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Guardone L, Nogarol C, Accorsi A, Vitale N, Listorti V, Scala S, Brusadore S, Miceli IN, Wolfsgruber L, Guercio A, Di Bella S, Grippi F, Razzuoli E, Mandola ML. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: Occurrence and Host Associations over Four Years of Wildlife Surveillance in the Liguria Region (Northwest Italy). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2377. [PMID: 39199911 PMCID: PMC11350676 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162377] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a considerable public health problem worldwide. The occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) was investigated via PCR and sequencing in 683 ticks collected from 105 roe deer, 61 wild boars, 49 fallow deer, and 2 chamois, in the Liguria region, northwest Italy, between 2019 and 2022. The ticks were morphologically identified. Four different tick species were found: Ixodes ricinus (66.8% of the collected ticks), Dermacentor marginatus (15.8%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (15.7%), and Haemaphysalis punctata (0.9%). Six ticks (0.9%) were only identified as Rhipicephalus spp. Of the 222 pools analyzed, 27.9% were positive. Most pools (n = 58, 26.1% of pools analyzed) were positive for Rickettsia spp., and several species were found: Rickettsia slovaca was the dominant species (15.3%), followed by R. monacensis (8.1%), while R. helvetica (1.8%), R. massiliae (0.5%), and R. raoultii (0.5%) were found only sporadically. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified in three pools and B. burgdorferi s.l. in one pool. All samples were negative for C. burnetii and TBEv. Significant associations were found between I. ricinus and roe deer, D. marginatus and wild boar, and between R. monacensis and I. ricinus. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. differed significantly between tick and host species. This updated picture of tick species and TBPs in wild ungulates in Liguria, where the population of these animals is increasing, shows a widespread presence of potentially zoonotic Rickettsia spp. Continuous monitoring and public information on preventive measures are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Guardone
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Nogarol
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Annalisa Accorsi
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- S.S. Epidemiologia—Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy;
| | - Valeria Listorti
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Sonia Scala
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Sonia Brusadore
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Ilaria Nina Miceli
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Lara Wolfsgruber
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Centro Nazionale di Referenza per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia e Theileria (C.R.A.Ba.R.T.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Santina Di Bella
- Centro Nazionale di Referenza per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia e Theileria (C.R.A.Ba.R.T.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Francesca Grippi
- S.C. Diagnostica Sierologica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- S.S. Genova e Portualità, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39, 16129 Genova, Italy; (A.A.); (V.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Maria Lucia Mandola
- S.S. Virologia Specialistica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (C.N.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (I.N.M.); (M.L.M.)
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Ossa-López PA, Ramírez-Chaves HE, Álvarez López ME, Castaño Villa GJ, Rivera-Páez FA. Bacterial community of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and mammals from Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100943. [PMID: 38778917 PMCID: PMC11109883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100943] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrates and are relevant worldwide due to the number of bacterial and other pathogens they can transmit. To date, the knowledge about the microorganisms that ticks harbor and transmit to their hosts is incipient. In this study, 24 samples of mammals belonging to four taxonomic orders and ticks of the genera Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus from the Orinoco region of Colombia were analyzed to described and compare the bacterial microbiome. Genetic extraction was performed, and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR. Libraries were created, and those samples with adequate quality indices were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology. Bacterial taxonomic assignment analyses were conducted through Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) and Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). The results correspond to 16 samples that passed the quality filters, with 3218 OTUs (415 families). Although a considerable number of unknown bacteria was found, Enterobacteriaceae, Beijerinckiaceae, Moraxellaceae, and Burkholderiaceae are the most prevalent families, and the presence of the genera Coxiella, Escherichia-Shigella, Enterobacter, which can harbor pathogenic species was confirmed. In individuals of Amblyomma mixtum found actively feeding on Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, bacteria of the genera Escherichia-Shigella and Enterobacter were documented. Similarly, Rhipicephalus microplus found actively feeding on Odocoileus virginianus cariacou shared Escherichia-Shigella. Ralstonia was shared among the blood samples of H. hydrochaeris, while Anaplasma and Eubacterium were shared in blood and liver samples of O. v. cariacou. Shared bacteria between A. mixtum and R. microplus included Bacillus, Coxiella, and Escherichia-Shigella. The results highlight the need of additional studies in other natural regions of Colombia and other American countries where tick-borne diseases have been detected. Likewise, the recorded data are the first at the level of bacterial communities in ticks of the family Ixodidae and provide valuable knowledge for the understanding host-tick and pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Ossa-López
- Doctorado en Ciencias, Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Centro de Museos, Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 58 No. 21-50, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - María Elena Álvarez López
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias para la Salud, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Jaime Castaño Villa
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Desarrollo Rural y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Fredy A. Rivera-Páez
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
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Kubiak K, Szymańska H, Dziekońska-Rynko J, Tylkowska A, Dmitryjuk M, Dzika E. Tick-borne pathogens in questing adults Dermacentor reticulatus from the Eastern European population (north-eastern Poland). Sci Rep 2024; 14:698. [PMID: 38184725 PMCID: PMC10771447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51299-x] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is tick species with an expanding geographical range in Europe, which creates the possibility of spreading microorganisms of significant veterinary and medical importance. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in adult D. reticulatus ticks from the Eastern European population in the urban and the natural biotopes of north-eastern Poland. Microorganisms were detected by PCR and identified by DNA sequencing. The overall infection rate of at least one of the pathogens was 29.6%. The predominantly was Rickettsia spp. (27.1%) (with R. raoultii-9.1%) followed by Babesia spp. (2.4%) with B. canis (1.5%) as the most frequent. Based on 18S rRNA gene sequence, three B. canis genotypes were revealed. The prevalence of R. raoultii and B. canis was significantly higher in ticks from natural biotopes. The infection rates of B. afzelii and A. phagocytophilum were determined at 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively. Co-infections were detected in 3.8% of infected ticks. In diagnosing tick-borne diseases in humans, tick-borne lymphadenopathy should not be excluded. The prevalence of different genotypes of B. canis suggests differences in the clinical picture of canine babesiosis in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Hanna Szymańska
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Janina Dziekońska-Rynko
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-957, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Tylkowska
- Department of Biology of Animal Environment, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-786, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
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Melis S, Batisti Biffignandi G, Olivieri E, Galon C, Vicari N, Prati P, Moutailler S, Sassera D, Castelli M. High-throughput screening of pathogens in Ixodes ricinus removed from hosts in Lombardy, northern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102285. [PMID: 38035456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102285] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens in Europe, where the most impactful species is Ixodes ricinus. Recently, the geographical distribution of this tick species has been expanding, resulting in an increased risk of human exposure to tick bites. With the present study, we aimed to screen 350 I. ricinus specimens collected from humans and wild animals (mainly ungulates), to have a broader understanding of the tick-borne pathogens circulating in the Lombardy region, in northern Italy. To do so, we took advantage of a high-throughput real-time microfluidic PCR approach to screen ticks in a cost-effective and time-saving manner. Molecular analysis of the dataset revealed the presence of four genera of bacteria and two genera of protozoa: in ungulates, 77 % of collected ticks carried Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while the most common pathogen species in ticks removed from humans were those belonging to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group (7.6 %). We also detected other pathogenic microorganisms, such as Rickettisa monacensis, Rickettsia helvetica, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Babesia venatorum, and Hepatozoon martis. Besides, we also reported the presence of the pathogenic agent Borrelia miyamotoi in the area (1.4 % overall). The most common dual co-infection detected in the same tick individual involved A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. Our study provided evidence of the circulation of different tick-borne pathogens in a densely populated region in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Melis
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Olivieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clémence Galon
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Nadia Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Prati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Davide Sassera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Pavia Italy
| | - Michele Castelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Nykytyuk SO, Sverstiuk AS, Klymnyuk SI, Pyvovarchuk DS, Palaniza YB. Approach to prediction and receiver operating characteristic analysis of a regression model for assessing the severity of the course Lyme borreliosis in children. Reumatologia 2023; 61:345-352. [PMID: 37970115 PMCID: PMC10634403 DOI: 10.5114/reum/173115] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a multisystemic zoonotic disease transmitted by the bite of infected tick vectors.The aim of the study is to develop a mathematical model for predicting the risk of severity of Lyme disease by the risk factor of the disseminated form of LB in children who have had a tick attack. To test the effectiveness of the formula for predicting the development of the disseminated stage of LB, we built a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and determined the specificity and sensitivity of our model. The results of the examination of 122 patients with the confirmed local and disseminated stages of LB were taken as a basis. Material and methods To build a prognostic model for prediction of the risk of the developing of the stage in LB predicting the risk of severity of course in Lyme borreliosis (PRSCLB), 122 children (aged 13 ±3 years) with LB were examined using multivariate regression analysis, including 52 boys and 70 girls. Groups of patients: 79 children with erythema migrans, 16 with Lyme arthritis, and 27 with nervous system involvement by LB. The quality of the prognostic model was checked by the Nagelkerke R Square (Nagelkerke R2) and the acceptability of this model was assessed using ROC analysis. Results The method of multivariate regression analysis for predicting severe course and organ and system damage in LB in children, taking into account the factors and variants of the disease itself, makes it possible to develop a mathematical model for predicting the relative response factors (RRF) of severe forms of Lyme disease and will improve the effectiveness of treatment. This will create all the prerequisites for high-quality preventive measures and reduce the relative response factors rate.The initial data for predicting the severity of LB were 28 factors. According to the results of regression analysis, 24 factors were included in the model for predicting the severity of LB. Conclusions The results of the study showed that the multifactorial model predicts the severity and organ and system damage in LB in children with an accuracy of 95%. The ROC curve, which was built on the basis of the results, has an area under the curve of 0.94, which indicates the high efficiency of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Oleksiivna Nykytyuk
- Department of Children’s Diseases and Pediatric Surgery, I Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ukraine
| | - Andriy Stepanovych Sverstiuk
- Department of Children’s Diseases and Pediatric Surgery, I Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ukraine
- Ternopil Ivan Puluj National Technical University, Ukraine
| | - Serhiy Ivanovich Klymnyuk
- Department of Children’s Diseases and Pediatric Surgery, I Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ukraine
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Grassi L, Drigo M, Zelená H, Pasotto D, Cassini R, Mondin A, Franzo G, Tucciarone CM, Ossola M, Vidorin E, Menandro ML. Wild ungulates as sentinels of flaviviruses and tick-borne zoonotic pathogen circulation: an Italian perspective. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:155. [PMID: 37710273 PMCID: PMC10500747 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03717-x] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne zoonotic diseases are a concerning issue in Europe. Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) have been reported in several countries with a large impact on public health; other emerging pathogens, such as Rickettsiales, and mosquito-borne flaviviruses have been increasingly reported. All these pathogens are linked to wild ungulates playing roles as tick feeders, spreaders, and sentinels for pathogen circulation. This study evaluated the prevalence of TBEV, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Coxiella spp. by biomolecular screening of blood samples and ticks collected from wild ungulates. Ungulates were also screened by ELISA and virus neutralization tests for flaviviral antibody detection. RESULTS A total of 274 blood samples were collected from several wild ungulate species, as well as 406 Ixodes ricinus, which were feeding on them. Blood samples tested positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. (1.1%; 0-2.3%) and Rickettsia spp. (1.1%; 0-2.3%) and showed an overall flaviviral seroprevalence of 30.6% (22.1-39.2%): 26.1% (17.9-34.3%) for TBEV, 3.6% (0.1-7.1%) for Usutu virus and 0.9% (0-2.7%) for West Nile virus. Ticks were pooled when possible and yielded 331 tick samples that tested positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. (8.8%; 5.8-11.8%), Rickettsia spp. (26.6%; 21.8-31.2%) and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (1.2%; 0-2.4%). TBEV and Coxiella spp. were not detected in either blood or tick samples. CONCLUSIONS This research highlighted a high prevalence of several tick-borne zoonotic pathogens and high seroprevalence for flaviviruses in both hilly and alpine areas. For the first time, an alpine chamois tested positive for anti-TBEV antibodies. Ungulate species are of particular interest due to their sentinel role in flavivirus circulation and their indirect role in tick-borne diseases and maintenance as Ixodes feeders and spreaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grassi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Michele Drigo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Hana Zelená
- Department of Virology, Institute of Public Health, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Pasotto
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Rudi Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Alessandra Mondin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Claudia Maria Tucciarone
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Martina Ossola
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Elena Vidorin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Menandro
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
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Kubiak K, Szymańska H, Dmitryjuk M, Dzika E. Abundance of Ixodes ricinus Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and the Diversity of Borrelia Species in Northeastern Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127378. [PMID: 35742628 PMCID: PMC9223791 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring the abundance of ticks and the prevalence of pathogens in ticks is an important activity in assessing the risk of tick-borne diseases and helps to develop preventive measures. This study aimed to estimate the density of Ixodes ricinus, the prevalence of Borrelia species, and their diversity in northeastern Poland. The overall mean I. ricinus density was 9.7 ticks/100 m2. There were no differences between years, subregions, or habitats of study. The Borrelia infection rate was higher in females (22.6%) and males (14.3%) than in nymphs 5.5% (MIR). The most infected ticks came from the eastern subregion (10.1%) where the incidence of borreliosis among the inhabitants was over 20% higher than in the other subregions. In the infected ticks, B. afzelii (38.3%) and B. garinii (34.5%) were predominant. B. bavariensis was confirmed in I. ricinus in Poland for the first time. The most polymorphic was B. garinii. B. miyamotoi (belonged to the European type) was identified as a mono-infection in 0.9% of ticks and in 1.5% as a co-infection with B. afzelii and with B. garinii. Besides the risk of borreliosis and co-infections with different Borrelia species, physicians should also be aware of B. miyamotoi infections among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, Collegium Medicum, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland; (H.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Hanna Szymańska
- Department of Medical Biology, Collegium Medicum, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland; (H.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, Collegium Medicum, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland; (H.S.); (E.D.)
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Kubiak K, Dmitryjuk M, Dziekońska-Rynko J, Siejwa P, Dzika E. The Risk of Exposure to Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in a Spa Town in Northern Poland. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050542. [PMID: 35631063 PMCID: PMC9144930 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050542] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the potential risk of human exposure to tick-borne infection in a recreation areas in a spa town located in northern Poland. Questing Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were collected in the spring of 2018. Tick-borne microorganisms were detected by PCR. Species were identified based on RFLP and the sequencing of DNA. In total, 38.3% of the ticks (34.6% of I. ricinus and 48.6% of D. reticulatus) were infected. The prevalence was 14.9% for Borrelia spp., 10.6% for Babesia spp. and 17.7% for Rickettsia spp. No Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected. Spirochaetes B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi s.s. were detected only in I. ricinus ticks (20.2%). The differences in the infection rates of Babesia spp. between I. ricinus (7.7%) and D. reticulatus (18.9%) were not significant. DNA of B. canis and B. venatorum were identified in both tick species. B. microti were detected in D. reticulatus ticks. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was significantly higher in D. reticulatus (37.8%) than that in I. ricinus (10.6%). R. raoultii was identified only in D. reticulatus and R. helvetica in I. ricinus. Co-infections of at least two pathogens were recognized in 13% of positive ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, Collegium Medicum, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Janina Dziekońska-Rynko
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (J.D.-R.); (P.S.)
| | - Patryk Siejwa
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (J.D.-R.); (P.S.)
- Students’ Parasitology “Vermis” Science Club, Department of Medical Biology, Collegium Medicum, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, Collegium Medicum, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland;
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Kirczuk L, Piotrowski M, Rymaszewska A. Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens of the Genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma and Francisella in Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Pomerania (Poland). Pathogens 2021; 10:901. [PMID: 34358050 PMCID: PMC8308924 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens are an important medical and veterinary issue worldwide. Environmental monitoring in relation to not only climate change but also globalization is currently essential. The present study aimed to detect tick-borne pathogens of the genera Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Francisella in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from the natural environment, i.e., recreational areas and pastures used for livestock grazing. A total of 1619 specimens of I. ricinus were collected, including ticks of all life stages (adults, nymphs and larvae). The study was performed using the PCR technique. Diagnostic gene fragments msp2 for Anaplasma, gltA for Rickettsia and tul4 for Francisella were amplified. No Francisella spp. DNA was detected in I. ricinus. DNA of A. phagocytophilum was detected in 0.54% of ticks and Rickettsia spp. in 3.69%. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that only one species of Rickettsia, R. helvetica, was present in the studied tick population. The present results are a part of a large-scale analysis aimed at monitoring the level of tick infestation in Northwest Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Kirczuk
- Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c Street, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Mariusz Piotrowski
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c Street, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Anna Rymaszewska
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c Street, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland;
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