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Ghodrati S, Lesiczka PM, Zurek L, Szekely F, Modrý D. Rhipicephalus sanguineus from Hungarian dogs: Tick identification and detection of tick-borne pathogens. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101007. [PMID: 38644036 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101007] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a complex of tick species with an unsettled species concept. In Europe, R. sanguineus is considered mainly a Mediterranean tick with sporadic findings in central and northern Europe. R. sanguineus is known as a vector of a range of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, most of which not yet reported as autochthonous in Hungary. A total of 1839 ticks collected by veterinarians from dogs and cats were obtained in Hungary. The study aims at precise determination of ticks identified as R. sanguineus and detection of pathogens in collected ticks. All ticks were morphologically determined and 169 individuals were identified as R. sanguineus. A subset of 15 ticks was selected for molecular analysis (16S rDNA, 12S rDNA, COI). Phylogenetic analyses invariably placed sequences of all three markers into a single haplotype identified as R. sanguineus sensu stricto. All 169 brown dog ticks were tested for the presence of A. platys, E. canis, R. conorii, B. vogeli and H. canis. None of the investigated ticks was positive for the screened pathogens, though A. phagocytophilum sequence was detected in a single tick.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Ghodrati
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Paulina Maria Lesiczka
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludek Zurek
- CEITEC, University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, Prague, Czech Republic
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Pustijanac E, Buršić M, Millotti G, Paliaga P, Iveša N, Cvek M. Tick-Borne Bacterial Diseases in Europe: Threats to public health. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024:10.1007/s10096-024-04836-5. [PMID: 38676855 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04836-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases, caused by bacterial pathogens, pose a growing threat to public health in Europe. This paper provides an overview of the historical context of the discovery of the most impactful pathogens transmitted by ticks, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Understanding the historical context of their discovery provides insight into the evolution of our understanding of these pathogens. METHODS AND RESULTS Systematic investigation of the prevalence and transmission dynamics of these bacterial pathogens is provided, highlighting the intricate relationships among ticks, host organisms, and the environment. Epidemiology is explored, providing an in-depth analysis of clinical features associated with infections. Diagnostic methodologies undergo critical examination, with a spotlight on technological advancements that enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, the paper discusses available treatment options, addressing existing therapeutic strategies and considering future aspects. CONCLUSIONS By integrating various pieces of information on these bacterial species, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and healthcare professionals addressing the impact of bacterial tick-borne diseases in Europe. This review underscores the importance of understanding the complex details influencing bacterial prevalence and transmission dynamics to better combat these emerging public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Pustijanac
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia.
| | - Moira Buršić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Gioconda Millotti
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Paolo Paliaga
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Neven Iveša
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Maja Cvek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Region of Istria, Nazorova 23, 52100, Pula, Croatia
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Nepveu-Traversy ME, Fausther-Bovendo H, Babuadze G(G. Human Tick-Borne Diseases and Advances in Anti-Tick Vaccine Approaches: A Comprehensive Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:141. [PMID: 38400125 PMCID: PMC10891567 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the field of anti-tick vaccines, addressing their significance in combating tick-borne diseases of public health concern. The main objectives are to provide a brief epidemiology of diseases affecting humans and a thorough understanding of tick biology, traditional tick control methods, the development and mechanisms of anti-tick vaccines, their efficacy in field applications, associated challenges, and future prospects. Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a significant and escalating threat to global health and the livestock industries due to the widespread distribution of ticks and the multitude of pathogens they transmit. Traditional tick control methods, such as acaricides and repellents, have limitations, including environmental concerns and the emergence of tick resistance. Anti-tick vaccines offer a promising alternative by targeting specific tick proteins crucial for feeding and pathogen transmission. Developing vaccines with antigens based on these essential proteins is likely to disrupt these processes. Indeed, anti-tick vaccines have shown efficacy in laboratory and field trials successfully implemented in livestock, reducing the prevalence of TBDs. However, some challenges still remain, including vaccine efficacy on different hosts, polymorphisms in ticks of the same species, and the economic considerations of adopting large-scale vaccine strategies. Emerging technologies and approaches hold promise for improving anti-tick vaccine development and expanding their impact on public health and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugues Fausther-Bovendo
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 75550, USA;
| | - George (Giorgi) Babuadze
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 75550, USA;
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IL-1 Superfamily Member ( IL-1A, IL-1B and IL-18) Genetic Variants Influence Susceptibility and Clinical Course of Mediterranean Spotter Fever. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121892. [PMID: 36551320 PMCID: PMC9816934 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) is one of the most common spotted fever Rickettsioses. Most cases of MSF follow a benign course, with a minority of cases being fatal. The severity of the infection depends on bacterial virulence, dose and host factors such as effective immune response and genetic background. Herein, we reported data on typing by competitive allele-specific PCR of functionally relevant polymorphisms of genes coding for MyD88 adapter-like (Mal/TIRAP) protein (rs8177374), interleukin(IL)-1 cluster (IL-1A rs1800587, IL-1B rs16944 and rs1143634) and IL-18 (rs187238), which might be crucial for an efficient immune response. The results enlighten the role that IL-1 gene cluster variants might play in susceptibility against Rickettsia conorii infection. In particular, the IL-1A rs1800587TT genotype was significantly increased in patients alone and combined in a haplotype composed by minor alleles rs1800587T, rs16944A and rs1143634A. This result was confirmed using the decision tree heuristic approach. Using this methodology, IL-1A rs1800587TT genotype was the better discrimination key among MSF patients and controls. In addition, the IL-1 gene cluster SNP genotypes containing minor alleles and IL-18 rs187238G positive genotypes were found as associated with risk of severe complications such as sepsis, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome and coma. In conclusion, these data suggest that the evaluation of IL-1A, IL-1B and IL-18 gene SNPs can add useful information on the clinical course of patients affected by Mediterranean Spotted Fever, even if further confirmatory studies will be necessary.
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Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. Diversity in Ticks and the First Report of Rickettsia hoogstraalii in Romania. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070343. [PMID: 35878360 PMCID: PMC9317755 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ticks are important parasites that feed on the blood of various host species, representing the most important arthropods transmitting diseases in Europe. Continuous changes in both tick distribution and abundance are related to multiple factors, including climate change. These changes have strong implications for both animal and human health; therefore, continuous surveillance of tickborne diseases is required for an appropriate evaluation of the potential risks faced by animals and humans in a given area. The spotted fever group Rickettsia comprises a large number of zoonotic agents with an increasing importance recognized in the last 30 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate these bacteria in ticks in Romania. Five Rickettsia species were identified in different tick species, with new pathogen–tick associations reported. Rickettsia hoogstraalii, one member of this group, was detected for the first time in Romania and in Rhipicephalus rossicus ticks. This species was first described in 2006 in Croatia, and its pathogenicity is not well known. In addition, the detection of R. raoultii and R. monacensis in unfed larvae of Haemaphysalis punctata reinforce the hypothesis of transmission of Rickettsia from female ticks to larvae; therefore the bite of larvae could pose a health risk. Abstract Tickborne bacterial pathogens have been described worldwide as risk factors for both animal and human health. Spotted fevers caused by Rickettsiae may cause non-specific symptoms, which make clinical diagnosis difficult. The aim of the current study was to evaluate and review the diversity of SFG Rickettsiae in ticks collected in 41 counties in Romania. A total of 2028 questing and engorged ticks collected in Romania belonging to five species were tested by PCR amplification of Rickettsia spp. gltA and 17-D gene fragments: Ixodes ricinus (n = 1128), Dermacentor marginatus (n = 507), D. reticulatus (n = 165), Rhipicephalus rossicus (n = 128) and Haemaphysalis punctata (n = 100). Five Rickettsia species were identified following DNA sequence analysis: R. helvetica, R. monacensis, R. slovaca, R. raoultii, and R. hoogstraalii. The most common species detected was R. monacensis. Moreover, R. hoogstraalii was detected for the first time in Romania and in R. rossicus ticks. The detection of R. raoultii and R. monacensis in questing larvae of Hae. punctata suggests the possible transovarial transmission of these Rickettsia species in ticks. The detection of R. hoogstraalii for the first time in Romania increases the reported SFG Rickettsia diversity in the country.
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Mostafavi SM, Khalili M, Akhtardanesh B, Nourollahifard SR, Esmaeili S. Rickettsia spp. in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks collected from stray dogs in Kerman city, Iran. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101985. [PMID: 35777305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsial diseases are recognized as one of the most important vector-borne infectious diseases for humans all over the world. Dogs and their ticks are considered the most important reservoirs for Rickettsia spp., especially in spotted fever group rickettsioses. The aim of the study was to investigate Rickettsia infections in ticks collected from stray dogs in southeastern Iran. In this study, 50 stray dogs in Kerman city were randomly selected, of 68% and 52% of which were above 8 months age and male, respectively. Ticks were collected from the dog skins. After identification of collected ticks, genomic DNA of all ticks was extracted. DNA samples were tested using real-time PCR for Rickettsia spp. infections. The species of Rickettsia in positive samples were determined using gltA gene amplification and sequencing. A total of 250 ticks were collected from 50 stray dogs and all of them belonged to Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Totally, 10 pooled of 50 pooled ticks were positive for Rickettsia spp. in real-time PCR and the minimal Rickettsial infection rate was 4% in this study. The identified Rickettsia spp. included R. massiliae (n = 5), R. rhipicephali (n = 1), and R. sibirica (n = 1). In this study, molecular evidence of Rickettsia spp. infection was observed in collected ticks from stray dogs in southeast Iran. More sensitivity to human and animal health care systems in southeastern Iran is essential to the diagnosis of suspected clinical cases that are related to rickettsiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyede Mahshid Mostafavi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khalili
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Baharak Akhtardanesh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeid Reza Nourollahifard
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Townsend L, Dyer AH, Jones K, Dunne J, Mooney A, Gaffney F, O'Connor L, Leavy D, O'Brien K, Dowds J, Sugrue JA, Hopkins D, Martin-Loeches I, Ni Cheallaigh C, Nadarajan P, McLaughlin AM, Bourke NM, Bergin C, O'Farrelly C, Bannan C, Conlon N. Persistent fatigue following SARS-CoV-2 infection is common and independent of severity of initial infection. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240784. [PMID: 33166287 PMCID: PMC7652254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 509] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is a common symptom in those presenting with symptomatic COVID-19 infection. However, it is unknown if COVID-19 results in persistent fatigue in those recovered from acute infection. We examined the prevalence of fatigue in individuals recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 illness using the Chalder Fatigue Score (CFQ-11). We further examined potential predictors of fatigue following COVID-19 infection, evaluating indicators of COVID-19 severity, markers of peripheral immune activation and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Of 128 participants (49.5 ± 15 years; 54% female), more than half reported persistent fatigue (67/128; 52.3%) at median of 10 weeks after initial COVID-19 symptoms. There was no association between COVID-19 severity (need for inpatient admission, supplemental oxygen or critical care) and fatigue following COVID-19. Additionally, there was no association between routine laboratory markers of inflammation and cell turnover (leukocyte, neutrophil or lymphocyte counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein) or pro-inflammatory molecules (IL-6 or sCD25) and fatigue post COVID-19. Female gender and those with a pre-existing diagnosis of depression/anxiety were over-represented in those with fatigue. Our findings demonstrate a significant burden of post-viral fatigue in individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection after the acute phase of COVID-19 illness. This study highlights the importance of assessing those recovering from COVID-19 for symptoms of severe fatigue, irrespective of severity of initial illness, and may identify a group worthy of further study and early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Townsend
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adam H. Dyer
- Department of Immunology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Jones
- Department of Immunology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jean Dunne
- Department of Immunology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife Mooney
- Department of Immunology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Gaffney
- Department of Immunology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura O'Connor
- Department of Immunology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Leavy
- Department of Immunology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kate O'Brien
- Department of Physiotherapy, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanne Dowds
- Department of Physiotherapy, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jamie A. Sugrue
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Hopkins
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Cliona Ni Cheallaigh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Nollaig M. Bourke
- Department of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm Bergin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Comparative Immunology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciaran Bannan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niall Conlon
- Department of Immunology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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