1
|
Barradas PF, Marques J, Tavares C, Brito NV, Mesquita JR. Detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from the autochthonous Garrano breed of horses in Portugal. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101033. [PMID: 38772649 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The Garrano is a semi-feral horse breed native to several mountains in the northern Iberian Peninsula. Despite being endangered, this unique breed of pony has managed to survive in the wild and continues to be selectively bred, highlighting their remarkable resilience and adaptability to harsh environments. Wildlife plays a critical role in the survival of tick vectors in their natural habitats and the transfer of tick-borne pathogens, as they can serve as reservoir hosts for many agents and amplifiers for these vectors. The semi-feral lifestyle of the Garrano horses makes them particularly vulnerable to exposure to numerous tick species throughout the year. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, and spotted fever rickettsiae in the Garrano horse ticks to obtain a knowledge of circulating agents in this host population. The collected ticks (n = 455) were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa. DNA specimens were organized in pools of 5 ticks, for molecular screening. Pools PCR results confirmed the presence of Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae (n = 12 for the ompB gene, n = 11 for the ompA gene and n = 6 for the gltA gene), Babesia bigemina (n = 1), Babesia caballi (n = 3), Theileria equi (n = 15) and Theileria haneyi (n = 1).These results confirm the circulation of an emerging rickettsial spotted fever group member, Candidatus R. barbariae, in R. bursa ticks. Our findings demonstrated that Candidatus R. barbariae co-circulates with B. bigemina and T. equi, which are vectored by R. bursa. We are reporting for the first time, the detection of T. haneyi among R. bursa ticks feeding in the Garrano horses in Portugal. Surveillance studies for tick-borne infections are essential to provide information that can facilitate the implementation of preventive and control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia F Barradas
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal.
| | - João Marques
- Nanta Portugal, 2615-180 Alverca do Ribatejo, Portugal
| | - Catarina Tavares
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vieira Brito
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Majid A, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Tanaka T, Yen TY, Tsai KH, Ali A. First report of spotted fever group Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma turanicum, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi infesting domestic animals: updates on the epidemiology of tick-borne Rickettsia aeschlimannii. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1283814. [PMID: 38163073 PMCID: PMC10756324 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1283814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne Rickettsia spp. have long been known as causative agents for zoonotic diseases. We have previously characterized Rickettsia spp. in different ticks infesting a broad range of hosts in Pakistan; however, knowledge regarding Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma ticks is missing. This study aimed to obtain a better understanding about R. aeschlimannii in Pakistan and update the knowledge about its worldwide epidemiology. Among 369 examined domestic animals, 247 (66%) were infested by 872 ticks. Collected ticks were morphologically delineated into three genera, namely, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Haemaphysalis. Adult females were the most prevalent (number ₌ 376, 43.1%), followed by nymphs (303, 34.74%) and males (193, 22.13%). Overall, genomic DNA samples of 223 tick were isolated and screened for Rickettsia spp. by the amplification of rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB partial genes using conventional PCR. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 8 of 223 (3.58%) ticks including nymphs (5 of 122, 4.0%) and adult females (3 of 86, 3.48%). The rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB sequences were detected in Hyalomma turanicum (2 nymphs and 1 adult female), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (1 nymph and 1 adult female), and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (2 nymphs and 1 adult female). These rickettsial sequences showed 99.71-100% identity with R. aeschlimannii and phylogenetically clustered with the same species. None of the tested Rhipicephalus microplus, Hyalomma isaaci, Hyalomma scupense, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, and Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks were found positive for rickettsial DNA. Comprehensive surveillance studies should be adopted to update the knowledge regarding tick-borne zoonotic Rickettsia species, evaluate their risks to humans and livestock, and investigate the unexamined cases of illness after tick bite among livestock holders in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Majid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ravindran R, Hembram PK, Kumar GS, Kumar KGA, Deepa CK, Varghese A. Transovarial transmission of pathogenic protozoa and rickettsial organisms in ticks. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:691-704. [PMID: 36797442 PMCID: PMC9936132 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07792-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Transovarial transmission (TOT) is an efficient vertical transmission of pathogens that is observed in many arthropod vectors. This method seems to be an evolutionarily unique development observed only in Babesia sensu stricto (clade VI) and Rickettsia spp., whereas transstadial transmission is the common/default way of transmission. Transovarial transmission does not necessarily contribute to the amplification of tick-borne pathogens but does contribute to the maintenance of disease in the environment. This review aims to provide an updated summary of previous reports on TOT of tick-borne pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reghu Ravindran
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India.
| | - Prabodh Kumar Hembram
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Gatchanda Shravan Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | | | - Chundayil Kalarickal Deepa
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Anju Varghese
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin B, Ta Y, Hao L. High prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from yaks (Bos grunniens) in Shiqu county, eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:968793. [PMID: 35966652 PMCID: PMC9366146 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.968793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases have become a global health concern in recent decades. Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae have been recognized as important pathogens of human tick-borne diseases worldwide. In this study, Dermacentor everestianus (n = 646) and Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis (n = 172) ticks were collected from yaks (Bos grunniens) in Shiqu county, eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. SFG rickettsiae were identified and characterized in these ticks. A total of 49.9% (408/818) ticks were infected by Rickettsia spp. with infection rates of 58.1% (100/172) and 46.7% (308/646) detected in H. qinghaiensis and D. everestianus ticks, respectively. Furthermore, 95% of Rickettsia spp. were Rickettsia raoultii-like bacteria, and 5% were related to Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that SFG rickettsiae infections were firstly reported in Shiqu county for these tick species. Our results indicated that H. qinghaiensis and D. everestianus ticks from Shiqu county became highly infected with a R. raoultii-like bacteria during their feeding process. This observation is alarming because of the zoonotic potentiality of these species. Overall, the present study detected a widespread of R. raoultii-like bacteria in ticks that are considered a serious threat to domestic animals and humans in Shiqu county. The prevalence of R. raoultii-like bacteria in human and wildlife hosts should be further investigated in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoshan Lin
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Markang, China
| | - Yin Ta
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
| | - Lili Hao
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Hao,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pathogens in ticks collected in Israel: II. Bacteria and protozoa found in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus turanicus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101986. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
6
|
Mumcuoglu KY, Arslan-Akveran G, Aydogdu S, Karasartova D, Kosar N, Gureser AS, Shacham B, Taylan-Ozkan A. Pathogens in ticks collected in Israel: I. Bacteria and protozoa in Hyalomma aegyptium and Hyalomma dromedarii collected from tortoises and camels. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101866. [PMID: 34798529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ticks were collected from 30 Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca), and 10 Arabian camels (dromedary) (Camelus dromedarius) in Israel. All those collected from Greek tortoises belonged to Hyalomma aegyptium, while all specimens collected from the camels belonged to Hyalomma dromedarii. Out of 84 specimens of H. aegyptium, 31 pools were examined by PCR, while from 75 H. dromedarii specimens nine pools were studied. Out of 31 pools of H. aegyptium 26 were positive for pathogens or endosymbiont; 14 for one, 11 for two and one for three pathogens. Out of nine pools prepared from H. dromedarii, seven were positive for pathogens (two for C. burnetii and five for Leishmania infantum). In H. aegyptium, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia endosymbiont, Coxiella burnetii, Hemolivia mauritanica, Babesia microti, Theileria sp., and Leishmania infantum was detected, while in H. dromedarii C. burnetii and L. infantum were found. None of the ticks were positive for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia, Listeria monocytogenes, Bartonella spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. H Rickettsia endosymbionts, C. burnetii, B. microti, Theileria sp. and L. infantum are reported for the first time in H. aegyptium, and C. burnetii and L. infantum for the first time in H. dromedarii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosta Y Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Gonul Arslan-Akveran
- Department of Food Processing, Alaca Avni Celik Vocational School, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Sabiha Aydogdu
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Science, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | | | - Nezahat Kosar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | | | - Boaz Shacham
- National Natural History Collections, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
El Tigani-Asil ETA, Blanda V, Abdelwahab GE, Hammadi ZMA, Habeeba S, Khalafalla AI, Alhosani MA, La Russa F, Migliore S, Torina A, Loria GR, Al Muhairi SS. Molecular Investigation on Tick-Borne Hemoparasites and Coxiella burnetii in Dromedary Camels ( Camelusdromedarius) in Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030666. [PMID: 33801532 PMCID: PMC8000914 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Camels represent an important resource for inhabitants of the most arid regions of the world and their survival is mainly related to environment conditions including the risk of parasitic diseases, which may represent a significant cause of losses in livestock production of these areas. Camels may be parasitized by several hematophagous arthropods, which can be vectors of several diseases including zoonosis. This study aimed to investigate in dromedary camels and their ticks the importance of tick-borne hemoparasites that might be responsible for a recent and obscure morbidity of camels in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Blood samples and ticks from 93 naturally infected camels belonging to 36 herds, affected by variable acute clinical syndromes lasting from 3 to 5 days, were analyzed through molecular techniques for specific DNA presence of different blood pathogens: Anaplasmamarginale/Anaplasmaovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Coxiella burnetii,Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. DNA. All the 72 ticks collected belonged to the Hyalomma dromedarii species and were negative for blood pathogens. n = 15 camels (16.1%) were found positive to the following tick-borne hemoparasites: A. phagocytophilum 11 (11.8%), Coxiella burnetii 3 (3.2%), and Babesia/Theileria spp. 2 (2.1%). One singular camel showed coinfection of C. burnetii and A. phagocytophiulm. Genetic profile of C. burnetii showed a high phylogenetic relatedness to European, Asian and African C. burnetii strains. This is the first laboratory investigation on tick-borne pathogens in camels in UAE, and the first report of A. phagocytophilum and C. burnetii. Moreover, since the detected pathogens are recognized pathogens for humans, this study highlights the zoonotic risk for humans working in camel husbandry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Shameem Habeeba
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohamed Ali Alhosani
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Migliore
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido Ruggero Loria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salama Suhail Al Muhairi
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang L, Zhu X, Hou X, Li H, Yang X, Chen T, Fu X, Miao G, Hao Q, Li S. Prevalence and prediction of Lyme disease in Hainan province. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009158. [PMID: 33735304 PMCID: PMC8009380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) is one of the most important vector-borne diseases worldwide. However, there is limited information on the prevalence and risk analysis using correlated factors in the tropical areas. A total of 1583 serum samples, collected from five hospitals of Hainan Province, were tested by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and western blot (WB) analyses using anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies. Then, we mapped the distribution of positive rate (by IFA) and the spread of confirmed Lyme patients (by WB). Using ArcGIS, we compiled host-vector-human interactions and correlated data as risk factor layers to predict LD risk in Hainan Province. There are three LD hotspots, designated hotspot I, which is located in central Hainan, hotspot II, which contains Sanya district, and hotspot III, which lies in the Haikou-Qiongshan area. The positive rate (16.67% by IFA) of LD in Qiongzhong, located in hotspot I, was higher than that in four other areas. Of confirmed cases of LD, 80.77% of patients (42/52) whose results had been confirmed by WB were in hotspots I and III. Hotspot II, with unknowed prevalence of LD, need to be paid more attention considering human-vector interaction. Wuzhi and Limu mountains might be the most important areas for the prevalence of LD, as the severe host-vector and human-vector interactions lead to a potential origin site for LD. Qiongzhong is the riskiest area and is located to the east of Wuzhi Mountain. In the Sanya and Haikou-Qiongshan area, intervening in the human-vector interaction would help control the prevalence of LD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Zhu
- People’s Hospital of Sanya, Hainan province, China
| | - Xuexia Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Li
- People’s Hospital of Sanya, Hainan province, China
| | - Xiaona Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Chen
- People’s Hospital of Sanya, Hainan province, China
| | - Xiaoying Fu
- People’s Hospital of Sanya, Hainan province, China
| | - Guangqing Miao
- Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qin Hao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Li
- People’s Hospital of Sanya, Hainan province, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Perveen N, Muzaffar SB, Al-Deeb MA. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases of Livestock in the Middle East and North Africa: A Review. INSECTS 2021; 12:83. [PMID: 33477991 PMCID: PMC7835866 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of an array of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens resulting in a wide range of animal and human diseases. There is limited information in the literature about tick species in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, even though they have suitable climate and vegetation for ticks and their hosts. We reviewed the occurrence of tick species and the pathogens they transmit from the MENA on published papers from 1901-2020. We found taxonomic records of 55 tick species infesting livestock representing the following eight genera: Ornithodoros, Otobius, Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus. In addition, 15 pathogens were recorded causing diseases of significance, with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis being widely distributed diseases in the region. In recent decades, there has been increasing trends in disease occurrence and movement associated with global movement of humans and global trade of animals. We suggest that disease control and prevention could be achieved effectively through good integration between public health, veterinary medicine and animal management, and ecological approaches. We recommend further research in the areas of tick ecology and tick born-disease transmission. Furthermore, we suggest evaluation and improvement of disease control policies in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Al-Deeb
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, UAE; (N.P.); (S.B.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Piotrowski M, Rymaszewska A. Expansion of Tick-Borne Rickettsioses in the World. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1906. [PMID: 33266186 PMCID: PMC7760173 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group of the genus Rickettsia. These infections are among the oldest known diseases transmitted by vectors. In the last three decades there has been a rapid increase in the recognition of this disease complex. This unusual expansion of information was mainly caused by the development of molecular diagnostic techniques that have facilitated the identification of new and previously recognized rickettsiae. A lot of currently known bacteria of the genus Rickettsia have been considered nonpathogenic for years, and moreover, many new species have been identified with unknown pathogenicity. The genus Rickettsia is distributed all over the world. Many Rickettsia species are present on several continents. The geographical distribution of rickettsiae is related to their vectors. New cases of rickettsioses and new locations, where the presence of these bacteria is recognized, are still being identified. The variety and rapid evolution of the distribution and density of ticks and diseases which they transmit shows us the scale of the problem. This review article presents a comparison of the current understanding of the geographic distribution of pathogenic Rickettsia species to that of the beginning of the century.
Collapse
|
11
|
Blanda V, D’Agostino R, Giudice E, Randazzo K, La Russa F, Villari S, Vullo S, Torina A. New Real-Time PCRs to Differentiate Rickettsia spp. and Rickettsia conorii. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194431. [PMID: 32992475 PMCID: PMC7582818 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia species are an important cause of emerging infectious diseases in people and animals, and rickettsiosis is one of the oldest known vector-borne diseases. Laboratory diagnosis of Rickettsia is complex and time-consuming. This study was aimed at developing two quantitative real-time PCRs targeting ompB and ompA genes for the detection, respectively, of Rickettsia spp. and R. conorii DNA. Primers were designed following an analysis of Rickettsia gene sequences. The assays were optimized using SYBR Green and TaqMan methods and tested for sensitivity and specificity. This study allowed the development of powerful diagnostic methods, able to detect and quantify Rickettsia spp. DNA and differentiate R. conorii species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.B.); (R.D.); (K.R.); (S.V.); (S.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Rosalia D’Agostino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.B.); (R.D.); (K.R.); (S.V.); (S.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Kety Randazzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.B.); (R.D.); (K.R.); (S.V.); (S.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.B.); (R.D.); (K.R.); (S.V.); (S.V.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara Villari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.B.); (R.D.); (K.R.); (S.V.); (S.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Stefano Vullo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.B.); (R.D.); (K.R.); (S.V.); (S.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (V.B.); (R.D.); (K.R.); (S.V.); (S.V.); (A.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Demir S, Erkunt Alak S, Köseoğlu AE, Ün C, Nalçacı M, Can H. Molecular investigation of Rickettsia spp. and Francisella tularensis in ticks from three provinces of Turkey. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 81:239-253. [PMID: 32394036 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00498-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites as well as mechanical and biological vectors of a wide variety of microbial pathogens. To date, 19 tick-borne diseases have been reported from Turkey. In this study, ticks collected from Aydın, İzmir and Şanlıurfa provinces of Turkey were identified using morphological and molecular methods. After the presence of bacterial DNA was checked, Rickettsia spp. and Francisella tularensis were investigated in bacterial DNA-positive tick specimens by PCR. Furthermore, amplicons belonging to tick specimens and positive bacterial samples were sequenced and processed for BLAST, alignment and phylogenetic analysis. As a result, seven tick species were identified: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rh. bursa, Rh. turanicus, Hyalomma marginatum, Hy. aegyptium, Hy. anatolicum and Haemaphysalis erinacei. Fifty-five tick specimens tested positive for bacterial DNA and among them, rickettsial DNA was found in five ticks (infection rate = 9.1%) belonging to Hy. marginatum, Hy. aegyptium, Rh. bursa and Rh. turanicus. Of the five Rickettsia-positive ticks, three contained Rickettsia aeschlimannii, one Ri. massiliae and one an unidentified Rickettsia sp. No Francisella tularensis DNA was detected. Sequence analysis of the ompB gene indicated two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in two different Ri. aeschlimannii strains and two novel SNPs as well as a novel insertion (GACGGT) were found in Rickettsia sp. This study indicated the presence of polymorphic Rickettsia species in ticks from Turkey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samiye Demir
- Zoology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Nalçacı
- Zoology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Galay RL, Talactac MR, Ambita-Salem BV, Chu DMM, Costa LMOD, Salangsang CMA, Caracas DKB, Generoso FH, Babelonia JA, Vergano JL, Berana LC, Sandalo KAC, Divina BP, Alvarez CR, Mago ER, Andoh M, Tanaka T. Molecular Detection of Rickettsia Spp. and Coxiella Burnetii in Cattle, Water Buffalo, and Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) Microplus Ticks in Luzon Island of the Philippines. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5020054. [PMID: 32260468 PMCID: PMC7345074 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia and Coxiella burnetii are zoonotic, tick-borne pathogens that can cause febrile illnesses with or without other symptoms in humans, but may cause subclinical infections in animals. There are only a few reports on the occurrence of these pathogens in cattle and water buffalo in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. In this study, molecular detection of Rickettsia and C. burnetii in the blood and in the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks of cattle and water buffalo from five provinces in Luzon Island of the Philippines was done. A total of 620 blood samples of cattle and water buffalo and 206 tick samples were collected and subjected to DNA extraction. After successful amplification of control genes, nested PCR was performed to detect gltA of Rickettsia and com1 of C. burnetii. No samples were positive for Rickettsia, while 10 (cattle = 7, water buffaloes = 3), or 1.6% of blood, and five, or 1.8% of tick samples, were C. burnetii-positive. Sequence analysis of the positive amplicons showed 99-100% similarity to reported C. burnetii isolates. This molecular evidence on the occurrence of C. burnetii in Philippine ruminants and cattle ticks and its zoonotic nature should prompt further investigation and surveillance to facilitate its effective control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remil L. Galay
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; (B.V.A.-S.); (D.M.M.C.); (L.M.O.d.C.); (C.M.A.S.); (D.K.B.C.); (K.A.C.S.); (B.P.D.)
- Correspondence: (R.L.G.); (T.T.); Tel.: +63-049-536-2728 (R.L.G.); +81-99-285-3570 (T.T.)
| | - Melbourne R. Talactac
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite 4122, Philippines; (M.R.T.); (F.H.G.); (J.A.B.); (J.L.V.); (L.C.B.); (C.R.A.); (E.R.M.)
| | - Bea V. Ambita-Salem
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; (B.V.A.-S.); (D.M.M.C.); (L.M.O.d.C.); (C.M.A.S.); (D.K.B.C.); (K.A.C.S.); (B.P.D.)
| | - Dawn Maureen M. Chu
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; (B.V.A.-S.); (D.M.M.C.); (L.M.O.d.C.); (C.M.A.S.); (D.K.B.C.); (K.A.C.S.); (B.P.D.)
| | - Lali Marie O. dela Costa
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; (B.V.A.-S.); (D.M.M.C.); (L.M.O.d.C.); (C.M.A.S.); (D.K.B.C.); (K.A.C.S.); (B.P.D.)
| | - Cinnamon Mae A. Salangsang
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; (B.V.A.-S.); (D.M.M.C.); (L.M.O.d.C.); (C.M.A.S.); (D.K.B.C.); (K.A.C.S.); (B.P.D.)
| | - Darwin Kyle B. Caracas
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; (B.V.A.-S.); (D.M.M.C.); (L.M.O.d.C.); (C.M.A.S.); (D.K.B.C.); (K.A.C.S.); (B.P.D.)
| | - Florante H. Generoso
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite 4122, Philippines; (M.R.T.); (F.H.G.); (J.A.B.); (J.L.V.); (L.C.B.); (C.R.A.); (E.R.M.)
| | - Jonathan A. Babelonia
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite 4122, Philippines; (M.R.T.); (F.H.G.); (J.A.B.); (J.L.V.); (L.C.B.); (C.R.A.); (E.R.M.)
| | - Joeneil L. Vergano
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite 4122, Philippines; (M.R.T.); (F.H.G.); (J.A.B.); (J.L.V.); (L.C.B.); (C.R.A.); (E.R.M.)
| | - Lena C. Berana
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite 4122, Philippines; (M.R.T.); (F.H.G.); (J.A.B.); (J.L.V.); (L.C.B.); (C.R.A.); (E.R.M.)
| | - Kristina Andrea C. Sandalo
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; (B.V.A.-S.); (D.M.M.C.); (L.M.O.d.C.); (C.M.A.S.); (D.K.B.C.); (K.A.C.S.); (B.P.D.)
| | - Billy P. Divina
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; (B.V.A.-S.); (D.M.M.C.); (L.M.O.d.C.); (C.M.A.S.); (D.K.B.C.); (K.A.C.S.); (B.P.D.)
| | - Cherry R. Alvarez
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite 4122, Philippines; (M.R.T.); (F.H.G.); (J.A.B.); (J.L.V.); (L.C.B.); (C.R.A.); (E.R.M.)
| | - Emmanuel R. Mago
- Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite 4122, Philippines; (M.R.T.); (F.H.G.); (J.A.B.); (J.L.V.); (L.C.B.); (C.R.A.); (E.R.M.)
| | - Masako Andoh
- Laboratory of Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
- Correspondence: (R.L.G.); (T.T.); Tel.: +63-049-536-2728 (R.L.G.); +81-99-285-3570 (T.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cicculli V, Oscar M, Casabianca F, Villechenaud N, Charrel R, de Lamballerie X, Falchi A. Molecular Detection of Spotted-Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected from Domestic and Wild Animals in Corsica, France. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030138. [PMID: 31487899 PMCID: PMC6789605 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
To obtain a better understanding of the current magnitude of tick-borne rickettsioses in Corsica, we used molecular methods to characterize the occurrence of Rickettsia spp. in ixodid ticks collected from domestic and wild animals. The presence of Rickettsia spp. was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting the gltA gene and by sequencing of gltA and ompA partial genes for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Infection rates were calculated as the maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In total, 1117 ticks belonging to four genera (Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Dermacentor) were collected from cattle, sheep, wild boars, and companion animals during July-August 2017 and July 2018-January 2019. Overall, Rickettsia DNA was detected in 208 of 349 pools of ticks (MLE = 25.6%, 95% CI: 22.6-28.8%). The molecular analysis revealed five different rickettsial species of the spotted-fever group (SFG). We highlighted the exclusive detection of Candidatus Ri. barbariae in R. bursa and of Ri. aeschlimanii in H. marginatum. Rickettsia slovaca was detected in D. marginatus collected from wild boars. This study provides the first evidence of the presence of Ri. monacensis in I. ricinus ticks isolated from a dog in Corsica. In conclusion, our data revealed wide dispersal of SFG Rickettsiae and their arthropod hosts in Corsica, highlighting the need for surveillance of the risk of infection for people living and/or working close to infected or infested animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Cicculli
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250 EA7310 Corte, France
| | - Maestrini Oscar
- Laboratoire de Recherches sur le Développement de l'Elevage (Research Laboratory for the Development of Livestock), 20250 UR045 Corte, France
| | - Francois Casabianca
- Laboratoire de Recherches sur le Développement de l'Elevage (Research Laboratory for the Development of Livestock), 20250 UR045 Corte, France
| | - Natacha Villechenaud
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250 EA7310 Corte, France
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000 Marseille, France
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), 13000 Marseille, France
| | - Alessandra Falchi
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse-Inserm, 20250 EA7310 Corte, France.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abdelkadir K, Palomar AM, Portillo A, Oteo JA, Ait-Oudhia K, Khelef D. Presence of Rickettsia aeschlimannii, 'Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae' and Coxiella burnetii in ticks from livestock in Northwestern Algeria. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:924-928. [PMID: 31080140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Livestock and their ectoparasites are involved in the epidemiology of several zoonotic diseases. Studies regarding the molecular detection of infectious agents in ticks from Northwestern Algeria are scarce. Thus, the presence of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp., Anaplasmataceae microorganisms and Coxiella burnetii was investigated in ticks collected from ruminants in Sidi Bel Abbes and Saida provinces. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in one Hyalomma excavatum pool and one H. marginatum pool. Moreover, 'Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae' was found in one H. excavatum and six Rhipicephalus bursa pools. Lastly, Coxiella burnetii was amplified in two H. excavatum and two R. bursa pools. No Anaplasmataceae bacterium was detected. This study demonstrates the presence of the tick-associated microorganism 'Candidatus R. barbariae' in the North of Africa, and corroborates the presence of the zoonotic pathogens R. aeschlimannii and C. burnetii in Algeria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karim Abdelkadir
- High National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes Avenue, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Ana M Palomar
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - José A Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Khatima Ait-Oudhia
- High National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes Avenue, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Djamel Khelef
- High National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes Avenue, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ravi A, Ereqat S, Al-Jawabreh A, Abdeen Z, Abu Shamma O, Hall H, Pallen MJ, Nasereddin A. Metagenomic profiling of ticks: Identification of novel rickettsial genomes and detection of tick-borne canine parvovirus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0006805. [PMID: 30640905 PMCID: PMC6347332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across the world, ticks act as vectors of human and animal pathogens. Ticks rely on bacterial endosymbionts, which often share close and complex evolutionary links with tick-borne pathogens. As the prevalence, diversity and virulence potential of tick-borne agents remain poorly understood, there is a pressing need for microbial surveillance of ticks as potential disease vectors. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We developed a two-stage protocol that includes 16S-amplicon screening of pooled samples of hard ticks collected from dogs, sheep and camels in Palestine, followed by shotgun metagenomics on individual ticks to detect and characterise tick-borne pathogens and endosymbionts. Two ticks isolated from sheep yielded an abundance of reads from the genus Rickettsia, which were assembled into draft genomes. One of the resulting genomes was highly similar to Rickettsia massiliae strain MTU5. Analysis of signature genes showed that the other represents the first genome sequence of the potential pathogen Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae. Ticks from a dog and a sheep yielded draft genome sequences of Coxiella strains. A sheep tick yielded sequences from the sheep pathogen Anaplasma ovis, while Hyalomma ticks from camels yielded sequences belonging to Francisella-like endosymbionts. From the metagenome of a dog tick from Jericho, we generated a genome sequence of a canine parvovirus. SIGNIFICANCE Here, we have shown how a cost-effective two-stage protocol can be used to detect and characterise tick-borne pathogens and endosymbionts. In recovering genome sequences from an unexpected pathogen (canine parvovirus) and a previously unsequenced pathogen (Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae), we demonstrate the open-ended nature of metagenomics. We also provide evidence that ticks can carry canine parvovirus, raising the possibility that ticks might contribute to the spread of this troublesome virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Ravi
- Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Suheir Ereqat
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Amer Al-Jawabreh
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Arab American University Palestine, Jenin, Palestine
| | - Ziad Abdeen
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Omar Abu Shamma
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Holly Hall
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J. Pallen
- Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Abedelmajeed Nasereddin
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine and Al-Quds Public Health Society, Abu Deis, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| |
Collapse
|