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Valente D, Carolino N, Gomes J, Coelho AC, Espadinha P, Pais J, Carolino I. A study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases of cattle among breeders of two bovine Portuguese autochthonous breeds. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 48:100989. [PMID: 38316511 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.100989] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Beef cattle production in Portugal is an important sector of national agricultural production, with half of the herd being in the Alentejo region. Despite this, animal health is essential for its productivity, which may be compromised by ticks and tick-borne diseases. So far, no study has been conducted in Portugal to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle, which the authors are aware of. This type of questionnaire is a very useful tool in the development and application of effective and sustainable prevention and control measures. Therefore, a KAP questionnaire was applied to 44 cattle breeders of autochthonous Portuguese breeds, namely 14 breeders of the Alentejana breed and 30 of the Mertolenga breed, between January 1 and May 9, 2023. Based on the analysis criteria of these surveys, 64% of the Alentejana breeders and 63% of the Mertolenga breeders have an average level of knowledge about ticks and tick-borne diseases, and 21% of the Alentejana breeders and 33% of the Mertolenga breeders have a high level of knowledge. Although only 21.4% of the Alentejana and 36.7% of the Mertolenga breeders consider tick infestation as a major animal health problem, 71.4% of the Alentejana and 63.3% of breeders of the Mertolenga state that one of the main reasons for veterinary consultations on their farm is deworming of animals, and 92.9% of breeders of the Alentejana and 96.7% of breeders of the Mertolenga refer the use of dewormers as a strategy to control tick infestation. The results of this study contribute to highlighting the importance of correcting some identified knowledge gaps and improving knowledge, especially on the life cycle of this parasite, its local distribution and seasonality, resistance to acaricides, and alternative control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valente
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra 3020-210, Portugal; Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real 5000-801, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Carolino
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra 3020-210, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Santarém 2005-424, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre, Elvas 7350-092, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real 5000-801, Portugal; Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal
| | - Pedro Espadinha
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos da Raça Alentejana, Monforte Herdade da Coutada Real - Assumar, Assumar 7450-051, Portugal
| | - José Pais
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos Mertolengos, Évora 7006-806, Portugal
| | - Inês Carolino
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra 3020-210, Portugal; Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Santarém 2005-424, Portugal; Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1349-017, Portugal
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Salman F, Atlantawi A, Maraqa N. Tick Paralysis: A Thorough Examination May Prevent Unnecessary Harm. Cureus 2023; 15:e43932. [PMID: 37746431 PMCID: PMC10513347 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick paralysis is a relatively uncommon tick-borne illness that is often overlooked and misdiagnosed. Therefore, it is not unusual for cases to undergo unnecessary work-up and interventions that may delay correct diagnosis and treatment, placing the patient at risk for catastrophic consequences. We present the case of a four-year-old female who developed ascending flaccid paralysis, initially misdiagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). She was placed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for mechanical ventilation after failing to respond to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration and plasmapheresis. Later in her hospital course, she was correctly diagnosed to have tick paralysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Salman
- General Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Abdallah Atlantawi
- General Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Nizar Maraqa
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA
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3
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Rapid Onset of Neuromuscular Paralysis or Weakness. Crit Care Clin 2022; 38:413-428. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Insights from experience in the treatment of tick-borne bacterial coinfections with tick-borne encephalitis. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Florian IA, Lupan I, Sur L, Samasca G, Timiș TL. To be, or not to be… Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102983. [PMID: 34718164 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is currently the most frequent cause of acute flaccid paralysis on a global scale, being an autoimmune disorder wherein demyelination of the peripheral nerves occurs. Its main clinical features are a symmetrical ascending muscle weakness with reduced osteotendinous reflexes and variable sensory involvement. GBS most commonly occurs after an infection, especially viral (including COVID-19), but may also transpire after immunization with certain vaccines or in the development of specific malignancies. Immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis, and glucocorticoids represent the principal treatment modalities, however patients with severe disease progression may require supportive therapy in an intensive care unit. Due to its symptomology, which overlaps with numerous neurological and infectious illnesses, the diagnosis of GBS may often be misattributed to pathologies that are essentially different from this syndrome. Moreover, many of these require specific treatment methods distinct to those recommended for GBS, in lack of which the prognosis of the patient is drastically affected. Such diseases include exposure to toxins either environmental or foodborne, central nervous system infections, metabolic or serum ion alterations, demyelinating pathologies, or even conditions amenable to neurosurgical intervention. This extensive narrative review aims to systematically and comprehensively tackle the most notable and challenging differential diagnoses of GBS, emphasizing on the clinical discrepancies between the diseases, the appropriate paraclinical investigations, and suitable management indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioan Alexandru Florian
- Department of Neurology, Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Department of Neurosurgery, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Iulia Lupan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Babes Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Lucia Sur
- Department of Pediatrics I, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Gabriel Samasca
- Department of Immunology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Teodora Larisa Timiș
- Department of Physiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Raghavan RK, Koestel Z, Ierardi R, Peterson AT, Cobos ME. Climatic suitability of the eastern paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, and its likely geographic distribution in the year 2050. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15330. [PMID: 34321572 PMCID: PMC8319185 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94793-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The eastern paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus is one of two ticks that cause potentially fatal tick paralysis in Australia, and yet information on the full extent of its present or potential future spatial distribution is not known. Occurrence data for this tick species collected over the past two decades, and gridded environmental variables at 1 km2 resolution representing climate conditions, were used to derive correlative ecological niche models to predict the current and future potential distribution. Several hundreds of candidate models were constructed with varying combinations of model parameters, and the best-fitting model was chosen based on statistical significance, omission rate, and Akaike Information Criterion (AICc). The best-fitting model matches the currently known distribution but also extends through most of the coastal areas in the south, and up to the Kimbolton peninsula in Western Australia in the north. Highly suitable areas are present around south of Perth, extending towards Albany, Western Australia. Most areas in Tasmania, where the species is not currently present, are also highly suitable. Future spatial distribution of this tick in the year 2050 indicates moderate increase in climatic suitability from the present-day prediction but noticeably also moderate to low loss of climatically suitable areas elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram K Raghavan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. .,Department of Public Health, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Z Koestel
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - R Ierardi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - A Townsend Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Marlon E Cobos
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
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Honnas CM, Athey JM, Verocai GG, Snowden KF, Esteve-Gasent MD, Mankin JM. Apparent Ixodes tick paralysis in a cat from North America. JFMS Open Rep 2020; 6:2055116920964001. [PMID: 33117555 PMCID: PMC7570782 DOI: 10.1177/2055116920964001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A 2-year-old castrated male domestic longhair cat presented for acute, diffuse, flaccid paralysis. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs, biochemistry panel and complete blood count were unremarkable. Titers to Toxoplasma gondii, myasthenia gravis radioimmunoassay testing and creatinine kinase levels were within normal limits. The most likely differentials included acute toxicity (coral snake envenomation, organophosphate toxicity), botulism and, less likely, acute polyradiculoneuritis. A thorough physical examination revealed a single engorged tick attached to the ventral neck of the cat, which was later identified as an adult female Ixodes species. Topical fipronil and (S)-methoprene was administered. Over the next 48 h, the cat recovered full motor function and at 5 days post-tick removal the cat had resumed all normal activities. Relevance and novel information Tick paralysis is considered endemic in Australia by bites from, most commonly, the Ixodes holocyclus tick. However, this phenomenon is rarely reported in the USA. This is the first report of a domestic cat suffering from acute tick paralysis in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri M Honnas
- Emergency and Critical Care Services, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jillian M Athey
- Emergency and Critical Care Services, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Karen F Snowden
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Maria D Esteve-Gasent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joseph M Mankin
- Small Animal Neurology Services, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Ibraheem M, Han DY, Dobbs MR. Neurotoxicology: Clinical Approach and Causal Inference. Neurol Clin 2020; 38:737-748. [PMID: 33040858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Clinical neurotoxicology is an unrecognized neurologic subspecialty. Few neurology residency programs offer an organized education or training in the field. Nevertheless, neurotoxic exposures and subsequent injuries are common. This article provides a basic approach to clinical assessment and causal inference. It addresses the knowledge gap for clinical practice and provides a thematic structure to use interdisciplinary resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mam Ibraheem
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, 740 South Limestone, KY Clinic, J401, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; US Department of Veterans Affairs, Lexington VA Medical Center, Troy Bowling Campus, 1101 Veterans Drive, Room A303a, Mail Code: 127-CD, Lexington, KY 40502, USA.
| | - Dong Y Han
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, 740 South Limestone, KY Clinic, J401, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Michael R Dobbs
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, 2102 Treasure Hills, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA
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Quadros DG, Johnson TL, Whitney TR, Oliver JD, Oliva Chávez AS. Plant-Derived Natural Compounds for Tick Pest Control in Livestock and Wildlife: Pragmatism or Utopia? INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11080490. [PMID: 32752256 PMCID: PMC7469192 DOI: 10.3390/insects11080490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a significant economic hindrance for livestock production and a menace to public health. The expansion of tick populations into new areas, the occurrence of acaricide resistance to synthetic chemical treatments, the potentially toxic contamination of food supplies, and the difficulty of applying chemical control in wild-animal populations have created greater interest in developing new tick control alternatives. Plant compounds represent a promising avenue for the discovery of such alternatives. Several plant extracts and secondary metabolites have repellent and acaricidal effects. However, very little is known about their mode of action, and their commercialization is faced with multiple hurdles, from the determination of an adequate formulation to field validation and public availability. Further, the applicability of these compounds to control ticks in wild-animal populations is restrained by inadequate delivery systems that cannot guarantee accurate dosage delivery at the right time to the target animal populations. More work, financial support, and collaboration with regulatory authorities, research groups, and private companies are needed to overcome these obstacles. Here, we review the advancements on known plant-derived natural compounds with acaricidal potential and discuss the road ahead toward the implementation of organic control in managing ticks and tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo G. Quadros
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, San Angelo, TX 76901, USA; (D.G.Q.); (T.R.W.)
| | - Tammi L. Johnson
- Department of Rangelands, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, Uvalde, TX 78801, USA;
| | - Travis R. Whitney
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, San Angelo, TX 76901, USA; (D.G.Q.); (T.R.W.)
| | - Jonathan D. Oliver
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Adela S. Oliva Chávez
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-979-845-1946
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A Case of Tick-Borne Paralysis in a Traveling Patient. Case Rep Neurol Med 2019; 2019:3934696. [PMID: 31346482 PMCID: PMC6620838 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3934696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick paralysis is a neurotoxic tick-borne illness that causes ascending paralysis and may lead to respiratory failure. Patients often undergo extensive testing and prolonged hospitalization before the proper diagnosis is reached. Case Presentation An 88-year-old man with dementia and dyslipidemia presented with new onset gait instability and was admitted for suspected cerebellar stroke. Exam was significant for the inability to perform tandem gait. Investigations included comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, and noncontrast CT scan; none of them found any evidence of acute pathology. Two days into admission, a tick with surrounding erythema was found on the patient's left lateral chest during bathing. Dramatic improvement in truncal ataxia was noted following tick extraction. Discussion Clinical suspicion of tick paralysis is often low due to the rarity of the condition. Although it is imperative to rule out acute cerebral or cerebellar pathology, a thorough skin examination should be performed on admission in any patient with new onset ataxia and ascending paralysis. This can lead to early diagnosis, conservation of resources, and the avoidance of subjecting patients to invasive testing.
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Lower Motor Neuron Disease in Australian Dogs and Cats. J Vet Med 2018; 2018:1018230. [PMID: 30159335 PMCID: PMC6106963 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1018230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases presenting with lower motor neuron (LMN) signs are frequently seen in small animal veterinary practice in Australia. In addition to the most common causes of LMN disease seen world-wide, such as idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis and myasthenia gravis, there are several conditions presenting with LMN signs that are peculiar to the continent of Australia. These include snake envenomation by tiger (Notechis spp.), brown (Pseudonaja spp.), and black snakes (Pseudechis spp.), tick paralysis associated with Ixodes holocyclus and Ixodes coronatus, and tetrodotoxins from marine animals such as puffer fish (Tetraodontidae spp.) and blue-ring octopus (Hapalochlaena spp.). The wide range of differential diagnoses along with the number of etiological-specific treatments (e.g., antivenin, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) and highly variable prognoses underscores the importance of a complete physical exam and comprehensive history to aid in rapid and accurate diagnosis of LMN disease in Australian dogs and cats. The purpose of this review is to discuss diagnosis and treatment of LMN diseases seen in dogs and cats in Australia.
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Morshed M, Li L, Lee MK, Fernando K, Lo T, Wong Q. A Retrospective Cohort Study of Tick Paralysis in British Columbia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:821-824. [PMID: 29083955 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick paralysis is a frequently overlooked severe disease characterized by bilateral ascending flaccid paralysis caused by a neurotoxin produced by feeding ticks. We aimed to characterize suspected tick paralysis cases documented at the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) in British Columbia (BC) from 1993 to 2016 and reviewed prevention, diagnosis, and treatment considerations. METHODS Demographic, geographic, and clinical data from test requisition forms for ticks submitted to the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory (PHL) from patients across BC between 1993 and 2016 for suspected human and animal tick paralysis were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were generated to characterize tick paralysis cases in BC, including tick species implicated, seasonality of disease, and regional differences. RESULTS From 1993 to 2016, there were 56 cases of suspected tick paralysis with at least one tick specimen submitted for testing at the BCCDC PHL. Humans and animals were involved in 43% and 57% of cases, respectively. The majority of cases involved a Dermacentor andersoni tick (48 cases or 86%) and occurred between the months of April and June (49 cases or 88%). Among known locations of tick acquisition, the Interior region of BC was disproportionately affected, with 25 cases (69%) of tick bites occurring in that area. CONCLUSIONS Tick paralysis is a rare condition in BC. The region of highest risk is the Interior, particularly during the spring and summer months. Increasing awareness of tick paralysis among healthcare workers and the general public is paramount to preventing morbidity and mortality from this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Morshed
- 1 Zoonotic Diseases and Emerging Pathogens Section, BC Centre of Disease Control Public Health Laboratory , Vancouver, Canada .,2 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lisa Li
- 1 Zoonotic Diseases and Emerging Pathogens Section, BC Centre of Disease Control Public Health Laboratory , Vancouver, Canada .,2 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, Canada
| | - Min-Kuang Lee
- 1 Zoonotic Diseases and Emerging Pathogens Section, BC Centre of Disease Control Public Health Laboratory , Vancouver, Canada
| | - Keerthi Fernando
- 1 Zoonotic Diseases and Emerging Pathogens Section, BC Centre of Disease Control Public Health Laboratory , Vancouver, Canada
| | - Teresa Lo
- 1 Zoonotic Diseases and Emerging Pathogens Section, BC Centre of Disease Control Public Health Laboratory , Vancouver, Canada
| | - Quantine Wong
- 1 Zoonotic Diseases and Emerging Pathogens Section, BC Centre of Disease Control Public Health Laboratory , Vancouver, Canada
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An Immunosuppressant Peptide from the Hard Tick Amblyomma variegatum. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8050133. [PMID: 27153086 PMCID: PMC4885048 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8050133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodid ticks are well known for spreading transmitted tick-borne pathogens while being attached to their hosts for almost 1–2 weeks to obtain blood meals. Thus, they must secrete many immunosuppressant factors to combat the hosts’ immune system. In the present work, we investigated an immunosuppressant peptide of the hard tick Amblyomma variegatum. This peptide, named amregulin, is composed of 40 residues with an amino acid sequence of HLHMHGNGATQVFKPRLVLKCPNAAQLIQPGKLQRQLLLQ. A cDNA of the precursor peptide was obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, Bethesda, MD, USA). In rat splenocytes, amregulin exerts significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory factors in vitro, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). In rat splenocytes, treated with amregulin, compared to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone, the inhibition of the above inflammatory factors was significant at all tested concentrations (2, 4 and 8 µg/mL). Amregulin shows strong free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities (5, 10 and 20 µg/mL) in vitro. Amregulin also significantly inhibits adjuvant-induced paw inflammation in mouse models in vivo. This peptide may facilitate the ticks’ successful blood feeding and may lead to host immunotolerance of the tick. These findings have important implications for the understanding of tick-host interactions and the co-evolution between ticks and the viruses that they bear.
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