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Tsai YL, Wechtaisong W, Lee TR, Chang CH, Yu PH, Hwang MH. Hematological and plasma profiles and ticks and tick-borne pathogens in wild Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus). Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:241. [PMID: 38807241 PMCID: PMC11131195 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06320-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endangered Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) is the largest native carnivorous mammal in Taiwan. Diseases, poor management, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction are serious threats to the survival of bear populations. However, studies on the impact of diseases on bear populations are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of free-ranging Formosan black bears and investigate the occurrence of ectoparasites, blood parasites, and vector-borne pathogens. METHODS Formosan black bears were captured in Yushan National Park (YNP) and Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area (DSY) in Taiwan. Blood samples were collected from each bear for hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry using a hematology analyzer. Parasites and pathogens were detected using a thin blood smear with Wright-Giemsa staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Additionally, macroscopic ectoparasites were collected from bears to detect blood parasites and other pathogens. Moreover, the relationships between the bear variables (sex, age, and occurrence of parasites or pathogens), ectoparasites, and infectious agents were also analyzed. RESULTS In all, 21 wild bears (14 in YNP and 7 in DSY) were captured and released during the satellite tracking studies. Hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry indicated significant differences in white blood cells (WBC), segments, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels between foot snare and culvert-captured bears. Additionally, there were significant differences in total plasma protein (TPP), creatinine, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ levels between male and female bears. Moreover, pathogen-infected bears had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; 30 min and 1 h) and globulin levels than uninfected bears. In total, 240 ticks were collected from 13 bears, among which eight adult tick species were identified, including Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Amblyomma testudinarium, Ixodes ovatus, Dermacentor taiwanensis, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes acutitarsus, Amblyomma javanense, and nymphs belonging to Haemaphysalis spp. PCR revealed that 13 (61.90%) and 8 (38.10%) bears harbored Hepatozoon ursi and Babesia DNA, respectively. Among the ticks examined, 157 (65.41%) and 128 (53.33%) samples were positive for H. ursi and Babesia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of wild Formosan black bears and investigate ectoparasite infestation and Hepatozoon and Babesia spp. INFECTION In conclusion, these findings may serve as a reference for monitoring the health and population of locally endangered bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lun Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Wittawat Wechtaisong
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Center of Excellence in Animal Vector-Borne Diseases, Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ting-Rong Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Chang
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Huan Yu
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsiu Hwang
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan.
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The Piroplasmida Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Theileria in farm and companion animals: species compilation, molecular phylogeny, and evolutionary insights. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1207-1245. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Cytauxzoon sp. Infection and Coinfections in Three Domestic Cats in Central Italy. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020050. [PMID: 35202303 PMCID: PMC8877184 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging disease caused by a tick-transmitted haemoprotozoan affecting domestic and wild felids. The clinical and biomolecular findings of the infection due to Cytauxzoon sp. and concomitant coinfections are described in three cats in central Italy. Three domestic cats were referred for different clinical conditions (impact trauma, lameness, and weight loss and lethargy). They presented different hematobiochemical profiles. Only two cats were anemic, but in all three cats, endo erythrocyte inclusions suggestive of piroplasmids were found at blood smear evaluation. EDTA blood samples were submitted to rapid ELISA test for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and to biomolecular investigations for Piroplasmida (Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Cytauxzoon spp.) and Mycoplasma spp. All three cats were positive for Cytauxzoon sp. (European Cytauxzoon species) and two cases were also coinfected by Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis and FIV. This report suggests that cytauxzoonosis should be included among differential diagnoses in subjects with possibility of contact with ticks and with presence of coinfections by tick-borne parasites, including in non-endemic areas.
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Panait LC, Mihalca AD, Modrý D, Juránková J, Ionică AM, Deak G, Gherman CM, Heddergott M, Hodžić A, Veronesi F, Reichard M, Zieman EA, Nielsen CK, Jiménez-Ruiz FA, Hrazdilová K. Three new species of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109344. [PMID: 33465567 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protists of the genus Cytauxzoon infect a wide variety of wild and domestic felids worldwide. While the American Cytauxzoon felis has been well described, data on the European isolates of Cytauxzoon are still scant. The aim of the current study was to determine the genetic diversity of European Cytauxzoon spp. in wild felids across Europe by analyzing one nuclear and two mitochondrial genes, along with representative complete mitochondrial genomes. Overall, 106 biological samples from wild felids (92 from Felis silvestris and 14 from Lynx lynx) from Germany, Romania, Czech Republic, and Luxembourg were collected and screened for the presence of Cytauxzoon spp. using nested PCR protocols, targeting the highly conserved 18S rDNA, mitochondrial cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. Furthermore, 18 previously confirmed wild felid biological samples from Europe, and comparative material from USA positive for C. felis, were included in the study. In 18S rDNA sequences analyses, Cytauxzoon spp. from felids formed two separate clades of New World and Old World isolates, with a low inner diversity of the European clade. In contrast to 18S rDNA, the phylogenetic analyses of CytB and COI genes affirmatively revealed three highly supported clades, resulting in three defined genotypes. Similar intra- and interspecific variability of CytB and COI genes was observed in the case of different Babesia spp. Considering geography, host species and analyses of three genes, we conclude that the three detected genotypes of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids represent three new species, which we herein describe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Cătălina Panait
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Juránková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania; CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I Al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Museum of Natural History, 25 Rue Munster, 2160, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Mason Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 74078, Stillwater, OK, United States.
| | - Elliott A Zieman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 61920-3099, Charleston, IL, United States.
| | - Clayton K Nielsen
- Department of Forestry and Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 62901-6501, Carbondale, IL, United States.
| | | | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, 32300, Plzeň, Czech Republic.
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Moustafa MAM, Sasaki A, Shimozuru M, Nakao R, Sashika M, Yamazaki K, Koike S, Tanaka J, Tamatani H, Yamanaka M, Ishinazaka T, Tsubota T. Molecular detection of apicomplexan protozoa in Hokkaido brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) and Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus). Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3739-3753. [PMID: 33000433 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06873-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Many tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are present in wildlife. The objective of this study is to reveal the role of wild bears in maintaining TBPs. A total of 49 brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) from Hokkaido, and 18 Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) from Tochigi, and 66 Japanese black bears from Nagano were examined by two molecular methods, reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization, and nested PCR. A total of 5 TBPs (Hepatozoon ursi, Babesia sp. UR2-like group, Cytauxzoon sp. UR1, Babesia sp. UR1, and Babesia microti) were detected from bear blood DNA samples. B. microti was detected from blood DNA samples of Japanese black bear for the first time, with the prevalence of 6.0% (5/84). Out of detected pathogens, H. ursi, Babesia sp. UR2-like pathogens, and Cytauxzoon sp. UR1 were considered as three of the most prevalent TBPs in bears. The prevalence of H. ursi were significantly higher in Japanese black bear (0% vs 96.4%) while that of Babesia sp. UR2-like group was higher in Hokkaido brown bears (89.8% vs 40.5%). The prevalence of Babesia sp. UR1 were significantly higher in Japanese black bears from Tochigi (44.4%), comparing with those from Nagano (18.2%). The prevalence of the detected TBPs were significantly higher in adult bears, comparing with those in younger bears. The present study suggests that Japanese bear species contribute in the transmission of several TBPs in Japan. The expanding distribution of bears might cause the accidental transmission of TBPs to humans and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdallah Mohamed Moustafa
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.,Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ayaka Sasaki
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Michito Shimozuru
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mariko Sashika
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koji Yamazaki
- Department of Forest Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Koike
- Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,United Graduate School of Agriculture Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junpei Tanaka
- Picchio Wildlife Research Center, Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hiroo Tamatani
- Picchio Wildlife Research Center, Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
| | | | | | - Toshio Tsubota
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Hornok S, Horváth G, Takács N, Kontschán J, Szőke K, Farkas R. Molecular identification of badger-associated Babesia sp. DNA in dogs: updated phylogeny of piroplasms infecting Caniformia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:235. [PMID: 29642942 PMCID: PMC5896074 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Piroplasms are unicellular, tick-borne parasites. Among them, during the past decade, an increasing diversity of Babesia spp. has been reported from wild carnivores. On the other hand, despite the known contact of domestic and wild carnivores (e.g. during hunting), and a number of ixodid tick species they share, data on the infection of dogs with babesiae from other families of carnivores are rare. METHODS In this study blood samples were collected from 90 dogs and five road-killed badgers. Ticks were also removed from these animals. The DNA was extracted from all blood samples, and from 33 ticks of badgers, followed by molecular analysis for piroplasms with PCR and sequencing, as well as by phylogenetic comparison of detected genotypes with piroplasms infecting carnivores. RESULTS Eleven of 90 blood DNA extracts from dogs, and all five samples from badgers were PCR-positive for piroplasms. In addition to the presence of B. canis DNA in five dogs, sequencing identified the DNA of badger-associated "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" in six dogs and in all five badgers. The DNA of "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" occurred significantly more frequently in dogs often taken to forests (i.e. the preferred habitat of badgers in Hungary), than in dogs without this characteristic. Moreover, detection of DNA from this Babesia sp. was significantly associated with hunting dogs in comparison with dogs not used for hunting. Two PCR-positive dogs (in one of which the DNA of the badger-associated Babesia sp. was identified, whereas in the other the DNA of B. canis was present) showed clinical signs of babesiosis. Engorged specimens of both I. canisuga and I. hexagonus were collected from badgers with parasitaemia, but only I. canisuga contained the DNA of "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1". This means a significant association of the DNA from "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" with I. canisuga. Phylogenetically, "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" belonged to the "B. microti" group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first detection of the DNA from a badger-associated Babesia sp. in dogs, one of which also showed relevant clinical signs. Based on the number of dogs with blood samples containing the DNA of "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" in this study (i.e. exceeding the number of B. canis-positives), these findings should not be regarded as isolated cases. It is assumed that dogs, which are used for hunting or frequently visit forests, are more likely to be exposed to this piroplasm, probably as a consequence of infestation with I. canisuga from badgers or from the burrows of badgers. The above results suggest that "Babesia sp. Meles-Hu1" should be added to the range of piroplasms, which are naturally capable of infecting hosts from different families of Caniformia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Szőke
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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Alvarado-Rybak M, Solano-Gallego L, Millán J. A review of piroplasmid infections in wild carnivores worldwide: importance for domestic animal health and wildlife conservation. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:538. [PMID: 27724937 PMCID: PMC5057422 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1808-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Piroplasmids are tick-borne protozoan parasites that infect blood cells (erythrocytes, lymphocytes or other leukocytes) or endothelial cells of numerous wild and domestic vertebrates worldwide. They cause severe disease in livestock, dogs, cats, wild mammals and, occasionally, in humans. Piroplasmid infections are prevalent in wild carnivores worldwide although there is limited information about their clinical and epidemiological importance. There are currently nine recognized species of Babesia, two of Theileria, two of Cytauxzoon and one of Rangelia infecting captive and wild carnivores, including members of Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae, Viverridae, Hyaenidae and Herpestidae in the Americas, Eurasia and Africa. However, the number of piroplasmid species is likely higher than currently accepted due to the reported existence of DNA sequences that may correspond to new species and the lack of studies on many host species and biogeographical areas. Indeed, many species have been recognized in the last few years with the advancement of molecular analyses. Disease and mortality have been documented in some wild carnivores, whereas other species appear to act as natural, subclinical reservoirs. Various factors (e.g. unnatural hosts, stress due to captivity, habitat degradation, climate fluctuation or immunosuppression) have been associated with disease susceptibility to piroplasmid infections in some species in captivity. We aimed to review the current knowledge on the epidemiology of piroplasmid infections in wild carnivores and associated tick vectors. Emphasis is given to the role of wild carnivores as reservoirs of clinical piroplasmosis for domestic dogs and cats, and to the importance of piroplasmids as disease agents for endangered carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Alvarado-Rybak
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación para la Sustentabilidad, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
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Zolnik CP, Makkay AM, Falco RC, Daniels TJ. American Black Bears as Hosts of Blacklegged Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Northeastern United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:1103-1110. [PMID: 26336232 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and whole blood were collected from American black bears (Ursus americanus Pallas) between October 2011 and October 2012 across four counties in northwestern New Jersey, an area where blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say) and their associated tick-borne pathogens are prevalent. Adult American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis Say) were the most frequently collected tick species in late spring, whereas adult and nymphal blacklegged ticks were found in both the late spring and fall months. Additionally, for blacklegged ticks, we determined the quality of bloodmeals that females acquired from black bears compared with bloodmeals from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman), the most important host for the adult stage of this tick species. Measures of fecundity after feeding on each host species were not significantly different, suggesting that the bloodmeal a female blacklegged tick acquires from a black bear is of similar quality to that obtained from a white-tailed deer. These results establish the American black bear as both a host and quality bloodmeal source to I. scapularis. Thus, black bears may help support blacklegged tick populations in areas where they are both present. In addition, samples of black bear blood were tested for DNA presence of three tick-borne pathogens. Anaplasma phagocytophilum Foggie and Babesia microti Franca were found in 9.2 and 32.3% of blood samples, respectively. All blood samples were quantitative polymerase chain reaction-negative for Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, & Brenner. Although circulating pathogens were found in blood, the status of black bears as reservoirs for these pathogens remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine P Zolnik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY, 10458. Vector Ecology Laboratory, Louis Calder Center-Biological Field Station, Fordham University, PO Box 887, Armonk, NY 10504
| | - Amanda M Makkay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY, 10458
| | - Richard C Falco
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, 53 Whippoorwill Rd., Armonk, NY, 10504
| | - Thomas J Daniels
- Vector Ecology Laboratory, Louis Calder Center-Biological Field Station, Fordham University, PO Box 887, Armonk, NY 10504.
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Shaw M, Kolba N, Huffman JE. Babesiaspp. inUrsus americanus(Black Bear) in New Jersey. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2015. [DOI: 10.1656/045.022.0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Rar VA, Epikhina TI, Suntsova OV, Kozlova IV, Lisak OV, Pukhovskaya NM, Vysochina NP, Ivanov LI, Tikunova NV. Genetic variability of Babesia parasites in Haemaphysalis spp. and Ixodes persulcatus ticks in the Baikal region and Far East of Russia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 28:270-5. [PMID: 25460820 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To study Babesia diversity in Ixodid ticks in Russia, Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis japonica, Haemaphysalisconcinna, Dermacentor silvarum, and Dermacentor nuttalli ticks collected in the Far East and Baikal region were assayed for the presence of Babesia spp. using nested PCR. In total, Babesia DNA was detected in 30 of the 1125 (2.7%) I. persulcatus, 17 of the 573 (3.0%) H. concinna, and 12 of the 543 (2.2%) H. japonica but was undetectable in any of the 294 analyzed Dermacentor spp. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences were determined for all of the positive samples. Among the positive ticks, nine I. persulcatus were infected by Babesia microti 'US'-type, five I. persulcatus were infected by Babesia divergens-like parasites, and 11 I. persulcatus were infected by Babesia venatorum. For all three of these species, the determined 18S rRNA gene sequences were identical to those of the Babesia genetic variants found previously in I. persulcatus in Russia. In addition, five I. persulcatus from the Baikal region and all of the positive Haemaphysalis spp. ticks carried 13 different sequence variants of Babesia sensu stricto belonging to distinct phylogenetic clusters. Babesia spp. from 29 ticks of different species collected in distinct locations belonged to the cluster of cattle and ovine parasites (Babesia crassa, Babesiamajor, Babesiamotasi, Babesiabigemina, etc.). Babesia spp. from four H. japonica ticks in the Far East belonged to the cluster formed by parasites of carnivores. One more Babesia sequence variant detected in an I. persulcatus tick from the Baikal region belonged to the cluster formed by parasites of cattle and wild cervids (B. divergens, Babesiacapreoli, B. venatorum, Babesiaodocoilei, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Rar
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.
| | - T I Epikhina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - O V Suntsova
- Scientific Center of Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, SB RAMS, Irkutsk, Russian Federation
| | - I V Kozlova
- Scientific Center of Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, SB RAMS, Irkutsk, Russian Federation
| | - O V Lisak
- Scientific Center of Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, SB RAMS, Irkutsk, Russian Federation
| | - N M Pukhovskaya
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - N P Vysochina
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - L I Ivanov
- Khabarovsk Antiplague Station, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
| | - N V Tikunova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
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Iwakami S, Ichikawa Y, Inokuma H. Molecular survey of Babesia gibsoni using Haemaphysalis longicornis collected from dogs and cats in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2014; 76:1313-6. [PMID: 24920547 PMCID: PMC4197166 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.14-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A nationwide survey of
Babesia gibsoni using Haemaphysalis longicornis
collected from dogs and cats in Japan was conducted using molecular methods. A total of
1,341 H. longicornis, including 305 females, 14 males, 332 nymphs and 690
larvae (153 pools) from 44 prefectures, were examined by B.
gibsoni-targeted PCR. Partial sequence analysis revealed that 12 of 13 positive
samples sequenced, including samples from Tottori, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Ehime
and Oita prefectures (all in western Japan), were identical to B.
gibsoni, and 1 sample from Kyoto Prefecture was most closely related to a
Babesia species recently detected from feral raccoons in Hokkaido.
H. longicornis is a candidate for transmission vector tick of the new
Babesia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Iwakami
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Schnittger L, Rodriguez AE, Florin-Christensen M, Morrison DA. Babesia: a world emerging. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 12:1788-809. [PMID: 22871652 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Babesia are tick-transmitted hemoprotozooans that infect mammals and birds, and which are acknowledged for their major impact on farm and pet animal health and associated economic costs worldwide. Additionally, Babesia infections of wildlife can be fatal if associated with stressful management practices; and human babesiosis, also transmitted by blood transfusion, is an increasing public-health concern. Due to the huge diversity of species reported to serve as Babesia hosts, all vertebrates might be potential carriers, as long as they are adequate hosts for Babesia-vector ticks. We here provide a comprehensive overview of the most relevant Babesia species, and a discussion of the classical taxonomic criteria. Babesia, Cytauxzoon and Theileria parasites are closely related and collectively referred to as piroplasmids. A possible scenario for the history of piroplasmids is presented in the context of recent findings, and its implications for future research avenues are outlined. Phylogenetic trees of all available 18S rRNA and hsp70 genes were generated, based on which we present a thoroughly revised molecular classification, comprising five monophyletic Babesia lineages, one Cytauxzoon clade, and one Theileria clade. Updated 18S rRNA and beta-tubulin gene trees of the B. microti isolates agree with those previously reported. To reconcile estimates of the origin of piroplasmids and ticks (~300 Ma, respectively), and mammalian radiation (60 Ma), we hypothesize that the dixenous piroplasmid life cycle evolved with the origin of ticks. Thus, the observed time gap between tick origin and mammalian radiation indicates the existence of hitherto unknown piroplasmid lineages and/or species in extant vertebrate taxa, including reptiles and possibly amphibians. The development and current status of the molecular taxonomy of Babesia, with emphasis on human-infecting species, is discussed. Finally, recent results from population genetic studies of Babesia parasites, and their implications for the development of pathogenicity, drug resistance and vaccines, are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonhard Schnittger
- Institute of Pathobiology, Center of Research in Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences, INTA-Castelar, Argentina.
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Ikawa K, Aoki M, Ichikawa M, Itagaki T. The first detection of Babesia species DNA from Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) in Japan. Parasitol Int 2011; 60:220-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2011.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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