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Benkacimi L, Diarra AZ, Bompar JM, Bérenger JM, Parola P. Microorganisms associated with hedgehog arthropods. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:211. [PMID: 37349802 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05764-7] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehogs are small synanthropic mammals that live in rural areas as well as in urban and suburban areas. They can be reservoirs of several microorganisms, including certain pathogenic agents that cause human and animal public health issues. Hedgehogs are often parasitized by blood-sucking arthropods, mainly hard ticks and fleas, which in turn can also carry various vector-born microorganisms of zoonotic importance. Many biotic factors, such as urbanization and agricultural mechanization, have resulted in the destruction of the hedgehog's natural habitats, leading these animals to take refuge near human dwellings, seeking food and shelter in parks and gardens and exposing humans to zoonotic agents that can be transmitted either directly by them or indirectly by their ectoparasites. In this review, we focus on the microorganisms detected in arthropods sampled from hedgehogs worldwide. Several microorganisms have been reported in ticks collected from these animals, including various Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp. species as well as Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira spp. As for fleas, C. burnetii, Rickettsia spp., Wolbachia spp., Mycobacterium spp. and various Bartonella species have been reported. The detection of these microorganisms in arthropods does not necessarily mean that they can be transmitted to humans and animals. While the vector capacity and competence of fleas and ticks for some of these microorganisms has been proven, in other cases the microorganisms may have simply been ingested with blood taken from an infected host. Further investigations are needed to clarify this issue. As hedgehogs are protected animals, handling them is highly regulated, making it difficult to conduct epidemiological studies on them. Their ectoparasites represent a very interesting source of information on microorganisms circulating in populations of these animals, especially vector-born ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Benkacimi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditeranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée infection, Marseille, France
| | - Adama Zan Diarra
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditeranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée infection, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Michel Bompar
- Société Française d'Études et de Protection des Mammifères (SFEPM), Bourges, France
| | - Jean-Michel Bérenger
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditeranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditeranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France.
- IHU-Méditerranée infection, Marseille, France.
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Ma H, Ai J, Kang M, Li J, Sun Y. The life cycle of Dermacentor nuttalli from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under laboratory conditions and detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1126266. [PMID: 36908514 PMCID: PMC9998488 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1126266] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor nuttalli has been a focus of study because tick-borne pathogens have been widely identified in this tick from northern and southwestern China. The aim of this study was to characterize the life cycle of D. nuttalli under laboratory conditions and to detect spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia in the midgut and salivary glands of both field-collected and first laboratory generation adults. D. nuttalli ticks were collected in the field on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from March to April 2021 and their life cycle was studied under laboratory conditions. Tick identify was molecularly confirmed, and SFG Rickettsia were detected in the midgut and salivary glands of males and females by PCR targeting different rickettsial genes. The results showed that the life cycle of D. nuttalli under laboratory conditions was completed in an average of 86.1 days. High positivity of Rickettsia spp. was detected in the midgut and salivary glands of both males (92.0%) and females (93.0%) of field-collected D. nuttalli ticks. However, a relatively lower positivity (4.0-6.0%) was detected in first laboratory generation adults. Furthermore, sequencing analysis showed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained in this study shared 98.6 to 100% nucleotide identity with Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii isolated from Dermacentor spp. in China. Phylogenetic analysis of Rickettsia spp. based on the gltA, ompA, ompB and sca4 genes revealed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained could be classified as belonging to R. slovaca and R. raoultii clades. This study described for the first time the life cycle of D. nuttalli from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under laboratory conditions. Two species of SFG Rickettsia were detected in the midgut and salivary glands of males and females in both field-collected and first laboratory-generation adults of D. nuttalli. Our study provides new insights into pathogen detection in ticks in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the relationships among hosts, ticks, and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jingkai Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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Zhang R, Zhang Q, Yu G, Zhang Z. Metagenomic deep sequencing obtains taxonomic and functional profiles of Haemaphysalis longicornis that vary in response to different developmental stages and sexes. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 83:285-300. [PMID: 33386513 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00582-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ticks can transmit numerous pathogens and harbor diverse microbial communities. Considerable progress has been made in the characterization of the bacterial profiles of ticks, whereas other members of tick microbiota (such as fungi and viruses) and the functional characteristics of ticks warrant further exploration. To investigate the taxonomic and functional profiles and explore potential pathogens they were carrying, samples of different developmental stages and of both sexes of Haemaphysalis longicornis were collected in the present study and the metagenomic deep sequencing method was applied. Metagenomic deep sequencing results revealed that bacteria were predominant, followed by fungi, viruses, archaea and metazoans. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in the microbiota of H. longicornis. The abundance of microbial species varied significantly among groups, the bacteria of nymphs and female adults demonstrated unique characteristics, and the microbial community of males overlapped with those of nymphs and females. Functional annotation results demonstrated that the metagenomic sequences of the three groups were classified under metabolism, genetic information processing, environmental information processing and cellular processes. Differences in functional characteristics were observed in both the pathways composition and abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes. Furthermore, whole metagenome sequencing helped to elucidate the diversity of pathogens carried by H. longicornis, which may facilitate further research attempting to prevent and control tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiling Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China.
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Guangfu Yu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China.
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Huang T, Zhang J, Sun C, Liu Z, He H, Wu J, Geriletu. A Novel Arthropod Host of Brucellosis in the Arid Steppe Ecosystem. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:566253. [PMID: 33195543 PMCID: PMC7649779 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.566253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a severe public health problem in the Inner Mongolia regions of China. The recent prevalence of brucellosis outbreaks may be attributed to an increase in the activity of ticks and other air-borne vectors. Dermacentor nuttalli (D. nuttalli) is a native tick species of Inner Mongolia; similar to other tick species, D. nuttalli carries a variety of pathogens that can be transmitted to a wide range of animals. In this study, we have investigated the potential of D. nuttalli in transmitting brucellosis. From 2015 to 2019, 2,256 ticks were collected from 23 different pastoral areas of Hulun Buir. Brucellosis pathogen was detected using DNA extracted from different developmental stages of ticks. Salivary gland and midgut tissue samples were used as templates to amplify Brucella Bscp31 gene (Brucella genus-specific gene) by using TaqMan Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To detect the presence of Bscp31 protein, which is specific to Brucella spp., in the midgut and salivary gland tissues of D. nuttalli, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed. Additionally, Brucella spp. were isolated using a culture medium. Tick samples were identified as D. nuttalli. Different percentages of Brucella genus-specific genes could be found in the tick samples. From 2015 to 2019, the positivity rate for the detection of Bscp31 gene in D. nuttalli ranged from 0.00 to 87.80%, with the highest rate of 89.00%. In addition, Brucella genus-specific genes were successfully detected in the samples isolated from all the developmental stages and anatomical regions of ticks. Bscp31 protein was present in the midgut and salivary gland of D. nuttalli. Further, B. melitensis biotype 3 was isolated from eggs and engorged adults of D. nuttalli. These findings demonstrate that D. nuttalli is a potent, long-term carrier of Brucella spp. that can exhibit transovarial transmission potential, presenting D. nuttalli as a novel arthropod host for Brucella spp. This study, therefore, indicates the potential risk of transmission of brucellosis via tick bites among animals as well as human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianpeng Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jinbao Zhang
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhalantun Vocational College, Hulun Buir, China
| | - Changyun Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Haiyan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Geriletu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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Hou J, Ling F, Liu Y, Zhang R, Song X, Huang R, Wu Y, Wang J, Sun J, Gong Z. A molecular survey of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella and Theileria in ticks collected from southeastern China. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 79:125-135. [PMID: 31396760 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00411-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella and Theileria, we collected ticks from small mammals in six counties of Zhejiang Province in southeastern China. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was performed to test Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella and Theileria in tick samples. Positive PCR products were sequenced and then compared with previously published sequences deposited in GenBank using BLAST. About 292 adult ticks were captured and the dominant tick species were Ixodes sinensis and Haemaphysalis longicornis. Overall, 34 ticks (11.6%) were tested positive for at least one pathogen of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella and Theileria. Rates of PCR-positivity to Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella and Theileria were 5.5, 1.7, 2.4 and 2.4%, respectively. Positive rates of Anaplasma, Bartonella and Theileria were significantly different among ticks of different species. Prevalence of Anaplasma and Theileria varied significantly among ticks of different counties. Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella and Theileria were widely prevalent in ticks in Zhejiang Province suggesting other tick-borne pathogens should also be suspected if patients had history of tick bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hou
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Ling
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiuping Song
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ruting Huang
- Fengtai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyan Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinna Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jimin Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Zhenyu Gong
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China.
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Rochlin I. Modeling the Asian Longhorned Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) Suitable Habitat in North America. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:384-391. [PMID: 30544234 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Asian longhorned or bush tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann) is a vector species of considerable medical and veterinary importance within its native range in East Asia, and in introduced areas of Australia and Oceania. Recently, this tick species was detected in several regions of the United States. This study aimed at modeling areas suitable for H. longicornis in North America using maximum entropy distribution modeling or Maxent. Occurrence records of H. longicornis within its present range were obtained from published literature. The Maxent model contained a small number of a priori climatic and ecological variables. Annual temperature, precipitation, and ecological zones were found the most important in creating sensitive and specific model (success rate = 91.8%) that had a good fit to the existing data. The model predicted suitable H. longicornis habitat in most of eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, and in a small temperate area on the West Coast. Coastal areas were among the highest ranked suitable habitat. Another highly suitable region was identified in mid-western and southern United States where Heartland virus transmission takes place. This finding is of concern, since H. longicornis ticks vector a closely related virus in East Asia. Delineation of areas suitable for H. longicornis can facilitate detection, prepare public health authorities, and inform the general public about this potentially pestiferous and medically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Rochlin
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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7
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Saleem S, Ijaz M, Farooqi SH, Rashid MI, Khan A, Masud A, Aqib AI, Hussain K, Mehmood K, Zhang H. First molecular evidence of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in Pakistan. Acta Trop 2018; 180:18-25. [PMID: 29306724 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) disease in equines. This pathogen has zoonotic potential, which makes it very important to be detected and controlled as early as possible. This study was aimed to assess the molecular prevalence, associated risk factors of EGA along with its effects on various hematological parameters. This study revealed an overall 10.67% prevalence in equine. Horses showed highest prevalence followed by mules and donkeys presenting 11.86, 10.53 and 9.43% prevalence, respectively. The samples were confirmed for anaplasmosis through sequencing. The BLAST queries confirmed very high homology of our isolates with Chinese and Japanese isolates of A. phagocytophilum (Accession no's; KX505303, KY242456 and LC002836). The phylogenetic analysis found the study isolates clustered with each other and this cluster closely resembled Chinese isolate of A. bovis (FJ169957), A. phagocytophilum (HQ872464) and A. phagocytophilum (NR_044762) human isolate from northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The key risk factors identified for occurrence of EGA in equine species on the basis of univariable analysis were sex of animal, housing type, tick infestation, previous tick history and tick control status, type of acaricides used, rearing system and farm hygiene, respectively. The hematological parameters like Hemoglobin (Hb), Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Total Erythrocytes Count (TEC), and granulocytes were decreased in diseased animals. The mules showed no typical hematological variations which make sense for its nature as carrier of infection to the susceptible species. This is the first molecular evidence of EGA in Pakistan. The disease needs to be handled seriously as it has zoonotic potential. The animals should be properly attended in disease conditions as leukopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia can aggravate the condition by making the animal prone to secondary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehrish Saleem
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ijaz
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Shahid Hussain Farooqi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Khan
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Awais Masud
- District Diagnostic Laboratory, Livestock and Dairy Development Department, 42200 Mianwali, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Islam Aqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Hussain
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- University College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
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Yang Y, Yang Z, Kelly P, Li J, Ren Y, Wang C. Anaplasma phagocytophilum in the highly endangered Père David's deer Elaphurus davidianus. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:25. [PMID: 29310694 PMCID: PMC5759283 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2599-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Eighteen of 43 (41.8%) Père David's deer from Dafeng Elk National Natural Reserve, China, were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum based on real-time FRET-PCR and species-specific PCRs targeting the 16S rRNA or msp4. To our knowledge this is the first report of A. phagocytophilum in this endangered animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhangping Yang
- Yangzhou University College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Jing Li
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yijun Ren
- Dafeng Elk National Natural Reserve, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Zhang CM, Li NX, Zhang TT, Qiu ZX, Li Y, Li LW, Liu JZ. Endosymbiont CLS-HI plays a role in reproduction and development of Haemaphysalis longicornis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 73:429-438. [PMID: 29197022 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0194-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLS-Hl) is a primary endosymbiont of Haemaphysalis longicornis. CLS-Hl infects tick special tissues and its prevalence is 100% in ovaries and Malpighian tubules. Tetracycline was injected into females, which then fed on rabbits also treated with tetracycline. The densities of CLS-Hl were measured by semi-quantitative PCR. CLS-Hl densities in ovaries and Malpighian tubes of H. longicornis had significant effects on engorged weight, feeding time, number of eggs, oviposition period, and hatching period. These findings suggested that CLS-Hl plays a role in the reproduction and development of H. longicornis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Mian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Ning-Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Zhao-Xi Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Li-Wu Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Jing-Ze Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Molecular Detection of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in Ruminants from Twelve Provinces of China. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2016; 2016:9183861. [PMID: 28096822 PMCID: PMC5206432 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9183861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. are tick-transmitted bacteria that are of significant economic importance as they can infect large and small ruminants and also people. There is little information on anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in ruminants in China. 16S rRNA FRET-qPCRs were used to screen convenience whole blood samples from 2,240 domestic ruminants in 12 provinces of China for Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. Positive samples were further analyzed with a standard PCR for the gltA. Anaplasma spp. DNA was detected in the sheep (11.7%; 13/111), goats (81.8%; 219/270), cattle (13.2%; 241/1,830), and water buffaloes (6.9%; 2/29). Ehrlichia spp. DNA was detected in sheep (1.8%; 2/111), goats (1.1%; 3/270), and cattle (3.6%; 65/1830) but not in water buffaloes (0/29). Sequencing of gltA PCR products showed that A. marginale, A. ovis, Ehrlichia canis, and Ehrlichia sp. (JX629807) were present in ruminants from China, while the 16S rRNA FRET-qPCR sequence data indicated that there might also be A. platys, A. phagocytophilum, Anaplasma sp. BL126-13 (KJ410243), and Anaplasma sp. JC3-6 (KM227012). Our study shows that domestic ruminants from China are not uncommonly infected with a variety of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp.
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Wei F, Song M, Liu H, Wang B, Wang S, Wang Z, Ma H, Li Z, Zeng Z, Qian J, Liu Q. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Zoonotic and Veterinary Pathogens in Ticks from Northeastern China. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1913. [PMID: 27965644 PMCID: PMC5126052 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are considered as emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals in China. In this study, Ixodes persulcatus (n = 1699), Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 412), Haemaphysalis longicornis (n = 390), Dermacentor nuttalli (n = 253), and Dermacentor silvarum (n = 204) ticks were collected by flagging from northeastern China, and detected for infection with Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon spp. by using nested polymerase chain reaction assays and sequencing analysis. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in all tick species, i.e., I. persulcatus (9.4%), H. longicornis (1.9%), H. concinna (6.5%), D. nuttalli (1.7%), and D. silvarum (2.3%); Anaplasma bovis was detected in H. longicornis (0.3%) and H. concinna (0.2%); Ehrlichia muris was detected in I. persulcatus (2.5%) and H. concinna (0.2%); Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis was only detected in I. persulcatus (0.4%). The Ehrlichia variant (GenBank access number KU921424), closely related to Ehrlichia ewingii, was found in H. longicornis (0.8%) and H. concinna (0.2%). I. persulcatus was infected with Babesia venatorum (1.2%), Babesia microti (0.6%), and Babesia divergens (0.6%). Additionally, four Babesia sequence variants (GenBank access numbers 862303–862306) were detected in I. persulcatus, H. longicornis, and H. concinna, which belonged to the clusters formed by the parasites of dogs, sheep, and cattle (B. gibsoni, B. motasi, and B. crassa). Two Hepatozoon spp. (GenBank access numbers KX016028 and KX016029) associated with hepatozoonosis in Japanese martens were found in the collected ticks (0.1–3.1%). These findings showed the genetic variability of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon spp. circulating in ticks in northeastern China, highlighting the necessity for further research of these tick-associated pathogens and their role in human and animal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wei
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural UniversityChangchun, China; Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical SciencesChangchun, China
| | - Mingxin Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University Harbin, China
| | - Huanhuan Liu
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University Changchun, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical School of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Inner Mongolia General Forestry Hospital Yakeshi, China
| | - Shuchao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical Sciences Changchun, China
| | - Zedong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical Sciences Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Ma
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University Changchun, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Diseases of Chongqing Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical Sciences Changchun, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Military Veterinary Institute - Academy of Military Medical Sciences Changchun, China
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Kulakova NV, Khasnatinov MA, Sidorova EA, Adel'shin RV, Belikov SI. Molecular identification and phylogeny of Dermacentor nuttalli (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasitol Res 2014; 113:1787-93. [PMID: 24604384 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dermacentor nuttalli is an epidemiologically important tick in Palearctic Asia which transmits several infectious diseases including tularemia, North Asian tick-borne rickettsiosis, Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. The genetic specificity and phylogeny of D. nuttalli from four geographic localities in Eastern Siberia were characterized using the mitochondrial (mt) 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Low genetic diversity was observed in the populations of ticks distributed from South Siberia to North China. From 11 detected mt 16S haplotypes, one was found in all populations, whereas the others were restricted to specific localities. These results suggested that the genetic structure of D. nuttalli represents integrated populations with no geographic isolation across the distribution area. The phylogenetic reconstructions inferred from the mt 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 were in agreement and showed a distinct D. nuttalli clade within a monophyletic Eurasian lineage of Dermacentor sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina V Kulakova
- Limnological Institute SB RAS, Ulan-Batorskaya 3, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia,
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13
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Liu LM, Liu JN, Liu Z, Yu ZJ, Xu SQ, Yang XH, Li T, Li SS, Guo LD, Liu JZ. Microbial communities and symbionts in the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) from north China. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:310. [PMID: 24499619 PMCID: PMC3813991 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Close relationships between ticks and microbial communities are important for tick fitness and pathogen colonization and transmission. Haemaphysalis longicornis, distributed widely in China, can carry and transmit various pathogens and pose serious damages to public health and economics. However, little is known about the broader array of microbial communities and symbionts in H. longicornis under natural conditions. In the present study, we investigated the composition of bacterial communities associated with H. longicornis and evaluated the putative symbionts. Methods The eubacterial 16S rRNA gene clone libraries of H. longicornis were constructed and analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequencing. In addition, diagnostic PCR was performed to assess the prevalence, vertical transmission and infection sites of the symbionts in H. longicornis. Results Vertically-transmitted symbionts, potential pathogens and allochthonous nonpathogenic bacteria were identified from the field-collected H. longicornis. Three types of symbionts (Coxiella-like, Arsenophonus-like and Rickettsia-like symbionts) were identified in a single host simultaneously. A series of analyses revealed the vertical transmission, prevalence, and infection sites of these symbionts. However, only Coxiella-like bacteria were transmitted stably in the laboratory-reared ticks. In addition, we identified a novel Coxiella-like agent with 95.31% sequence similarity to the taxon described previously. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that natural H. longicornis harboured a diverse array of microbial communities. Three types of symbionts were identified in a single host simultaneously. Moreover, high prevalence, vertical transmission and the infection sites supported an obligate symbiotic association between Coxiella symbiont and its host. The role of Coxiella symbiont in the host fitness and the interaction among microbial communities remained to be elucidated. Our investigation of microbial communities in the ticks revealed the complexity of ecological interactions between host and microbe and provided insight for the biological control of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing-Ze Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Nanerhuan Eastern Road, No, 20, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P, R, China.
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Stuen S, Granquist EG, Silaghi C. Anaplasma phagocytophilum--a widespread multi-host pathogen with highly adaptive strategies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2013; 3:31. [PMID: 23885337 PMCID: PMC3717505 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2013.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum has for decades been known to cause the disease tick-borne fever (TBF) in domestic ruminants in Ixodes ricinus-infested areas in northern Europe. In recent years, the bacterium has been found associated with Ixodes-tick species more or less worldwide on the northern hemisphere. A. phagocytophilum has a broad host range and may cause severe disease in several mammalian species, including humans. However, the clinical symptoms vary from subclinical to fatal conditions, and considerable underreporting of clinical incidents is suspected in both human and veterinary medicine. Several variants of A. phagocytophilum have been genetically characterized. Identification and stratification into phylogenetic subfamilies has been based on cell culturing, experimental infections, PCR, and sequencing techniques. However, few genome sequences have been completed so far, thus observations on biological, ecological, and pathological differences between genotypes of the bacterium, have yet to be elucidated by molecular and experimental infection studies. The natural transmission cycles of various A. phagocytophilum variants, the involvement of their respective hosts and vectors involved, in particular the zoonotic potential, have to be unraveled. A. phagocytophilum is able to persist between seasons of tick activity in several mammalian species and movement of hosts and infected ticks on migrating animals or birds may spread the bacterium. In the present review, we focus on the ecology and epidemiology of A. phagocytophilum, especially the role of wildlife in contribution to the spread and sustainability of the infection in domestic livestock and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science Sandnes, Norway.
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