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Elati K, Daly N, Dhibi M, Laaribi H, Rekik M, Gharbi M. Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Ectoparasites in Sheep from Central Tunisia: Does Low Prevalence Indicate Good Hygiene or Resistance to Ectoparasites? Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:801. [PMID: 38473186 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sheep ectoparasites such as chewing lice, fleas and ticks are serious constraints to sheep productivity and are the cause of skin lesions in animals that decrease their market value. This study aims at investigating the ectoparasite fauna infesting small ruminants in the district of Sidi Bouzid (central Tunisia). A total of 1243 Barbarine and Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) sheep were examined every two months for one year. Of the total animals examined, 74 were infested by at least 1 parasite group (5.95%). Three ectoparasite groups were identified as Psoroptes ovis (0.48%; 6/1243), ticks (5.3%; n = 66/1243) and one specimen of Ctenocephalides canis (0.08%; n = 1/1243). The most abundant tick among the 358 specimens was Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 337; 94.1%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. dromedarii (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. excavatum (n = 5/358; 1.4%) and only two specimens of H. scupense (n = 2/358; 0.55%). The sheep herds showed low infestation prevalence by ectoparasite over the year, with a significant difference according to the seasons (p < 0.05). A higher infestation prevalence was recorded in March (14.36%). Barbarine sheep breed showed significantly higher infestation prevalence (16.8%) compared to QFO (0.8%) (p < 0.01). There were no differences in infestation prevalence according to sex of the animal or age groups. Knowledge of the ectoparasite population harboured by sheep, its activity dynamics and risk factors is required to develop effective ectoparasite control options. The low prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in sheep reported here may be due to possible genetic resistance or simply to successful hygiene measures implemented by farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khawla Elati
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Str. 8, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nesrine Daly
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Mokhtar Dhibi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Hela Laaribi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 950764, Amman 11195, Jordan
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
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Noll M, Wall R, Makepeace BL, Newbury H, Adaszek L, Bødker R, Estrada-Peña A, Guillot J, da Fonseca IP, Probst J, Overgaauw P, Strube C, Zakham F, Zanet S, Rose Vineer H. Predicting the distribution of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus in Europe: a comparison of climate niche modelling approaches. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:384. [PMID: 37880680 PMCID: PMC10601327 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05959-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ticks Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus are two of the most important vectors in Europe. Climate niche modelling has been used in many studies to attempt to explain their distribution and to predict changes under a range of climate change scenarios. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of different climate niche modelling approaches to explain the known distribution of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus in Europe. METHODS A series of climate niche models, using different combinations of input data, were constructed and assessed. Species occurrence records obtained from systematic literature searches and Global Biodiversity Information Facility data were thinned to different degrees to remove sampling spatial bias. Four sources of climate data were used: bioclimatic variables, WorldClim, TerraClimate and MODIS satellite-derived data. Eight different model training extents were examined and three modelling frameworks were used: maximum entropy, generalised additive models and random forest models. The results were validated through internal cross-validation, comparison with an external independent dataset and expert opinion. RESULTS The performance metrics and predictive ability of the different modelling approaches varied significantly within and between each species. Different combinations were better able to define the distribution of each of the two species. However, no single approach was considered fully able to capture the known distribution of the species. When considering the mean of the performance metrics of internal and external validation, 24 models for I. ricinus and 11 models for D. reticulatus of the 96 constructed were considered adequate according to the following criteria: area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve > 0.7; true skill statistic > 0.4; Miller's calibration slope 0.25 above or below 1; Boyce index > 0.9; omission rate < 0.15. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive analysis suggests that there is no single 'best practice' climate modelling approach to account for the distribution of these tick species. This has important implications for attempts to predict climate-mediated impacts on future tick distribution. It is suggested here that climate variables alone are not sufficient; habitat type, host availability and anthropogenic impacts, not included in current modelling approaches, could contribute to determining tick presence or absence at the local or regional scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Noll
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Richard Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Lukasz Adaszek
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - René Bødker
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Saragossa, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Saragossa, Spain
| | - Jacques Guillot
- Department of Dermatology-Parasitology-Mycology, École Nationale Vétérinaire, Oniris, Nantes, France
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Julia Probst
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul Overgaauw
- Department Population Health Sciences, Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fathiah Zakham
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Hannah Rose Vineer
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Noll M, Wall R, Makepeace BL, Vineer HR. Distribution of ticks in the Western Palearctic: an updated systematic review (2015-2021). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:141. [PMID: 37095583 PMCID: PMC10127368 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05773-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The distributions of ticks and tick-borne pathogens are thought to have changed rapidly over the last two decades, with their ranges expanding into new regions. This expansion has been driven by a range of environmental and socio-economic factors, including climate change. Spatial modelling is being increasingly used to track the current and future distributions of ticks and tick-borne pathogens and to assess the associated disease risk. However, such analysis is dependent on high-resolution occurrence data for each species. To facilitate such analysis, in this review we have compiled georeferenced tick locations in the Western Palearctic, with a resolution accuracy under 10 km, that were reported between 2015 and 2021 METHODS: The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers documenting the distribution of ticks that were published between 2015 and 2021, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The papers were then screened and excluded in accordance with the PRISMA flow chart. Coordinate-referenced tick locations along with information on identification and collection methods were extracted from each eligible publication. Spatial analysis was conducted using R software (version 4.1.2). RESULTS From the 1491 papers identified during the initial search, 124 met the inclusion criteria, and from these, 2267 coordinate-referenced tick records from 33 tick species were included in the final dataset. Over 30% of articles did not record the tick location adequately to meet inclusion criteria, only providing a location name or general location. Among the tick records, Ixodes ricinus had the highest representation (55%), followed by Dermacentor reticulatus (22.1%) and Ixodes frontalis (4.8%). The majority of ticks were collected from vegetation, with only 19.1% collected from hosts. CONCLUSIONS The data presented provides a collection of recent high-resolution, coordinate-referenced tick locations for use in spatial analyses, which in turn can be used in combination with previously collated datasets to analyse the changes in tick distribution and research in the Western Palearctic. In the future it is recommended that, where data privacy rules allow, high-resolution methods are routinely used by researchers to geolocate tick samples and ensure their work can be used to its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Noll
- Institute of Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Richard Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hannah Rose Vineer
- Institute of Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Brugger K, Rubel F. Tick maps on the virtual globe: First results using the example of Dermacentor reticulatus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102102. [PMID: 36508779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Digital maps, particularly displayed on virtual globes, will represent the most important source of geographical knowledge in the future. The best known of these virtual globes is Google Earth, whose use in teaching at schools and universities is now common practice. As the first result of a series of forthcoming digital tick maps, the worldwide distribution of the marsh tick Dermacentor reticulatus is shown on Google Earth. For this purpose, various distribution maps of D. reticulatus were compiled, including digitized expert maps and a map of suitable habitats compiled with a species distribution model (SDM). A random forest model that estimates suitable habitats by combining information from tick observations, bioclimatic variables, altitude, and land cover was chosen for the latter. In the Google Earth application, the following maps can be selected: a historical expert map, a current expert map, a SDM predicted habitat suitability map, a combined expert-habitat suitability map (considered to be the best representation of the current distribution of D. reticulatus), and a map of rasterized tick locations. Users can overlay these maps according to their own requirements or combine it with other Google Earth content. For example, a comparison of the historical with the current expert map shows the spread of D. reticulatus over the past few decades. Additionally, high-resolution city maps of Bilbao (Spain), Grenoble (France), Berlin (Germany), Wrocław (Poland), Budapest (Hungary), Bucharest (Romania), and Tomsk (Russia) demonstrate the urban distribution of D. reticulatus in public parks, fallow land, and recreational areas. The Google Earth application, developed using the Keyhole Markup Language (KML), also contains fact sheets on biology, ecology, seasonal activity, and vector competence of D. reticulatus. This information has been prepared in a compact and easily understandable way for the target group, i.e. scientists from various disciplines, students, and lay people interested in the geographical distribution of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Brugger
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna 1210, Austria; Competence Center for Climate and Health, Austrian National Public Health Institute, Stubenring 6, Vienna 1010, Austria.
| | - Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna 1210, Austria
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Roxa Z, Phoofolo MW, Dawuda PM, Molapo S, Majoro L. Identification and prevalence of ticks on Merino sheep in Lesotho. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:70. [PMID: 36749497 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03492-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
For over a decade, export of wool accounted for 58.3% of agricultural exports from Lesotho. Even though the sheep subsector contributes significantly to the economy, its development is hampered by different constraints. One of the most important constraints of sheep production is poor animal health due to widespread diseases including those caused by ticks. This study aimed to identify tick species parasitizing sheep and to determine whether tick prevalence on sheep was influenced by agroecological zone, sheep age, and seasonality. Ticks were collected from 720 sheep in the four agroecological zones of Lesotho, namely lowlands, foothills, Senqu River Valley, and highlands, during December 2018-May 2019. Ticks were picked from their sites of attachment then taken to the laboratory for identification to species level. No ticks were found on the sheep examined from the highlands and, as a result, this agroecological zone was excluded from further analysis. The following five tick species, with their overall prevalence, were identified: Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (38.0%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (1.6%), Hyalomma rufipes (1.0%), Otobius megnini (1.0%), and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (0.3%). Four of the species were hard ticks (Family Ixodidae). The only soft tick species found was O. megnini (Family Agarsidae). Tick prevalence was influenced by seasonality that varied across agroecological zones. Foothills and lowlands had highest tick prevalence in December and January, respectively, and lowest prevalence in February and May, respectively, whereas Senqu River Valley had highest tick prevalence in May and lowest in March. The age of the sheep did not significantly influence prevalence of tick infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongezile Roxa
- Department of Animal Sciences, National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma 180, Roma, Lesotho.
| | | | - Philip Makama Dawuda
- Department of Animal Sciences, National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma 180, Roma, Lesotho
| | - Setsumi Molapo
- Department of Animal Sciences, National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma 180, Roma, Lesotho
| | - Likeleli Majoro
- Department of Animal Sciences, National University of Lesotho, P.O. Roma 180, Roma, Lesotho
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Rubel F, Dautel H, Nijhof AM, Kahl O. Ticks in the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102029. [PMID: 35987114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
A high-resolution city map showing the geographic distribution of 12 tick species (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) that have been recorded from the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany is presented. A total of 237 tick locations was mapped. These include ten ixodid tick species: Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Hyalomma rufipes, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes arboricola, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes trianguliceps and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The two tick species Hy. rufipes and R. sanguineus s.l. are not endemic to Berlin. Hyalomma rufipes ticks are introduced in Europe with migratory birds from Africa every spring. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. are introduced to Central Europe with dogs that had travelled to or were imported from countries where this tick is endemic. In Germany, they are able to develop and reproduce inside heated buildings. Occurrences of two soft tick species, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus and the short-legged bat tick Carios vespertilionis were also mapped. Other tick species that are likely to be endemic to Berlin and its environs, but for which documented findings or geographical coordinates are lacking, are mentioned. These include the long-legged bat tick I. vespertilionis and the marten tick I. rugicollis documented in Brandenburg, the federal state surrounding Berlin. It can be assumed that if appropriate field studies are carried out, these tick species will also be found in the metropolitan area of Berlin. The high-resolution mapping of all tick species found in a city (like Berlin) forms the basis for further investigations into the impact of climate change and changing land use on ticks and tick-borne diseases, precisely in those habitats where most people will live in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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Uusitalo R, Siljander M, Lindén A, Sormunen JJ, Aalto J, Hendrickx G, Kallio E, Vajda A, Gregow H, Henttonen H, Marsboom C, Korhonen EM, Sironen T, Pellikka P, Vapalahti O. Predicting habitat suitability for Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Finland. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:310. [PMID: 36042518 PMCID: PMC9429443 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05410-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are responsible for transmitting several notable pathogens worldwide. Finland lies in a zone where two human-biting tick species co-occur: Ixodesricinus and Ixodespersulcatus. Tick densities have increased in boreal regions worldwide during past decades, and tick-borne pathogens have been identified as one of the major threats to public health in the face of climate change. Methods We used species distribution modelling techniques to predict the distributions of I.ricinus and I.persulcatus, using aggregated historical data from 2014 to 2020 and new tick occurrence data from 2021. By aiming to fill the gaps in tick occurrence data, we created a new sampling strategy across Finland. We also screened for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Borrelia from the newly collected ticks. Climate, land use and vegetation data, and population densities of the tick hosts were used in various combinations on four data sets to estimate tick species’ distributions across mainland Finland with a 1-km resolution. Results In the 2021 survey, 89 new locations were sampled of which 25 new presences and 63 absences were found for I.ricinus and one new presence and 88 absences for I.persulcatus. A total of 502 ticks were collected and analysed; no ticks were positive for TBEV, while 56 (47%) of the 120 pools, including adult, nymph, and larva pools, were positive for Borrelia (minimum infection rate 11.2%, respectively). Our prediction results demonstrate that two combined predictor data sets based on ensemble mean models yielded the highest predictive accuracy for both I.ricinus (AUC = 0.91, 0.94) and I.persulcatus (AUC = 0.93, 0.96). The suitable habitats for I.ricinus were determined by higher relative humidity, air temperature, precipitation sum, and middle-infrared reflectance levels and higher densities of white-tailed deer, European hare, and red fox. For I.persulcatus, locations with greater precipitation and air temperature and higher white-tailed deer, roe deer, and mountain hare densities were associated with higher occurrence probabilities. Suitable habitats for I.ricinus ranged from southern Finland up to Central Ostrobothnia and North Karelia, excluding areas in Ostrobothnia and Pirkanmaa. For I.persulcatus, suitable areas were located along the western coast from Ostrobothnia to southern Lapland, in North Karelia, North Savo, Kainuu, and areas in Pirkanmaa and Päijät-Häme. Conclusions This is the first study conducted in Finland that estimates potential tick species distributions using environmental and host data. Our results can be utilized in vector control strategies, as supporting material in recommendations issued by public health authorities, and as predictor data for modelling the risk for tick-borne diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05410-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, 00014, Helsinki, Finland. .,Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland. .,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mika Siljander
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andreas Lindén
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, P.O. Box 2, 00791, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jani J Sormunen
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.,Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Juha Aalto
- Weather and Climate Change Impact Research Unit, Finnish Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 503, 00101, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Eva Kallio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and School of Resource Wisdom, University of Jyväskylä, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Andrea Vajda
- Weather and Climate Change Impact Research Unit, Finnish Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 503, 00101, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hilppa Gregow
- Weather and Climate Change Impact Research Unit, Finnish Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 503, 00101, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Henttonen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, P.O. Box 2, 00791, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Essi M Korhonen
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Pellikka
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Wondim MA, Czupryna P, Pancewicz S, Kruszewska E, Groth M, Moniuszko-Malinowska A. Epidemiological Trends of Trans-Boundary Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Europe, 2000-2019. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060704. [PMID: 35745558 PMCID: PMC9228375 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis is a neuroinfection widely distributed in the Euro-Asia region. Primarily, the virus is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. From 2000-2019, the total number of confirmed cases in Europe reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control was 51,519. The number of cases decreased in 2014 and 2015; however, since 2015, a growing number of cases have been observed, with the involvement of countries in which TBE has not been previously reported. The determinant factors for the spread of TBE are host population size, weather conditions, movement of hosts, and local regulations on the socioeconomic dynamics of the local and travelling people around the foci areas. The mean incidence rate of tick-borne encephalitis from 2000-2019 in Europe was 3.27, while the age-adjusted mean incidence rate was 2.19 per 100,000 population size. This review used several articles and data sources from the European Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control.
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Kopsco HL, Smith RL, Halsey SJ. A Scoping Review of Species Distribution Modeling Methods for Tick Vectors. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.893016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundGlobally, tick-borne disease is a pervasive and worsening problem that impacts human and domestic animal health, livelihoods, and numerous economies. Species distribution models are useful tools to help address these issues, but many different modeling approaches and environmental data sources exist.ObjectiveWe conducted a scoping review that examined all available research employing species distribution models to predict occurrence and map tick species to understand the diversity of model strategies, environmental predictors, tick data sources, frequency of climate projects of tick ranges, and types of model validation methods.DesignFollowing the PRISMA-ScR checklist, we searched scientific databases for eligible articles, their references, and explored related publications through a graphical tool (www.connectedpapers.com). Two independent reviewers performed article selection and characterization using a priori criteria.ResultsWe describe data collected from 107 peer-reviewed articles that met our inclusion criteria. The literature reflects that tick species distributions have been modeled predominantly in North America and Europe and have mostly modeled the habitat suitability for Ixodes ricinus (n = 23; 21.5%). A wide range of bioclimatic databases and other environmental correlates were utilized among models, but the WorldClim database and its bioclimatic variables 1–19 appeared in 60 (56%) papers. The most frequently chosen modeling approach was MaxEnt, which also appeared in 60 (56%) of papers. Despite the importance of ensemble modeling to reduce bias, only 23 papers (21.5%) employed more than one algorithm, and just six (5.6%) used an ensemble approach that incorporated at least five different modeling methods for comparison. Area under the curve/receiver operating characteristic was the most frequently reported model validation method, utilized in nearly all (98.9%) included studies. Only 21% of papers used future climate scenarios to predict tick range expansion or contraction. Regardless of the representative concentration pathway, six of seven genera were expected to both expand and retract depending on location, while Ornithodoros was predicted to only expand beyond its current range.ConclusionSpecies distribution modeling techniques are useful and widely employed tools for predicting tick habitat suitability and range movement. However, the vast array of methods, data sources, and validation strategies within the SDM literature support the need for standardized protocols for species distribution and ecological niche modeling for tick vectors.
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Lebert I, Bord S, Saint-Andrieux C, Cassar E, Gasqui P, Beugnet F, Chalvet-Monfray K, Vanwambeke SO, Vourc'h G, René-Martellet M. Habitat suitability map of <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> tick in France using multi-criteria analysis. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2022; 17. [PMID: 35579242 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2022.1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The tick Ixodes ricinus is widely distributed across Europe and is responsible for the transmission of several pathogens to humans and animals. In this study, we used a knowledge-based method to map variations in habitat suitability for I. ricinus ticks throughout continental France and Corsica. The multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) integrated four major biotic and abiotic factors known to influence tick populations: climate, land cover, altitude and the density of wild ungulates. For each factor, habitat suitability index (HSI) values were attributed to different locations based on knowledge regarding its impact on tick populations. For the MCDA, two methods of factor combination were tested, additive and multiplicative, both which were evaluated at the spatial scales of departments and local municipalities. The resulting habitat suitability maps (resolution=100x100 m) revealed that conditions are suitable for I. ricinus over most of France and Corsica. Particularly suitable habitats were located in central, north-eastern and south-western France, while less-suitable habitats were found in the Mediterranean and mountainous regions. To validate the approach, the HSI scores were compared to field data of I. ricinus nymph abundance. Regardless of scale, the correlation between abundance indicator and HSI score was stronger for the additive than for the multiplicative approach. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of MCDA for estimating habitat suitability maps for I. ricinus abundance, which could be especially useful in highlighting areas of the tick's distribution where preventive measures should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Lebert
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; University of Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Séverine Bord
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; University of Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Paris, France.
| | | | - Eva Cassar
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; University of Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Patrick Gasqui
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; University of Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | | | - Karine Chalvet-Monfray
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; University of Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Sophie O Vanwambeke
- Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate research, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Gwenaël Vourc'h
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; University of Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Magalie René-Martellet
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; University of Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
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11
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The evolving story of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato transmission in Europe. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:781-803. [PMID: 35122516 PMCID: PMC8816687 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Beside mosquitoes, ticks are well-known vectors of different human pathogens. In the Northern Hemisphere, Lyme borreliosis (Eurasia, LB) or Lyme disease (North America, LD) is the most commonly occurring vector-borne infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia which are transmitted by hard ticks of the genus Ixodes. The reported incidence of LB in Europe is about 22.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants annually with a broad range depending on the geographical area analyzed. However, the epidemiological data are largely incomplete, because LB is not notifiable in all European countries. Furthermore, not only differ reporting procedures between countries, there is also variation in case definitions and diagnostic procedures. Lyme borreliosis is caused by several species of the Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex which are maintained in complex networks including ixodid ticks and different reservoir hosts. Vector and host influence each other and are affected by multiple factors including climate that have a major impact on their habitats and ecology. To classify factors that influence the risk of transmission of B. burgdorferi s.l. to their different vertebrate hosts as well as to humans, we briefly summarize the current knowledge about the pathogens including their astonishing ability to overcome various host immune responses, regarding the main vector in Europe Ixodes ricinus, and the disease caused by borreliae. The research shows, that a higher standardization of case definition, diagnostic procedures, and standardized, long-term surveillance systems across Europe is necessary to improve clinical and epidemiological data.
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12
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Food-Borne Transmission of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus—Spread, Consequences, and Prophylaxis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031812. [PMID: 35162837 PMCID: PMC8835261 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most common viral neurological disease in Eurasia. It is usually transmitted via tick bites but can also occur through ingestion of TBEV-infected milk and dairy products. The present paper summarises the knowledge of the food-borne TBEV transmission and presents methods for the prevention of its spread. The incidence of milk-borne TBE outbreaks is recorded in central, eastern, and north-eastern Europe, where Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, and/or Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, i.e., the main vectors of TBEV, occur abundantly. The growing occurrence range and population size of these ticks increases the risk of infection of dairy animals, i.e., goats, sheep, and cows, with viruses transmitted by these ticks. Consumers of unpasteurised milk and dairy products purchased from local farms located in TBE endemic areas are the most vulnerable to alimentary TBEV infections. Familial infections with these viruses are frequently recorded, mainly in children. Food-transmitted TBE can be monophasic or biphasic, and some of its neurological and psychiatric symptoms may persist in patients for a long time. Alimentary TBEV infections can be effectively prevented by consumption of pasteurised milk and the use of TBEV vaccines. It is recommended that milk and dairy products should be checked for the presence of TBE viruses prior to distribution. Protection of dairy animals against tick attacks and education of humans regarding the epidemiology and prophylaxis of TBE are equally important.
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13
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Rubel F, Brugger K. Maps of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) for Austria and South Tyrol, Italy. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 86:211-233. [PMID: 35050437 PMCID: PMC8858313 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00688-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A first compilation of georeferenced tick locations in Austria and South Tyrol, Italy, is presented here. This allows the tick fauna to be examined in the various climatic regions of the European Alps. The dataset comprises 424 tick locations of Austria and 48 tick locations of South Tyrol, which were digitized from literature and visualized in the form of geographical maps. The tick fauna of Austria includes two species of Argasidae in the genera Argas and Carios and 15 species of Ixodidae in the genera Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, altogether 17 tick species. In addition, two species of Ixodidae in the genera Hyalomma (each spring imported by migratory birds) and Rhipicephalus (occasionally imported by dogs returning from abroad with their owners) are included in the tick atlas. Of these, the georeferenced locations of 18 tick species are depicted in maps. The occurrence of the one remaining tick species, Ixodes inopinatus, is given at the level of the federal states. The first Austrian distribution map of the long-legged bat tick Ixodes vespertilionis, which was reported from 21 caves, deserves special mention. The most common and widespread tick species is Ixodes ricinus, with records in all nine federal states of Austria, followed by Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, and I. vespertilionis in six federal states each. Haemaphysalis concinna and Dermacentor reticulatus are only endemic in the eastern plains, while Dermacentor marginatus only occurs in the west, in the Tyrolean Alpine valleys. Eight tick species were reported from South Tyrol, Italy. There, the most frequently flagged tick from the vegetation is also I. ricinus, while D. marginatus and Haemaphysalis punctata are often collected from sheep. The locations are shown together with those from North and East Tyrol on a separate Tyrol map. The tick atlas in Austria and South Tyrol as well as the underlying digital dataset in the supplement contribute to the closing of data gaps in global distribution maps of ticks and improve the data basis for new species distribution models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Brugger
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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14
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Detection of Borrelia and Babesia species in Haemaphysalis punctata ticks sampled in Southern England. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101902. [PMID: 35042078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The distribution and population size of the red sheep tick (Haemaphysalis punctata) are increasing in Northern Europe, and in the United Kingdom reports of human biting by this species have increased in recent years. To assess the risk of tick-borne disease (TBD) transmission to humans and livestock by H. punctata, ticks sampled from sites in Southern England were screened using PCR for either Borrelia species or piroplasms over a three year period, 2018-2020. A total of 302 H. punctata were collected from eight locations. From these, two Babesia species associated with TBD infections in livestock, Babesia major and Babesia motasi, and the human pathogen Borrelia miyamotoi were detected, predominantly from a single location in Sussex. Consequently, the range expansion of this tick across Southern England may impact public and livestock health.
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15
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The Presence of Ehrlichia Canis in Rhipicephalus Bursa Ticks Collected from Ungulates in Continental Eastern Europe. J Vet Res 2021; 65:271-275. [PMID: 34917838 PMCID: PMC8643095 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2021-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rhipicephalus bursa is a common tick parasite of small-to-medium size ungulates, principally in warm, temperate, and subtropical areas. Although common in livestock and showing a wide geographic distribution, its epidemiological role in tick-borne bacterial disease is barely known. This study addressed the knowledge gap and aimed to screen for the presence of Anaplasmataceae and spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia species in R. bursa ticks collected from domestic animals in Romania, Eastern Europe. Material and Methods A total of 64 pools of R. bursa ticks collected from small ungulates were tested by PCR for Anaplasmataceae DNA presence using group-specific primers. Specific testing was performed for Anaplasma marginale/A. centrale/A. ovis, A. platys, A. phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, and SFG Rickettsia. The positive samples were purified and sequenced, and sequences analysis was used to identify the species and to confirm the PCR results. Results The only pathogen identified in this study was E. canis. The obtained sequences confirmed the PCR results. The presence of E. canis in R. bursa in Romania and in ticks from sheep was shown for the first time in this study. Conclusion Based on these findings, it may be presumed that the E. canis DNA originated from ticks; however, the vectorial role of R. bursa (and other arthropod species) in the transmission of E. canis should be proved experimentally.
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16
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Stroffolini G, Segala FV, Lupia T, Faraoni S, Rossi L, Tomassone L, Zanet S, De Rosa FG, Di Perri G, Calcagno A. Serology for Borrelia spp. in Northwest Italy: A Climate-Matched 10-Year Trend. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121310. [PMID: 34947841 PMCID: PMC8706290 DOI: 10.3390/life11121310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous parasites that can transmit a variety of human pathogens, and their life cycle is dependent on several climatic factors for development and survival. We conducted a study in Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Italy, between 2009 and 2018. The study matched human sample serologies for Borrelia spp. with publicly available climatic and meteorological data. A total of 12,928 serological immunofluorescence assays (IFA) and Western blot (WB) tests were analysed. The median number of IFA and WB tests per year was 1236 (range 700–1997), with the highest demand in autumn 2018 (N = 289). In the study period, positive WB showed an increasing trend, peaking in 2018 for both IgM (N = 97) and IgG (N = 61). These results were consistent with a regional climatic variation trending towards an increase in both temperature and humidity. Our results suggest that coupling data from epidemiology and the environment, and the use of a “one health” approach, may provide a powerful tool in understanding disease transmission and strengthen collaboration between specialists in the era of climate instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Stroffolini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy; (G.D.P.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (F.V.S.); Tel.: +39-0114393793 (G.S.)
| | - Francesco Vladimiro Segala
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (F.V.S.); Tel.: +39-0114393793 (G.S.)
| | - Tommaso Lupia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, 14100 Asti, Italy; (T.L.); (F.G.D.R.)
| | - Silvia Faraoni
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, ASL “Città di Torino”, 10149 Turin, Italy;
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy; (L.R.); (L.T.); (S.Z.)
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy; (L.R.); (L.T.); (S.Z.)
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy; (L.R.); (L.T.); (S.Z.)
| | | | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy; (G.D.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, 10149 Turin, Italy; (G.D.P.); (A.C.)
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17
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Cuadrado-Matías R, Cardoso B, Sas MA, García-Bocanegra I, Schuster I, González-Barrio D, Reiche S, Mertens M, Cano-Terriza D, Casades-Martí L, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Martínez-Guijosa J, Fierro Y, Gómez-Guillamón F, Gortázar C, Acevedo P, Groschup MH, Ruiz-Fons F. Red deer reveal spatial risks of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus infection. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e630-e645. [PMID: 34739746 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) continues to cause new human cases in Iberia while its spatial distribution and ecological determinants remain unknown. The virus remains active in a silent tick-animal cycle to which animals contribute maintaining the tick populations and the virus itself. Wild ungulates, in particular red deer, are essential hosts for Hyalomma ticks in Iberia, which are the principal competent vector of CCHFV. Red deer could be an excellent model to understand the ecological determinants of CCHFV as well as to predict infection risks for humans because it is large, gregarious, abundant and the principal host for Hyalomma lusitanicum. We designed a cross-sectional study, analysed the presence of CCHFV antibodies in 1444 deer from 82 populations, and statistically modelled exposure risk with host and environmental predictors. The best-fitted statistical model was projected for peninsular Spain to map infection risks. Fifty out of 82 deer populations were seropositive, with individual population prevalence as high as 88%. The highest prevalence of exposure to CCHFV occurred in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Climate and ungulate abundance were the most influential predictors of the risk of exposure to the virus. The highest risk regions were those where H. lusitanicum is most abundant. Eight of the nine primary human cases occurred in or bordering these regions, demonstrating that the model predicts human infection risk accurately. A recent human case of CCHF occurred in northwestern Spain, a region that the model predicted as low risk, pointing out that it needs improvement to capture all determinants of the CCHFV infection risk. In this study, we have been able to identify the main ecological determinants of CCHFV, and we have also managed to create an accurate model to assess the risk of CCHFV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Cuadrado-Matías
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Beatriz Cardoso
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain.,CIBIO/InBio, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Miriam A Sas
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Isolde Schuster
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - David González-Barrio
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain.,Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sven Reiche
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Marc Mertens
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Laia Casades-Martí
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain.,Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jordi Martínez-Guijosa
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | - Félix Gómez-Guillamón
- Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain
| | - Christian Gortázar
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
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Kulisz J, Bartosik K, Zając Z, Woźniak A, Kolasa S. Quantitative Parameters of the Body Composition Influencing Host Seeking Behavior of Ixodes ricinus Adults. Pathogens 2021; 10:706. [PMID: 34198835 PMCID: PMC8227263 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus, a hematophagous arthropod species with great medical importance in the northern hemisphere, is characterized by an ability to survive prolonged periods of starvation, a wide host spectrum, and high vector competence. The aim of the present study was to determine the quantitative parameters of questing I. ricinus ticks collected in eastern Poland during the spring peak of their activity. The study consisted in the determination of quantitative parameters characterizing I. ricinus females and males, i.e., fresh body mass, reduced body mass, lipid-free body mass, water mass, and lipid mass and calculation of the lipid index. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean values of the lipid index in females collected during the first and last ten days of May, which indicates the progressive utilization of reserve materials in the activity period. Higher activity of I. ricinus female ticks was observed during the last ten days of May despite the less favorable weather conditions, indicating their strong determination in host-seeking behaviors accompanying a decline in the lipid content and the use of the "now or never" strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kulisz
- Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (Z.Z.); (A.W.)
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (Z.Z.); (A.W.)
| | - Zbigniew Zając
- Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (Z.Z.); (A.W.)
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (Z.Z.); (A.W.)
| | - Szymon Kolasa
- Polesie National Park, Lubelska 3a St., 22-234 Urszulin, Poland;
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19
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Rubel F, Brugger K, Chitimia-Dobler L, Dautel H, Meyer-Kayser E, Kahl O. Atlas of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) in Germany. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 84:183-214. [PMID: 33939100 PMCID: PMC8102463 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00619-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
An updated and increased compilation of georeferenced tick locations in Germany is presented here. This data collection extends the dataset published some years ago by another 1448 new tick locations, 900 locations of which were digitized from literature and 548 locations are published here for the first time. This means that a total of 3492 georeferenced tick locations is now available for Germany. The tick fauna of Germany includes two species of Argasidae in the genera Argas and Carios and 19 species of Ixodidae in the genera Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, altogether 21 tick species. In addition, three species of Ixodidae in the genera Hyalomma (each spring imported by migratory birds) and Rhipicephalus (occasionally imported by dogs returning from abroad with their owners) are included in the tick atlas. Of these, the georeferenced locations of 23 tick species are depicted in maps. The occurrence of the one remaining tick species, the recently described Ixodes inopinatus, is given at the level of the federal states. The most common and widespread tick species is Ixodes ricinus, with records in all 16 federal states. With the exception of Hamburg, Dermacentor reticulatus was also found in all federal states. The occurrence of the ixodid ticks Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes hexagonus and I. inopinatus were documented in at least 11 federal states each. The two mentioned argasid tick species were also documented in numerous federal states, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus in 11 and the bat tick Carios vespertilionis in seven federal states. The atlas of ticks in Germany and the underlying digital dataset in the supplement can be used to improve global tick maps or to study the effects of climate change and habitat alteration on the distribution of tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Wien, Austria
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Bratuleanu BE, Temmam S, Chrétien D, Regnault B, Pérot P, Bouchier C, Bigot T, Savuța G, Eloit M. The virome of Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor and Haemaphysalis ticks from Eastern Romania includes novel viruses with potential relevance for public health. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1387-1403. [PMID: 33840161 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are involved in the transmission of various pathogens and several tick-borne diseases cause significant problems for the health of humans and livestock. The composition of viral communities in ticks and their interactions with pathogens, is poorly understood, particularly in Eastern Europe, an area that represents a major hub for animal-arthropod vectors exchanges (e.g., via bird migrations). The aim of this study was to describe the virome of Dermacentor sp., Rhipicephalus sp. and Haemaphysalis sp. ticks collected from relatively little studied regions of Romania (Iasi and Tulcea counties) located at the intersection of various biotopes, countries and routes of migrations. We also focused the study on viruses that could potentially have relevance for human and animal health. In 2019, more than 500 ticks were collected from the vegetation and from small ruminants and analysed by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Among the viral communities infecting Romanian ticks, viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae, Phenuiviridae and Nairoviridae families were identified and full genomes were derived. Phylogenetic analyses placed them in clades where mammalian isolates are found, suggesting that these viruses could constitute novel arboviruses. The characterization of these communities increase the knowledge of the diversity of viruses in Eastern Europe and provides a basis for further studies about the interrelationship between ticks and tick-borne viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Elena Bratuleanu
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety (ROVETEMERG), "Ion Ionescu de la Brad", University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania
| | - Sarah Temmam
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,OIE Collaborating Centre for Detection and Identification in Humans of Emerging Animal Pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Chrétien
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,OIE Collaborating Centre for Detection and Identification in Humans of Emerging Animal Pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Béatrice Regnault
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,OIE Collaborating Centre for Detection and Identification in Humans of Emerging Animal Pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Pérot
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,OIE Collaborating Centre for Detection and Identification in Humans of Emerging Animal Pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Thomas Bigot
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Gheorghe Savuța
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety (ROVETEMERG), "Ion Ionescu de la Brad", University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania
| | - Marc Eloit
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,OIE Collaborating Centre for Detection and Identification in Humans of Emerging Animal Pathogens, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Alfort National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
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21
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Rubel F, Brugger K, Belova OA, Kholodilov IS, Didyk YM, Kurzrock L, García-Pérez AL, Kahl O. Vectors of disease at the northern distribution limit of the genus Dermacentor in Eurasia: D. reticulatus and D. silvarum. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 82:95-123. [PMID: 32815071 PMCID: PMC7471206 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The two ixodid tick species Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius) and Dermacentor silvarum Olenev occur at the northern distribution limit of the genus Dermacentor in Eurasia, within the belt of [Formula: see text] latitude. Whilst the distribution area of D. reticulatus extends from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to Western Siberia, that of D. silvarum extends from Western Siberia to the Pacific coast. In Western Siberia, the distribution areas of the two Dermacentor species overlap. Although the two tick species are important vectors of disease, detailed information concerning the entire distribution area, climate adaptation, and proven vector competence is still missing. A dataset was compiled, resulting in 2188 georeferenced D. reticulatus and 522 D. silvarum locations. Up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution and climate adaptation of the two Dermacentor species are presented. To investigate the climate adaptation of the two tick species, the georeferenced locations were superimposed on a high-resolution map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The frequency distribution of D. reticulatus under different climates shows two major peaks related to the following climates: warm temperate with precipitation all year round (57%) and boreal with precipitation all year round (40%). The frequency distribution of D. silvarum shows also two major peaks related to boreal climates with precipitation all year round (30%) and boreal winter dry climates (60%). Dermacentor silvarum seems to be rather flexible concerning summer temperatures, which can range from cool to hot. In climates with cool summers D. reticulatus does not occur, it prefers warm and to a lesser extent hot summers. Lists are given in this paper for cases of proven vector competence for various agents of both Dermacentor species. For the first time, the entire distribution areas of D. reticulatus and D. silvarum were mapped using georeferenced data. Their climate adaptations were quantified by Köppen profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oxana A Belova
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S Kholodilov
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya M Didyk
- Institute of Zoology SAS, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
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22
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Kjær LJ, Soleng A, Edgar KS, Lindstedt HEH, Paulsen KM, Andreassen ÅK, Korslund L, Kjelland V, Slettan A, Stuen S, Kjellander P, Christensson M, Teräväinen M, Baum A, Klitgaard K, Bødker R. Predicting and mapping human risk of exposure to Ixodes ricinus nymphs using climatic and environmental data, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, 2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30862329 PMCID: PMC6402176 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.9.1800101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundTick-borne diseases have become increasingly common in recent decades and present a health problem in many parts of Europe. Control and prevention of these diseases require a better understanding of vector distribution.AimOur aim was to create a model able to predict the distribution of Ixodes ricinus nymphs in southern Scandinavia and to assess how this relates to risk of human exposure.MethodsWe measured the presence of I. ricinus tick nymphs at 159 stratified random lowland forest and meadow sites in Denmark, Norway and Sweden by dragging 400 m transects from August to September 2016, representing a total distance of 63.6 km. Using climate and remote sensing environmental data and boosted regression tree modelling, we predicted the overall spatial distribution of I. ricinus nymphs in Scandinavia. To assess the potential public health impact, we combined the predicted tick distribution with human density maps to determine the proportion of people at risk.ResultsOur model predicted the spatial distribution of I. ricinus nymphs with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 60%. Temperature was one of the main drivers in the model followed by vegetation cover. Nymphs were restricted to only 17.5% of the modelled area but, respectively, 73.5%, 67.1% and 78.8% of the human populations lived within 5 km of these areas in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.ConclusionThe model suggests that increasing temperatures in the future may expand tick distribution geographically in northern Europe, but this may only affect a small additional proportion of the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Jung Kjær
- Department for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Arnulf Soleng
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Katrine Mørk Paulsen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo Norway.,Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Lars Korslund
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Vivian Kjelland
- Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Research Unit, Kristiansand, Norway.,Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Audun Slettan
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Small Ruminant Research, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - Petter Kjellander
- Department of Ecology, Wildlife Ecology Unit, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grimsö, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Christensson
- Department of Ecology, Wildlife Ecology Unit, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grimsö, Sweden
| | - Malin Teräväinen
- Department of Ecology, Wildlife Ecology Unit, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grimsö, Sweden
| | - Andreas Baum
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Klitgaard
- Department for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - René Bødker
- Department for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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23
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Estrada-Peña A, Nava S, Tarragona E, de la Fuente J, Guglielmone AA. A community approach to the Neotropical ticks-hosts interactions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9269. [PMID: 32518281 PMCID: PMC7283479 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66400-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationships between ticks and hosts are relevant to capture the ecological background driving the evolution of these parasites. We used a set of 4,764 records of ticks of the genera Amblyomma, Ixodes, and Haemaphysalis and their hosts in the Neotropics to approach the tick-host relationships using a network-based construct. The network identified 9 clusters of interacting hosts and ticks partially connected by 22 tick species that switch their host range according to their life cycle stage. These links among clusters do not confer an extra resilience to the network following removal of hosts and subsequent cascade extinctions of ticks: the robustness of the network slightly changed when these inter-clusters links are considered. Phylogenetic clustering of ticks to hosts at cluster level was not significant (p > 0.15) but if examined individually 63 tick species/stages (59%) displayed such clustering, suggesting that their hosts have a related phylogenetic background. We interpreted these results under an ecological perspective in which ticks could track its environmental niche associating to vertebrates that would maximize tick survival under the range of abiotic traits. We encourage these integrated analyses to capture the patterns of circulation of tick-transmitted pathogens, a topic still unaddressed in the Neotropical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | | | | | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
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24
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Phillips VC, Zieman EA, Kim CH, Stone CM, Tuten HC, Jiménez FA. Documentation of the Expansion of the Gulf Coast Tick ( Amblyomma maculatum) and Rickettsia parkeri : First Report in Illinois. J Parasitol 2020. [DOI: 10.1645/19-118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C. Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - Elliott A. Zieman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - Chang-Hyun Kim
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61820
| | - Chris M. Stone
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61820
| | - Holly C. Tuten
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61820
| | - F. Agustín Jiménez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
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25
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Jung Kjær L, Soleng A, Edgar KS, Lindstedt HEH, Paulsen KM, Andreassen ÅK, Korslund L, Kjelland V, Slettan A, Stuen S, Kjellander P, Christensson M, Teräväinen M, Baum A, Klitgaard K, Bødker R. Predicting the spatial abundance of Ixodes ricinus ticks in southern Scandinavia using environmental and climatic data. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18144. [PMID: 31792296 PMCID: PMC6889419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, focus on tick-borne diseases has increased as ticks and their pathogens have become widespread and represent a health problem in Europe. Understanding the epidemiology of tick-borne infections requires the ability to predict and map tick abundance. We measured Ixodes ricinus abundance at 159 sites in southern Scandinavia from August-September, 2016. We used field data and environmental variables to develop predictive abundance models using machine learning algorithms, and also tested these models on 2017 data. Larva and nymph abundance models had relatively high predictive power (normalized RMSE from 0.65–0.69, R2 from 0.52–0.58) whereas adult tick models performed poorly (normalized RMSE from 0.94–0.96, R2 from 0.04–0.10). Testing the models on 2017 data produced good results with normalized RMSE values from 0.59–1.13 and R2 from 0.18–0.69. The resulting 2016 maps corresponded well with known tick abundance and distribution in Scandinavia. The models were highly influenced by temperature and vegetation, indicating that climate may be an important driver of I. ricinus distribution and abundance in Scandinavia. Despite varying results, the models predicted abundance in 2017 with high accuracy. The models are a first step towards environmentally driven tick abundance models that can assist in determining risk areas and interpreting human incidence data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Jung Kjær
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark. .,Department for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Arnulf Soleng
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Katrine Mørk Paulsen
- Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Lars Korslund
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Vivian Kjelland
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway.,Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Research Unit, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Audun Slettan
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Small Ruminant Research, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - Petter Kjellander
- Department of Ecology, Wildlife Ecology Unit, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grimsö, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Christensson
- Department of Ecology, Wildlife Ecology Unit, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grimsö, Sweden
| | - Malin Teräväinen
- Department of Ecology, Wildlife Ecology Unit, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grimsö, Sweden
| | - Andreas Baum
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Klitgaard
- Department for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - René Bødker
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Department for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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26
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Zhang G, Zheng D, Tian Y, Li S. A dataset of distribution and diversity of ticks in China. Sci Data 2019; 6:105. [PMID: 31263100 PMCID: PMC6602924 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-019-0115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
While tick-borne zoonoses, such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, present an increasing global concern, knowledge of their vectors' distribution remains limited, especially for China. In this paper, we present the first comprehensive dataset of known tick species and their distributions in China, derived from peer-reviewed literature published between 1960 and 2017. We searched for journal articles, conference papers and degree thesis published in both English and Chinese, extracted geographic information associated with tick occurrence, and applied quality-control procedures to remove duplicates and ensure accuracy. The dataset contains 5731 records of geo-referenced occurrences for 123 tick species distributed over 1141 locations distinguished at four levels of scale i.e., provincial, prefectural, county, and township and finer. The most frequently reported tick species include Haemaphysalis longicornis, Dermacentor silvarum, Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis conicinna, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The geographical dataset provides an improved map of where ticks inhabit China and can be used for a variety of spatial analyses of ticks and the risk of zoonoses they transmit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanshi Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Duo Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yuqin Tian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Sen Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, UK.
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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27
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Li S, Gilbert L, Vanwambeke SO, Yu J, Purse BV, Harrison PA. Lyme Disease Risks in Europe under Multiple Uncertain Drivers of Change. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:67010. [PMID: 31232609 PMCID: PMC6792373 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Debates over whether climate change could lead to the amplification of Lyme disease (LD) risk in the future have received much attention. Although recent large-scale disease mapping studies project an overall increase in Lyme disease risk as the climate warms, such conclusions are based on climate-driven models in which other drivers of change, such as land-use/cover and host population distribution, are less considered. OBJECTIVES The main objectives were to project the likely future ecological risk patterns of LD in Europe under different assumptions about future socioeconomic and climate conditions and to explore similarity and uncertainty in the projected risks. METHODS An integrative, spatially explicit modeling study of the ecological risk patterns of LD in Europe was conducted by applying recent advances in process-based modeling of tick-borne diseases, species distribution mapping, and scenarios of land-use/cover change. We drove the model with stakeholder-driven, integrated scenarios of plausible future socioeconomic and climate change [the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSPs) combined with the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs)]. RESULTS The model projections suggest that future temperature increases may not always amplify LD risk: Low emissions scenarios (RCP2.6) combined with a sustainability socioeconomic scenario (SSP1) resulted in reduced LD risk. The greatest increase in risk was projected under intermediate (RCP4.5) rather than high-end (RCP8.5) climate change scenarios. Climate and land-use change were projected to have different roles in shaping the future regional dynamics of risk, with climate warming being likely to cause risk expansion in northern Europe and conversion of forest to agriculture being likely to limit risk in southern Europe. CONCLUSIONS Projected regional differences in LD risk resulted from mixed effects of temperature, land use, and host distributions, suggesting region-specific and cross-sectoral foci for LD risk management policy. The integrated model provides an improved explanatory tool for the system mechanisms of LD pathogen transmission and how pathogen transmission could respond to combined socioeconomic and climate changes. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4615.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, UK
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucy Gilbert
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sophie O. Vanwambeke
- Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jianjun Yu
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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28
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Zanzani SA, Pintore E, Olivieri E, Columbano N, Scanu A, Melosu V, Sanna Passino E, Careddu G, Gazzonis AL, Manfredi MT, Garippa G. Ixodid ticks on wild donkeys in a Mediterranean nature reserve (Asinara National Park): diversity and risk factors. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 33:238-246. [PMID: 30569463 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Sardinian coloured donkey Equus asinus (Perissodactyla: Equidae) and its albino colour morph represent the wildlife species most typical of the island of Asinara. This Mediterranean island represents a favourable context for ticks and tick-borne diseases; however, knowledge of the tick fauna on Asinara is scarce. A total of 106 Sardinian donkeys were inspected for tick infestation from June to November 2015. All ticks found were collected, classified by stage and sex, and identified to species level. The level of infestation of each donkey was determined; both the overall tick infestation and infestations of each detected species were classified on a scale of 1-3 to give an infestation score (IS). Overall, 256 hard ticks were collected from 60 of 106 donkeys (56.6%). Rhipicephalus bursa, Haemaphysalis punctata and Hyalomma marginatum (all: Ixodida: Ixodidae) infested 26.4%, 28.3% and 6.6% of donkeys, respectively. Different variables affected the IS. With reference to overall tick infestation, a higher IS was observed in donkeys grazing on grassland and Mediterranean shrubland and in albino donkeys compared with coloured donkeys. The collected ticks included species involved in the transmission of pathogens to humans, which highlights the risks for public health in a tourist destination such as Asinara National Park.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Pintore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - E Olivieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - N Columbano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - A Scanu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - V Melosu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - E Sanna Passino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - G Careddu
- Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara, Sassari, Italy
| | - A L Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M T Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Garippa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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29
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Burrow HM, Mans BJ, Cardoso FF, Birkett MA, Kotze AC, Hayes BJ, Mapholi N, Dzama K, Marufu MC, Githaka NW, Djikeng A. Towards a new phenotype for tick resistance in beef and dairy cattle: a review. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/an18487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
About 80% of the world’s cattle are affected by ticks and tick-borne diseases, both of which cause significant production losses. Cattle host resistance to ticks is the most important factor affecting the economics of tick control, but it is largely neglected in tick-control programs due to technical difficulties and costs associated with identifying individual-animal variation in resistance. The present paper reviews the scientific literature to identify factors affecting resistance of cattle to ticks and the biological mechanisms of host tick resistance, to develop alternative phenotype(s) for tick resistance. If new cost-effective phenotype(s) can be developed and validated, then tick resistance of cattle could be genetically improved using genomic selection, and incorporated into breeding objectives to simultaneously improve cattle productive attributes and tick resistance. The phenotype(s) could also be used to improve tick control by using cattle management. On the basis of the present review, it is recommended that three possible phenotypes (haemolytic analysis; measures of skin hypersensitivity reactions; simplified artificial tick infestations) be further developed to determine their practical feasibility for consistently, cost-effectively and reliably measuring cattle tick resistance in thousands of individual animals in commercial and smallholder farmer herds in tropical and subtropical areas globally. During evaluation of these potential new phenotypes, additional measurements should be included to determine the possibility of developing a volatile-based resistance phenotype, to simultaneously improve cattle resistance to both ticks and biting flies. Because the current measurements of volatile chemistry do not satisfy the requirements of a simple, cost-effective phenotype for use in commercial cattle herds, consideration should also be given to inclusion of potentially simpler measures to enable indirect genetic selection for volatile-based resistance to ticks.
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30
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Sympatric Ixodes-tick species: pattern of distribution and pathogen transmission within wild rodent populations. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16660. [PMID: 30413762 PMCID: PMC6226450 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The generalist tick Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector for tick-borne pathogens (TBP), including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, in Europe. However, the involvement of other sympatric Ixodes ticks, such as the specialist vole tick I. trianguliceps, in the enzootic circulations of TBP remains unclear. We studied the distribution of I. ricinus and I. trianguliceps in Central Finland and estimated the TBP infection likelihood in the most common rodent host in relation with the abundance of the two tick species. Ixodes trianguliceps was encountered in all 16 study sites whereas I. ricinus was frequently observed only at a quarter of the study sites. The abundance of I. ricinus was positively associated with open water coverage and human population density around the study sites. Borrelia burgdorferi s. l.-infected rodents were found only in sites where I. ricinus was abundant, whereas the occurrence of other TBP was independent of I. ricinus presence. These results suggest that I. trianguliceps is not sufficient, at least alone, in maintaining the circulation of B. burgdorferi s. l. in wild hosts. In addition, anthropogenic factors might affect the distribution of I. ricinus ticks and, hence, their pathogens, thus shaping the landscape of tick-borne disease risk for humans.
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Sprong H, Azagi T, Hoornstra D, Nijhof AM, Knorr S, Baarsma ME, Hovius JW. Control of Lyme borreliosis and other Ixodes ricinus-borne diseases. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:145. [PMID: 29510749 PMCID: PMC5840726 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2744-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) and other Ixodes ricinus-borne diseases (TBDs) are diseases that emerge from interactions of humans and domestic animals with infected ticks in nature. Nature, environmental and health policies at (inter)national and local levels affect the risk, disease burden and costs of TBDs. Knowledge on ticks, their pathogens and the diseases they cause have been increasing, and resulted in the discovery of a diversity of control options, which often are not highly effective on their own. Control strategies involving concerted actions from human and animal health sectors as well as from nature managers have not been formulated, let alone implemented. Control of TBDs asks for a “health in all policies” approach, both at the (inter)national level, but also at local levels. For example, wildlife protection and creating urban green spaces are important for animal and human well-being, but may increase the risk of TBDs. In contrast, culling or fencing out deer decreases the risk for TBDs under specific conditions, but may have adverse effects on biodiversity or may be societally unacceptable. Therefore, in the end, nature and health workers together must carry out tailor-made control options for the control of TBDs for humans and animals, with minimal effects on the environment. In that regard, multidisciplinary approaches in environmental, but also medical settings are needed. To facilitate this, communication and collaboration between experts from different fields, which may include patient representatives, should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hein Sprong
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands. .,Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Tal Azagi
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Dieuwertje Hoornstra
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Knorr
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Ewoud Baarsma
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joppe W Hovius
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Ozubek S, Ipek DNS, Aktas M. A Molecular Survey of Rickettsias in Shelter Dogs and Distribution of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) sensu lato in Southeast Turkey. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:459-463. [PMID: 29186493 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Canine tick-borne pathogens are the source of emerging diseases and have important zoonotic relevance. Dogs play a major role in the transmission of several zoonotic tick-borne pathogens, as reservoirs and/or sentinels. To simultaneously detect Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species, a reverse line blot assay was conducted on 219 blood samples collected from autochthonous asymptomatic shelter dogs. One hundred and three (47.0%, CI 40.3-53.9) dogs were positive for one or both rickettsial pathogens. Seventy-one (32.4%, CI 26.3-39.0) dogs were infected with Anaplasma platys and 23 (10.5%, CI 6.8-15.3) with Ehrlichia canis. Concurrent infection with A. platys and E. canis was detected in nine (4.1%, CI 1.9-7.6) dogs. Partial sequences of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene shared 100% identity with the corresponding published sequences for A. platys and E. canis. Infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was not detected in the examined dogs. In total, 1018 (range 1-70, mean intensity 13.1, mean abundance 4.6) Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) (Acari: Ixodidae) sensu lato ticks (45.7% nymphs, 54.3% adults) were collected from the dogs. There was no significant association between Anaplasma/Ehrlichia infection and dog sex or age, but a significant correlation was found between rickettsia infection and presence of R. sanguineus. Improved tick control strategies to reduce the risk of these pathogens spreading among dogs and humans are needed in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezayi Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Duygu Neval Sayin Ipek
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Munir Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
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Abstract
Studies on the human-biting pathogen vectors Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus have been scarce in southern Europe. The aims of the present study were to determine the abundance of these ticks in a peri-urban park in northern Italy, describe the seasonal activity of D. reticulatus and examine the correlation between tick occurrence and environmental factors. Ticks were collected monthly from April 2015 to May 2016 using both dragging and flagging techniques. Various climatic variables (mean temperature, relative humidity and evapotranspiration for the collection dates; and 30-day moving averages preceding each collection date were calculated for rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and saturation deficit) also were recorded. Overall, 444 adults of D. reticulatus and 10 adults of I. ricinus were collected. Males of D. reticulatus appeared earlier in the year than females, but overall females were collected more frequently than males (1:1.25). Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the density of D. reticulatus among sampling transects and among months. The seasonal dynamic of D. reticulatus was characterized by a single peak of activity in the early spring. Tick density was associated with climatic variables: the 30-day moving average saturation deficit was particularly significant as most ticks (83%) were collected at values below 5.2mmHg. At the level of individual sampling transects, seasonal dynamics could be influenced by habitat type and host availability. We found D. reticulatus to be most abundant in mixed forests dominated by oaks and rich in ponds. As to I. ricinus, though found in a small number, its presence can be confirmed by our investigation. In light of the results of this study, the risk for encounters with D. reticulatus and I. ricinus may be higher than previously thought in northern Italy.
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Estrada-Peña A, Roura X, Sainz A, Miró G, Solano-Gallego L. Species of ticks and carried pathogens in owned dogs in Spain: Results of a one-year national survey. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:443-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Retrospective molecular study on canine hepatozoonosis in Slovakia – Does infection risk for dogs really exist? Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:567-573. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Rogovskyy AS, Nebogatkin IV, Scoles GA. Ixodid ticks in the megapolis of Kyiv, Ukraine. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:99-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Røed KH, Kvie KS, Hasle G, Gilbert L, Leinaas HP. Phylogenetic Lineages and Postglacial Dispersal Dynamics Characterize the Genetic Structure of the Tick, Ixodes ricinus, in Northwest Europe. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167450. [PMID: 27907193 PMCID: PMC5131986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dispersal and gene flow are important mechanisms affecting the dynamics of vectors and their pathogens. Here, patterns of genetic diversity were analyzed in many North European populations of the tick, Ixodes ricinus. Population sites were selected within and between areas separated by geographical barriers in order to evaluate the importance of tick transportation by birds in producing genetic connectivity across open sea and mountain ranges. The phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial control region and the cytochrome b gene revealed two distinct clades with supported sub-clades, with three genetic lineages: GB and WNo associated with Great Britain and western Norway respectively, and Eu with a wider distribution across continental Europe in agreement with much lower efficiency of tick dispersal by birds than by large mammals. The results suggest different ancestry of I. ricinus colonizing Britain and the rest of northern Europe, possibly from different glacial refuges, while ticks from western Norway and continental Europe share a more recent common ancestry. Demographic history modeling suggests a period of strong increase in tick abundance coincident with progression of the European Neolithic culture, long after their post-glacial colonization of NW Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut H. Røed
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti S. Kvie
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Hasle
- Oslo Travel Clinic, St Olavs plass 3; Oslo, Norway
| | - Lucy Gilbert
- James Hutton Institute, Macaulay Drive, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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González-Barrio D, Jado I, Fernández-de-Mera IG, Del Rocio Fernández-Santos M, Rodríguez-Vargas M, García-Amil C, Beltrán-Beck B, Anda P, Ruiz-Fons F. Genotypes of Coxiella burnetii in wildlife: disentangling the molecular epidemiology of a multi-host pathogen. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2016; 8:708-714. [PMID: 27336914 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidences point to a relevant role of wildlife in the ecology of Coxiella burnetii worldwide. The lack of information on C. burnetii genotypes in wildlife prevents tracing-back clinical animal and human Q fever cases with potential wildlife origin. To compare C. burnetii genotypes circulating in wildlife, livestock and humans, 107 samples from red deer, European wild rabbit, racoon, small mammals, goat and sheep were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blot hybridization. Genomic groups I, II, VI and VII were found in wildlife and groups I, II, III and IV in domestic ruminants. Livestock genotypes clustered mainly with genotypes reported previously in livestock. Genotyping confirmed previous findings that suggest that C. burnetii may display host specificity since most genotypes of sympatric deer and rabbits clustered in separate groups. Wildlife genotypes clustered with genotypes from ticks and from acute hepatitis human Q fever cases, suggesting that particular C. burnetii genotypes circulating in a wildlife-tick cycle may occasionally jump into humans through tick bites or exposure to wildlife. This finding could be behind the reported geographic variation in the clinical presentation of acute Q fever in humans in Spain: atypical pneumonia in the north and hepatitis in the south.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Barrio
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio) group, Spanish Wildlife Research Institute IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13071, Spain
| | - Isabel Jado
- Department of Bacteriology, Laboratorio de Investigación y Referencia en Patógenos Especiales, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. de Pozuelo km 2.6, Majadahonda, Madrid, 28220, Spain
| | - Isabel G Fernández-de-Mera
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio) group, Spanish Wildlife Research Institute IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13071, Spain
| | - María Del Rocio Fernández-Santos
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio) group, Spanish Wildlife Research Institute IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13071, Spain
| | - Manuela Rodríguez-Vargas
- Department of Bacteriology, Laboratorio de Investigación y Referencia en Patógenos Especiales, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. de Pozuelo km 2.6, Majadahonda, Madrid, 28220, Spain
| | - Cristina García-Amil
- Department of Bacteriology, Laboratorio de Investigación y Referencia en Patógenos Especiales, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. de Pozuelo km 2.6, Majadahonda, Madrid, 28220, Spain
| | - Beatriz Beltrán-Beck
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio) group, Spanish Wildlife Research Institute IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13071, Spain
| | - Pedro Anda
- Department of Bacteriology, Laboratorio de Investigación y Referencia en Patógenos Especiales, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. de Pozuelo km 2.6, Majadahonda, Madrid, 28220, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio) group, Spanish Wildlife Research Institute IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13071, Spain
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Natural Anaplasmataceae infection in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from sheep in the French Basque Country. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 8:18-24. [PMID: 27666778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus bursa is one of 79 species of the genus Rhipicephalus in the family of Ixodidae. In this study, we investigated Anaplasmataceae bacteria associated with R. bursa collected after an epizootic outbreak of ovine anaplasmosis. 76 adult ticks, (60 male and 16 female ticks), were removed from sheep in two farms and all identified as R. bursa, all females were partially engorged. We found that 50% of the ticks were positive in the initial Anaplasmataceae qPCR screening. Bacterial species was identified by analyzing the sequences of amplicons of 23S rRNA, groEL and rpoB genes. 22.4% of ticks contained DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and 7.9% the DNA of Anaplasma ovis. Based on 23S rRNA and groEL genes analysis, we found that 19.7% of ticks contained a potentially new species of Ehrlichia. We propose the status of Candidatus for this uncultured species and we provisionally name it Candidatus Ehrlichia urmitei. No Wolbachia were identified. These results show that R. bursa can be a carrier of Anaplasmataceae bacteria.
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Estrada-Peña A, de la Fuente J. Species interactions in occurrence data for a community of tick-transmitted pathogens. Sci Data 2016; 3:160056. [PMID: 27479213 PMCID: PMC4968194 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2016.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between tick species, their realized range of hosts, the pathogens they carry and transmit, and the geographic distribution of species in the Western Palearctic were determined based on evidence published between 1970-2014. These relationships were linked to remotely sensed features of temperature and vegetation and used to extract the network of interactions among the organisms. The resulting datasets focused on niche overlap among ticks and hosts, species interactions, and the fraction of the environmental niche in which tick-borne pathogens may circulate as a result of interactions and overlapping environmental traits. The resulting datasets provide a valuable resource for researchers interested in tick-borne pathogens, as they conciliate the abiotic and biotic sides of their niche, allowing exploration of the importance of each host species acting as a vertebrate reservoir in the circulation of tick-transmitted pathogens in the environmental niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50013-Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
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Autochthonous Hepatozoon infection in hunting dogs and foxes from the Czech Republic. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4167-4171. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Serological and molecular investigation of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in ticks and blood of dogs, in the Thrace Region of Turkey. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:706-714. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ragagli C, Mannelli A, Ambrogi C, Bisanzio D, Ceballos LA, Grego E, Martello E, Selmi M, Tomassone L. Presence of host-seeking Ixodes ricinus and their infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the Northern Apennines, Italy. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 69:167-78. [PMID: 26964552 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0030-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Host-seeking ticks were collected in the Northern Apennines, Italy, by dragging at 35 sites, at altitudes ranging from 680 and 1670 m above sea level (asl), from April to November, in 2010 and 2011. Ixodes ricinus (4431 larvae, 597 nymphs and 12 adults) and Haemaphysalis punctata (11,209 larvae, 313 nymphs, and 25 adults) were the most abundant species, followed by Haemaphysalis sulcata (20 larvae, five nymphs, and 13 adults), Dermacentor marginatus (42 larvae and two adults) and Ixodes hexagonus (one nymph). Greatest numbers of ticks were collected at locations characterised by southern exposure and limestone substratum, at altitudes <1400 m asl; I. ricinus was most abundant in Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) wood, whereas H. punctata was mostly collected in hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia) wood and on exposed rocks. Ixodes ricinus was also found up to 1670 m asl, in high stand beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood. The overall prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) in 294 host-seeking I. ricinus nymphs was 8.5 %. Borrelia garinii was the most frequently identified genospecies (64.0 % of positive nymphs), followed by B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, and B. lusitaniae. Based upon the comparison with the results of previous studies at the same location, these research findings suggest the recent invasion of the study area by the tick vector and the agents of Lyme borreliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Ragagli
- Ufficio Territoriale per la Biodiversità, Corpo Forestale dello Stato, Lucca, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mannelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo P. Braccini, 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Ambrogi
- Ufficio Territoriale per la Biodiversità, Corpo Forestale dello Stato, Lucca, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo A Ceballos
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Val d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Grego
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo P. Braccini, 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Martello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo P. Braccini, 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Selmi
- Osservatorio Permanente per Patologie a trasmissione Vettoriale, ASL2, Lucca, Italy
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo P. Braccini, 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
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Földvári G, Široký P, Szekeres S, Majoros G, Sprong H. Dermacentor reticulatus: a vector on the rise. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:314. [PMID: 27251148 PMCID: PMC4888597 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is a hard tick species with extraordinary biological features. It has a high reproduction rate, a rapid developmental cycle, and is also able to overcome years of unfavourable conditions. Dermacentor reticulatus can survive under water for several months and is cold-hardy even compared to other tick species. It has a wide host range: over 60 different wild and domesticated hosts are known for the three active developmental stages. Its high adaptiveness gives an edge to this tick species as shown by new data on the emergence and establishment of D. reticulatus populations throughout Europe. The tick has been the research focus of a growing number of scientists, physicians and veterinarians. Within the Web of Science database, more than a fifth of the over 700 items published on this species between 1897 and 2015 appeared in the last three years (2013–2015). Here we attempt to synthesize current knowledge on the systematics, ecology, geographical distribution and recent spread of the species and to highlight the great spectrum of possible veterinary and public health threats it poses. Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis is a severe leading canine vector-borne disease in many endemic areas. Although less frequently than Ixodes ricinus, D. reticulatus adults bite humans and transmit several Rickettsia spp., Omsk haemorrhagic fever virus or Tick-borne encephalitis virus. We have not solely collected and reviewed the latest and fundamental scientific papers available in primary databases but also widened our scope to books, theses, conference papers and specialists colleagues’ experience where needed. Besides the dominant literature available in English, we also tried to access scientific literature in German, Russian and eastern European languages as well. We hope to inspire future research projects that are necessary to understand the basic life-cycle and ecology of this vector in order to understand and prevent disease threats. We conclude that although great strides have been made in our knowledge of the eco-epidemiology of this species, several gaps still need to be filled with basic research, targeting possible reservoir and vector roles and the key factors resulting in the observed geographical spread of D. reticulatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Pavel Široký
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Majoros
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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45
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Estrada-Peña A, Alexander N, Wint GRW. Perspectives on modelling the distribution of ticks for large areas: so far so good? Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:179. [PMID: 27030357 PMCID: PMC4815247 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1474-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This paper aims to illustrate the steps needed to produce reliable correlative modelling for arthropod vectors, when process-driven models are unavailable. We use ticks as examples because of the (re)emerging interest in the pathogens they transmit. We argue that many scientific publications on the topic focus on: (i) the use of explanatory variables that do not adequately describe tick habitats; (ii) the automatic removal of variables causing internal (statistical) problems in the models without considering their ecological significance; and (iii) spatial pattern matching rather than niche mapping, therefore losing information that could be used in projections. Methods We focus on extracting information derived from modelling the environmental niche of ticks, as opposed to pattern matching exercises, as a first step in the process of identifying the ecological determinants of tick distributions. We perform models on widely reported species of ticks in Western Palaearctic to derive a set of covariates, describing the climate niche, reconstructing a Fourier transformation of remotely-sensed information. Results We demonstrate the importance of assembling ecological information that drives the distribution of ticks before undertaking any mapping exercise, from which this kind of information is lost. We also show how customised covariates are more relevant to tick ecology than the widely used set of “Bioclimatic Indicators” (“Biovars”) derived from interpolated datasets, and provide programming scripts to easily calculate them. We demonstrate that standard pre-tailored vegetation categories also fail to describe tick habitats and are best used to describe absence rather than presence of ticks, but could be used in conjunction with the climate based suitability models. Conclusions We stress the better performance of climatic covariates obtained from remotely sensed information as opposed to interpolated explanatory variables derived from ground measurements which are flawed with internal issues affecting modelling performance. Extracting ecological conclusions from modelling projections is necessary to gain information about the variables driving the distribution of arthropod vectors. Mapping exercises should be a secondary aim in the study of the distribution of health threatening arthropods. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1474-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Neil Alexander
- Environmental Research Group Oxford, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - G R William Wint
- Environmental Research Group Oxford, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
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Walter M, Brugger K, Rubel F. The ecological niche of Dermacentor marginatus in Germany. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2165-74. [PMID: 26993325 PMCID: PMC4863919 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ixodid tick Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer, 1776) is endemic throughout southern Europe in the range of 33-51 (°) N latitude. In Germany, however, D. marginatus was exclusively reported in the Rhine valley and adjacent areas. Its northern distribution limit near Giessen is located at the coordinates 8.32 (°) E/50.65 (°) N. Particularly with regard to the causative agents of rickettsioses, tularemia, and Q fever, the observed locations as well as the potential distribution of the vector D. marginatus in Germany are of special interest. Applying a dataset of 118 georeferenced tick locations, the ecological niche for D. marginatus was calculated. It is described by six climate parameters based on temperature and relative humidity and another six environmental parameters including land cover classes and altitude. The final ecological niche is determined by the frequency distributions of these 12 parameters at the tick locations. Main parameters are the mean annual temperature (frequency distribution characterized by the minimum, median, and maximum of 6.1, 9.9, and 12.2 (°)C), the mean annual relative humidity (73.7, 76.7, and 80.9 %), as well as the altitude (87, 240, 1108 m). The climate and environmental niche is used to estimate the habitat suitability of D. marginatus in Germany by applying the BIOCLIM model. Finally, the potential spatial distribution of D. marginatus was calculated and mapped by determining an optimal threshold value of the suitability index, i.e., the maximum of sensitivity and specificity (Youden index). The model performance is expressed by AUC = 0.91.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Walter
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Rubel
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Rothen J, Githaka N, Kanduma EG, Olds C, Pflüger V, Mwaura S, Bishop RP, Daubenberger C. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry for comprehensive indexing of East African ixodid tick species. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:151. [PMID: 26979606 PMCID: PMC4792108 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tick population of Africa includes several important genera belonging to the family Ixodidae. Many of these ticks are vectors of protozoan and rickettsial pathogens including Theileria parva that causes East Coast fever, a debilitating cattle disease endemic to eastern, central and southern Africa. Effective surveillance of tick-borne pathogens depends on accurate identification and mapping of their tick vectors. A simple and reproducible technique for rapid and reliable differentiation of large numbers of closely related field-collected ticks, which are often difficult and tedious to discriminate purely by morphology, will be an essential component of this strategy. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is increasingly becoming a useful tool in arthropod identification and has the potential to overcome the limitations of classical morphology-based species identification. In this study, we applied MALDI-TOF MS to a collection of laboratory and field ticks found in Eastern Africa. The objective was to determine the utility of this proteomic tool for reliable species identification of closely related afrotropical ticks. METHODS A total of 398 ixodid ticks from laboratory maintained colonies, extracted from the hides of animals or systematically collected from vegetation in Kenya, Sudan and Zimbabwe were analyzed in the present investigation. The cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes from 33 specimens were sequenced to confirm the tentatively assigned specimen taxa identity on the basis of morphological analyses. Subsequently, the legs of ticks were homogenized and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. A collection of reference mass spectra, based on the mass profiles of four individual ticks per species, was developed and deposited in the spectral database SARAMIS™. The ability of these superspectra (SSp.) to identify and reliably validate a set of ticks was demonstrated using the remaining individual 333 ticks. RESULTS Ultimately, ten different tick species within the genera Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) based on molecular COI typing and morphology were included into the study analysis. The robustness of the 12 distinct SSp. developed here proved to be very high, with 319 out of 333 ticks used for validation identified correctly at species level. Moreover, these novel SSp. allowed for diagnostic specificity of 99.7 %. The failure of species identification for 14 ticks was directly linked to low quality mass spectra, most likely due to poor specimen quality that was received in the laboratory before sample preparation. CONCLUSIONS Our results are consistent with earlier studies demonstrating the potential of MALDI-TOF MS as a reliable tool for differentiating ticks originating from the field, especially females that are difficult to identify after blood feeding. This work provides further evidence of the utility of MALDI-TOF MS to identify morphologically and genetically highly similar tick species and indicates the potential of this tool for large-scale monitoring of tick populations, species distributions and host preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Rothen
- />Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Socinstr. 57, CH 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- />University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH 4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Naftaly Githaka
- />International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Esther G. Kanduma
- />Biosciences eastern and central Africa – International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, PO Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
- />Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cassandra Olds
- />Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, PO Box 647040, Pullman, WA 99163 USA
| | | | - Stephen Mwaura
- />International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Richard P. Bishop
- />International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Claudia Daubenberger
- />Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Socinstr. 57, CH 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- />University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH 4003 Basel, Switzerland
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Beugnet F, Halos L, Liebenberg J, Fourie J. Assessment of the prophylactic speed of kill of Frontline Tri-Act(®) against ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) on dogs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:2. [PMID: 26795064 PMCID: PMC4722230 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2016002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess the speed of kill of a single topical treatment with a combination of fipronil and permethrin (Frontline Tri-Act®/Frontect®) against experimental infestations of Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on dogs. In this parallel group designed, randomised, single centre, controlled efficacy study, 16 healthy adult dogs were allocated to two groups: 8 dogs were treated with the topical combination on Day 0 and the other 8 dogs served as untreated controls. Each dog was exposed in a crate to 100 I. ricinus (50 females, 50 males) and 50 R. sanguineus (25 males, 25 females) on Days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Ticks were counted in situ at 6 and 12 h after exposure and removed at 24 h after exposure. Frontline Tri-Act® was effective (≥90%) against both R. sanguineus and I. ricinus tick infestations at 6, 12 and 24 h after exposure, from 2 to 28 days after treatment. This is the first time that a topical ectoparasiticide has demonstrated a preventive killing effect against these two tick species in 6 h for a full month.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lénaïg Halos
- Merial SAS, 29 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Julian Liebenberg
- ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 11186, 9321 Universitas, South Africa
| | - Josephus Fourie
- ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 11186, 9321 Universitas, South Africa
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New foci of Haemaphysalis punctata and Dermacentor reticulatus in the Netherlands. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:367-70. [PMID: 26726807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In 2014 Haemaphysalis punctata was found in several locations on the mainland of the Netherlands for the first time since 1897. In the same areas Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus were found. Haemaphysalis punctata and D. reticulatus were tested for presence of Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. by PCR. Babesia spp. and spotted fever Rickettsiae were not detected in any of the collected H. punctata, while several D. reticulatus (6%) collected from the same areas were found to be positive for R. raoultii, a causative agent of tick-borne lymphadenopathy. We discuss the role of free-ranging domestic animals in maintaining H. punctata and D. reticulatus populations in dune areas in the Netherlands.
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Jongejan F, de Vos C, Fourie JJ, Beugnet F. A novel combination of fipronil and permethrin (Frontline Tri-Act®/Frontect®) reduces risk of transmission of Babesia canis by Dermacentor reticulatus and of Ehrlichia canis by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks to dogs. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:602. [PMID: 26586365 PMCID: PMC4653891 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ability of Frontline Tri-Act®/Frontect®, a topical ectoparasiticide containing fipronil and permethrin for dogs, to prevent the transmission of Babesia canis as well as Ehrlichia canis was evaluated by infesting dogs with infected vector ticks. Methods For the Babesia canis study, 16 dogs were randomly allocated to two groups. Eight dogs were treated on day 0 with a topical spot-on formulation containing 6.76 % w/v fipronil plus 50.48 % w/v permethrin and eight dogs served as the untreated control group. Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, with a B. canis infection rate ranging between 2 and 10 %, were placed onto dogs on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. In situ tick counts were performed on Days 9, 16 and 23. Ticks were counted and removed on Day 30. Infection of the dogs with B. canis was monitored by rectal temperature readings, clinical examinations and blood smears as well as PCR and IFA (indirect fluorescent antibody assay). For the Ehrlichia canis study, another 16 dogs were allocated to two groups. Eight dogs were treated with the fipronil and permethrin combination on days 0 and 28 and eight dogs served as untreated controls. Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, carrying an infection rate of 13 % for E. canis, were released in the sleeping kennels of the dogs on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56. Ticks were counted in situ on the dogs on a weekly basis. All ticks were removed and counted on the final assessment day 58. Infection of the dogs with E. canis was monitored by rectal temperature, clinical examinations, and testing of blood samples by PCR, IFA and platelet counts. Results B. canis was transmitted by D. reticulatus ticks to all eight untreated control dogs and to one treated dog, which was confirmed by blood smears, PCR and IFA. E.canis was transmitted by R. sanguineus ticks to all eight untreated control dogs. Two of the dogs in the treated group were found positive based on PCR and/or IFA. Conclusions Frontline Tri-Act®/Frontect® significantly lowered the risk for dogs to acquire a B. canis infection by 87.5 % over a challenge period of 28 days. The risk for dogs to acquire E. canis was reduced by 75 % over a period of 56 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans Jongejan
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584, CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Christa de Vos
- ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 11186, Universitas, Bloemfontein, 9321, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Josephus J Fourie
- ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 11186, Universitas, Bloemfontein, 9321, Republic of South Africa.
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