1
|
Earls KN, Oyen KJ. Metabolic rate does not scale with body size or activity in some tick species. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s10493-024-00958-9. [PMID: 39287719 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Respiration in ticks is highly efficient and exceptionally low. Ticks can survive years between bloodmeals by having low activity and respiration to conserve energetic resources. Our objective was to compare metabolic (VCO2) and activity rates across 6 tick species. We predicted that VCO2 would be different among species and scale linearly with activity and body mass. Activity and CO2 production were measured for 32 h in 6 tick species: Dermacentor andersoni, D. variabilis, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R. microplus, and R. sanguineus. Individual ticks were measured for 30 min three times to ensure breathing occurred. Absolute and mass-specific VCO2, total activity, body mass, and ventilation patterns were compared among species. As expected, ticks did not always breathe during the 30-minute measurements, especially R. sanguineus. Ventilation patterns differed among species with R. microplus having primarily cyclic patterns and R. appendiculatus having discontinuous gas exchange. VCO2 did not scale with body mass in most species. Haemaphysalis longicornis and R. sanguineus had the lowest VCO2; however, H. longicornis was the second most active species. Life history, including questing behavior and range expansion, could be contributing to differences between species. For instance, H. longicornis had exceptionally low metabolic rates despite above average activity levels, suggesting an energetic advantage which may underlie recently documented range expansions in North America. Our results demonstrate how ticks utilize energetic resources to maximize longevity. Future research describing questing behavior and distribution modeling may help explain differences in metabolic rates and activity and impacts on life history traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla N Earls
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-7040, USA
| | - Kennan J Oyen
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 3003 ADBF, Pullman, WA, 99164-6630, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Maitre A, Kratou M, Corona-Guerrero I, Abuin-Denis L, Mateos-Hernández L, Mosqueda J, Almazan C, Said MB, Piloto-Sardiñas E, Obregon D, Cabezas-Cruz A. Differential interactions of Rickettsia species with tick microbiota in Rh. sanguineus and Rh. turanicus. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20674. [PMID: 39237587 PMCID: PMC11377539 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71539-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses, caused by Gram-negative bacteria of the Rickettsia genus, pose a growing global threat, with various arthropod vectors contributing to their transmission. Understanding the complex interactions within tick microbiota, including the role of Rickettsia species, is crucial for elucidating the dynamics of rickettsial diseases. Here, we investigate the taxonomic profiles and co-occurrence networks of Rickettsia in Rh. sanguineus sensus lato (s.l.) and Rh. turanicus ticks, revealing significant differences in community composition and local connectivity of Rickettsia species. While the microbiota of both tick species share common taxa, distinct differences in relative abundance and network topology suggest unique ecological niches. Moreover, robustness analysis demonstrates varying resilience to perturbations, indicating different strategies for network organization. Our findings also highlight metabolic differences between tick species, suggesting potential implications for Rickettsia interactions. Overall, this study provides insights into the intricate microbial landscape within ticks, shedding light on the functional redundancy and metabolic pathways associated with Rickettsia, thus advancing our understanding of tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Apolline Maitre
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
- INRAE, UR 0045 Laboratoire de Recherches sur le Développement de l'Elevage (SELMET-LRDE), 20250, Corte, France
- EA 7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse, Corte, France
| | - Myriam Kratou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Ivan Corona-Guerrero
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, C. A. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
- C.A. Salud Animal y Microbiologia Ambiental. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Lianet Abuin-Denis
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31 between 158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, 10600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Juan Mosqueda
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, C. A. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
- C.A. Salud Animal y Microbiologia Ambiental. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Consuelo Almazan
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, C. A. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
- C.A. Salud Animal y Microbiologia Ambiental. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de Las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nabbout AE, Ferguson LV, Miyashita A, Adamo SA. Female ticks (Ixodes scapularis) infected with Borrelia burgdorferi have increased overwintering survival, with implications for tick population growth. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1798-1809. [PMID: 37147777 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The tick, Ixodes scapularis, vectors pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Over the last few decades I. scapularis has expanded its range, introducing a novel health threat into these areas. Warming temperatures appear to be one cause of its range expansion to the north. However, other factors are also involved. We show that unfed adult female ticks infected with B. burgdorferi have greater overwintering survival than uninfected female ticks. Locally collected adult female ticks were placed in individual microcosms and allowed to overwinter in both forest and dune grass environments. In the spring we collected the ticks and tested both dead and living ticks for B. burgdorferi DNA. Infected ticks had greater overwintering survival compared with uninfected ticks every winter for three consecutive winters in both forest and dune grass environments. We discuss the most plausible explanations for this result. The increased winter survival of adult female ticks could enhance tick population growth. Our results suggest that, in addition to climate change, B. burgdorferi infection itself may be promoting the northern range expansion of I. scapularis. Our study highlights how pathogens could work synergistically with climate change to promote host range expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amal El Nabbout
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Laura V Ferguson
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Shelley A Adamo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bakker JW, Begemann HLM, Fonville M, Esser HJ, de Boer WF, Sprong H, Koenraadt CJM. Differential associations of horizontally and vertically transmitted symbionts on Ixodes ricinus behaviour and physiology. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:443. [PMID: 38017525 PMCID: PMC10685571 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06025-3] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ixodes ricinus ticks are infected with a large diversity of vertically and horizontally transmitted symbionts. While horizontally transmitted symbionts rely on a vertebrate host for their transmission, vertically transmitted symbionts rely more on the survival of their invertebrate host for transmission. We therefore hypothesized horizontally transmitted symbionts to be associated with increased tick activity to increase host contact rate and vertically transmitted symbionts to be associated with higher tick weight and lipid fraction to promote tick survival. METHODS We used a behavioural assay to record the questing activity of I. ricinus ticks. In addition, we measured weight and lipid fraction and determined the presence of ten symbiont species in these ticks using qPCR, of which six were vertically transmitted and four horizontally transmitted. RESULTS Vertically transmitted symbionts (e.g. Midichloria mitochondrii) were associated with an increase in tick weight, whereas horizontally transmitted symbionts (e.g. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) were often associated with lower weight and lipid fraction of ticks. Moreover, horizontally transmitted symbionts (e.g. B. burgdorferi s.l.) were associated with increased tick activity, which may benefit pathogen transmission and increases tick-borne disease hazard. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that horizontally and vertically transmitted symbionts differentially influence the behaviour and physiology of I. ricinus and warrants future research to study the underlying mechanisms and effects on transmission dynamics of tick-borne pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian W Bakker
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hannah L M Begemann
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Helen J Esser
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem F de Boer
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maritz-Olivier C, Ferreira M, Olivier NA, Crafford J, Stutzer C. Mining gene expression data for rational identification of novel drug targets and vaccine candidates against the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:291-317. [PMID: 37755526 PMCID: PMC10562289 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Control of complex parasites via vaccination remains challenging, with the current combination of vaccines and small drugs remaining the choice for an integrated control strategy. Studies conducted to date, are providing evidence that multicomponent vaccines will be needed for the development of protective vaccines against endo- and ectoparasites, though multicomponent vaccines require an in-depth understanding of parasite biology which remains insufficient for ticks. With the rapid development and spread of acaricide resistance in ticks, new targets for acaricide development also remains to be identified, along with novel targets that can be exploited for the design of lead compounds. In this study, we analysed the differential gene expression of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks that were fed on cattle vaccinated with a multi-component vaccine (Bm86 and 3 putative Bm86-binding proteins). The data was scrutinised for the identification of vaccine targets, small drug targets and novel pathways that can be evaluated in future studies. Limitations associated with targeting novel proteins for vaccine and/or drug design is also discussed and placed into the context of challenges arising when targeting large protein families and intracellular localised proteins. Lastly, this study provide insight into how Bm86-based vaccines may reduce successful uptake and digestion of the bloodmeal and overall tick fecundity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Maritz-Olivier
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Mariëtte Ferreira
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Nicholas A Olivier
- DNA Microarray Laboratory, Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jan Crafford
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Christian Stutzer
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Köhler CF, Holding ML, Sprong H, Jansen PA, Esser HJ. Biodiversity in the Lyme-light: ecological restoration and tick-borne diseases in Europe. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:373-385. [PMID: 36890021 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity loss and the emergence of zoonotic diseases are two major global challenges. An urgent question is how ecosystems and wildlife communities can be restored whilst minimizing the risk of zoonotic diseases carried by wildlife. Here, we evaluate how current ambitions to restore Europe's natural ecosystems may affect the hazard of diseases vectored by the tick Ixodes ricinus at different scales. We find that effects of restoration efforts on tick abundance are relatively straightforward but that the interacting effects of vertebrate diversity and abundance on pathogen transmission are insufficiently known. Long-term integrated surveillance of wildlife communities, ticks, and their pathogens is needed to understand their interactions and to prevent nature restoration from increasing tick-borne disease (TBD) hazard.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Florentine Köhler
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Maya Louise Holding
- Virology and Pathogenesis Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick A Jansen
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Helen J Esser
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Estrada-Peña A. The climate niche of the invasive tick species Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma rufipes (Ixodidae) with recommendations for modeling exercises. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:231-250. [PMID: 36881286 PMCID: PMC10097758 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00778-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The finding of immature stages of some Hyalomma spp. feeding on migratory birds in Europe is unexceptional. The reports of adults of Hyalomma in Europe (incl. the British Isles) after successful molting from immatures have increased in recent years. It has been claimed that the warming of the target territory could favor the populations of these invasive ticks. Although evaluations of the impact on health or measures of adaptation are on their way, the climate niches of these species remain undefined, preventing preventive policies. This study delineates such niches for both Hyalomma marginatum (2,729 collection points) and Hyalomma rufipes (2,573 collections) in their distribution area, together with 11,669 points in Europe where Hyalomma spp. are believed to be absent in field surveys. Niche is defined from daily data of temperature, evapotranspiration, soil humidity and air saturation deficit (years 1970-2006). A set of eight variables (annual/seasonal accumulated temperature and vapor deficit) has the maximum discriminatory power separating the niches of both Hyalomma and a negative dataset, with an accuracy near 100%. The sites supporting H. marginatum or H. rufipes seem to be controlled by the joint action of the amount of water in the air (accounting for mortality) and the accumulated temperature (regulating development). The use of accumulated annual temperature as the only variable for predictive purposes of colonization of Hyalomma spp. looks unreliable, as far as values of water in air are excluded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain.
- Group of Research on Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nielebeck C, Kim SH, Pepe A, Himes L, Miller Z, Zummo S, Tang M, Monzón JD. Climatic stress decreases tick survival but increases rate of host‐seeking behavior. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Nielebeck
- Natural Science Division Pepperdine University Malibu California USA
| | - Sang Hyo Kim
- Natural Science Division Pepperdine University Malibu California USA
| | - Antonio Pepe
- Natural Science Division Pepperdine University Malibu California USA
| | - Lucian Himes
- Natural Science Division Pepperdine University Malibu California USA
| | - Zachary Miller
- Natural Science Division Pepperdine University Malibu California USA
| | - Sophia Zummo
- Natural Science Division Pepperdine University Malibu California USA
| | - Mary Tang
- Natural Science Division Pepperdine University Malibu California USA
| | - Javier D. Monzón
- Natural Science Division Pepperdine University Malibu California USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Voyiatzaki C, Papailia SI, Venetikou MS, Pouris J, Tsoumani ME, Papageorgiou EG. Climate Changes Exacerbate the Spread of Ixodes ricinus and the Occurrence of Lyme Borreliosis and Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Europe-How Climate Models Are Used as a Risk Assessment Approach for Tick-Borne Diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116516. [PMID: 35682098 PMCID: PMC9180659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Climate change has influenced the transmission of a wide range of vector-borne diseases in Europe, which is a pressing public health challenge for the coming decades. Numerous theories have been developed in order to explain how tick-borne diseases are associated with climate change. These theories include higher proliferation rates, extended transmission season, changes in ecological balances, and climate-related migration of vectors, reservoir hosts, or human populations. Changes of the epidemiological pattern have potentially catastrophic consequences, resulting in increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases. Thus, investigation of the relationship between climate change and tick-borne diseases is critical. In this regard, climate models that predict the ticks’ geographical distribution changes can be used as a predicting tool. The aim of this review is to provide the current evidence regarding the contribution of the climatic changes to Lyme borreliosis (LB) disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and to present how computational models will advance our understanding of the relationship between climate change and tick-borne diseases in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrysa Voyiatzaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece; (S.I.P.); (J.P.); (M.E.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sevastiani I. Papailia
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece; (S.I.P.); (J.P.); (M.E.T.)
| | - Maria S. Venetikou
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Pathological Anatomy & Physiology Nutrition, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece;
| | - John Pouris
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece; (S.I.P.); (J.P.); (M.E.T.)
| | - Maria E. Tsoumani
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece; (S.I.P.); (J.P.); (M.E.T.)
| | - Effie G. Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Reliability and Quality Control in Laboratory Hematology (HemQcR), Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
A hierarchical Bayesian approach for incorporating expert opinions into parametric survival models: A case study of female Ixodes ricinus ticks exposed to various temperature and relative humidity conditions. Ecol Modell 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2021.109821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
12
|
Springer A, Jordan D, Glass A, Kahl O, Fingerle V, Girl P, Chitimia-Dobler L, Strube C. Borrelia Infections in Ageing Ticks: Relationship with Morphometric Age Ratio in Field-Collected Ixodes ricinus Nymphs. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10010166. [PMID: 35056615 PMCID: PMC8778018 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, Ixodes ricinus plays a major role as a vector of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) spirochaetes, the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis, among other pathogens. In unfed ticks, Borrelia spirochaetes experience prolonged nutrient restriction. However, only few studies exist with regard to Borrelia infections in unfed ticks of different physiological ages. Changing body dimensions of unfed ticks, due to the consumption of energy reserves, allow physiological age estimation. The present study investigated the relationship of morphometric age with Borrelia prevalence and spirochaete load in 1882 questing I. ricinus nymphs, collected at two different locations in northern Germany in 2020. In addition, Borrelia species composition was investigated by employing a reverse line blot (RLB) probe panel suitable for the detection of ten different B. burgdorferi s.l. species, as well as the relapsing-fever spirochaete B. miyamotoi. Overall, Borrelia prevalence was 25.8% (485/1882). Whilst there was no statistically significant difference in Borrelia prevalence between the different morphometric age groups, Borrelia infection intensity as determined by probe-based quantitative real-time PCR significantly declined with increasing morphometric age. Borrelia species differentiation by RLB was successful in 29.5% of positive ticks, and revealed B. afzelii as the dominating species (65.0% of the differentiated infections). Additionally, B. garinii, B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. spielmanii, and B. miyamotoi were detected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (A.S.); (D.J.); (A.G.)
| | - Daniela Jordan
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (A.S.); (D.J.); (A.G.)
| | - Antje Glass
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (A.S.); (D.J.); (A.G.)
| | - Olaf Kahl
- Tick-Radar GmbH, 10555 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Volker Fingerle
- National Reference Center for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany;
| | - Philipp Girl
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (L.C.-D.)
| | | | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (A.S.); (D.J.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-9538-711
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zając Z, Kulisz J, Woźniak A, Bartosik K, Khan A. Seasonal activity of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in the era of progressive climate change in eastern Poland. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20382. [PMID: 34650184 PMCID: PMC8516878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99929-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus ticks are one of the most important vectors and reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens in Europe. Changes in the abundance and range of this species have been observed in the last decade and these ticks are collected in areas previously considered tick-free. This may be influenced by progressive climate change. Eastern Poland is an area where the local population of D. reticulatus is one of the most numerous among those described so far. At the same time, the region is characterized by a significant increase in the mean air temperature in recent years (by 1.81 °C in 2020) and a decrease in the average number of days with snow cover (by 64 days in 2020) and in the number of days with frost (by 20 days in 2020) on an annual basis compared to the long-term average. The aim of our research was to investigate the rhythms of seasonal activity and the population size of D. reticulatus in the era of progressive climate change. To this end, questing ticks were collected in 2017-2020. Next, the weather conditions in the years of observation were analyzed and compared with multi-year data covering 30 years preceding the study. The research results show that, in eastern Poland, there is a stable population of D. reticulatus with the peak of activity in spring or autumn (up to a maximum of 359 individuals within 30 min of collection) depending on the year of observation. Ticks of this species may also be active in winter months. The activity of D. reticulatus is influenced by a saturation deficit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 st, 20-080, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 st, 20-080, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 st, 20-080, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 st, 20-080, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sands BO, Bryer KE, Wall R. Climate and the seasonal abundance of the tick Dermacentor reticulatus. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:434-441. [PMID: 33942903 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Fabricius 1794) is one of the most widely distributed and abundant tick species in central Europe and is a vector for a range of pathogens. Nevertheless, many aspects of its ecology and distribution remain poorly understood. To quantify the seasonal abundance of this species in the U.K. and the environmental factors that determine this, weekly sampling at sites throughout Wales and southern England was undertaken for 12 months. This showed that the activity of adult D. reticulatus peaked February and March and that no individuals were collected between May and mid-October; no questing tick activity was observed when the 5-day average temperature was greater than 15 °C. A single nymph was collected by dragging, confirming speculation over the nidicolous status of larval and nymphal stadia. Laboratory analysis found that D. reticulatus were able survive cold shock and the lower lethal temperature was estimated to be between -18 and -20 °C. Habitat was significantly associated with tick activity, with higher numbers of ticks collected from low lying vegetation in marsh environments than from exposed grassland or woodland. A strong association was observed between activity and saturation deficit suggesting that the seasonal pattern of activity seen in the field, within the sites where it was abundant, is more strongly determined by temperature than humidity. Range expansion within the U.K. should be expected, bringing with it an elevated disease risk for animal and human hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B O Sands
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - K E Bryer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - R Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Estrada-Peña A, Cevidanes A, Sprong H, Millán J. Pitfalls in Tick and Tick-Borne Pathogens Research, Some Recommendations and a Call for Data Sharing. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060712. [PMID: 34200175 PMCID: PMC8229135 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of the relationships of ticks and tick-borne pathogens can only be achieved by integrating data from multiple studies. The publication of raw material is a necessary step for wide-area meta-analyses and study design, data collection and reporting require harmonization. This is an opinion paper, not a consensus position, and is open to debate. This work reflects our view about how data should be communicated in mainstream journals. We indicate rules that should be observed in recording weather data, to avoid serendipitous correlations between the density of ticks and climate variables and recommend the inclusion of raw data in reports. We stress the need for standardized methods to collect ticks that cannot be obtained by standard flagging. The reporting of infection rates of pathogens in ticks should avoid conclusions based on pure molecular findings in feeding ticks. Studies demonstrating the vectorial capacity of ticks should not be supported only by molecular surveys of feeding ticks. Vacuous conclusions about vectorial or reservoir status based solely on the finding of genomic material of a pathogen should be discouraged. We stress that phylogenetic studies based on random selection of sequences from GenBank are unsuitable. We firmly support the development of a dedicated server of curated sequences of ticks and pathogens as a standard for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group in Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia P812, 48160 Derio, Spain;
| | - Hein Sprong
- Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Mailbox 63, Room V353, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Javier Millán
- Research Group in Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Fundación ARAID, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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;
| |
Collapse
|