1
|
Ng’eno E, Alkishe A, Romero-Alvarez D, Sundstrom K, Cobos ME, Belgum H, Chitwood A, Grant A, Keck A, Kloxin J, Letterman B, Lineberry M, McClung K, Nippoldt S, Sharum S, Struble S, Thomas B, Ghosh A, Brennan R, Little S, Peterson AT. Phenology of five tick species in the central Great Plains. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302689. [PMID: 38722854 PMCID: PMC11081307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The states of Kansas and Oklahoma, in the central Great Plains, lie at the western periphery of the geographic distributions of several tick species. As the focus of most research on ticks and tick-borne diseases has been on Lyme disease which commonly occurs in areas to the north and east, the ticks of this region have seen little research attention. Here, we report on the phenology and activity patterns shown by tick species observed at 10 sites across the two states and explore factors associated with abundance of all and life specific individuals of the dominant species. Ticks were collected in 2020-2022 using dragging, flagging and carbon-dioxide trapping techniques, designed to detect questing ticks. The dominant species was A. americanum (24098, 97%) followed by Dermacentor variabilis (370, 2%), D. albipictus (271, 1%), Ixodes scapularis (91, <1%) and A. maculatum (38, <1%). Amblyomma americanum, A. maculatum and D. variabilis were active in Spring and Summer, while D. albipictus and I. scapularis were active in Fall and Winter. Factors associated with numbers of individuals of A. americanum included day of year, habitat, and latitude. Similar associations were observed when abundance was examined by life-stage. Overall, the picture is one of broadly distributed tick species that shows seasonal limitations in the timing of their questing activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ng’eno
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Abdelghafar Alkishe
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Daniel Romero-Alvarez
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity Research Group, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Kellee Sundstrom
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Marlon E. Cobos
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Hallee Belgum
- Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Abigail Chitwood
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Amber Grant
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Alex Keck
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Josiah Kloxin
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Brayden Letterman
- Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Megan Lineberry
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Kristin McClung
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Sydney Nippoldt
- Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Sophia Sharum
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Stefan Struble
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Breanne Thomas
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Anuradha Ghosh
- Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Robert Brennan
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Susan Little
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - A. Townsend Peterson
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Caixeta BT, Tolesano-Pascoli GV, Mundim FL, Pascoal JDO, Rodrigues VDS, Martins MM, Ramos VDN, Torga K, Costa LF, Miranda VC, Benfatti LR, Silva LM, Limongi JE, Szabó MPJ, Yokosawa J. Survey of Rickettsia spp. in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting opossums (Didelphis albiventris) and capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from an urban park in southeastern Brazil. Exp Appl Acarol 2024; 92:463-477. [PMID: 38361037 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00885-1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous arthropods and, during feeding, may transmit pathogens to vertebrate hosts, including humans. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected between 2010 and 2013 from free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and opossums (Didelphis albiventris) that inhabit Sabiá Park in Uberlândia, Brazil. Overall, 1,860 ticks were collected: 1,272 (68.4%) from capybaras (487 of the species Amblyomma sculptum, 475 adults and 12 nymphs; 778 Amblyomma dubitatum, 727 adults and 51 nymphs; and seven larva clusters of the genus Amblyomma); and 588 (31.6%) from opossums (21 A. sculptum, one adult and 20 nymphs; 79 A. dubitatum, all nymphs; 15 Ixodes loricatus, 12 adults and three nymphs; 457 Amblyomma sp. larva clusters; 15 Ixodes sp. larva clusters; and one Argasidae larva cluster). Out of 201 DNA samples tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 12 showed amplification of a gtlA gene segment that was specific to Rickettsia bellii, a bacterium non-pathogenic to humans. As there has been a report showing serological evidence of infections caused by Rickettsia species of the spotted fever group (SFG) in capybaras and opossums in the park, including Rickettsia rickettsii, the etiological agent of Brazilian spotted fever, and considering the presence of A. sculptum ticks, which are aggressive to humans, as well as these vertebrate hosts, which are amplifiers of R. rickettsii, it is important to monitor the presence of SFG rickettsiae in the Sabiá Park, which is visited daily by thousands of people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Tolentino Caixeta
- Laboratory of Microorganisms of Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFU, Uberlândia, Brazil.
| | | | - Flávia Lúcio Mundim
- Laboratory of Microorganisms of Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFU, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Jamile de Oliveira Pascoal
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Vinícius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Maria Marlene Martins
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Vanessa do Nascimento Ramos
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Khelma Torga
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Lourenço Faria Costa
- Instituto Acadêmico de Ciências da Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Quirinópolis, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Campos Miranda
- Laboratory of Microorganisms of Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFU, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Luisa Rodrigues Benfatti
- Laboratory of Microorganisms of Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFU, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Leticia Maria Silva
- Laboratory of Microorganisms of Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFU, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | | | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil.
| | - Jonny Yokosawa
- Laboratory of Microorganisms of Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFU, Uberlândia, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pérez-Otáñez X, Rodríguez-Hidalgo R, Enríquez S, Celi-Erazo M, Benítez W, Saegerman C, Vaca-Moyano F, Ron-Garrido L, Vanwambeke SO. High-resolution prediction models for Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma cajennense s.l. ticks affecting cattle and their spatial distribution in continental Ecuador using bioclimatic factors. Exp Appl Acarol 2024; 92:439-462. [PMID: 38388882 PMCID: PMC11035444 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00883-3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In Ecuador, the main tick species affecting cattle are Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato. Understanding their spatial distribution is crucial. To assess their distribution, data from 2895 farms visited between 2012 and 2017 were utilized. Ticks were collected during animal inspections, with each farm's location georeferenced. Bioclimatic variables and vapor pressure deficit data were obtained from Climatologies at High resolution for the Earth´s Land Surface Areas (CHELSA) dataset. They were overlaid to develop predictive maps for each species using Random Forest (RF) models. The cross-validation results for RF prediction models showed high accuracy for both R. microplus and A. cajennense s.l. presence with values of accuracy = 0.97 and 0.98, sensitivity = 0.96 and 0.99, and specificity = 0.96 and 0.93, respectively. A carefully selected subset of bioclimatic variables was used to describe the presence of each tick species. Higher levels of precipitation had positive effect on the presence of R. microplus but a negative effect on A. cajennense s.l. In contrast, isothermality (BIO3) was more important for the presence of A. cajennense s.l. compared to R. microplus. As a result, R. microplus had a broader distribution across the country, while A. cajennense s.l. was mainly found in coastal areas with evident seasonality. The coexistence of both species in some regions could be attributed to transitional zones, whereas high altitudes limited tick presence. This information can aid in developing appropriate tick management plans, particularly considering A. cajennense s.l.'s broad host range species and R. microplus's specificity for cattle. Moreover, the predictive models can identify areas at risk of associated challenging hemoparasite, requiring special attention and mitigation measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Pérez-Otáñez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.
- Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth & Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain-UCLouvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Richar Rodríguez-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sandra Enríquez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Maritza Celi-Erazo
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Washington Benítez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Science (UREAR-ULiège), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Franklin Vaca-Moyano
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lenin Ron-Garrido
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sophie O Vanwambeke
- Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth & Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain-UCLouvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oviedo Á, Rodríguez MM, Flores FS, Castro LR. New hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) reports and detection of Rickettsia in ticks from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Exp Appl Acarol 2024; 92:507-528. [PMID: 38485886 PMCID: PMC11035439 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00887-z] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), located in northern Colombia, is considered a geographical island with high levels of biodiversity and endemism. However, little is known about tick species and their associated microorganisms at the SNSM. In this study we sampled host-seeking ticks in areas of the town of Minca within the SNSM. We collected 47 ticks identified as Amblyomma pacae, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma mixtum, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes sp. cf. Ixodes affinis and Ixodes sp. Of these ticks, we tested for Rickettsia spp. by amplifying the gltA, SCA1, and 16S rRNA genes via PCR. Rickettsia amblyommatis was detected in one pool of 3 larvae and in a female of A. pacae. Additonally, we isolated Rickettsia sp. belonging to the group of spotted fevers in larvae of A. longirostre. This study reports new findings of six species of ticks and two species of Rickettsia within the SNSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Oviedo
- Grupo de investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología Molecular (GIESEMOL), Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Miguel M Rodríguez
- Grupo de investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología Molecular (GIESEMOL), Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Fernando S Flores
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones Entomológicas de Córdoba (CIEC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lyda R Castro
- Grupo de investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología Molecular (GIESEMOL), Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Molaei G, Little EAH, Khalil N, Ayres BN, Nicholson WL, Paddock CD. Established Population of the Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae), Infected with Rickettsia parkeri (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), in Connecticut. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:1459-1462. [PMID: 33458776 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We identified an established population of the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum Koch) infected with Rickettsia parkeri in Connecticut, representing the northernmost range limit of this medically relevant tick species. Our finding highlights the importance of tick surveillance and public health challenges posed by geographic expansion of tick vectors and their pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Eliza A H Little
- Department of Entomology and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT
| | - Noelle Khalil
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT
| | - Bryan N Ayres
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - William L Nicholson
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Christopher D Paddock
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Glass GE, Ganser C, Kessler WH. Validating Species Distribution Models With Standardized Surveys for Ixodid Ticks in Mainland Florida. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:1345-1351. [PMID: 33386731 PMCID: PMC8122235 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens are of growing concern. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed guidelines standardizing surveys of tick vectors to better monitor the changes in their occurrences. Unbiased surveillance data, from standardized surveys, are presumed critical to generate valid species distribution models (SDMs). We tested previously generated SDMs from standardized protocols for three medically important ticks [Amblyomma americanum (Linnaeus, Ixodida, Ixodidae), Ixodes scapularis (Say, Ixodida, Ixodidae), and Dermacentor variabilis (Say, Ixodida, Ixodidae)]. These previous models ruled out a quarter to half of the state as having these species, with consensus occurrence in about a quarter of the state. New surveys performed throughout 2019 on 250 transects at 43 sites indicated the rule-out functions were 100% accurate for I. scapularis and D. variabilis and 91.9% for A. americanum. As SDM concordance increased, the proportion of transects yielding ticks increased. Independent surveys of SDMs provide external validation-an aspect missing from many SDM studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory E Glass
- Department of Geography and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Claudia Ganser
- Department of Geography and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - William H Kessler
- Department of Geography and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Seagle MP, Vierling MR, Almeida RJ, Clary DJ, Hidell W, Scott EV, Vargas C, Smith KG. Low Abundance of Three Tick Species in the Piedmont of North Carolina. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:489-492. [PMID: 32804202 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa171] [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] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Multiple species of ticks, including Ixodes scapularis (Say, Ixodida:Ixodidae), Amblyomma americanum (L., Ixodida:Ixodidae), and Dermacentor variabilis (Say, Ixodida:Ixodidae), occur in high and increasing abundance in both the northeast and southeast United States. North Carolina is at the nexus of spread of these species, with high occurrence and abundance of I. scapularis to the north and A. americanum to the south. Despite this, there are few records of these species in the Piedmont of North Carolina, including the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. Here, we update the known occurrence and abundance of these species in the North Carolina Piedmont. We surveyed for ticks using cloth drags, CO2 traps, and leaf litter samples at a total of 79 sites within five locations: Mecklenburg County, South Mountains State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, Duke Forest, and Morrow Mountain State Park, all in North Carolina, during the late spring, summer, and fall seasons of 2019. From these surveys, we had only 20 tick captures, illuminating the surprisingly low abundance of ticks in this region of North Carolina. Our results indicate the possibility of underlying habitat and host factors limiting tick distribution and abundance in the North Carolina Piedmont.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan J Almeida
- Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - D Jacob Clary
- Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC
| | - Will Hidell
- Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC
| | - Erin V Scott
- Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC
| | - Carlos Vargas
- Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC
| | - Kevin G Smith
- Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC
- Department of Environmental Studies, Davidson College, Davidson, NC
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Showler AT, Garcia AR, Caesar RM. Lethal Effects of a Silica Gel + Pyrethrins (Drione) on Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Larvae and Nymphs. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:1864-1871. [PMID: 32566948 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ixodids (hard ticks) ingest blood from host animals, and they can transmit pathogenic organisms that induce medical and veterinary diseases. As resistance to synthetic conventional acaricides becomes more common, alternative tactics are coming under heightened scrutiny. Laboratory bioassays were used to assess the efficacy of CimeXa, a commercially available silica gel desiccant dust product, and Drione, a commercial product containing silica gel + pyrethrins and a synergist, piperonyl butoxide, against lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), larvae and nymphs. Both life stages were completely killed by CimeXa by 24 h, and Drione caused total larval mortality within 1 h when they were briefly immersed in the dusts and when they crawled across dust-treated substrate; nymphs were completely killed by 4 h after the same kinds of exposure. Mortality of A. americanum larvae and nymphs occurred after the pests crawled across dried aqueous suspensions of the products, but this was not as efficient and fast-acting as when the immature life stages were exposed to dry dusts. Further, dried aqueous suspensions of Drione were not substantially more lethal than dried aqueous suspensions of CimeXa. CimeXa and Drione will provide prophylactic control on vegetation and animals for as long as the silica gel remains without being physically removed. Both of the dust-based products will likely also be effective against other problematic ixodid species. Advantages and disadvantages, and potential uses, of desiccant dust-based acaricides are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allan T Showler
- USDA-ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX
| | | | - Ryan M Caesar
- Department of Science, Schreiner University, Kerrville, TX
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Portugal JS, Wills R, Goddard J. Laboratory Studies of Questing Behavior in Colonized Nymphal Amblyomma maculatum Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). J Med Entomol 2020; 57:1480-1487. [PMID: 32307540 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors affect host-seeking behavior in ticks. In this study, 80 nymphal Amblyomma maculatum Koch were released in an observation arena containing four different heights of broomsedge stems (Andropogon virginicus L.) anchored in sand. Observations were made over three days as to proportion of ticks questing, questing height, and stem height distribution This scenario was replicated three times with different cohorts of ticks (n = 80 per replicate) for each of three treatment combinations of temperature and humidity: High temperature/high humidity (HTHH), high temperature/low humidity (HTLH), and low temperature/high humidity (LTHH). A fourth treatment utilizing the same size cohort and number of replicates included Wind (HTHHW+/-) by alternating days of wind and no-wind conditions over four days. Mean questing height for ticks under HTHH, HTLH, and LTHH conditions ranged from 4.45 to 6.03 cm with ticks questing significantly higher in HTHH. A significantly lower proportion ticks quested in HTLH (8.64%) than HTHH (14.06%) and LTHH (15.33%). In HTHH and LTHH, a significantly higher proportion of ticks were observed questing on 5-cm stems. Wind significantly reduced average questing height, and when absent, ticks on 20- and 30-cm stems quested significantly higher. These data indicate that A. macuatum nymphs randomly select stems to quest upon and climb upward until environmental conditions are prohibitive/ideal. Conditions with reduced vapor pressure deficit (VPD) led to higher questing frequency and height. Relatively low questing heights observed correspond with size of preferred hosts and may explain infrequency of collection by dragcloth in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Santos Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Twelve Lane, Mississippi State, MS
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. Edward's University, Austin, TX
| | - Robert Wills
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
| | - Jerome Goddard
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Twelve Lane, Mississippi State, MS
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kaplan ZD, Richardson EA, Kaufman PE, Weeks ENI. Evaluation of Fipronil Susceptibility in the Lone Star Tick (Acari: Ixodidae). J Med Entomol 2020; 57:1314-1317. [PMID: 32076704 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa028] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum Linnaeus, is ubiquitously present in the southeastern United States and will readily parasitize humans and companion animals. Fipronil is the active ingredient in several topically applied products used to manage ticks and fleas on companion animals. Reducing ectoparasite infestations on companion animals decreases the risk that pathogens vectored by these pests are transmitted to these animals and their owners. However, dependence on acaricides can promote the development of resistance. In this study, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations larval packet test was used to determine the lethal concentration (LC) values and discriminating concentration (DC) for fipronil in the lone star tick. The DC was calculated as 0.02080%. The low magnitude of the DC value suggests that fipronil is an effective active ingredient for A. americanum management. With the LC and DC values determined, emergent resistance can be monitored, potentially allowing for intervention should tolerance develop in A. americanum populations that are in frequent contact with humans and their companion animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary D Kaplan
- UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 1881 Natural Area Dr, Gainesville, FL
| | - Elise A Richardson
- UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 1881 Natural Area Dr, Gainesville, FL
| | - Phillip E Kaufman
- UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 1881 Natural Area Dr, Gainesville, FL
| | - Emma N I Weeks
- UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 1881 Natural Area Dr, Gainesville, FL
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Showler AT, Dorsey BN, Caesar RM. Effects of Formic Acid on Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Larvae and Nymphs. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:1184-1192. [PMID: 32100000 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ixodids are blood-feeding ectoparasitic vectors of many disease agents that infect humans, livestock, and wild animals. As ixodid resistance to conventional synthetic acaricides becomes increasingly problematic, natural products are receiving greater attention as possible alternative control tactics. Formic acid, produced by ants, is a commercially available product for fumigating varroa mites, Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman, infesting honey bee, Apis mellifera L., hives, and it has been reported to repel ixodids. Lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), larvae and nymphs were used as a model ixodid to investigate deterrent, repellent, and lethal effects of formic acid as a fumigant and contact toxin in vitro in the laboratory. Although formic acid failed to deter or repel A. americanum, it was highly toxic as a fumigant to larvae at a 1% concentration even when exposure was limited to 5 min. Contact by crawling on wet, moist, and dry treated substrates under ventilated conditions causes >90% mortality to larvae in 5% formic acid concentration treatments within 30-120 min, and temporary immersion killed ≈60% of the larvae by 24 h after they were removed from the 5% formic acid treatment solution. Substantial nymphal mortality occurred after 1-1.5 h following exposure to substrate treated with the 10% concentration and immersion killed ≈45% of the nymphs. It appears that formic acid volatiles are more lethal to A. americanum immatures than direct contact with the external integument.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allan T Showler
- USDA-ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX
| | - Bailee N Dorsey
- Department of Life Science, Schreiner University, 2100 Memorial Boulevard, Kerrville, TX
| | - Ryan M Caesar
- Department of Life Science, Schreiner University, 2100 Memorial Boulevard, Kerrville, TX
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Allen K, Little S, Petersen M, Gruntmeir J, Barrett A, Herrin B, Starkey L, Sun F, Guerino F. Evaluation of oral fluralaner (Bravecto ®) for efficacy against nymphs of Amblyomma americanum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato). Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:315. [PMID: 32552774 PMCID: PMC7302130 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04179-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amblyomma americanum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) nymphs commonly feed on and transmit pathogens to dogs (Canis familiaris). Control of immature and adult tick life stages is necessary to fully protect animals. We evaluated efficacy of oral fluralaner (Bravecto®) against induced infestations with A. americanum and R. sanguineus (s.l.) nymphs on dogs in two experiments. METHODS In each experiment, 10 dogs were administered oral fluralaner chewable tablets one time on Day 0 at a targeted minimum dose of 25 mg/kg body weight and 10 dogs remained non-treated controls. Dogs were infested with two groups of 50 A. americanum nymphs and two groups of 50 R. sanguineus (s.l.) nymphs on Days -1, 6, 28, 56 and 84. At 48 h and 72 h post-infestation, nymphs were collected from dogs, assessed as live or dead, and enumerated into categories defining attachment and engorgement status. Fluralaner efficacy was determined in separate analyses against all live nymphs and against live-fed nymphs, i.e. live nymphs that were attached to dogs at the time of collection and/or were engorged. Fluralaner was considered effective when mean numbers of live ticks were reduced in fluralaner-treated dogs by ≥ 90%. RESULTS Fluralaner efficacy against all live and live-fed A. americanum nymphs in the first experiment was > 94% on all collection days. Efficacy against all live R. sanguineus (s.l.) nymphs in the first experiment was > 96% on all collection days excluding the 48 h counts for infestations on Days 28 (83.7%), 56 (82.9%) and 84 (86.7%); efficacy against live-fed R. sanguineus (s.l.) nymphs was > 95% on all 48 h/72 h count days. Fluralaner efficacy against all live A. americanum nymphs in the second experiment was > 93% on all collection days for 8 weeks excluding the 48 h count for infestation on Day 56 (87.8%); efficacy against live-fed A. americanum nymphs was > 91% on all count days for 8 weeks. Efficacy against all live R. sanguineus (s.l.) nymphs in the second experiment was > 91% on all 72 h collection days except for infestations on Days 28 (76.8%) and 56 (86.3%); efficacy against live-fed R. sanguineus (s.l.) nymphs was 100% on all 72 h count days. CONCLUSIONS A single administration of oral fluralaner to dogs is effective against A. americanum and R. sanguineus (s.l.) nymphs for up to 12 weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Allen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078 USA
| | - Susan Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078 USA
| | | | - Jeff Gruntmeir
- Department of Comparative Diagnostics and Population Medicine, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32611 USA
| | - Anne Barrett
- Merck Animal Health, Madison, New Jersey 07940 USA
| | - Brian Herrin
- Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 USA
| | - Lindsay Starkey
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama 36849 USA
| | - Fangshi Sun
- Merck Animal Health, Madison, New Jersey 07940 USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chitimia-Dobler L, Schaper S, Mansfeld P, Gonschorrek J, Bröker M, Nava S. Detection of Amblyomma mixtum (Acari: Ixodidae) in Germany on a Human Traveler Returning From Cuba. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:962-964. [PMID: 31808809 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The importation of exotic ticks to Germany on infested humans is rarely reported. Here we describe the detection of an Amblyomma mixtum nymph harboring Rickettsia amblyommatis by a tourist returning from a holiday trip to Cuba. Tick infestation may be neglected by tourists. Therefore, careful anamnesis and diagnosis should be carried out when tourists return from tropical and subtropical countries suffering from nonspecific symptoms, such as fever and malaise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Santiago Nava
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gilliam B, Gronemeyer P, Chakraborty S, Winata F, Lyons LA, Miller-Hunt C, Tuten HC, Debosik S, Freeman D, O’hara-Ruiz M, Mateus-Pinilla N. Impact of Unexplored Data Sources on the Historical Distribution of Three Vector Tick Species in Illinois. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:872-883. [PMID: 31832656 PMCID: PMC7197698 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
We updated the Illinois historical (1905-December 2017) distribution and status (not reported, reported or established) maps for Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae), Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae), and Ixodes scapularis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) by compiling publicly available, previously unexplored or newly identified published and unpublished data (untapped data). Primary data sources offered specific tick-level information, followed by secondary and tertiary data sources. For A. americanum, D. variabilis, and I. scapularis, primary data contributed to 90% (4,045/4,482), 80% (2,124/2,640), and 32% (3,490/10,898) tick records vs 10%, 20%, and 68%, respectively from secondary data; primary data updated status in 95% (62/65), 94% (51/54) and in 90% (9/10) of the updated counties for each of these tick species; by 1985 there were tick records in 6%, 68%, and 0% of the counties, compared to 20%, 72%, and 58% by 2004, and 77%, 96%, and 75% of the counties by 2017, respectively for A. americanum, D. variabilis, and I. scapularis. We document the loss of tick records due to unidentified, not cataloged tick collections, unidentified ticks in tick collections, unpublished data or manuscripts without specific county location, and tick-level information, to determine distribution and status. In light of the increase in tick-borne illnesses, updates in historical distributions and status maps help researchers and health officials to identify risk areas for a tick encounter and suggest targeted areas for public outreach and surveillance efforts for ticks and tick-borne diseases. There is a need for a systematic, national vector surveillance program to support research and public health responses to tick expansions and tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Gilliam
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
- USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Malcom, IA
| | - Peg Gronemeyer
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Sulagna Chakraborty
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Fikriyah Winata
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Lee Ann Lyons
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | | | - Holly C Tuten
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
| | | | | | - Marilyn O’hara-Ruiz
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Nohra Mateus-Pinilla
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Maestas LP, Reeser SR, McGay PJ, Buoni MH. Surveillance for Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae) and Rickettsia parkeri (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in the State of Delaware, and Their Public Health Implications. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:979-983. [PMID: 31917445 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Amblyomma maculatum Koch is the primary vector of Rickettsia parkeri, the etiologic agent of tidewater spotted fever, and can also carry and transmit a variety of other pathogens. This tick historically has been a costly nuisance to livestock owners in the southeastern United States. Over the past 6 yr, A. maculatum has been collected in numbers sufficient to demonstrate their establishment in Kent County, Delaware, and the presence of R. parkeri has been documented. Our goals were to determine the geographic distribution of A. maculatum and R. parkeri in Delaware, and to equate this to relative risk to the public of encountering R. parkeri-infected ticks. We surveyed for ticks in four locations throughout the state from May to August 2019, and found established A. maculatum populations in all three counties. Laboratory analysis of collected specimens by quantitative polymerase chain reaction detected R. parkeri in A. maculatum populations across the state. These results indicate that A. maculatum could present a health risk to inhabitants of the state, and they also historically have posed a risk to the livestock industry, making them an important consideration in the development and implementation of continued tick surveillance efforts and future policies regarding tick management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren P Maestas
- Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, Mosquito Control Section, Newark, DE
| | - Sean R Reeser
- Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, Mosquito Control Section, Newark, DE
| | - Patrick J McGay
- Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, Mosquito Control Section, Newark, DE
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Egizi A, Gable S, Jordan RA. Rickettsia spp. Infecting Lone Star Ticks (Amblyomma americanum) (Acari: Ixodidae) in Monmouth County, New Jersey. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:974-978. [PMID: 31912880 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsiae are undergoing epidemiological changes in the eastern United States while human encounters with lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum L.) have increased substantially. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction assays to test for three species of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in 1,858 nymphal A. americanum collected from Monmouth County, New Jersey, a coastal county with endemic Lyme disease and established tick surveillance. Out of the 1,858 tested, 465 (25.0%) were infected with Rickettsia amblyommatis Karpathy, a species of undetermined pathogenicity found frequently in A. americanum, while 1/1,858 (0.05%) contained Rickettsia rickettsii Brumpt, the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. No ticks tested positive for mildly pathogenic Rickettsia parkeri Lackman, and no ticks were co-infected with multiple Rickettsia spp. Our results indicate that A. americanum could be involved in transmission of R. rickettsii to humans in New Jersey, albeit rarely. The much higher rates of R. amblyommatis infection are consistent with hypotheses that human sera reacting to this species could contribute to reports of mild SFGR cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Egizi
- Tick-borne Disease Program, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, Tinton Falls, NJ
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Sydney Gable
- Tick-borne Disease Program, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, Tinton Falls, NJ
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Robert A Jordan
- Tick-borne Disease Program, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, Tinton Falls, NJ
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| |
Collapse
|