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Buczek A, Buczek W, Rudek M, Asman M, Świsłocka M, Bartosik K. Occurrence of Dermacentor reticulatus in central-southern Poland, and potential threats to human and animal health. Ann Agric Environ Med 2024; 31:29-36. [PMID: 38549474 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/178401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Dermacentor reticulatus is one of the tick species of the greatest epidemiological importance in Europe. To date, the Eastern European and Western European populations of this tick species have been separated by an area located in Poland where the species has never been found. In this study, newly discovered D. reticulatus localities in areas transformed by human activities in central-southern Poland are described. MATERIAL AND METHODS The specimens of the ornate dog tick were identified among ticks collected from companion animals in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. They were examined using PCR methods to detect Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Babesia spp., and Toxoplasma gondii. In the case of the positive results, the amplicons were sequenced and examined by a BLAST search. RESULTS In total, 6 specimens of D. reticulatus were collected (3 females and 3 males). As declared by the owners, animal hosts stayed in the same area throughout the study period and had never travelled outside their place of residence. As many as 3/6 (50%) of D. reticulatus adults removed from dogs were infected with Rickettsia raoultii. CONCLUSIONS The results expand the available data on the spread of the ornate dog tick and indicate that, since 2010, this tick species and Rickettsia raoultii transmitted by this tick species have probably been present in this area, which has a strongly transformed agricultural structure and and had previously been regarded as a D. reticulatus-free zone. The presence of the ornate dog tick in urban and suburban habitats in central-southern Poland poses new threats to the health of companion animals and humans associated with the transmission of pathogens by this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Buczek
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Weronika Buczek
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Rudek
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Asman
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Świsłocka
- Department of Zoology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
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Ostfeld RS, Adish S, Mowry S, Bremer W, Duerr S, Evans AS, Fischhoff IR, Keating F, Pendleton J, Pfister A, Teator M, Keesing F. Effects of residential acaricide treatments on patterns of pathogen coinfection in blacklegged ticks. Parasitology 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38494476 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Medically important ixodid ticks often carry multiple pathogens, with individual ticks frequently coinfected and capable of transmitting multiple infections to hosts, including humans. Acquisition of multiple zoonotic pathogens by immature blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) is facilitated when they feed on small mammals, which are the most competent reservoir hosts for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (which causes anaplasmosis in humans), Babesia microti (babesiosis) and Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease). Here, we used data from a large-scale, long-term experiment to ask whether patterns of single and multiple infections in questing nymphal I. scapularis ticks from residential neighbourhoods differed from those predicted by independent assortment of pathogens, and whether patterns of coinfection were affected by residential application of commercial acaricidal products. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used for pathogen detection in multiplex reactions. In control neighbourhoods and those treated with a fungus-based biopesticide deployed against host-seeking ticks (Met52), ticks having only single infections of either B. microti or B. burgdorferi were significantly less common than expected, whereas coinfections with these 2 pathogens were significantly more common. However, use of tick control system bait boxes, which kill ticks attempting to feed on small mammals, eliminated the bias towards coinfection. Although aimed at reducing the abundance of host-seeking ticks, control methods directed at ticks attached to small mammals may influence human exposure to coinfected ticks and the probability of exposure to multiple tick-borne infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sahar Adish
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Stacy Mowry
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - William Bremer
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Shannon Duerr
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Andrew S Evans
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, Dutchess County, NY 12601, USA
| | | | - Fiona Keating
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | | | - Ashley Pfister
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Marissa Teator
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
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Carvajal-Gamez BI, Olguín-Barrera A, Tinoco-Gracia L, Gordillo-Perez G, Dzul-Rosado K, Aguilar-Tipacamú G, Hidalgo-Ruiz M, Mosqueda J. Development and validation of a novel detection method for Rickettsia rickettsii using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1276809. [PMID: 38260903 PMCID: PMC10800886 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1276809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rickettsia rickettsii is an obligate, intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). RMSF is an important zoonotic disease due to its high fatal outcome in humans. The difficulty of clinical diagnosis due to the low sensitivity and specificity of current diagnostic methods are a principal setback. We reported the development of a new method for the detection of R. rickettsii in human and tick DNA samples using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), as well as the validation of the LAMP test for R. rickettsii in field samples of infected ticks and humans, determining the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, as well as the reproducibility of the test. Methods This technique uses hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) as an indicator of the formation of magnesium pyrophosphate, a marker for the presence of DNA. Here, we used a putative R. rickettsii gene as a target for three pairs of primers that specifically amplify R. rickettsii DNA by hairpin-based isothermal amplification technique (LAMP). Results and discussion The sensitivity of the assay was ~1.6-3 pg, which is 10 times more sensitive than PCR. To determine the diagnostics specificity and sensitivity, 103 human DNA samples and 30 tick DNA samples were evaluated. For the human samples, a sensitivity for HNB of 93%, a specificity of 70% and a k of 0.53 were obtained. For electrophoresis the sensitivity was 97% with a specificity of 58% and a k of 0.42. For tick samples, a sensitivity of 80% was obtained, a specificity of 93% for HNB and for electrophoresis the sensitivity and specificity were 87%. The k for both was 0.73. The degree of concordance between HNB and electrophoresis was 0.82 for humans and for ticks, it was 0.87. The result is obtained in shorter time, compared to a PCR protocol, and is visually interpreted by the color change. Therefore, this method could be a reliable tool for the early diagnosis of rickettsiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha I. Carvajal-Gamez
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
- Cuerpo Academico, Salud Animal y Microbiologia Ambiental, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Aída Olguín-Barrera
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
- Maestria en Salud y Producción Animal Sustentable, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Luis Tinoco-Gracia
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Gordillo-Perez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Medico Nacional SXXI-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karla Dzul-Rosado
- Dr. Hideyo Noguchi Regional Research Center, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Aguilar-Tipacamú
- Cuerpo Academico, Salud Animal y Microbiologia Ambiental, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Mario Hidalgo-Ruiz
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Juan Mosqueda
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
- Cuerpo Academico, Salud Animal y Microbiologia Ambiental, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
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Zhang J, Wang J, Wang C. Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Analysis of the First Ehrlichia canis Isolate in China. Microorganisms 2024; 12:125. [PMID: 38257951 PMCID: PMC10820421 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis, a prominent tick-borne pathogen causing canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), is one of the six recognized Ehrlichia species worldwide. Despite its widespread presence in ticks and host dogs in China, comprehensive genomic information about this pathogen remains limited. This study focuses on an in-depth analysis of E. canis YZ-1, isolated and cultured from an infected dog in China. The complete genome of E. canis YZ-1 was sequenced (1,314,789 bp, 1022 genes, 29% GC content, and 73% coding bases), systematically characterizing its genomic elements and functions. Comparative analysis with representative genomes of Ehrlichia species, including E. canis strain Jake, E. chaffeensis, Ehrlichia spp., E. muris, E. ruminantium, and E. minasensis, revealed conserved genes, indicating potential evolutionary connections with E. ruminantium. The observed reduction in virulence-associated genes, coupled with a type IV secretion system (T4SS), suggests an intricate balance between pathogenicity and host adaptation. The close relationship with E. canis Jake and E. chaffeensis, alongside nuanced genomic variations with E. ruminantium and E. mineirensis, underscores the need to explore emerging strains and advancements in sequencing technologies continuously. This genetic insight opens avenues for innovative medications, studies on probiotic resistance, development of new detection markers, and progress in vaccine development for ehrlichiosis. Further investigations into the functional significance of identified genes and their role in host-pathogen interactions will contribute to a more holistic comprehension of Ehrlichia's biology and its implications for pathogenicity and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Buczek W, Buczek A, Asman M, Bartosik K. Copulation of Ixodes ricinus males and females on the host and its potential impact on pathogen transmission. Ann Agric Environ Med 2023; 30:617-622. [PMID: 38153063 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/174105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE The common tick Ixodes ricinus is one of Europe's most important vectors of tick-borne diseases. The increased risk of attacks by this tick suggests the need for identification of factors contributing to the transmission of tick-borne pathogens, and the routes of pathogen circulation in nature. MATERIAL AND METHODS Polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the prevalence of four pathogens, i.e. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (Bb), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap), Babesia spp. (Bs), and Bartonella spp. (Ba) in I. ricinus females and males mating on dogs in south-central Poland. RESULTS The study revealed the presence of three pathogens: Bb, Ap, and Bs in 9.4%, 5.4%, and 5.4% of all I. ricinus adults in copula, respectively. Co-infection with two pathogens was detected in one tick specimen. Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes were isolated in two females and two males in copula, but the sexual transfer of the spirochetes between these specimens could not be clearly confirmed. CONCLUSIONS By increasing the feeding dynamics in females, the copulation of I. ricinus males with females attached to the host's skin may stimulate pathogen replication in tick tissues and migration from the gut to the salivary glands. Further investigations of the I. ricinus copulation on the host on female feeding and pathogen transmission may contribute to the elucidation of the eco-epidemiology of tick-borne diseases transmitted by this tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marek Asman
- Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Tang X, Lynn GE, Cui Y, Cerny J, Arora G, Tomayko MM, Craft J, Fikrig E. Bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing highlight immune pathways induced in individuals during an Ixodes scapularis tick bite. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0028223. [PMID: 37846980 PMCID: PMC10652856 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00282-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous arthropods that use a complex mixture of salivary proteins to evade host defenses while taking a blood meal. Little is known about the immunological and physiological consequences of tick feeding on humans. Here, we performed the first bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of skin and blood of four persons presenting with naturally acquired, attached Ixodes scapularis ticks. Pathways and individual genes associated with innate and adaptive immunity were identified based on bulk RNA sequencing, including interleukin-17 signaling and platelet activation pathways at the site of tick attachment or in peripheral blood. snRNA-seq further revealed that the Hippo signaling, cell adhesion, and axon guidance pathways were involved in the response to an I. scapularis bite in humans. Features of the host response in these individuals also overlapped with that of laboratory guinea pigs exposed to I. scapularis and which acquired resistance to ticks. These findings offer novel insights for the development of new biomarkers for I. scapularis exposure and anti-tick vaccines for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Tang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Geoffrey E. Lynn
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yingjun Cui
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jiri Cerny
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha-Suchdol, Czechia
| | - Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mary M. Tomayko
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joseph Craft
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Chisu V, Giua L, Bianco P, Masala G, Sechi S, Cocco R, Piredda I. Molecular Survey of Hepatozoon canis Infection in Domestic Dogs from Sardinia, Italy. Vet Sci 2023; 10:640. [PMID: 37999463 PMCID: PMC10674782 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne protozoans of the genus Hepatozoon have been associated with infections of domestic and wild animals over the world. The occurrence of these apicomplexan agents in Sardinia has been poorly explored so far. In this study, the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. has been investigated in domestic dogs from nine cities of Sardinia, Italy. Blood samples from each dog were collected and tested molecularly for the presence of Hepatozoon and Babesia/Theileria DNAs. Out of fifty-one dogs, nine were positive for Hepatozoon species based on the molecular detection of the parasite in blood samples. The phylogenetic relationships of strains detected here were also established. The PCR for amplification of the 18S rRNA fragment gene of Babesia/Theileria spp. did not give amplicons in any of the analyzed samples. Our results report the first molecular confirmation of Hepatozoon canis in Sardinian pet dogs and contribute to better understand the presence of these protozoans on the island. This study highlights the importance of recognizing and predicting the risk levels for the canine population, thus increasing the development of specific control measures. Also, since the distribution of hepatozoonosis is closely related to that of the definitive tick host, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, more accurate studies on Rhipicephalus ticks will be needed due to increasing the epidemiological knowledge of Hepatozoon species on the island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Pegreffi” della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (L.G.); (P.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Laura Giua
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Pegreffi” della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (L.G.); (P.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Piera Bianco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Pegreffi” della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (L.G.); (P.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Pegreffi” della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (L.G.); (P.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Sara Sechi
- Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Raffaella Cocco
- Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Ivana Piredda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Pegreffi” della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (L.G.); (P.B.); (G.M.)
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Kim D, Kim E, Kim S, Chung Y, Lai CJ, Cha I, Cho SD, Choi Y, Dai X, Kim S, Kang S, Kwak MJ, Liu Z, Choi Y, Park SH, Choi YK, Jung JU. Self-assembling Gn head ferritin nanoparticle vaccine provides full protection from lethal challenge of Dabie bandavirus in aged ferrets. mBio 2023; 14:e0186823. [PMID: 37712692 PMCID: PMC10653821 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01868-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Dabie bandavirus (DBV) is an emerging tick-borne virus that causes severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in infected patients. Human SFTS symptoms progress from fever, fatigue, and muscle pain to the depletion of white blood cells and platelets with fatality rates up to 30%. The recent spread of its vector tick to over 20 states in the United States increases the potential for outbreaks of the SFTS beyond the East Asia. Thus, the development of vaccine to control this rapidly emerging virus is a high priority. In this study, we applied self-assembling ferritin (FT) nanoparticle to enhance the immunogenicity of DBV Gn head domain (GnH) as a vaccine target. Mice immunized with the GnH-FT nanoparticle vaccine induced potent antibody responses and cellular immunity. Immunized aged ferrets were fully protected from the lethal challenge of DBV. Our study describes the GnH-FT nanoparticle vaccine candidate that provides protective immunity against the emerging DBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dokyun Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Eunha Kim
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Sciences, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Semi Kim
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Sciences, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Youseung Chung
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chih-Jen Lai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Inho Cha
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sung-Dong Cho
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunseo Choi
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Xinghong Dai
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephanie Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Seokmin Kang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mi-Jeong Kwak
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ziyi Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Younho Choi
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ki Choi
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Sciences, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae U. Jung
- Department of Cancer Biology, Infection Biology Program, and Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Foor SD, Brangulis K, Shakya AK, Rana VS, Bista S, Kitsou C, Ronzetti M, Alreja AB, Linden SB, Altieri AS, Baljinnyam B, Akopjana I, Nelson DC, Simeonov A, Herzberg O, Caimano MJ, Pal U. A unique borrelial protein facilitates microbial immune evasion. mBio 2023; 14:e0213523. [PMID: 37830812 PMCID: PMC10653885 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02135-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Lyme disease is a major tick-borne infection caused by a bacterial pathogen called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by ticks and affects hundreds of thousands of people every year. These bacterial pathogens are distinct from other genera of microbes because of their distinct features and ability to transmit a multi-system infection to a range of vertebrates, including humans. Progress in understanding the infection biology of Lyme disease, and thus advancements towards its prevention, are hindered by an incomplete understanding of the microbiology of B. burgdorferi, partly due to the occurrence of many unique borrelial proteins that are structurally unrelated to proteins of known functions yet are indispensable for pathogen survival. We herein report the use of diverse technologies to examine the structure and function of a unique B. burgdorferi protein, annotated as BB0238-an essential virulence determinant. We show that the protein is structurally organized into two distinct domains, is involved in multiplex protein-protein interactions, and facilitates tick-to-mouse pathogen transmission by aiding microbial evasion of early host cellular immunity. We believe that our findings will further enrich our understanding of the microbiology of B. burgdorferi, potentially impacting the future development of novel prevention strategies against a widespread tick-transmitted infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby D. Foor
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Kalvis Brangulis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Anil K. Shakya
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Vipin S. Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Sandhya Bista
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Chrysoula Kitsou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Ronzetti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Adit B. Alreja
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara B. Linden
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Amanda S. Altieri
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Bolormaa Baljinnyam
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Inara Akopjana
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Daniel C. Nelson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Osnat Herzberg
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa J. Caimano
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, College Park, Maryland, USA
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10
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Zając Z, Kulisz J, Woźniak A, Bartosik K, Foucault-Simonin A, Moutailler S, Cabezas-Cruz A. Tick Activity, Host Range, and Tick-Borne Pathogen Prevalence in Mountain Habitats of the Western Carpathians, Poland. Pathogens 2023; 12:1186. [PMID: 37764994 PMCID: PMC10534405 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In mountainous regions, diverse ecosystems provide a habitat for numerous species of organisms. In this study, we focused on ixodid ticks and their presence in the Western Carpathians, Poland. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of environmental factors on tick occurrence and activity, the prevalence of vectored pathogens, and tick hosts, and their role as reservoir organisms for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). To this end, we collected ticks from the vegetation and from animals (Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis, Capreolus capreolus, Microtus spp., Myodes glareolus, Ovis aries). In addition, we collected blood samples from rodents. The collected material underwent molecular analysis, utilizing the high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR technique, to detect the presence of TBPs. Our findings confirmed the occurrence of only two species of ixodid ticks in the study area: the dominant Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus with very limited abundance. Temperature significantly influenced tick activity, and the number of I. ricinus nymphs varied with altitude. We also observed a circadian pattern of questing activity in I. ricinus ticks. The main hosts for juvenile tick stages were M. glareolus and A. agrarius, while adult stages were frequently found on C. capreolus. I. ricinus ticks collected from the vegetation were often infected with Rickettsia helvetica (up to 35.71%), Borrelia afzelii (up to 28.57%), and Ehrlichia spp. (up to 9.52%). In contrast, juvenile stages frequently carried Bartonella spp. (up to 10.00%), Mycoplasma spp. (up to 16.67%) and R. helvetica (up to 16.67%). Moreover, we detected genetic material of Mycoplasma spp. (up to 100.00%), Ehrlichia spp. (up to 35.71%), Bartonella spp. (up to 25.00%), and Borrelia spp. (up to 6.25%) in rodent blood samples. The obtained results indicate A. agrarius and M. glareolus as reservoir animals for TBPs in the studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.F.-S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.F.-S.); (S.M.)
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.F.-S.); (S.M.)
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11
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Zheng W, Zhao G, Xia Q. Assessment of Tick-Borne Diseases in Hainan Province, China. China CDC Wkly 2023; 5:822-828. [PMID: 37814632 PMCID: PMC10560333 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2023.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
China's six tropical regions include Guangdong Province, Yunnan Province, Hainan Province, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macau SAR, and Taiwan, China. Hainan, seated in the southernmost tropical region of China, is home to ticks that remain active throughout all four seasons. This heightens their potential to transmit tick-borne diseases to both animals and humans. This study provides a succinct overview of the prevailing tick species' spatial distribution and offers an outline of the range and dispersion of emerging tick-borne infections in tick vectors, animal hosts, and human populations within Hainan, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China
| | - Guangyuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China
| | - Qianfeng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China
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12
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Genné D, Jiricka W, Sarr A, Voordouw MJ. Tick-to-host transmission differs between Borrelia afzelii strains. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0167523. [PMID: 37676027 PMCID: PMC10580945 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01675-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many vector-borne pathogens establish multiple-strain infections in the vertebrate host and the arthropod vector. Multiple-strain infections in the host influence strain acquisition by naive vectors. Whether multiple-strain infections in the vector influence strain-specific transmission to naive hosts remains unknown. The spirochete, Borrelia afzelii, causes Lyme borreliosis and multiple-strain infections are common in both the tick vector and vertebrate host. Our study used two B. afzelii strains: Fin-Jyv-A3 and NE4049. Donor mice were infected with Fin-Jyv-A3 alone, NE4049 alone, or with both strains. Larval ticks fed on donor mice and molted into nymphal ticks infected with either strain or both strains. These nymphs were fed on test mice to determine whether multiple-strain infections in the nymph influence nymph-to-host transmission (NHT). Multiple-strain infection in the donor mice reduced the acquisition of both strains by ticks by 23%. Thus, a substantial fraction of infected nymphs from the multiple strain treatment were infected with the "wrong" competitor strain rather than the "right" focal strain. As a result, nymphs from the multiple strain treatment were 46% less likely to infect the test mice with the focal strain compared to nymphs from the single strain treatment. However, multiple-strain infection in the nymphal tick had no effect on the NHT of either strain. The nymphal spirochete load of Fin-Jyv-A3 was 1.9 times higher compared to NE4049. NHT of Fin-Jyv-A3 (79%) was 1.5 times higher compared to NE4049 (53%). Our study suggests that B. afzelii strains with higher nymphal spirochete loads have higher NHT. IMPORTANCE For many vector-borne pathogens, multiple-strain infections in the vertebrate host or arthropod vector are common. Multiple-strain infections in the host reduce strain acquisition by feeding vectors. Whether multiple-strain infections in the vector influence strain transmission to the host remains unknown. In our study, we used two strains of the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia afzelii, which causes Lyme borreliosis, to investigate whether multiple-strain infections in the nymphal tick influenced nymph-to-host transmission (NHT) of strains. Multiple-strain infections in mice reduced the acquisition of both B. afzelii strains by nymphal ticks. As a result, nymphs from the multiple strain treatment were less likely to infect naive test mice with the focal strain. Multiple-strain infection in the nymphal ticks did not influence the NHT of either strain. The strain with the higher bacterial abundance in the nymph had higher NHT. Our study suggests that pathogen abundance in the arthropod vector is important for vector-to-host transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Genné
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Parasites, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Whitney Jiricka
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Anouk Sarr
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Parasites, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Maarten J. Voordouw
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Parasites, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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13
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Shi Q, Song FL, Yang Y, Gao YF, Ci Y, Cheng XL, Nie C, Liu LJ, Zhang XL, Wang J. Epidemiological and Molecular Study on Tick-Borne Pathogens in Argun Port Area Near the Chinese-Russian Border. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:447-457. [PMID: 37695821 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: We aim to investigate the species composition of ticks and the pathogen characteristics they carry in the Argun port area of the China-Russia border. Materials and Methods: Ticks were collected in surrounding grassland, mixed forest land, and other different habitats around the Argun port area at the Sino-Russian Border of Inner Mongolia in China in April 2019. The presence of 16 potential pathogens, including Yersinia Pestis, Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii (Cb), Anaplasma sp. (Ap), spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFG Rk), Borrelia sp. (Bl), Leptospira, Bartonella spp., Babesia, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, Bhanja virus, West Nile Virus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus, Hantaan virus, and bocavirus (boca) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. The DNA and amino acid sequences of tick-borne pathogens were compared for homology, and the phylogenetic trees were constructed by using Mega and Lasergene software. Results: A total of 210 ticks were collected and they belonged to three species: Dermacentor nuttalli, Ixodes persulcatus, and Haemaphysalis verticalis. Among them, 165 (78.57%) ticks tested positive for 5 pathogens, namely Ap, SFG Rk, Cb, Bl, and boca. Fifteen (7.14%) ticks were detected coinfection with two pathogens, and none were coinfected with three or more pathogens. Conclusion: This study shows the prevalence of at least five tick-borne pathogens in Argun, and there is a risk of coinfection by two pathogens in one tick. This study reveals the great importance of controlling tick-borne diseases in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genome and Precision Medicine Technologies, Institute of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Lin Song
- Dalian International Travel Healthcare Center (Dalian Customs Port Clinic), Dalian Customs District, Dalian, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genome and Precision Medicine Technologies, Institute of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Feng Gao
- Dalian International Travel Healthcare Center (Dalian Customs Port Clinic), Dalian Customs District, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Ci
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genome and Precision Medicine Technologies, Institute of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Cheng
- Dalian International Travel Healthcare Center (Dalian Customs Port Clinic), Dalian Customs District, Dalian, China
| | - Cong Nie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genome and Precision Medicine Technologies, Institute of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Juan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genome and Precision Medicine Technologies, Institute of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Long Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genome and Precision Medicine Technologies, Institute of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genome and Precision Medicine Technologies, Institute of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
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14
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Mancuso E, Di Domenico M, Di Gialleonardo L, Menegon M, Toma L, Di Luca M, Casale F, Di Donato G, D’Onofrio L, De Rosa A, Riello S, Ferri A, Serra L, Monaco F. Tick Species Diversity and Molecular Identification of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae Collected from Migratory Birds Arriving from Africa. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2036. [PMID: 37630596 PMCID: PMC10458931 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens along their routes from Africa to Europe is increasingly emerging. Wild birds can host several tick species, often infected by bacteria responsible for zoonoses. The aim of the study is to assess the possible introduction of exotic ticks carried by migratory birds into Italy from Africa and to detect the presence of Rickettsia species and Coxiella burnetii they may harbor. During a two-year survey, we collected ticks from migratory birds captured during their short stop-over on Ventotene Island. Specimens were first identified by morphology or sequencing molecular targets when needed, and then tested by real-time PCR for the presence of selected pathogens. A total of 91% of the collection consisted of sub-Saharan ticks, more than 50% of which were infected by Rickettsia species belonging to the spotted fever group, mainly represented by R. aeschlimannii. In contrast, the suspected C. burnetii detected in two soft ticks were confirmed as Coxiella-like endosymbionts and not the pathogen. Although there are still gaps in the knowledge of this dispersal process, our findings confirm the role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, suggesting the need for a continuous surveillance to monitor the potential emergence of new diseases in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mancuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Luigina Di Gialleonardo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Michela Menegon
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (M.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Luciano Toma
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (M.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (M.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesca Casale
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (M.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Guido Di Donato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Laura D’Onofrio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Angela De Rosa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Sara Riello
- Riserva Naturale Statale “Isole di Ventotene e Santo Stefano”, 04031 Ventotene, Italy;
| | - Andrea Ferri
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy; (A.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Lorenzo Serra
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy; (A.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (L.D.G.); (G.D.D.); (L.D.); (A.D.R.); (F.M.)
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15
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Lee CE, Ikeda JH, Manongdo MAM, Romerosa DRT, Sandalo-De Ramos KAC, Tanaka T, Galay RL. Molecular detection of Bartonella and Borrelia in pet dogs in Metro Manila and Laguna, Philippines. Vet World 2023; 16:1546-1551. [PMID: 37621544 PMCID: PMC10446707 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1546-1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Bartonella and Borrelia are zoonotic vector-borne pathogens that can infect dogs and humans. Data on Bartonella and Borrelia in dogs in the Philippines are lacking. This study was conducted to validate previous reports and further investigate the occurrence of Bartonella and Borrelia spp. in cities of Metro Manila. Materials and Methods A total of 182 canine blood samples were acquired with DNA using a commercial extraction kit from selected veterinary clinics in the cities of Metro Manila and Laguna, Philippines. The mammalian actin was amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by PCR assays targeting Bartonella gltA and Borrelia flaB. Further PCR assays targeting 16S of Borrelia and ospA and ospC of Borrelia burgdorferi were performed for those that showed flaB bands. Results A positive band for gltA of Bartonella was observed in 9 (4.95%) samples, whereas a positive band for flaB of Borrelia was observed in 15 (8.24%) samples. Subsequent PCR assays for other genes of Borrelia were negative. Conclusion These results confirmed the presence of Bartonella and warranted further investigation for the possible presence of other Borrelia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae Eun Lee
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Jeong Hee Ikeda
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Mikaella Andrea M. Manongdo
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Dan Rica T. Romerosa
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Kristina Andrea C. Sandalo-De Ramos
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Remil L. Galay
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
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16
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Piloto-Sardiñas E, Foucault-Simonin A, Wu-Chuang A, Mateos-Hernández L, Marrero-Perera R, Abuin-Denis L, Roblejo-Arias L, Díaz-Corona C, Zając Z, Kulisz J, Woźniak A, Moutailler S, Corona-González B, Cabezas-Cruz A. Dynamics of Infections in Cattle and Rhipicephalus microplus: A Preliminary Study. Pathogens 2023; 12:998. [PMID: 37623958 PMCID: PMC10458817 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12080998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) pose a significant threat to livestock, including bovine species. This study aimed to investigate TBPs in cattle and ticks across four sampling points, utilizing real-time microfluidic PCR. The results revealed that Rhipicephalus microplus ticks were found infesting all animals. Among the detected TBPs in cattle, Anaplasma marginale was the most frequently identified, often as a single infection, although mixed infections involving Rickettsia felis, uncharacterized Rickettsia sp., and Anaplasma sp. were also observed. In ticks, A. marginale was predominant, along with R. felis, Rickettsia sp., and Ehrlichia sp. It is noteworthy that although A. marginale consistently infected all cattle during various sampling times, this pathogen was not detected in all ticks. This suggests a complex dynamic of pathogen acquisition by ticks. A phylogenetic analysis focused on the identification of Anaplasma species using amplified 16S rDNA gene fragments revealed the presence of A. marginale and Anaplasma platys strains in bovines. These findings underscore the presence of multiple TBPs in both cattle and ticks, with A. marginale being the most prevalent. Understanding the dynamics and phylogenetics of TBPs is crucial for developing effective control strategies to mitigate tick-borne diseases in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; (E.P.-S.); (A.F.-S.); (A.W.-C.); (L.M.-H.); (L.A.-D.)
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas 32700, Mayabeque, Cuba; (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (C.D.-C.)
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; (E.P.-S.); (A.F.-S.); (A.W.-C.); (L.M.-H.); (L.A.-D.)
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; (E.P.-S.); (A.F.-S.); (A.W.-C.); (L.M.-H.); (L.A.-D.)
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; (E.P.-S.); (A.F.-S.); (A.W.-C.); (L.M.-H.); (L.A.-D.)
| | - Roxana Marrero-Perera
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas 32700, Mayabeque, Cuba; (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (C.D.-C.)
| | - Lianet Abuin-Denis
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; (E.P.-S.); (A.F.-S.); (A.W.-C.); (L.M.-H.); (L.A.-D.)
| | - Lisset Roblejo-Arias
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas 32700, Mayabeque, Cuba; (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (C.D.-C.)
| | - Cristian Díaz-Corona
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas 32700, Mayabeque, Cuba; (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (C.D.-C.)
| | - Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (Z.Z.); (J.K.); (A.W.)
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (Z.Z.); (J.K.); (A.W.)
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (Z.Z.); (J.K.); (A.W.)
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; (E.P.-S.); (A.F.-S.); (A.W.-C.); (L.M.-H.); (L.A.-D.)
| | - Belkis Corona-González
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas 32700, Mayabeque, Cuba; (R.M.-P.); (L.R.-A.); (C.D.-C.)
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; (E.P.-S.); (A.F.-S.); (A.W.-C.); (L.M.-H.); (L.A.-D.)
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17
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Jaworski DC, Wang Y, Nair A, Liu H, Ganta RR. Multiple Ehrlichia chaffeensis genes critical for persistent infection in a vertebrate host are identified as nonessential for its growth in the tick vector; Amblyomma americanum. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1220025. [PMID: 37457955 PMCID: PMC10349175 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1220025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis is a tick-transmitted monocytic ehrlichiosis agent primarily causing the disease in people and dogs. We recently described the development and characterization of 55 random mutations in E. chaffeensis, which aided in defining the critical nature of many bacterial genes for its growth in a physiologically relevant canine infection model. In the current study, we tested 45 of the mutants for their infectivity ability to the pathogen's tick vector; Amblyomma americanum. Four mutations resulted in the pathogen's replication deficiency in the tick, similar to the vertebrate host. Mutations causing growth defects in both vertebrate and tick hosts included in genes coding for a predicted alpha/beta hydrolase, a putative dicarboxylate amino acid:cation symporter, a T4SS protein, and predicted membrane-bound proteins. Three mutations caused the bacterial defective growth only in the tick vector, which represented putative membrane proteins. Ten mutations causing no growth defect in the canine host similarly grew well in the tick vector. Mutations in 28 genes/genomic locations causing E. chaffeensis growth attenuation in the canine host were recognized as non-essential for its growth in the tick vector. The tick non-essential genes included genes coding for many metabolic pathway- and outer membrane-associated proteins. This study documents novel vector- and host-specific differences in E. chaffeensis for its functional gene requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah C. Jaworski
- Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Ying Wang
- Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Arathy Nair
- Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Huitao Liu
- Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Roman R. Ganta
- Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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18
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Buczek W, Buczek A, Witecka J, Asman M. Prevalence of pathogens in sympatric Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in Eastern Poland and their potential impact on oral-anal contacts between ticks. Ann Agric Environ Med 2023; 30:259-265. [PMID: 37387375 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/167427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Little is known about interspecific contacts between ticks. Therefore, this study focused on the investigation of factors that may influence interspecific contacts between Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ixodes ricinus males and D. reticulatus females involved in oral-anal contacts (group I) and questing specimens with no such behaviour (group II) collected in eastern Poland were examined using molecular techniques to detect Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (Bb), Rickettsia spp. (Rs), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Toxoplasma gondii. RESULTS An extremely high infection rate of Bb and Rs was determined in I. ricinus males (in groups I: 100% and 46.15% and group II: 90% and 40%, respectively) and D. reticulatus females (in group I: 84.61% and 61.53% and in group II: 90% and 20%, respectively). The prevalence of other pathogens in these ticks was substantially lower. Co-infection with pathogens was detected in approximately 53% of ticks. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that tick-borne pathogens may have influenced the sexual behaviour of their vectors. The oral-anal contacts between I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks are probably stimulated by Bb and/or Rs. The presence of five pathogens and numerous co-infections in the analysed ticks indicates a risk of various human infectious diseases in the study region. Further studies are required to clarify the implications of oral-anal interspecific tick interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Buczek
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Alicja Buczek
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Witecka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marek Asman
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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19
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Mohseni N, Chang M, Garcia K, Weakley M, Do T, Mir S. Development of a Syndromic Molecular Diagnostic Assay for Tick-Borne Pathogens Using Barcoded Magnetic Bead Technology. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0439522. [PMID: 37166314 PMCID: PMC10269837 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04395-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious disease diagnostics often depend on costly serological testing with poor sensitivity, low specificity, and long turnaround time. Here, we demonstrate proof of the principle for simultaneous detection of two tick-borne pathogens from a single test sample using barcoded magnetic bead technology on the BioCode 2500 system. Specific primer sets complementary to the conserved genes of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi were used in PCR amplification of the target, followed by the hybridization of the resulting biotinylated PCR products with specific probes tethered to the barcoded magnetic beads for simultaneous detection, using a fluorophore with high quantum yield. The assay has an extremely high signal to background ratio, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.81 50% tissue culture infection dose (TCID50)/mL and 1 CFU/mL for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi, respectively. The observed LOD for gene blocks was 1.8 copies/reaction for both the pathogens. The assay demonstrated 100% positive and negative agreement on performance evaluation using patient specimens and blood samples spiked with 1 × LOD of pathogen stock. No cross-reactivity was observed with other related tick-borne pathogens and genomic DNA of human, cattle, and canine origin. The assay can be upgraded to a sensitive and cost-effective multiplex diagnostic approach that can simultaneously detect multiple clinically important tick-borne pathogens in a single sample with a short turnaround time. IMPORTANCE The low pathogen load in the tick-borne disease test samples and the lack of highly sensitive multiplex diagnostic approaches have impacted diagnosis during clinical testing and limited surveillance studies to gauge prior insight about the prevalence of tick-borne infections in a geographical area. This article demonstrates proof of the principle for simultaneous detection of two important tick-borne pathogens from a single test sample using digital barcoded magnetic bead technology. Using a fluorophore of high quantum yield, the diagnostic approach showed high sensitivity and specificity. The LOD was 1.8 genome copies per reaction for both A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi. The assay can be upgraded for the detection of all clinically important tick-borne pathogens from a single patient sample with high sensitivity and specificity. The assay can provide a diagnostic answer to the clinician in a short turnaround time to facilitate speedy therapeutic intervention to infected patients and implement public health measures to prevent community spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazleeen Mohseni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Mariann Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Kathryn Garcia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Mina Weakley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Tram Do
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Sheema Mir
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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20
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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21
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Pascoe EL, Vaughn CE, Jones MI, Barrett RH, Foley JE, Lane RS. Recovery of western black-legged tick and vertebrate populations after a destructive wildfire in an intensively-studied woodland in northern California. J Vector Ecol 2023; 48:19-36. [PMID: 37255356 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-48.1.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite increasing severity and frequency of wildfires, knowledge about how fire impacts the ecology of tick-borne pathogens is limited. In 2018, the River Fire burned a forest in the far-western U.S.A. where the ecology of tick-borne pathogens had been studied for decades. Forest structure, avifauna, large and small mammals, lizards, ticks, and tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi) were assessed after the wildfire in 2019 and 2020. Burning reduced canopy cover and eliminated the layer of thick leaf litter that hosted free-living ticks, which over time was replaced by forbs and grasses. Tick abundance and the vertebrate host community changed dramatically. Avian species adapted to cavity nesting became most prevalent, while the number of foliage-foraging species increased by 83% as vegetation regenerated. Nine mammalian species were observed on camera traps, including sentinel (black-tailed jackrabbits) and reservoir hosts (western gray squirrels) of B. burgdorferi. One Peromyscus sp. mouse was captured in 2019 but by 2020, numbers were rebounding (n=37), although tick infestations on rodents remained sparse (0.2/rodent). However, western fence lizards (n=19) hosted 8.6 ticks on average in 2020. Assays for pathogens found no B. miyamotoi in either questing or host-feeding ticks, A. phagocytophilum DNA in 4% (1/23) in 2019, and 17% (29/173) in 2020 for questing and host-feeding ticks combined, and B. burgdorferi DNA in just 1% of all ticks collected in 2020 (2/173). We conclude that a moderately severe wildfire can have dramatic impacts on the ecology of tick-borne pathogens, with changes posited to continue for multiple years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Pascoe
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A.,
| | - Charles E Vaughn
- University of California Hopland Research and Extension Center, Hopland, CA 95449, U.S.A
| | - Michael I Jones
- University of California Cooperative Extension-Mendocino County, Ukiah, CA 95482, U.S.A
| | - Reginald H Barrett
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A
| | - Janet E Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A
| | - Robert S Lane
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A
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22
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Wilhelmsson P, Lindgren PE, Fransson T, Grandi G, Olsen B, Nilsson K. Candidatus Rickettsia Vini DNA in Ticks Collected from Nest Burrows of the European Sand Martin ( Riparia riparia) in Sweden. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023. [PMID: 37204319 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Birds can cross geographical and environmental barriers and thereby facilitate dispersal of tick-borne pathogens both as carriers of infected ticks and as reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms. Ixodes lividus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is an endophilic tick in the Palearctic region that is highly specialized on its host, the European sand martin Riparia riparia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether I. lividus ticks sampled from sand martin nests in Sweden carry vector-borne pathogens. Materials and Methods: Fed ticks were collected in the autumns of 2017 and 2019 from the nests of a European sand martin colony in southern Sweden. Ticks were identified morphologically to developmental stage and species and were tested for tick-borne pathogens using PCR-based methods. Results: None of the 41 ticks tested positive for five tick-borne pathogens including Borrelia spp., tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia spp. Thirty-seven (13 females, 23 nymphs and 1 larva) of the 41 ticks tested positive for the gltA gene of Rickettsia spp. The sequences of the 17 kDa and gltA genes were most closely related to Candidatus Rickettsia vini. Conclusion: Our study confirms other reports that I. lividus ticks associated with the European sand martin have high infection prevalence of Ca. R. vini.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wilhelmsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden
- National Reference Laboratory for Borrelia and Other Tick-Borne Bacteria, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Thord Fransson
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giulio Grandi
- Section for Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Olsen
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kenneth Nilsson
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Unit of Clinical Bacteriology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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23
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Richardson SS, Mainville CA, Arguello-Marin A, Whalley D, Burton W, Breitschwerdt EB, Qurollo BA. A second-generation, point-of-care immunoassay provided improved detection of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia antibodies in PCR-positive dogs naturally infected with Anaplasma or Ehrlichia species. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023:10406387231172723. [PMID: 37161312 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231172723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A validated second-generation SNAP 4Dx Plus (Idexx) incorporates new peptides for improved detection of antibodies against Anaplasma and Ehrlichia tick-borne pathogens in dogs. We compared the first- and second-generation SNAP 4Dx Plus using dogs naturally infected with Anaplasma or Ehrlichia species, or dogs seroreactive by an E. canis indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The second-generation immunoassay was more sensitive than the first-generation for dogs infected with A. phagocytophilum (51.1% and 29.2%, respectively), A. platys (63.6% and 35.3%, respectively), E. canis (96.2% and 88.3%, respectively), or E. ewingii (73.7% and 70.8%, respectively), and for dogs seroreactive by E. canis IFAT (87.3% and 83.9%, respectively). The second-generation immunoassay detected significantly more Anaplasma- or Ehrlichia-infected dogs that were Anaplasma (p < 0.001) or Ehrlichia (p = 0.031) seroreactive, respectively, than did the first-generation test. When Ehrlichia seroreactivity by E. canis IFAT and both immunoassays was compared, significantly more E. canis-infected dogs were seroreactive by E. canis IFAT than the first-generation (p = 0.006) but not the second-generation (p = 0.125) immunoassay. Significantly more E. ewingii-infected dogs were seroreactive by the first- (p = 0.011) and second-generation (p = 0.049) immunoassays than the E. canis IFAT. Medical records available for 7 dogs that were Anaplasma seroreactive by the second-generation but not the first-generation immunoassay revealed case management decisions that might have been different with an immediate anaplasmosis diagnosis, including earlier doxycycline therapy and less hospitalization. The second-generation SNAP 4Dx Plus test offered improved serologic detection of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in naturally infected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safari S Richardson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Barbara A Qurollo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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24
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Kim KT, Seo MG. Molecular analysis of Rickettsia spp. and related tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs in Korea. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106934. [PMID: 37142151 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are widespread in nature and serve as primary vectors for several tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). Ticks and TBPs cause considerable harm to humans and animals and have emerged as a major global public health concern. Domestic dogs are the major reservoirs of zoonotic agents owing to their constant interaction with humans. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of canine TBPs, such as Rickettsiales, Coxiella burnetii, hepatozoa, and Borrelia spp., using molecular analyses. A total of 906 dogs were examined and 4 TBPs were identified: Anaplasma phagocytophilum (5; 0.6%), Hepatozoon canis (9; 1.0%), Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (2; 0.2%), and Rickettsia tamurae (1; 0.1%). Ehrlichia spp., C. burnetii, and Borrelia spp. were not detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to perform a phylogenetic analysis of Candidatus R. longicornii and R. tamurae in dogs. These findings can help determine the potential public health risks by enhancing our understanding of the geographical and vector distributions of TBPs in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoo-Tae Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - Min-Goo Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea.
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25
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Sormunen JJ, Mäkelä S, Klemola T, Alale TY, Vesterinen EJ. Voles, shrews and red squirrels as sources of tick blood meals and tick-borne pathogens on an island in southwestern Finland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102134. [PMID: 36746092 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular identification of the previous blood meal source of a questing tick (Acari: Ixodidae) from blood meal fragments was proposed a few decades ago. Following this, several blood meal assays have been developed and published, but none of them have been taken into widespread use. Recently, novel retrotransposon-based qPCR assays designed for detecting blood meal fragments of North American host species were published. We wanted to assess their function with host species present in Finland. Questing ticks were collected by cloth dragging in August-September 2021 from an island in southwestern Finland. DNA was extracted from Ixodes ricinus nymphs (n=438) and qPCR assays applied to identify larval blood meal sources (voles, shrews and red squirrels) and screen for several tick-borne human pathogens and other microbes with pathogenic potential [Borrelia spp. (including specific assays for Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia valaisiana), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Neoehrlichia mikurensis]. The probability of a nymph having fed as larva on either a vole, shrew or red squirrel was 0.34 (0.30 - 0.38; 95% confidence interval). Bacteria of the genus Borrelia were the most common pathogens detected, with host-specific probabilities of carrying Borrelia of 0.30 (0.18 - 0.44) for nymphs that had fed on voles, 0.23 (0.14 - 0.35) for nymphs that had fed on shrews, and 0.42 (0.28 - 0.58) for nymphs that had fed on red squirrels. Other microbes were rarely acquired from these hosts, apart from N. mikurensis from voles. This study highlights that shrews and red squirrels may equal voles as blood meal sources for I. ricinus larvae. Overall, variation in proportions of blood meals provided by these animals may be high across even proximate study areas. All studied host species appeared to be important sources for particularly Borrelia afzelii, and voles also for N. mikurensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani J Sormunen
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.
| | - Satu Mäkelä
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Tero Klemola
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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26
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Paguem A, Manchang K, Kamtsap P, Renz A, Schaper S, Dobler G, Bakkes DK, Chitimia-Dobler L. Ticks and Rickettsiae Associated with Wild Animals Sold in Bush Meat Markets in Cameroon. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020348. [PMID: 36839620 PMCID: PMC9964434 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligate blood-sucking parasites of wild animals and transmit many zoonotic microorganisms that can spread to domesticated animals and then to humans. In Cameroon, little is known about tick diversity among wildlife, especially for animals which are hunted for human consumption. Therefore, this survey was undertaken to investigate tick and Rickettsia species diversity parasitizing the wild animals sold in bush meat markets in Cameroon. In total, 686 ticks were collected and identified to the species level based on morphology, and some were genetically analyzed using the 16S rRNA gene. Eighteen tick species belonging to five genera were identified: Amblyomma spp. (Amblyomma compressum, Amblyomma flavomaculatum, and Amblyomma variegatum), Haemaphysalis spp. (Haemaphysalis camicasi, Haemaphysalis houyi, Haemaphysalis leachi, and Haemaphysalis parmata), Hyalomma spp. (Hyalomma nitidum, Hyalomma rufipes, and Hyalomma truncatum), Ixodes spp. (Ixodes rasus and Ixodes moreli), and Rhipicephalus spp. (Rhipicephalus guilhoni, Rhipicephalus moucheti, Rhipicephalus muhsamae, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus camicasi, and Rhipicephalus linnaei). In terms of Rickettsia important for public health, two Rickettsia spp., namely Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae, were detected in Hyalomma spp. and Amblyomma spp., respectively. Distinct tick-pathogen patterns were present for divergent sequences of R. africae associated with exclusively A. variegatum vectors (type strain) versus vectors comprising A. compressum, A. flavomaculatum, and A. variegatum. This suggests possible effects of vector species population dynamics on pathogen population circulation dynamics. Furthermore, Candidatus Rickettsia africaustralis was detected for the first time in Cameroon in I. rasus. This study highlights the high diversity of ticks among wildlife sold in bush meat markets in Cameroon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archile Paguem
- Department of Comparative Zoology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Kingsley Manchang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
- Bangangte Multipurpose Research Station, Bangangte P.O. Box 222, Cameroon
| | - Pierre Kamtsap
- Department of Comparative Zoology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alfons Renz
- Department of Comparative Zoology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Schaper
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Deon K. Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Richardson EA, Roe RM, Apperson CS, Ponnusamy L. Rickettsia amblyommatis in Ticks: A Review of Distribution, Pathogenicity, and Diversity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020493. [PMID: 36838458 PMCID: PMC9960904 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia amblyommatis is a potentially pathogenic species of Rickettsia within the spotted fever group vectored by ticks. While many studies have been published on this species, there is debate over its pathogenicity and the inhibitory role it plays in diagnosing illnesses caused by other spotted fever group Rickettsia species. Many publications have recorded the high infection prevalence of R. amblyommatis in tick populations at a global scale. While this species is rather ubiquitous, questions remain over the epidemiological importance of this possible human pathogen. With tick-borne diseases on the rise, understanding the exact role that R. amblyommatis plays as a pathogen and inhibitor of infection relative to other tick-borne pathogens will help public health efforts. The goal of this review was to compile the known literature on R. amblyommatis, review what we know about its geographic distribution, tick vectors, and pathogenicity, assess relatedness between various international strains from ticks by phylogenetic analysis and draw conclusions regarding future research needed.
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Tadesse H, Grillini M, Simonato G, Mondin A, Dotto G, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Kumsa B, Cassini R, Menandro ML. Epidemiological Survey on Tick-Borne Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Dog Populations of Southern Ethiopia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8. [PMID: 36828518 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs are known to host several tick-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential; however, scant information is available on the epidemiology of these pathogens in low-income tropical countries and in particular in sub-Saharan Africa. With the aim of investigating a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (i.e., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Erhlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Babesia spp.), 273 blood samples were collected from dogs in selected districts of Ethiopia and analyzed by real-time and/or end-point PCR. The results of the study showed that Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent pathogen (53.8%), followed by Anaplasma phagocythophilum (7.0%), Babesia canis rossi (3.3%), Ehrlichia canis (2.6%) and Anaplasma platys (2.2%). Furthermore, five samples tested positive for Borrelia spp., identified as Borrelia afzelii (n = 3) and Borrelia burgdorferi (n = 2), and two samples for Rickettsia spp., identified as Rickettsia conorii (n = 1) and Rickettsia monacensis (n = 1). The finding of Anaplasma phagocythophilum and different species of the genera Borrelia and Rickettsia with zoonotic potential was unexpected and alarming, and calls for further investigation on the roles of dogs and on the tick, species acting as vector in this specific context. Other pathogens (Hepatozoon canis, Babaesia canis rossi, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis) are already known to have an important impact on the dogs' health but have minor zoonotic potential as they were rarely or never reported in humans. Dogs from rural areas were found to be at higher risk for different pathogens, probably due to the presence of other wild canids in the same environment. The findings of the present study contribute to a better knowledge of the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens, which is relevant to human and animal health.
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Ghafar A, Davies N, Tadepalli M, Breidahl A, Death C, Haros P, Li Y, Dann P, Cabezas-Cruz A, Moutailler S, Foucault-Simonin A, Gauci CG, Stenos J, Hufschmid J, Jabbar A. Unravelling the Diversity of Microorganisms in Ticks from Australian Wildlife. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020153. [PMID: 36839425 PMCID: PMC9967841 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a significant threat to the health and welfare of humans and animals. Our knowledge about pathogens carried by ticks of Australian wildlife is limited. This study aimed to characterise ticks and tick-borne microorganisms from a range of wildlife species across six sites in Victoria, Australia. Following morphological and molecular characterisation (targeting 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase I), tick DNA extracts (n = 140) were subjected to microfluidic real-time PCR-based screening for the detection of microorganisms and Rickettsia-specific real-time qPCRs. Five species of ixodid ticks were identified, including Aponomma auruginans, Ixodes (I.) antechini, I. kohlsi, I. tasmani and I. trichosuri. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA sequences of I. tasmani revealed two subclades, indicating a potential cryptic species. The microfluidic real-time PCR detected seven different microorganisms as a single (in 13/45 ticks) or multiple infections (27/45). The most common microorganisms detected were Apicomplexa (84.4%, 38/45) followed by Rickettsia sp. (55.6%, 25/45), Theileria sp. (22.2% 10/45), Bartonella sp. (17.8%, 8/45), Coxiella-like sp. (6.7%, 3/45), Hepatozoon sp. (2.2%, 1/45), and Ehrlichia sp. (2.2%, 1/45). Phylogenetic analyses of four Rickettsia loci showed that the Rickettsia isolates detected herein potentially belonged to a novel species of Rickettsia. This study demonstrated that ticks of Australian wildlife carry a diverse array of microorganisms. Given the direct and indirect human-wildlife-livestock interactions, there is a need to adopt a One Health approach for continuous surveillance of tick-associated pathogens/microorganisms to minimise the associated threats to animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Ghafar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Nick Davies
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Mythili Tadepalli
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Amanda Breidahl
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Clare Death
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Philip Haros
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Park, P.O. Box 97, Cowes, VIC 3922, Australia
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Charles G. Gauci
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Jasmin Hufschmid
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
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Hoffmann A, Müller T, Fingerle V, Silaghi C, Noll M. Co-Infection of Potential Tick-Borne Pathogens of the Order Rickettsiales and Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. and Their Link to Season and Area in Germany. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010157. [PMID: 36677449 PMCID: PMC9861244 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of potential human pathogenic members of the order Rickettsiales differs between Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato-positive and -negative tick microbiomes. Here, co-infection of members of the order Rickettsiales, such as Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Wolbachia pipientis, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis as well as B. burgdorferi s.l. in the tick microbiome was addressed. This study used conventional PCRs to investigate the diversity and prevalence of the before-mentioned bacteria in 760 nucleic acid extracts of I. ricinus ticks detached from humans, which were previously tested for B. burgdorferi s.l.. A gltA gene-based amplicon sequencing approach was performed to identify Rickettsia species. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. (16.7%, n = 127) and W. pipientis (15.9%, n = 121) were similar, while A. phagocytophilum was found in 2.8% (n = 21) and N. mikurensis in 0.1% (n = 1) of all ticks. Co-infection of B. burgdorferi s. l. with Rickettsia spp. was most frequent. The gltA gene sequencing indicated that Rickettsia helvetica was the dominant Rickettsia species in tick microbiomes. Moreover, R, monacensis and R. raoultii were correlated with autumn and area south, respectively, and a negative B. burgdorferi s. l. finding. Almost every fifth tick carried DNA of at least two of the human pathogenic bacteria studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeline Hoffmann
- Institute for Bioanalysis, Department of Applied Sciences, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 96450 Coburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Synlab Medical Care Unit, Department of Molecular biology, Tick Laboratory, 92637 Weiden in der Oberpfalz, Germany
| | - Volker Fingerle
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), National Reference Center for Borrelia, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Noll
- Institute for Bioanalysis, Department of Applied Sciences, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 96450 Coburg, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9561-317-645
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31
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Kondethimmanahalli C, Ganta RR. Proteome analysis of Ehrlichia chaffeensis containing phagosome membranes revealed the presence of numerous bacterial and host proteins. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1070356. [PMID: 36619760 PMCID: PMC9816426 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1070356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-transmitted Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the causative agent for human monocytic ehrlichiosis, resides and multiplies within a host cell phagosome. Infection progression of E. chaffeensis includes internalization into a host cell by host cell membrane fusion events following engulfment leading to the formation of E. chaffeensis containing vacuole (ECV). Revealing the molecular composition of ECV is important in understanding the host cellular processes, evasion of host defense pathways and in defining host-pathogen interactions. ECVs purified from infected host cells were analyzed to define both host and bacterial proteomes associated with the phagosome membranes. About 160 bacterial proteins and 2,683 host proteins were identified in the ECV membranes. The host proteins included predominantly known phagosome proteins involved in phagocytic trafficking, fusion of vesicles, protein transport, Ras signaling pathway and pathogenic infection. Many highly expressed proteins were similar to the previously documented proteins of phagosome vacuole membranes containing other obligate pathogenic bacteria. The finding of many bacterial membrane proteins is novel; they included multiple outer membrane proteins, such as the p28-Omps, the 120 kDa protein, preprotein translocases, lipoproteins, metal binding proteins, and chaperonins, although the presence of ankyrin repeat proteins, several Type I and IV secretion system proteins is anticipated. This study demonstrates that ECV membrane is extensively modified by the pathogen. This study represents the first and the most comprehensive description of ECV membrane proteome. The identity of many host and Ehrlichia proteins in the ECV membrane will be a valuable to define pathogenic mechanisms critical for the replication of the pathogen within macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roman R. Ganta
- Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
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Pawełczyk O, Kotela D, Asman M, Witecka J, Wilhelmsson P, Bubel P, Solarz K. The First Records of Canine Babesiosis in Dogs from Dermacentor reticulatus-Free Zone in Poland. Pathogens 2022; 11. [PMID: 36422581 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne microorganisms belong to important etiological agents of many infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. Among them, there are haemoprotozoans of the Babesia genus, which infect erythrocytes of a host and may cause many clinical symptoms. Canine babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease in Southern and Central Europe. In this study, we report two cases of symptomatic canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis in domestic dogs from the Silesian Voivodeship, Poland, as well as the presence of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks detected on one of the Babesia-infected dogs (D. reticulatus-free zone). The molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Babesia canis in the dogs’ blood, and the sequencing analysis showed that the obtained sequence is 100% identical to the sequence of Babesia canis isolate 3469 (sequence ID: KX712122.1). Our findings should raise awareness of B. canis infection among dog owners and veterinarians in the region where B. canis was not previously reported in residential, non-traveling dogs, as well as ensuring that adequate diagnostic methods are available.
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D’Amico G, Ionică AM, Györke A, Dumitrache MO. Epidemiological Survey of the Main Tick-Borne Pathogens Infecting Dogs from the Republic of Moldova. Pathogens 2022; 11:1267. [PMID: 36365018 PMCID: PMC9697118 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant burden of tick-borne diseases (TBDs), epidemiologic studies are missing, and TBD awareness is low in the Republic of Moldova. Our study is the first to assess the prevalence of the main tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) infecting dogs in this country and associated risk factors. In this cross-sectional, multi-centre study (June 2018-July 2019), blood samples were collected from dogs presenting in veterinary clinics (Chişinău: N = 30) and hosted in public dog shelters (Cahul: N = 42; Chişinău: N = 48). TBPs were assessed by molecular techniques and risk factors by the logistic regression model. Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent TBP (15.8% [19/120]), followed by Babesia canis (11.7% [14/120]), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (5.8% [7/120]), and Bartonella spp. (0.8% [1/120]). Blood samples tested negative for Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Francisella tularensis, Anaplasma platys, and Ehrlichia canis. Dogs originating from the veterinary clinics had a higher prevalence of A. phagocytophilum infection than those from the shelters (16.6% versus 2.2%, respectively, p = 0.0292; OR: 27.0 [95%CI: 1.4-521.9]). Dogs from Chișinău had a higher prevalence of Hepatozoon canis infection versus those from Cahul (19.2% versus 9.5%, respectively, p = 0.0295; OR: 3.9 [95%CI: 1.1-13.4]). We recommend routine use of acaricides and deworming of dogs to prevent or/and limit TBD spread. Further TBD surveillance studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D’Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Györke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Gofton AW, Blasdell KR, Taylor C, Banks PB, Michie M, Roy‐Dufresne E, Poldy J, Wang J, Dunn M, Tachedjian M, Smith I. Metatranscriptomic profiling reveals diverse tick-borne bacteria, protozoans and viruses in ticks and wildlife from Australia. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2389-e2407. [PMID: 35502617 PMCID: PMC9790515 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne zoonoses are emerging globally due to changes in climate and land use. While the zoonotic threats associated with ticks are well studied elsewhere, in Australia, the diversity of potentially zoonotic agents carried by ticks and their significance to human and animal health is not sufficiently understood. To this end, we used untargeted metatranscriptomics to audit the prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral biomes of questing ticks and wildlife blood samples from two urban and rural sites in New South Wales, Australia. Ixodes holocyclus and Haemaphysalis bancrofti were the main tick species collected, and blood samples from Rattus rattus, Rattus fuscipes, Perameles nasuta and Trichosurus vulpecula were also collected and screened for tick-borne microorganisms using metatranscriptomics followed by conventional targeted PCR to identify important microbial taxa to the species level. Our analyses identified 32 unique tick-borne taxa, including 10 novel putative species. Overall, a wide range of tick-borne microorganisms were found in questing ticks including haemoprotozoa such as Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon and Trypanosoma spp., bacteria such as Borrelia, Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Neoehrlichia and Anaplasma spp., and numerous viral taxa including Reoviridiae (including two coltiviruses) and a novel Flaviviridae-like jingmenvirus. Of note, a novel hard tick-borne relapsing fever Borrelia sp. was identified in questing H. bancrofti ticks which is closely related to, but distinct from, cervid-associated Borrelia spp. found throughout Asia. Notably, all tick-borne microorganisms were phylogenetically unique compared to their relatives found outside Australia, and no foreign tick-borne human pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. or Babesia microti were found. This work adds to the growing literature demonstrating that Australian ticks harbour a unique and endemic microbial fauna, including potentially zoonotic agents which should be further studied to determine their relative risk to human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim R. Blasdell
- CSIROHealth and BiosecurityAustralian Centre for Disease PreparednessGeelongVICAustralia
| | - Casey Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Peter B. Banks
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Jian Wang
- CSIROHealth and BiosecurityCanberra, ConnecticutAustralia
| | - Michael Dunn
- CSIROHealth and BiosecurityAustralian Centre for Disease PreparednessGeelongVICAustralia
| | - Mary Tachedjian
- CSIROHealth and BiosecurityAustralian Centre for Disease PreparednessGeelongVICAustralia
| | - Ina Smith
- CSIROHealth and BiosecurityCanberra, ConnecticutAustralia
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35
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Hu H, Liu Z, Fu R, Liu Y, Ma H, Zheng W. Detection and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne bacterial and protozoan pathogens in a forest province of eastern China. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106634. [PMID: 35932842 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Ticks, as obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites, feed on a broad range of vertebrates and transmit a great diversity of pathogenic microorganisms. Some tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are endemic in China, whereas epidemiological studies are limited in Jiangxi, a forest province located in eastern China. Here, we have determined the positivity rates of TBPs in humans, rodents, dogs, goats and ticks, and performed the molecular characterization of TBPs in Jiangxi province. We found a high positivity rate of TBPs in the collected samples, demonstrating 23 (12.92%) samples positive for more than one TBPs. Of those, 11 (6.18%) samples were positive for Rickettsia spp., six (3.37%) Ehrlichia spp./Anaplasma spp., one (0.56%) Bartonella spp., two (1.12%) Borrelia spp., and five (2.81%) Babesia spp. The positivity rates of TBPs varied among ticks, animals, and humans as follow: goats (14/37, 37.84%), ticks (8/35, 22.86%), and dogs (1/11, 9.09%). Humans and rodents were negative for TBP presence. Phylogenetic analyses of these TBP sequences revealed the presence of Rickettsia japonica, Ehrlichia minasensis, and an unclassified Babesia spp. in goats, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia valaisiana, and an unclassified Bartonella spp. in ticks. Furthermore, R. japonica infection was exclusively found in goats with the positivity rate of 29.73%. Our study is the first report of R. japonica in goats around the world. These findings suggest high TBP positivity rates among goats, ticks, and dogs, and diverse TBPs in goats and ticks in the studied sites. Therefore, our results underscore the urgent need to assess TBP-tick-vertebrate-environment interactions and the risk of tick borne disease exposure in humans in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Hu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Zhanbin Liu
- Nanchang Police Dog Base of the Ministry of Public Security, Xinjian Dsitrict, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330100, China
| | - Renlong Fu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Yangqing Liu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Hongmei Ma
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Weiqing Zheng
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China.
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Yessinou RE, Cazan CD, Bonnet SI, Farougou S, Mihalca AD. Geographical distribution of hard ticks (Acari:Ixodidae) and tick-host associations in Benin, Burkina-Faso, Ivory-Coast and Togo. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106510. [PMID: 35568068 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of ticks and associated pathogens is crucial to assess the risk of exposure of humans and animals to pathogens. For this review, we collected relevant data from published articles and field collections to provide an update on the biodiversity of ticks, and tick-host associations in four countries of West Africa: Benin, Burkina-Faso, Ivory-Coast, and Togo. The literature review was done according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was limited to literature published from 1953 to 2021 in English and French sources. Out of 104 articles retrieved, only 41 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The final database included a total of 53,619 adults, nymphs and larval ticks belonging to 24 species and five genera (Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus) that were collected from 23 different species of wild and domestic animals. This is the first record of Ixodes aulacodi and Rhipicephalus simpsoni in Benin, together with two new host records for A. latum. This checklist allows an update on tick-host associations and provides information on the diversity of ticks in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Eric Yessinou
- Communicable Disease Research Unit (URMaT), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin, 01 Po. Box: 2009, Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; CDS-9 Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sarah Irène Bonnet
- Functional Genetics of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000, Université de Paris, 75015, Paris, France; Animal Health Department, INRAE, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Souaïbou Farougou
- Communicable Disease Research Unit (URMaT), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin, 01 Po. Box: 2009, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Abstract
It has been recorded 221 species of soft ticks in the world. However, the classification system of Argasidae is still unclear with nearly two-third controversial species in genus level. Therefore, comprehensive research is still necessary. In 2016, Wen and Chen overviewed the valid species of soft ticks in China for the first time. Up to now, the soft tick fauna of China remains poorly known. Although several studies have been undertaken, the information regarding soft ticks and associated diseases are fragmentary. To facilitate the future study of this group, the scattered information on soft ticks of China is herein synthesized. Toward the end of 2021, 15 valid species of argasid ticks have been reported, of these, 9 species (60%) including Argas beijingensis, A. japonicus, A. persicus, A. sinensis, A. vespertilionis, A. vulgaris, Ornithodoros lahorensis, O. tartakovskyi, and O. papillipes have been recorded biting humans. Argas persicus is the most common species, and its borne pathogens are widely investigated, while most other argasid ticks are not sufficiently studied in China. Here, we summarize detailed information regarding hosts, geographical distribution, molecular data, and vector roles of argasid ticks in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
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38
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Noden BH, Dubie TR, Henriquez BE, Gilliland M, Talley JL. Seasonality of Ticks and Prevalence of Rickettsiae Species in Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma maculatum Across Oklahoma Pastures. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:1033-1041. [PMID: 35289851 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are an increasing concern for people and companion animals in the United States, but there is a need for continued vigilance regarding livestock in pasture systems. The south-central United States has some of the highest incidences of tick-borne diseases, and there is a need to re-examine the ecology of tick vectors in relation to pasture systems and livestock. The objective of this study was to establish a baseline of seasonal activity for tick species in diverse regional Oklahoma pastures and screen for important pathogens in Dermacentor variabilis (Say) and Amblyomma maculatum Koch group that may impact livestock and human health. Between 2015 and 2017, transects in five pastures across Oklahoma were visited each month. DNA extracted from adult D. variabilis and A. maculatum group was tested for the presence of bacterial pathogens. We found that tick communities in pastures across Oklahoma differ by season, abundance, and bacterial presence and prevalence. The peak abundance of Amblyomma americanum (L.) adults and nymphs occurred a month earlier over the 2 yr of the study compared with historical studies in the same regions. Additionally, we observed notable differences in peak activity between A. americanum adults and nymphs collected in pastures in central Oklahoma (April) versus pastures in northern part of the state (May). We detected Rickettsia parkeri, R. bellii, and Anaplasma sp. DNA in D. variabilis from pastures across the state. These results potentially have important ramifications for human and livestock risk of encountering infected ticks in pastures across the southern Great Plains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce H Noden
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Trisha R Dubie
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Brandon E Henriquez
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Meghan Gilliland
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Justin L Talley
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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39
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Ji S, Ceylan O, Ma Z, Galon EM, Zafar I, Li H, Hasegawa Y, Sevinc M, Masatani T, Iguchi A, Kawase O, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Asada M, Sevinc F, Xuan X. Protozoan and Rickettsial Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Infested Cattle from Turkey. Pathogens 2022; 11. [PMID: 35631021 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by tick-transmitted pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are of veterinary and medical importance, especially in tropical and subtropical regions including Turkey. Hence, molecular surveillance of tick-borne diseases will improve the understanding of their distribution towards effective control. This study aimed to investigate the presence and perform molecular characterization of Babesia sp., Theileria sp., Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia sp., and Rickettsia sp. in tick species collected from cattle in five provinces of Turkey. A total of 277 adult ticks (males and females) were collected. After microscopic identification, tick pools were generated according to tick species, host animal, and sampling sites prior to DNA extraction. Molecular identification of the tick species was conducted through PCR assays. Out of 90 DNA pools, 57.8% (52/90) were detected to harbor at least 1 pathogen. The most frequently-detected pathogens were Babesia bovis, with a minimum detection rate of 7.9%, followed by Ehrlichia sp. (7.2%), Theileria annulata (5.8%), Coxiella sp. (3.3%), Anaplasma marginale (2.5%), Rickettsia sp. (2.5%), and B. occultans (0.7%). Rickettsia sp. identified in this study include Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, R. aeschlimannii, and Rickettsia sp. Chad. All sequences obtained from this study showed 99.05−100% nucleotide identity with those deposited in GenBank (query cover range: 89−100%). This is the first molecular detection of Rickettsia sp. Chad, a variant of Astrakhan fever rickettsia, in Turkey. Results from this survey provide a reference for the distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in cattle and expand the knowledge of tick-borne diseases in Turkey.
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40
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Whitlow AM, Cumbie AN, Eastwood G. Pathogen prevalence in Amblyomma americanum and Ixodes scapularis ticks from central Appalachian Virginia, U.S.A. J Vector Ecol 2022; 47:51-60. [PMID: 35366679 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-47.1.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are known vectors of several viral, bacterial, and protozoal pathogens that cause disease in both humans and animals. While pathogen prevalence has been studied extensively in other portions of the United States, pathogen surveillance studies within tick populations in the central Appalachian region of Virginia is almost nonexistent. Two prominent species in this region are Ixodes scapularis (the blacklegged tick) and Amblyomma americanum (the lone star tick). In this study, we collected ticks biweekly from three habitat types (forest, urban, and pasture) across eight counties in southwest Virginia from June, 2019-November, 2020. Ixodes scapularis and A. americanum captures were screened for evidence of associated tick-borne pathogens. In this region, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (15.3% in nymphs and 37.6% in adults), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.9% in nymphs and 12.2% in adults), and Borrelia miyamotoi (2.97% in nymphs and 2.33% in adults) were detected in I. scapularis ticks. Aside from two previously reported Powassan-positive I. scapularis ticks from Floyd County, VA, no additional Powassan-positive ticks are reported here. No evidence of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Heartland virus (HRTV), or Bourbon virus (BRBV) was detected in collected A. americanum. Detection and confirmation of multiple emerging tick-borne pathogens in this region raises an increased concern for public health risk, calling for heightened awareness of tick-borne pathogen transmission and increased tick surveillance in understudied areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Whitlow
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg,VA 24061, U.S.A
| | - Alexandra N Cumbie
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg,VA 24061, U.S.A
- Center for Zoonotic & Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, U.S.A
| | - Gillian Eastwood
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg,VA 24061, U.S.A.,
- Center for Zoonotic & Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, U.S.A
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41
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Banović P, Díaz-Sánchez AA, Simin V, Foucault-Simonin A, Galon C, Wu-Chuang A, Mijatović D, Obregón D, Moutailler S, Cabezas-Cruz A. Clinical Aspects and Detection of Emerging Rickettsial Pathogens: A "One Health" Approach Study in Serbia, 2020. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:797399. [PMID: 35154030 PMCID: PMC8825779 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.797399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks carry numerous pathogens that, if transmitted, can cause disease in susceptible humans and animals. The present study describes our approach on how to investigate clinical presentations following tick bites in humans. To this aim, the occurrence of major tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in human blood samples (n = 85) and the ticks collected (n = 93) from the same individuals were tested using an unbiased high-throughput pathogen detection microfluidic system. The clinical symptoms were characterized in enrolled patients. In patients with suspected TBP infection, serological assays were conducted to test for the presence of antibodies against specific TBPs. A field study based on One Health tenets was further designed to identify components of a potential chain of infection resulting in Rickettsia felis infection in one of the patients. Ticks species infesting humans were identified as Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Dermacentor reticulatus, and Haemaphysalis punctata. Five patients developed local skin lesions at the site of the tick bite including erythema migrans, local non-specific reactions, and cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction. Although Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Candidatus Cryptoplasma sp. DNAs were detected in tick samples, different Rickettsia species were the most common TBPs identified in the ticks. The presence of TBPs such as Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia afzelii, A. phagocytophilum, and B. microti in ticks was further confirmed by DNA sequencing. Two of the patients with local skin lesions had IgG reactive against spotted fever group rickettsiae, while IgM specific to B. afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia spielmanii were detected in the patient with erythema migrans. Although R. felis infection was detected in one human blood sample, none of the components of the potential chain of infection considered in this study tested positive to this pathogen either using direct pathogen detection in domestic dogs or xenodiagnosis in ticks collected from domestic cats. The combination of high-throughput screening of TBPs and One Health approaches might help characterize chains of infection leading to human infection by TBPs, as well as prevalence of emerging rickettsial pathogens in the Balkan region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Banović
- Ambulance for Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, Department of Prevention of Rabies and Other Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.,Department of Microbiology With Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Verica Simin
- Department for Microbiological & Other Diagnostics, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Clemence Galon
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Dragana Mijatović
- Ambulance for Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, Department of Prevention of Rabies and Other Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dasiel Obregón
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
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42
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Stone ET, Hassert M, Geerling E, Wagner C, Brien JD, Ebel GD, Hirsch AJ, German C, Smith JL, Pinto AK. Balanced T and B cell responses are required for immune protection against Powassan virus in virus-like particle vaccination. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110388. [PMID: 35172138 PMCID: PMC8919300 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Powassan virus (POWV) is a tick-borne pathogen for which humans are an incidental host. POWV infection can be fatal or result in long-term neurological sequelae; however, there are no approved vaccinations for POWV. Integral to efficacious vaccine development is the identification of correlates of protection, which we accomplished in this study by utilizing a murine model of POWV infection. Using POWV lethal and sub-lethal challenge models, we show that (1) robust B and T cell responses are necessary for immune protection, (2) POWV lethality can be attributed to both viral- and host-mediated drivers of disease, and (3) knowledge of the immune correlates of protection against POWV can be applied in a virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccination approach that provides protection from lethal POWV challenge. Identification of these immune protection factors is significant as it will aid in the rational design of POWV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Taylor Stone
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Mariah Hassert
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Elizabeth Geerling
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Colleen Wagner
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - James D Brien
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Alec J Hirsch
- The Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Division of Pathobiology & Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Cody German
- The Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Division of Pathobiology & Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jessica L Smith
- The Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Division of Pathobiology & Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Amelia K Pinto
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
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43
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Estrada-Peña A, Fernández-Ruiz N. Is composition of vertebrates an indicator of the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens? Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2022; 12:2025647. [PMID: 35035783 PMCID: PMC8757609 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2022.2025647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Communities of vertebrates tend to appear together under similar ranges of environmental features. This study explores whether an explicit combination of vertebrates and their contact rates with a tick vector might constitute an indicator of the prevalence of a pathogen in the quest for ticks at the western Palearctic scale. We asked how ‘indicator’ communities could be ‘markers’ of the actual infection rates of the tick in the field of two species of Borrelia (a bacterium transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus). We approached an unsupervised classification of the territory to obtain clusters on the grounds of abundance of each vertebrate and contact rates with the tick. Statistical models based on Neural Networks, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and AdaBoost were detect the best correlation between communities’ composition and the prevalence of Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia gariniii in questing ticks. Both Gradient Boosting and AdaBoost produced the best results, predicting tick infection rates from the indicator communities. A ranking algorithm demonstrated that the prevalence of these bacteria in the tick is correlated with indicator communities of vertebrates on sites selected as a proof-of-concept. We acknowledge that our findings are supported by statistical outcomes, but they provide consistency for a framework that should be deeper explored at the large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (Ia2), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Natalia Fernández-Ruiz
- Department of Animal Health. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (Ia2), Zaragoza, Spain
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44
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Defaye B, Moutailler S, Pietri C, Galon C, Grech-Angelini S, Pasqualini V, Quilichini Y. Molecular Detection of Zoonotic and Non-Zoonotic Pathogens from Wild Boars and Their Ticks in the Corsican Wetlands. Pathogens 2021; 10:1643. [PMID: 34959598 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Corsica is the main French island in the Mediterranean Sea and has high levels of human and animal population movement. Among the local animal species, the wild boar is highly prevalent in the Corsican landscape and in the island’s traditions. Wild boars are the most commonly hunted animals on this island, and can be responsible for the transmission and circulation of pathogens and their vectors. In this study, wild boar samples and ticks were collected in 17 municipalities near wetlands on the Corsican coast. A total of 158 hunted wild boars were sampled (523 samples). Of these samples, 113 were ticks: 96.4% were Dermacentor marginatus, and the remainder were Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupense and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Of the wild boar samples, only three blood samples were found to be positive for Babesia spp. Of the tick samples, 90 were found to be positive for tick-borne pathogens (rickettsial species). These results confirm the importance of the wild boar as a host for ticks carrying diseases such as rickettsiosis near wetlands and recreational sites. Our findings also show that the wild boar is a potential carrier of babesiosis in Corsica, a pathogen detected for the first time in wild boars on the island.
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45
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Scott JD, Pesapane RR. Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia odocoilei, Babesia sp., Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, and Hepatozoon canis in Ixodes scapularis Ticks Collected in Eastern Canada. Pathogens 2021; 10:1265. [PMID: 34684214 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens cause infectious diseases that inflict much societal and financial hardship worldwide. Blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, are primary vectors of several epizootic and zoonotic pathogens. The aim was to find varius pathogens of I. scapularis and to determine their prevalence. In Ontario and Quebec, 113 I. scapularis ticks were collected from songbirds, mammals, including humans, and by flagging. PCR and DNA sequencing detected five different microorganisms: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 1 (0.9%); Babesia odocoilei, 17 (15.3%); Babesia microti-like sp., 1 (0.9%); Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), 29 (26.1%); and Hepatozoon canis, 1 (0.9%). Five coinfections of Bbsl and Babesia odocoilei occurred. Notably, H. canis was documented for the first time in Canada and, at the same time, demonstrates the first transstadial passage of H. canis in I. scapularis. Transstadial passage of Bbsl and B. odocoilei was also witnessed. A novel undescribed piroplasm (Babesia microti-like) was detected. An established population of I. scapularis ticks was detected at Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. Because songbirds widely disperse I. scapularis larvae and nymphs, exposure in an endemic area is not required to contract tick-borne zoonoses. Based on the diversity of zoonotic pathogens in I. scapularis ticks, clinicians need to be aware that people who are bitten by I. scapularis ticks may require select antimicrobial regimens.
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46
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Cao R, Ren Q, Luo J, Tian Z, Liu W, Zhao B, Li J, Diao P, Tan Y, Qiu X, Zhang G, Wang Q, Guan G, Luo J, Yin H, Liu G. Analysis of Microorganism Diversity in Haemaphysalis longicornis From Shaanxi, China, Based on Metagenomic Sequencing. Front Genet 2021; 12:723773. [PMID: 34567077 PMCID: PMC8458759 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.723773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are dangerous ectoparasites of humans and animals, as they are important disease vectors and serve as hosts for various microorganisms (including a variety of pathogenic microorganisms). Diverse microbial populations coexist within the tick body. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been suggested to be useful for rapidly and accurately obtaining microorganism abundance and diversity data. In this study, we performed mNGS to analyze the microbial diversity of Haemaphysalis longicornis from Baoji, Shaanxi, China, with the Illumina HiSeq platform. We identified 189 microbial genera (and 284 species) from ticks in the region; the identified taxa included Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and other important tick-borne pathogens at the genus level as well as symbiotic microorganisms such as Wolbachia spp., and Candidatus Entotheonella. The results of this study provide insights into possible tick-borne diseases and reveal new tick-borne pathogens in this region. Additionally, valuable information for the biological control of ticks is provided. In conclusion, this study provides reference data for guiding the development of prevention and control strategies targeting ticks and tick-borne diseases in the region, which can improve the effectiveness of tick and tick-borne disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runlai Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiaoyun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhancheng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Gansu Agriculture Technology College, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Qinghai Province, Xining, China
| | - Peiwen Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangchun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gaofeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qilin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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47
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Park
- Program in Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Adela S Oliva Chávez
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Dana K Shaw
- Program in Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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48
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Rosenblatt J, Leung A, Baneman E, Fuller R, Taimur S, Paniz-Mondolfi AE, Malone AK, Kirkman L, Jacobs SE. Relapsed Babesia microti Infection Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in a Patient With B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab323. [PMID: 34514015 PMCID: PMC8415536 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A patient with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed babesiosis before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation while on atovaquone for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis. Despite receiving a prolonged course of atovaquone and azithromycin until whole-blood Babesia microti DNA was no longer detected by polymerase chain reaction, her post-transplant course was complicated by relapsed babesiosis. We investigate the potential host and parasite characteristics causing relapsing/persistent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Rosenblatt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Annie Leung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Baneman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Risa Fuller
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Taimur
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alberto E Paniz-Mondolfi
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adriana K Malone
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura Kirkman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Samantha E Jacobs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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49
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Bertola M, Montarsi F, Obber F, Da Rold G, Carlin S, Toniolo F, Porcellato E, Falcaro C, Mondardini V, Ormelli S, Ravagnan S. Occurrence and Identification of Ixodes ricinus Borne Pathogens in Northeastern Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:1181. [PMID: 34578213 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In Europe, Ixodes ricinus is the main vector for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), the most common tick species in Italy, particularly represented in pre-alpine and hilly northern areas. From 2011 to 2017, ticks were collected by dragging in Belluno province (northeast Italy) and analyzed by molecular techniques for TBP detection. Several species of Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. Anaplaspa phagocitophilum, Neoerlichia mikurensis and Babesia venatorum, were found to be circulating in the study area carried by I. ricinus (n = 2668, all stages). Overall, 39.1% of screened pools were positive for at least one TBP, with a prevalence of 12.25% and 29.2% in immature stages and adults, respectively. Pathogens were detected in 85% of the monitored municipalities, moreover the presence of TBPs varied from one to seven different pathogens in the same year. The annual TBPs prevalence fluctuations observed in each municipality highlights the necessity of performing continuous tick surveillance. In conclusion, the observation of TBPs in ticks remains an efficient strategy for monitoring the circulation of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in a specific area.
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50
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Machtinger ET, Nadolny RM, Vinyard BT, Eisen L, Hojgaard A, Haynes SA, Bowman L, Casal C, Li AY. Spatial Heterogeneity of Sympatric Tick Species and Tick-Borne Pathogens Emphasizes the Need for Surveillance for Effective Tick Control. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:843-853. [PMID: 34463140 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Three tick species that can transmit pathogen causing disease are commonly found parasitizing people and animals in the mid-Atlantic United States: the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say), the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis [Say]), and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum [L.]) (Acari: Ixodidae). The potential risk of pathogen transmission from tick bites acquired at schools in tick-endemic areas is a concern, as school-aged children are a high-risk group for tick-borne disease. Integrated pest management (IPM) is often required in school districts, and continued tick range expansion and population growth will likely necessitate IPM strategies to manage ticks on school grounds. However, an often-overlooked step of tick management is monitoring and assessment of local tick species assemblages to inform the selection of control methodologies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tick species presence, abundance, and distribution and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in both questing ticks and those removed from rodent hosts on six school properties in Maryland. Overall, there was extensive heterogeneity in tick species dominance, abundance, and evenness across the field sites. A. americanum and I. scapularis were found on all sites in all years. Overall, A. americanum was the dominant tick species. D. variabilis was collected in limited numbers. Several pathogens were found in both questing ticks and those removed from rodent hosts, although prevalence of infection was not consistent between years. Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Ehrlichia "Panola Mountain" were identified in questing ticks, and B. burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi were detected in trapped Peromyscus spp. mice. B. burgdorferi was the dominant pathogen detected. The impact of tick diversity on IPM of ticks is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika T Machtinger
- USDA, ARS, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Robyn M Nadolny
- Army Public Health Center, Tick-Borne Disease Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Lars Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrias Hojgaard
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Scott A Haynes
- Army Public Health Center, Tick-Borne Disease Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - Loretta Bowman
- Army Public Health Center, Tick-Borne Disease Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - Cory Casal
- Army Public Health Center, Tick-Borne Disease Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Y Li
- USDA, ARS, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
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