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Blažeková V, Stanko M, Sprong H, Kohl R, Zubriková D, Vargová L, Bona M, Miklisová D, Víchová B. Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks with Sympatric Occurrence (and Different Activities) in the Slovak Karst National Park (Slovakia), Central Europe. Pathogens 2024; 13:385. [PMID: 38787237 PMCID: PMC11123704 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050385] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are involved in the transmission a plethora of pathogens. To effectively control ticks and mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne diseases, it is important to implement tick control measures. These may include the use of acaricides as well as the development and implementation of an alternative, environmentally friendly tick management program that include practices such as habitat modification or establishing biological control. Ixodiphagus hookeri Howard is a tick-specific parasitoid wasp that predates on several species of ixodid ticks and could contribute to the control of the tick population. This work aimed to detect the presence of parasitoid wasps in ticks (Ixodidae) using genetic approaches. Several tick species of the genera Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, and Dermacentor, with a sympatric occurrence in the Slovak Karst National Park in southeastern Slovakia, were screened for the presence of wasps of the genus Ixodiphagus. The DNA of the parasitoids was detected in four tick species from three genera. This work presents the first molecular detection of parasitoids in two Dermacentor tick species, as well as the first molecular identification of Ixodiphagus wasps in Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna ticks from the Karst area. In the given area, it was observed that I. ricinus and H. concinna ticks are hyper-parasitized by wasps. Moreover, it was observed that wasps here can parasitize several tick species, some of which are of less significance for human and animal health (as they transmit fewer pathogens).
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Blažeková
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 040 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Michal Stanko
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
- Institute of Zoology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands; (H.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Robert Kohl
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands; (H.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Dana Zubriková
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
| | - Lucia Vargová
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
| | - Martin Bona
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Dana Miklisová
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (V.B.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (L.V.); (D.M.)
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Ullah S, Huang JS, Khan A, Cossío-Bayúgar R, Nasreen N, Niaz S, Khan A, Yen TY, Tsai KH, Ben Said M. First report of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp. in Amblyomma gervaisi ticks infesting monitor lizards (Varanus begalensis) of Pakistan. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 118:105569. [PMID: 38354994 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Ticks pose significant health risks to both wildlife and humans due to their role as vectors for various pathogens. In this study, we investigated tick infestation patterns, tick-associated pathogens, and genetic relationships within the tick species Amblyomma gervaisi, focusing on its prevalence in monitor lizards (Varanus bengalensis) across different districts in Pakistan. We examined 85 monitor lizards and identified an overall mean intensity of 19.59 ticks per infested lizard and an overall mean abundance of 11.98 ticks per examined lizard. All collected ticks (n = 1019) were morphologically identified as A. gervaisi, including 387 males, 258 females, 353 nymphs, and 21 larvae. The highest tick prevalence was observed in the Buner district, followed by Torghar and Shangla, with the lowest prevalence in Chitral. Lizard captures primarily occurred from May to October, correlating with the period of higher tick infestations. Molecular analysis was conducted on tick DNA, revealing genetic similarities among A. gervaisi ticks based on 16S rDNA and ITS2 sequences. Notably, we found the absence of A. gervaisi ITS2 sequences in the NCBI GenBank, highlighting a gap in existing genetic data. Moreover, our study identified the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, including Ehrlichia sp., Candidatus Ehrlichia dumleri, Anaplasma sp., Francisella sp., Rickettsia sp., and Coxiella sp., in these ticks. BLAST analysis revealed significant similarities between these pathogenic sequences and known strains, emphasizing the potential role of these ticks as vectors for zoonotic diseases. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS2 and mitochondrial 16S rDNA genes illustrated the genetic relationships of A. gervaisi ticks from Pakistan with other Amblyomma species, providing insights into their evolutionary history. These findings contribute to our understanding of tick infestation patterns, and tick-borne pathogens in monitor lizards, which has implications for wildlife health, zoonotic disease transmission, and future conservation efforts. Further research in this area is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with tick-borne diseases in both wildlife and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakir Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Jing-Syuan Huang
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Afshan Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Raquel Cossío-Bayúgar
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal eInocuidad, INIFAP, Km 11 Carretera Federal Cuernavaca- Cuautla, No. 8534, Col. Progreso, CP 62550 Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Nasreen Nasreen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Niaz
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Zoology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda 24420, Pakistan.
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Global Health Program, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia; Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
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Enferadi A, Sarani S, Mohammadipour S, Hasani SJ, Ajdari A, Asl MN, Khademi P. Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from Iran. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 118:105562. [PMID: 38307395 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the prevalence and genetic structure of Coxiella burnetii in tick samples collected from domestic animals in Hormozgan province146 tick samples were randomly collected from cattle, sheep, goat, camel and dog herds in seven cities of Hormozgan. After the DNA was extracted from each tick sample; Nested-PCR method was used to identify the presence of C. burnetii using IS1111 transposon gene and isocitrate dehydrogenase icd gene. In addition, phylogenetic analysis and tree diagram were constructed based on IS1111 and icd genes. The results showed that out of 146 pool tick samples, 40 pool samples based on IS1111 gene and 32 pool samples based on icd gene were infected with C. burnetii. When results were stratified by livestock type, infection rates were highest in sheep ticks (37.5%, 95% CI: 21.2% - 57.29%), followed by cattle ticks (32.14%, 95% CI: 17.90% - 50.66%) and dog tick (15%, 95% CI: 70.6% - 29%). In camel and goat ticks, the infection rate was 15.90 and 23.07%, respectively. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the role of ticks as potential carriers of C. burneti. The results indicate the importance of cattle, sheep, goats, camels and dogs in Hormozgan region as effective factors in the epidemiology of Q fever and its impact on public health. In addition, a high degree of similarity (from 99% to 100%) was observed between IS1111 and icd genes in this study and recorded sequences from different regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Enferadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Sarani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zabol University, Iran
| | - Shirin Mohammadipour
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kerman University, Iran
| | | | - Afshin Ajdari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Iran
| | - Maryam Najafi Asl
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Peyman Khademi
- Department of Microbiology and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Iran.
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Grassi L, Drigo M, Zelená H, Pasotto D, Cassini R, Mondin A, Franzo G, Tucciarone CM, Ossola M, Vidorin E, Menandro ML. Wild ungulates as sentinels of flaviviruses and tick-borne zoonotic pathogen circulation: an Italian perspective. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:155. [PMID: 37710273 PMCID: PMC10500747 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03717-x] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne zoonotic diseases are a concerning issue in Europe. Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) have been reported in several countries with a large impact on public health; other emerging pathogens, such as Rickettsiales, and mosquito-borne flaviviruses have been increasingly reported. All these pathogens are linked to wild ungulates playing roles as tick feeders, spreaders, and sentinels for pathogen circulation. This study evaluated the prevalence of TBEV, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Coxiella spp. by biomolecular screening of blood samples and ticks collected from wild ungulates. Ungulates were also screened by ELISA and virus neutralization tests for flaviviral antibody detection. RESULTS A total of 274 blood samples were collected from several wild ungulate species, as well as 406 Ixodes ricinus, which were feeding on them. Blood samples tested positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. (1.1%; 0-2.3%) and Rickettsia spp. (1.1%; 0-2.3%) and showed an overall flaviviral seroprevalence of 30.6% (22.1-39.2%): 26.1% (17.9-34.3%) for TBEV, 3.6% (0.1-7.1%) for Usutu virus and 0.9% (0-2.7%) for West Nile virus. Ticks were pooled when possible and yielded 331 tick samples that tested positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. (8.8%; 5.8-11.8%), Rickettsia spp. (26.6%; 21.8-31.2%) and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (1.2%; 0-2.4%). TBEV and Coxiella spp. were not detected in either blood or tick samples. CONCLUSIONS This research highlighted a high prevalence of several tick-borne zoonotic pathogens and high seroprevalence for flaviviruses in both hilly and alpine areas. For the first time, an alpine chamois tested positive for anti-TBEV antibodies. Ungulate species are of particular interest due to their sentinel role in flavivirus circulation and their indirect role in tick-borne diseases and maintenance as Ixodes feeders and spreaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grassi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Michele Drigo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Hana Zelená
- Department of Virology, Institute of Public Health, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Pasotto
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Rudi Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Alessandra Mondin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Claudia Maria Tucciarone
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Martina Ossola
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Elena Vidorin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Menandro
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, Legnaro, PD 35020 Italy
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Ali A, Obaid MK, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Numan M, Ullah S, Rehman G, Islam ZU, Khan SB, Tanaka T. Molecular detection of Coxiella spp. in ticks (Ixodidae and Argasidae) infesting domestic and wild animals: with notes on the epidemiology of tick-borne Coxiella burnetii in Asia. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1229950. [PMID: 37577446 PMCID: PMC10415105 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1229950] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne Coxiella spp. are emerging in novel regions infecting different hosts, but information regarding their occurrence is limited. The purpose of this study was the molecular screening of Coxiella spp. in various ticks infesting goats, sheep, camels, cattle, wild mice, and domestic fowls (Gallus gallus domesticus) in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Morphologically identified tick species were confirmed by obtaining their cox1 sequences and were molecularly screened for Coxiella spp. by sequencing GroEL fragments. Almost 345 out of 678 (50.9%) hosts were infested by nine tick species. Regarding the age groups, the hosts having an age >3 years were highly infested (192/345, 55.6%), while gender-wise infestation was higher in female hosts (237/345, 68.7%). In collected ticks, the nymphs were outnumbered (613/1,119, 54.8%), followed by adult females (293/1,119, 26.2%) and males (213/1,119, 19.7%). A total of 227 ticks were processed for molecular identification and detection of Coxiella spp. The obtained cox1 sequences of nine tick species such as Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma anatolicum, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis danieli, Haemaphysalis montgomeryi, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Argas persicus showed maximum identities between 99.6% and 100% with the same species and in the phylogenetic tree, clustered to the corresponding species. All the tick species except Ha. danieli and R. microplus were found positive for Coxiella spp. (40/227, 17.6%), including Coxiella burnetii (15/40, 6.7%), Coxiella endosymbionts (14/40, 6.3%), and different Coxiella spp. (11/40, 4.9%). By the BLAST results, the GroEL fragments of Coxiella spp. showed maximum identity to C. burnetii, Coxiella endosymbionts, and Coxiella sp., and phylogenetically clustered to the corresponding species. This is the first comprehensive report regarding the genetic characterization of Coxiella spp. in Pakistan's ticks infesting domestic and wild hosts. Proper surveillance and management measures should be undertaken to avoid health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kashif Obaid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 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
| | - Muhammad Numan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Gauhar Rehman
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zia Ul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sher Bahadar Khan
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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Zając Z, Obregon D, Foucault-Simonin A, Wu-Chuang A, Moutailler S, Galon C, Kulisz J, Woźniak A, Bartosik K, Cabezas-Cruz A. Disparate dynamics of pathogen prevalence in Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks occurring sympatrically in diverse habitats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10645. [PMID: 37391552 PMCID: PMC10313804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37748-z] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks are important reservoirs and vectors of pathogens. The aim of the present study was to investigate the dynamic of the prevalence and genetic diversity of microorganisms detected in these tick species collected from two ecologically diverse biotopes undergoing disparate long-term climate condition. High-throughput real time PCR confirmed high prevalence of microorganisms detected in sympatrically occurring ticks species. D. reticulatus specimens were the most often infected with Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLE) (up to 100.0%) and Rickettsia spp. (up to 91.7%), while in case of I. ricinus the prevalence of Borreliaceae spirochetes reached up to 25.0%. Moreover, pathogens belonging to genera of Bartonella, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Babesia were detected in both tick species regardless the biotope. On the other hand, Neoehrlichia mikurensis was conformed only in I. ricinus in the forest biotope, while genetic material of Theileria spp. was found only in D. reticulatus collected from the meadow. Our study confirmed significant impact of biotope type on prevalence of representatives of Borreliaceae and Rickettsiaceae families. The most common co-infection detected in D. reticulatus was Rickettsia spp. + FLE, while Borreliaceae + R. helvetica was the most common in I. ricinus. Additionally, we found significant genetic diversity of R. raoultii gltA gene across studied years, however such relationship was not observed in ticks from studied biotopes. Our results suggest that ecological type of biotope undergoing disparate long-term climate conditions have an impact on prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in adult D. reticulatus and I. ricinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St, 20-080, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Clemence Galon
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St, 20-080, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St, 20-080, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bartosik
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St, 20-080, Lublin, Poland
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Hodosi R, Kazimirova M, Soltys K. What do we know about the microbiome of I. ricinus? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:990889. [PMID: 36467722 PMCID: PMC9709289 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.990889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
I. ricinus is an obligate hematophagous parasitic arthropod that is responsible for the transmission of a wide range of zoonotic pathogens including spirochetes of the genus Borrelia, Rickettsia spp., C. burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Francisella tularensis, which are part the tick´s microbiome. Most of the studies focus on "pathogens" and only very few elucidate the role of "non-pathogenic" symbiotic microorganisms in I. ricinus. While most of the members of the microbiome are leading an intracellular lifestyle, they are able to complement tick´s nutrition and stress response having a great impact on tick´s survival and transmission of pathogens. The composition of the tick´s microbiome is not consistent and can be tied to the environment, tick species, developmental stage, or specific organ or tissue. Ovarian tissue harbors a stable microbiome consisting mainly but not exclusively of endosymbiotic bacteria, while the microbiome of the digestive system is rather unstable, and together with salivary glands, is mostly comprised of pathogens. The most prevalent endosymbionts found in ticks are Rickettsia spp., Ricketsiella spp., Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts, Spiroplasma spp. and Candidatus Midichloria spp. Since microorganisms can modify ticks' behavior, such as mobility, feeding or saliva production, which results in increased survival rates, we aimed to elucidate the potential, tight relationship, and interaction between bacteria of the I. ricinus microbiome. Here we show that endosymbionts including Coxiella-like spp., can provide I. ricinus with different types of vitamin B (B2, B6, B7, B9) essential for eukaryotic organisms. Furthermore, we hypothesize that survival of Wolbachia spp., or the bacterial pathogen A. phagocytophilum can be supported by the tick itself since coinfection with symbiotic Spiroplasma ixodetis provides I. ricinus with complete metabolic pathway of folate biosynthesis necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division. Manipulation of tick´s endosymbiotic microbiome could present a perspective way of I. ricinus control and regulation of spread of emerging bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hodosi
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Maria Kazimirova
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Soltys
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Orkun Ö. Comprehensive screening of tick-borne microorganisms indicates that a great variety of pathogens are circulating between hard ticks (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae) and domestic ruminants in natural foci of Anatolia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102027. [PMID: 35970093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Grazing domestic ruminants serve as important reservoirs and/or amplificatory hosts in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and tick vectors in the natural foci; however, many enzootic life cycles including ruminants and ticks are still unknown. This study investigated a wide range of TBPs circulating among ticks and grazing ruminants in the natural foci of Anatolia, Turkey. Tick specimens (n = 1815) were collected from cattle, sheep, and goats in three ecologically distinct areas (wooded, transitional, and semi-arid zones) of Anatolia and identified by species: Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupense, Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, and Rhipicephalus turanicus. PCR-sequencing analyses revealed TBPs of great diversity, with 32 different agents identified in the ticks: six Babesia spp. (Babesia occultans, Babesia crassa, Babesia microti, Babesia rossi, Babesia sp. tavsan1, and Babesia sp. Ucbas); four Theileria spp., including one putative novel species (Theileria annulata, Theileria orientalis, Theileria ovis, and Theileria sp.); one Hepatozoon sp.; four Anaplasma spp., including one novel genotype (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, and Anaplasma sp.); six unnamed Ehrlichia spp. genotypes; Neoehrlichia mikurensis; nine spotted fever group rickettsiae, including one putative novel species (Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia monacensis with strain IRS3, Rickettsia mongolitimonae, Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia goldwasserii, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, and Rickettsia sp.); and Borrelia valaisiana. Detailed phylogenetic analyses showed that some of the detected pathogens represent more than one haplotype, potentially relating to the tick species or the host. Additionally, the presence of Neoehrlichia mikurensis, an emerging pathogen for humans, was reported for the first time in Turkey, expanding its geographical distribution. Consequently, this study describes some previously unknown tick-borne protozoan and bacterial species/genotypes and provides informative epidemiological data on TBPs, which are related to animal and human health, serving the one health concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Bartonella, Rickettsia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon Species in Fleas (Siphonaptera) Infesting Small Mammals of Slovakia (Central Europe). Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080886. [PMID: 36015007 PMCID: PMC9413308 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fleas (Siphonaptera) as obligate, blood-feeding ectoparasites are, together with ticks, hosted by small mammals and can transmit causative agents of serious infections. This study aimed to determine and characterize the presence and genetic diversity of Bartonella, Rickettsia, and apicomplexan parasites (Babesia, Hepatozoon) in fleas feeding on small mammals from three different habitat types (suburban, natural, and rural) in Slovakia. The most common pathogen in the examined fleas was Bartonella spp. (33.98%; 95% CI: 30.38-37.58), followed by Rickettsia spp. (19.1%; 95% CI: 16.25-22.24) and apicomplexan parasites (4.36%; 95% CI: 2.81-5.91). Bartonella strains belonging to B. taylorii, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae, Bartonella sp. wbs11, and B. rochalimae clades were identified in Ctenophthalmus agyrtes, C. congener, C. assimilis, C. sciurorum, C. solutus, C. bisoctodentatus, Palaeopsylla similis, Megabothris turbidus, and Nosopsyllus fasciatus within all habitats. The presence of Rickettsia helvetica, R. monacensis, and rickettsiae, belonging to the R. akari and R. felis clusters, and endosymbionts with a 96-100% identity with the Rickettsia endosymbiont of Nosopsyllus laeviceps laeviceps were also revealed in C. agyrtes, C. solutus, C. assimilis, C. congener, M. turbidus, and N. fasciatus. Babesia and Hepatozoon DNA was detected in the fleas from all habitat types. Hepatozoon sp. was detected in C. agyrtes, C. assimilis, and M. turbidus, while Babesia microti was identified from C. agyrtes, C. congener, and P. similis. The present study demonstrated the presence of zoonotic pathogens in fleas, parasitizing the wild-living small mammals of southwestern and central Slovakia and widens our knowledge of the ecology and genomic diversity of Bartonella, Rickettsia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon.
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10
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Yessinou RE, Katja MS, Heinrich N, Farougou S. Prevalence of Coxiella-infections in ticks - review and meta-analysis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101926. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Prevalence of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Questing Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks Collected from Recreational Areas in Northeastern Poland with Analysis of Environmental Factors. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040468. [PMID: 35456142 PMCID: PMC9024821 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks, such as Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus, act as vectors for multiple pathogens posing a threat to both human and animal health. As the process of urbanization is progressing, those arachnids are being more commonly encountered in urban surroundings. In total, 1112 I. ricinus (n = 842) and D. reticulatus (n = 270) ticks were collected from several sites, including recreational urban parks, located in Augustów and Białystok, Poland. Afterwards, the specimens were examined for the presence of Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., and Coxiella burnetii using the PCR method. Overall obtained infection rate reached 22.4% (249/1112). In total, 26.7% (225/842) of I. ricinus was infected, namely with Borrelia spp. (25.2%; 212/842), Babesia spp. (2.0%; 17/842), and A. phagocytophilum (1.2%; 10/842). Among D. reticulatus ticks, 8.9% (24/270) were infected, specifically with Babesia spp. (7.0%; 19/270), A. phagocytophilum (1.1%; 3/270), and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (0.7%; 2/270). No specimen tested positively for Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., or Coxiella burnetii. Co-infections were detected in 14 specimens. Results obtained in this study confirm that I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks found within the study sites of northeastern Poland are infected with at least three pathogens. Evaluation of the prevalence of pathogens in ticks collected from urban environments provides valuable information, especially in light of the growing number of tick-borne infections in humans and domesticated animals.
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Balážová A, Földvári G, Bilbija B, Nosková E, Široký P. High Prevalence and Low Diversity of Rickettsia in Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks, Central Europe. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:893-895. [PMID: 35318933 PMCID: PMC8962898 DOI: 10.3201/eid2804.211267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We collected 1,671 Dermacentor reticulatus ticks from 17 locations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. We found 47.9% overall prevalence of Rickettsia species in ticks over all locations. Sequence analysis confirmed that all tested samples belonged to R. raoultii, the causative agent of tick-borne lymphadenopathy.
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Moustafa MAM, Mohamed WMA, Lau AC, Chatanga E, Qiu Y, Hayashi N, Naguib D, Sato K, Takano A, Mastuno K, Nonaka N, Taylor D, Kawabata H, Nakao R. Novel symbionts and potential human pathogens excavated from argasid tick microbiomes that are shaped by dual or single symbiosis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1979-1992. [PMID: 35521555 PMCID: PMC9062450 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on vector-associated microbiomes has been expanding due to increasing emergence of vector-borne pathogens and awareness of the importance of symbionts in the vector physiology. However, little is known about microbiomes of argasid (or soft-bodied) ticks due to limited access to specimens. We collected four argasid species (Argas japonicus, Carios vespertilionis, Ornithodoros capensis, and Ornithodoros sawaii) from the nests or burrows of their vertebrate hosts. One laboratory-reared argasid species (Ornithodoros moubata) was also included. Attempts were then made to isolate and characterize potential symbionts/pathogens using arthropod cell lines. Microbial community structure was distinct for each tick species. Coxiella was detected as the predominant symbiont in four tick species where dual symbiosis between Coxiella and Rickettsia or Coxiella and Francisella was observed in C. vespertilionis and O. moubata, respectively. Of note, A. japonicus lacked Coxiella and instead had Occidentia massiliensis and Thiotrichales as alternative symbionts. Our study found strong correlation between tick species and life stage. We successfully isolated Oc. massiliensis and characterized potential pathogens of genera Ehrlichia and Borrelia. The results suggest that there is no consistent trend of microbiomes in relation to tick life stage that fit all tick species and that the final interpretation should be related to the balance between environmental bacterial exposure and endosymbiont ecology. Nevertheless, our findings provide insights on the ecology of tick microbiomes and basis for future investigations on the capacity of argasid ticks to carry novel pathogens with public health importance.
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Hussain S, Perveen N, Hussain A, Song B, Aziz MU, Zeb J, Li J, George D, Cabezas-Cruz A, Sparagano O. The Symbiotic Continuum Within Ticks: Opportunities for Disease Control. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:854803. [PMID: 35369485 PMCID: PMC8969565 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.854803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Among blood-sucking arthropods, ticks are recognized as being of prime global importance because of their role as vectors of pathogens affecting human and animal health. Ticks carry a variety of pathogenic, commensal, and symbiotic microorganisms. For the latter, studies are available concerning the detection of endosymbionts, but their role in the physiology and ecology of ticks remains largely unexplored. This review paper focuses on tick endosymbionts of the genera Coxiella, Rickettsia, Francisella, Midichloria, and Wolbachia, and their impact on ticks and tick-pathogen interactions that drive disease risk. Tick endosymbionts can affect tick physiology by influencing nutritional adaptation, fitness, and immunity. Further, symbionts may influence disease ecology, as they interact with tick-borne pathogens and can facilitate or compete with pathogen development within the vector tissues. Rickettsial symbionts are frequently found in ticks of the genera of Ixodes, Amblyomma, and Dermacentor with relatively lower occurrence in Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis, and Hyalomma ticks, while Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) were reported infecting almost all tick species tested. Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) have been identified in tick genera such as Dermacentor, Amblyomma, Ornithodoros, Ixodes, and Hyalomma, whereas Wolbachia sp. has been detected in Ixodes, Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus tick genera. Notably, CLEs and FLEs are obligate endosymbionts essential for tick survival and development through the life cycle. American dog ticks showed greater motility when infected with Rickettsia, indirectly influencing infection risk, providing evidence of a relationship between tick endosymbionts and tick-vectored pathogens. The widespread occurrence of endosymbionts across the tick phylogeny and evidence of their functional roles in ticks and interference with tick-borne pathogens suggests a significant contribution to tick evolution and/or vector competence. We currently understand relatively little on how these endosymbionts influence tick parasitism, vector capacity, pathogen transmission and colonization, and ultimately on how they influence tick-borne disease dynamics. Filling this knowledge gap represents a major challenge for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabir Hussain
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nighat Perveen
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abrar Hussain
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Baolin Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Muhammad Umair Aziz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jehan Zeb
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David George
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Olivier Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Drážovská M, Prokeš M, Vojtek B, Mojžišová J, Ondrejková A, Korytár Ľ. First serological record of Coxiella burnetii infection in the equine population of Slovakia. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
AbstractCoxiella burnetii is a worldwide zoonotic pathogen causing Q fever in various animal species and humans. In Slovakia, cases of C. burnetii infection in both animals and humans are confirmed every year. The role of horses in the epidemiology of this neglected disease is still unclear. In our study, we focused on a serosurvey of C. burnetii in the equine population in Slovakia by the ELISA method. Subsequently, a nested PCR was performed to detect the 16S rRNA fragment of the genus Coxiella. Among 184 horse sera, the presence of specific antibodies to C. burnetii was detected in four samples, representing a 2.17% seropositivity. All the positive horses were mares; two originated from Central Slovakia and two from Eastern Slovakia. Although the number of positive samples was too small for a determination of statistical significance, our results provide the first confirmation of antibodies to C. burnetii in horses from Slovakia. Although no positive PCR result was obtained, these serological findings may help to clarify the circulation of the pathogen in the environment.
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Ticks and their epidemiological role in Slovakia: from the past till present. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021; 77:1575-1610. [PMID: 34548672 PMCID: PMC8446484 DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00845-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In Slovakia, 22 tick species have been found to occur to date. Among them, Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, D. marginatus and marginally Haemaphysalis concinna, H. inermis and H. punctata have been identified as the species of public health relevance. Ticks in Slovakia were found to harbour and transmit zoonotic and/or potentially zoonotic agents such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex, the relapsing fever sprirochaete Borrelia miyamotoi, bacteria belonging to the orders Rickettsiales (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis), Legionellales (Coxiella burnetii), and Thiotrichales (Francisella tularensis), and Babesia spp. parasites (order Piroplasmida). Ixodes ricinus is the principal vector of the largest variety of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria and piroplasms. TBEV, B. burgdorferi s.l., rickettsiae of the spotted fever group, C. burnetii and F. tularensis have been found to cause serious diseases in humans, whereas B. miyamotoi, A. phagocytophilum, N. mikurensis, Babesia microti, and B. venatorum pose lower or potential risk to humans. Distribution of TBEV has a focal character. During the last few decades, new tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) foci and their spread to new areas have been registered and TBE incidence rates have increased. Moreover, Slovakia reports the highest rates of alimentary TBE infections among the European countries. Lyme borreliosis (LB) spirochaetes are spread throughout the distribution range of I. ricinus. Incidence rates of LB have shown a slightly increasing trend since 2010. Only a few sporadic cases of human rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis have been confirmed thus far in Slovakia. The latest large outbreaks of Q fever and tularaemia were recorded in 1993 and 1967, respectively. Since then, a few human cases of Q fever have been reported almost each year. Changes in the epidemiological characteristics and clinical forms of tularaemia have been observed during the last few decades. Global changes and development of modern molecular tools led to the discovery and identification of emerging or new tick-borne microorganisms and symbionts with unknown zoonotic potential. In this review, we provide a historical overview of research on ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Slovakia with the most important milestones and recent findings, and outline future directions in the investigation of ticks as ectoparasites and vectors of zoonotic agents and in the study of tick-borne diseases.
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Grochowska A, Dunaj J, Pancewicz S, Czupryna P, Majewski P, Wondim M, Tryniszewska E, Moniuszko-Malinowska A. Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks found within the city of Białystok, Poland-first data. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 85:63-73. [PMID: 34528136 PMCID: PMC8486709 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00655-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens carried by ticks pose a threat to both human and animal health across the world. Typically associated with rural landscapes, ticks appear to adapt well to life in urban recreational areas. Although Dermacentor reticulatus is commonly found across Europe, data on the prevalence of pathogens in this tick species, in an urban environment, are very limited. PCR was used to examine 368 D. reticulatus individuals collected in the Zwierzyniecki Forest Nature Reserve in Białystok, Poland. In total, 10.3% of ticks were infected, with Babesia spp. (9.2%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.8%) and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (0.3%). Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., and Coxiella burnetii were not detected. Sequence analysis for Babesia-positive samples identified 79.4% of them as Babesia canis, 8.8% as Babesia microti, 5.9% as Babesia spp., 2.9% as Babesia venatorum, and 2.9% as Babesia vogeli. Results obtained in this study indicate that D. reticulatus ticks found within the urban premises of the study area are infected with at least three pathogens and therefore are an important factor in public health risk for tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grochowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Justyna Dunaj
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540, Białystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Pancewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540, Białystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540, Białystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Majewski
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Waszyngtona 15A, 15-269, Białystok, Poland
| | - Mulugeta Wondim
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540, Białystok, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Tryniszewska
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Waszyngtona 15A, 15-269, Białystok, Poland
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540, Białystok, Poland
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Mendoza-Roldan MA, Otranto D. Reptile vector-borne diseases of zoonotic concern. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 15:132-142. [PMID: 34026483 PMCID: PMC8121771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reptile vector-borne diseases (RVBDs) of zoonotic concern are caused by bacteria, protozoa and viruses transmitted by arthropod vectors, which belong to the subclass Acarina (mites and ticks) and the order Diptera (mosquitoes, sand flies and tsetse flies). The phyletic age of reptiles since their origin in the late Carboniferous, has favored vectors and pathogens to co-evolve through millions of years, bridging to the present host-vector-pathogen interactions. The origin of vector-borne diseases is dated to the early cretaceous with Trypanosomatidae species in extinct sand flies, ancestral of modern protozoan hemoparasites of zoonotic concern (e.g., Leishmania and Trypanosoma) associated to reptiles. Bacterial RVBDs are represented by microorganisms also affecting mammals of the genera Aeromonas, Anaplasma, Borrelia, Coxiella, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, most of them having reptilian clades. Finally, reptiles may play an important role as reservoirs of arborivuses, given the low host specificity of anthropophilic mosquitoes and sand flies. In this review, vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern from reptiles are discussed, as well as the interactions between reptiles, arthropod vectors and the zoonotic pathogens they may transmit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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Špitalská E, Boldišová E, Palkovičová K, Sekeyová Z, Škultéty Ľ. Case studies of rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis and Q fever in Slovak population from 2011 to 2020. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00838-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Ouarti B, Hamzaoui BE, Stanko M, Laroche M, Mediannikov O, Parola P, Sekeyová Z. Detection of Rickettsia raoultii in Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis inermis ticks in Slovakia. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00789-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTicks are vector arthropods responsible for the transmission of several pathogenic agents that affect both human and animal health worldwide. In this study our objective was to analyse, using molecular tools, the bacterial community of Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis inermis ticks collected in south-eastern Slovakia. Using real-time PCR, we identified the presence of Rickettsia spp. DNA at levels of 14/59 (23.72 %) and 29/173 (16.76 %) in D. reticulatus and H. inermis, respectively. In addition, using standard PCR and sequencing, we identified the presence of Rickettsia raoultii DNA in 13 ticks belonging to the two investigated species. Rickettsia raoultii blast results revealed an average identification percentage of 99.62 %. Following the results of this molecular study there is a possibility that D. reticulatus and H. inermis play a potential role in the transmission of R. raoultii. To prove the possibility of validity of this hypothesis, we suggest performing experimental models in future studies. Our results can serve as preliminary data for future transmission models.
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Chisu V, Mura L, Foxi C, Masala G. Coxiellaceae in Ticks from Human, Domestic and Wild Hosts from Sardinia, Italy: High Diversity of Coxiella-like Endosymbionts. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:654-663. [PMID: 33492605 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00324-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Coxiella burnetii is known for its potential as veterinary and human bacterial pathogen. The bacteria have been described in ticks, but their role in transmission of Q fever in humans is considered low. Coxiella endosymbionts closely related to C. burnetii have been also isolated from an extensive range of tick species and evidence is growing that these endosymbionts could be linked to human bacteremia. The aim of this study was to get new information on the presence of Coxiella species in ticks infesting wild and domestic hosts in Sardinia, Italy. METHODS Here, 138 ticks collected from the study area were analyzed for the presence of C. burnetii and Coxiella-like bacteria by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing and philogenetic analyses using a set of primers targeting the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS DNA of Coxiella species was detected in 69% of the total ticks examined. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the 16S rRNA Coxiella genotypes identified in this study grouped in strongly supported monophyletic clades with identified reference sequences of CLEs detected from Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis and Ornithodoros species and with Coxiella burnetii strains isolated worldwide. CONCLUSION This study reports the molecular detection of a high diversity of Coxiella-like bacteria in Sardinian ticks and confirms also the presence of C. burnetii in tick species previously identified in the island. The role that Coxiella-like endosymbionts play in Sardinian ticks and in their vertebrate hosts needs to be explored further.
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Kondo M, Matsushima Y, Umaoka A, Iida S, Nakanishi T, Habe K, Yamanaka K. The presence of Tularemia infection in patients with Japanese spotted fever. J Dermatol 2021; 48:1277-1280. [PMID: 33950539 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15934] [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: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, by measuring serum cytokine levels in the acute and recovery stage of Japanese spotted fever (JSF), IFN-ɤ and IL-6 were proved to be the critical immunological cytokines against Rickettsia japonica (R. japonica) infection. Tularemia is an infectious disorder caused by tick biting or contact with infected animals, and is also known as rabbit fever. There have been no confirmed cases in the recent two decades in Japan. We measured serum anti Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) IgG titer using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit in the acute and recovery stage of three patients with JSF. The result of the IgG titer was compared with the cytokine concentrations of IFN-ɤ, IL-6, IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-33, eosinophil count, and CRP quoted from our previous report. Two of three cases have anti F. tularensis IgG, and the IgG levels between acute and recovery stage were unchanged. These two cases showed low IFN-ɤ concentration and CRP, but IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-33 levels and eosinophils were high compared to those in the F. tularensis IgG-negative patient. IL-6 concentration was unchanged between the three patients. Residents living in the endemic area of JSF in Mie prefecture, Japan, may have antibodies against F. tularensis, although tularemia has never been reported. The cases of having the F. tularensis antibody showed a mild inflammatory response of JSF and might skew to type 2 immunological condition even in the acute phase of JSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kondo
- Department of Dermatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Matsushima
- Department of Dermatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Ai Umaoka
- Department of Dermatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Shohei Iida
- Department of Dermatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Takehisa Nakanishi
- Department of Dermatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Koji Habe
- Department of Dermatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Keiichi Yamanaka
- Department of Dermatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
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Körner S, Makert GR, Ulbert S, Pfeffer M, Mertens-Scholz K. The Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Hard Ticks in Europe and Their Role in Q Fever Transmission Revisited-A Systematic Review. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:655715. [PMID: 33981744 PMCID: PMC8109271 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.655715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The zoonosis Q fever is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Besides the main transmission route via inhalation of contaminated aerosols, ticks are discussed as vectors since the first isolation of the pathogen from a Dermacentor andersonii tick. The rare detection of C. burnetii in ticks and the difficult differentiation of C. burnetii from Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) are questioning the relevance of ticks in the epidemiology of Q fever. In this review, literature databases were systematically searched for recent prevalence studies concerning C. burnetii in ticks in Europe and experimental studies evaluating the vector competence of tick species. A total of 72 prevalence studies were included and evaluated regarding DNA detection methods and collection methods, country, and tested tick species. Specimens of more than 25 different tick species were collected in 23 European countries. Overall, an average prevalence of 4.8% was determined. However, in half of the studies, no Coxiella-DNA was detected. In Southern European countries, a significantly higher prevalence was observed, possibly related to the abundance of different tick species here, namely Hyalomma spp. and Rhipicephalus spp. In comparison, a similar proportion of studies used ticks sampled by flagging and dragging or tick collection from animals, under 30% of the total tick samples derived from the latter. There was no significant difference in the various target genes used for the molecular test. In most of the studies, no distinction was made between C. burnetii and CLEs. The application of specific detection methods and the confirmation of positive results are crucial to determine the role of ticks in Q fever transmission. Only two studies were available, which assessed the vector competence of ticks for C. burnetii in the last 20 years, demonstrating the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Körner
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses (IBIZ), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Jena, Germany
| | - Gustavo R Makert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses (IBIZ), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Jena, Germany
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Sahu R, Rawool DB, Dhaka P, Yadav JP, Mishra SP, Kumar M, Vergis J, Malik SS, Barbuddhe SB. Current perspectives on the occurrence of Q fever: highlighting the need for systematic surveillance for a neglected zoonotic disease in Indian subcontinent. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:138-158. [PMID: 33314653 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coxiellosis or Q fever is an important global occupational zoonotic disease caused by one of the most contagious bacterial pathogens - Coxiella burnetii, which ranks one among the 13 global priority zoonoses. The detection of C. burnetii infection is exhibiting an increasing trend in high-risk personnel around the globe. It has increasingly been detected from foods of animal origin (including bulk milk, eggs, and meat) as well as tick vectors in many parts of the world. Coxiellosis is reported to be an important public health threat causing spontaneous abortions in humans and potential reproductive failure, which would result in production losses among livestock. Further, comprehensive coverage of the reports and trends of Q fever in developing countries, where this infection is supposed to be widely prevalent appears scarce. Also, the pathogen remains grossly neglected and underreported. Moreover, policymakers and funding agencies do not view it as a priority problem, especially in the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives. Here, we review the occurrence and epidemiology of the disease in a global context with special emphasis on its status in the Indian subcontinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishna Sahu
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Deepak Bhiwa Rawool
- ICAR- National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500 092, India
| | - Pankaj Dhaka
- School of Public Health and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141004, India
| | - Jay Prakash Yadav
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Sidharth Prasad Mishra
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700037, India
| | - Manesh Kumar
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Jess Vergis
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Satyaveer Singh Malik
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
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Fisher JR, Chroust ZD, Onyoni F, Soong L. Pattern Recognition Receptors in Innate Immunity to Obligate Intracellular Bacteria. ZOONOSES (BURLINGTON, MASS.) 2021; 1:10. [PMID: 35282331 PMCID: PMC8909792 DOI: 10.15212/zoonoses-2021-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are crucial for sensing pathogenic microorganisms, launching innate responses, and shaping pathogen-specific adaptive immunity during infection. Rickettsia spp., Orientia tsutsugamushi, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Coxiella burnetii are obligate intracellular bacteria, which can only replicate within host cells and must evade immune detection to successfully propagate. These five bacterial species are zoonotic pathogens of clinical or agricultural importance, yet, uncovering how immune recognition occurs has remained challenging. Recent evidence from in-vitro studies and animal models has offered new insights into the types and kinetics of PRR activation during infection with Rickettsia spp., A. phagocytophilum, E. chaffeensis, and C. burnetii, respectively. However, much less is known in these regards for O. tsutsugamushi infection, until the recent discovery for the role of the C-type lectin receptor Mincle during lethal infection in mice and in primary macrophage cultures. This review gives a brief summary for clinical and epidemiologic features of these five bacterial infections, focuses on fundamental biologic facets of infection, and recent advances in host recognition. In addition, we discuss knowledge gaps for innate recognition of these bacteria in the context of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Fisher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Zachary D. Chroust
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Florence Onyoni
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Lynn Soong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Corresponding author: Lynn Soong, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. MRB 3.142, Galveston, Texas 77555-1070,
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Pathogenic microorganisms in ticks removed from Slovakian residents over the years 2008-2018. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101626. [PMID: 33385938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A total of 750 ticks feeding on humans were collected during the years 2008-2018. The majority of ticks (94.8 %) came from Slovakia, with 3.5 % from the Czech Republic, 0.9 % from Austria, and 0.3 % from Hungary. Travellers from Ukraine, Croatia, France, and Cuba also brought one tick from each of these countries. The majority of the analysed ticks were identified as Ixodes ricinus (94.3 %). Dermacentor reticulatus (0.93 %), Haemaphysalis concinna (0.1 %), Haemaphysalis sp. (0.1 %), Ixodes arboricola (0.1 %), and Rhipicephalus sp. (0.1 %) were also encountered. The most frequently found stage of I. ricinus was the nymph (69.9 %) followed by adult females (20.4 %) and larvae (8.3 %). Ticks were predominantly found on children younger than 10 years (46.3 %) and adults between 30-39 years (21.4 %). In children younger than 10 years, the ticks were usually found on the head, while in other age categories, the ticks were predominantly attached to legs. Ticks were further individually analysed for the presence of Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Bartonella spp. and Babesia spp. The overall prevalences of tick-borne bacteria assessed in I. ricinus ticks acquired in Slovakia were: rickettsiae 25.0 % (95 % CI: 21.7-28.2), B. burgdorferi s.l. 20.5 % (95 % CI: 17.4-23.5), A. phagocytophilum 13.5 % (95 % CI: 10.9-16.0), Babesia spp. 5.2 % (95 % CI: 3.5-6.9), C. burnetii 3.0 % (95 % CI: 1.5-4.6), and N. mikurensis 4.4 % (95 % CI: 2.0-6.8). Pathogenic species Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia valaisiana, Babesia microti, and Babesia divergens were identified in D. reticulatus and I. ricinus ticks.
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Molecular Investigation of the Status of Ticks on Infected Cattle for Coxiella burnetii in India. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:779-782. [PMID: 32141019 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00192-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In Indian subcontinent, the epidemiological studies on the status of ticks in the transmission of Coxiella burnetii have not been explored comprehensively. The objective of the present study was to investigate the status of ticks for C. burnetii among coxiellosis positive cattle. METHODS The present study was carried out in three locations of the northern states of India. A total of 1648 tick samples were collected from the tick infested cattle (n = 146) that were tested positive for coxiellosis by indirect serum-ELISA assay and/or the trans-PCR assay. The tick samples were screened using the trans-PCR assay targeting species-specific IS1111 transposase gene of C. burnetii. The sequencing of PCR products was planned to differentiate C. burnetii and Coxiella-like bacteria (CLB). RESULTS The collected ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus microplus (n = 1049), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 416), and Hyalomma spp. (n = 183). On molecular investigation, none of the collected tick samples were found to be positive for the IS1111 gene. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study ruled out the involvement of ticks in circulation of the pathogen within the cattle population that were screened. However, extensive epidemiological studies are needed to conclusively rule out or establish the role of ticks as a competent vector for C. burnetii transmission in cattle and other hosts.
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Rahal M, Medkour H, Diarra AZ, Bitam I, Parola P, Mediannikov O. Molecular identification and evaluation of Coxiella-like endosymbionts genetic diversity carried by cattle ticks in Algeria. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101493. [PMID: 32723650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Coxiella-like bacteria are a large group of yet-to-isolate and characterize bacteria phylogenetically close to the agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, and often associated with ixodid ticks worldwide. This study was designed to assess the presence of Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLE) in ticks and to describe their genetic diversity in different tick species infesting cattle in Algeria. A total of 765 ticks were collected from three locations. The screening of 20 % of sampled ticks (147/765) exhibited the presence of Coxiella-like in 51.7 % (76/147). The sequencing of partial 16S rRNA and the GroEl genes showed an identity higher than 98 % with different Coxiella-like endosymbionts. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed the positions of identified Coxiella bacteria. Eleven of the 13 sequences from Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor and Hyalomma ticks were grouped in a distinct clade, the other two each represent an independent clade. This study reported that CLE are prevalent in cattle ticks. Most of the identified Coxiella-like bacteria, from different species of ticks found on cattle, were identical. This may mean that, unlike the currently accepted paradigm, Coxiella-like bacteria are not only tick host-associated, but rather can be transmitted from one tick species to another via the vertebrate host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Rahal
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; Department of Biology, University Yahya Fares of Medea, Algeria; National Veterinary High School, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hacene Medkour
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France; PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University Constantine 1, 25100, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Adama Zan Diarra
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement, Faculté des Sciences Biologique, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger, Algeria
| | - Philippe Parola
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.
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Špitalská E, Kraljik J, Miklisová D, Boldišová E, Sparagano OAE, Stanko M. Circulation of Rickettsia species and rickettsial endosymbionts among small mammals and their ectoparasites in Eastern Slovakia. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2047-2057. [PMID: 32382991 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06701-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the genus Rickettsia are known as causative agents of vector-borne zoonotic diseases, such as spotted fevers, epidemic typhus and endemic typhus. Different species of ticks, mites and fleas could act as reservoirs and arthropod vectors of different pathogenic Rickettsia species. The aim of this work was to establish active surveillance of Rickettsia spp. in mites, ticks and fleas collected from small mammals (rodents and shrews) in Eastern Slovakia. A total of 964 animal ear biopsies, 871 mites, 667 ticks and 743 fleas were collected from small mammals in the Košice region, Eastern Slovakia. All specimens were identified using specialized taxonomic keys, and were conserved in ethanol until DNA extraction was performed. After DNA extraction, identification of Rickettsia species was performed by PCR-based methods. The total prevalence of rickettsiae from ear biopsies was 4.6% (95% CI, 3.2-5.9), in tested mites 9.3% (95% CI, 7.4-11.2), 17.2% (95% CI, 14.3-20.1) in I. ricinus ticks and 3.5% (95% CI, 2.2-4.8) in fleas. Sequence analysis of the partial gltA gene and Rickettsia helvetica-, Rickettsia slovaca-, Rickettsia raoultii- species specific real-time PCR tests revealed the presence of R. helvetica, R. slovaca, unidentified Rickettsia and rickettsial endosymbionts. These pathogenic and symbiotic species were confirmed in the following ectoparasite species-Laelaps jettmari, Haemogamasus nidi, Laelaps agilis and Eulaelaps stabularis mites, Ixodes ricinus ticks, Ctenophthalmus solutus, C. assimilis and Megabothris turbidus fleas infesting host-Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis, Microtus arvalis and Myodes glareolus small mammals. These results confirm the circulation of R. helvetica, R. slovaca, unidentified Rickettsia and rickettsial endosymbionts in mites, ticks and fleas collected on small mammals in the Košice region, Eastern Slovakia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Jasna Kraljik
- Institute of Zoology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Dana Miklisová
- Institute of Parasitology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Eva Boldišová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Olivier A E Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Michal Stanko
- Institute of Zoology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Parasitology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
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Bacterial community profiling highlights complex diversity and novel organisms in wildlife ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101407. [PMID: 32051105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ticks Acari:Ixodida transmit a greater variety of pathogens than any other blood-feeding group of arthropods. While numerous microbes have been identified inhabiting Australian Ixodidae, some of which are related to globally important tick-borne pathogens, little is known about the bacterial communities within ticks collected from Australian wildlife. In this study, 1,019 ticks were identified on 221 hosts spanning 27 wildlife species. Next-generation sequencing was used to amplify the V1-2 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from 238 ticks; Amblyomma triguttatum (n = 6), Bothriocroton auruginans (n = 11), Bothriocroton concolor (n = 20), Haemaphysalis bancrofti (n = 10), Haemaphysalis bremneri (n = 4), Haemaphysalis humerosa (n = 13), Haemaphysalis longicornis (n = 4), Ixodes antechini (n = 29), Ixodes australiensis (n = 26), Ixodes fecialis (n = 13), Ixodes holocyclus (n = 37), Ixodes myrmecobii (n = 1), Ixodes ornithorhynchi (n = 10), Ixodes tasmani (n = 51) and Ixodes trichosuri (n = 3). After bioinformatic analyses, over 14 million assigned bacterial sequences revealed the presence of recently described bacteria 'Candidatus Borrelia tachyglossi', 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia australis', 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia arcana' and 'Candidatus Ehrlichia ornithorhynchi'. Furthermore, three novel Anaplasmataceae species were identified in the present study including; a Neoehrlichia sp. in I. australiensis and I. fecialis collected from quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) (Western Australia), an Anaplasma sp. from one B. concolor from echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) (New South Wales), and an Ehrlichia sp. from a single I. fecialis parasitising a quenda (WA). This study highlights the diversity of bacterial genera harboured within wildlife ticks, which may prove to be of medical and/or veterinary importance in the future.
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Hosseini-Chegeni A, Kayedi MH. Molecular detection of Coxiella (Gammaproteobacteria: Coxiellaceae) in Argas persicus and Alveonasus canestrinii (Acari: Argasidae) from Iran. Microb Pathog 2019; 139:103902. [PMID: 31790790 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coxiella burnetii and non-C. burnetii bacteria or endosymbiotic Coxiella-like were reported in various tick species. We aimed to detect C. burnetii within soft tick species, Argas persicus and Alveonasus canestrinii. METHODS Argasid ticks were collected from different counties of Lorestan province, west of Iran. Partial fragments of 16S rRNA, IS1111 insertion sequence, com1, htpB, and icd genes related to Coxiella genus were sequenced. RESULTS A partial 16S rRNA and com1 gene fragment as well as IS1111 was detected in four Ar. persicus and twelve Al. canestrinii pools. Moreover, partial htpB and icd gene was only detected in one pool of Ar. persicus. CONCLUSIONS Detection of C. burnetii in tick samples was failed due to the occurrence of Coxiella-like endosymbionts and leads to misidentification. Thus, the house-keeping genes should be designated to distinguish C. burnetii within Coxiella-like endosymbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Hassan Kayedi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran; Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
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Chisu V, Foxi C, Masala G. First molecular detection of Francisella-like endosymbionts in Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus tick species collected from vertebrate hosts from Sardinia island, Italy. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 79:245-254. [PMID: 31650337 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00427-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of a wide variety of human and animal pathogens as well as non-pathogenic microorganisms acting as endosymbionts and whose role in ticks is still little known. Symbionts such as Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) are members of Francisellaceae family with unknown pathogenicity, detected in both hard and soft ticks. A total of 236 ticks collected from several sites in Sardinia were screened for Francisella species by PCR using primers targeting a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. DNA of Francisella was detected in 5.1% (12/236) of the ticks tested. Sequencing results revealed that seven Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., three Hyalomma marginatum, one Hy. lusitanicum, and one Rh. bursa ticks exhibited DNA with 99-100% similarity to Francisella-like endosymbionts isolated from different tick species all over the world. Further research is needed in order to better characterize FLE strains obtained in Sardinia and to better understand if their presence could be related to the infection with other zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 8, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Cipriano Foxi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 8, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 8, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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Zhang YK, Yu ZJ, Wang D, Bronislava V, Branislav P, Liu JZ. The bacterial microbiome of field-collected Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus from Slovakia. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:325. [PMID: 31248443 PMCID: PMC6598266 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3582-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The important roles of microbial flora in tick biology and ecology have received much attention. Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus are known vectors of various pathogens across Europe, including Slovakia. However, their bacterial microbiomes are poorly explored. Methods In this study, bacterial microbiomes of field-collected D. marginatus and D. reticulatus from Slovakia were characterized using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results Different analyses demonstrated that the D. marginatus and D. reticulatus microbiomes differ in their diversity and taxonomic structures. Furthermore, species- and sex-specific bacteria were detected in the two species. A possible bacterial pathogen “Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia sp.” was detected from D. marginatus males. Among the observed bacteria, Rickettsia showed high abundance in the two species. Several maternally inherited bacteria such as Coxiella, Arsenophonus, Spiroplasma, Francisella and Rickettsiella, were abundant, and their relative abundance varied depending on tick species and sex, suggesting their biological roles in the two species. Conclusions The bacterial microbiomes of field-collected D. marginatus and D. reticulatus were shaped by tick phylogeny and sex. Maternally inherited bacteria were abundant in the two species. These findings are valuable for understanding tick-bacteria interactions, biology and vector competence of ticks. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3582-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Kai Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Duo Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Víchová Bronislava
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 04001, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Peťko Branislav
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 04001, Kosice, Slovak Republic.,University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, 04185, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Jing-Ze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China.
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Flores-Ramirez G, Sallay B, Danchenko M, Lakhneko O, Špitalská E, Skultety L. Comparative proteomics of the vector Dermacentor reticulatus revealed differentially regulated proteins associated with pathogen transmission in response to laboratory infection with Rickettsia slovaca. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:318. [PMID: 31234913 PMCID: PMC6591964 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne rickettsial diseases are caused by pathogens acquired from hard ticks. In particular, Rickettsia slovaca, a zoonotic infectious bacterium causing tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA), is transmitted by the vectors Dermacentor spp. that can be found all over Europe. Although recent studies point out the extreme complexity of bacteria-induced effects in these blood-feeding vectors, the knowledge of individual molecules involved in the preservation and transmission of the pathogen is still limited. System biology tools, including proteomics, may contribute greatly to the understanding of pathogen-tick-host interactions. METHODS Herein, we performed a comparative proteomics study of the tick vector Dermacentor reticulatus that was experimentally infected with the endosymbiotic bacterium R. slovaca. Rickettsia-free ticks, collected in the southern region of Slovakia, were infected with the bacterium by a capillary tube-feeding system, and the dynamics of infection was assessed by quantitative PCR method after 5, 10, 15 and 27 days. RESULTS At the stage of controlled proliferation (at 27 dpi), 33 (from 481 profiled) differentially abundant protein spots were detected on a two-dimensional gel. From the aforementioned protein spots, 21 were successfully identified by tandem mass spectrometry. CONCLUSIONS Although a few discovered proteins were described as having structural or housekeeping functions, the vast majority of the affected proteins were suggested to be essential for tick attachment and feeding on the host, host immune system evasion and defensive response modulation to ensure successful pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Flores-Ramirez
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Balázs Sallay
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Maksym Danchenko
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Olha Lakhneko
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Ludovit Skultety
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. .,Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Vila A, Estrada-Peña A, Altet L, Cusco A, Dandreano S, Francino O, Halos L, Roura X. Endosymbionts carried by ticks feeding on dogs in Spain. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:848-852. [PMID: 31006611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Studies on tick microbial communities historically focused on tick-borne pathogens. However, there is an increasing interest in capturing relationships among non-pathogenic endosymbionts and exploring their relevance for tick biology. The present study included a total of 1600 adult ticks collected from domestic dogs in 4 different biogeographical regions of Spain. Each pool formed by 1 to 10 halves of individuals representing one specific ticks species was examined by PCR for the presence of Coxiellaceae, Rickettsia spp., Rickettsiales, Wolbachia spp., and other bacterial DNA. Of the pools analyzed, 92% tested positive for endosymbiont-derived DNA. Coxiella spp. endosymbionts were the most prevalent microorganisms, being always present in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) pools. Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in 60% of Dermacentor reticulatus pools and 40% of R. sanguineus s.l. pools, with a higher diversity of Rickettsia species in R. sanguineus s.l. pools. Our study reveals a negative relationship of Rickettsia massiliae with the presence of tick-borne pathogens in the same pool of ticks. An additional endosymbiont, 'Candidatus Rickettsiella isopodorum', was only detected in D. reticulatus pools. Data from this study indicate that dogs in Spain are exposed to several endosymbionts. Due to the importance of tick-borne pathogens, characterizing the role of endosymbionts for tick physiology and prevalence, may lead to novel control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vila
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - A Estrada-Peña
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - L Altet
- Vetgenomics, Edifici Eureka, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - A Cusco
- Vetgenomics, Edifici Eureka, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - S Dandreano
- Vetgenomics, Edifici Eureka, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - O Francino
- Molecular Genetics Veterinary Service, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - L Halos
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Lyon, France
| | - X Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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Brinkmann A, Hekimoğlu O, Dinçer E, Hagedorn P, Nitsche A, Ergünay K. A cross-sectional screening by next-generation sequencing reveals Rickettsia, Coxiella, Francisella, Borrelia, Babesia, Theileria and Hemolivia species in ticks from Anatolia. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:26. [PMID: 30635006 PMCID: PMC6329055 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3277-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks participate as arthropod vectors in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to humans. Several tick-borne infections have reemerged, along with newly described agents of unexplored pathogenicity. In an attempt to expand current information on tick-associated bacteria and protozoans, we performed a cross-sectional screening of ticks, using next-generation sequencing. Ticks seeking hosts and infesting domestic animals were collected in four provinces across the Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia regions of Turkey and analyzed by commonly used procedures and platforms. Results Two hundred and eighty ticks comprising 10 species were evaluated in 40 pools. Contigs from tick-associated microorganisms were detected in 22 (55%) questing and 4 feeding (10%) tick pools, with multiple microorganisms identified in 12 pools. Rickettsia 16S ribosomal RNA gene, gltA, sca1 and ompA sequences were present in 7 pools (17.5%), comprising feeding Haemaphysalis parva and questing/hunting Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) and Hyalomma marginatum specimens. A near-complete genome and conjugative plasmid of a Rickettsia hoogstraalii strain could be characterized in questing Ha. parva. Coxiella-like endosymbionts were identified in pools of questing (12/40) as well as feeding (4/40) ticks of the genera Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma. Francisella-like endosymbionts were also detected in 22.5% (9/40) of the pools that comprise hunting Hyalomma ticks in 8 pools. Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts formed phylogenetically distinct clusters associated with their tick hosts. Borrelia turcica was characterized in 5% (2/40) of the pools, comprising hunting Hyalomma aegyptium ticks. Co-infection of Coxiella-like endosymbiont and Babesia was noted in a questing R. sanguineus (s.l.) specimen. Furthermore, protozoan 18S rRNA gene sequences were detected in 4 pools of questing/hunting ticks (10%) and identified as Babesia ovis, Hemolivia mauritanica, Babesia and Theileria spp. Conclusions Our metagenomic approach enabled identification of diverse pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms in questing and feeding ticks in Anatolia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3277-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Brinkmann
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 1 (ZBS 1), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olcay Hekimoğlu
- Department of Biology, Division of Ecology, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ender Dinçer
- Advanced Technology Education, Research and Application Center, Mersin University, 33110, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Peter Hagedorn
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 1 (ZBS 1), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Nitsche
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 1 (ZBS 1), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 1 (ZBS 1), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology Unit, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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Špitalská E, Špitalský Z, Markovic Z, Štefanidesová K, Škultéty Ľ. Low-cost light-induced therapy to treat rickettsial infection. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2018; 24:150-152. [PMID: 30278280 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2018.09.018] [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: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy uses a nontoxic photosensitizer with the assistance of harmless visible light to activate the photosensitizer. Consequently, the excited state of the photosensitizer interacts with molecular oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species, which have the antimicrobial effect. In this study, we evaluated the effect of photodynamic therapy on Vero cells infected with rickettsia using methylene blue as a photosensitizer along with red light. A significant reduction (by 96%) in the number of viable Rickettsia slovaca was determined by quantitative RT-PCR 48 h after the treatment with methylene blue followed by 30 min of red light excitation. A statistically significant reduction of R. slovaca was also recorded with pretreatment (by 99%). To the best of our knowledge, this result is the first one in the literature to confirm the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy for the elimination of R. slovaca and to suggest this technique as a good supportive treatment for rickettsial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zdenko Špitalský
- Polymer Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 41 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Zoran Markovic
- Polymer Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 41 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Štefanidesová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ľudovít Škultéty
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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