidemiology and implementing successful TBD management in this region. In particular, we stress the need for innovative and versatile surveillance tools using high-throughput pathogen detection (e.g., high-throughput real-time microfluidic PCR). The use of such tools in large epidemiological surveys will likely improve TBD prevention and control programs in the Caribbean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Gondard
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Petit-Bourg, France
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceské Budejovice, Czechia
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Roxanne A. Charles
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of the West Indies, Mt. Hope, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Emmanuel Albina
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Petit-Bourg, France
- INRA, UMR 1319 ASTRE, Montpellier, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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19
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Kelly PJ, Köster L, Li J, Zhang J, Huang K, Branford GC, Marchi S, Vandenplas M, Wang C. Survey of vector-borne agents in feral cats and first report of Babesia gibsoni in cats on St Kitts, West Indies. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:331. [PMID: 29132371 PMCID: PMC5683591 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1230-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As there is little data on vector-borne diseases of cats in the Caribbean region and even around the world, we tested feral cats from St Kitts by PCR to detect infections with Babesia, Ehrlichia and spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) and surveyed them for antibodies to Rickettsia rickettsii and Ehrlichia canis. Results Whole blood was collected from apparently healthy feral cats during spay/ neuter campaigns on St Kitts in 2011 (N = 68) and 2014 (N = 52). Sera from the 52 cats from 2014 were used to detect antibodies to Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia rickettsii using indirect fluorescent antibody tests and DNA extracted from whole blood of a total of 119 cats (68 from 2011, and 51 from 2014) was used for PCRs for Babesia, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia. We could not amplify DNA of SFG Rickettsia in any of the samples but found DNA of E. canis in 5% (6/119), Babesia vogeli in 13% (15/119), Babesia gibsoni in 4% (5/119), mixed infections with B. gibsoni and B. vogeli in 3% (3/119), and a poorly characterized Babesia sp. in 1% (1/119). Overall, 10% of the 52 cats we tested by IFA for E. canis were positive while 42% we tested by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) for R. rickettsii antigens were positive. Conclusions Our study provides the first evidence that cats can be infected with B. gibsoni and also indicates that cats in the Caribbean may be commonly exposed to other vector-borne agents including SFGR, E. canis and B. vogeli. Animal health workers should be alerted to the possibility of clinical infections in their patients while public health workers should be alerted to the possibility that zoonotic SFGR are likely circulating in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick John Kelly
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Liza Köster
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis.,Glasgow University School of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Hospital, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Jing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jilei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gillian Carmichael Branford
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Silvia Marchi
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Michel Vandenplas
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Guimarães MF, Araujo ADC, Freire DP, Machado DM, Martins NN, Moraes-Filho J, Horta MC. Investigação sorológica de Rickettsia rickettsii e Coxiella burnetii em caprinos e ovinos no entorno do Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões, Piauí. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2017000600004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO: As doenças causadas por bactérias dos gêneros Rickettsia e Coxiella possuem como vetores artrópodes hematófagos, na sua maioria carrapatos, que atuam diretamente na transmissão de patógenos responsáveis por enfermidades de grande impacto na medicina veterinária e humana. O presente estudo objetivou realizar uma investigação sorológica de Rickettsia rickettsii e Coxiella burnetii em caprinos e ovinos criados no entorno do Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões (PNSC), localizado no estado do Piauí, região nordeste do Brasil. Amostras de soro de 202 caprinos e 153 ovinos foram testadas pela Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) para detecção de anticorpos anti-R. rickettsii e anti-C. burnetii, sendo consideradas positivas quando apresentaram títulos ≥ 64. Carrapatos em fase de parasitismo foram coletados e identificados. Todas as amostras de caprinos e ovinos foram soronegativas para antígenos de R. rickettsii. Foi verificado soropositividade em 2% (3/153) das amostras de ovinos para C. burnetii, com títulos variando de 64 a 4.096. As amostras de caprinos não foram reagentes ao referido antígeno. Não foi observado parasitismo em caprinos por carrapatos. No total, foram coletados 56 carrapatos parasitando 15 ovinos (9,8%), todos identificados como Rhipicephalus microplus. O estudo demonstrou a ausência de anticorpos anti-R. rickettsii nas amostras de caprinos e ovinos, ausência de anticorpos anti-C. burnetii em caprinos; e possibilitou o primeiro relato da ocorrência sorológica de C. burnetii em ovinos nesta região do Brasil.
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Eisawi NM, Hassan DA, Hussien MO, Musa AB, El Hussein ARM. Seroprevalence of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae infection in domestic ruminants in Khartoum State, Sudan. Vet Med Sci 2017; 3:91-98. [PMID: 28713577 PMCID: PMC5488242 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiosis is caused by obligatory intracellular Gram-negative bacteria that belong to the genus Rickettsia. Ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae can act as vectors, reservoirs or amplifiers of SFG rickettsiae. This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of SFG rickettsioses in cattle, sheep and goats from Khartoum State, Sudan. Blood samples were collected from a total of 600 animals (sheep, goats and cattle) from 32 different farms distributed in three locations in Khartoum State during the period January to December 2012. Sera were tested for antibodies against SFG rickettsiae using IFAT. The prevalence of seropositivity was 59.3% in sheep, 60.1% in goats and 64.4% in cattle. Season was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with seroprevalence of SFG rickettsiae in cattle during winter. The SFG rickettsiae antibodies prevalence was significantly higher in female compared with male in sheep, but there were no significant differences between male and female in either cattle or goats. The prevalence was significantly higher in adult animals compared with young in both sheep and goats. With regard to management system, there was a significant difference in the prevalence in cattle raised in closed system compared with those raised in semi-intensive system. In contrast, there was significant difference in the seroprevalence of SFG in sheep where the prevalence was higher in the sheep raised in semi-intensive system compared with those raised in close system. There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence in goats with regard to management systems. The unexpected high prevalence of SFG rickettsia antibodies in domestic ruminants sera suggest that the veterinary and public health impact of these agents in Sudan need further evaluation especially in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa M Eisawi
- Central LaboratoryMinistry of Higher Education and Scientific ResearchP.O. Box 7099KhartoumSudan
| | - Dina A Hassan
- Central LaboratoryMinistry of Higher Education and Scientific ResearchP.O. Box 7099KhartoumSudan
| | - Mohammed O Hussien
- Central LaboratoryMinistry of Higher Education and Scientific ResearchP.O. Box 7099KhartoumSudan
| | - Azza B Musa
- Central LaboratoryMinistry of Higher Education and Scientific ResearchP.O. Box 7099KhartoumSudan
| | - Abdel Rahim M El Hussein
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL)Animal Resources Research Corporation (ARRC)P.O. Box 8067El Amarat, KhartoumSudan
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Maina AN, Jiang J, Omulo SA, Cutler SJ, Ade F, Ogola E, Feikin DR, Njenga MK, Cleaveland S, Mpoke S, Ng'ang'a Z, Breiman RF, Knobel DL, Richards AL. High prevalence of Rickettsia africae variants in Amblyomma variegatum ticks from domestic mammals in rural western Kenya: implications for human health. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 14:693-702. [PMID: 25325312 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are emerging human diseases caused by obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. Despite being important causes of systemic febrile illnesses in travelers returning from sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the reservoir hosts of these pathogens. We conducted surveys for rickettsiae in domestic animals and ticks in a rural setting in western Kenya. Of the 100 serum specimens tested from each species of domestic ruminant 43% of goats, 23% of sheep, and 1% of cattle had immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the SFG rickettsiae. None of these sera were positive for IgG against typhus group rickettsiae. We detected Rickettsia africae-genotype DNA in 92.6% of adult Amblyomma variegatum ticks collected from domestic ruminants, but found no evidence of the pathogen in blood specimens from cattle, goats, or sheep. Sequencing of a subset of 21 rickettsia-positive ticks revealed R. africae variants in 95.2% (20/21) of ticks tested. Our findings show a high prevalence of R. africae variants in A. variegatum ticks in western Kenya, which may represent a low disease risk for humans. This may provide a possible explanation for the lack of African tick-bite fever cases among febrile patients in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice N Maina
- 1 Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology , Nairobi, Kenya
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Molecular Detection of Theileria spp. in Livestock on Five Caribbean Islands. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:624728. [PMID: 26783522 PMCID: PMC4689888 DOI: 10.1155/2015/624728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Theileria spp. are tick-transmitted, intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of animals. As there is very limited information on the prevalence of Theileria spp. in the Caribbean we used the recently described genus-specific pan-Theileria FRET-qPCR to identify infected animals in the region and a standard 18S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing to determine the species involved. We found Theileria spp. in 9% of the convenience samples of animals (n = 752) studied from five Caribbean islands. Donkeys (20.0%: 5/25) were most commonly infected, followed by sheep (17.4%, 25/144), cattle (6.8%; 22/325), goats (5.0%; 12/238), and horses (5.0%; 1/20). Six species of Theileria were identified: T. equi (donkeys, cattle, goats, and sheep), Theileria sp. OT3 (sheep and goats), Theileria sp. NG-2013a (cattle), Theileria sp. YW-2014 (donkeys), Theileria sp. B15a (goats), and Babesia vulpes or a closely related organism (sheep and goats). Only T. equi has been previously reported in the Caribbean. Our findings expand the known host ranges of Theileria spp. and the known distribution of the organisms around the world.
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Hamilton CM, Katzer F, Innes EA, Kelly PJ. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in small ruminants from four Caribbean islands. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:449. [PMID: 25249175 PMCID: PMC4261777 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals including livestock. In these animals, the parasite forms cysts in the tissues which may pose a risk to public health if infected meat is consumed undercooked or raw. Little is known of the epidemiology of T. gondii in the Caribbean; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine T. gondii exposure in small ruminants from four Caribbean island nations. FINDINGS Sera from 305 sheep and 442 goats from Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis were examined for T. gondii antibodies using an in house ELISA. Reactive antibodies were detected in sheep and goats, respectively, from Dominica (67%, 37/55; 58%, 79/136), Grenada (48%, 40/84; 57%, 54/94), Montserrat (89%, 25/28; 80%, 25/31) and St. Kitts and Nevis (57%, 78/138; 42%, 76/181). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest widespread environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts and that small ruminants could be a potentially important source of T. gondii infection if their infected meat is consumed undercooked.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Patrick J Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, St, Kitts, West Indies.
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Wood H, Drebot MA, Dewailly E, Dillon L, Dimitrova K, Forde M, Grolla A, Lee E, Loftis A, Makowski K, Morrison K, Robertson L, Krecek RC. Seroprevalence of seven zoonotic pathogens in pregnant women from the Caribbean. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 91:642-4. [PMID: 24914001 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies examining the prevalence of zoonotic agents in the Caribbean are very limited. The objective of this study was to examine the seroprevalence of seven zoonotic agents among individuals residing on 10 English-speaking Caribbean countries. Sera from healthy, pregnant women were collected from Antigua-Barbuda, Belize, Bermuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent-Grenadines and tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to dengue virus, hepatitis E virus, hantaviruses, leptospiral agents, spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR), typhus group rickettsiae (TGR), and Coxiella burnetii (Q fever). The highest seroprevalence values were observed for dengue virus, SFGR, and leptospirosis, although the lowest seroprevalence values were observed for hepatitis E virus, C. burnetii, and TGR. Antibodies to hantaviruses were not detected in any individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Wood
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Michael A Drebot
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Eric Dewailly
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Liz Dillon
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Kristina Dimitrova
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Martin Forde
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Allen Grolla
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Elise Lee
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Amanda Loftis
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Kai Makowski
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Karen Morrison
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Lyndon Robertson
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Rosina C Krecek
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Caribbean EcoHealth Programme, St. George's, Grenada
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Kelly PJ, Lucas HM, Randolph CM, Ackerson K, Blackburn JK, Dark MJ. Efficacy of slow-release tags impregnated with aggregation-attachment pheromone and deltamethrin for control of Amblyomma variegatum on St. Kitts, West Indies. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:182. [PMID: 24731252 PMCID: PMC3999386 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amblyomma variegatum is an important cause of morbidity, mortality and economic losses in Africa and the West Indies. Attempts to control and/or eradicate the tick from the Caribbean have largely been unsuccessful because of difficulties relating to the biology of the three-host tick and problems with applying acaricides on a regular basis to free-ranging domestic ruminants. While plastic collars impregnated with insecticides are widely and effectively used in companion animals to control external parasites there is little information on this technology in ruminants. Methods Over 21 months we tested the efficacy of slow-release plastic tags impregnated with deltamethrin (7%) and aggregation-attachment pheromones (DPITs) in controlling A. variegatum on free-ranging cattle on two farms on St. Kitts. The tags were replaced every three months or when found to be lost. Results On sentinel animals fitted with tags containing only aggregation-attachment pheromones there were an average of 23.1 ticks per semi-monthly visit although this number varied considerably, peaking in the dry season around May and being lowest in August to October during the wet season. Significantly fewer ticks (3.5 on average) were found on cattle with DPITs at each visit (P < 0.001). Although the DIPTs provided good control (92% on average), they did not significantly reduce A. variegatum in the environment with tick numbers on sentinels being higher in the second year of the study, despite up to 44% of animals being fitted with DPITs. The tags were economical, costing 0.2% of the 1% flumethrin pour-on treatment widely recommended for A. variegatum control in the Caribbean. The major problem encountered was that 38% of tail tags were lost before they were due for replacement every three months. Conclusions Our study has shown that DPITs are cheap to produce, easy to place, only require handling of animals every three months, and are very effective in protecting cattle from A. variegatum. Before DPITs can be considered for eradication programs the problems needing to be addressed include loss of tail tags, particularly in thick vegetation, and the optimum number of animals that must be treated to reduce numbers of ticks in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Kelly
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, Basseterre, St, Kitts and Nevis, West Indies.
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Parola P, Paddock CD, Socolovschi C, Labruna MB, Mediannikov O, Kernif T, Abdad MY, Stenos J, Bitam I, Fournier PE, Raoult D. Update on tick-borne rickettsioses around the world: a geographic approach. Clin Microbiol Rev 2013; 26:657-702. [PMID: 24092850 PMCID: PMC3811236 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00032-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 910] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group of the genus Rickettsia. These zoonoses are among the oldest known vector-borne diseases. However, in the past 25 years, the scope and importance of the recognized tick-associated rickettsial pathogens have increased dramatically, making this complex of diseases an ideal paradigm for the understanding of emerging and reemerging infections. Several species of tick-borne rickettsiae that were considered nonpathogenic for decades are now associated with human infections, and novel Rickettsia species of undetermined pathogenicity continue to be detected in or isolated from ticks around the world. This remarkable expansion of information has been driven largely by the use of molecular techniques that have facilitated the identification of novel and previously recognized rickettsiae in ticks. New approaches, such as swabbing of eschars to obtain material to be tested by PCR, have emerged in recent years and have played a role in describing emerging tick-borne rickettsioses. Here, we present the current knowledge on tick-borne rickettsiae and rickettsioses using a geographic approach toward the epidemiology of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | | | - Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade de São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Tahar Kernif
- Service d'Ecologie des Systèmes Vectoriels, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Mohammad Yazid Abdad
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Idir Bitam
- University of Boumerdes, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod-Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
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Toxicity of Millettia ferruginea darasana (family: Fabaceae) against the larvae and adult ticks of Amblyomma variegatum Fabricius a three-host tick in cattle. J Parasit Dis 2013; 39:298-302. [PMID: 26064022 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-013-0311-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro toxicity of Millettia ferruginea darasana (family: Fabaceae) was tested against the larvae adult male and female of a three-host tick, Amblyomma variegatum Fabricius (family: Ixodidae or hard tick), known as 'tropical bont tick' parasitic mainly to cattle found in Ethiopia and other equatorial Africa. The 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 % concentrations of the seed oil extracted with petroleum ether were found to kill all (100 % mortality) larvae after 12, 9, 6, 3 and 1.5 h respectively. The results summarized in the Table 1 was found to be statistically significant at the probability level of p = 0.05. The 100 % concentration of the oil caused 100 % mortality of adult male, adult female and fully engorged female tick after 5, 7 and 12 h respectively. The root and root bark showed less toxicity. The leaves did not show any toxicity. [Table: see text].
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Loftis AD, Kelly PJ, Freeman MD, Fitzharris S, Beeler-Marfisi J, Wang C. Tick-borne pathogens and disease in dogs on St. Kitts, West Indies. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:44-9. [PMID: 23481028 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Between 2009 and 2011, we conducted a case-control study of ticks and tick-associated pathogens affecting dogs on the island of St. Kitts, eastern Caribbean, including 55 cases of clinically suspected tick-borne disease (TBD) and 110 presumably healthy animals presented for elective surgeries. Rhipicephalus sanguineus caused year-round infestations of dogs, and 36% of the dogs in the study were infested at the time of examination. Overall, 62% of suspected TBD cases and 24% of presumably healthy dogs tested positive by PCR for infections with: Anaplasma platys (0% and 4%), Babesia canis vogeli (20% and 6%), Babesia gibsoni (18% and 5%), Ehrlichia canis (35% and 7%), and Hepatozoon canis (5% and 2%). Co-infections were documented in 15% of these PCR-positive dogs. Antibodies against A. platys or E. canis were noted in 36% of the dogs. Thrombocytopenia was the most common sign of infection, followed by anemia. This is the first detection of A. platys, B. canis vogeli, or H. canis on St. Kitts and the first detection of B. gibsoni in the Caribbean. We conclude that tick-borne pathogens of dogs are highly prevalent in this region and may present in dogs that appear healthy, in spite of hematologic abnormalities that may increase surgical risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Loftis
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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Natala AJ, Balogun EO, Balogun JAB, Inuwa HM, Nok AJ, Shiba T, Harada S, Kita K, Agbede RIS, Esievo KAN. Identification and characterization of sialidase-like activity in the developmental stages of Amblyomma variegatum. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 50:85-93. [PMID: 23427656 DOI: 10.1603/me12152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Amblyomma variegatum F. are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of livestock that serve as the vectors of Ehrlichia ruminantium (formerly known as Cowdria ruminantium), the causative agent of heartwater disease. In the light of the fact that they are blood-feeding, their salivary glands play prominent role in their acquisition of nutrients from the bloodmeal. Sialic acids are a major component of glycoprotein in mammalian blood fluid and cells. Sialome of hard ticks is still sparse. Here, for the first time, the possible expression of sialidase in A. variegatum was investigated. Our finding established the presence of type II sialidase-like activity in the three stages (larva, nymph, and adult) of the fed and unfed tick. There was no statistically significant difference in sialidase activity in the various stages of this ectoparasite (P > 0.05). The enzyme was purified by combination of salting out and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE--cellulose and hydroxylapatite columns. Characterization of the enzyme revealed that it is optimally active at 40 degrees C and pH 5.5, and is activated by bivalent cations Zn2+ or Fe2+. The enzyme has a Km of 0.023 mM and Vmax of 0.16 millimol/min with Fetuin as the substrate. To assess the susceptibility of some mammalian cells to the tick sialidase, we prepared erythrocyte ghost cells from different animals, which were incubated with the enzyme. Results revealed that the ruminant cells were better substrates. Our work and findings contribute to the preliminary characterization of the A. variegatum salivary proteome, and may pave way to the development of new acaricides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audu J Natala
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Wood H, Artsob H. Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae: A Brief Review and a Canadian Perspective. Zoonoses Public Health 2012; 59 Suppl 2:65-79. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2012.01472.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Beati L, Patel J, Lucas-Williams H, Adakal H, Kanduma EG, Tembo-Mwase E, Krecek R, Mertins JW, Alfred JT, Kelly S, Kelly P. Phylogeography and demographic history of Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius) (Acari: Ixodidae), the tropical bont tick. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:514-25. [PMID: 22448720 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic diversity of Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius) from four Caribbean islands and five African countries was compared by analyzing the sequences of three gene fragments, two mitochondrial (12SrDNA and D-Loop-DL), and one nuclear (intergenic transcribed spacer 2 [ITS2]). Genetic variability of the ITS2 DNA fragment consisted of only uninformative single nucleotide mutations, and therefore this gene was excluded from further analyses. Mitochondrial gene divergences among African populations and between Caribbean and African populations were very low. Nevertheless, the data suggest that A. variegatum is divided into distinct East and West African groups, the western group including all Caribbean samples. Phylogenetic analyses of the 12SrDNA and DL gene sequences showed that the West African A. variegatum clustered in a well-supported monophyletic clade, distinct from eastern paraphyletic lineages. Sequences of A. variegatum from the Caribbean were embedded in the West African clade, which supports the known West African historical origin for these ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Beati
- Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 3046, USA.
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Kelly PJ, Lucas H, Yowell C, Beati L, Dame J, Urdaz-Rodriguez J, Mahan S. Ehrlichia ruminantium in Amblyomma variegatum and domestic ruminants in the Caribbean. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2011; 48:485-488. [PMID: 21485394 DOI: 10.1603/me10172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The highly sensitive nested pCS20 polymerase chain reaction assay for Ehrlichia ruminantium was negative on 506 Amblyomma variegatum from Caribbean islands where clinical heartwater has not been reported, mainly the United States Virgin Islands (18), Dominica (170), Montserrat (5), Nevis (34), St. Kitts (262), and St. Lucia (17). Positive results were obtained with positive controls (Crystal Springs strain) and A. variegatum from countries in Africa where infections are endemic, mainly Tanzania (1/37) and Burkino Faso (2/29). Positive major antigenic protein-1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for E. ruminantium were obtained on convenience samples of sera from apparently healthy cattle, sheep, and goats on Dominica (0/95, 0%; 3/135, 2%; 2/57, 4%), Grenada (0/4, 0%; 1/98, 1%; 1/86, 1%), Montserrat (0/12, 0%; 0/28, 2%; 5/139, 4%), Nevis (0/45, 0%; 0/157, 0%; 0/90, 0%), Puerto Rico (0/422, 0%; 0, 0%), St. Kitts (3/86, 4%; 1/25, 0%; 0/26, 0%), and St. Lucia (0/184, 0%; 0/15, 0%; 0, 0%), respectively. The pCS20 polymerase chain reaction results indicate E. ruminantium is not present on islands where clinical heartwater does not occur. The occasional positive major antigenic protein-1B enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results appear, then, to be false-positive reactions, and serology appears to be of limited use in testing for E. ruminantium in the Caribbean, as is the case in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, West Farm, St. Kitts and Nevis.
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