1
|
Wang YF, Zheng JJ, Zhang MZ, Du LF, Cui XM, Han XY, Tian D, Cheng N, Wang N, Gao WY, Wang BH, Shi XY, Jiang JF, Jia N, Sun Y, Shi W, Cao WC. The complete mitogenome of Argas vulgaris (Filippova, 1961) and its phylogenetic status in subgenus Argas (Acari: Argasidae). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100912. [PMID: 38375444 PMCID: PMC10875242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100912] [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] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Soft ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae) are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates with worldwide distributions. As one representative group of Argasidae, the genus Argas has an important vectorial role in transmitting zoonotic diseases. However, our knowledge of the subgenus Argas in China is still limited, as most literature only lists occurrence records or describes specific case reports without providing detailed morphological characteristics and further molecular data. This study aims to characterize Argas vulgaris through complete mitochondrial sequencing and morphological diagnostic techniques based on a batch of adult specimens collected from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regions (NXHAR), North China. The morphology and microstructures of Ar. vulgaris and other lectotypes of argasid ticks in the subgenus Argas were also observed using a stereomicroscope. Following DNA extraction and sequencing, a complete mitochondrial sequence of Ar. vulgaris was assembled and analyzed within a phylogenetic context. The 14,479 bp mitogenome of Ar. vulgaris consists of 37 genes, including 13 genes for protein coding, two for ribosomal RNA, 22 for transfer RNA, and one for control region (D-loops). Phylogenetic analysis of Ar. vulgaris showed 98.27%-100% nucleotide identity with Ar. japonicus, indicating a close relationship between the two tick species. The morphological diagnostic features to differentiate Ar. vulgaris from other ticks within the subgenus Argas included the location of the anus and setae on the anterior lip of the female genital aperture. This study provided high-resolution scanning electron microscope images of female Ar. vulgaris and corresponding molecular data, representing valuable resources for future accurate species identification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fei Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jia-Jing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Ming-Zhu Zhang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Li-Feng Du
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Di Tian
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Nuo Cheng
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Wan-Ying Gao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Bai-Hui Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wenqiang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ali A, Khan M, Ullah Z, Numan M, Tsai KH, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Tanaka T. First record of Alectorobius coniceps (Ixodoidea: Argasidae) and Dermacentor sp. (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae) in Pakistan. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1326734. [PMID: 38292134 PMCID: PMC10824997 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1326734] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alectorobius species are soft ticks primarily infesting birds, such as swallows, while Dermacentor species are hard ticks mainly infesting mammals, such as small ruminants. This study for the first time reported on the morphological and molecular bases of two tick species, namely A. coniceps and a Dermacentor sp. in Pakistan. The former species was examined in swallows' nests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while the latter species was examined in small ruminants in Balochistan province. In total, 25 ticks were collected, with 14 ticks morphologically identified as A. coniceps (males = 9 and females = 5) and 11 ticks identified as Dermacentor sp. (males = 7 and females = 4). Following morphological identification, molecular identification was gained by obtaining 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences for these ticks. The BLAST results for the 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences from A. coniceps shared a maximum identity of 97.46% and 96.49% with the same species from Malta. The BLAST analysis of the 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences from Dermacentor sp. showed maximum identities of 98.42% and 97.45% with Dermacentor pavlovskyi from China. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA and cox1 of A. coniceps showed a close evolutionary relationship with the same species. The case of Dermacentor sp., based on 16S DNA and cox1, indicated a close evolutionary relationship with Dermacentor pavlovskyi from China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mehran Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Ullah
- Department of Zoology, University of Loralai, Loralai, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Numan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ali AAB, Taha MA. Controlling Argas arboreus and A. persicus (Acari: Argasidae) by Adiantum capillus-veneris L. extracts with phytochemical analysis. Vet Parasitol 2023; 324:110067. [PMID: 37924609 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110067] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Argas species are parasites associated mostly with birds. Their infestations of the host may cause blood loss, resulting in anemia and finally death. Egypt loses millions of tons annually from birds because of these parasites. In addition, they can transmit pathogens to animals and humans. The acaricidal effects of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Adiantum capillus-veneris at different concentrations (1-4%) against semi-fed adults of Argas arboreus and A. persicus were investigated during 30 days after treatments. Mobility and mortality, acaricide efficacy, and the concentration that kills 50% of specimens (LC50) were estimated. The percentage of dead adults of both Argas species appeared during 6 days considerably until 30 days was significantly increased after treatment of either ethanol or methanol extracts of Adiantum at 1-4%, versus control groups. Ethanolic extracts (100% mortality) were more effective than methanolic ones (90% mortality) for both Argas species. Argas arboreus (80% efficacy and 5.9% LC50) was more resistant than A. persicus (100% efficacy and 4.1% LC50). Generally, males were more resistant than females. The chemical profile (by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis) for the ethanolic extract of Ad. capillus-veneris at 4% (the most effective extract) was provided for the first time, which showed that the major group was sugars and sugar alcohols, and the main components were thymol-ß-d-glucopyranoside, D-(-)-Tagatofuranose, D-Arabinose, D-Galactose, D-(-)-Fructofuranose and Anthracene, 1-methyl. The efficiency of all these components was discussed. Based on the findings, bioactive compounds present in Ad. capillus-veneris have the potential to be applied as substitutes for synthetic acaricides and a biological control agent in the management of A. arboreus and A. persicus ticks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Ali Baioumy Ali
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mai Ahmed Taha
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zahid H, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Ateeq M, Tanaka T, Chang SC, Chen CC, Ali A. Argas persicus and Carios vespertilionis Ticks Infesting Ducks, Domestic Fowls and Bats in Pakistan: First Report on Molecular Survey and Phylogenetic Position of Borrelia anserina. Vet Sci 2023; 10:628. [PMID: 37888580 PMCID: PMC10610582 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100628] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Argasid ticks have the vectorial potential for transmitting disease-causing pathogens to avian hosts, resulting in economic losses that may not be fully estimated. Borrelia species are the responsible agents of borreliosis in poultry, animals and humans. Our previous studies have reported a high prevalence of Argas persicus infesting domestic fowls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. However, molecular screening and genetic characterization of Borrelia spp. in A. persicus have been neglected in Pakistan. In this study, we focused on the molecular epidemiology and genetic characterization of Borrelia spp. associated with A. persicus ticks infesting domestic fowls and ducks, and Carios vespertilionis infesting bats in selected districts of KP. Overall, 1818 ticks, including females (415; 23%), males (345; 19%), nymphs (475; 26%) and larvae (583; 32%), were collected from 27 locations in nine districts (Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Chitral, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur and Hangu) from domestic fowls, ducks and their shelters, and bats. A subset of 197 ticks was selected for DNA extraction and PCR to amplify fragments of the cytochrome c oxidase (cox) gene for ticks and flagellin B (flaB) for the detection and genetic characterization of associated Borrelia spp. Among these, only Borrelia anserina DNA was detected in 40 ticks (27.2%) of different life stages, where highest prevalence was found in female ticks (18; 45%), followed by nymphs (12; 30%), larvae (7; 17.5%) and males (3; 7.5%). Tick infestation in shelters (1081; 77%) was higher than on hosts (323; 23%). The resultant cox amplicons of A. persicus showed 100% identity with the same species reported from Pakistan, China, Iran, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Egypt and C. vespertilionis show 100% identity with the species reported from Pakistan, China, Japan, Kenya, Vietnam, Spain, Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Hungry, and clustered with the aforementioned species in the phylogenetic tree. The obtained Borrelia sequences showed 100% identity with B. anserina and revealed a close resemblance to the relapsing fever group and clustered in a monophyletic clade with B. anserina from India, Iran and Brazil in a phylogenetic tree. These results establish the first molecular characterization of B. anserina in A. persicus infesting domestic fowls and ducks in the region, as well as their shelters. To effectively control zoonotic consequences, country-wide surveillance research should be encouraged to screen soft ticks infesting various birds for associated pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan;
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Muhammad Ateeq
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan;
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
| | - Shun-Chung Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan;
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aneela A, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Ahmed H, Tanaka T, da Silva Vaz I, Chang SC, Chen CC, Ali A. Molecular Detection of Rickettsia hoogstraalii in Hyalomma anatolicum and Haemaphysalis sulcata: Updated Knowledge on the Epidemiology of Tick-Borne Rickettsia hoogstraalii. Vet Sci 2023; 10:605. [PMID: 37888557 PMCID: PMC10611279 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens to animals and humans. Updated knowledge regarding the global epidemiology of tick-borne Rickettsia hoogstraalii is dispersed, and its molecular detection and genetic characterization are missing in Pakistan. The current study objectives were to molecularly detect and genetically characterize Rickettsia species, especially R. hoogstraalii, in hard ticks infesting livestock in Pakistan, and to provide updated knowledge regarding their global epidemiology. Ticks were collected from livestock, including goats, sheep, and cattle, in six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. Overall, 183 hosts were examined, of which 134 (73.2%), including goats (number = 39/54, 72.2%), sheep (23/40, 57.5%), and cattle (71/89, 80%) were infested by 823 ticks. The most prevalent tick species was Rhipicephalus microplus (number = 283, 34.3%), followed by Hyalomma anatolicum (223, 27.0%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (122, 14.8%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (104, 12.6%), Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (66, 8.0%), and Haemaphysalis bispinosa (25, 3.03%). A subset of 210 ticks was selected and screened for Rickettsia spp. using PCR-based amplification and subsequent sequencing of rickettsial gltA and ompB fragments. The overall occurrence rate of R. hoogstraalii was 4.3% (number = 9/210). The DNA of Rickettsia was detected in Hy. anatolicum (3/35, 8.5%) and Ha. sulcata (6/49, 12.2%). However, no rickettsial DNA was detected in Rh. microplus (35), Rh. turanicus (35), Ha. montgomeryi (42), and Ha. bispinosa (14). The gltA and ompB fragments showed 99-100% identity with R. hoogstraalii and clustered phylogenetically with the corresponding species from Pakistan, Italy, Georgia, and China. R. hoogstraalii was genetically characterized for the first time in Pakistan and Hy. anatolicum globally. Further studies should be encouraged to determine the role of ticks in the maintenance and transmission of R. hoogstraalii in different hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aneela Aneela
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan;
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia and Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil;
| | - Shun-Chung Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan;
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Monti F, Baratti M, Viviano A, Mori E. Ticks in the box: Argas persicus occurrence in nest boxes of secondary cavity-nesting bird species in Italy. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-023-01656-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
AbstractMigratory organisms can be vectors of parasitic host organisms that can then be transported along seasonal migratory journeys and spread across continents. Ornithophilic nidicolous ticks (e.g. soft ticks) include species responsible for the transmission of pathogens and bacteria, thus representing a health problem not only for wild species that are directly parasitized, but also for those that share the same environments or reproductive sites with them. In this regard, artificial nests for birds may turn out to be site-sources of parasites. Here, we document the occurrence of different life stages of Argas persicus ticks in nest boxes of wild birds in a natural area (not associated with poultry activities) of central coastal Italy (Maremma Regional Park, Tuscany). Between 2018 and 2022, 168 ticks were collected from nest boxes occupied by different secondary cavity-nesting birds, such as European rollers Coracias garrulus and scops owl Otus scops. Ticks were analysed morphologically, and selected specimens were also identified by mitochondrial ribosomal 16S (16S) subunit gene to ascertain their taxonomic status. All ticks were identified as Argas persicus. This finding not only suggests that this tick species has formed a viable population in this Italian region, but also further confirms the previously doubtful natural origin of the species at country level and sheds new light on its underestimated and little investigated distribution. Possible pathways of introduction and its potential impacts on local avian community are discussed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Khan SM, Khan M, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Numan M, Ullah S, Obaid MK, Islam ZU, Ahmed H, Tanaka T, Ali A. Phylogenetic Position of Haemaphysalis kashmirensis and Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, with Notes on Rickettsia spp. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020360. [PMID: 36833287 PMCID: PMC9956137 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite high diversity in the Oriental region, ticks of the genus Haemaphysalis have been neglected regarding their genetic data and vector potential. This study aimed to genetically characterize three species of the genus Haemaphysalis: Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, Haemaphysalis kashmirensis, and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi infesting goats and sheep, and Rickettsia spp. associated with these tick species in the Hindu Kush Himalayan range of Pakistan. Altogether, 834 ticks were collected by examining 120 hosts including goats (64/120, 53.3%) and sheep (56/120, 46.6%), in which 86 (71.6%) hosts were found to be tick-infested. The morphologically identified ticks were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR for the amplification of partial 16S rDNA and cox fragments. Rickettsia spp. associated with the collected ticks were detected through the amplification of gltA, ompA and ompB partial fragments. The 16S rDNA of H. cornupunctata and H. montgomeryi showed a maximum identity of 100% with the sequences of the same species, whereas the 16S rDNA of H. kashmirensis showed the highest identity of 93-95% with Haemaphysalis sulcata. The cox sequence of H. montgomeryi displayed 100% identity with the same species. In comparison, the cox sequences of H. cornupunctata and H. kashmirensis showed maximum identities of 87.65-89.22% with Haemaphysalis punctata and 89.34% with H. sulcata, respectively. The gltA sequence of Rickettsia sp. from H. kashmirensis showed the highest identity of 97.89% with Rickettsia conorii subsp. raoultii, while the ompA and ompB fragments from the same DNA samples revealed 100% and 98.16% identity with Rickettsia sp. and "Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii", respectively. Another gltA sequence amplified from H. montgomeryi ticks showed 100% identity with Rickettsia hoogstraalii, while the attempts to amplify ompA and ompB for R. hoogstraalii were unsuccessful. In the phylogenetic tree, the 16S rDNA of H. cornupunctata clustered with the corresponding species while its cox clustered with H. punctata. Both 16S rDNA and cox sequences of H. kashmirensis clustered with H. sulcata. The gltA sequence of Rickettsia sp. was clustered individually in the spotted fever (SF) group of Rickettsia, while the gltA sequence of R. hoogstraalii was clustered with the same species in the transition group of Rickettsia. In the SF group, the rickettsial ompA and ompB sequence clustered with undetermined Rickettsia sp. and "Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii", respectively. This is the earliest study regarding the genetic characterization of H. kashmirensis. This study indicated that ticks belong to the genus Haemaphysalis have the potential of harboring and/or transmitting Rickettsia spp. in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shah Masood Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Mehran Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhmmad Numan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | | | - Zia Ul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hussain N, Shabbir RMK, Ahmed H, Afzal MS, Ullah S, Ali A, Irum S, Naqvi SKUH, Yin J, Cao J. Prevalence of different tick species on livestock and associated equines and canine from different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1089999. [PMID: 36686198 PMCID: PMC9853404 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1089999] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are ectoparasites that act as vectors for transmission of various pathogens to wild and domesticated animals and pose a serious threat to human health. Because of the hot and humid conditions in different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan, ticks are abundant and parasitize a variety of animals. The aim of this study was to identify different tick species and distribution on different hosts especially livestock, such as sheep, goat, cattle, buffalo, and camel, and livestock associated canines and equines, such as horse, donkey, and dog, across different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. The ticks samples were collected and morphologically identified at genus and species level using morphological keys under stereomicroscope. A total of 2,846 animals were examined for the tick infestation, and 408 animals were tick-infested. Eleven tick species belonging to 4 genera were identified: Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma scupense, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma isaaci, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, Haemaphysalis montgomeryi, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Ixodes kashmiricus. The overall tick prevalence was 14.3%; host-wise infestation rate was 12.2% in sheep; 12.6%, goat; 11.7%, buffalo; 11.7%, cattle; 19.6%, camel; 27.4%, donkey; 23.5%, horse; and 24.3%, dog. Tick infestation of different animals differed on the basis of the zones. Camels showed the highest tick infestation rate in zones 1 and 2 (21.4 and 26.7%, respectively), whereas donkeys showed the highest infestation rate in zones 3, 4, 6, and 7 (25, 39.3, 3.3, and 21.4%, respectively). The infestation rates of Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus were the highest in zone 2 (71.4 and 52.9%, respectively). The infestation rate of Hyalomma was the highest (47.4%) in sheep; Haemaphysalis (46.9%), goat; Rhipicephalus (69.7%), buffalo; Rhipicephalus (62.3%), cattle; Hyalomma (70%), camel; Ixodes (60.9%), donkey; Ixodes (75%), horse; and Rhipicephalus (61.1%), dog. This study showed the diversity and infestation rate of different ticks with respect to their hosts and agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. High tick burdens and infestation rates are responsible for the spread of different tick-borne infections, resulting in loss of animal productivity and posing a threat to animal and human health. Understanding different tick species and their distribution across different zones will be helpful for developing efficient control strategies against different tick born infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazeer Hussain
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan,*Correspondence: Haroon Ahmed ✉
| | - Muhammad Sohail Afzal
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Shumaila Irum
- Department of Zoology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan
| | | | - Jianhai Yin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, China,World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai, China,World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China,The School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Jianping Cao ✉
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rahmani A, Laatamna A, Yu Z, Lafri I, Herrada Z, Chitimia-Dobler L, Bakkes DK. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Argas persicus (Oken, 1818) (Acari: Argasidae) from domestic birds in eastern Algeria. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:275-284. [PMID: 36409351 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07727-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Argas persicus (the fowl tick) is a species of soft tick commonly associated with poultry farms. It has a wide geographic distribution and colonizes different climate regions. Morphological identification of A. persicus has been reported worldwide, but genetic data regarding its molecular characterization is limited. The present study provides data for morphological identification and genetic characterization of A. persicus collected from domestic birds in traditional farms from east Algeria (Setif region). Additionally, A. persicus samples originating from Gansu province in China were included for comparative molecular study. In total, 1518 ticks collected from 30 infested farms were examined and morphologically identified as A. persicus. Furthermore, the 14 tick samples obtained from China were morphologically identified as A. persicus. Molecular analysis of 30 ticks from Algeria (one tick from each infested farm) and the 14 Chinese samples based on PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of three mitochondrial genetic markers (16S rRNA, 12S rRNA, and cox1) confirmed morphological results where all samples belonged to the A. persicus group. However, phylogenetic analysis showed that all Algerian samples and two Chinese samples belong to A. persicus sensu stricto (s.s.), while the remaining Chinese samples represented A. persicus sensu lato (s.l.) (divergent lineage). The present study confirms the occurrence of A. persicus s.s. both in Algeria and China, as well as provides novel molecular data for a distinct Chinese lineage of A. persicus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amira Rahmani
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - AbdElkarim Laatamna
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria.
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050016, China
| | - Ismail Lafri
- Institut Des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, 09000, Blida, Algeria
| | - Zakaria Herrada
- Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Laghouat, Ghardaïa Road, BP 37, Laghouat, Algeria
| | | | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Khan M, Islam N, Khan A, Islam ZU, Muñoz-Leal S, Labruna MB, Ali A. New records of Amblyomma gervaisi from Pakistan, with detection of a reptile-associated Borrelia sp. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102047. [PMID: 36156362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites of terrestrial and semi-aquatic vertebrates that may transmit microorganisms to their hosts. Spirochetes of the genus Borrelia are common in ticks and an incipient group has been identified in association with reptiles and their tick parasites. To overcome the knowledge deficit, this study aimed to morphologically and molecularly identify ticks infesting wild lizards and to molecularly assess Borrelia spp. associated with these ticks in Pakistan. For this purpose, free-ranging monitor lizards (Varanus bengalensis) from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, were examined for tick infestations. A total of 776 ticks were collected from 36/63 lizards, resulting in a prevalence of 57% (95% CI 44.7-69.3%), overall mean intensity of 21.5 (95% CI 18.9-24.1) ticks per infested lizard, and overall mean abundance of 12.3 (95% CI 9.25-15.4) ticks per examined lizard. All ticks were morphologically identified as Amblyomma gervaisi. The morphological identification of the ticks was molecularly confirmed through sequencing fragments of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. In addition, a fragment of nuclear second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) was generated for the first time for A. gervaisi. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from tick 16S rRNA gene partial sequences predicted a close evolutionary relationship of the collected A. gervaisi ticks with conspecific sequences from India, which shared 94.5% identity. Through two PCR assays targeting fragments of the borrelial genes, 16S rRNA and flaB, 19 (18%) out of 108 ticks yielded borrelial DNA. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from DNA sequences of the two borrelial genes revealed that the Borrelia sp. from A. gervaisi detected in this study belonged to the reptile-associated Borrelia group (REP). This is the first molecular report of ticks infesting monitor lizards and associated Borrelia sp. in Pakistan. The preliminary phylogenetic analyses of A. gervaisi may assist in understanding the molecular epidemiology of Amblyomma spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Nabila Islam
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Alamzeb Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of medicine Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Zia Ul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Numan M, Islam N, Adnan M, Zaman Safi S, Chitimia-Dobler L, Labruna MB, Ali A. First genetic report of Ixodes kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:378. [PMID: 36261834 PMCID: PMC9583563 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05509-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hard ticks (Ixodidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit various pathogens to a variety of hosts including humans. Transhumant herds have been involved in the spread of ticks and associated Rickettsia spp., and studies on this neglected topic have been unexplored in many regions including Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate ticks infesting transhumant herds of sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) in district Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods Of the 144 examined animals, 112 hosts (68 sheep and 44 goats) of transhumant herds were infested by 419 ticks of different life stages including nymphs (105; 25%), males (58; 14%) and females (256; 61%). For molecular analyses, DNA was extracted from 64 collected ticks and subjected to PCR for the amplification of tick 16S rDNA and ITS2 partial sequences and for the amplification of rickettsial gltA and ompA gene sequences. Results All tick specimens were identified as Ixodes kashmiricus based on morphological features. The obtained 16S rDNA and ITS2 sequences showed 95.7% and 95.3% identity, respectively, with Ixodes kazakstani reported from Kyrgyzstan. In the phylogenetic tree, the sequences clustered with members of the Ixodes ricinus species complex, including I. kazakstani and Ixodes apronophorus. Additionally, rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences were 99.7% identical to Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont of Ixodes spp. from Panama and Costa Rica and 99.2% with Rickettsia endosymbiont from the USA. Phylogenetically, the rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences from I. kashmiricus clustered with various haplotypes of Rickettsia endosymbiont, which were sister cladded to Rickettsia monacensis. Conclusions This is the first genetic report of I. kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp. Large-scale tick surveillance studies across the country are needed to investigate Ixodes ticks and associated pathogens. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Numan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Nabeela Islam
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adnan
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sher Zaman Safi
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | | | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Khan Z, Shehla S, Alouffi A, Kashif Obaid M, Zeb Khan A, Almutairi MM, Numan M, Aiman O, Alam S, Ullah S, Zaman Safi S, Tanaka T, Ali A. Molecular Survey and Genetic Characterization of Anaplasma marginale in Ticks Collected from Livestock Hosts in Pakistan. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131708. [PMID: 35804607 PMCID: PMC9264954 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ticks transmit different disease-causing agents to humans and animals. Pakistan is an agricultural country, the rural economy mainly relies on livestock farming, and tick infestation is a severe constraint to its livelihood. The genus Anaplasma comprises obligate Gram-negative intracellular bacteria multiplying within the host cells and can be transmitted to humans and animals through the tick vector. The current study aimed to molecularly characterize the Anaplasma spp. in hard ticks infesting livestock in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The present study reported nine species of hard ticks infesting different hosts. The most prevalent tick life stage was adult females, followed by nymphs and adult males. In the phylogenetic tree, 16S rDNA sequences of Anaplasma spp. clustered with sequences of A. marginale. The hard ticks act as a carrier for the transmission of A. marginale. Further extensive country-wide research is required to explore the diverse tick species and the associated pathogens in Pakistan. Abstract Ticks transmit pathogens to animals and humans more often than any other arthropod vector. The rural economy of Pakistan mainly depends on livestock farming, and tick infestations cause severe problems in this sector. The present study aimed to molecularly characterize the Anaplasma spp. in hard ticks collected from six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Ticks were collected from various livestock hosts, including cattle breeds (Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, Sahiwal, and Achai), Asian water buffaloes, sheep, and goats from March 2018 to February 2019. Collected ticks were morphologically identified and subjected to molecular screening of Anaplasma spp. by amplifying 16S rDNA sequences. Six hundred seventy-six ticks were collected from infested hosts (224/350, 64%). Among the nine morphologically identified tick species, the highest occurrence was noted for Rhipicephalus microplus (254, 37.6%), followed by Hyalomma anatolicum (136, 20.1%), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (119, 17.6%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (116, 17.1%), Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (14, 2.1%), Hyalomma dromedarii (11, 1.6%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (10, 1.5%), Hyalomma scupense (8, 1.2%), and Haemaphysalis kashmirensis (8, 1.2%). The occurrence of tick females was highest (260, 38.5%), followed by nymphs (246, 36.4%) and males (170, 25.1%). Overall, the highest occurrence of ticks was recorded in the Peshawar district (239, 35.3%), followed by Mardan (183, 27.1%), Charsadda (110, 16.3%), Swat (52, 7.7%), Shangla (48, 7.1%), and Chitral (44, 6.5%). Among these ticks, Anaplasma marginale was detected in R. microplus, R. turanicus, and R. haemaphysaloides. The 16S rDNA sequences showed high identity (98–100%) with A. marginale reported from Australia, China, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA. In phylogenetic analysis, the sequence of A. marginale clustered with the same species reported from Australia, China, Pakistan, Thailand, Uruguay, and the USA. Further molecular work regarding the diversity of tick species and associated pathogens is essential across the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaibullah Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (Z.K.); (S.S.); (M.K.O.); (M.N.); (O.A.); (S.A.); (S.U.)
| | - Shehla Shehla
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (Z.K.); (S.S.); (M.K.O.); (M.N.); (O.A.); (S.A.); (S.U.)
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Muhammad Kashif Obaid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (Z.K.); (S.S.); (M.K.O.); (M.N.); (O.A.); (S.A.); (S.U.)
| | - Alam Zeb Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Muhammad Numan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (Z.K.); (S.S.); (M.K.O.); (M.N.); (O.A.); (S.A.); (S.U.)
| | - Ome Aiman
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (Z.K.); (S.S.); (M.K.O.); (M.N.); (O.A.); (S.A.); (S.U.)
| | - Shumaila Alam
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (Z.K.); (S.S.); (M.K.O.); (M.N.); (O.A.); (S.A.); (S.U.)
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (Z.K.); (S.S.); (M.K.O.); (M.N.); (O.A.); (S.A.); (S.U.)
| | - Sher Zaman Safi
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials, Lahore Campus, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (Z.K.); (S.S.); (M.K.O.); (M.N.); (O.A.); (S.A.); (S.U.)
- Correspondence: (T.T.); (A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Molecular Survey and Spatial Distribution of Rickettsia spp. in Ticks Infesting Free-Ranging Wild Animals in Pakistan (2017–2021). Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020162. [PMID: 35215108 PMCID: PMC8878123 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia spp. associated with ticks infesting wild animals have been mostly neglected in several countries, including Pakistan. To address this knowledge gap, ticks were collected during 2017 to 2021 from wild animals including cats (Felis chaus), Indian hedgehogs (Paraechinus micropus), and wild boars (Sus scrofa). The collected ticks were morpho-molecularly identified and screened for the detection of Rickettsia spp. Morphologically identified ticks were categorized into four species of the genus Rhipicephalus: Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rh. turanicus, Rh. sanguineus sensu lato (s.l), and Rh. microplus. Among 53 wild animals examined, 31 were infested by 531 ticks, an overall prevalence of 58.4%. Adult female ticks were predominant (242 out of 513 ticks collected, corresponding to 46%) in comparison with males (172, 32%), nymphs (80, 15%) and larvae (37, 7%). The most prevalent tick species was Rh. turanicus (266, 50%), followed by Rh. microplus (123, 23%), Rh. sanguineus (106, 20%), and Rh. haemaphysaloides (36, 7%). Among the screened wild animals, wild boars were the most highly infested, with 268 ticks being collected from these animals (50.4%), followed by cats (145, 27.3%) and hedgehogs (118, 22.3%). Tick species Rh. haemaphysaloides, Rh. turanicus, and Rh. sanguineus were found on wild boars, Rh. haemaphysaloides, and Rh. microplus on cats, and Rh. turanicus on hedgehogs. In a phylogenetic analysis, mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1 (cox1) sequences obtained from a subsample (120) of the collected ticks clustered with sequences from Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Myanmar, and Pakistan, while 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequences clustered with sequences reported from Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia, and Taiwan. Among Rickettsia infected ticks (10/120, 8.3%), Rh. turanicus (7/10, 70%), and Rh. haemaphysaloides (3/10, 30%) were found infesting wild boars in the districts Mardan and Charsadda. The obtained rickettsial gltA gene sequences showed 99% and ompA gene sequences showed 100% identity with Rickettsia massiliae, and the phylogenetic tree shows ompA clustered with the same species reported from France, Greece, Spain, and USA. This study emphasizes the need for effective surveillance and control programs in the region to prevent health risks due to tick-borne pathogens, and that healthy infested wild animals may play a role in the spread of these parasites.
Collapse
|
14
|
Ali A, Zahid H, Zeb I, Tufail M, Khan S, Haroon M, Tufail M, Bilal M, Hussain M, Alouffi AS, Muñoz-Leal S, Labruna MB. Risk factors associated with tick infestations on equids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with notes on Rickettsia massiliae detection. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:363. [PMID: 34256806 PMCID: PMC8276440 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04836-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on ticks infesting equids are lacking in various parts of the world, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of ticks infesting equids, associated risk factors and rickettsial detection in ticks from equids in KP. METHODS Inspection of 404 equid hosts from November 2018 to October 2019 resulted in the collection of 550 ticks. Data on tick-associated risk factors were collected from equid owners by means of a questionnaire. After morphological identification, partial DNA sequences of the tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were used for taxonomic confirmation of species. Partial sequences of the gltA and ompA genes were used for Rickettsia detection in ticks. RESULTS A total of 550 tick specimens were collected on 324 (80.2%) of the equids inspected, of which 161 were horses (50%), 145 (45%) were donkeys and 18 were mules (5%). The ticks were identified as belonging to the following five species: Rhipicephalus microplus (341 specimens, 62% of the total ticks), Rh. haemaphysaloides (126, 23%), Rh. turanicus (39, 7%), Rh. sanguineus (s.l.) (33, 6%) and Hyalomma anatolicum (11, 2%). The most prevalent tick life stage was adult females (279, 51%) followed by adult males (186, 34%) and nymphs (85, 15%). Higher tick infestations were observed on male equids (relative risk [RR] 0.7432, P < 0.0005) and adult equids (RR 1.268, P < 0.0020). Ticks were frequently attached to the axial region of horses (55, 21%), sternum of donkeys (44, 21%) and belly of mules (19, 23%) (P < 0.04). Temporal patterns of tick infestation in association with temperature and humidity were highly significant (P < 0.05). Risk factors, such as animal housing (P < 0.0003), living management (P < 0.006), grazing type (P < 0.01) and location in hilly areas (P < 0.02), significantly enhanced the chances for tick infestation. Tick species analyzed in this study were phylogenetically related to species from Afghanistan, China, South Africa and Taiwan. Partial sequences of the gltA and ompA genes obtained from Rh. microplus and Rh. haemaphysaloides were 100% identical to the spotted fever group pathogen Rickettsia massiliae. CONCLUSIONS Equids exposed to significant risk factors were infected by one or more of at least five tick species in KP, Pakistan, and some of the ticks harbored the human pathogen R. massiliae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ismail Zeb
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sulaiman Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Haroon
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Majid Hussain
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, casilla 537, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|