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Jaenson TGT, Gray JS, Lindgren PE, Wilhelmsson P. Coinfection of Babesia and Borrelia in the Tick Ixodes ricinus-A Neglected Public Health Issue in Europe? Pathogens 2024; 13:81. [PMID: 38251388 PMCID: PMC10818971 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus nymphs and adults removed from humans, and larvae and nymphs from birds, have been analysed for infection with Babesia species and Borrelia species previously in separately published studies. Here, we use the same data set to explore the coinfection pattern of Babesia and Borrelia species in the ticks. We also provide an overview of the ecology and potential public health importance in Sweden of I. ricinus infected both with zoonotic Babesia and Borrelia species. Among 1952 nymphs and adult ticks removed from humans, 3.1% were PCR-positive for Babesia spp. Of these Babesia-positive ticks, 43% were simultaneously Borrelia-positive. Among 1046 immatures of I. ricinus removed from birds, 2.5% were Babesia-positive, of which 38% were coinfected with Borrelia species. This study shows that in I. ricinus infesting humans or birds in Sweden, potentially zoonotic Babesia protozoa sometimes co-occur with human-pathogenic Borrelia spp. Diagnostic tests for Babesia spp. infection are rarely performed in Europe, and the medical significance of this pathogen in Europe could be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G. T. Jaenson
- Evolutionary Biology Centre, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18d, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jeremy S. Gray
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, D04 N2E5 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 11 Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Wilhelmsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 11 Jönköping, Sweden
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Zintl A, McManus A, Galan M, Diquattro M, Giuffredi L, Charbonnel N, Gray J, Holland C, Stuart P. Presence and identity of Babesia microti in Ireland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102221. [PMID: 37406478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102221] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Babesia microti is a tick-transmitted protozoan parasite of wildlife that can also cause serious disease in humans. It is now well established that B. microti represents an assemblage of different strains or species, only some of which are important zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, in order to assess the potential public health risk associated with B. microti in any given location, it is important to determine the strains that are present. This is the first study on the presence and identity of B. microti in Ireland. Overall, 314 wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), 243 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and 634 questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs collected in various locations across Ireland were screened for the presence of B. microti by metabarcoding and nested PCR, respectively. Overall 8 rodent spleen samples (1.4%) were positive for B. microti, while all tick samples tested negative. Rodent isolates were identified as the 'Munich' strain which rarely causes human disease and is chiefly transmitted by the mouse tick, Ixodes trianguliceps. Together with reports from the UK these results suggest that B. microti does not represent a significant public health risk in Britain or Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zintl
- UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - A McManus
- MunsterTechnological University, Kerry Campus, Ireland
| | - M Galan
- CBGP, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - M Diquattro
- Biological Engineering Department, University of Toulon, France
| | | | - N Charbonnel
- CBGP, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - J Gray
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Holland
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - P Stuart
- Munster Technological University, Kerry Campus, Ireland
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Hildebrandt A, Gray J, Montero E. Characteristics of Human Babesiosis in Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020323. [PMID: 36839594 PMCID: PMC9961061 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the Editor's choice articles in 2021 published in Pathogens was a review of human babesiosis in Europe [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hildebrandt
- Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Vincenz Hospital Datteln, 45711 Datteln, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Jeremy Gray
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, D04 N2E5 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Estrella Montero
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
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Babesia and Theileria Identification in Adult Ixodid Ticks from Tapada Nature Reserve, Portugal. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020222. [PMID: 35215163 PMCID: PMC8876925 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study, conducted in a nature reserve in southern Portugal, investigated the frequency and diversity of tick-borne piroplasms in six species of adult ixodid ticks removed from 71 fallow deer (Dama dama) and 12 red deer (Cervus elaphus), collected over the period 2012–2019. The majority of 520 ticks were Ixodes ricinus (78.5%), followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Haemaphysalis punctata, Dermacentor marginatus, and Ixodes hexagonus. The R. sanguineus ticks collected from the deer were clearly exophilic, in contrast to the endophilic species usually associated with dogs. Four tick-borne piroplasms, including Theileria spp., and the zoonotic species, Babesia divergens and Babesia microti, were detected. B. divergens 18S rDNA, identical to that of the bovine reference strain U16370 and to certain strains from red deer, was detected in I. ricinus ticks removed from fallow deer. The sporadic detection of infections in ticks removed from the same individual hosts suggests that the piroplasms were present in the ticks rather than the hosts. Theileria sp OT3 was found in I. ricinus and, along with T. capreoli, was also detected in some of the other tick species. The natural vector and pathogenic significance of this piroplasm are unknown.
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Karshima SN, Karshima MN, Ahmed MI. Infection rates, species diversity, and distribution of zoonotic Babesia parasites in ticks: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:311-334. [PMID: 34750651 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07359-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic Babesia species are emerging public health threats globally, and are the cause of a mild to severe malaria-like disease which may be life threatening in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, we determine the global infection rate, distribution, and the diversity of zoonotic Babesia species in tick vectors using a systematic review and meta-analysis. We used the random-effects model to pool data and determined quality of individual studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal instrument for prevalence studies, heterogeneity using Cochran's Q test, and across study bias using Egger's regression test. Herein, we reported a 2.16% (3915/175345, 95% CI: 1.76-2.66) global infection rate of zoonotic Babesia species (B. divergens, B. microti, and B. venatorum) in tick vectors across 36 countries and 4 continents. Sub-group infection rates ranged between 0.65% (95% CI: 0.09-4.49) and 3.70% (95% CI: 2.61-5.21). B. microti was the most prevalent (1.79%, 95% CI: 1.38-2.31) species reported in ticks, while Ixodes scapularis recorded the highest infection rate (3.92%, 95% CI: 2.55-5.99). Larvae 4.18% (95% CI: 2.15-7.97) and females 4.08% (95% CI: 2.56-6.43) were the tick stage and sex with the highest infection rates. The presence of B. divergens, B. microti, and B. venatorum in tick vectors as revealed by the present study suggests possible risk of transmission of these pathogens to humans, especially occupationally exposed population. The control of tick vectors through chemical and biological methods as well as the use of repellants and appropriate clothing by occupationally exposed population are suggested to curtail the epidemiologic, economic, and public health threats associated with this emerging public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Ngutor Karshima
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Jos, PMB 2084, Jos, Nigeria.
| | - Magdalene Nguvan Karshima
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, PMB 2076, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
| | - Musa Isiyaku Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, PMB 28, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
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Bajer A, Dwużnik-Szarek D. The specificity of Babesia-tick vector interactions: recent advances and pitfalls in molecular and field studies. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:507. [PMID: 34583754 PMCID: PMC8480096 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia spp. are protozoan parasites of great medical and veterinary importance, especially in the northern Hemisphere. Ticks are known vectors of Babesia spp., although some Babesia-tick interactions have not been fully elucidated. Methods The present review was performed to investigate the specificity of Babesia-tick species interactions that have been identified using molecular techniques in studies conducted in the last 20 years under field conditions. We aimed to indicate the main vectors of important Babesia species based on published research papers (n = 129) and molecular data derived from the GenBank database. Results Repeated observations of certain Babesia species in specific species and genera of ticks in numerous independent studies, carried out in different areas and years, have been considered epidemiological evidence of established Babesia-tick interactions. The best studied species of ticks are Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes scapularis (103 reports, i.e. 80% of total reports). Eco-epidemiological studies have confirmed a specific relationship between Babesia microti and Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, and Ixodes scapularis and also between Babesia canis and D. reticulatus. Additionally, four Babesia species (and one genotype), which have different deer species as reservoir hosts, displayed specificity to the I. ricinus complex. Eco-epidemiological studies do not support interactions between a high number of Babesia spp. and I. ricinus or D. reticulatus. Interestingly, pioneering studies on other species and genera of ticks have revealed the existence of likely new Babesia species, which need more scientific attention. Finally, we discuss the detection of Babesia spp. in feeding ticks and critically evaluate the data on the role of the latter as vectors. Conclusions Epidemiological data have confirmed the specificity of certain Babesia-tick vector interactions. The massive amount of data that has been thus far collected for the most common tick species needs to be complemented by more intensive studies on Babesia infections in underrepresented tick species. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05019-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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Goethert HK. What Babesia microti Is Now. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091168. [PMID: 34578201 PMCID: PMC8467215 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites from diverse hosts morphologically identified as Babesia microti have previously been shown to belong to a paraphyletic species complex. With a growing number of reports of B. microti-like parasites from across the world, this paper seeks to report on the current knowledge of the diversity of this species complex. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA sequences obtained from GenBank shows that the diversity of the B. microti species complex has markedly increased and now encompasses at least five distinct clades. This cryptic diversity calls into question much of our current knowledge of the life cycle of these parasites, as many biological studies were conducted before DNA sequencing technology was available. In many cases, it is uncertain which B. microti-like parasite was studied because parasites from different clades may occur sympatrically and even share the same host. Progress can only be made if future studies are conducted with careful attention to parasite identification and PCR primer specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi K Goethert
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Onyiche TE, Răileanu C, Fischer S, Silaghi C. Global Distribution of Babesia Species in Questing Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Published Literature. Pathogens 2021; 10:230. [PMID: 33669591 PMCID: PMC7926846 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis caused by the Babesia species is a parasitic tick-borne disease. It threatens many mammalian species and is transmitted through infected ixodid ticks. To date, the global occurrence and distribution are poorly understood in questing ticks. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the distribution of the pathogen. A deep search for four electronic databases of the published literature investigating the prevalence of Babesia spp. in questing ticks was undertaken and obtained data analyzed. Our results indicate that in 104 eligible studies dating from 1985 to 2020, altogether 137,364 ticks were screened with 3069 positives with an estimated global pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of 2.10%. In total, 19 different Babesia species of both human and veterinary importance were detected in 23 tick species, with Babesia microti and Ixodesricinus being the most widely reported Babesia and tick species, respectively. Regardless of species, adult ticks with 2.60% had the highest infection rates, while larvae had the least with 0.60%. Similarly, female ticks with 4.90% were infected compared to males with 3.80%. Nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 2.80% had the highest prevalence among the molecular techniques employed. In conclusion, results obtained indicate that Babesia species are present in diverse questing tick species at a low prevalence, of which some are competent vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- ThankGod E. Onyiche
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri 600230, Nigeria;
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
- Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Domstrasse 11, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Arsuaga M, Gonzalez LM, Lobo CA, de la Calle F, Bautista JM, Azcárate IG, Puente S, Montero E. First Report of Babesia microti-Caused Babesiosis in Spain. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:677-9. [PMID: 27560451 PMCID: PMC5065027 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is an emerging zoonosis now found in several areas of the world. Using PCR and indirect immunofluorescence assay, we have diagnosed the first case of human babesiosis caused by Babesia microti in Spain. Diagnosis was delayed because of the nonspecific clinical symptoms that occurred in an immunocompetent patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Arsuaga
- 1 Medicina Interna, Sección de Infecciosas and Unidad de Medicina Tropical y del Viajero, Hospital Carlos III , Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Gonzalez
- 2 Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Majadahonda, Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid, Spain
| | - Cheryl A Lobo
- 3 Blood-Borne Parasites Department, Lindsley Kimball Research Institute New York Blood Center , New York, New York
| | - Fernando de la Calle
- 4 Medicina Interna, Sección de Infecciosas and Unidad de Medicina Tropical y del Viajero, Hospital Universitario La Paz , Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M Bautista
- 5 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular IV, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense , Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel G Azcárate
- 5 Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular IV, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense , Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabino Puente
- 1 Medicina Interna, Sección de Infecciosas and Unidad de Medicina Tropical y del Viajero, Hospital Carlos III , Madrid, Spain
| | - Estrella Montero
- 2 Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Majadahonda, Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid, Spain
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High prevalence of Babesia microti ‘Munich’ type in small mammals from an Ixodes persulcatus/Ixodes trianguliceps sympatric area in the Omsk region, Russia. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3619-29. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5128-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Rar VA, Epikhina TI, Suntsova OV, Kozlova IV, Lisak OV, Pukhovskaya NM, Vysochina NP, Ivanov LI, Tikunova NV. Genetic variability of Babesia parasites in Haemaphysalis spp. and Ixodes persulcatus ticks in the Baikal region and Far East of Russia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 28:270-5. [PMID: 25460820 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To study Babesia diversity in Ixodid ticks in Russia, Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis japonica, Haemaphysalisconcinna, Dermacentor silvarum, and Dermacentor nuttalli ticks collected in the Far East and Baikal region were assayed for the presence of Babesia spp. using nested PCR. In total, Babesia DNA was detected in 30 of the 1125 (2.7%) I. persulcatus, 17 of the 573 (3.0%) H. concinna, and 12 of the 543 (2.2%) H. japonica but was undetectable in any of the 294 analyzed Dermacentor spp. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences were determined for all of the positive samples. Among the positive ticks, nine I. persulcatus were infected by Babesia microti 'US'-type, five I. persulcatus were infected by Babesia divergens-like parasites, and 11 I. persulcatus were infected by Babesia venatorum. For all three of these species, the determined 18S rRNA gene sequences were identical to those of the Babesia genetic variants found previously in I. persulcatus in Russia. In addition, five I. persulcatus from the Baikal region and all of the positive Haemaphysalis spp. ticks carried 13 different sequence variants of Babesia sensu stricto belonging to distinct phylogenetic clusters. Babesia spp. from 29 ticks of different species collected in distinct locations belonged to the cluster of cattle and ovine parasites (Babesia crassa, Babesiamajor, Babesiamotasi, Babesiabigemina, etc.). Babesia spp. from four H. japonica ticks in the Far East belonged to the cluster formed by parasites of carnivores. One more Babesia sequence variant detected in an I. persulcatus tick from the Baikal region belonged to the cluster formed by parasites of cattle and wild cervids (B. divergens, Babesiacapreoli, B. venatorum, Babesiaodocoilei, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Rar
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.
| | - T I Epikhina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - O V Suntsova
- Scientific Center of Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, SB RAMS, Irkutsk, Russian Federation
| | - I V Kozlova
- Scientific Center of Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, SB RAMS, Irkutsk, Russian Federation
| | - O V Lisak
- Scientific Center of Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, SB RAMS, Irkutsk, Russian Federation
| | - N M Pukhovskaya
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - N P Vysochina
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - L I Ivanov
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - N V Tikunova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
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Kallio ER, Begon M, Birtles RJ, Bown KJ, Koskela E, Mappes T, Watts PC. First report of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti in rodents in Finland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:389-93. [PMID: 24848684 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases pose an increasingly important public health problem in Europe. Rodents are the reservoir host for many tick-transmitted pathogens, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti, which can cause human granulocytic anaplasmosis and babesiosis, respectively. To estimate the presence of these pathogens in rodents in Finland, we examined blood samples from 151 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and demonstrate, for the first time, that A. phagocytophilum and B. microti commonly infect bank voles (in 22% and 40% of animals, respectively) in Finland. Sequence analysis of a fragment of 18S rRNA showed that the B. microti strain isolated was identical to the Munich strain, which is considered to be nonzoonotic. The A. phagocytophilum strain (based on a fragment of the msp4 gene) was identical to one found earlier in rodents in the United Kingdom that is transmitted by the tick Ixodes trianguliceps, all the life stages of which feed on small mammals. The infection probability of B. microti in the bank voles was the greater the older the individual was, and males were more often infected than females. A. phagocytophilum infection probability first increased and then decreased with the age of individual without any difference between sexes. While these pathogens presumably pose a limited zoonotic risk to humans in Finland, they might have important interactions with other rodent pathogens and therefore affect infection dynamics of, for example, zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva R Kallio
- 1 Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä , Jyväskylä, Finland
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Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were: (1) to estimate Babesia prevalence in the most common species of tick in Poland, Ixodes ricinus, in two recreational areas (Urwitałt in the Mazury Lake District and Bielański Forest in Warsaw), and (2) to evaluate the molecular diversity of Babesia isolates in questing I. ricinus in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS Questing ticks were collected from vegetation in forest areas in Urwitałt near Mikołajki and in Bielański Forest (Warsaw). Purified genomic DNA was used with specific primers to amplify a fragment of the Babesia spp. 18S rRNA gene. RESULTS Tick-drag indices for I. ricinus were high in both study areas, reaching somewhat higher values in Urwitałt than in Bielański Forest. The overall prevalence of Babesia spp. in examined ticks was 1.6%. In Urwitałt, two strains of B. microti were identified using rRNA sequences: the enzootic Munich strain and an isolate close to the zoonotic Jena strain. The proportion of infections due to these two strains in questing ticks reversed over a six-year period. During 3 years of study in Bielański Forest, all Babesia isolates obtained from I. ricinus were identical to Babesia sp. EU1 (B. venatorum), previously recognized as an agent of human babesiosis. CONCLUSIONS This study has confirmed the presence of enzoonotic and zoonotic Babesia species/strains in the abundant human-biting tick I. ricinus in recreational areas in Poland. It has also shown that the distribution of different genotypes has changed over time, however the reasons for these fluctuations still remain to be investigated.
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Welc-Falęciak R, Werszko J, Cydzik K, Bajer A, Michalik J, Behnke JM. Co-infection and genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens in roe deer from Poland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:277-88. [PMID: 23473225 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild species are essential hosts for maintaining Ixodes ticks and the tick-borne diseases. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence, the rate of co-infection with Babesia, Bartonella, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and the molecular diversity of tick-borne pathogens in roe deer in Poland. Almost half of the tested samples provided evidence of infection with at least 1 species. A. phagocytophilum (37.3%) was the most common and Bartonella (13.4%) the rarest infection. A total of 18.3% of all positive samples from roe deer were infected with at least 2 pathogens, and one-third of those were co-infected with A. phagocytophilum, Bartonella, and Babesia species. On the basis of multilocus molecular studies we conclude that: (1) Two different genetic variants of A. phagocytophilum, zoonotic and nonzoonotic, are widely distributed in Polish roe deer population; (2) the roe deer is the host for zoonotic Babesia (Bab. venatorum, Bab. divergens), closely related or identical with strains/species found in humans; (3) our Bab. capreoli and Bab. divergens isolates differed from reported genotypes at 2 conserved base positions, i.e., positions 631 and 663; and (4) this is the first description of Bart. schoenbuchensis infections in roe deer in Poland. We present 1 of the first complex epidemiological studies on the prevalence of Babesia, Bartonella, and A. phagocytophilum in naturally infected populations of roe deer. These game animals clearly have an important role as reservoir hosts of tick-borne pathogens, but the pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of the parasite genotypes hosted by roe deer requires further detailed investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Welc-Falęciak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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Movila A, Deriabina T, Morozov A, Sitnicova N, Toderas I, Uspenskaia I, Alekhnovici A. Abundance of Adult Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone. J Parasitol 2012; 98:883-4. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-3131.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Wójcik-Fatla A, Bartosik K, Buczek A, Dutkiewicz J. Babesia microti in adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks from eastern Poland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:841-3. [PMID: 22651392 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 468 adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (298 females and 170 males) collected by flagging in the forests of Lubelskie province, eastern Poland, were analyzed by PCR and nested-PCR for the presence of Babesia microti DNA. In all, 21 ticks (4.5%) were found to be infected with B. microti. The infection rate in females (5.0%) was slightly greater than in males (3.5%). Detection of B. microti for the first time in adult D. reticulatus ticks suggests that this species should be considered as a potential vector of B. microti in Europe.
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Hoch T, Goebel J, Agoulon A, Malandrin L. Modelling bovine babesiosis: a tool to simulate scenarios for pathogen spread and to test control measures for the disease. Prev Vet Med 2012; 106:136-42. [PMID: 22341037 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are of increasing concern in many countries, particularly as a consequence of changes in land use and climate. Ticks are vectors of numerous pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoa) that can be harmful to humans and animals. In the context of animal health, bovine babesiosis poses a recurrent threat to cattle herds. In this study, we use a modeling approach to investigate the spread of babesiosis and evaluate control measures. A previously developed tick population dynamics model (here, Ixodes ricinus) is coupled with a pathogen spread model (here, the protozoan Babesia divergens), which describes pathogen spread in a dairy herd through the following processes: transmission, acquisition, transovarial transmission, transstadial persistence, and clearance of the pathogen. An assessment of the simulated B. divergens prevalence levels in ticks and cattle in the context of existing knowledge and data suggested that the model provides a realistic representation of pathogen spread. The model was then used to evaluate the influence of host density and the effect of acaricides on B. divergens prevalence in cattle. Increasing deer density results in an increase in prevalence in cattle whereas increasing cattle stocking rate results in a slight decrease. A potential increase in deer density would thus have an amplification effect on disease spread due to the increase in the number of infected ticks. Regular use of acaricides produces a reduction in pathogen prevalence in cattle. This model could be adapted to other tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Hoch
- INRA, UMR 1300 Bio-Agression, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, Nantes, F-44307, France.
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Detection and molecular characterization of Theileria sp. in fallow deer (Dama dama) and ticks from an Italian natural preserve. Res Vet Sci 2011; 91:110-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Revised: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Schorn S, Pfister K, Reulen H, Mahling M, Silaghi C. Occurrence of Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. in Ixodes ricinus in Bavarian public parks, Germany. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:135. [PMID: 21762494 PMCID: PMC3154157 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Only limited information is available about the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in public parks, which are areas strongly influenced by human beings. For this reason, Ixodes ricinus were collected in public parks of different Bavarian cities in a 2-year survey (2009 and 2010) and screened for DNA of Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. by PCR. Species identification was performed by sequence analysis and alignment with existing sequences in GenBank. Additionally, coinfections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum were investigated. Results The following prevalences were detected: Babesia spp.: 0.4% (n = 17, including one pool of two larvae) in 2009 and 0.5 to 0.7% (n = 11, including one pool of five larvae) in 2010; Rickettsia spp.: 6.4 to 7.7% (n = 285, including 16 pools of 76 larvae) in 2009. DNA of Bartonella spp. in I. ricinus in Bavarian public parks could not be identified. Sequence analysis revealed the following species: Babesia sp. EU1 (n = 25), B. divergens (n = 1), B. divergens/capreoli (n = 1), B. gibsoni-like (n = 1), R. helvetica (n = 272), R. monacensis IrR/Munich (n = 12) and unspecified R. monacensis (n = 1). The majority of coinfections were R. helvetica with A. phagocytophilum (n = 27), but coinfections between Babesia spp. and A. phagocytophilum, or Babesia spp. and R. helvetica were also detected. Conclusions I. ricinus ticks in urban areas of Germany harbor several tick-borne pathogens and coinfections were also observed. Public parks are of particularly great interest regarding the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens, because of differences in both the prevalence of pathogens in ticks as well as a varying species arrangement when compared to woodland areas. The record of DNA of a Babesia gibsoni-like pathogen detected in I. ricinus suggests that I. ricinus may harbor and transmit more Babesia spp. than previously known. Because of their high recreational value for human beings, urban green areas are likely to remain in the research focus on public health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schorn
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
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Rar VA, Epikhina TI, Livanova NN, Panov VV, Pukhovskaya NM, Vysochina NP, Ivanov LI. Detection of Babesia DNA in small mammals and ixodid ticks in the North Urals, Western Siberia, and Far East of Russia. MOLECULAR GENETICS MICROBIOLOGY AND VIROLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.3103/s0891416810030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Genetic diversity ofBabesiainIxodes persulcatusand small mammals from North Ural and West Siberia, Russia. Parasitology 2010; 138:175-82. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182010001162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYObjective.The aim of this work was to study the prevalence and genetic diversity ofBabesiainIxodes persulcatusticks and small mammals from Ural and Siberia in Russia.Methods.In total, 481 small mammals and 922 questing adultI. persulcatusfrom North Ural (Sverdlovsk region) and West Siberia (Novosibirsk region) were examined for the presence ofBabesiaby nested PCR based on the 18S rRNA gene.Results.Babesia microtiof the ‘Munich’-type was found in 36·2% of blood samples of the small mammals from the Sverdlovsk region andB. microtiof the ‘US’-type in 5·3% of the animals from the Novosibirsk region.BabesiaDNA was not detected in 133 analysedI. persulcatusfrom the Sverdlovsk region; however, it was found in 24 of 789 ticks from the Novosibirsk region. Three distinctBabesiaspecies were detected inI. persulcatus. B. microti‘US’-type was identified in 10 ticks,Babesiaclosely related toB. divergens/B. capreoliin 2 ticks, andBabesiaclosely related toB. venatorum(EU1) in 12 ticks.Conclusion.To our knowledge, this is the first detection ofBabesia sensu strictoinI. persulcatusticks and ofB. microtiinI. persulcatusin the Asian part of Russia.
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Gray J, Zintl A, Hildebrandt A, Hunfeld KP, Weiss L. Zoonotic babesiosis: overview of the disease and novel aspects of pathogen identity. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2009; 1:3-10. [PMID: 21771506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Revised: 11/12/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a zoonosis caused by tick-transmitted intraerythrocytic protozoa of the Phylum Apicomplexa. The disease mostly occurs in the USA, but cases have also been reported in several European countries, in Egypt, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and South Africa. The main pathological event is lysis of erythrocytes resulting in haemolytic anaemia, which in severe cases may lead to organ failure and death, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The 2 groups of parasites involved, Babesia microti-like and Babesia sensu stricto (s.s.) species, differ in their life cycle characteristics and susceptibility to antibabesial drugs. Molecular taxonomy is now making a major contribution to the identification of novel pathogens within both groups. Effective treatment of severe cases was initially hampered by the lack of specific antibabesial drugs for human use, but increased use of supportive measures and of the recently developed antimalarial, atovaquone, particularly in combination with azithromycin, has improved the prospects for management of acute disease especially when caused by Babesia s.s. species. Prevention should be based primarily on increasing the awareness of physicians and the public to the risks, but infection from blood transfusions is particularly difficult to prevent. Expanding deer populations, resulting in wider distribution and greater abundance of ticks, heightened medical awareness, and growing numbers of immunocompromised patients are likely to result in a continuing rise of reported cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Gray
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Malandrin L, Jouglin M, Sun Y, Brisseau N, Chauvin A. Redescription of Babesia capreoli (Enigk and Friedhoff, 1962) from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): isolation, cultivation, host specificity, molecular characterisation and differentiation from Babesia divergens. Int J Parasitol 2009; 40:277-84. [PMID: 19733572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2009] [Revised: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 08/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The recent use of the sole molecular identification of Babesia infecting European cervids has led to confusion between the closely related Babesia divergens and Babesia capreoli, and to their grouping together as "B. divergens-like". In order to clarify this taxonomic confusion, Babesia from roe deer, cattle and human blood were isolated, cultured and their biological as well as molecular characteristics compared. On this basis, we conclude that: (i) the parasites isolated from roe deer blood are B. capreoli; (ii) there are no intraspecific variations in the 18S rDNA within B. capreoli and B. divergens spp.; (iii) these two species are closely related as demonstrated by their morphology, serological cross-reactions and 99.83% identity in their 18S rDNA; (iv) these two species are distinct as demonstrated by their different abilities to grow in vitro in cattle, human and sheep erythrocytes, by their infectivity for gerbils, and by a conserved three bases difference at positions 631, 663 and 1637 of their 18S rDNA; (v) B. capreoli does not pose a threat to either humans or livestock. An integrated description is given of the host range, geographical distribution, biological and molecular characterisation of B. capreoli, and reference materials have been deposited at the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Malandrin
- INRA, UMR1300 Bio-agression, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, F-44307 Nantes, France.
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Nakajima R, Tsuji M, Oda K, Zamoto-Niikura A, Wei Q, Kawabuchi-Kurata T, Nishida A, Ishihara C. Babesia microti-group parasites compared phylogenetically by complete sequencing of the CCTeta gene in 36 isolates. J Vet Med Sci 2009; 71:55-68. [PMID: 19194077 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.71.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia microti, the erythroparasitic cause of human babesiosis, has long been taken to be a single species because classification by parasite morphology and host spectrum blurred distinctions between the parasites. Phylogenetic analyses of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (18S rDNA) and, more recently, the beta-tubulin gene have suggested inter-group heterogeneity. Intra-group relationships, however, remain unknown. This study was conducted to clarify the intra- and inter-group phylogenetic features of the B. microti-group parasites with the eta subunit of the chaperonin-containing t-complex polypeptide l (CCTeta) gene as a candidate genetic marker for defining the B. microti group. We prepared complete sequences of the CCTeta gene from 36 piroplasms and compared the phylogenetic trees. The B. microti-group parasites clustered in a monophyletic assemblage separate from the Babesia sensu stricto and Theileria genera and subdivided predominantly into 4 clades (U.S., Kobe, Hobetsu, Munich) with highly significant evolutionary distances between the clades. B. rodhaini branched at the base of the B. microti-group parasites. In addition, a unique intron presence/absence matrix not observable in 18S rDNA or beta-tubulin set the B. microti group entirely apart from either Babesia sensu stricto or Theileria. These results have strong implications for public health, suggesting that the B. microti-group parasites are a full-fledged genus comprising, for now, four core species, i.e., U.S., Kobe, Hobetsu, and Munich species nova. Furthermore, the CCTeta gene is an instructive and definitive genetic marker for analyzing B. microti and related parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Nakajima
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582-1 Bunkyodai Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Japan
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García-Sanmartín J, Barandika JF, Juste RA, García-Pérez AL, Hurtado A. Distribution and molecular detection of Theileria and Babesia in questing ticks from northern Spain. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2008; 22:318-325. [PMID: 19120958 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2008.00748.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A total of 562 questing adult ixodid ticks, collected during 2003-05 in 10 recreational mountain areas in northern Spain, were analysed for piroplasm infection. Reverse line blot (RLB) analysis using a panel of probes for 23 piroplasm species identified 16 different piroplasms, with an overall prevalence of 9.3%. Most were Theileria spp.-positive (7.7%), 3.0% were positive for Babesia spp. and 1.4% of ticks harboured both genera. Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758), the most abundant tick in the vegetation, ranked third with regard to piroplasm infection prevalence (11.4%) after Rhipicephalus bursa (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1878) (16.0%) and Haemaphysalis punctata (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1878) (13.5%). Infection was detected in 6.2% of Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) and in 1.1% of Haemaphysalis inermis (Birula, 1895), but was absent from Haemaphysalis concinna (Koch, 1844). Ixodes ricinus carried more piroplasm species (13), followed by H. punctata (10), D. reticulatus (8), R. bursa (3) and H. inermis (1). Although most of the positive ticks harboured a single infection (76.9%), mixed infections with two or three different piroplasm species were also detected (23.1%). The various tick-pathogen associations found are discussed and prevalences of infection in ticks are compared with previous results on piroplasms infecting animals in the same region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J García-Sanmartín
- Department of Animal Health and Production, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Bizkaia, Spain
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Identification and molecular characterization of Theileria sp. infecting red deer (Cervus elaphus) in northwestern Poland. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-007-0133-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) on an assessment of the risk of tick introduction into UK, Republic of Ireland, and Malta as a consequence of abandoning National rules. EFSA J 2007. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2007.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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