1
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Williams AK, Peterman WE, Pesapane R. Refining Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) distribution models: a comparison of current methods to an established protocol. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 61:827-844. [PMID: 38686854 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say) pose an enormous public health risk in eastern North America as the vector responsible for transmitting 7 human pathogens, including those causing the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, Lyme disease. Species distribution modeling is an increasingly popular method for predicting the potential distribution and subsequent risk of blacklegged ticks, however, the development of such models thus far is highly variable and would benefit from the use of standardized protocols. To identify where standardized protocols would most benefit current distribution models, we completed the "Overview, Data, Model, Assessment, and Prediction" (ODMAP) distribution modeling protocol for 21 publications reporting 22 blacklegged tick distribution models. We calculated an average adherence of 73.4% (SD ± 29%). Most prominently, we found that authors could better justify and connect their selection of variables and associated spatial scales to blacklegged tick ecology. In addition, the authors could provide clearer descriptions of model development, including checks for multicollinearity, spatial autocorrelation, and plausibility. Finally, authors could improve their reporting of variable effects to avoid undermining the models' utility in informing species-environment relationships. To enhance future model rigor and reproducibility, we recommend utilizing several resources including the ODMAP protocol, and suggest that journals make protocol compliance a publication prerequisite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Williams
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Science, The Ohio State University, 210 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - William E Peterman
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Science, The Ohio State University, 210 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Risa Pesapane
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Science, The Ohio State University, 210 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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2
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Sharma Y, Laison EK, Philippsen T, Ma J, Kong J, Ghaemi S, Liu J, Hu F, Nasri B. Models and data used to predict the abundance and distribution of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) in North America: a scoping review. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 32:100706. [PMID: 38495312 PMCID: PMC10943480 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBD) remain prevalent worldwide, and risk assessment of tick habitat suitability is crucial to prevent or reduce their burden. This scoping review provides a comprehensive survey of models and data used to predict I. scapularis distribution and abundance in North America. We identified 4661 relevant primary research articles published in English between January 1st, 2012, and July 18th, 2022, and selected 41 articles following full-text review. Models used data-driven and mechanistic modelling frameworks informed by diverse tick, hydroclimatic, and ecological variables. Predictions captured tick abundance (n = 14, 34.1%), distribution (n = 22, 53.6%) and both (n = 5, 12.1%). All studies used tick data, and many incorporated both hydroclimatic and ecological variables. Minimal host- and human-specific data were utilized. Biases related to data collection, protocols, and tick data quality affect completeness and representativeness of prediction models. Further research and collaboration are needed to improve prediction accuracy and develop effective strategies to reduce TBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Sharma
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Elda K.E. Laison
- Département de Médecine Préventive et Sociale, University of Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Tanya Philippsen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Junling Ma
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Jude Kong
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sajjad Ghaemi
- Digital Technologies Research Center, National Research Council of Canada, Toronto, Canada
| | - Juxin Liu
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - François Hu
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Bouchra Nasri
- Département de Médecine Préventive et Sociale, University of Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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3
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Butler RA, Papeş M, Vogt JT, Paulsen DJ, Crowe C, Trout Fryxell RT. Human risk to tick encounters in the southeastern United States estimated with spatial distribution modeling. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011919. [PMID: 38354196 PMCID: PMC10898775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Expanding geographic distribution and increased populations of ticks has resulted in an upsurge of human-tick encounters in the United States (US), leading to an increase in tickborne disease reporting. Limited knowledge of the broadscale spatial range of tick species is heightened by a rapidly changing environment. Therefore, we partnered with the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and used passive tick surveillance to better understand spatiotemporal variables associated with foresters encountering three tick species (Amblyomma americanum L., Dermacentor variabilis Say, and Ixodes scapularis L.) in the southeastern US. Eight years (2014-2021) of tick encounter data were used to fit environmental niche and generalized linear models to predict where and when ticks are likely to be encountered. Our results indicate temporal and environmental partitioning of the three species. Ixodes scapularis were more likely to be encountered in the autumn and winter seasons and associated with soil organic matter, vegetation indices, evapotranspiration, temperature, and gross primary productivity. By contrast, A. americanum and D. variabilis were more likely to be encountered in spring and summer seasons and associated with elevation, landcover, temperature, dead belowground biomass, vapor pressure, and precipitation. Regions in the southeast least suitable for encountering ticks included the Blue Ridge, Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and the Southern Florida Coastal Plain, whereas suitable regions included the Interior Plateau, Central Appalachians, Ozark Highlands, Boston Mountains, and the Ouachita Mountains. Spatial and temporal patterns of different tick species can inform outdoorsmen and the public on tick avoidance measures, reduce tick populations by managing suitable tick habitats, and monitoring areas with unsuitable tick habitat for potential missed encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Butler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Mona Papeş
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - James T. Vogt
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Dave J. Paulsen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Christopher Crowe
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Rebecca T. Trout Fryxell
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
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4
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Martin AM, Buttke D, Raphael J, Taylor K, Maes S, Parise CM, Ginsberg HS, Cross PC. Deer management generally reduces densities of nymphal Ixodes scapularis, but not prevalence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102202. [PMID: 37244157 PMCID: PMC11265508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Human Lyme disease-primarily caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) in North America-is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Research on risk mitigation strategies during the last three decades has emphasized methods to reduce densities of the primary vector in eastern North America, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Controlling white-tailed deer populations has been considered a potential method for reducing tick densities, as white-tailed deer are important hosts for blacklegged tick reproduction. However, the feasibility and efficacy of white-tailed deer management to impact acarological risk of encountering infected ticks (namely, density of host-seeking infected nymphs; DIN) is unclear. We investigated the effect of white-tailed deer density and management on the density of host-seeking nymphs and B. burgdorferi s.s. infection prevalence using surveillance data from eight national parks and park regions in the eastern United States from 2014-2022. We found that deer density was significantly positively correlated with the density of nymphs (nymph density increased by 49% with a 1 standard deviation increase in deer density) but was not strongly correlated with the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.s. infection in nymphal ticks. Further, while white-tailed deer reduction efforts were followed by a decrease in the density of I. scapularis nymphs in parks, deer removal had variable effects on B. burgdorferi s.s. infection prevalence, with some parks experiencing slight declines and others slight increases in prevalence. Our findings suggest that managing white-tailed deer densities alone may not be effective in reducing DIN in all situations but may be a useful tool when implemented in integrated management regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alynn M Martin
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA; US Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, 2327 University Way, Suite #2, Bozeman, MT, 59715 USA.
| | | | - Jordan Raphael
- US National Park Service, Fire Island National Seashore, Patchogue, NY, 11772 USA
| | - Kelsey Taylor
- US National Park Service, Fire Island National Seashore, Patchogue, NY, 11772 USA
| | - Sarah Maes
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521
| | - Christina M Parise
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521
| | - Howard S Ginsberg
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Woodward Hall-PSE, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881 USA
| | - Paul C Cross
- US Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, 2327 University Way, Suite #2, Bozeman, MT, 59715 USA
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Kache PA, Bron GM, Zapata-Ramirez S, Tsao JI, Bartholomay LC, Paskewitz SM, Diuk-Wasser MA, Fernandez MDP. Evaluating spatial and temporal patterns of tick exposure in the United States using community science data submitted through a smartphone application. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102163. [PMID: 37001417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Research initiatives that engage the public (i.e., community science or citizen science) increasingly provide insights into tick exposures in the United States. However, these data have important caveats, particularly with respect to reported travel history and tick identification. Here, we assessed whether a smartphone application, The Tick App, provides reliable and novel insights into tick exposures across three domains - travel history, broad spatial and temporal patterns of species-specific encounters, and tick identification. During 2019-2021, we received 11,424 tick encounter submissions from across the United States, with nearly all generated in the Midwest and Northeast regions. Encounters were predominantly with human hosts (71%); although one-fourth of ticks were found on animals. Half of the encounters (51%) consisted of self-reported peri‑domestic exposures, while 37% consisted of self-reported recreational exposures. Using phone-based location services, we detected differences in travel history outside of the users' county of residence along an urbanicity gradient. Approximately 75% of users from large metropolitan and rural counties had travel out-of-county in the four days prior to tick detection, whereas an estimated 50-60% of users from smaller metropolitan areas did. Furthermore, we generated tick encounter maps for Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis that partially accounted for travel history and overall mirrored previously published species distributions. Finally, we evaluated whether a streamlined three-question sequence (on tick size, feeding status, and color) would inform a simple algorithm to optimize image-based tick identification. Visual aides of tick coloration and size engaged and guided users towards species and life stage classification moderately well, with 56% of one-time submitters correctly selecting photos of D. variabilis adults and 76% of frequent-submitters correctly selecting photos of D. variabilis adults. Together, these results indicate the importance of bolstering the use of smartphone applications to engage community scientists and complement other active and passive tick surveillance systems.
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6
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Kopsco HL, Gronemeyer P, Mateus-Pinilla N, Smith RL. Current and Future Habitat Suitability Models for Four Ticks of Medical Concern in Illinois, USA. INSECTS 2023; 14:213. [PMID: 36975898 PMCID: PMC10059838 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The greater U.S. Midwest is on the leading edge of tick and tick-borne disease (TBD) expansion, with tick and TBD encroachment into Illinois occurring from both the northern and the southern regions. To assess the historical and future habitat suitability of four ticks of medical concern within the state, we fit individual and mean-weighted ensemble species distribution models for Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, and a newly invading species, Amblyomma maculatum using a variety of landscape and mean climate variables for the periods of 1970-2000, 2041-2060, and 2061-2080. Ensemble model projections for the historical climate were consistent with known distributions of each species but predicted the habitat suitability of A. maculatum to be much greater throughout Illinois than what known distributions demonstrate. The presence of forests and wetlands were the most important landcover classes predicting the occurrence of all tick species. As the climate warmed, the expected distribution of all species became strongly responsive to precipitation and temperature variables, particularly precipitation of the warmest quarter and mean diurnal range, as well as proximity to forest cover and water sources. The suitable habitat for I. scapularis, A. americanum, and A. maculatum was predicted to significantly narrow in the 2050 climate scenario and then increase more broadly statewide in the 2070 scenario but at reduced likelihoods. Predicting where ticks may invade and concentrate as the climate changes will be important to anticipate, prevent, and treat TBD in Illinois.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L. Kopsco
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Peg Gronemeyer
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Nohra Mateus-Pinilla
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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7
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Ghafar A, Davies N, Tadepalli M, Breidahl A, Death C, Haros P, Li Y, Dann P, Cabezas-Cruz A, Moutailler S, Foucault-Simonin A, Gauci CG, Stenos J, Hufschmid J, Jabbar A. Unravelling the Diversity of Microorganisms in Ticks from Australian Wildlife. Pathogens 2023; 12:153. [PMID: 36839425 PMCID: PMC9967841 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020153] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a significant threat to the health and welfare of humans and animals. Our knowledge about pathogens carried by ticks of Australian wildlife is limited. This study aimed to characterise ticks and tick-borne microorganisms from a range of wildlife species across six sites in Victoria, Australia. Following morphological and molecular characterisation (targeting 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase I), tick DNA extracts (n = 140) were subjected to microfluidic real-time PCR-based screening for the detection of microorganisms and Rickettsia-specific real-time qPCRs. Five species of ixodid ticks were identified, including Aponomma auruginans, Ixodes (I.) antechini, I. kohlsi, I. tasmani and I. trichosuri. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA sequences of I. tasmani revealed two subclades, indicating a potential cryptic species. The microfluidic real-time PCR detected seven different microorganisms as a single (in 13/45 ticks) or multiple infections (27/45). The most common microorganisms detected were Apicomplexa (84.4%, 38/45) followed by Rickettsia sp. (55.6%, 25/45), Theileria sp. (22.2% 10/45), Bartonella sp. (17.8%, 8/45), Coxiella-like sp. (6.7%, 3/45), Hepatozoon sp. (2.2%, 1/45), and Ehrlichia sp. (2.2%, 1/45). Phylogenetic analyses of four Rickettsia loci showed that the Rickettsia isolates detected herein potentially belonged to a novel species of Rickettsia. This study demonstrated that ticks of Australian wildlife carry a diverse array of microorganisms. Given the direct and indirect human-wildlife-livestock interactions, there is a need to adopt a One Health approach for continuous surveillance of tick-associated pathogens/microorganisms to minimise the associated threats to animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Ghafar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Nick Davies
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Mythili Tadepalli
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Amanda Breidahl
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Clare Death
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Philip Haros
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Park, P.O. Box 97, Cowes, VIC 3922, Australia
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Charles G. Gauci
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Jasmin Hufschmid
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
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8
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Morris CN, Gaff HD, Berghaus RD, Wilson CM, Gleim ER. Tick Species Composition, Collection Rates, and Phenology Provide Insights into Tick-Borne Disease Ecology in Virginia. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1993-2005. [PMID: 35996864 PMCID: PMC9667727 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To better understand tick ecology in Virginia and the increasing Lyme disease incidence in western Virginia, a comparative phenological study was conducted in which monthly collections were performed at twelve sampling locations in southwestern Virginia (high Lyme disease incidence) and 18 equivalent sampling locations in southeastern Virginia (low Lyme disease incidence) for one year. In western Virginia, we also explored the effect of elevation on collection rates of Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae) and Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae). In total, 35,438 ticks were collected (33,106 A. americanum; 2,052 I. scapularis; 134 Ixodes affinis Neumann [Acari: Ixodidae]; 84 Dermacentor variabilis [Say] [Acari: Ixodidae]; 49 Dermacentor albipictus [Packard] [Acari: Ixodidae]; 10 Haemaphysalis leporispalustris [Packard] [Acari: Ixodidae]; 2 Ixodes brunneus Koch [Acari: Ixodidae]; 1 Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann [Acari: Ixodidae]). Within southwestern Virginia, Ixodes scapularis collection rates were not influenced by elevation, unlike A. americanum which were collected more frequently at lower elevations (e.g., below 500 m). Notably, I. scapularis larvae and nymphs were commonly collected in southwestern Virginia (indicating that they were questing on or above the leaf litter) but not in southeastern Virginia. Questing on or above the leaf litter is primarily associated with northern populations of I. scapularis. These findings may support the hypothesis that I. scapularis from the northeastern United States are migrating into western Virginia and contributing to the higher incidence of Lyme disease in this region. This comparative phenological study underscores the value of these types of studies and the need for additional research to further understand the rapidly changing tick-borne disease dynamics in Virginia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciera N Morris
- Department of Biology, Hollins University, Roanoke, VA 24020, USA
| | - Holly D Gaff
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Roy D Berghaus
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - C Morgan Wilson
- Department of Biology, Hollins University, Roanoke, VA 24020, USA
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Bajwa WI, Tsynman L, Egizi AM, Tokarz R, Maestas LP, Fonseca DM. The Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma maculatum (Ixodida: Ixodidae), and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia in the Highly Urbanized Northeastern United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1434-1442. [PMID: 35639921 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We report the multi-year collection of the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acaridae: Ixodida: Ixodidae) in Staten Island, New York City (NYC) as well as their detection in Brooklyn, NYC, and in Atlantic and Cumberland counties in southern New Jersey, USA. The first and most common detections were of adults, however in Freshkills Park on Staten Island larvae were also collected in a following year. The presence of larvae indicates that adults are successfully finding hosts in Staten Island. While it is still unknown how A. americanum reached Staten Island, immatures of this species often parasitize migratory birds, which are now often seen in Freshkills Park. We describe the landscape features of the area in Staten Island where populations were highest and larvae were detected, which could have facilitated the establishment of A. maculatum. Notably, we also report the presence of human pathogens Rickettsia parkeri in 5/10 (50%) of adults tested and R. felis in 1/24 (4.17%) of larvae tested. In addition to established populations in Staten Island we found evidence of A. maculatum in NJ and other NYC boroughs, suggesting current or future establishment is possible. The failure thus far to detect established populations in these areas may be due to inherent difficulties in detecting low density, spatially heterogeneous incipient populations, which could require targeted surveillance efforts for this species. We discuss the consequences to public health of the establishment of A. maculatum and detection of two additional rickettsial pathogens in the densely populated northeastern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waheed I Bajwa
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Leonid Tsynman
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Andrea M Egizi
- Tick-Borne Disease Program, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, 1901 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, USA
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Rafal Tokarz
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Lauren P Maestas
- Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, Mosquito Control Section, 2430 Old County Road, Newark, DE 19702, USA
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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10
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Dong Y, Zhou G, Cao W, Xu X, Zhang Y, Ji Z, Yang J, Chen J, Liu M, Fan Y, Kong J, Wen S, Li B, Yue P, Liu A, Bao F. Global seroprevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in human populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007744. [PMID: 35697507 PMCID: PMC9185477 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bb) infection, the most frequent tick-transmitted disease, is distributed worldwide. This study aimed to describe the global seroprevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of Bb in human populations. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and other sources for relevant studies of all study designs through 30 December 2021 with the following keywords: ‘Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato’ AND ‘infection rate’; and observational studies were included if the results of human Bb antibody seroprevalence surveys were reported, the laboratory serological detection method reported and be published in a peer-reviewed journal. We screened titles/abstracts and full texts of papers and appraised the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration-endorsed Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Data were synthesised narratively, stratified by different types of outcomes. We also conducted random effects meta-analysis where we had a minimum of two studies with 95% CIs reported. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021261362). Results Of 4196 studies, 137 were eligible for full-text screening, and 89 (158 287 individuals) were included in meta-analyses. The reported estimated global Bb seroprevalence was 14.5% (95% CI 12.8% to 16.3%), and the top three regions of Bb seroprevalence were Central Europe (20.7%, 95% CI 13.8% to 28.6%), Eastern Asia (15.9%, 95% CI 6.6% to 28.3%) and Western Europe (13.5%, 95% CI 9.5% to 18.0%). Meta-regression analysis showed that after eliminating confounding risk factors, the methods lacked western blotting (WB) confirmation and increased the risk of false-positive Bb antibody detection compared with the methods using WB confirmation (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.2). Other factors associated with Bb seropositivity include age ≥50 years (12.6%, 95% CI 8.0% to 18.1%), men (7.8%, 95% CI 4.6% to 11.9%), residence of rural area (8.4%, 95% CI 5.0% to 12.6%) and suffering tick bites (18.8%, 95% CI 10.1% to 29.4%). Conclusion The reported estimated global Bb seropositivity is relatively high, with the top three regions as Central Europe, Western Europe and Eastern Asia. Using the WB to confirm Bb serological results could significantly improve the accuracy. More studies are needed to improve the accuracy of global Lyme borreliosis burden estimates. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021261362.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Dong
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Guozhong Zhou
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenjing Cao
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xin Xu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhenhua Ji
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiaru Yang
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Meixiao Liu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuxin Fan
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jing Kong
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shiyuan Wen
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Bingxue Li
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Tropical Infectious Diseases in Universities, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Peng Yue
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Aihua Liu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China .,Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Tropical Infectious Diseases in Universities, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Fukai Bao
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China .,Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Tropical Infectious Diseases in Universities, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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11
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Baldwin H, Landesman WJ, Borgmann-Winter B, Allen D. A Geographic Information System Approach to Map Tick Exposure Risk at a Scale for Public Health Intervention. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:162-172. [PMID: 34642748 PMCID: PMC8755993 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne disease control and prevention have been largely ineffective compared to the control of other vector-borne diseases. Although control strategies exist, they are costly or ineffective at large spatial scales. We need tools to target these strategies to places of highest tick exposure risk. Here we present a geographic information system (GIS) method for mapping predicted tick exposure risk at a 200 m by 200 m resolution, appropriate for public health intervention. We followed the approach used to map tick habitat suitability over large areas. We used drag-cloth sampling to measure the density of nymphal blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis, Say (Acari: Ixodidae)) at 24 sites in Addison and Rutland Counties, VT, United States. We used a GIS to average habitat, climatological, land-use/land-cover, and abiotic characteristics over 100 m, 400 m, 1,000 m, and 2,000 m buffers around each site to evaluate which characteristic at which buffer size best predicted density of nymphal ticks (DON). The relationships between predictor variables and DON were determined with random forest models. The 100 m buffer model performed best and explained 37.7% of the variation in DON, although was highly accurate at classifying sites as having below or above average DON. This model was applied to Addison County, VT, to predict tick exposure risk at a 200 m resolution. This GIS approach to map predicted DON over a small area with fine resolution, could be used to target public health campaigns and land management practices to reduce human exposure to ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harper Baldwin
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, USA
| | - William J Landesman
- Environmental and Health Sciences Department, Northern Vermont University, Johnson, VT, USA
| | | | - David Allen
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, USA
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12
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Diuk-Wasser MA, VanAcker MC, Fernandez MP. Impact of Land Use Changes and Habitat Fragmentation on the Eco-epidemiology of Tick-Borne Diseases. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1546-1564. [PMID: 33095859 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of tick-borne diseases has increased in recent decades and accounts for the majority of vector-borne disease cases in temperate areas of Europe, North America, and Asia. This emergence has been attributed to multiple and interactive drivers including changes in climate, land use, abundance of key hosts, and people's behaviors affecting the probability of human exposure to infected ticks. In this forum paper, we focus on how land use changes have shaped the eco-epidemiology of Ixodes scapularis-borne pathogens, in particular the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in the eastern United States. We use this as a model system, addressing other tick-borne disease systems as needed to illustrate patterns or processes. We first examine how land use interacts with abiotic conditions (microclimate) and biotic factors (e.g., host community composition) to influence the enzootic hazard, measured as the density of host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs infected with B. burgdorferi s.s. We then review the evidence of how specific landscape configuration, in particular forest fragmentation, influences the enzootic hazard and disease risk across spatial scales and urbanization levels. We emphasize the need for a dynamic understanding of landscapes based on tick and pathogen host movement and habitat use in relation to human resource provisioning. We propose a coupled natural-human systems framework for tick-borne diseases that accounts for the multiple interactions, nonlinearities and feedbacks in the system and conclude with a call for standardization of methodology and terminology to help integrate studies conducted at multiple scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Diuk-Wasser
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York
| | - Meredith C VanAcker
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York
| | - Maria P Fernandez
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York
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13
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Fleshman AC, Graham CB, Maes SE, Foster E, Eisen RJ. Reported County-Level Distribution of Lyme Disease Spirochetes, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Borrelia mayonii (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae), in Host-Seeking Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Contiguous United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1219-1233. [PMID: 33600574 PMCID: PMC8355468 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. While Lyme disease vectors are widespread, high incidence states are concentrated in the Northeast, North Central and Mid-Atlantic regions. Mapping the distribution of Lyme disease spirochetes in ticks may aid in providing data-driven explanations of epidemiological trends and recommendations for targeting prevention strategies to communities at risk. We compiled data from the literature, publicly available tickborne pathogen surveillance databases, and internal CDC pathogen testing databases to map the county-level distribution of Lyme disease spirochetes reported in host-seeking Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis across the contiguous United States. We report B. burgdorferi s.s.-infected I. scapularis from 384 counties spanning 26 eastern states located primarily in the North Central, Northeastern, and Mid-Atlantic regions, and in I. pacificus from 20 counties spanning 2 western states, with most records reported from northern and north-coastal California. Borrelia mayonii was reported in I. scapularis in 10 counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin in the North Central United States, where records of B. burgdorferi s.s. were also reported. In comparison to a broad distribution of vector ticks, the resulting map shows a more limited distribution of Lyme disease spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Fleshman
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Christine B Graham
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Sarah E Maes
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Erik Foster
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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14
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Talbot B, Leighton PA, Kulkarni MA. Genetic Melting Pot in Blacklegged Ticks at the Northern Edge of their Expansion Front. J Hered 2021; 111:371-378. [PMID: 32609830 PMCID: PMC7423068 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esaa017] [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: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are considered to be the main vector of Lyme disease in eastern North America. They may parasitize a wide range of bird and mammal hosts. Northward dispersal of blacklegged ticks has been attributed largely to movement of hosts to areas outside of the current range of the tick, in conjunction with climate change. To better understand the drivers of range expansion in the blacklegged tick, we need investigations of the genetic connectivity and differentiation of tick populations at a fine spatial scale using appropriate markers. In this study, we investigated genetic connectivity and differentiation in blacklegged ticks, in an area of putatively recent advance in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, using microsatellite markers. Our findings suggest patchy differentiation of alleles, no spatial pattern of genetic structure, and genetic subdivision within sites, which are consistent with the very limited evidence available near the leading edge of range expansion of blacklegged ticks into Canada. These findings are consistent with the prevailing hypothesis, drawn from a variety of fields of study, suggesting that migratory birds from a variety of regions may be bringing hitchhiking ticks northward into Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Talbot
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick A Leighton
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Sainte-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Manisha A Kulkarni
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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15
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Václavík T, Balážová A, Baláž V, Tkadlec E, Schichor M, Zechmeisterová K, Ondruš J, Široký P. Landscape epidemiology of neglected tick-borne pathogens in central Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1685-1696. [PMID: 32966705 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Studies of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in Europe focus on pathogens with principal medical importance (e.g. Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis), but we have limited epidemiological information on the neglected pathogens, such as the members of the genera Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Babesia and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Here, we integrated an extensive field sampling, laboratory analysis and GIS models to provide first publicly available information on pathogen diversity, prevalence and infection risk for four overlooked zoonotic TBDs in the Czech Republic. In addition, we assessed the effect of landscape variables on the abundance of questing ticks at different spatial scales and examined whether pathogen prevalence increased with tick density. Our data from 13,340 ticks collected in 142 municipalities showed that A. phagocytophilum (MIR = 3.5%) and Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis (MIR = 4.0%) pose geographically uneven risks with localized hotspots, while Rickettsia (MIR = 4.9%) and Babesia (MIR = 1.1%) had relatively homogeneous spatial distribution. Landscape variables had significant effect on tick abundance up to the scale of 1 km around the sampling sites. Questing ticks responded positively to landscape diversity and configuration, especially to forest patch density that strongly correlates with the amount of woodland-grassland ecotones. For all four pathogens, we found higher prevalence in places with higher densities of ticks, confirming the hypothesis that tick abundance amplifies the risk of TB infection. Our findings highlight the importance of landscape parameters for tick vectors, likely due to their effect on small vertebrates as reservoir hosts. Future studies should explicitly investigate the combined effect of landscape parameters and the composition and population dynamics of hosts on the host-vector-pathogen system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Václavík
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Balážová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Baláž
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo-animals, Game, Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Emil Tkadlec
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marcel Schichor
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Kristína Zechmeisterová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Ondruš
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Široký
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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16
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Dong Y, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Wang YX, La Y. Comparing the Climatic and Landscape Risk Factors for Lyme Disease Cases in the Upper Midwest and Northeast United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1548. [PMID: 32121283 PMCID: PMC7084738 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lyme disease, recognized as one of the most important vector-borne diseases worldwide, has been increasing in incidence and spatial extend in United States. In the Northeast and Upper Midwest, Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes scapularis. Currently, many studies have been conducted to identify factors influencing Lyme disease risk in the Northeast, however, relatively few studies focused on the Upper Midwest. In this study, we explored and compared the climatic and landscape factors that shape the spatial patterns of human Lyme cases in these two regions, using the generalized linear mixed models. Our results showed that climatic variables generally had opposite correlations with Lyme disease risk, while landscape factors usually had similar effects in these two regions. High precipitation and low temperature were correlated with high Lyme disease risk in the Upper Midwest, while with low Lyme disease risk in the Northeast. In both regions, size and fragmentation related factors of residential area showed positive correlations with Lyme disease risk. Deciduous forests and evergreen forests had opposite effects on Lyme disease risk, but the effects were consistent between two regions. In general, this study provides new insight into understanding the differences of risk factors of human Lyme disease risk in these two regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Dong
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Zheng Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yingying X.G. Wang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Yang La
- Medical College, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China
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17
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Bacterial community profiling highlights complex diversity and novel organisms in wildlife ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101407. [PMID: 32051105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ticks Acari:Ixodida transmit a greater variety of pathogens than any other blood-feeding group of arthropods. While numerous microbes have been identified inhabiting Australian Ixodidae, some of which are related to globally important tick-borne pathogens, little is known about the bacterial communities within ticks collected from Australian wildlife. In this study, 1,019 ticks were identified on 221 hosts spanning 27 wildlife species. Next-generation sequencing was used to amplify the V1-2 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from 238 ticks; Amblyomma triguttatum (n = 6), Bothriocroton auruginans (n = 11), Bothriocroton concolor (n = 20), Haemaphysalis bancrofti (n = 10), Haemaphysalis bremneri (n = 4), Haemaphysalis humerosa (n = 13), Haemaphysalis longicornis (n = 4), Ixodes antechini (n = 29), Ixodes australiensis (n = 26), Ixodes fecialis (n = 13), Ixodes holocyclus (n = 37), Ixodes myrmecobii (n = 1), Ixodes ornithorhynchi (n = 10), Ixodes tasmani (n = 51) and Ixodes trichosuri (n = 3). After bioinformatic analyses, over 14 million assigned bacterial sequences revealed the presence of recently described bacteria 'Candidatus Borrelia tachyglossi', 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia australis', 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia arcana' and 'Candidatus Ehrlichia ornithorhynchi'. Furthermore, three novel Anaplasmataceae species were identified in the present study including; a Neoehrlichia sp. in I. australiensis and I. fecialis collected from quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) (Western Australia), an Anaplasma sp. from one B. concolor from echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) (New South Wales), and an Ehrlichia sp. from a single I. fecialis parasitising a quenda (WA). This study highlights the diversity of bacterial genera harboured within wildlife ticks, which may prove to be of medical and/or veterinary importance in the future.
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18
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Landscape determinants of density of blacklegged ticks, vectors of Lyme disease, at the northern edge of their distribution in Canada. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16652. [PMID: 31723147 PMCID: PMC6853933 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50858-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In eastern North America, including Canada, Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and transmitted to humans by the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. The last decade has seen a growing incidence of Lyme disease in Canada, following the northward range expansion of I. scapularis tick populations from endemic areas in eastern United States. This may be attributable to movement of the many hosts that they parasitize, including songbirds, deer and small mammals. In this study, we wanted to test the effect of spatial, temporal and ecological variables, on blacklegged tick density and infection rates, near the northern limit of their distribution in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. We found an effect of both proportion of forested areas and distance to roads, on density of I. scapularis ticks and prevalence of infection by B. burgdorferi. We also found an effect of both sampling year and ordinal sampling data on prevalence of infection by B. burgdorferi. In six adjacent sites showing evidence of reproducing I. scapularis populations, we found that forest composition and structure influenced density of I. scapularis ticks. Our results suggest that blacklegged tick density and infection rate in Canada may be influenced by a variety of factors.
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Ledger KJ, Keenan RM, Sayler KA, Wisely SM. Multi-scale patterns of tick occupancy and abundance across an agricultural landscape in southern Africa. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222879. [PMID: 31539412 PMCID: PMC6754170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Land use influences the prevalence and distribution of ticks due to the intimate relationship of ticks with their environment. This relationship occurs because land use alters two essential tick requirements: vertebrate hosts for blood meals and a suitable microclimate when off-host. Given the risks to human and animal health associated with pathogens transmitted by ticks, there is an ongoing need to understand the impact of environmental drivers on tick distributions. Here, we assessed how landscape features, neighborhood effects, and edges influenced tick occupancy and abundance across an agricultural landscape in southern Africa. We found that Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus simus increased in abundance closer to protected savanna, while Haemaphysalis elliptica increased in abundance closer to human habitation. The composition of the landscape surrounding savanna patches also differentially influenced the occupancy of each tick species; H. elliptica was more likely to be found in savanna patches surrounded by subsistence agriculture while R. appendiculatus and R. simus were more likely to be found in savanna surrounded by sugarcane monocultures. At the local scale we found that R. appendiculatus and R. simus avoided savanna edges. The availability of hosts and variation in vegetation structure between commercial agriculture, subsistence agriculture, and savanna likely drove the distribution of ticks at the landscape scale. Understanding how anthropogenic land use influences where ticks occur is useful for land use planning and for assessing public and animal health risks associated with ticks and tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J. Ledger
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Keenan
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Katherine A. Sayler
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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