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Kim KG, Hwang DJ, Park JW, Ryu MG, Kim Y, Yang SJ, Lee JE, Lee GS, Lee JH, Park JS, Seo JM, Kim SH. Distribution and pathogen prevalence of field-collected ticks from south-western Korea: a study from 2019 to 2022. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12336. [PMID: 38811622 PMCID: PMC11136998 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61126-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks are known vectors of various pathogens, including the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia spp. This study aims to investigate the distribution and prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in southwestern Korea from 2019 to 2022. A total of 13,280 ticks were collected during the study period, with H. longicornis accounting for 86.1% of the collected ticks. H. flava, I. nipponensis and A. testudinarium comprised 9.4%, 3.6%, and 0.8% of the ticks, respectively. Among 983 pools tested, Rickettsia spp. (216 pools, 1.6% MIR) were the most prevalent pathogens across all tick species, with R. japonica and R. monacensis frequently detected in I. nipponensis and Haemaphysalis spp., respectively. Borrelia spp. (28 pools, 0.2% MIR) were predominantly detected in I. nipponensis (27 pools, 13.8% MIR, P < 0.001). Co-infections, mainly involving Rickettsia monacensis and Borrelia afzelii, were detected in I. nipponensis. Notably, this study identified R. monacensis for the first time in A. testudinarium in South Korea. These findings offer valuable insights into the tick population and associated pathogens in the region, underscoring the importance of tick-borne disease surveillance and prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Gon Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea.
| | - Da Jeong Hwang
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Wook Park
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Geum Ryu
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Jin Yang
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Seong Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hye Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sun Park
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Mi Seo
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, 584 Mugindae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 61954, Republic of Korea.
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Kim YJ, Seo JY, Park JS, Kim SY, Aknazarov B, Atabekova N, Lee HI. Molecular Analysis of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens from Ticks Infesting Animal Hosts in Kyrgyzstan, 2021. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1046. [PMID: 38930428 PMCID: PMC11205634 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061046] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in 494 engorged ticks collected from various animal hosts, including cattle, horses, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats, in six regions of northern Kyrgyzstan. Ten tick species, belonging to two families and six genera, were identified based on CO1, 16S rRNA, and ITS2 genes: Argas persicus (26.5%), Haemaphysalis punctata (18.0%), Dermacentor spp. (16.0%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (11.8%), R. turanicus (10.9%), D. marginatus (7.7%), Hyalomma scupense (4.5%), Hy. marginatum (3.8%), R. sangineus complex (0.6%), and Ornithodoros lahorensis (0.2%). PCR analysis revealed a 15.0% (74/494) overall infection rate of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. Anaplasma species were found in six tick species and were identified as A. bovis (n = 44), Anaplasma spp. (n = 20), A. ovis (n = 5), and A. capra (n = 2). Ehrlichia species were found only in H. punctata (n = 5) and identified as E. chaffeensis (n = 1) and Ehrlichia spp. (n = 4). Additionally, two H. punctata were co-infected with Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. This is the first study to investigate tick-borne bacterial pathogens in ticks collected from animal hosts in Kyrgyzstan. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology and emergence of tick-borne infections in Kyrgyzstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Ji Ye Seo
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Jin Seo Park
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Seong Yoon Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Bekbolsun Aknazarov
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (N.A.)
| | - Nurzina Atabekova
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (N.A.)
| | - Hee Il Lee
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
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3
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Seo JY, Kim YJ, Kim SY, Lee HI. Molecular Detection of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Humans in the Republic of Korea, 2021. Pathogens 2023; 12:802. [PMID: 37375492 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), transmitted by the bites of ticks, are of great medical and veterinary importance. They include bacteria, viruses, and protozoan parasites. To provide fundamental data on the risk of tick contact and public health strategies, we aimed to perform a molecular investigation on four tick-borne bacterial pathogens in ticks collected from humans across the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 2021. In total, 117 ticks were collected, including Haemaphysalis longicornis (56.4%), Amblyomma testudinarium (26.5%), Ixodes nipponensis (8.5%), H. flava (5.1%), and I. persulcatus (0.9%). Among the ticks, 20.5% (24/117) contained tick-borne bacterial pathogens, with infection rates of 17.9% for Rickettsia (Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, R. tamurae, R. monacensis, and Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae), 2.5% for Anaplasma (A. phagocytophilum, A. capra, and A. bovis), and 0.9% for Ehrlichia (Ehrlichia sp.). Additionally, the co-detection rate for R. monacensis and A. phagocytophilum was 0.9%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. capra and A. bovis detection in ticks collected from humans in the ROK. This study contributes to the understanding of the potential risk of tick contact and provides fundamental data for establishing a public health strategy for tick-borne disease management in the ROK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Ye Seo
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jung Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Yoon Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Il Lee
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
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Rochlin I, Egizi A, Narvaez Z, Bonilla DL, Gallagher M, Williams GM, Rainey T, Price DC, Fonseca DM. Microhabitat modeling of the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in New Jersey, USA. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102126. [PMID: 36682197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is a vector of multiple arboviral and bacterial pathogens in its native East Asia and expanded distribution in Australasia. This species has both bisexual and parthenogenetic populations that can reach high population densities under favorable conditions. Established populations of parthenogenetic H. longicornis were detected in the eastern United States in 2017 and the possible range of this species at the continental level (North America) based on climatic conditions has been modeled. However, little is known about factors influencing the distribution of H. longicornis at geographic scales relevant to local surveillance and control. To examine the importance of local physiogeographic conditions such as geology, soil characteristics, and land cover on the distribution of H. longicornis we employed ecological niche modeling using three machine learning algorithms - Maxent, Random Forest (RF), and Generalized Boosting Method (GBM) to estimate probability of finding H. longicornis in a particular location in New Jersey (USA), based on environmental predictors. The presence of H. longicornis in New Jersey was positively associated with Piedmont physiogeographic province and two soil types - Alfisols and Inceptisols. Soil hydraulic conductivity was the most important predictor explaining H. longicornis habitat suitability, with more permeable sandy soils with higher hydraulic conductivity being less suitable than clay or loam soils. The models were projected over the state of New Jersey creating a probabilistic map of H. longicornis habitat suitability at a high spatial resolution of 90×90 meters. The model's sensitivity was 87% for locations sampled in 2017-2019 adding to the growing evidence of the importance of soil characteristics to the survival of ticks. For the 2020-2022 dataset the model fit was 57%, suggestive of spillover to less optimal habitats or, alternatively, heterogeneity in soil characteristics at the edges of broad physiographic zones. Further modeling should incorporate abundance and life-stage information as well as detailed characterization of the soil at collection sites. Once critical parameters that drive the survival and abundance of H. longicornis are identified they can be used to guide surveillance and control strategies for this invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Rochlin
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Andrea Egizi
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, Tick-borne Disease Program, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, USA
| | - Zoe Narvaez
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Denise L Bonilla
- USDA/APHIS/Veterinary Services, Strategy and Policy, National Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Mike Gallagher
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, New Lisbon, NJ 08064, USA
| | | | - Tadhgh Rainey
- Public Health Entomologists LLC, Milford, NJ 08848, USA
| | - Dana C Price
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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Seo MG, Ouh IO, Kwak D. Detection and Genotypic Analysis of Anaplasma bovis and A. phagocytophilum in Horse Blood and Lung Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043239. [PMID: 36834651 PMCID: PMC9966372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A clinical case of Anaplasma bovis was reported for the first time in our previous study (2019) in a horse, a nondefinitive host. Although A. bovis is a ruminant and not a zoonotic pathogen, it is responsible for persistent infections in horses. In this follow-up study, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp., including A. bovis, was assessed in horse blood and lung tissue samples to fully understand Anaplasma spp. pathogen distribution and the potential risk factors of infection. Among 1696 samples, including 1433 blood samples from farms nationwide and 263 lung tissue samples from horse abattoirs on Jeju Island, a total of 29 samples (1.7%) tested positive for A. bovis and 31 (1.8%) samples tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, as determined by 16S rRNA nucleotide sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism. This study is the first to detect A. bovis infection in horse lung tissue samples. Further studies are needed to clarify the comparison of sample types within cohorts. Although the clinical significance of Anaplasma infection was not evaluated in this study, our results emphasize the need to clarify the host tropism and genetic divergence of Anaplasma to enable the development of effective prevention and control measures through broad epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Ohk Ouh
- National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 212 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-950-7794
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Ouass S, Boulanger N, Lelouvier B, Insonere JLM, Lacroux C, Krief S, Asalu E, Rahola N, Duron O. Diversity and phylogeny of the tick-borne bacterial genus Candidatus Allocryptoplasma (Anaplasmataceae). Parasite 2023; 30:13. [PMID: 37162293 PMCID: PMC10171070 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023014] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The family Anaplasmataceae includes tick-borne bacteria of major public and veterinary health interest, as best illustrated by members of the genera Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. Recent epidemiological surveys have also reported on the presence of a novel putative genus in the Anaplasmataceae, Candidatus Allocryptoplasma, previously described as Candidatus Cryptoplasma in the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus. However, the genetic diversity of Ca. Allocryptoplasma and its phylogenetic relationship with other Anaplasmataceae remain unclear. In this study, we developed a multi-locus sequence typing approach, examining the DNA sequence variation at five genes of Ca. Allocryptoplasma found in ticks. Combining this multi-locus sequence typing and genetic data available on public databases, we found that substantial genetic diversity of Ca. Allocryptoplasma is present in Ixodes, Amblyomma and Haemaphysalis spp. ticks on most continents. Further analyses confirmed that the Ca. Allocryptoplasma of ticks, the Ca. Allocryptoplasma of lizards and some Anaplasma-like bacteria of wild mice cluster into a monophyletic genus, divergent from all other genera of the family Anaplasmataceae. Candidatus Allocryptoplasma appears as a sister genus of Anaplasma and, with the genera Ehrlichia and Neoehrlichia, they form a monophyletic subgroup of Anaplasmataceae associated with tick-borne diseases. The detection of genetically distinct Ca. Allocryptoplasma in ticks of significant medical or veterinary interest supports the hypothesis that it is an emergent genus of tick-borne pathogens of general concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofian Ouass
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier (UM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut pour la Recherche de la Développement (IRD), 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Nathalie Boulanger
- University of Strasbourg, French National Reference Center for Borrelia, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Camille Lacroux
- UMR 7206 CNRS/MNHN/P7, Eco-anthropologie, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Musée de l'Homme, 17 place du Trocadéro, 75116, Paris, France - La Phocéenne de Cosmétique, ZA Les Roquassiers, 174 Rue de la Forge, 13300 Salon-de-Provence, France - Sebitoli Chimpanzee Project, Great Ape Conservation Project, Kibale National Park, Fort Portal, Uganda
| | - Sabrina Krief
- UMR 7206 CNRS/MNHN/P7, Eco-anthropologie, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Musée de l'Homme, 17 place du Trocadéro, 75116, Paris, France - Sebitoli Chimpanzee Project, Great Ape Conservation Project, Kibale National Park, Fort Portal, Uganda
| | - Edward Asalu
- Sebitoli Chimpanzee Project, Great Ape Conservation Project, Kibale National Park, Fort Portal, Uganda - Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kibale National Park, Uganda
| | - Nil Rahola
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier (UM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut pour la Recherche de la Développement (IRD), 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Olivier Duron
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier (UM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut pour la Recherche de la Développement (IRD), 34394 Montpellier, France
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Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia Species in Ticks Removed from Humans in the Republic of Korea. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061224. [PMID: 35744742 PMCID: PMC9227426 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061224] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) and human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) are zoonotic tick-borne diseases transmitted via tick bites. To determine the state of human Anaplasma and Ehrlichia infections caused by tick bites in the Republic of Korea (ROK), we conducted a nationwide investigation of human cases of tick bites in 2020. A total of 180 ticks were obtained, comprising Haemaphysalis longicornis (70.0%), Amblyomma testudinarium (17.8%), Ixodes nipponensis (6.1%), H. flava (4.4%), and I. persulcatus (1.7%). In three cases (1.7%; 95% CI: 0.3-4.9), A. phagocytophilum was detected in Ixodes ticks using primers for Anaplasma-specific genes (16s rRNA, ankA, and msp4). Conversely, Ehrlichia sp. was only detected in H. longicornis, in two cases (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.1-4.0). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of Ehrlichia sp. in ticks parasitizing humans in the ROK. As concerns remain about the possibility of HGA and HME transmission, continuous monitoring and management of the pathogens and vectors are necessary.
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Molaei G, Little EAH, Williams SC, Stafford KC. First Record of Established Populations of the Invasive Pathogen Vector and Ectoparasite Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Connecticut, United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:2508-2513. [PMID: 34185871 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A number of invasive tick species capable of transmitting pathogens have been accidentally introduced into the U.S. in recent years. The invasion and further range expansion of these exotic ticks have been greatly facilitated by frequent global travel and trade as well as increases in legal and illegal importation of animals. We describe the discovery of the first established populations of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann and the first fully engorged human parasitizing specimen documented through passive tick surveillance in Fairfield County, Connecticut, U.S. We also report several individual specimens of this invasive arthropod and vector of multiple pathogens of medical and veterinary importance collected through active tick surveillance from three counties (Fairfield, New Haven, and New London). Considering the potential for invasive ticks to transmit numerous native and emerging pathogens, the implementation of comprehensive surveillance programs will aid in prompt interception of these ticks and reduce the risk of infection in humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goudarz Molaei
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eliza A H Little
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06504, USA
| | - Scott C Williams
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Forestry and Horticulture, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kirby C Stafford
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06504, USA
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Félix ML, Muñoz-Leal S, Carvalho LA, Queirolo D, Remesar S, Armúa-Fernández MT, Venzal JM. Characterization of " Candidatus Ehrlichia Pampeana" in Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Ticks and Gray Brocket Deer ( Mazama gouazoubira) from Uruguay. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2165. [PMID: 34683486 PMCID: PMC8538733 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ehrlichiosis are scantily documented in Uruguay. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in Haemaphysalis juxtakochi and in a gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) from Uruguay. The presence of Ehrlichia DNA was investigated in free-living H. juxtakochi in five localities of southeast and northeast Uruguay, as well as blood, spleen, and ticks retrieved from a M. gouazoubira. Ehrlichia spp. DNA was detected in six out of 99 tick pools from vegetation, in the spleen of M. gouazoubira, and in one out of five pools of ticks feeding on this cervid. Bayesian inference analyses for three loci (16S rRNA, dsb, and groEL) revealed the presence of a new rickettsial organism, named herein as "Candidatus Ehrlichia pampeana". This new detected Ehrlichia is phylogenetically related to those found in ticks from Asia, as well as Ehrlichia ewingii from USA and Cameroon. Although the potential pathogenicity of "Ca. E. pampeana" for humans is currently unknown, some eco-epidemiological factors may be relevant to its possible pathogenic role, namely: (i) the phylogenetic closeness with the zoonotic agent E. ewingii, (ii) the evidence of H. juxtakochi parasitizing humans, and (iii) the importance of cervids as reservoirs for zoonotic Ehrlichia spp. The molecular detection of "Ca. E. pampeana" represents the third Ehrlichia genotype described in Uruguay.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Félix
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte—Salto, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay; (M.T.A.-F.); (J.M.V.)
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Casilla 537, Chillán 3780000, Chile;
| | - Luis Andrés Carvalho
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Diego Queirolo
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Vertebrados, CENUR Noreste, Universidad de la República, Ituzaingó 667, Rivera 40000, Uruguay;
| | - Susana Remesar
- INVESAGA Group, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - María Teresa Armúa-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte—Salto, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay; (M.T.A.-F.); (J.M.V.)
| | - José Manuel Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte—Salto, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay; (M.T.A.-F.); (J.M.V.)
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10
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Yan Y, Wang K, Cui Y, Zhou Y, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Jian F, Wang R, Zhang L, Ning C. Molecular detection and phylogenetic analyses of Anaplasma spp. in Haemaphysalis longicornis from goats in four provinces of China. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14155. [PMID: 34238975 PMCID: PMC8266805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93629-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma species, which are distributed worldwide, are gram-negative obligate intracellular tick-borne bacteria that pose a threat to human and animal health. Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks play a vital role as vectors in the transmission of Anaplasma pathogens. However, the Anaplasma species carried by H. longicornis in China are yet to be characterized. In this study, 1074 H. longicornis specimens were collected from goats in four provinces of China from 2018 to 2019 and divided into 371 sample pools. All tick sample pools were examined for the presence of Anaplasma species via nested PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA, major surface protein 4 (msp4), or citric acid synthase (gltA) genes, which were sequenced to determine the molecular and phylogenetic characteristics of the isolates. The overall Anaplasma spp-positive rate of H. longicornis was determined to be 26.68% (99/371). The percentage prevalence of A. phagocytophilum-like1, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. marginale, and A. capra were 1.08% (4/371), 13.21% (49/371), 13.21% (49/371), 1.35% (5/371), and 10.24% (38/371), respectively, and the co-infection rate of two or more types of Anaplasma was 6.47% (24/371). Phylogenetic analyses led to the classification of A. phagocytophilum into an A. phagocytophilum-like1 (Anaplasma sp. Japan) group. Anaplasma bovis sequences obtained in this study were 99.8–100% identical to those of an earlier strain isolated from a Chinese tick (GenBank accession no. KP314251). Anaplasma ovis sequences showed 99.3–99.6% identity to an A. ovis human strain identified from a Cypriot patient (GenBank accession no. FJ460443). Only one msp4 sequence of A. marginale was detected and was grouped with those of other A. marginale isolates, and these A. capra isolates obtained in this present study may be zoonotic. The detection and characterization of four Anaplasma species in H. longicornis in this study have added to the current knowledge of the parasite and provided data on multiple Anaplasma species with veterinary and medical significance from four provinces of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqun Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunlun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Cui
- School of Biotechnology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, 476000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongchun Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuchun Jian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Changshen Ning
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Longzihu Campus of Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Bang MS, Kim CM, Pyun SH, Kim DM, Yun NR. Molecular investigation of tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from tick-bitten humans in the southwestern region of the Republic of Korea. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252992. [PMID: 34129613 PMCID: PMC8205137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the presence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from tick-bitten humans in the southwestern provinces of the Republic of Korea (ROK). We identified 33 ticks from three tick species, namely Amblyomma testudinarium (60.6%), Haemaphysalis longicornis (27.3%), and Ixodes nipponensis (12.1%) in order of occurrence via morphology and 16S rDNA-targeting polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tick-borne pathogens were detected in 16 ticks using pathogen-specific PCR. From the results, 12 ticks (36.4%) tested positive for spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia: Rickettsia monacensis (1/12), R. tamurae (8/12), and Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis (3/12). Three ticks (9.1%) were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In addition, three ticks (9.1%) tested positive for Babesia gibsoni (1/3) and B. microti (2/3). In conclusion, we identified three tick species; the most common species was A. testudinarium, followed by H. longicornis and I. nipponensis. SFG Rickettsia, A. phagocytophilum, and Babesia spp. were the most frequently detected pathogens in ticks removed from tick-bitten humans. To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. tamurae and Ca. R. jingxinensis detection in Korea. The present results will contribute to the understanding of tick-borne infections in animals and humans in the ROK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Seon Bang
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Mee Kim
- Premedical Science, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Pyun
- Graduate School of Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Na Ra Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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12
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Seo MG, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Diversity and genotypic analysis of tick-borne pathogens carried by ticks infesting horses in Korea. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:213-218. [PMID: 32989737 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ticks account for an extensive range of health and welfare issues in horses. In addition, tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) limit global animal trading and equine sporting events. Here, we assess the prevalence, co-infectivity and risk factors of TBPs in horse ticks in Korea. A total of 245 hard ticks, including 103 male and 142 female adults, were obtained from horses on Jeju Island during the spring to autumn seasons of 2013-2019. All collected ticks were identified as adult Haemaphysalis longicornis. We screened and analyzed each tick for the presence of several TBPs by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Among the 245 ticks, we detected genes for three TBPs, Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (22.9%), Ehrlichia canis (0.4%) and Theileria luwenshuni (0.4%), while Anaplasma spp. was not detected. TBPs were most prevalent in ticks harvested during the autumn season, and more abundant in the female than male adults. This is the first report of the genera Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and Theileria in horse ticks in Korea. TBPs in horse ticks are likely a reservoir for zoonotic transmission to other animals, including humans. Our findings demonstrate the need for further understanding of the prevalence and epidemiology of TBPs in wild and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-G Seo
- Veterinary Drugs and Biologics Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea
| | - O-D Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - D Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
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13
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Seo MG, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Molecular detection of Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia tamurae, and associated pathogens from ticks parasitizing water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) in South Korea. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101712. [PMID: 33819743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Most defined Rickettsiales, which can be transmitted by ticks, are known to be important zoonotic pathogens. Some of these pathogens can cause severe diseases in humans, including anaplasmosis, rickettsioses, and ehrlichiosis. Previous studies in South Korea have investigated tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) residing in ticks found on grassy vegetation and animals. However, there is limited phylogenetic information on TBPs in ticks parasitizing Korean water deer (KWD; Hydropotes inermis argyropus). This study evaluated the prevalence, risk factors (regions, tick stages, and tick species), and coinfections of TBPs in ticks parasitizing KWD. Were collected a total of 283 hard ticks, including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis flava, and Ixodes nipponensis from KWD in South Korea from 2013 to 2017. In 173 tested tick pools, genes for seven TBPs, namely Rickettsia raoultii (20 %), Rickettsia tamurae (1 %), Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (31 %), Ehrlichia canis (3 %), Anaplasma capra (3 %), Anaplasma bovis (2 %), and Anaplasma sp. (1 %), were detected. The unidentified Anaplasma sp. isolates revealed a 98.4 %-99.3 % sequence identity with Anaplasma sp. in GenBank sequences obtained from ticks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the presence of the emerging human pathogen R. tamurae in South Korea. These results should increase awareness about the need for continued development of epidemiological control measures, and medical and veterinary communities must be informed of their high infection potential and clinical complexity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, 39660, South Korea
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, South Korea; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Junggu, Daegu, 41944, South Korea.
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14
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Han SW, Chae JB, Jo YS, Cho YK, Kang JG, Shin NS, Youn HJ, Youn HY, Nam HM, Kim HJ, Kang HE, Chae JS. First detection of Borrelia and Rickettsia species from Ornithodoros ticks in the Republic of Korea. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101689. [PMID: 33676201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are considered important vectors among arthropods and are linked to serious medical and veterinary health problems. In this study, we investigated tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of Ornithodoros (Carios) sawaii and a newly identified Ornithodoros species from migratory bird nests in the uninhabited islands of the Republic of Korea (ROK). Ticks were collected from seabird nests with soil using a Tullgren funnel. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using specific primer sets targeting genes of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma bovis, and Bartonella spp. for molecular identification of TBPs, and two pathogens, Borrelia sp. and Rickettsia sp. were detected via PCR. Sequence data were analyzed and a phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the maximum-likelihood method in MEGA v.7. The detection rate of Borrelia sp. in O.(C.) sawaii was 6.8 % (5/74), and that of Rickettsia sp. in O. sawaii and the newly identified Ornithodoros species. was 36.5 % (27/74). Sequencing analysis revealed that the 16S ribosomal (r) RNA and flagellin genes of Borrelia sp., and the citrate synthase (gltA) and 17-kDa antigen gene of Rickettsia sp. were closely phylogenetically related to those of Borrelia turicatae and Rickettsia asembonensis. This is the first report identifying Borrelia sp. and Rickettsia sp. from O. sawaii, and Rickettsia sp. from the newly identified Ornithodoros species in the ROK, and these results imply that soft ticks (O. sawaii, and the newly identified Ornithodoros species) may function as pathogen carriers with important implications for public health throughout their distribution areas in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Woo Han
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Byoung Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sun Jo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Gu Kang
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Shik Shin
- Laboratory of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jeong Youn
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Young Youn
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Mi Nam
- Foreign Animal Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Joo Kim
- Foreign Animal Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Eun Kang
- Foreign Animal Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Diversity unearthed by the estimated molecular phylogeny and ecologically quantitative characteristics of uncultured Ehrlichia bacteria in Haemaphysalis ticks, Japan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:687. [PMID: 33436999 PMCID: PMC7804854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80690-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia species are obligatory intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropods, and some of these species cause febrile diseases in humans and livestock. Genome sequencing has only been performed with cultured Ehrlichia species, and the taxonomic status of such ehrlichiae has been estimated by core genome-based phylogenetic analysis. However, many uncultured ehrlichiae exist in nature throughout the world, including Japan. This study aimed to conduct a molecular-based taxonomic and ecological characterization of uncultured Ehrlichia species or genotypes from ticks in Japan. We first surveyed 616 Haemaphysalis ticks by p28-PCR screening and analyzed five additional housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, groEL, gltA, ftsZ, and rpoB) from 11 p28-PCR-positive ticks. Phylogenetic analyses of the respective genes showed similar trees but with some differences. Furthermore, we found that V1 in the V1-V9 regions of Ehrlichia 16S rRNA exhibited the greatest variability. From an ecological viewpoint, the amounts of ehrlichiae in a single tick were found to equal approx. 6.3E+3 to 2.0E+6. Subsequently, core-partial-RGGFR-based phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the five housekeeping loci revealed six Ehrlichia genotypes, which included potentially new Ehrlichia species. Thus, our approach contributes to the taxonomic profiling and ecological quantitative analysis of uncultured or unidentified Ehrlichia species or genotypes worldwide.
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16
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Miranda EA, Han SW, Cho YK, Choi KS, Chae JS. Co-Infection with Anaplasma Species and Novel Genetic Variants Detected in Cattle and Goats in the Republic of Korea. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010028. [PMID: 33401478 PMCID: PMC7830860 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease with multiple reservoirs, has been evolving in its pathogenesis, increasing domestic ruminants susceptibility to simultaneous infections with multiple pathogens. However, there is limited information regarding anaplasmosis in domestic ruminants in the Republic of Korea (ROK). We aimed to evaluate the role of Korean cattle and goats in Anaplasma infection maintenance. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp. from 686 whole blood samples collected from different ROK provinces. Anaplasma infection was mostly caused by A. phagocytophilum (21.1%) in cattle, and A. bovis (7.3%) in goats. Co-infection cases were found in cattle: A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum (16.7%), and in goats: A. bovis and A. capra (1.0%). Notably, a triple co-infection with A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and A. capra was found in one cow. Phylogenetic analysis revealed novel variants of the A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA and A. capra
gltA genes. This research contributes to the ratification of cattle as a potential reservoir of A. capra and demonstrates Anaplasma co-infection types in Korean domestic ruminants. As anaplasmosis is a zoonotic disease, our study could be crucial in making important decisions for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Alejandra Miranda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea; (E.A.M.); (S.-W.H.); (Y.-K.C.)
| | - Sun-Woo Han
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea; (E.A.M.); (S.-W.H.); (Y.-K.C.)
| | - Yoon-Kyong Cho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea; (E.A.M.); (S.-W.H.); (Y.-K.C.)
| | - Kyoung-Seong Choi
- College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea;
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea; (E.A.M.); (S.-W.H.); (Y.-K.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-880-1279
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17
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Park JW, Lee SH, Lee GS, Seo JJ, Chung JK. Epidemiological Characteristics of Field Tick-Borne Pathogens in Gwang-ju Metropolitan Area, South Korea, from 2014 to 2018. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2020; 11:177-184. [PMID: 32864308 PMCID: PMC7442441 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2020.11.4.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The importance of tick-borne diseases is increasing because of climate change, with a lack of long-term studies on tick-borne pathogens in South Korea. To understand the epidemiological characteristics of tick-borne diseases, the monthly distribution of field ticks throughout the year was studied in South Korea between May 2014 and April 2018 in a cross sectional study. Methods The presence of various tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsia species, Borrelia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum) was confirmed by using polymerase chain reaction, to provide information for a prevention strategy against tick-borne pathogenic infections, through increased understanding of the relationship between seasonal variation and risk of infection with Rickettsia species. This was performed using logistic regression analysis (SPSS 20, IBM, USA) of the data obtained from the study. Results During the study period there were 11,717 ticks collected and 4 species identified. Haemapysalis longicornis was the most common species (n = 10,904, 93.1%), followed by Haemapysalis flava (n = 656, 5.6%), Ixodes nipponensis (n = 151, 1.3%), and Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 6, 0.05%) The results of this cross-sectional study showed that Haemapysalis flava carried a higher risk of transmission of Rickettsia species than other tick species (p < 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, due attention should be paid to preventing tick-borne infections in humans whilst engaged in outdoor activities in Spring and Autumn, particularly in places where there is a high prevalence of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Wook Park
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Seung Hun Lee
- Division of Bacterial Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, Korea.,Yeosu National Quarantine Station, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Yeosu, Korea
| | - Gi Seong Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jin Jong Seo
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jae Keun Chung
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, Gwangju, Korea
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18
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Kim JY, Kwak YS, Lee IY, Yong TS. Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma Gondii in Haemaphysalis Ticks in Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:327-331. [PMID: 32615747 PMCID: PMC7338900 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.3.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii are intracellular protozoa that can cause neurological disease or death in fetuses and even in immunocompromised human adults. Ticks are recognized as vectors of many microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Recent studies detected T. gondii in various tick species in many countries. In this study, we performed PCR detection of the T. gondii B1 gene from Haemaphysalis ticks collected from vegetation in 4 localities, Wonju, Gunsan, Miryang, and Yangsan, in Korea. We analyzed DNA from 314 ticks (268 Haemaphysalis longicornis and 46 Haemaphysalis flava) and the B1 gene of T. gondii was detected in 13 of these. The detection of T. gondii in ticks differed significantly by region (P=0.021). T. gondii was detected in the following percentages of collected ticks: 3.7% (7 of 189) in Gunsan, 10% (5 of 50) in Wonju, 16.7% (1 of 6) in Yangsan, and 0% (0 of 69) in Miryang. The detection of T. gondii in ticks was not associated with tick species or development stage. This is the first report of T. gondii detection in ticks in Korea. Our results provide important information necessary to understand toxoplasmosis transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - You Shine Kwak
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - In-Yong Lee
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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19
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Seo MG, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Genotypic Analysis of Piroplasms and Associated Pathogens from Ticks Infesting Cattle in Korea. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050728. [PMID: 32414173 PMCID: PMC7284522 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) impose an important limitation to livestock production worldwide, especially in subtropical and tropical areas. Earlier studies in Korea have examined TBPs residing in ticks and animals; however, information on multiple TBPs in ticks infesting cattle is lacking. This study assessed the prevalence of TBPs in ticks parasitizing cattle. A total of 576 ticks, including 340 adults and 236 nymphs, were collected from cattle in Korea between 2014 and 2018. All ticks collected were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. Among piroplasms and other tick-associated pathogens, seven TBP genes, namely Theileria orientalis (5.0%), Anaplasma bovis (2.3%), Anaplasma capra (4.7%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum-like Anaplasma spp. (APL) clades A (1.9%) and B (0.5%), Ehrlichia canis (1.6%), and Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (17.5%), were detected. Bartonella spp. and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus were not found. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the presence of the pathogens T. orientalis major piroplasm surface protein genotypes 3 and 7, A. capra, and APL in ticks from Korea. Cattle ticks may be maintenance hosts for many TBPs, and veterinary and medical clinicians should be aware of their high probability of infection and clinical complexity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- Veterinary Drugs and Biologics Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk 39660, Korea;
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea
- Correspondence:
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20
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Molecular and Phylogenetic Analysis of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Parasitizing Native Korean Goats ( Capra hircus coreanae) in South Korea. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9020071. [PMID: 31973172 PMCID: PMC7168648 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are considered zoonotic re-emerging pathogens, with ticks playing important roles in their transmission and ecology. Previous studies in South Korea have examined TBPs residing in ticks; however, there is no phylogenetic information on TBPs in ticks parasitizing native Korean goat (NKG; Capra hircus coreanae). The present study assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and co-infectivity of TBPs in ticks parasitizing NKGs. In total, 107 hard ticks, including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes nipponensis, and Haemaphysalis flava, were obtained from NKGs in South Korea between 2016 and 2019. In 40 tested tick pools, genes for four TBPs, namely Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE, 5.0%), Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (45.0%), Anaplasma bovis (2.5%), and Theileria luwenshuni (5.0%) were detected. Ehrlichia, Bartonella spp., and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus were not detected. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report CLE and T. luwenshuni in H. flava ticks in South Korea. Considering the high prevalence of Candidatus R. longicornii in ticks parasitizing NKGs, there is a possibility of its transmission from ticks to animals and humans. NKG ticks might be maintenance hosts for TBPs, and we recommend evaluation of the potential public health threat posed by TBP-infected ticks.
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21
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Oda K, Yonetake W, Fujii T, Hodge A, Six RH, Maeder S, Rugg D. Efficacy of sarolaner (Simparica ®) against induced infestations of Haemaphysalis longicornis on dogs. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:509. [PMID: 31666109 PMCID: PMC6822344 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3765-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemaphysalis longicornis is the major tick affecting dogs in most of the East Asia/Pacific region and has recently been detected in a number of areas of the USA. This tick is a vector for a number of pathogens of dogs, other mammals and humans. In this study, the efficacy of a single oral administration of sarolaner (Simparica®, Zoetis) at the minimum label dosage (2 mg/kg) was evaluated against an existing infestation of H. longicornis and subsequent weekly reinfestations for 5 weeks after treatment. METHODS Sixteen dogs were ranked on pretreatment tick counts and randomly allocated to treatment on Day 0 with sarolaner at 2 mg/kg or a placebo. The dogs were infested with H. longicornis nymphs on Days - 2, 5, 12, 19, 26 and 33. Efficacy was determined at 48 hours after treatment and subsequent re-infestations based on live tick counts relative to placebo-treated dogs. RESULTS There were no adverse reactions to treatment. A single dose of sarolaner provided 100% efficacy on Days 2, 7, 14 and 21; and ≥ 97.4% efficacy on Days 28 and 35. Considering only attached, live ticks, efficacy was 100% for the entire 35 days of the study. Geometric mean live tick counts for sarolaner were significantly lower than those for placebo on all days (11.62 ≤ t(df) ≤ 59.99, where 13.0 ≤ df ≤ 14.1, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In this study, a single oral administration of sarolaner at 2 mg/kg provided 100% efficacy against an existing infestation of H. longicornis nymphs and ≥ 97.4% efficacy (100% against attached ticks) against weekly reinfestation for at least 35 days after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Oda
- Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology, 3-7-11, Hashimotodai, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa, 252-0132, Japan
| | - Wakako Yonetake
- Zoetis Japan KK, 3-22-7, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0053, Japan
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Zoetis Japan KK, 3-22-7, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0053, Japan
| | - Andrew Hodge
- Zoetis Australia Research and Manufacturing, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert H Six
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, 333 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Steven Maeder
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, 333 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA.
| | - Douglas Rugg
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, 333 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
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22
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Seo HJ, Jin BC, Kim KH, Yoo MS, Seong KW, Jeong SJ, Hyun BH, Cho YS. Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Anaplasma spp. in Korean Native Goats from Ulsan Metropolitan City, Korea. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:773-776. [PMID: 31355707 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) can be fatal to humans as well as to animals causing severe economic losses globally to livestock industries. Many countries conduct regular surveillance of TBDs in livestock. Serological and molecular surveillance of TBDs in livestock and humans was carried out in the Republic of Korea. However, there are not a lot of data on analyses of anaplasmosis in Korean native goats and the correlation with rearing methods and seasons. Methods: In this study, goats in Ulsan city were tested for anaplasmosis by PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. A total of 452 goat blood samples were collected from 20 farms in 2016. The goat farms in Ulsan city had three different types of rearing methods: conventional, confined, and mixed grazing-confined. Results: Forty-nine of the 452 goats (10.8%) were anaplasmosis positive. Sequence analysis of the PCR products from these 49 goats revealed that 39 of 452 goats (8.6%) were Anaplasma bovis positive, and 10 of 452 goats (2.2%) were infected with Anaplasma capra. The highest outbreaks of anaplasmosis occurred in mixed grazing-confined type of farms (27.1%, 33/122) (χ2 = 60.72, df = 2, p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the occurrence of anaplasmosis between spring, summer, and fall seasons. Conclusions: This study was the first detection of A. bovis in Korean native goats and its relationship with rearing methods and seasons. These findings suggested that Korean native goats were highly exposed to Anaplasma spp. during summers when the tick population is the highest and in farms employing mixed grazing-confined rearing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ji Seo
- Bacterial Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Chan Jin
- Livestock Hygiene Division, Ulsan Metropolitan Health and Environment Research Institute, Ulsal-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Ho Kim
- Bacterial Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Yoo
- Bacterial Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Won Seong
- Livestock Hygiene Division, Ulsan Metropolitan Health and Environment Research Institute, Ulsal-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Jeong
- Livestock Hygiene Division, Ulsan Metropolitan Health and Environment Research Institute, Ulsal-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Bang-Hun Hyun
- Bacterial Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sang Cho
- Bacterial Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
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23
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Mukhacheva TA, Shaikhova DR, Kovalev SY. Asian isolates of Anaplasma phagocytophilum: Multilocus sequence typing. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:775-780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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24
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Werszko J, Szewczyk T, Steiner-Bogdaszewska Ż, Laskowski Z, Karbowiak G. Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Blood-Sucking Flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Poland. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:822-827. [PMID: 30615168 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a pathogen of veterinary and medical importance. It is the causative agent of tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants (also known as bovine or ovine granulocytic anaplasmosis), and of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) in humans. In Europe, A. phagocytophilum is transmitted by Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus 1758) ticks. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in blood-sucking flies belonging to the Tabanidae family using molecular methods. It represents the first detection of this pathogen in Haematopota pluvialis (Linnaeus 1758), Tabanus bromius (Linnaeus 1758), and Tabanus distinguendus (Verrall 1909) in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Werszko
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szewczyk
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Zdzisław Laskowski
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Karbowiak
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda, Warsaw, Poland
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25
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Heo DH, Hwang JH, Choi SH, Jeon M, Lee JH, Lee JH, Hwang SD, Lee KA, Lee SH, Lee CS. Recent Increase of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis and Co-Infection with Scrub Typhus or Korean Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2019; 34:e87. [PMID: 30914905 PMCID: PMC6427050 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report 17 patients with human granulocytic anaplasmosis between January 2015 and September 2018 at two tertiary university hospitals in Korea. Monthly incidence peaked in May and June. Among these patients, we identified three who were co-infected with scrub typhus, and one patient with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Hyuk Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Design Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Joo-Hee Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Seung Hee Choi
- Department of Industrial Design, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Mir Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Ju-Hyung Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Hospital, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Seon-Do Hwang
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Kyeong-Ah Lee
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Seung-Hun Lee
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
- Yeosu National Quarantine Office, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Yeosu, Korea
| | - Chang-Seop Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
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26
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Yonetake W, Fujii T, Naito M, Hodge A, Maeder S, Rugg D. Efficacy of a new topical formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner for the control of fleas and ticks infesting cats in Japan. Vet Parasitol 2019; 270 Suppl 1:S12-S18. [PMID: 30914264 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of a single application of a new topical formulation containing selamectin plus sarolaner (Revolution® Plus / Stronghold® Plus, Zoetis) was evaluated against fleas and ticks infesting cats enrolled as veterinary patients in two field studies conducted in Japan and against Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks on cats in a laboratory study. In the laboratory study, sixteen cats were ranked based on pre-treatment tick counts and allocated randomly to treatment on Day 0 with either selamectin plus sarolaner or placebo. Cats were infested with adult H. longicornis on Days -2, 5, 12, 19, 26 and 33. Efficacy relative to placebo was based on live attached tick counts conducted 48 h after treatment and subsequent re-infestations. Selamectin plus sarolaner reduced live, attached H. longicornis counts by 96.4% within 48 h of treatment, and by ≥91.7% within 48 h of weekly re-infestation for 35 days, based on arithmetic means. In the field studies, 67 client-owned cats harboring six or more live fleas and 63 cats harboring four or more live attached ticks were enrolled to evaluate selamectin plus sarolaner for efficacy and safety compared with a registered product. Cats were allocated randomly to treatment with selamectin plus sarolaner or fipronil plus (S)-methoprene based on order of presentation. Treatment was administered once on Day 0 and efficacy was assessed by parasite counts conducted on Days 14 and 30 compared to the pre-treatment count. In the flea field study, live flea counts on Days 14 and 30 were reduced by 99.5% and 99.9% in the selamectin plus sarolaner group, and by 97.6% and 98.6% in the fipronil plus (S)-methoprene group, based on least squares mean percentage reductions. Clinical signs typically associated with flea allergy dermatitis improved following treatment. In the tick field study, live tick counts on Days 14 and 30 were reduced by 97.5% and 97.7% in the selamectin plus sarolaner group, and by 91.5% and 93.4% in the fipronil plus (S)-methoprene group, based on least squares mean percentage reductions. Selamectin plus sarolaner was determined to be non-inferior to fipronil plus (S)-methoprene in both field studies. There were no treatment-related adverse events in any study. A single topical dose of Revolution® Plus / Stronghold® Plus providing a minimum dosage of 6.0 mg/kg selamectin and 1.0 mg/kg sarolaner was confirmed to be effective against H. longicornis ticks on cats for one month and safe and effective in the treatment of fleas and ticks on cats enrolled as veterinary patients in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakako Yonetake
- Zoetis Japan Inc., 3-22-7, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0053, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Zoetis Japan Inc., 3-22-7, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0053, Japan
| | - Masaya Naito
- Shokukanken Inc., 561-21 Arakuchi-machi, Maebashi-shi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Andrew Hodge
- Zoetis Australia Research and Manufacturing, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes, NSW, 2138, Australia
| | - Steven Maeder
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, 333 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Douglas Rugg
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, 333 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
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27
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Rochlin I. Modeling the Asian Longhorned Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) Suitable Habitat in North America. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:384-391. [PMID: 30544234 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Asian longhorned or bush tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann) is a vector species of considerable medical and veterinary importance within its native range in East Asia, and in introduced areas of Australia and Oceania. Recently, this tick species was detected in several regions of the United States. This study aimed at modeling areas suitable for H. longicornis in North America using maximum entropy distribution modeling or Maxent. Occurrence records of H. longicornis within its present range were obtained from published literature. The Maxent model contained a small number of a priori climatic and ecological variables. Annual temperature, precipitation, and ecological zones were found the most important in creating sensitive and specific model (success rate = 91.8%) that had a good fit to the existing data. The model predicted suitable H. longicornis habitat in most of eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, and in a small temperate area on the West Coast. Coastal areas were among the highest ranked suitable habitat. Another highly suitable region was identified in mid-western and southern United States where Heartland virus transmission takes place. This finding is of concern, since H. longicornis ticks vector a closely related virus in East Asia. Delineation of areas suitable for H. longicornis can facilitate detection, prepare public health authorities, and inform the general public about this potentially pestiferous and medically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Rochlin
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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28
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Seo MG, Ouh IO, Choi E, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Horses in Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 56:559-565. [PMID: 30630276 PMCID: PMC6327205 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.6.559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The identification and characterization of pathogenic and zoonotic tick-borne diseases like granulocytic anaplasmosis are essential for developing effective control programs. The differential diagnosis of pathogenic Anaplasma phagocytophilum and non-pathogenic A. phagocytophilum-like Anaplasma spp. is important for implementing effective treatment from control programs. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in horses in Korea by nucleotide sequencing and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism assay. Of the 627 horses included in the study, only 1 (0.2%) was infected with A. phagocytophilum. Co-infection with A. phagocytophilumlike Anaplasma spp. was not detected in the study. The 16S rRNA sequence of A. phagocytophilum was similar (99.5–100%) to A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA isolated from horses in other countries. PCR adapted to amplify A. phagocytophilum groEL and msp2 genes failed to generate amplicons, suggesting genetic diversity in these genes. This study is the first molecular detection of A. phagocytophilum in horses in Korea. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis and animal infection of A. phagocytophilum have been reported in Korea recently. Because of vector tick distribution, global warming, and the increase of the horse industry, horses should be considered as a potential reservoir for A. phagocytophilum, and cross infectivity should be evaluated even though a low prevalence of infection was detected in this study. Furthermore, continuous surveillance and effective control measures for A. phagocytophilum should be established to prevent disease distribution and possible transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea.,Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - In-Ohk Ouh
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | | | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
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29
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Jha P, Kim CM, Kim DM, Yoon NR, Jha B, Park JW, Chung JK. First detection and identification of Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in South Korea. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209685. [PMID: 30592745 PMCID: PMC6310361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (Ca. N. mikurensis; family Anaplasmataceae) is an emerging tick-borne pathogen that causes a systemic inflammatory syndrome with thrombotic complications. We report here the first identification of Ca. N. mikurensis in organ samples from small mammals captured in southwest South Korea. Nested PCR of groEL and 16S rRNA genes was used to confirm the identity of the bacteria present, and successfully amplified fragments were sequenced. All captured animals were identified as striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius), approximately 28.6% (4/14) and 21.4% (3/14) of which were found to be PCR-positive for Ca. N. mikurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, respectively. The detection of Ca. N. mikurensis in these animals represents the first evidence of this pathogen in South Korea. Carriage of this bacterium by rodents highlights the need for more detailed investigation of their role in its transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Jha
- Deaprtment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Mee Kim
- Department of Premedical Science, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Deaprtment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Ra Yoon
- Deaprtment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Babita Jha
- Deaprtment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Wook Park
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju City, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Keun Chung
- Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju City, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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30
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Lee SH, Park S, Lee YS, Lee HK, Hwang SD. Diagnosis and molecular characteristics of human infections caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum in South Korea. J Microbiol 2018; 56:847-853. [PMID: 30353471 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-018-8385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick borne infection caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. HGA cases in South Korea have been identified since the first report in 2014. In this study, we investigated the serological response in 594 clinical samples of patients with acute febrile illness and molecular characteristics of A. phagocytophilum clinical isolates obtained from HGA patients. In serological test for A. phagocytophilum, 7.91% (47/594 cases) were positive for IgG and Ig M and 13 of 47 cases showed seroconversion. In the detection rate of the 16S rRNA, msp2(p44), and ankA, genes were showed 3.68% (14/380 cases) for A. phagocytophilum-specific 16S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis of three clinical isolates demonstrated high sequence similarity (98.58-100%) with A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA sequences identified from public databases. Analysis of the msp2(p44) gene showed highly variable similarity rates (7.24-98.85%) even within isolated countries and host ranges. These results provide clues into the bacterial characterization of A. phagocytophilum originating from Korean patients, providing useful guidance for treatment and improving clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hun Lee
- Division of Bacterial Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, 28159, Republic of Korea.,Yeosu National Quarantine Office, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Yeosu, 59729, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungdo Park
- Division of Bacterial Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Seon Lee
- Division of Bacterial Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Kyung Lee
- Division of Bacterial Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, 28159, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seon Do Hwang
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, Center for Laboratory control of Infectious Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Cheongju, 28159, Republic of Korea.
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Differential identification of Anaplasma in cattle and potential of cattle to serve as reservoirs of Anaplasma capra, an emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen. Vet Microbiol 2018; 226:15-22. [PMID: 30389039 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Bovine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne, infectious, non-contagious disease caused by Anaplasma marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, and zoonotic A. phagocytophilum. Recently, Anaplasma capra detected in goats was identified as a novel zoonotic pathogen. To determine whether A. capra can infect bovines, we used PCR to differentially diagnose Anaplasma spp. in 1219 South Korean cattle by performing multilocus gene typing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis detected the 16S rRNA gene of A. bovis and four genes from A. capra in 12 (1.0%) and five (0.4%) cattle, respectively. Supplementary discrimination between A. bovis and A. capra was accomplished by RFLP. The 16S rRNA, msp4, groEL, and gltA genes of A. capra identified in this study had much lower degrees of identity to those in A. centrale and other Anaplasma spp. A. phagocytophilum was not detected in any of the tested cattle. Although the prevalence was low, this study suggests the potential of cattle to serve as reservoirs of A. capra. Thus, further studies are needed to clarify the pathogenesis of A. capra in cattle and its possible involvement in transmission to humans.
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Kim SW, Kim CM, Kim DM, Yun NR. Manifestation of anaplasmosis as cerebral infarction: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:409. [PMID: 30119642 PMCID: PMC6098650 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3321-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an obligate intracellular granulocytotropic bacterium. Case presentation A 70-year-old female patient was admitted with the clinical signs of fever and an altered state of consciousness 1 week after experiencing a tick bite while planting lawn grass. Magnetic resonance imaging, performed at the time of admission, indicated cerebral infarction in the left basal ganglia, whereas increasing immunofluorescence assay antibody titers for A. phagocytophilum were also documented. A. phagocytophilum was identified using groEL and ankA targeted polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Because of severe thrombocytopenia, only doxycycline was administered, without any antiplatelet agents. Subsequently, the symptoms improved without any focal neurologic sequela. Conclusion This is the first reported case of cerebral infarction occurrence in an anaplasmosis patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Won Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Mee Kim
- Premedical Science, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Departments of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61453, Republic of Korea.
| | - Na Ra Yun
- Departments of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, 588 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61453, Republic of Korea
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Molecular investigation of Anaplasma spp. in domestic and wildlife animals in Peninsular Malaysia. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2018; 13:141-147. [PMID: 31014863 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma spp. are Gram-negative obligate intracellular, tick-borne bacteria which are of medical and veterinary importance. Little information is available on Anaplasma infection affecting domestic and wildlife animals in Malaysia. This study investigated the presence of Anaplasma spp. in the blood samples of domestic and wildlife animals in Peninsular Malaysia, using polymerase chain reaction (EHR-PCR) assays targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasmataceae. High detection rates (60.7% and 59.0%, respectively) of Anaplasma DNA were noted in 224 cattle (Bos taurus) and 78 deer (77 Rusa timorensis and one Rusa unicolor) investigated in this study. Of the 60 amplified fragments obtained for sequence analysis, Anaplasma marginale was exclusively detected in cattle while Anaplasma platys/Anaplasma phagocytophilum was predominantly detected in the deer. Based on sequence analyses of the longer fragment of the 16S rRNA gene (approximately 1000 bp), the occurrence of A. marginale, Anaplasma capra and Candidatus Anaplasma camelii in cattle, Candidatus A. camelii in deer and Anaplasma bovis in a goat was identified in this study. To assess whether animals were infected with more than one species of Anaplasma, nested amplification of A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA was performed for 33 animal samples initially screened positive for Anaplasmataceae. No amplification of E. chaffeensis DNA was obtained from animals investigated. BLAST analyses of the 16S rDNA sequences from three deer (R. timorensis), a buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and a cow (B. taurus) reveal similarity with that of Candidatus Anaplasma boleense strain (GenBank accession no.: KX987335). Sequence analyses of the partial gene fragments of major surface protein (msp4) gene from two deer (R. timorensis) and a monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) show the detection of a strain highly similar (99%) to that of A. phagocytophilum strain ZJ-China (EU008082). The findings in this study show the occurrence of various Anaplasma species including those newly reported species in Malaysian domestic and wildlife animals. The role of these animals as reservoirs/maintenance hosts for Anaplasma infection are yet to be determined.
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Rainey T, Occi JL, Robbins RG, Egizi A. Discovery of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Parasitizing a Sheep in New Jersey, United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:757-759. [PMID: 29471482 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We report the discovery of large numbers of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Ixodida: Ixodidae) infesting a sheep in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States. All life stages were found on the sheep, which had no history of travel outside the country. H. longicornis is native to East Asia, and there are invasive populations in Australia, New Zealand and several Pacific islands, where this tick is a major livestock pest. It is currently unknown whether the New Jersey collections represent a limited or established population, but because this species could present a significant threat to human and animal health in the United States, vigilance is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James L Occi
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Richard G Robbins
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, Suitland, MD
| | - Andrea Egizi
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
- Tick-borne Diseases Laboratory, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division NJ
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Seo MG, Ouh IO, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum-like Anaplasma spp. and pathogenic A. Phagocytophilum in cattle from South Korea. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2018; 126:23-30. [PMID: 29653174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever in domestic ruminants. Differential diagnosis of zoonotic and pathogenic tick-borne diseases like granulocytic anaplasmosis is important for the efficient implementation of control programs. Thus, the differentiation of pathogenic A. phagocytophilum from non-pathogenic A. phagocytophilum-like (APL) Anaplasma spp. is essential. Recent molecular analyses of APL revealed its distinct phylogenetic position from A. phagocytophilum. This study was conducted to detect A. phagocytophilum and genetically related strains in 764 cattle in South Korea using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism assays. APL clade A and A. phagocytophilum were identified in 20 (2.6%) and 16 (2.1%) cattle, respectively, with 16 cattle (2.1%) displaying co-infection. The 16S rRNA sequences of APL clade A were similar (98.3-99.9%) to those clustered in the APL clade A from eastern Asia. The A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA sequence shared 98.6-100% identity to those of the A. phagocytophilum group. We used PCR to amplify the groEL and msp2 genes from the 20 samples positive for the 16S rRNA gene and found that 16 were positive for the groEL sequences in the APL clade A, which showed identity (82.8-84.4%) to those clustered in the APL clade A from Japan. Amplification of msp2 was unsuccessful. The co-infection results suggested sequence diversity in Anaplasma spp. Till date, both A. phagocytophilum and APL have been reported to be distributed separately in several animals throughout South Korea. This report is the first co-detection of A. phagocytophilum and APL in Korean cattle using molecular methods. Further studies are needed to provide additional molecular background and trace the evolutionary tree of Anaplasma species in animals and ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk 39660, South Korea; College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - In-Ohk Ouh
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk 39660, South Korea
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, South Korea.
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Kang JG, Chae JB, Cho YK, Jo YS, Shin NS, Lee H, Choi KS, Yu DH, Park J, Park BK, Chae JS. Molecular Detection of Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Borrelia theileri in Raccoon Dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Korea. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1061-1068. [PMID: 29436346 PMCID: PMC5928811 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, cat-scratch disease, and Lyme disease are emerging vector-borne infectious diseases in Korea. Although the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in domestic animals and vector arthropods has been documented, there is limited information on the presence of VBPs in wild animals. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), a wild canid found in East Asia and Europe, represents a potential wildlife reservoir for zoonotic diseases. To investigate the prevalence of VBPs in raccoon dogs, 142 carcasses and 51 blood samples from captured raccoon dogs were collected from 2003 to 2010 and from 2008 to 2009, respectively, in Korea. In addition, 105 Haemaphysalis flava (14 larvae, 43 nymphs, 32 males, and 16 females) and nine Haemaphysalis longicornis (all female) were collected from three raccoon dogs. Samples of the spleen and blood were tested for the presence of VBPs by using nested polymerase chain reaction. Among the samples collected from 193 raccoon dogs and 114 ticks, two samples were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, four for Anaplasma bovis, two for Borrelia theileri, and two for Bartonella henselae. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest survey of raccoon dogs aimed at the analysis of VBPs in this species. Moreover, the present study represents the first identification of A. phagocytophilum, B. henselae, and B. theileri in raccoon dogs in their native habitat (East Asia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Gu Kang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Byoung Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Sun Jo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam-Shik Shin
- Laboratory of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Research Institute and BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hang Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Seong Choi
- College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Korea
| | - Do-Hyeon Yu
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Jinho Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Bae-Keun Park
- Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Kim CM, Kim SW, Kim DM, Yoon NR, Jha P, Jang SJ, Ahn YJ, Lim D, Lee SH, Hwang SD, Lee YS. Case Report: Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing of Tick Bite Site Samples for the Diagnosis of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:403-406. [PMID: 28829732 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an obligate intracellular bacterium. Until now, the utility of tick-bite site samples for HGA diagnosis has not been reported. Using a patient's buffy coat and tick-bite site crust samples, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing using Ehrlichia- or Anaplasma-specific primers. PCR with buffy coat and crust samples obtained before doxycycline administration was positive. Six days after doxycycline administration, PCR with the buffy coat sample was negative but PCR with a crust tissue sample from the tick-bite site remained positive. This is the first case to suggest that crust tissue at the tick-bite site may be useful for early HGA diagnosis in patients who have already been treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon-Mee Kim
- Premedical Science, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Won Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Ra Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Piyush Jha
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sook Jin Jang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joon Ahn
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghoon Lim
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hun Lee
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Do Hwang
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Seon Lee
- Division of Zoonoses, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Kang JG, Ko S, Smith WB, Kim HC, Lee IY, Chae JS. Prevalence of Anaplasma, Bartonella and Borrelia Species in Haemaphysalis longicornis collected from goats in North Korea. J Vet Sci 2017; 17:207-16. [PMID: 26645342 PMCID: PMC4921669 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.2.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
North Korea is located on the northern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. While tick-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary importance have been reported from China and South Korea, they have not been reported from North Korea. To screen for zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in North Korea, ticks were collected from domestic goats. A total of 292 (27 nymph, 26 male, 239 female) Haemaphysalis (H.) longicornis were collected and assayed individually for selected tick-borne pathogens. A total of 77 (26.4%) were positive for Anaplasma bovis, followed by Bartonella (B.) grahamii (15, 5.1%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (12, 4.1%), Bartonella henselae (10, 3.4%), and Borrelia spp. (3, 1.0%) based on 16S ribosomal RNA and ITS species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction. Using the groEL-based nested PCR, a total of 6 and 1 H. longicornis were positive for B. grahamii and B. henselae, respectively. All products were sequenced and demonstrated 100% identity and homology with previously reported sequences from other countries in GenBank. This is the first report of the detection of tick-borne pathogens in the North Korea and suggests that farm animals may act as reservoirs for zoonotic tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Gu Kang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sungjin Ko
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - W Barney Smith
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Heung-Chul Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - In-Yong Lee
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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Oh SS, Chae JB, Kang JG, Kim HC, Chong ST, Shin JH, Hur MS, Suh JH, Oh MD, Jeong SM, Shin NS, Choi KS, Chae JS. Detection of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus from Wild Animals and Ixodidae Ticks in the Republic of Korea. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:408-14. [PMID: 27043361 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV), a novel bunyavirus reported to be endemic to central-northeastern China, southern Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK). To investigate SFTSV infections, we collected serum samples and ticks from wild animals. Using serum samples and ticks, SFTSV-specific genes were amplified by one-step RT-PCR and nested PCR and sequenced. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was performed to analyze virus-specific antibody levels in wild animals. Serum samples were collected from a total of 91 animals: 21 Korean water deer (KWD), 3 Siberian roe deer, 5 gorals, 7 raccoon dogs, 54 wild boars (WBs), and 1 carrion crow. The SFTSV infection rate in wild animals was 3.30% (3 of 91 animals: 1 KWD and 2 WBs). The seropositive rate was 6.59% (6 of 91 animals: 5 KWD and 1 WB). A total of 891 ticks (3 species) were collected from 65 wild animals (9 species). Of the attached tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis (74.86%) was the most abundant, followed by Haemaphysalis flava (20.20%) and Ixodes nipponensis (4.94%). The average minimum infection rate (MIR) of SFTSV in ticks was 4.98%. The MIRs of H. longicornis, H. flava, and I. nipponensis were 4.51%, 2.22%, and 22.73%, respectively. The MIRs of larvae, nymphs, and adult ticks were 0.68%, 6.88%, and 5.53%, respectively. In addition, the MIRs of fed and unfed ticks were 4.67% and 4.96%, respectively. We detected a low SFTSV infection rate in wild animals, no differences in SFTSV infection rate with respect to bloodsucking in ticks, and SFTSV infection for all developmental stages of ticks. This is the first report describing the detection of SFTSV in wild animals in the ROK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Suck Oh
- 1 Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University , Seoul, Republic of Korea.,2 Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Health and Environment , Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Byoung Chae
- 1 Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Gu Kang
- 1 Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung-Chul Kim
- 3 5th Medical Detachment , 168th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 65th Medical Brigade, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Chong
- 3 5th Medical Detachment , 168th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 65th Medical Brigade, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwa Shin
- 4 National Institute of Environmental Research , Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Suk Hur
- 4 National Institute of Environmental Research , Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwa Suh
- 4 National Institute of Environmental Research , Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Don Oh
- 5 Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Myoung Jeong
- 6 Biological Diversity Division , Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Shik Shin
- 7 Laboratory of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Seong Choi
- 8 Department of Animal Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University , Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- 1 Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University , Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Eshoo MW, Carolan HE, Massire C, Chou DM, Crowder CD, Rounds MA, Phillipson CA, Schutzer SE, Ecker DJ. Survey of Ixodes pacificus Ticks in California Reveals a Diversity of Microorganisms and a Novel and Widespread Anaplasmataceae Species. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135828. [PMID: 26375033 PMCID: PMC4574436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodes pacificus ticks can harbor a wide range of human and animal pathogens. To survey the prevalence of tick-borne known and putative pathogens, we tested 982 individual adult and nymphal I. pacificus ticks collected throughout California between 2007 and 2009 using a broad-range PCR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) assay designed to detect a wide range of tick-borne microorganisms. Overall, 1.4% of the ticks were found to be infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, 2.0% were infected with Borrelia miyamotoi and 0.3% were infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In addition, 3.0% were infected with Babesia odocoilei. About 1.2% of the ticks were co-infected with more than one pathogen or putative pathogen. In addition, we identified a novel Anaplasmataceae species that we characterized by sequencing of its 16S rRNA, groEL, gltA, and rpoB genes. Sequence analysis indicated that this organism is phylogenetically distinct from known Anaplasma species with its closest genetic near neighbors coming from Asia. The prevalence of this novel Anaplasmataceae species was as high as 21% at one site, and it was detected in 4.9% of ticks tested statewide. Based upon this genetic characterization we propose that this organism be called ‘Candidatus Cryptoplasma californiense’. Knowledge of this novel microbe will provide awareness for the community about the breadth of the I. pacificus microbiome, the concept that this bacterium could be more widely spread; and an opportunity to explore whether this bacterium also contributes to human or animal disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Eshoo
- Ibis Biosciences, an Abbott Company, Carlsbad CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Heather E. Carolan
- Ibis Biosciences, an Abbott Company, Carlsbad CA, United States of America
| | - Christian Massire
- Ibis Biosciences, an Abbott Company, Carlsbad CA, United States of America
| | - Danny M. Chou
- Ibis Biosciences, an Abbott Company, Carlsbad CA, United States of America
| | - Chris D. Crowder
- Ibis Biosciences, an Abbott Company, Carlsbad CA, United States of America
| | - Megan A. Rounds
- Ibis Biosciences, an Abbott Company, Carlsbad CA, United States of America
| | | | - Steven E. Schutzer
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Dept. of Medicine, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - David J. Ecker
- Ibis Biosciences, an Abbott Company, Carlsbad CA, United States of America
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Kim KH, Yi J, Oh WS, Kim NH, Choi SJ, Choe PG, Kim NJ, Lee JK, Oh MD. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis, South Korea, 2013. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 20:1708-11. [PMID: 25271737 PMCID: PMC4193166 DOI: 10.3201/eid2010.131680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a patient with human granulocytic anaplasmosis in South Korea. The patient had fever and thrombocytopenia. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis was confirmed by seroconversion, PCR, and sequence analysis for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Morulae were observed in the cultured HL-60 cells inoculated with blood from the patient.
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42
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Choi CY, Kang CW, Kim EM, Lee S, Moon KH, Oh MR, Yamauchi T, Yun YM. Ticks collected from migratory birds, including a new record of Haemaphysalis formosensis, on Jeju Island, Korea. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2014; 62:557-66. [PMID: 24141529 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-013-9748-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Migratory birds may disperse parasites across ecological barriers, and recent climate change may alter the pattern of ectoparasite dispersal via changed patterns of bird migration. In order to document the parasitization of migratory birds by Ixodidae ticks on Jeju Island in Korea, we examined 934 migratory birds comprising 75 species for ticks from 2010 to 2012. In total, 313 ticks were collected from 74 migratory birds across 17 avian species and identified based on morphological keys. These ticks represented six species: Haemaphysalis flava, H. formosensis, H. longicornis, H. concinna, Ixodes turdus and I. nipponensis. Of particular note was the presence of H. formosensis, a species not previously reported to have been found in Korea, and H. concinna, which had not been previously reported on Jeju Island. The dominant tick species found were H. flava (226 ticks, 72.2 %) and I. turdus (54 ticks, 17.3 %), and ground-dwelling thrushes such as Pale thrushes (Turdus pallidus; 39 birds, 52.7 %) were the most important hosts. Although H. longicornis is the most abundant and prevalent terrestrial tick on Jeju Island, the species accounted for only 3.8 % of the total ticks collected in this study, suggesting that ticks on migratory birds may differ from the local tick fauna and that exotic ticks may be introduced via migratory birds. Therefore, long-term programs for tick and tick-borne disease surveillance are recommended to understand the role of migratory animals in the introduction of exotic species and associated pathogens and in life cycles of ticks at different stages in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Yong Choi
- Jeju Wildlife Rescue Center, Jeju National University, Jeju City, Jeju, 690-121, Republic of Korea
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Wang Y, Chen C, Zhang L. Molecular characterization of Msp2/P44 of Anaplasma phagocytophilum isolated from infected patients and Haemaphysalis longicornis in Laizhou Bay, Shandong Province, China. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78189. [PMID: 24167608 PMCID: PMC3805589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular characterization of the MSP2/P44 protein of Anaplasma phagocytophilum may determine not only if the bacterium is capable of invading hosts but also whether it generates antigenic variation for the purpose of escaping the host immune response, resulting in various pathologic injuries and serious clinical outcomes. Chinese anaplasmosis patients usually present with serious manifestations, and the fatality rate is as high as 26.5%. In this study, we amplified, cloned and sequenced the msp2/p44 genes of three Chinese A. phagocytophilum isolates from Laizhou Bay, Shandong Province, where human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) patients present severe clinical manifestations, and analyzed their genetic characterization and structural features. We also compared them with the HZ and Webster A. phagocytophilum strains. The sequences for both strains are available in GenBank. Analyses indicated that Chinese A. phagocytophilum isolates were significantly different from the HZ and Webster strains in terms of nucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences and protein secondary and tertiary structures. Moreover, the number of immunologic B-cell epitopes (19) of the MSP2 protein of the Chinese isolates was higher than that of the A. phagocytophilum strains HZ (16) and Webster (9). This genetic diversity of the MSP2/P44 protein of Chinese A. phagocytophilum isolates might be relevant and might have serious clinical outcomes. This observation could provide a clue to further understand the pathogenesis of Chinese A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuangfu Chen
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (LJZ); (CFC)
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (LJZ); (CFC)
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Kang SW, Doan HTT, Choe SE, Noh JH, Yoo MS, Reddy KE, Kim YH, Kweon CH, Jung SC, Chang KY. Molecular investigation of tick-borne pathogens in ticks from grazing cattle in Korea. Parasitol Int 2013; 62:276-82. [PMID: 23501057 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to identify the tick species that infest grazing cattle and to determine the presence of tick-borne pathogens transmitted by these ticks in Korea. A total of 903 ticks (categorized into 566 tick pools) were collected from five provinces during 2010-2011. The most prevalent tick species was Haemaphysalis longicornis, followed by three Ixodes spp. ticks. The collected ticks were infected with both rickettsial and protozoan pathogens. In all, 469 (82.9%) tick pools tested positive for the Anaplasma/Ehrlichia 16S rRNA gene, whereas 67 (11.8%) were positive for the Babesia/Theileria 18S rRNA gene. Among the rickettsial pathogens, E. canis was detected with the highest rate (22.3%), followed by A. platys (20%), E. chaffeensis (19.4%), E. ewingii (19.3%), Rickettsia sp. (12.4%), A. phagocytophilum (5.5%) and E. muris (0.5%). Among the protozoan pathogens, T. equi was detected with the highest rate (7.2%), followed by T. sergenti/T. buffeli (3.7%) and B. caballi (0.35%). Simultaneous infections with up to seven pathogens were also identified. In particular, ticks infected with rickettsial pathogens were also infected with protozoan pathogens (22 samples). All five provinces investigated infected with tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Won Kang
- Parasitology and Insect Disease Research Laboratory, Animal, Plant and Fisheries, Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 480 Anyang 6 dong, Anyang City, Republic of Korea.
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Zhang L, Wang G, Liu Q, Chen C, Li J, Long B, Yu H, Zhang Z, He J, Qu Z, Yu J, Liu Y, Dong T, Yao N, Wang Y, Cheng X, Xu J. Molecular analysis of Anaplasma phagocytophilum isolated from patients with febrile diseases of unknown etiology in China. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57155. [PMID: 23451170 PMCID: PMC3579781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although anaplasmosis cases have been nationally identified in China, no human isolates of A. phagocytophilum have been obtained, which limits the analysis of any molecular and genetic contributions to patients' severe clinical manifestations and the study of the bacteria's pathogeneses in China. Given this situation, a joint project was conducted in 2009-2010. A total of 421 febrile cases of unknown etiology were collected and the patients' blood samples were collected for laboratory diagnoses including serologic diagnosis based on the four-fold rise in the anti- A. phagocytophilum IgG titer by indirect micro-immunofluorescence assay (IFA), positive PCR assay and confirmation of A. phagocytophilum DNA and positive culture of A. phagocytophilum and confirmed by amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA and ank A genes of the A. phagocytophilum isolates. A total of 570 ticks were collected from the patients' domestic animals (456) and from wild fields (114) for culturing and amplifying and sequencing the 16S rRNA gene of A. phagocytophilum. Phylogenetic analyses were performed on the 16S rRNA and ank A gene sequences of the isolates and the ticks tested in the study. A total of 46 (10.9%) confirmed and 16 (3.8%) probable cases were diagnosed and severe clinical features and higher mortality rates were observed in these Chinese patients. Five isolates were obtained and the 16S rRNA genes of the 5 isolates were conserved but variety for ank A genes. Two human isolates and 1 tick isolate from Shandong Peninsula, where all patients exhibited severe clinical manifestations, were grouped as one clan based on the phylogenetic analyses, while 2 other human isolates were clustered in a second clan. 43.5% of H. longicornis were infected with A. phagocytophilum.The present study is the first to obtain clinical isolates of A. phagocytophilum in China. The diversity of the ank A genes of Chinese isolates will help us to further discern the relationship between the variations in the ank A genes and the severity of the disease's clinical manifestations in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Zhang
- Departments of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (LZ); (GW)
| | - Guiqiang Wang
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (LZ); (GW)
| | - Qinghui Liu
- Departments of Intensive Care, Shandong Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chuangfu Chen
- Animal Science & Technology College, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, China
| | - Jun Li
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Long
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Yantai Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Yantai Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhilun Zhang
- Departments of Epidemiology, Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing He
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, 302 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangyi Qu
- School of Public health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jiguang Yu
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Yantai Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuanni Liu
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Yantai Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tuo Dong
- Departments of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- School of Public health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Na Yao
- Departments of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Animal Science & Technology College, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Departments of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Animal Science & Technology College, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Province, China
| | - Xueqin Cheng
- Departments of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Departments of Rickettsiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Dergousoff SJ, Chilton NB. Novel genotypes of Anaplasma bovis, "Candidatus Midichloria" sp. and Ignatzschineria sp. in the Rocky Mountain wood tick, Dermacentor andersoni. Vet Microbiol 2011; 150:100-6. [PMID: 21334146 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 01/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma marginale, is a vector-borne disease that is enzootic in many parts of the USA. Although Dermacentor andersoni, a major vector of A. marginale, occurs in Canada, the Canadian cattle herds are currently considered free of bovine anaplasmosis. There have been two outbreaks of the disease in the province of Saskatchewan, but these have been linked to the importation of infected animals. However, the distribution of bovine anaplasmosis may alter with range expansion of the vectors. The aim of the present study was to use molecular techniques to determine if Anaplasma were present in D. andersoni at a locality near its northeastern distributional limit in Saskatchewan. Nested PCR analyses of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were conducted on the total genomic DNA of 105 individual ticks. Single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing of the 11 PCR-positive amplicons revealed the presence of three species of bacteria, none of which have been previously reported in D. andersoni. Although no ticks were infected with A. marginale, a novel genotype of A. bovis was detected in eight individuals. This discovery represents the first report of A. bovis in Canada. The potential implications of this finding with respect to animal health and anaplasmosis surveillance in Canada are discussed. The other two bacterial species detected were genetically similar to "Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii" and Ignatzschineria larvae, the latter of which has been associated with human disease in Europe. Further investigations are needed to determine the prevalence, reservoir hosts, and pathogenicity of the Canadian genotype of A. bovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun J Dergousoff
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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