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Wilhelmsson P, Lager M, Jaenson TGT, Waldenström J, Olsen B, Lindgren PE. Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ticks Blood-Feeding on Migratory Birds in Sweden. Microorganisms 2024; 12:735. [PMID: 38674679 PMCID: PMC11052380 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040735] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds play a dual role as potential reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens, and potential dispersers of pathogen-containing ticks during their migratory journeys. Ixodes ricinus, a prevalent tick species in Northern and Western Europe, serves as a primary vector for Anaplasma phagocytophilum-a bacterium with implications for human and animal health. There is limited information available regarding A. phagocytophilum in birds. Our investigation focused on A. phagocytophilum prevalence in ticks collected from migratory birds in southeastern Sweden. The identification of ticks involved both molecular analyses for species determination and morphological classification to ascertain the developmental stage. The presence of A. phagocytophilum was determined using real-time PCR. Of the 1115 ticks analyzed from 4601 birds, 0.9% (n = 10), including I. ricinus and Ixodes frontalis, tested positive for A. phagocytophilum. Notably, common blackbirds (Turdus merula) yielded the highest number of A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks. The findings suggest that A. phagocytophilum is present in a small proportion of ticks infesting migratory birds in southeastern Sweden. Consequently, the role of birds as hosts for ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum appears to be low, suggesting that birds seem to play a minor indirect role in the geographic dispersal of A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wilhelmsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- National Reference Laboratory for Borrelia and Other Tick-Borne Bacteria, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 85 Jönköping, Sweden;
| | - Malin Lager
- National Reference Laboratory for Borrelia and Other Tick-Borne Bacteria, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 85 Jönköping, Sweden;
| | - Thomas G. T. Jaenson
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jonas Waldenström
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, SE-392 31 Kalmar, Sweden;
| | - Björn Olsen
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- National Reference Laboratory for Borrelia and Other Tick-Borne Bacteria, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 85 Jönköping, Sweden;
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2
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Keve G, Csörgő T, Kováts D, Hornok S. Long term evaluation of factors influencing the association of ixodid ticks with birds in Central Europe, Hungary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4958. [PMID: 38418856 PMCID: PMC10902401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55021-9] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Birds play a crucial role in disseminating ticks that carry pathogens of high veterinary-medical importance. The aim of this study was to analyze data of a long-term tick collection from birds at a single stop-over site in Central Europe, Hungary. Over eight years (2015-2022) 5833 ticks (ten species) were collected from 2395 tick-infested birds. The most abundant species were Ixodes ricinus (n = 3971) and Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 1706). Ixodes ricinus nymphs and larvae were the most frequently occurring on resident and short-distance migratory birds with forest habitat but Ha. concinna was the most abundant species on reed-associated, long-distance migrants. Haemaphysalis concinna occurred mostly on birds feeding above the ground level, while I. ricinus predominated on ground feeding birds. Infestation with I. ricinus nymphs always peaked in the first half of the year, in contrast to larvae which were more abundant on avian hosts in the autumn. At the same time, Ha. concinna larvae and nymphs had their peak numbers in the summer. This is the first long-term study on the tick infestation of birds in Central Europe. The study shows that, migration distance, habitat type, and typical feeding level of birds, as well as characteristics of tick life cycle are all key factors in the role of birds as tick disseminators. It was revealed that Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) is the most frequent hosts of Ha. concinna in Central Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Tibor Csörgő
- Department of Anatomy, Cell- and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Kováts
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Biodiversity Research Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Fabri ND, Sprong H, Heesterbeek H, Ecke F, Cromsigt JPGM, Hofmeester TR. The circulation of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
ecotypes is associated with community composition of vertebrate hosts. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nannet Doreen Fabri
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Umeå Sweden
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) Bilthoven The Netherlands
| | - Hans Heesterbeek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Frauke Ecke
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Umeå Sweden
| | - Joris Petrus Gerardus Marinus Cromsigt
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Umeå Sweden
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology Nelson Mandela University Port Elizabeth South Africa
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Tim Ragnvald Hofmeester
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Umeå Sweden
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4
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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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5
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Keve G, Sándor AD, Hornok S. Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with birds in Europe: Review of literature data. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:928756. [PMID: 36090176 PMCID: PMC9453168 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.928756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are considered the most important transmitters of pathogens in the temperate zone that covers most of Europe. In the era of climate change tick-borne diseases are predicted to undergo geographical range expansion toward the north through regions that are connected to southern areas of the continent by bird migration. This alone would justify the importance of synthesized knowledge on the association of tick species with avian hosts, yet birds also represent the most taxonomically and ecologically diverse part of urban vertebrate fauna. Birds frequently occur in gardens and near animal keeping facilities, thus playing a significant role in the dispersal of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in synanthropic environments. The primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive reference source (baseline data) for future studies, particularly in the context of discovering new tick-host associations after comparison with already published data. The records on the ixodid tick infestations of birds were assessed from nearly 200 papers published since 1952. In this period, 37 hard tick species were reported from 16 orders of avian hosts in Europe. Here we compile a list of these tick species, followed by the English and Latin name of all reported infested bird species, as well as the tick developmental stage and country of origin whenever this information was available. These data allowed a first-hand analysis of general trends regarding how and at which developmental stage of ticks tend to infest avian hosts. Five tick species that were frequently reported from birds and show a broad geographical distribution in the Western Palearctic (Ixodes arboricola, I. frontalis, I. ricinus, Haemaphysalis concinna and Hyalomma marginatum) were also selected for statistical comparisons. Differences were demonstrated between these tick species regarding their association with bird species that typically feed from the ground and those that rarely occur at the soil level. The ecology of these five bird-infesting tick species is also illustrated here according to avian orders, taking into account the ecology (habitat type) and activity (circadian rhythm and feeding level) of most bird species that represent a certain order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- *Correspondence: Attila D. Sándor
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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6
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Rataud A, Galon C, Bournez L, Henry PY, Marsot M, Moutailler S. Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Tick Larvae Feeding on Breeding Birds in France. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080946. [PMID: 36015066 PMCID: PMC9414652 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds play a role in maintaining tick-borne diseases by contributing to the multiplication of ticks and pathogens on a local scale during the breeding season. In the present study, we describe the diversity of tick and pathogen species of medical and veterinary importance in Europe hosted by 1040 captured birds (56 species) during their breeding season in France. Of the 3114 ticks collected, Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent species (89.5%), followed by I. frontalis (0.8%), I. arboricola (0.7%), Haemaphysalis concinna (0.5%), H. punctata (0.5%), Hyalomma spp. (0.2%), and Rhipicephalus spp. (0.06%). Because they may be representative of the bird infection status for some pathogen species, 1106 engorged tick larvae were screened for pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was the most prevalent pathogen genus in bird-feeding larvae (11.7%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (7.4%), Anaplasma spp. (5.7%), Babesia spp. (2.3%), Ehrlichia spp. (1.4%), and B. miyamotoi (1%). Turdidae birds (Turdus merula and T. philomelos), Troglodytes troglodytes, and Anthus trivialis had a significantly higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected larvae than other pathogen genera. This suggests that these bird species could act as reservoir hosts for B. burgdorferi s.l. during their breeding season, and thus play an important role in acarological risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Rataud
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Université Paris Est, ANSES, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Clemence Galon
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Laure Bournez
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Henry
- Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution (MECADEV UMR 7179), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 91800 Brunoy, France
- Centre de Recherches sur la Biologie des Populations d’Oiseaux (CRBPO), Centre d’Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR 7204), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Maud Marsot
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Université Paris Est, ANSES, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.M.)
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7
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De Pelsmaeker N, Korslund L, Steifetten Ø. Host in reserve: The role of common shrews (
Sorex araneus
) as a supplementary source of tick hosts in small mammal communities influenced by rodent population cycles. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8776. [PMID: 35432925 PMCID: PMC9001028 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents often act as important hosts for ticks and as pathogen reservoirs. At northern latitudes, rodents often undergo multi‐annual population cycles, and the periodic absence of certain hosts may inhibit the survival and recruitment of ticks. We investigated the potential role of common shrews (Sorex araneus) to serve as a supplementary host source to immature life stages (larvae and nymphs) of a generalist tick Ixodes ricinus and a small mammal specialist tick I. trianguliceps, during decreasing abundances of bank voles (Myodes glareolus). We used generalized mixed models to test whether ticks would have a propensity to parasitize a certain host species dependent on host population size and host population composition across two high‐latitude gradients in southern Norway, by comparing tick burdens on trapped animals. Host population size was defined as the total number of captured animals and host population composition as the proportion of voles to shrews. We found that a larger proportion of voles in the host population favored the parasitism of voles by I. ricinus larvae (estimate = −1.923, p = .039) but not by nymphs (estimate = −0.307, p = .772). I. trianguliceps larvae did not show a lower propensity to parasitize voles, regardless of host population composition (estimate = 0.875, p = .180), while nymphs parasitized shrews significantly more as vole abundance increased (estimate = 2.106, p = .002). These results indicate that common shrews may have the potential to act as a replacement host during periods of low rodent availability, but long‐term observations encompassing complete rodent cycles may determine whether shrews are able to maintain tick range expansion despite low rodent availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas De Pelsmaeker
- Department of Nature, Health and Environment University of Southeastern Norway Bø Norway
| | - Lars Korslund
- Department of Natural Sciences University of Agder Kristiansand Norway
| | - Øyvind Steifetten
- Department of Nature, Health and Environment University of Southeastern Norway Bø Norway
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8
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Hill AG, Clark NJ, Tokonami F. Tick paralysis in Australian birds caused by Ixodes holocyclus. Aust Vet J 2021; 99:522-528. [PMID: 34476802 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13119] [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: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Tick paralysis is an uncommon cause of neuromuscular paralysis affecting 0.12% of wild birds presented to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Queensland, with a strong seasonal predilection towards spring and summer. Clinical signs and progression of paralysis showed similarities to companion animals and were consistent across 20 species. Tick location, number of engorged ticks and number of clinical signs did not affect the outcome; however, all mortalities occurred within 4 days of admission. Treatment with canine-derived tick antiserum resulted in clinical improvement within 24 h and a recovery rate of 73%. Average time to resolution of clinical signs was 4.3 days, with juvenile birds recovering more quickly than adults. The treatment and release of wild birds affected by tick paralysis are both achievable and rewarding, further research is required to establish treatment guidelines in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Hill
- Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Currumbin, Queensland, 4221, Australia
| | - N J Clark
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
| | - F Tokonami
- Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Currumbin, Queensland, 4221, Australia
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9
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Rataud A, Henry PY, Moutailler S, Marsot M. Research effort on birds' reservoir host potential for Lyme borreliosis: A systematic review and perspectives. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2512-2522. [PMID: 34453490 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic tick-borne diseases threat human and animal health. Understanding the role of hosts in the production of infected ticks in an epidemiological system is essential to be able to design effective measures to reduce the exposure of humans and animals to infectious tick bites. The reservoir host potential, that is, number of infected ticks produced by a host species, depends on three components: tick production, realized reservoir competence and host density. The parameters and factors that determine the reservoir host potential need to be characterized to achieve a robust understanding of the dynamics of pathogen-tick-host systems, and thus to mitigate the acarological risk of emerging infections. Few studies have investigated the role of birds in the local spread of Lyme borreliosis Borrelia. Knowledge of the research effort on the reservoir host potential of birds in Lyme borreliosis Borrelia circulation is necessary to prioritize future research on this topic. We provide a systematic review of the research effort on components of the reservoir host potential of wild birds for Lyme borreliosis Borrelia circulation, and factors that modulate these components in the European epidemiological system. Our review of 242 selected publications showed that tick production has been 1.4 and 21 times more studied than realized reservoir competence and bird density respectively. Only one study achieved to characterize the global host reservoir potential of birds in a given epidemiological system. Investigated factors were mostly related to bird species identity, individual characteristics of birds and tick characteristics, whereas the influence of bird life-history traits have been largely under-investigated. Because simultaneous characterization of all parameters is notoriously complex, interdisciplinary research is needed to combine and accumulate independent field and laboratory investigations targeting each parameter on specific epidemiological system or host species. This can help gain an integrated appraisal of the functioning of the studied system at a local scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Rataud
- Université Paris Est, ANSES, Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Henry
- Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution (MECADEV UMR 7179), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Brunoy, France.,Centre de Recherches sur la Biologie des Populations d'Oiseaux (CRBPO), Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR 7204), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maud Marsot
- Université Paris Est, ANSES, Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France
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10
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Lejal E, Marsot M, Chalvet-Monfray K, Cosson JF, Moutailler S, Vayssier-Taussat M, Pollet T. A three-years assessment of Ixodes ricinus-borne pathogens in a French peri-urban forest. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:551. [PMID: 31752997 PMCID: PMC6873405 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ixodes ricinus is the predominant tick species in Europe and the primary pathogen vector for both humans and animals. These ticks are frequently involved in the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato), the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis. While much more is known about I. ricinus tick-borne pathogen composition, information about temporal tick-borne pathogen patterns remain scarce. These data are crucial for predicting seasonal/annual patterns which could improve understanding and prevent tick-borne diseases. METHODS We examined tick-borne pathogen (TBP) dynamics in I. ricinus collected monthly in a peri-urban forest over three consecutive years. In total, 998 nymphs were screened for 31 pathogenic species using high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR. RESULTS We detected DNA from Anaplasma phagocytophilum (5.3%), Rickettsia helvetica (4.5%), Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) (3.7%), Borrelia miyamotoi (1.2%), Babesia venatorum (1.5%) and Rickettsia felis (0.1%). Among all analysed ticks, 15.9% were infected by at least one of these microorganisms, and 1.3% were co-infected. Co-infections with B. afzeli/B. garinii and B. garinii/B. spielmanii were significantly over-represented. Moreover, significant variations in seasonal and/or inter-annual prevalence were observed for several pathogens (R. helvetica, B. burgdorferi (s.l.), B. miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum). CONCLUSIONS Analysing TBP prevalence in monthly sampled tick over three years allowed us to assess seasonal and inter-annual fluctuations of the prevalence of TBPs known to circulate in the sampled area, but also to detect less common species. All these data emphasize that sporadic tick samplings are not sufficient to determine TBP prevalence and that regular monitoring is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lejal
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maud Marsot
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, ANSES, University Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Karine Chalvet-Monfray
- UMR EPIA, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Université de Lyon, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Jean-François Cosson
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Thomas Pollet
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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11
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Makenov M, Karan L, Shashina N, Akhmetshina M, Zhurenkova O, Kholodilov I, Karganova G, Smirnova N, Grigoreva Y, Yankovskaya Y, Fyodorova M. First detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus in Ixodes ricinus ticks and their rodent hosts in Moscow, Russia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101265. [PMID: 31447316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the first confirmed autochthonous tick-borne encephalitis case diagnosed in Moscow in 2016 and describe the detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks and small mammals in a Moscow park. The paper includes data from two patients who were bitten by TBEV-infected ticks in Moscow city; one of these cases led to the development of the meningeal form of TBE. Both TBEV-infected ticks attacked patients in the same area. We collected ticks and trapped small mammals in this area in 2017. All samples were screened for the presence of pathogens causing tick-borne diseases by PCR. The TBEV-positive ticks and small mammals' tissue samples were subjected to virus isolation. The sequencing of the complete polyprotein gene of the positive samples was performed. A total of 227 questing ticks were collected. TBEV was detected in five specimens of Ixodes ricinus. We trapped 44 small mammals, mainly bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and pygmy field mice (Apodemus uralensis). Two samples of brain tissue from bank voles yielded a positive signal in RT-PCR for TBEV. We obtained six virus isolates from the ticks and brain tissue of a bank vole. Complete genome sequencing showed that the obtained isolates belong to the European subtype and have low diversity with sequence identities as high as 99.9%. GPS tracking showed that the maximum distance between the exact locations where the TBEV-positive ticks were collected was 185 m. We assume that the forest park had been free of TBEV and that the virus was recently introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marat Makenov
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Novogireevskaya st 3-A, 415, Moscow, 111123, Russia.
| | - Lyudmila Karan
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Novogireevskaya st 3-A, 415, Moscow, 111123, Russia
| | - Natalia Shashina
- Sсiеntifiс Rеsеarсh Disinfесtology Institutе, Nauchniy proezd st. 18, Moscow, 117246, Russia
| | - Marina Akhmetshina
- Sсiеntifiс Rеsеarсh Disinfесtology Institutе, Nauchniy proezd st. 18, Moscow, 117246, Russia
| | - Olga Zhurenkova
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Novogireevskaya st 3-A, 415, Moscow, 111123, Russia
| | - Ivan Kholodilov
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides (FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow, 108819, Russia
| | - Galina Karganova
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides (FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS), prem. 8, k.17, pos. Institut Poliomyelita, poselenie Moskovskiy, Moscow, 108819, Russia; Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov University, Bolshaya Pirogovskaya st, 2, page 4, room 106, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Nina Smirnova
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Novogireevskaya st 3-A, 415, Moscow, 111123, Russia; Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory st. 1-12, MSU, Faculty of Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Yana Grigoreva
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Novogireevskaya st 3-A, 415, Moscow, 111123, Russia
| | - Yanina Yankovskaya
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova st. 1, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Marina Fyodorova
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Novogireevskaya st 3-A, 415, Moscow, 111123, Russia
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12
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum evolves in geographical and biotic niches of vertebrates and ticks. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:328. [PMID: 31253201 PMCID: PMC6599317 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3583-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is currently regarded as a single species. However, molecular studies indicate that it can be subdivided into ecotypes, each with distinct but overlapping transmission cycle. Here, we evaluate the interactions between and within clusters of haplotypes of the bacterium isolated from vertebrates and ticks, using phylogenetic and network-based methods. Methods The presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA was determined in ticks and vertebrate tissue samples. A fragment of the groEl gene was amplified and sequenced from qPCR-positive lysates. Additional groEl sequences from ticks and vertebrate reservoirs were obtained from GenBank and through literature searches, resulting in a dataset consisting of 1623 A. phagocytophilum field isolates. Phylogenetic analyses were used to infer clusters of haplotypes and to assess phylogenetic clustering of A. phagocytophilum in vertebrates or ticks. Network-based methods were used to resolve host-vector interactions and their relative importance in the segregating communities of haplotypes. Results Phylogenetic analyses resulted in 199 haplotypes within eight network-derived clusters, which were allocated to four ecotypes. The interactions of haplotypes between ticks, vertebrates and geographical origin, were visualized and quantified from networks. A high number of haplotypes were recorded in the tick Ixodes ricinus. Communities of A. phagocytophilum recorded from Korea, Japan, Far Eastern Russia, as well as those associated with rodents had no links with the larger set of isolates associated with I. ricinus, suggesting different evolutionary pressures. Rodents appeared to have a range of haplotypes associated with either Ixodes trianguliceps or Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes pavlovskyi. Haplotypes found in rodents in Russia had low similarities with those recorded in rodents in other regions and shaped separate communities. Conclusions The groEl gene fragment of A. phagocytophilum provides information about spatial segregation and associations of haplotypes to particular vector-host interactions. Further research is needed to understand the circulation of this bacterium in the gap between Europe and Asia before the overview of the speciation features of this bacterium is complete. Environmental traits may also play a role in the evolution of A. phagocytophilum in ecotypes through yet unknown relationships. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3583-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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13
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Klemola T, Sormunen JJ, Mojzer J, Mäkelä S, Vesterinen EJ. High tick abundance and diversity of tick-borne pathogens in a Finnish city. Urban Ecosyst 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-019-00854-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Gryczyńska A, Kowalec M. Different Competence as a Lyme Borreliosis Causative Agent Reservoir Found in Two Thrush Species: The Blackbird ( Turdus merula) and the Song Thrush ( Turdus philomelos). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:450-452. [PMID: 30615582 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Passerine birds are significantly involved in the dissemination of Borreliella spp. bacteria (formerly Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex), the causative agent of most common and important tick-spread disease Lyme borreliosis. Among several dozen investigated passerine bird species, thrushes (Turdidae) have been reported as a relatively good pathogen reservoirs and disseminators. The principal aim of the study was to identify the differences in Borreliella spp. reservoir competence between two widespread and showing similar behavior thrush species. A total of 157 Ixodes ricinus ticks (19 larvae, 138 nymphs) were collected from 26 blackbirds (Turdus merula) and 20 song thrushes (Turdus philomelos) living in the same forest habitat (northeastern Poland). All, at least partially engorged ectoparasites, were tested for the presence of Borreliella spp. DNA using the nested-PCR technique. No significant difference of tick prevalence was found, with 88.5% blackbirds and 70% of song thrushes infested. Screening for Borreliella spp. in ticks revealed that both tick infection prevalence (49.2% vs. 18.9%) and mean number of infected individuals engorging on birds (2.27 vs. 0.35) were higher in blackbirds. Both the investigated thrush species presumably could participate in the pathogen circulation, although with different efficiencies. The greater reservoir competence of blackbirds suggests the differentiated dynamics of host-pathogen interactions among selected species, and consequently their potentially disparate role in the ecology of Lyme borreliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Gryczyńska
- 1 Department of Ecology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Kowalec
- 2 Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Brinkerhoff RJ, Dang L, Streby HM, Gimpel M. Life history characteristics of birds influence patterns of tick parasitism. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2018; 9:1547096. [PMID: 30598737 PMCID: PMC6263100 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2018.1547096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Birds serve as reservoirs for tick-borne pathogens as well as hosts for multiple tick species of public health relevance. Birds may perpetuate life cycles of vectors and vector-borne pathogens and disperse disease vectors over long distances, supplementing populations at range margins or seeding invading populations beyond the edges of current tick distributions. Our goal for this study was to identify life history characteristics of birds that most strongly affect tick parasitism. Materials and Methods: We collected 6203 ticks from 5426 birds from two sites in eastern North America and used field-derived parasitism data and published literature to analyze impacts of life history factors on tick parasitism in birds. Results and Discussion: We identified body size and nest site to have the strongest impact on tick prevalence and abundance in the songbird species included in this study. Our findings reveal site-independent patterns in tick parasitism on birds and suggest that physical more than behavioral characteristics may influence a bird species’ suitability as a host for ticks. Conclusions: The data and results published here will contribute to a growing body of literature and information on bird-tick interactions and will help elucidate patterns of tick and tick-borne pathogen geographic expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Jory Brinkerhoff
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA.,School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Lena Dang
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Henry M Streby
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.,Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Maren Gimpel
- Forman's Branch Bird Observatory, Washington College, Chestertown, MD, USA
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16
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Hofmeester TR, Krawczyk AI, van Leeuwen AD, Fonville M, Montizaan MGE, van den Berge K, Gouwy J, Ruyts SC, Verheyen K, Sprong H. Role of mustelids in the life-cycle of ixodid ticks and transmission cycles of four tick-borne pathogens. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:600. [PMID: 30458847 PMCID: PMC6245527 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3126-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating which wildlife species significantly contribute to the maintenance of Ixodes ricinus populations and the enzootic cycles of the pathogens they transmit is imperative in understanding the driving forces behind the emergence of tick-borne diseases. Here, we aimed to quantify the relative contribution of four mustelid species in the life-cycles of I. ricinus and Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) in forested areas and to investigate their role in the transmission of other tick-borne pathogens. Road-killed badgers, pine martens, stone martens and polecats were collected in Belgium and the Netherlands. Their organs and feeding ticks were tested for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. RESULTS Ixodes hexagonus and I. ricinus were found on half of the screened animals (n = 637). Pine martens had the highest I. ricinus burden, whereas polecats had the highest I. hexagonus burden. We detected DNA from B. burgdorferi (s.l.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in organs of all four mustelid species (n = 789), and Neoehrlichia mikurensis DNA was detected in all species, except badgers. DNA from B. miyamotoi was not detected in any of the investigated mustelids. From the 15 larvae of I. ricinus feeding on pine martens (n = 44), only one was positive for B. miyamotoi DNA, and all tested negative for B. burgdorferi (s.l.), N. mikurensis and A. phagocytophilum. The two feeding larvae from the investigated polecats (n = 364) and stone martens (n = 39) were negative for all four pathogens. The infection rate of N. mikurensis was higher in feeding nymphs collected from mustelids compared to questing nymphs, but not for B. burgdorferi (s.l.), B. miyamotoi or A. phagocytophilum. CONCLUSIONS Although all stages of I. ricinus can be found on badgers, polecats, pine and stone martens, their relative contribution to the life-cycle of I. ricinus in forested areas is less than 1%. Consequently, the relative contribution of mustelids to the enzootic cycles of I. ricinus-borne pathogens is negligible, despite the presence of these pathogens in organs and feeding ticks. Interestingly, all four mustelid species carried all stages of I. hexagonus, potentially maintaining enzootic cycles of this tick species apart from the cycle involving hedgehogs as main host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim R Hofmeester
- Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands. .,Present address: Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgränd 17, 907 36, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Aleksandra I Krawczyk
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Arieke Docters van Leeuwen
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | | | - Koen van den Berge
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Geraardsbergen, Belgium
| | - Jan Gouwy
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Geraardsbergen, Belgium
| | - Sanne C Ruyts
- Forest and Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090, Gontrode, Melle, Belgium
| | - Kris Verheyen
- Forest and Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090, Gontrode, Melle, Belgium
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
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17
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Huang CI, Kay SC, Davis S, Tufts DM, Gaffett K, Tefft B, Diuk-Wasser MA. High burdens of Ixodes scapularis larval ticks on white-tailed deer may limit Lyme disease risk in a low biodiversity setting. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:258-268. [PMID: 30446377 PMCID: PMC6377166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
An inverse relationship between biodiversity and human health has been termed the ‘dilution effect’ paradigm. In the case of tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, the key assumption is that Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato abundance is increased by the loss of less competent (dilution) hosts as biodiversity declines. White-tailed deer play a dual role in the pathogen cycle, as key reproductive hosts for adult ticks and incompetent hosts for the pathogen. While the role of deer as hosts of adult ticks is well established, the extent to which deer also feed immature ticks and reduce the proportion infected is unknown because of logistic constraints in measuring this empirically. We estimated the proportion of larvae that fed on deer in an extremely species-poor community on Block Island, RI, where tick nymphal infection prevalence was found to be lower than expected. In 2014, we measured the density, larval tick burdens, and realized reservoir competence of small mammal and bird hosts on Block Island, RI. In 2015, we measured the infection prevalence of host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs resulting from larvae fed on available hosts in 2014. We back-estimated the proportion of larvae expected to have fed on deer in 2014 (the only unknown parameter) to result in the nymphal infection prevalence observed in 2015. Back-estimation predicted that 29% of larval ticks must have fed on deer to yield the observed 30% nymphal infection prevalence. In comparison, the proportion of larvae feeding on mice was 44% and 27% on birds. Our study identified an influential role of deer in reducing nymphal tick infection prevalence and a potential role as dilution hosts if the reduction in nymphal infection prevalence outweighs the role of deer as tick population amplifiers. Because both deer and competent hosts may increase in anthropogenic, fragmented habitats, the links between fragmentation, biodiversity, and Lyme disease risk may be complex and difficult to predict. Furthermore, a nonlinear relationship between deer abundance and Lyme disease risk would reduce the efficacy of deer population reduction efforts to control Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-I Huang
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Ave., 10027 New York, NY, United States.
| | - Samantha C Kay
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Ave., 10027 New York, NY, United States.
| | - Stephen Davis
- School of Science, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, 124 La Trobe St., Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Danielle M Tufts
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Ave., 10027 New York, NY, United States.
| | - Kimberley Gaffett
- The Nature Conservancy on Block Island, P.O. Box 1287, Block Island, RI 02807, United States.
| | - Brian Tefft
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 277 Great Neck Road West Kingston, RI 02892, United States.
| | - Maria A Diuk-Wasser
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Ave., 10027 New York, NY, United States.
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18
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Gryczyńska A. Urban and Forest-Living BlackbirdsTurdus merulaas Hosts ofBorreliellaspp. Infected Ticks. POLISH JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.3161/15052249pje2018.66.3.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Gryczyńska
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
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Ruyts SC, Landuyt D, Ampoorter E, Heylen D, Ehrmann S, Coipan EC, Matthysen E, Sprong H, Verheyen K. Low probability of a dilution effect for Lyme borreliosis in Belgian forests. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1143-1152. [PMID: 29716838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have investigated the consequences of biodiversity loss for the occurrence of vector-borne diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. As host species differ in their ability to transmit the Lyme borreliosis bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. to ticks, increased host diversity can decrease disease prevalence by increasing the proportion of dilution hosts, host species that transmit pathogens less efficiently. Previous research shows that Lyme borreliosis risk differs between forest types and suggests that a higher diversity of host species might dilute the contribution of small rodents to infect ticks with B. afzelii, a common Borrelia genospecies. However, empirical evidence for a dilution effect in Europe is largely lacking. We tested the dilution effect hypothesis in 19 Belgian forest stands of different forest types along a diversity gradient. We used empirical data and a Bayesian belief network to investigate the impact of the proportion of dilution hosts on the density of ticks infected with B. afzelii, and identified the key drivers determining the density of infected ticks, which is a measure of human infection risk. Densities of ticks and B. afzelii infection prevalence differed between forest types, but the model indicated that the density of infected ticks is hardly affected by dilution. The most important variables explaining variability in disease risk were related to the density of ticks. Combining empirical data with a model-based approach supported decision making to reduce tick-borne disease risk. We found a low probability of a dilution effect for Lyme borreliosis in a north-western European context. We emphasize that under these circumstances, Lyme borreliosis prevention should rather aim at reducing tick-human contact rate instead of attempting to increase the proportion of dilution hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne C Ruyts
- Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090, Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Dries Landuyt
- Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090, Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Evy Ampoorter
- Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090, Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Dieter Heylen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 11, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Steffen Ehrmann
- Geobotany, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elena C Coipan
- Wageningen University and Research, Plant Sciences Group, Bio-interactions and Plant Health Business Unit, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA,Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Matthysen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 11, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kris Verheyen
- Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090, Melle-Gontrode, Belgium.
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20
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Gryczyńska A, Gortat T, Kowalec M. Urban rodent reservoirs of Borrelia spp. in Warsaw, Poland. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 146:589-593. [PMID: 29502545 PMCID: PMC9134506 DOI: 10.1017/s095026881800033x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The anticipated worldwide surge in urban environments is generating ever-greater interest in the study of host-pathogen interactions in this specific type of habitat. We investigated the potential of city-inhabiting rodents to serve as the main Lyme borreliosis agents (Borrelia spp.) reservoir. We also tried to verify if anthropogenic disturbances changing the vertebrate species community composition may also alter the scheme of Borrelia spp. circulation. A total of 252 Apodemus mice (A. agrarius, A. flavicollis, A. sylvaticus) were captured in Warsaw (Poland), at sites classified into different zones of anthropogenic disturbance, ranging from suburban forests to municipal parks strictly in the city centre. Borrelia spp. infection, ascertained based on bacterium DNA presence in the rodents' blood, was found only in A. agrarius and A. flavicollis (7.6 and 6%, respectively). Only one species from the Borrelia genus - the mammal-associated species B. afzelii - was found in the mice studied. We found no statistical evidence of a correlation between infection in Apodemus mice and the zone of anthropogenic disturbance where the mice were caught. Non-homogeneous concentrations of Borelia spp. infected specimens within the strict city centre area suggest a lack of contact between members of particular mice subpopulations, and their responsibility for relatively high, but local Borrelia spp. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Gryczyńska
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 101 Żwirki i Wigury St., 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - T. Gortat
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 101 Żwirki i Wigury St., 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - M. Kowalec
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa St., 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
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Ehrmann S, Ruyts SC, Scherer-Lorenzen M, Bauhus J, Brunet J, Cousins SAO, Deconchat M, Decocq G, De Frenne P, De Smedt P, Diekmann M, Gallet-Moron E, Gärtner S, Hansen K, Kolb A, Lenoir J, Lindgren J, Naaf T, Paal T, Panning M, Prinz M, Valdés A, Verheyen K, Wulf M, Liira J. Habitat properties are key drivers of Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) prevalence in Ixodes ricinus populations of deciduous forest fragments. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:23. [PMID: 29310722 PMCID: PMC5759830 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tick Ixodes ricinus has considerable impact on the health of humans and other terrestrial animals because it transmits several tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) such as B. burgdorferi (sensu lato), which causes Lyme borreliosis (LB). Small forest patches of agricultural landscapes provide many ecosystem services and also the disservice of LB risk. Biotic interactions and environmental filtering shape tick host communities distinctively between specific regions of Europe, which makes evaluating the dilution effect hypothesis and its influence across various scales challenging. Latitude, macroclimate, landscape and habitat properties drive both hosts and ticks and are comparable metrics across Europe. Therefore, we instead assess these environmental drivers as indicators and determine their respective roles for the prevalence of B. burgdorferi in I. ricinus. METHODS We sampled I. ricinus and measured environmental properties of macroclimate, landscape and habitat quality of forest patches in agricultural landscapes along a European macroclimatic gradient. We used linear mixed models to determine significant drivers and their relative importance for nymphal and adult B. burgdorferi prevalence. We suggest a new prevalence index, which is pool-size independent. RESULTS During summer months, our prevalence index varied between 0 and 0.4 per forest patch, indicating a low to moderate disservice. Habitat properties exerted a fourfold larger influence on B. burgdorferi prevalence than macroclimate and landscape properties combined. Increasingly available ecotone habitat of focal forest patches diluted and edge density at landscape scale amplified B. burgdorferi prevalence. Indicators of habitat attractiveness for tick hosts (food resources and shelter) were the most important predictors within habitat patches. More diverse and abundant macro- and microhabitat had a diluting effect, as it presumably diversifies the niches for tick-hosts and decreases the probability of contact between ticks and their hosts and hence the transmission likelihood. CONCLUSIONS Diluting effects of more diverse habitat patches would pose another reason to maintain or restore high biodiversity in forest patches of rural landscapes. We suggest classifying habitat patches by their regulating services as dilution and amplification habitat, which predominantly either decrease or increase B. burgdorferi prevalence at local and landscape scale and hence LB risk. Particular emphasis on promoting LB-diluting properties should be put on the management of those habitats that are frequently used by humans. In the light of these findings, climate change may be of little concern for LB risk at local scales, but this should be evaluated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Ehrmann
- Geobotany, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sanne C. Ruyts
- Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | | | - Jürgen Bauhus
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacherstr. 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Brunet
- Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 49, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Sara A. O. Cousins
- Landscape Ecology, Department of Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marc Deconchat
- DYNAFOR, Université de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, Chemin de Borde Rouge, CS 52627, F-31326 Castanet, France
| | - Guillaume Decocq
- UR “Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés” (EDYSAN, FRE 3498 CNRS-UPJV), Jules Verne University of Picardie, 1 rue des Louvels, F-80037 Amiens Cedex 1, France
- UF PRiMAX, Clinical Pharmacology Department, CHU Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Pieter De Frenne
- Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
- Department of Plant Production, Ghent University, Proefhoevestraat 22, BE-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Pallieter De Smedt
- Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Martin Diekmann
- Faculty of Biology/Chemistry (FB 02), Institute of Ecology, Vegetation Ecology and Conservation Biology, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 5, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Emilie Gallet-Moron
- UR “Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés” (EDYSAN, FRE 3498 CNRS-UPJV), Jules Verne University of Picardie, 1 rue des Louvels, F-80037 Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - Stefanie Gärtner
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacherstr. 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Black Forest National Park, Kniebisstraße 67, 77740 Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, Germany
| | - Karin Hansen
- Natural Resources & Environmental Effects, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Box 210 60, SE-100 31 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annette Kolb
- Faculty of Biology/Chemistry (FB 02), Institute of Ecology, Vegetation Ecology and Conservation Biology, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 5, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Jonathan Lenoir
- UR “Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés” (EDYSAN, FRE 3498 CNRS-UPJV), Jules Verne University of Picardie, 1 rue des Louvels, F-80037 Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - Jessica Lindgren
- Landscape Ecology, Department of Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias Naaf
- Institute of Land Use Systems, Leibniz-ZALF (e.V.), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Taavi Paal
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40, EE-51005 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marcus Panning
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maren Prinz
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alicia Valdés
- UR “Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés” (EDYSAN, FRE 3498 CNRS-UPJV), Jules Verne University of Picardie, 1 rue des Louvels, F-80037 Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - Kris Verheyen
- Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, B-9090 Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Monika Wulf
- Institute of Land Use Systems, Leibniz-ZALF (e.V.), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Jaan Liira
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40, EE-51005 Tartu, Estonia
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Kuo CC, Lin YF, Yao CT, Shih HC, Chung LH, Liao HC, Hsu YC, Wang HC. Tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from birds in Taiwan. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:587. [PMID: 29178908 PMCID: PMC5702202 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2535-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A variety of human diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors, including ticks, are emerging around the globe. Birds are known to be hosts of ticks and can disperse exotic ticks and tick-borne pathogens. In Taiwan, previous studies have focused predominantly on mammals, leaving the role of birds in the maintenance of ticks and dissemination of tick-borne pathogens undetermined. Methods Ticks were collected opportunistically when birds were studied from 1995 to 2013. Furthermore, to improve knowledge on the prevalence and mean load of tick infestation on birds in Taiwan, ticks were thoroughly searched for when birds were mist-netted at seven sites between September 2014 and April 2016 in eastern Taiwan. Ticks were identified based on both morphological and molecular information and were screened for potential tick-borne pathogens, including the genera Anaplasma, Babesia, Borrelia, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia. Finally, a list of hard tick species collected from birds in Taiwan was compiled based on past work and the current study. Results Nineteen ticks (all larvae) were recovered from four of the 3096 unique mist-netted bird individuals, yielding a mean load of 0.006 ticks/individual and an overall prevalence of 0.13%. A total of 139 ticks from birds, comprising 48 larvae, 35 nymphs, 55 adults and one individual of unknown life stage, were collected from 1995 to 2016, and 11 species of four genera were identified, including three newly recorded species (Haemaphysalis wellingtoni, Ixodes columnae and Ixodes turdus). A total of eight tick-borne pathogens were detected, with five species (Borrelia turdi, Anaplasma sp. clone BJ01, Ehrlichia sp. BL157-9, Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia monacensis) not previously isolated in Taiwan. Overall, 16 tick species of five genera have been recorded feeding on birds, including nine species first discovered in this study. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the paucity of information on ticks of birds and emphasizes the need for more research on ticks of birds in Taiwan and Southeast Asia. Moreover, some newly recorded ticks and tick-borne pathogens were found only on migratory birds, demonstrating the necessity of further surveillance on these highly mobile species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2535-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chien Kuo
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Fu Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Te Yao
- Endemic Species Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Chi-chi, Nantou, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chun Shih
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lo-Hsuan Chung
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chun Liao
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Hsu
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan.
| | - Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Heylen D, Fonville M, Docters van Leeuwen A, Stroo A, Duisterwinkel M, van Wieren S, Diuk-Wasser M, de Bruin A, Sprong H. Pathogen communities of songbird-derived ticks in Europe's low countries. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:497. [PMID: 29047399 PMCID: PMC5648423 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birds play a major role in the maintenance of enzootic cycles of pathogens transmitted by ticks. Due to their mobility, they affect the spatial distribution and abundance of both ticks and pathogens. In the present study, we aim to identify members of a pathogen community [Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.), B. miyamotoi, 'Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis', Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia helvetica] in songbird-derived ticks from 11 locations in the Netherlands and Belgium (2012-2014). RESULTS Overall, 375 infested songbird individuals were captured, belonging to 35 species. Thrushes (Turdus iliacus, T. merula and T. philomelos) were trapped most often and had the highest mean infestation intensity for both Ixodes ricinus and I. frontalis. Of the 671 bird-derived ticks, 51% contained DNA of at least one pathogenic agent and 13% showed co-infections with two or more pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) DNA was found in 34% of the ticks of which majority belong to so-called avian Borrelia species (distribution in Borrelia-infected ticks: 47% B. garinii, 34% B. valaisiana, 3% B. turdi), but also the mammal-associated B. afzelii (16%) was detected. The occurrence of B. miyamotoi was low (1%). Prevalence of R. helvetica in ticks was high (22%), while A. phagocytophilum and 'Ca. N. mikurensis' prevalences were 5% and 4%, respectively. The occurrence of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) was positively correlated with the occurrence of 'Ca. N. mikurensis', reflecting variation in susceptibility among birds and/or suggesting transmission facilitation due to interactions between pathogens. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the contribution of European songbirds to co-infections in tick individuals and consequently to the exposure of humans to multiple pathogens during a tick bite. Although poorly studied, exposure to and possibly also infection with multiple tick-borne pathogens in humans seems to be the rule rather than the exception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Heylen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Arieke Docters van Leeuwen
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stroo
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors, Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sip van Wieren
- Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arnout de Bruin
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Marchant A, Le Coupanec A, Joly C, Perthame E, Sertour N, Garnier M, Godard V, Ferquel E, Choumet V. Infection of Ixodes ricinus by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in peri-urban forests of France. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183543. [PMID: 28846709 PMCID: PMC5573218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. In Europe, it is transmitted by Ixodes ticks that carry bacteria belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The objective of this work was to explore eco-epidemiological factors of Lyme borreliosis in peri-urban forests of France (Sénart, Notre-Dame and Rambouillet). We investigated whether the introduction of Tamias sibiricus in Sénart could alter the density of infected ticks. Moreover, the density and tick infection were investigated according to the tree species found in various patches of Sénart forest. For this purpose, ticks were sampled during 3 years. In the Sénart forest, the density of nymph and adult ticks showed no significant difference between 2008, 2009 and 2011. The nymph density varied significantly as a function of the month of collection. Regarding the nymphs, a higher rate of infection and infected density were found in 2009. Plots with chipmunks (C) presented a lower density of both nymphs and adult ticks than plots without chipmunks (NC) did. A higher rate of infection of nymphs with Borrelia was seen in C plots. The prevalence of the various species of Borrelia was also found to vary between C and NC plots with the year of the collect. The presence of chestnut trees positively influenced the density of both nymphs and adults. The infected nymph density showed a significant difference depending on the peri-urban forest studied, Sénart being higher than Rambouillet. The prevalence of Borrelia species also differed between the various forests studied. Concerning the putative role that Tamias sibiricus may play in the transmission of Borrelia, our results suggest that its presence is correlated with a higher rate of infection of questing ticks by Borrelia genospecies and if its population increases, it could play a significant role in the risk of transmission of Lyme borreliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Marchant
- Centre National de Référence des Borrelia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Alain Le Coupanec
- Centre National de Référence des Borrelia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Claire Joly
- Centre National de Référence des Borrelia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Emeline Perthame
- Institut Pasteur – Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub – C3BI, USR 3756 IP CNRS –Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, Paris, France
| | - Natacha Sertour
- Centre National de Référence des Borrelia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Martine Garnier
- Centre National de Référence des Borrelia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Godard
- CNRS-UMR7533/LADYSS, Université de Paris 8 - Saint-Denis, France
| | - Elisabeth Ferquel
- Centre National de Référence des Borrelia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Valerie Choumet
- Centre National de Référence des Borrelia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Parker CM, Miller JR, Allan BF. Avian and Habitat Characteristics Influence Tick Infestation Among Birds in Illinois. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:550-558. [PMID: 28399205 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Avian movements are an important mechanism by which ticks and associated pathogens can colonize new locations. The temporal and geographic extent of tick and pathogen dispersal is dependent on tick phenology and host movements across a landscape. We evaluated bird-host traits and habitat characteristics that may influence tick infestation and subsequent dispersal in Illinois. To determine which characteristics of host species and habitats influence infestation, we examined captured birds in 22 forest patches across east-central Illinois during migratory periods in fall of 2012 and 2013, and spring of 2013 and 2014. We examined 1,028 birds of 78 species; 136 (13.2%) individuals representing 33 (42.3%) species were infested with at least one tick. We determined that infestation prevalence was greatest among birds that 1) forage primarily in the forest understory; 2) use large forest patches; 3) use patches with less invasive shrub cover. Furthermore, infestation intensity was greatest among birds captured during fall migration. These findings highlight the importance of avian and habitat traits that may influence tick infestation among passerine birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Parker
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, N-407 Turner Hall, MC-047, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801 (; )
| | - James R Miller
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, N-407 Turner Hall, MC-047, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801 (; )
| | - Brian F Allan
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, 320 Morrill Hall Urbana, IL 61801
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Kiewra D, Stefańska-Krzaczek E, Szymanowski M, Szczepańska A. Local-scale spatio-temporal distribution of questing Ixodes ricinus L. (Acari: Ixodidae)-A case study from a riparian urban forest in Wrocław, SW Poland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:362-369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Seasonal infestation of birds with immature stages of Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes arboricola. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:423-431. [PMID: 28169171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the parasitization of cavity-nesting birds and ground-nesting/foraging birds with larvae and nymphs of two Ixodes species, Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes arboricola. Totals of 679 (52.3%) I. ricinus and 619 (47.7%) I. arboricola ticks were collected from 15 species of passerine birds which were caught during the nesting and non-nesting periods of 2003-2006, in the south-eastern part of the Czech Republic, the Drahanská Vrchovina Uplands. In the non-nesting period from October to March, 6.8% (101/1492) of birds were infested with ticks, mainly with I. arboricola larvae. In the non-nesting period, the average intensity of infestation by I. arboricola and I. ricinus was 8.5 and 1.5 individuals per infested bird, respectively. In the nesting period from April to June, 21.6% (50/232) of birds were infested by both tick species but mainly with I. ricinus nymphs. The average intensity of infestation by I. ricinus and I. arboricola was 13.3 and 10.8 individuals per infested bird, respectively. Altogether, 23.2% of the infested birds were parasitized by both immature life stages of one or both tick species. From an enzootic perspective, co-feeding and co-infestation of I. ricinus and I. arboricola subadults on passerine birds might happen and may be important for the dissemination of tick-borne agents.
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Inefficient co-feeding transmission of Borrelia afzelii in two common European songbirds. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39596. [PMID: 28054584 PMCID: PMC5214756 DOI: 10.1038/srep39596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The spirochete bacterium Borrelia afzelii is the most common cause of Lyme borreliosis in Europe. This tick-borne pathogen can establish systemic infections in rodents but not in birds. However, several field studies have recovered larval Ixodes ricinus ticks infected with B. afzelii from songbirds suggesting successful transmission of B. afzelii. We reviewed the literature to determine which songbird species were the most frequent carriers of B. afzelii-infected I. ricinus larvae and nymphs. We tested experimentally whether B. afzelii is capable of co-feeding transmission on two common European bird species, the blackbird (Turdus merula) and the great tit (Parus major). For each bird species, four naïve individuals were infested with B. afzelii-infected I. ricinus nymphal ticks and pathogen-free larval ticks. None of the co-feeding larvae tested positive for B. afzelii in blackbirds, but a low percentage of infected larvae (3.33%) was observed in great tits. Transstadial transmission of B. afzelii DNA from the engorged nymphs to the adult ticks was observed in both bird species. However, BSK culture found that these spirochetes were not viable. Our study suggests that co-feeding transmission of B. afzelii is not efficient in these two songbird species.
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Esser HJ, Foley JE, Bongers F, Herre EA, Miller MJ, Prins HH, Jansen PA. Host body size and the diversity of tick assemblages on Neotropical vertebrates. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016; 5:295-304. [PMID: 27812506 PMCID: PMC5078680 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the factors that influence the species diversity and distribution of ticks (Acari: Ixodida) across vertebrate host taxa is of fundamental ecological and medical importance. Host body size is considered one of the most important determinants of tick abundance, with larger hosts having higher tick burdens. The species diversity of tick assemblages should also be greater on larger-bodied host species, but empirical studies testing this hypothesis are lacking. Here, we evaluate this relationship using a comparative dataset of feeding associations from Panama between 45 tick species and 171 host species that range in body size by three orders of magnitude. We found that tick species diversity increased with host body size for adult ticks but not for immature ticks. We also found that closely related host species tended to have similar tick species diversity, but correcting for host phylogeny did not alter the relationships between host body size and tick species diversity. The distribution of tick species was highly aggregated, with approximately 20% of the host species harboring 80% of all tick species, following the Pareto principle or 20/80 Rule. Thus, the aggregated pattern commonly observed for tick burdens and disease transmission also holds for patterns of tick species richness. Our finding that the adult ticks in this system preferentially parasitize large-bodied host species suggests that the ongoing anthropogenic loss of large-bodied vertebrates is likely to result in host-tick coextinction events, even when immature stages feed opportunistically. As parasites play critical roles in ecological and evolutionary processes, such losses may profoundly affect ecosystem functioning and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J. Esser
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-03092, Panamá, Panama
| | - Janet E. Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Frans Bongers
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Edward Allen Herre
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-03092, Panamá, Panama
| | - Matthew J. Miller
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-03092, Panamá, Panama
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73072-7029, USA
| | - Herbert H.T. Prins
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick A. Jansen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-03092, Panamá, Panama
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30
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Gryczyńska A, Welc-Falęciak R. Long-term study of the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. infection in ticks (Ixodes ricinus) feeding on blackbirds (Turdus merula) in NE Poland. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 70:381-394. [PMID: 27631764 PMCID: PMC5061843 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0082-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Seeking evidence to confirm that blackbirds (Turdus merula) may be involved in environmental maintenance of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis), we conducted a long-term study over three separate 2-year periods, together embracing a span of almost 20 years, all in the same area in northeastern Poland. We examined a total of 78 blackbirds and collected 623 Ixodes ricinus ticks feeding on them. The tick infestation prevalence was found to be very high (89.7 %). Among all ticks collected, 9.8 % individuals were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes. We found statistically significant growth in the prevalence of infected ticks as well as an increasing proportion of blackbirds hosting them in subsequent years of study. Ticks feeding on blackbirds were infected mainly with B. garinii (45.7 %), a genospecies commonly encountered in birds, and with B. afzelii (28.6 %), until recently considered rodent-associated. We also identified B. turdi (22.9 %), frequently found in recent years in ticks feeding on birds, and B. spielmanii (2.8 %), which had previously not been found in infected ticks feeding on blackbirds. We also found that ticks infected with genospecies associated with avian reservoir groups (B. garinii and B. turdi) were not randomly distributed on blackbirds, but instead focused on certain bird specimens. We therefore conjecture that this is a result of ticks becoming infected either from the host blackbird itself, or from other infected ticks feeding on the same host blackbird. We did not find any similar dependency for the rodent specialist B. afzelii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Gryczyńska
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 101 Żwirki i Wigury St., 02-089, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Renata Welc-Falęciak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa St., 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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Multiple independent transmission cycles of a tick-borne pathogen within a local host community. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31273. [PMID: 27498685 PMCID: PMC4976386 DOI: 10.1038/srep31273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Many pathogens are maintained by multiple host species and involve multiple strains with potentially different phenotypic characteristics. Disentangling transmission patterns in such systems is often challenging, yet investigating how different host species contribute to transmission is crucial to properly assess and manage disease risk. We aim to reveal transmission cycles of bacteria within the Borrelia burgdorferi species complex, which include Lyme disease agents. We characterized Borrelia genotypes found in 488 infected Ixodes ricinus nymphs collected in the Sénart Forest located near Paris (France). These genotypes were compared to those observed in three sympatric species of small mammals and network analyses reveal four independent transmission cycles. Statistical modelling shows that two cycles involving chipmunks, an introduced species, and non-sampled host species such as birds, are responsible for the majority of tick infections. In contrast, the cycle involving native bank voles only accounts for a small proportion of infected ticks. Genotypes associated with the two primary transmission cycles were isolated from Lyme disease patients, confirming the epidemiological threat posed by these strains. Our work demonstrates that combining high-throughput sequence typing with networks tools and statistical modeling is a promising approach for characterizing transmission cycles of multi-host pathogens in complex ecological settings.
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Diversifying forest communities may change Lyme disease risk: extra dimension to the dilution effect in Europe. Parasitology 2016; 143:1310-9. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016000688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYLyme disease is caused by bacteria of theBorrelia burgdorferigenospecies complex and transmitted by Ixodid ticks. In North America only one pathogenic genospecies occurs, in Europe there are several. According to the dilution effect hypothesis (DEH), formulated in North America, nymphal infection prevalence (NIP) decreases with increasing host diversity since host species differ in transmission potential. We analysedBorreliainfection in nymphs from 94 forest stands in Belgium, which are part of a diversification gradient with a supposedly related increasing host diversity: from pine stands without to oak stands with a shrub layer. We expected changing tree species and forest structure to increase host diversity and decrease NIP. In contrast with the DEH, NIP did not differ between different forest types. Genospecies diversity however, and presumably also host diversity, was higher in oak than in pine stands. Infected nymphs tended to harbourBorrelia afzeliiinfection more often in pine stands whileBorrelia gariniiandBorrelia burgdorferiss. infection appeared to be more prevalent in oak stands. This has important health consequences, since the latter two cause more severe disease manifestations. We show that the DEH must be nuanced for Europe and should consider the response of multiple pathogenic genospecies.
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Heylen D, Fonville M, van Leeuwen AD, Sprong H. Co-infections and transmission dynamics in a tick-borne bacterium community exposed to songbirds. Environ Microbiol 2016; 18:988-96. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Heylen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group; Department of Biology; University of Antwerp; Antwerpen Belgium
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology; National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM); Bilthoven the Netherlands
| | - Arieke Docters van Leeuwen
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology; National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM); Bilthoven the Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology; National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM); Bilthoven the Netherlands
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Perez G, Bastian S, Agoulon A, Bouju A, Durand A, Faille F, Lebert I, Rantier Y, Plantard O, Butet A. Effect of landscape features on the relationship between Ixodes ricinus ticks and their small mammal hosts. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:20. [PMID: 26767788 PMCID: PMC4714450 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1296-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The consequences of land use changes are among the most cited causes of emerging infectious diseases because they can modify the ecology and transmission of pathogens. This is particularly true for vector-borne diseases which depend on abiotic (e.g. climate) and biotic conditions (i.e. hosts and vectors). In this study, we investigated how landscape features affect the abundances of small mammals and Ixodes ricinus ticks, and how they influence their relationship. Methods From 2012 to 2014, small mammals and questing I. ricinus ticks were sampled in spring and autumn in 24 sites located in agricultural and forest landscapes in Brittany, France. We tested the effects of landscape features (composition and configuration) on the abundances of small mammal species and immature ticks and their relationship. Additionally, we quantified the larval tick burden of small mammals in 2012 to better describe this relationship. Results The nymph abundance was positively influenced by the larval occurrence and the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus abundance the previous spring because they hosted tenfold more larvae than the bank vole Myodes glareolus. The bank vole abundance in spring and autumn had a negative and positive effect, respectively, on the nymph abundance. In agricultural landscapes, wood mice were positively influenced by woodland cover and woodland/hedgerow-grassland ecotone, whereas bank voles showed the opposite or non-significant responses to these landscape variables. The woodland cover had a positive effect on immature ticks. Conclusion The landscape configuration, likely by affecting the landscape connectivity, influences the small mammal communities in permanent habitats. Our study showed that the wood mouse, due to its dominance and to its tolerance to ticks, feeds a substantial proportion of larvae. The acquired resistance to ticks in the bank vole can reduce its role as a trophic resource over time. The nymph abundance seems indirectly influenced by landscape features via their effects on the small mammal community. To enhance our understanding of the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases within landscapes, further studies will integrate data on pathogen prevalence and investigate explicitly the effect of landscape connectivity on host-vector-pathogen systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire Perez
- UMR 6553 Ecosystème, Biodiversité, Evolution, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université de Rennes 1, Avenue du Général Leclerc, Rennes, 35042, France. .,UMR1300 Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique-LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, Atlanpole, la Chantrerie, Nantes, 44307, France.
| | - Suzanne Bastian
- UMR1300 Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique-LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, Atlanpole, la Chantrerie, Nantes, 44307, France.
| | - Albert Agoulon
- UMR1300 Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique-LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, Atlanpole, la Chantrerie, Nantes, 44307, France.
| | - Agnès Bouju
- UMR1300 Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique-LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, Atlanpole, la Chantrerie, Nantes, 44307, France.
| | - Axelle Durand
- UMR1300 Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique-LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, Atlanpole, la Chantrerie, Nantes, 44307, France.
| | - Frédéric Faille
- UMR1300 Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique-LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, Atlanpole, la Chantrerie, Nantes, 44307, France.
| | - Isabelle Lebert
- UR0346 Epidémiologie Animale, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Route de Theix, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, 63122, France.
| | - Yann Rantier
- UMR 6553 Ecosystème, Biodiversité, Evolution, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université de Rennes 1, Avenue du Général Leclerc, Rennes, 35042, France.
| | - Olivier Plantard
- UMR1300 Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique-LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, Atlanpole, la Chantrerie, Nantes, 44307, France.
| | - Alain Butet
- UMR 6553 Ecosystème, Biodiversité, Evolution, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université de Rennes 1, Avenue du Général Leclerc, Rennes, 35042, France.
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An experimental test to compare potential and realised specificity in ticks with different ecologies. Evol Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-015-9816-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Heylen DJA, Müller W, Vermeulen A, Sprong H, Matthysen E. Virulence of recurrent infestations with Borrelia-infected ticks in a Borrelia-amplifying bird. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16150. [PMID: 26553505 PMCID: PMC4639849 DOI: 10.1038/srep16150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease cases caused by Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. bacteria is increasing steadily in Europe, in part due to the expansion of the vector, Ixodes ricinus. Wild reservoir hosts are typically recurrently infested. Understanding the impact of these cumulative parasite exposures on the host's health is, therefore, central to predict the distribution of tick populations and their pathogens. Here, we have experimentally investigated the symptoms of disease caused by recurrent infestations in a common songbird (Parus major). Birds were exposed three times in succession to ticks collected in a Borrelia endemic area. Health and immune measures were analyzed in order to investigate changes in response to tick infestation and Borrelia infection rate. Nitric oxide levels increased with the Borrelia infection rate, but this effect was increasingly counteracted by mounting tick infestation rates. Tick infestations equally reduced haematocrit during each cycle. But birds overcompensated in their response to tick feeding, having higher haematocrit values during tick-free periods depending on the number of ticks they had been previously exposed to. Body condition showed a similar overshooting response in function of the severity of the Borrelia infection. The observed overcompensation increases the bird's energetic needs, which may result in an increase in transmission events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter J. A. Heylen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wendt Müller
- Ethology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anke Vermeulen
- Ethology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hein Sprong
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Matthysen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium
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Sparagano O, George D, Giangaspero A, Špitalská E. Arthropods and associated arthropod-borne diseases transmitted by migrating birds. The case of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:61-6. [PMID: 26343302 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Geographic spread of parasites and pathogens poses a constant risk to animal health and welfare, particularly given that climate change is expected to potentially expand appropriate ranges for many key species. The spread of deleterious organisms via trade routes and human travelling is relatively closely controlled, though represents only one possible means of parasite/pathogen distribution. The transmission via natural parasite/pathogen movement between geographic locales, is far harder to manage. Though the extent of such movement may be limited by the relative inability of many parasites and pathogens to actively migrate, passive movement over long distances may still occur via migratory hosts. This paper reviews the potential role of migrating birds in the transfer of ectoparasites and pathogens between geographic locales, focusing primarily on ticks. Bird-tick-pathogen relationships are considered, and evidence provided of long-range parasite/pathogen transfer from one location to another during bird migration events. As shown in this paper not only many different arthropod species are carried by migrating birds but consequently these pests carry many different pathogens species which can be transmitted to the migrating birds or to other animal species when those arthropods are dropping during these migrations. Data available from the literature are provided highlighting the need to understand better dissemination paths and disease epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David George
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK; Stockbridge Technology Centre, Cawood, Selby YO8 3TZ, UK
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology SAS, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Identifying the last bloodmeal of questing sheep tick nymphs (Ixodes ricinus L.) using high resolution melting analysis. Vet Parasitol 2015; 210:194-205. [PMID: 25941127 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The sheep tick, Ixodes ricinus L., is an important hematophagous vector of zoonotic disease of both veterinary and public health importance in Europe. Risk models for tick-borne diseases can be improved by identifying the main hosts of this species in any given area. However, this generalist tick stays on a host for only a few days a year over its life cycle, making the study of its feeding ecology difficult. In contrast, ticks can easily be collected from vegetation when they are questing. Molecular methods have proved to be a reliable alternative to field observation, but most current methods have low sensitivity and/or low identification success (i.e. hosts are only identified to taxonomic levels higher than species). In this study we use Real-time PCR coupled with High Resolution Melting Analysis (HRMA) to identify the source of the last bloodmeal in questing tick nymphs. Twenty of the most important tick hosts were grouped taxonomically and six group-specific primer sets, targeting short mitochondrial DNA regions, were designed de novo. Firstly, we show that these primers successfully amplify target host DNA (from host tissue or engorged ticks), and that HRMA can be used to reliably identify hosts to species (or genera in the case of Sorex and Apodemus). Secondly, the new protocol was tested on field-collected questing nymphs. Bloodmeal source was identified in 65.4% of 52 individuals. In 83.3% of these, the host was identified to species or genera using HRMA alone. Moreover, the primer sets designed here can unequivocally identify mixed bloodmeals. The combination of sensitivity and identification success together with the closed-tube and single step approach that minimizes contamination, make Real-time HRMA a good alternative to current methods for bloodmeal identification.
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Newman EA, Eisen L, Eisen RJ, Fedorova N, Hasty JM, Vaughn C, Lane RS. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes in wild birds in northwestern California: associations with ecological factors, bird behavior and tick infestation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118146. [PMID: 25714376 PMCID: PMC4340631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) are found in a great diversity of vertebrates, most studies in North America have focused on the role of mammals as spirochete reservoir hosts. We investigated the roles of birds as hosts for subadult Ixodes pacificus ticks and potential reservoirs of the Lyme disease spirochete B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) in northwestern California. Overall, 623 birds representing 53 species yielded 284 I. pacificus larvae and nymphs. We used generalized linear models and zero-inflated negative binomial models to determine associations of bird behaviors, taxonomic relationships and infestation by I. pacificus with borrelial infection in the birds. Infection status in birds was best explained by taxonomic order, number of infesting nymphs, sampling year, and log-transformed average body weight. Presence and counts of larvae and nymphs could be predicted by ground- or bark-foraging behavior and contact with dense oak woodland. Molecular analysis yielded the first reported detection of Borrelia bissettii in birds. Moreover, our data suggest that the Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), a non-resident species, could be an important reservoir for B. burgdorferi s.s. Of 12 individual birds (9 species) that carried B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected larvae, no birds carried the same genospecies of B. burgdorferi s.l. in their blood as were present in the infected larvae removed from them. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Our study is the first to explicitly incorporate both taxonomic relationships and behaviors as predictor variables to identify putative avian reservoirs of B. burgdorferi s.l. Our findings underscore the importance of bird behavior to explain local tick infestation and Borrelia infection in these animals, and suggest the potential for bird-mediated geographic spread of vector ticks and spirochetes in the far-western United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A. Newman
- Energy and Resources Group, University of California, 310 Barrows Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States of America
| | - Lars Eisen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States of America
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado 80522, United States of America
| | - Rebecca J. Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado 80522, United States of America
| | - Natalia Fedorova
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States of America
| | - Jeomhee M. Hasty
- Hawaii Department of Health, Sanitation Branch, Vector Control, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States of America
| | - Charles Vaughn
- University of California Hopland Research & Extension Center, Hopland, CA 95449, United States of America
| | - Robert S. Lane
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States of America
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Do the ticks of birds at an important migratory hotspot reflect the seasonal dynamics of Ixodes ricinus at the migration initiation site? A case study in the Danube Delta. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89378. [PMID: 24586732 PMCID: PMC3929702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds play important roles as distributors of ticks within and between continents. In the Old World, the most important migratory route of birds links Asia, Europe and Africa. During their migration, birds use various stopover sites, where they feed and rest and where ticks may attach or detach, creating new natural foci for vector-borne diseases. Danube Delta is one of the most important migration hotspots and so far no studies were focused on ticks of migratory birds herein. The aim of the present study was to assess the species diversity and seasonal dynamics of ticks parasitizing migratory birds in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. Migratory birds were trapped on Grindul Lupilor (44°41′N; 28°56′E) using mist nets during 4 migratory seasons (2 spring and 2 autumn) in 2011 and 2012. From each bird, all the ticks were collected and identified based on morphological features. Epidemiological parameters (prevalence, mean abundance, mean intensity) were calculated and all data were analysed statistically based on the season (spring and autumn), regional status of birds (migrants and breeding) and foraging behaviour (ground feeders, reed-bed feeders, foliage feeders). A total of 1434 birds (46 species) were captured. Ticks were found on 94 birds (10 species). Significantly more migratory birds hosted ticks, compared to resident birds. The 400 collected ticks belonged to four species: Ixodes ricinus (92.25%), I. arboricola (6.25%), I. redikorzevi (1.00%) and Haemaphysalis punctata (0.50%). A higher prevalence was found for I. ricinus in spring, with higher prevalence of nymphs in this season, while larvae occurred with the same prevalence in both seasons. Larval intensity was higher during spring and nymphs were more abundant during autumn. The seasonal differences in our study may be related not to the local seasonal dynamics of ticks, but on the seasonal dynamics at the site of migration initiation.
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Mikryukova TP, Moskvitina NS, Kononova YV, Korobitsyn IG, Kartashov MY, Tyuten Kov OY, Protopopova EV, Romanenko VN, Chausov EV, Gashkov SI, Konovalova SN, Moskvitin SS, Tupota NL, Sementsova AO, Ternovoi VA, Loktev VB. Surveillance of tick-borne encephalitis virus in wild birds and ticks in Tomsk city and its suburbs (Western Siberia). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 5:145-51. [PMID: 24380691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
To study the role of wild birds in the transmission of tick borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), we investigated randomly captured wild birds bearing ixodid ticks in a very highly endemic TBE region located in Tomsk city and its suburbs in the south of Western Siberia, Russia. The 779 wild birds representing 60 species were captured carrying a total of 841 ticks, Ixodes pavlovskyi Pom., 1946 (n=531), Ixodes persulcatus P. Sch., 1930 (n=244), and Ixodes plumbeus Leach. 1815 (n=66). The highest average number of ticks per bird in a particular species was found for the fieldfare (Turdus pilaris Linnaeus, 1758) (5.60 ticks/bird) and the tree pipit (Anthus trivialis Linnaeus, 1758) (13.25 ticks/bird). Samples from wild birds and ticks collected in highly endemic periods from 2006 to 2011 were tested for the TBEV markers using monoclonal modified enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and RT-PCR. TBEV RNA and antigen were found in 9.7% and 22.8% samples collected from wild birds, respectively. TBEV markers were also detected in 14.1% I. persulcatus ticks, 5.2% I. pavlovskyi, and 4.2% I. plumbeus ticks collected from wild birds. Two TBEV strains were also isolated on PKE (pig kidney embryo) cells from fieldfare and Blyth's reed warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum Blyth, 1849). Sequencing of 5'-NCR of TBEV revealed that all TBEV isolates belong to Far Eastern (dominate) and Siberian genotypes. Several phylogenetic subgroups included TBEV sequences novel for the Tomsk region. Our data suggest that wild birds are potential disseminators of TBEV, TBEV-infected ixodid ticks, and possibly other tick-borne infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara P Mikryukova
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Nina S Moskvitina
- National Research Tomsk State University, Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Yulia V Kononova
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Igor G Korobitsyn
- National Research Tomsk State University, Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Mikhail Y Kartashov
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Oleg Y Tyuten Kov
- National Research Tomsk State University, Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Elena V Protopopova
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Vladimir N Romanenko
- National Research Tomsk State University, Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Evgeny V Chausov
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Sergey I Gashkov
- National Research Tomsk State University, Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Svetlana N Konovalova
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Sergey S Moskvitin
- National Research Tomsk State University, Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Natalya L Tupota
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Alexandra O Sementsova
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Ternovoi
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia
| | - Valery B Loktev
- State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Department of Molecular Virology for Flaviviruses and Viral Hepatitis, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia.
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42
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Heylen D, Matthysen E, Fonville M, Sprong H. Songbirds as general transmitters but selective amplifiers of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genotypes in Ixodes rinicus ticks. Environ Microbiol 2013; 16:2859-68. [PMID: 24118930 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We investigated to what extent a European songbird (Parus major) selectively transmits and amplifies Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. bacteria. Borrelia-naïve birds were recurrently exposed to Ixodes ricinus nymphs carrying a community of more than 34 5S-23S genotypes belonging to five genospecies (Borrelia garinii, Borrelia valaisiana, Borrelia afzelii, B. burgdorferi s.s. and Borrelia spielmanii). Fed ticks were screened for Borrelia after moulting. We found evidence for co-feeding transmission of avian and possibly also mammalian genotypes. Throughout the course of infestations, the infection rate of B. garinii and B. valaisiana increased, indicating successful amplification and transmission, while the infection rate for B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi s.s and B. spielmanii tended to decrease. Within the B. garinii and B. valaisiana genotype communities, certain genotypes were transmitted more than others. Moreover, birds were able to host mixed infections of B. garinii and B. valaisiana, as well as mixed infections of genotypes of the same genospecies. We experimentally show that resident songbirds transmit a broad range of Borrelia genotypes, but selectively amplify certain genotypes, and that one bird can transmit simultaneously several genotypes. Our results highlight the need to explicitly consider the association between genotypes and hosts, which may offer opportunities to point out which hosts are most responsible for the Borrelia presence in questing ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Heylen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
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43
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Hasle G. Transport of ixodid ticks and tick-borne pathogens by migratory birds. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2013; 3:48. [PMID: 24058903 PMCID: PMC3767891 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2013.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds, particularly passerines, can be parasitized by Ixodid ticks, which may be infected with tick-borne pathogens, like Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma, Rickettsia/Coxiella, and tick-borne encephalitis virus. The prevalence of ticks on birds varies over years, season, locality and different bird species. The prevalence of ticks on different species depends mainly on the degree of feeding on the ground. In Europe, the Turdus spp., especially the blackbird, Turdus merula, appears to be most important for harboring ticks. Birds can easily cross barriers, like fences, mountains, glaciers, desserts and oceans, which would stop mammals, and they can move much faster than the wingless hosts. Birds can potentially transport tick-borne pathogens by transporting infected ticks, by being infected with tick-borne pathogens and transmit the pathogens to the ticks, and possibly act as hosts for transfer of pathogens between ticks through co-feeding. Knowledge of the bird migration routes and of the spatial distribution of tick species and tick-borne pathogens is crucial for understanding the possible impact of birds as spreaders of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Successful colonization of new tick species or introduction of new tick-borne pathogens will depend on suitable climate, vegetation and hosts. Although it has never been demonstrated that a new tick species, or a new tick pathogen, actually has been established in a new locality after being seeded there by birds, evidence strongly suggests that this could occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Hasle
- Department of Biology, University of Oslo, Blindern, Norway.
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44
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Obsomer V, Wirtgen M, Linden A, Claerebout E, Heyman P, Heylen D, Madder M, Maris J, Lebrun M, Tack W, Lempereur L, Hance T, Van Impe G. Spatial disaggregation of tick occurrence and ecology at a local scale as a preliminary step for spatial surveillance of tick-borne diseases: general framework and health implications in Belgium. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:190. [PMID: 23800283 PMCID: PMC3726513 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of tick-borne diseases is increasing in Europe. Sub national information on tick distribution, ecology and vector status is often lacking. However, precise location of infection risk can lead to better targeted prevention measures, surveillance and control. METHODS In this context, the current paper compiled geolocated tick occurrences in Belgium, a country where tick-borne disease has received little attention, in order to highlight the potential value of spatial approaches and draw some recommendations for future research priorities. RESULTS Mapping of 89,289 ticks over 654 sites revealed that ticks such as Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes hexagonus are largely present while Dermacentor reticulatus has a patchy distribution. Suspected hot spots of tick diversity might favor pathogen exchanges and suspected hot spots of I. ricinus abundance might increase human-vector contact locally. This underlines the necessity to map pathogens and ticks in detail. While I. ricinus is the main vector, I. hexagonus is a vector and reservoir of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., which is active the whole year and is also found in urban settings. This and other nidiculous species bite humans less frequently, but seem to harbour pathogens. Their role in maintaining a pathogenic cycle within the wildlife merits investigation as they might facilitate transmission to humans if co-occurring with I. ricinus. Many micro-organisms are found abroad in tick species present in Belgium. Most have not been recorded locally but have not been searched for. Some are transmitted directly at the time of the bite, suggesting promotion of tick avoidance additionally to tick removal. CONCLUSION This countrywide approach to tick-borne diseases has helped delineate recommendations for future research priorities necessary to design public health policies aimed at spatially integrating the major components of the ecological cycle of tick-borne diseases. A systematic survey of tick species and associated pathogens is called for in Europe, as well as better characterisation of species interaction in the ecology of tick-borne diseases, those being all tick species, pathogens, hosts and other species which might play a role in tick-borne diseases complex ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Obsomer
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Earth and Life Institute, Georges Lemaitre climate and earth research centre, place Louis Pasteur 3, 1348, Louvain la Neuve, Belgium
- Biodiversity department ELIB, Université Catholique de Louvain, Earth and Life Institute, 4 place Croix du sud, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marc Wirtgen
- Department of infectious and parasitic diseases, health and pathology of the wildlife, University of Liège, boulevard de Colonster 20, 4000, Liège 1, Belgium
| | - Annick Linden
- Department of infectious and parasitic diseases, health and pathology of the wildlife, University of Liège, boulevard de Colonster 20, 4000, Liège 1, Belgium
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Paul Heyman
- Reference Laboratory for Vector-Borne Diseases, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Bruynstraat 1, 1120, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dieter Heylen
- Evolutionary ecology group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan, 171-2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Maxime Madder
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, 155 nationalestraat, B2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jo Maris
- ARSIA, Allée des Artisans, 2 - 5590, Ciney, Belgium
| | - Maude Lebrun
- Dierenarts Gezondheidszorg Herkauwers Veepeiler, DGZ Vlaanderen, l Hagenbroeksesteenweg 167 l, 2500, Lier, Belgium
| | - Wesley Tack
- Laboratory of Forestry, Department of Forest and Water Management, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090, Melle-Gontrode, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Lempereur
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Pathology of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster 20 B43, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Thierry Hance
- Biodiversity department ELIB, Université Catholique de Louvain, Earth and Life Institute, 4 place Croix du sud, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Georges Van Impe
- Biodiversity department ELIB, Université Catholique de Louvain, Earth and Life Institute, 4 place Croix du sud, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Heylen D, Adriaensen F, Van Dongen S, Sprong H, Matthysen E. Ecological factors that determine Ixodes ricinus tick burdens in the great tit (Parus major), an avian reservoir of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:603-11. [PMID: 23597868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2012] [Revised: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although bird-tick systems affect the human risk of tick-borne diseases, very little is known about the ecological factors that shape the spatio-temporal variation of tick infestations in terrestrial songbirds. We present a risk model that explains the levels of infestation of Ixodes ricinus, the main vector of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., during the breeding season of the great tit (Parus major), one of Europe's most abundant avian reservoir hosts of B. burgdorferi s.l. Tit tick burden were modelled as a function of variables summarising vegetation, climate, proxies for mammal abundance and characteristics of individual birds and their nests. Tick loads were positively associated with the relative humidity prior to capture of the bird and the cover of bracken inside its territory. The number of cold winter days prior to the bird's breeding season showed a negative association with tick loads. None of the proxies for mammal abundance correlated with tick loads. Tick loads decreased with age in female tits, whereas they increased with age in male tits. Tick burdens in the parental tits were positively associated with their brood size and negatively correlated with the average nestling body weight. Possible mechanisms include: how tit foraging influences tick encounter rates, host tick resistance mechanisms and the environmental conditions that simultaneously affect tick exposure risk and brood characteristics. We believe this study provides the first detailed insights into the ecological factors that shape tick burden in a terrestrial songbird.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Heylen
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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