1
|
Rooney T, Fèvre EM, Villinger J, Brenn-White M, Cummings CO, Chai D, Kamau J, Kiyong'a A, Getange D, Ochieng DO, Kivali V, Zimmerman D, Rosenbaum M, Nutter FB, Deem SL. Coxiella burnetii serostatus in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) is associated with the presence of C. burnetii DNA in attached ticks in Laikipia County, Kenya. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:503-514. [PMID: 38627945 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13127] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Q fever is a globally distributed, neglected zoonotic disease of conservation and public health importance, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Coxiella burnetii normally causes subclinical infections in livestock, but may also cause reproductive pathology and spontaneous abortions in artiodactyl species. One such artiodactyl, the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), is an increasingly important livestock species in semi-arid landscapes. Ticks are naturally infected with C. burnetii worldwide and are frequently found on camels in Kenya. In this study, we assessed the relationship between dromedary camels' C. burnetii serostatus and whether the camels were carrying C. burnetii PCR-positive ticks in Kenya. We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between camel seropositivity and carrying C. burnetii PCR-positive ticks. METHODS AND RESULTS Blood was collected from camels (N = 233) from three herds, and serum was analysed using commercial ELISA antibody test kits. Ticks were collected (N = 4354), divided into pools of the same species from the same camel (N = 397) and tested for C. burnetii and Coxiella-like endosymbionts. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize seroprevalence by camel demographic and clinical variables. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess relationships between serostatus (outcome) and tick PCR status, camel demographic variables, and camel clinical variables (predictors). Camel C. burnetii seroprevalence was 52%. Across tick pools, the prevalence of C. burnetii was 15% and Coxiella-like endosymbionts was 27%. Camel seropositivity was significantly associated with the presence of a C. burnetii PCR-positive tick pool (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.4-5.1; p = 0.0045), increasing age class, and increasing total solids. CONCLUSIONS The role of ticks and camels in the epidemiology of Q fever warrants further research to better understand this zoonotic disease that has potential to cause illness and reproductive losses in humans, livestock, and wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tess Rooney
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, California, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maris Brenn-White
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Charles O Cummings
- Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Chai
- One Health Centre, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Kamau
- One Health Centre, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alice Kiyong'a
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dickens O Ochieng
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Velma Kivali
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Marieke Rosenbaum
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Felicia B Nutter
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abouelhassan EM, GadAllah S, Kamel MS, Kamal M, Elsayed HH, Sallam NH, Okely M. Molecular identification and morphological variations of Amblyomma lepidum imported to Egypt, with notes about its potential distribution under climate change. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:276. [PMID: 39017762 PMCID: PMC11255089 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08284-0] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The tick Amblyomma lepidum is an ectoparasite of veterinary importance due to its role in transmitting livestock diseases in Africa, including heartwater. This study was conducted in 2023 to monitor Amblyomma spp. infestation in dromedary camels imported from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan to Egypt. This study inspected 200 camels at the Giza governorate's camel market that had been imported from Somalia, 200 from Ethiopia, and 200 from Sudan for tick infestation. Specimens were identified using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the 12S and 16S rRNA genes. Clusters were calculated using an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram to group the specimens according to their morphometric characteristics. The morphometric analysis compared the body shape of ticks collected from different countries by analyzing dorsal features. Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA) were performed to obtain body shape variation among specimens from different countries. Results indicated that camels were infested by 57 males Amblyomma lepidum, and no female specimens were observed; among these specimens, one may have a morphological abnormality. The results suggest that A. lepidum specimens collected from camels imported to Egypt from African countries exhibit locally adapted morphology with variations among specimens, particularly variations in body size. This adaptation suggests minimal potential for genetic divergence. Ecological niche modeling was used to predict the areas in Africa with suitable climates for A. lepidum. The study confirmed that East African countries might have the most favorable climatic conditions for A. lepidum to thrive. Interestingly, the amount of rain during the wettest quarter (Bio16) had the strongest influence on the tick's potential distribution, with suitability decreasing sharply as rainfall increased. Future predictions indicate that the climatic habitat suitability for A. lepidum will decrease under changing climate conditions. However, historical, current, and future predictions indicate no suitable climatic habitats for A. lepidum in Egypt. These findings demand continuous surveillance of A. lepidum in camel populations and the development of targeted strategies to manage tick infestations and prevent the spread of heartwater disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman M Abouelhassan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Sohair GadAllah
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Marwa S Kamel
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Kamal
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Hazem H Elsayed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Nahla H Sallam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Okely
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kamau MW, Witte C, Goosen W, Mutinda M, Villinger J, Getange D, Khogali R, von Fricken ME, Fèvre EM, Zimmerman D, Linton YM, Miller M. Comparison of test performance of a conventional PCR and two field-friendly tests to detect Coxiella burnetii DNA in ticks using Bayesian latent class analysis. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1396714. [PMID: 38962707 PMCID: PMC11220323 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1396714] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii)-infected livestock and wildlife have been epidemiologically linked to human Q fever outbreaks. Despite this growing zoonotic threat, knowledge of coxiellosis in wild animals remains limited, and studies to understand their epidemiologic role are needed. In C. burnetii-endemic areas, ticks have been reported to harbor and spread C. burnetii and may serve as indicators of risk of infection in wild animal habitats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare molecular techniques for detecting C. burnetii DNA in ticks. Methods In total, 169 ticks from wild animals and cattle in wildlife conservancies in northern Kenya were screened for C. burnetii DNA using a conventional PCR (cPCR) and two field-friendly techniques: Biomeme's C. burnetii qPCR Go-strips (Biomeme) and a new C. burnetii PCR high-resolution melt (PCR-HRM) analysis assay. Results were evaluated, in the absence of a gold standard test, using Bayesian latent class analysis (BLCA) to characterize the proportion of C. burnetii positive ticks and estimate sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the three tests. Results The final BLCA model included main effects and estimated that PCR-HRM had the highest Se (86%; 95% credible interval: 56-99%), followed by the Biomeme (Se = 57%; 95% credible interval: 34-90%), with the estimated Se of the cPCR being the lowest (24%, 95% credible interval: 10-47%). Specificity estimates for all three assays ranged from 94 to 98%. Based on the model, an estimated 16% of ticks had C. burnetii DNA present. Discussion These results reflect the endemicity of C. burnetii in northern Kenya and show the promise of the PCR-HRM assay for C. burnetii surveillance in ticks. Further studies using ticks and wild animal samples will enhance understanding of the epidemiological role of ticks in Q fever.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen W. Kamau
- Mpala Research Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Science, and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Carmel Witte
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Science, and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- The Center for Wildlife Studies, South Freeport, ME, United States
| | - Wynand Goosen
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Science, and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rua Khogali
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michael E. von Fricken
- College of Public Health and Health Professionals, Department of Environmental and Global Health University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Eric Maurice Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Yvonne-Marie Linton
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU) Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michele Miller
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Science, and Innovation – National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khogali R, Bastos A, Bargul JL, Getange D, Kabii J, Masiga D, Villinger J. Tissue-specific localization of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from camels in Kenya: insights into vector competence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1382228. [PMID: 38698904 PMCID: PMC11063324 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1382228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne pathogen (TBP) surveillance studies often use whole-tick homogenates when inferring tick-pathogen associations. However, localized TBP infections within tick tissues (saliva, hemolymph, salivary glands, and midgut) can inform pathogen transmission mechanisms and are key to disentangling pathogen detection from vector competence. Methods We screened 278 camel blood samples and 504 tick tissue samples derived from 126 camel ticks sampled in two Kenyan counties (Laikipia and Marsabit) for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR-HRM analysis. Results Candidatus Anaplasma camelii infections were common in camels (91%), but absent in all samples from Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Amblyomma gemma, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks. We detected Ehrlichia ruminantium in all tissues of the four tick species, but Rickettsia aeschlimannii was only found in Hy. rufipes (all tissues). Rickettsia africae was highest in Am. gemma (62.5%), mainly in the hemolymph (45%) and less frequently in the midgut (27.5%) and lowest in Rh. pulchellus (29.4%), where midgut and hemolymph detection rates were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. Similarly, in Hy. dromedarii, R. africae was mainly detected in the midgut (41.7%) but was absent in the hemolymph. Rickettsia africae was not detected in Hy. rufipes. No Coxiella, Theileria, or Babesia spp. were detected in this study. Conclusions The tissue-specific localization of R. africae, found mainly in the hemolymph of Am. gemma, is congruent with the role of this tick species as its transmission vector. Thus, occurrence of TBPs in the hemolymph could serve as a predictor of vector competence of TBP transmission, especially in comparison to detection rates in the midgut, from which they must cross tissue barriers to effectively replicate and disseminate across tick tissues. Further studies should focus on exploring the distribution of TBPs within tick tissues to enhance knowledge of TBP epidemiology and to distinguish competent vectors from dead-end hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rua Khogali
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | - Armanda Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Getange
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Kabii
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marwaha S, Ranjan R, Nath K, Singh M, Sawal RK, Sahoo A. Molecular epidemiology of anaplasmosis in Indian dromedary camels. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10373-5. [PMID: 38589771 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology, risk factors, and haemato-biochemical changes in anaplasmosis in Indian dromedary camels. Blood samples collected from 103 camels were analysed using blood smear examination and semi-nested PCR based on the 16s rRNA gene to diagnose anaplasmosis. The prevalence of anaplasmosis was estimated to be 42.72% (95% CI: 33.59-52.37) by PCR assay and 16.5% (95% CI: 10.47-24.95%) by blood smear examination. Phylogenetic analysis of six partial sequences of 16s rRNA gene obtained in the present study indicated the involvement of multiple Anaplasma species, including A. marginale and A. platys, showing genetic similarity with cattle strains. A novel genotype related to A. camelii/A. cinensis/A. platys group was also identified. Hemato-biochemical examination revealed mild anaemia, increased serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, and decreased total protein and albumin levels in Anaplasma-positive animals. The infections were largely subclinical in nature, except in one camel that revealed fever, inappetence, and pale mucous membrane and responded well to treatment with oxytetracycline. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular study on camel anaplasmosis in India, indicating a high prevalence of infection and involvement of multiple Anaplasma species with potential risk for interspecies transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumnil Marwaha
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - Rakesh Ranjan
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India.
| | - Kashi Nath
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - Meetpal Singh
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - R K Sawal
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - Artabandhu Sahoo
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang B, Zhang N, Zheng T, Lu M, Baoli B, Jie R, Wang X, Li K. Tick-borne bacterial agents in Hyalomma asiaticum ticks from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Northwest China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:167. [PMID: 38566227 PMCID: PMC10985858 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06256-y] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyalomma ticks are widely distributed in semi-arid zones in Northwest China. They have been reported to harbor a large number of zoonotic pathogens. METHODS In this study, a total of 334 Hyalomma asiaticum ticks infesting domestic animals were collected from four locations in Xinjiang, Northwest China, and the bacterial agents in them were investigated. RESULTS A putative novel Borrelia species was identified in ticks from all four locations, with an overall positive rate of 6.59%. Rickettsia sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae, a human pathogen frequently reported in Europe, was detected for the second time in China. Two Ehrlichia species (Ehrlichia minasensis and Ehrlichia sp.) were identified. Furthermore, two Anaplasma species were characterized in this study: Candidatus Anaplasma camelii and Anaplasma sp. closely related to Candidatus Anaplasma boleense. It is the first report of Candidatus Anaplasma camelii in China. CONCLUSIONS Six bacterial agents were reported in this study, many of which are possible or validated pathogens for humans and animals. The presence of these bacterial agents may suggest a potential risk for One Health in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Institute of Medical Sciences of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Niuniu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Institute of Medical Sciences of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tao Zheng
- Xinjiang 474 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group CO.LTD, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Bierk Baoli
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Mulei Kazak Autonomous County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Runda Jie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Institute of Medical Sciences of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Xinjiang 474 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group CO.LTD, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
El-Alfy ES, Abbas I, Saleh S, Elseadawy R, Fereig RM, Rizk MA, Xuan X. Tick-borne pathogens in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence in dromedaries. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102268. [PMID: 37769585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102268] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid TBPs. Several TBPs have been detected in dromedary camels, raising concerns regarding their role as natural or maintenance hosts for tick-borne pathogens. Insubstantial evidence exists regarding the natural infection of camels with Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. Based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a pooled prevalence of 35.3% (95% CI: 22.6-48.1%) was estimated for Anaplasma, which was the most frequently tested TBP in dromedaries, and DNA of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, and A. platys-like were isolated, of which ruminants and dogs are reservoirs. Similarly, the estimated pooled prevalence for the two piroplasmid genera; Babesia and Theileria was approximately equal (10-12%) regardless of the detection method (microscopy or PCR testing). Nevertheless, Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, and Theileria annulata DNA have frequently been detected in camels but they have not yet been proven to be natural hosts. Scarce data detected Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) DNA in blood of dromedaries, although ticks of the genus Ixodes are distributed in limited areas where dromedaries are raised. Interestingly, a pooled seroprevalence of 47.7% (26.3-69.2%) was estimated for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and viral RNA was detected in dromedary blood; however, their contribution to maintain the viral transmission cycles requires further experimental investigation. The substantially low incidence and scarcity of data on Rickettsia and Ehrlichia species could imply that camels were accidentally infected. In contrast, camels may play a role in the spread of Coxiella burnetii, which is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols emitted by diseased animals and contaminated environments. Bactrian camels showed no symptoms due to the examined TBPs, meanwhile, clinical disease was seen in alpacas infected with A. phagocytophilum. Similar to dromedaries, accidental tick bites may be the cause of TBP DNA found in the blood of Bactrian camels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abbas
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Somaya Saleh
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Rana Elseadawy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ragab M Fereig
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Majid A, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Tanaka T, Yen TY, Tsai KH, Ali A. First report of spotted fever group Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma turanicum, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi infesting domestic animals: updates on the epidemiology of tick-borne Rickettsia aeschlimannii. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1283814. [PMID: 38163073 PMCID: PMC10756324 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1283814] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne Rickettsia spp. have long been known as causative agents for zoonotic diseases. We have previously characterized Rickettsia spp. in different ticks infesting a broad range of hosts in Pakistan; however, knowledge regarding Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma ticks is missing. This study aimed to obtain a better understanding about R. aeschlimannii in Pakistan and update the knowledge about its worldwide epidemiology. Among 369 examined domestic animals, 247 (66%) were infested by 872 ticks. Collected ticks were morphologically delineated into three genera, namely, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Haemaphysalis. Adult females were the most prevalent (number ₌ 376, 43.1%), followed by nymphs (303, 34.74%) and males (193, 22.13%). Overall, genomic DNA samples of 223 tick were isolated and screened for Rickettsia spp. by the amplification of rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB partial genes using conventional PCR. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 8 of 223 (3.58%) ticks including nymphs (5 of 122, 4.0%) and adult females (3 of 86, 3.48%). The rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB sequences were detected in Hyalomma turanicum (2 nymphs and 1 adult female), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (1 nymph and 1 adult female), and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (2 nymphs and 1 adult female). These rickettsial sequences showed 99.71-100% identity with R. aeschlimannii and phylogenetically clustered with the same species. None of the tested Rhipicephalus microplus, Hyalomma isaaci, Hyalomma scupense, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, and Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks were found positive for rickettsial DNA. Comprehensive surveillance studies should be adopted to update the knowledge regarding tick-borne zoonotic Rickettsia species, evaluate their risks to humans and livestock, and investigate the unexamined cases of illness after tick bite among livestock holders in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Majid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Holloway P, Gibson M, Nash S, Holloway T, Cardwell J, Al Omari B, Abu‐Basha E, Mangtani P, Guitian J. A cross-sectional study of Q fever in Camels: Risk factors for infection, the role of small ruminants and public health implications for desert-dwelling pastoral communities. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:238-247. [PMID: 36601879 PMCID: PMC10952281 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13019] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Q fever represents an important 'neglected zoonosis', with high prevalences recorded across the Middle East region. Among rural desert-dwelling communities in the region, camel milk is largely consumed raw, due to perceptions of dromedaries as a uniquely clean livestock species mentioned in the Qur'an and Islamic hadith, while milk from other livestock species is usually boiled. As a result, camels present a unique public health threat among such communities from milk-borne pathogens, including Coxiella burnetii. In view of this, a cross-sectional study was conducted among dromedary herds in southern Jordan between September 2017 and October 2018, including 404 camels from 121 randomly selected herds. In addition, 510 household members associated with these herds were interviewed regarding potential high-risk practices for zoonotic transmission. Weight adjusted camel population seroprevalence for C. burnetii was 49.6% (95% CI: 44.7-54.5), with evidence of maternally derived immunity in calves ≤6 months old. Adjusted herd-level prevalence was 76.0% (95% CI 72.7-80.2). It was estimated 30.4% (144/477) of individuals consumed raw milk from infected herds monthly or more. Following multivariable logistic regression analysis, seropositive status in camels was found to be associated with increasing age, high herd tick burdens, keeping the herd together throughout the year including when calving, and owning larger (>50) sheep and goat flocks, with goats presenting a higher risk than sheep. Racing camel status was found to be protective. Socioculturally appropriate interventions aimed at raising awareness of potential risks associated with drinking raw camel milk, alongside appropriate livestock management interventions, should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen Nash
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | | | | | - Bilal Al Omari
- Jordan University of Science and TechnologyAr‐RamthaJordan
| | - Ehab Abu‐Basha
- Jordan University of Science and TechnologyAr‐RamthaJordan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ali M, Al-Ahmadi BM, Ibrahim R, Alahmadi S, Gattan H, Shater AF, Elshazly H. HARD TICKS (ACARI: IXODIDAE) INFESTING ARABIAN CAMELS (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS) IN MEDINA AND QASSIM, SAUDI ARABIA. J Parasitol 2023; 109:252-258. [PMID: 37367177 DOI: 10.1645/22-109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ixodid ticks are hematophagous obligatory ectoparasites that occur worldwide and transmit pathogens to humans and other vertebrates, causing economic livestock losses. The Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius Linnaeus, 1758) is an important livestock animal in Saudi Arabia that is vulnerable to parasitism by ticks. The diversity and intensity of ticks on Arabian camels in certain localities in the Medina and Qassim regions of Saudi Arabia were determined. One hundred forty camels were examined for ticks, and 106 were infested (98 females, 8 males). A total of 452 ixodid ticks (267 males, 185 females) were collected from the infested Arabian camels. The tick infestation prevalence was 83.1% and 36.4% in female and male camels, respectively (female camels harbored significantly more ticks than did male camels). The recorded tick species were Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 (84.5%); Hyalomma truncatum Koch, 1844 (11.1%); Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze and Schlottke, 1929 (4.2%); and Hyalomma scupense Schulze, 1919 (0.22%). Hyalomma dromedarii was the predominant tick species in most regions, with a mean intensity of 2.15 ± 0.29 ticks/camel (2.5 ± 0.53 male ticks/camel, 1.8 ± 0.21 female ticks/camel). The proportion of male ticks was higher than that of female ticks (59.1 vs. 40.9%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey of ixodid ticks on Arabian camels in Medina and Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Medhat Ali
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, 344, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Bassam M Al-Ahmadi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, 344, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reda Ibrahim
- Department of Economic Entomology, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Saeed Alahmadi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, 344, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hattan Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21362, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, Jeddah, 21362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Shater
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Arts - Scientific Departments, Qassim University, Buraydah, Qassim, 52571, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62521, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang Z, Wang H, Yang S, Wang X, Shen Q, Ji L, Zeng J, Zhang W, Gong H, Shan T. Virome diversity of ticks feeding on domestic mammals in China. Virol Sin 2023; 38:208-221. [PMID: 36781125 PMCID: PMC10176445 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are considered the second most common pathogen vectors transmitting a broad range of vital human and veterinary viruses. From 2017 to 2018, 640 ticks were collected in eight different provinces in central and western China. Six species were detected, including H.longicornis, De.everestianus, Rh.microplus, Rh.turanicus, Rh.sanguineous, and Hy.asiaticum. Sixty-four viral metagenomic libraries were constructed on the MiSeq Illumina platform, resulting in 13.44 G (5.88 × 107) of 250-bp-end reads, in which 2,437,941 are viral reads. We found 27 nearly complete genome sequences, including 16 genome sequences encoding entire protein-coding regions (lack of 3' or 5' end non-coding regions) and complete viral genomes, distributed in the arboviral family (Chuviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Nairoviridae, Phenuiviridae, Flaviviridae, Iflaviridae) as well as Parvoviridae and Polyomaviridae that cause disease in mammals and even humans. In addition, 13 virus sequences found in Chuviridae, Nairoviridae, Flaviviridae, Iflaviridae, Hepeviridae, Parvoviridae, and Polyomaviridae were identified as belonging to a new virus species in the identified viral genera. Besides, an epidemiological survey shows a high prevalence (9.38% and 15.63%) of two viruses (Ovine Copiparvovirus and Bovine parvovirus 2) in the tick cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Yang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China; Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huai'an Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, 223002, China
| | - Shixing Yang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Xiaochun Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Quan Shen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Likai Ji
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jian Zeng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Tongling Shan
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ogola EO, Kopp A, Bastos ADS, Slothouwer I, Omoga DCA, Osalla J, Sang R, Torto B, Junglen S, Tchouassi DP. Phlebovirus diversity in ticks from livestock in arid ecologies in Kenya. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102087. [PMID: 36459866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102087] [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: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Phleboviruses are emerging pathogens of public health importance. However, their association with ticks is poorly described, particularly in Africa. Here, adult ticks infesting cattle, goats and sheep were collected in two dryland pastoralist ecosystems of Kenya (Baringo and Kajiado counties) and were screened for infection with phleboviruses. Ticks mainly belonged to the species Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Hyalomma impeltatum, and Hyalomma rufipes. A fragment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene was identified in thirty of 671 tick pools, of which twenty-nine were from livestock sampled in Baringo county. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that twenty-five sequences were falling in three clades within the group of tick-associated phleboviruses. The sequences of the three clades showed nucleotide distances 8%, 19% and 22%, respectively, to previously known viruses suggesting that these sequence fragments may belong to three distinct viruses. Viruses of the group of tick-associated phleboviruses have been found in several countries and continents but so far have not been associated with disease in humans or animals. In addition, five sequences were found to group with the sandfly-associated phleboviruses Bogoria virus, Perkerra virus and Ntepes virus recently detected in the same region. Further studies are needed to investigate the transmission and maintenance cycles of these viruses, as well as to assess their potential to infect vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin O Ogola
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Anne Kopp
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Inga Slothouwer
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorcus C A Omoga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Osalla
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosemary Sang
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Baldwyn Torto
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Sandra Junglen
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - David P Tchouassi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nabil M, Khater HF, Selim A, Baz MM, Govindarajan M, A. A. Taie H, Negm S. Acaricidal Efficacy of Silver Nanoformulations of Commiphora molmol and Zingiber officinale against the Camel Tick, Hyalomma dromedarii (Ixodida: Ixodidae). INORG CHEM COMMUN 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2022.110229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
14
|
Hrnková J, Golovchenko M, Musa AS, Needham T, Italiya J, Ceacero F, Kotrba R, Grubhoffer L, Rudenko N, Cerný J. Borrelia spirochetes in European exotic farm animals. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:996015. [PMID: 36246336 PMCID: PMC9554260 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.996015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks transmit a broad spectrum of pathogens, threatening both animal and human health. Tick survival and proliferation are strongly dependent on host selection and suitability. The hard tick Ixodes ricinus, which is widespread throughout most of Europe, is a host generalist capable of feeding on many different vertebrate species. Pasture-kept exotic farm animals may be at a high risk for tick and tick-borne pathogens infestations but research characterizing this is currently lacking. This study focused on the detection of Borrelia spirochetes (including Borrelia miyamotoi) in exotic farm animals. Using nested-PCR with Borrelia-specific primers, 121 serum samples from 54 exotic farm animals of several species bred in four different farms in Bohemia and Moravia (Czechia) were tested. Positive samples were sequenced for the identification of Borrelia species. The prevalence of Borrelia DNA in the samples ranged from 13 to 67%, depending on the sampling site. The sequencing results confirmed the DNA presence of multiple spirochete species from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Only one sample from an ostrich (Struthio camelus) was found to be positive for Borrelia myiamotoi. The results show that exotic farm animals can serve as hosts for hard ticks and can be infected by Borrelia spirochetes, transmitted by hard ticks. Therefore, these animals could play a relevant role in maintaining Borrelia spirochetes in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johana Hrnková
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Johana Hrnková
| | - Marina Golovchenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Abubakar Sadiq Musa
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tersia Needham
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jignesh Italiya
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Francisco Ceacero
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radim Kotrba
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czechia
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Natalie Rudenko
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jirí Cerný
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Selmi R, Belkahia H, Sazmand A, Ben Said M, Messadi L. Epidemiology and genetic characteristics of tick-borne bacteria in dromedary camels of the world. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106599. [PMID: 35810831 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This review presents updated knowledge on the main tick-borne bacteria infecting one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) around the world. Camels are increasingly the subject of several scientific investigations, showing that they are receptive and carriers of several zoonotic bacteria. An appraisal is also given of the relative public health importance of these bacterial infections according to One Health concept. Microscopic, serologic and molecular findings are appropriately generated in order to exploit epidemiological data, and phylogeographic specificities associated to each vector-borne bacterium. Indeed, camels and their ticks harbour similar species and genotypes of pathogenic bacteria commonly identified in other animals, e.g., Anaplasma spp.,Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp. and hemotrophic mycoplasmas. This evidence suggests an epidemiological role of camels in the spread of these pathogens in their natural habitats. However, these infections are commonly asymptomatic in camels resulting in underestimation of the impact of these infections. Furthermore, camels have recently been proven to have their own specific unclassified strains, such as Candidatus Anaplasma camelii and Candidatus Bartonella camelii, implying that possible interactions may lead to the emergence of pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria. In camel-rearing areas of the world, spatial and temporal spread of these infections, due to climatic and ecological changes and human activities such as development projects and urbanization, is expected. Hence the data presented herein provides a basis for strategic frameworks for the research and the development of novel diagnosis and control strategies worldwide, which are needed to protect camels, other livestock, and people in contact with dromedaries from threats that arthropod-borne pathogens can pose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Selmi
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia; Ministry of National Defense, General Directorate of Military Health, Military center of Veterinary Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Hanène Belkahia
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517658978, Iran
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia; Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ergunay K, Mutinda M, Bourke B, Justi SA, Caicedo-Quiroga L, Kamau J, Mutura S, Akunda IK, Cook E, Gakuya F, Omondi P, Murray S, Zimmerman D, Linton YM. Metagenomic Investigation of Ticks From Kenyan Wildlife Reveals Diverse Microbial Pathogens and New Country Pathogen Records. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:932224. [PMID: 35847110 PMCID: PMC9283121 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.932224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Focusing on the utility of ticks as xenosurveillance sentinels to expose circulating pathogens in Kenyan drylands, host-feeding ticks collected from wild ungulates [buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, hartebeest, impala, rhinoceros (black and white), zebras (Grévy’s and plains)], carnivores (leopards, lions, spotted hyenas, wild dogs), as well as regular domestic and Boran cattle were screened for pathogens using metagenomics. A total of 75 host-feeding ticks [Rhipicephalus (97.3%) and Amblyomma (2.7%)] collected from 15 vertebrate taxa were sequenced in 46 pools. Fifty-six pathogenic bacterial species were detected in 35 pools analyzed for pathogens and relative abundances of major phyla. The most frequently observed species was Escherichia coli (62.8%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (48.5%) and Coxiella burnetii (45.7%). Francisella tularemia and Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) were detected in 14.2 and 13% of the pools, respectively, in ticks collected from wild animals and cattle. This is one of the first reports of JMTV in Kenya, and phylogenetic reconstruction revealed significant divergence from previously known isolates and related viruses. Eight fungal species with human pathogenicity were detected in 5 pools (10.8%). The vector-borne filarial pathogens (Brugia malayi, Dirofilaria immitis, Loa loa), protozoa (Plasmodium spp., Trypanosoma cruzi), and environmental and water-/food-borne pathogens (Entamoeba histolytica, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Naegleria fowleri, Schistosoma spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella spiralis) were detected. Documented viruses included human mastadenovirus C, Epstein-Barr virus and bovine herpesvirus 5, Trinbago virus, and Guarapuava tymovirus-like virus 1. Our findings confirmed that host-feeding ticks are an efficient sentinel for xenosurveillance and demonstrate clear potential for wildlife-livestock-human pathogen transfer in the Kenyan landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koray Ergunay
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Koray Ergunay,
| | | | - Brian Bourke
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Silvia A. Justi
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Laura Caicedo-Quiroga
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Joseph Kamau
- One Health Centre, Institute of Primate Research (IPR), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samson Mutura
- One Health Centre, Institute of Primate Research (IPR), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Elizabeth Cook
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francis Gakuya
- Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Naivasha, Kenya
| | - Patrick Omondi
- Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Naivasha, Kenya
| | - Suzan Murray
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Unit, Fort Royal, VA, United States
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Yvonne-Marie Linton
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ogola EO, Kopp A, Bastos ADS, Slothouwer I, Marklewitz M, Omoga D, Rotich G, Getugi C, Sang R, Torto B, Junglen S, Tchouassi DP. Jingmen Tick Virus in Ticks from Kenya. Viruses 2022; 14:1041. [PMID: 35632782 PMCID: PMC9147648 DOI: 10.3390/v14051041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) is an arbovirus with a multisegmented genome related to those of unsegmented flaviviruses. The virus first described in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected in Jingmen city (Hubei Province, China) in 2010 is associated with febrile illness in humans. Since then, the geographic range has expanded to include Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, and Uganda. However, the ecology of JMTV remains poorly described in Africa. We screened adult ticks (n = 4550, 718 pools) for JMTV infection by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Ticks were collected from cattle (n = 859, 18.88%), goats (n = 2070, 45.49%), sheep (n = 1574, 34.59%), and free-ranging tortoises (Leopard tortoise, Stigmochelys pardalis) (n = 47, 1.03%) in two Kenyan pastoralist-dominated areas (Baringo and Kajiado counties) with a history of undiagnosed febrile human illness. Surprisingly, ticks collected from goats (0.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1-0.5), sheep (1.8%, 95% CI 1.2-2.5), and tortoise (74.5%, 95% CI 60.9-85.4, were found infected with JMTV, but ticks collected from cattle were all negative. JMTV ribonucleic acid (RNA) was also detected in blood from tortoises (66.7%, 95% CI 16.1-97.7). Intragenetic distance of JMTV sequences originating from tortoise-associated ticks was greater than that of sheep-associated ticks. Phylogenetic analyses of seven complete-coding genome sequences generated from tortoise-associated ticks formed a monophyletic clade within JMTV strains from other countries. In summary, our findings confirm the circulation of JMTV in ticks in Kenya. Further epidemiological surveys are needed to assess the potential public health impact of JMTV in Kenya.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin O. Ogola
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (E.O.O.); (D.O.); (G.R.); (C.G.); (R.S.); (B.T.)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Anne Kopp
- Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Associated Partner Site Charité, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Armanda D. S. Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Inga Slothouwer
- Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Associated Partner Site Charité, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco Marklewitz
- Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Associated Partner Site Charité, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorcus Omoga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (E.O.O.); (D.O.); (G.R.); (C.G.); (R.S.); (B.T.)
| | - Gilbert Rotich
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (E.O.O.); (D.O.); (G.R.); (C.G.); (R.S.); (B.T.)
| | - Caroline Getugi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (E.O.O.); (D.O.); (G.R.); (C.G.); (R.S.); (B.T.)
| | - Rosemary Sang
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (E.O.O.); (D.O.); (G.R.); (C.G.); (R.S.); (B.T.)
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Off Raila Odinga Way, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840-00200, Kenya
| | - Baldwyn Torto
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (E.O.O.); (D.O.); (G.R.); (C.G.); (R.S.); (B.T.)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Sandra Junglen
- Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (I.S.); (M.M.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Associated Partner Site Charité, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - David P. Tchouassi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya; (E.O.O.); (D.O.); (G.R.); (C.G.); (R.S.); (B.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Collins M, Ngetich C, Owido M, Getange D, Harris R, Bargul JL, Bodha B, Njoroge D, Muloi D, Martins DJ, Villinger J, Githaka N, Baylis M, Fèvre EM, Kanduma E, Younan M, Bell-Sakyi L. Detection of Antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. in Dromedary Camels and Co-Grazing Sheep in Northern Kenya Using an Ehrlichia ruminantium Polyclonal Competitive ELISA. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050916. [PMID: 35630361 PMCID: PMC9144424 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A disease with clinical and post-mortem presentation similar to those seen in heartwater, a tick-borne disease of domestic and wild ruminants caused by the intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia ruminantium, was first reported in dromedary camels in Kenya in 2016; investigations carried out at the time to determine the cause were inconclusive. In the present study, we screened sera from Kenyan camels collected before (2015) and after (2020) the 2016 disease outbreak for antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. using an E. ruminantium polyclonal competitive ELISA (PC-ELISA). Median antibody levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) amongst camels originating from areas where the heartwater-like disease was reported than from disease-free areas, for animals sampled in both 2015 and 2020. Overall median seropositivity was higher in camels sampled in 2015 than in 2020, which could have been due to higher mean age in the former group. Camels that were PCR-positive for Candidatus Ehrlichia regneryi had significantly lower (p = 0.03) median antibody levels than PCR-negative camels. Our results indicate that Kenyan camels are frequently exposed to E. ruminantium from an early age, E. ruminantium was unlikely to have been the sole cause of the outbreak of heartwater-like disease; and Ca. E. regneryi does not appreciably cross-react with E. ruminantium in the PC-ELISA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Collins
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (R.H.); (D.M.); (M.B.); (E.M.F.)
| | - Collins Ngetich
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya; (C.N.); (M.O.); (N.G.)
| | - Milton Owido
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya; (C.N.); (M.O.); (N.G.)
| | - Dennis Getange
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya; (D.G.); (J.L.B.)
| | - Robert Harris
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (R.H.); (D.M.); (M.B.); (E.M.F.)
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya; (D.G.); (J.L.B.)
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya;
| | - Boku Bodha
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, County Government of Marsabit, Marsabit P.O. Box 384-60500, Kenya;
| | - Daniel Njoroge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Egerton University, Njoro P.O. Box 536-20115, Kenya;
| | - Dishon Muloi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (R.H.); (D.M.); (M.B.); (E.M.F.)
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya; (C.N.); (M.O.); (N.G.)
| | | | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya;
| | - Naftaly Githaka
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya; (C.N.); (M.O.); (N.G.)
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (R.H.); (D.M.); (M.B.); (E.M.F.)
| | - Eric M. Fèvre
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (R.H.); (D.M.); (M.B.); (E.M.F.)
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya; (C.N.); (M.O.); (N.G.)
| | - Esther Kanduma
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya;
| | - Mario Younan
- Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Programme and Operational Support to Syria Crisis, UN Cross-Border Hub, Gaziantep 27010, Turkey;
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (M.C.); (R.H.); (D.M.); (M.B.); (E.M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bargul JL, Kidambasi KO, Getahun MN, Villinger J, Copeland RS, Muema JM, Carrington M, Masiga DK. Transmission of 'Candidatus Anaplasma camelii' to mice and rabbits by camel-specific keds, Hippobosca camelina. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009671. [PMID: 34398891 PMCID: PMC8389426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, caused by infection with bacteria of the genus Anaplasma, is an important veterinary and zoonotic disease. Transmission by ticks has been characterized but little is known about non-tick vectors of livestock anaplasmosis. This study investigated the presence of Anaplasma spp. in camels in northern Kenya and whether the hematophagous camel ked, Hippobosca camelina, acts as a vector. Camels (n = 976) and > 10,000 keds were sampled over a three-year study period and the presence of Anaplasma species was determined by PCR-based assays targeting the Anaplasmataceae 16S rRNA gene. Camels were infected by a single species of Anaplasma, 'Candidatus Anaplasma camelii', with infection rates ranging from 63-78% during the dry (September 2017), wet (June-July 2018), and late wet seasons (July-August 2019). 10-29% of camel keds harbored 'Ca. Anaplasma camelii' acquired from infected camels during blood feeding. We determined that Anaplasma-positive camel keds could transmit 'Ca. Anaplasma camelii' to mice and rabbits via blood-feeding. We show competence in pathogen transmission and subsequent infection in mice and rabbits by microscopic observation in blood smears and by PCR. Transmission of 'Ca. Anaplasma camelii' to mice (8-47%) and rabbits (25%) occurred readily after ked bites. Hence, we demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of H. camelina as a vector of anaplasmosis. This key finding provides the rationale for establishing ked control programmes for improvement of livestock and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kevin O. Kidambasi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Merid N. Getahun
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Robert S. Copeland
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jackson M. Muema
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel K. Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|