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Alabí Córdova AS, Fecchio A, Calchi AC, Dias CM, Mongruel ACB, das Neves LF, Lee DAB, Machado RZ, André MR. Novel Tick-Borne Anaplasmataceae Genotypes in Tropical Birds from the Brazilian Pantanal Wetland. Microorganisms 2024; 12:962. [PMID: 38792791 PMCID: PMC11124045 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous reports of Anaplasmataceae agents in mammals worldwide, few studies have investigated their occurrence in birds. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of Anaplasmataceae agents in birds from the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 93 different species. After DNA extraction, samples positive for the avian β-actin gene were subjected to both a multiplex quantitative real-time (q)PCR for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia targeting the groEL gene and to a conventional PCR for Anaplasmataceae agents targeting the 16S rRNA gene. As a result, 37 (7.4%) birds were positive for Anaplasma spp. and 4 (0.8%) for Ehrlichia spp. in the qPCR assay; additionally, 13 (2.6%) were positive for Anaplasmataceae agents in the PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The Ehrlichia 16S rRNA sequences detected in Arundinicola leucocephala, Ramphocelus carbo, and Elaenia albiceps were positioned closely to Ehrlichia sp. Magellanica. Ehrlichia dsb sequences detected in Agelasticus cyanopus and Basileuterus flaveolus grouped with Ehrlichia minasensis. The 16S rRNA genotypes detected in Crax fasciolata, Pitangus sulphuratus and Furnarius leucopus grouped with Candidatus Allocryptoplasma. The 23S-5S genotypes detected in C. fasciolata, Basileuterus flaveolus, and Saltator coerulescens were related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In conclusion, novel genotypes of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Candidatus Allocryptoplasma were detected in birds from the Pantanal wetland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Salvador Alabí Córdova
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Alan Fecchio
- Department of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA;
| | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Clara Morato Dias
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Lorena Freitas das Neves
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Daniel Antonio Braga Lee
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
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Wilhelmsson P, Lager M, Jaenson TGT, Waldenström J, Olsen B, Lindgren PE. Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ticks Blood-Feeding on Migratory Birds in Sweden. Microorganisms 2024; 12:735. [PMID: 38674679 PMCID: PMC11052380 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds play a dual role as potential reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens, and potential dispersers of pathogen-containing ticks during their migratory journeys. Ixodes ricinus, a prevalent tick species in Northern and Western Europe, serves as a primary vector for Anaplasma phagocytophilum-a bacterium with implications for human and animal health. There is limited information available regarding A. phagocytophilum in birds. Our investigation focused on A. phagocytophilum prevalence in ticks collected from migratory birds in southeastern Sweden. The identification of ticks involved both molecular analyses for species determination and morphological classification to ascertain the developmental stage. The presence of A. phagocytophilum was determined using real-time PCR. Of the 1115 ticks analyzed from 4601 birds, 0.9% (n = 10), including I. ricinus and Ixodes frontalis, tested positive for A. phagocytophilum. Notably, common blackbirds (Turdus merula) yielded the highest number of A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks. The findings suggest that A. phagocytophilum is present in a small proportion of ticks infesting migratory birds in southeastern Sweden. Consequently, the role of birds as hosts for ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum appears to be low, suggesting that birds seem to play a minor indirect role in the geographic dispersal of A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wilhelmsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- National Reference Laboratory for Borrelia and Other Tick-Borne Bacteria, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 85 Jönköping, Sweden;
| | - Malin Lager
- National Reference Laboratory for Borrelia and Other Tick-Borne Bacteria, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 85 Jönköping, Sweden;
| | - Thomas G. T. Jaenson
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jonas Waldenström
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, SE-392 31 Kalmar, Sweden;
| | - Björn Olsen
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- National Reference Laboratory for Borrelia and Other Tick-Borne Bacteria, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 85 Jönköping, Sweden;
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Hromníková D, Furka D, Furka S, Santana JAD, Ravingerová T, Klöcklerová V, Žitňan D. Prevention of tick-borne diseases: challenge to recent medicine. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022; 77:1533-1554. [PMID: 35283489 PMCID: PMC8905283 DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00966-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Ticks represent important vectors and reservoirs of pathogens, causing a number of diseases in humans and animals, and significant damage to livestock every year. Modern research into protection against ticks and tick-borne diseases focuses mainly on the feeding stage, i.e. the period when ticks take their blood meal from their hosts during which pathogens are transmitted. Physiological functions in ticks, such as food intake, saliva production, reproduction, development, and others are under control of neuropeptides and peptide hormones which may be involved in pathogen transmission that cause Lyme borreliosis or tick-borne encephalitis. According to current knowledge, ticks are not reservoirs or vectors for the spread of COVID-19 disease. The search for new vaccination methods to protect against ticks and their transmissible pathogens is a challenge for current science in view of global changes, including the increasing migration of the human population. Highlights • Tick-borne diseases have an increasing incidence due to climate change and increased human migration • To date, there is no evidence of transmission of coronavirus COVID-19 by tick as a vector • To date, there are only a few modern, effective, and actively- used vaccines against ticks or tick-borne diseases • Neuropeptides and their receptors expressed in ticks may be potentially used for vaccine design
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Hromníková
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniel Furka
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84104 Bratislava, SK Slovakia
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Heart Research, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK 84005 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Samuel Furka
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84104 Bratislava, SK Slovakia
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Heart Research, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK 84005 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Julio Ariel Dueñas Santana
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Matanzas, Km 3 Carretera a Varadero, 44740 Matanzas, CU Cuba
| | - Táňa Ravingerová
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Heart Research, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK 84005 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vanda Klöcklerová
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Žitňan
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Seo HJ, Noh J, Kim HC, Chong ST, Klein TA, Park CU, Choi CY, Kwon YS, Kim M, Min S, Park Y, Yoo MS, Cho YS. Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Anaplasma and Borrelia Species in Ticks Collected from Migratory Birds at Heuksan, Hong, and Nan Islands, Republic of Korea. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 21:20-31. [PMID: 33202197 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The extended distribution and potential introduction of exotic ticks and associated tick-borne pathogens along the northern and southern routes of migratory birds pose zoonotic tick-borne disease risks to wild and domestic animals and incidentally to humans. A knowledge of bird migratory patterns, species of attached ticks, and associated pathogens during their migrations to and from their feeding and nesting grounds is central to understanding associated tick-borne disease risks. Tick-borne disease surveillance was conducted from 2010 to 2011 and 2016 at Hong-do (do = island), Heuksan-do, and Nan-do, major stopovers for migratory birds in Republic of Korea (ROK), as part of the Migratory Birds Research Center bird-banding program for studying bird migration patterns in the ROK. A total of 877 ticks belonging to three genera and nine species were collected, Ixodes turdus (576, 65.7%), Haemaphysalis flava (134, 15.3%), H. longicornis (91, 10.4%), I. nipponensis (56, 6.4%), H. formosensis (7, 0.8%), H. ornithophila (6, 0.7%), H. phasiana (5, 0.6%), H. concinna (1, 0.1%), and Amblyomma testudinarium (1, 0.1%) were collected from 274 birds belonging to 20 genera and 41 species. A total of 15/380 pools (3.95%) were positive for Borrelia species (14 pools of I. turdus and 1 pool of H. flava), while only 1/380 pools (0.26%) was positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1 pool of I. nipponensis). Our findings support the role of migratory birds as possible vectors for the introduction of tick-borne pathogens, which requires continuous monitoring for the potential introduction of ticks and their associated tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ji Seo
- Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Department of Animal and Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhyeong Noh
- Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Department of Animal and Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung-Chul Kim
- Unit 15281, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, APO, AP 96271-5281, USA
| | - Sung-Tae Chong
- Unit 15281, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, APO, AP 96271-5281, USA
| | - Terry A Klein
- Unit 15281, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, APO, AP 96271-5281, USA
| | - Chang-Uk Park
- Migratory Bird Research Center, Korea National Park Research Institute, Korea National Park Service, Sinan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Yong Choi
- Migratory Bird Research Center, Korea National Park Research Institute, Korea National Park Service, Sinan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Soo Kwon
- Migratory Bird Research Center, Korea National Park Research Institute, Korea National Park Service, Sinan, Republic of Korea
| | - Miran Kim
- Migratory Bird Research Center, Korea National Park Research Institute, Korea National Park Service, Sinan, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Min
- Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Department of Animal and Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeojin Park
- Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Department of Animal and Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Yoo
- Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Department of Animal and Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sang Cho
- Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Department of Animal and Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
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Pedersen BN, Jenkins A, Kjelland V. Tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from migratory birds in southern Norway. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230579. [PMID: 32271774 PMCID: PMC7145107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds are important hosts for the first life stages of the Ixodes ricinus tick and they can transport their parasites over long distances. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Rickettsia helvetica in ticks collected from migratory birds in Norway. A total of 815 Ixodes ricinus ticks from 216 birds trapped at Lista Bird Observatory in southern Norway during spring and autumn migration in 2008 were analysed by real-time PCR. B. burgdorferi s. l. was the most prevalent pathogen, detected in 6.1% of the ticks. The prevalence of N. mikurensis, A. phagocytophilum and R. helvetica was 1.2%, 0.9% and 0.4% respectively. In addition, one sample (0.1%) was positive for B. miyamotoi. In total, 8.2% of the ticks were infected with at least one pathogen. Co-infection with B. burgdorferi s. l. and N. mikurensis or A. phagocytophilum was found in 6.0% of the infected ticks. Our results show that all the known major tick-borne bacterial pathogens in Norway are subject to transport by migratory birds, potentially allowing spread to new areas. Our study showed a surprisingly high number of samples with PCR inhibition (57%). These samples had been extracted using standard methodology (phenol-chloroform extraction). This illustrates the need for inhibition controls to determine true prevalence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikte N. Pedersen
- Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Gullbringvegen, Norway
- * E-mail: (BNP); (AJ)
| | - Andrew Jenkins
- Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Gullbringvegen, Norway
- * E-mail: (BNP); (AJ)
| | - Vivian Kjelland
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Research Unit, Kristiansand, Norway
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Rogovskyy A, Batool M, Gillis DC, Holman PJ, Nebogatkin IV, Rogovska YV, Rogovskyy MS. Diversity of Borrelia spirochetes and other zoonotic agents in ticks from Kyiv, Ukraine. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:404-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Rjeibi MR, Ayadi O, Rekik M, Gharbi M. Molecular survey and genetic characterization of Anaplasma centrale, A. marginale and A. bovis in cattle from Algeria. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:456-464. [PMID: 29034616 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Bovine anaplasmosis could be caused by several Anaplasma species. The causative agents are transmitted by ticks and haematophagous arthropods with a high impact on both human and animal health. This study was conducted to estimate the infection rate and to characterize Anaplasma spp. in cattle from Algeria. A molecular survey was performed in Setif district (Northeast Algeria) where a total number of 180 cattle blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of Anaplasma spp. by PCR. Positive samples were genetically characterized based on the 16S rRNA and msp4 genes. PCRs revealed that the infection rates of Anaplasma spp., Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma bovis were 42.2%; 39.4%; 11.1% and 4.4%, respectively. All tested animals were negative for A. phagocytophilum. Co-infection occurred in 10% (18/180) of the tested animals, and the most common co-infection pattern was an association between A. centrale and A. marginale (5.5%). Five cattle (2.7%) were co-infected by the three Anaplasma species. Holstein animals (58.1%) were more infected by A. centrale than the other breeds (p = .01). The molecular prevalence of A. centrale was significantly higher in males (54.2%) than in females (34.1%) (p = .001). A. marginale msp4 genetic analysis indicated a high sequence diversity of Algerian strains, suggesting the importation of live cattle from different origins. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of A. bovis and A. centrale revealed a low degree of genetic diversity. Our study suggests that different species of Anaplasma are simultaneously present in the Algerian cattle. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular study and genetic characterization of Anaplasma spp. in Algerian cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Rjeibi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - O Ayadi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaire El Khroub, Université Frères Mentouri, Constantine 1, Algeria
| | - M Rekik
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Amman, Jordan
| | - M Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Víchová B, Reiterová K, Špilovská S, Blaňarová L, Hurníková Z, Turčeková Ĺ. Molecular screening for bacteria and protozoa in great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) nesting in Slovakia, central Europe. Acta Parasitol 2016; 61:585-9. [PMID: 27447224 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study brings the data about the occurrence of bacterial and protozoan pathogens in 32 great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis), representing approximately 20% of the population nesting in the surroundings of water basin Liptovská Mara (northern part of Central Slovakia). A survey revealed the presence of tick-borne bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum (6.25%) and parasitic protozoa Toxoplasma gondii (3.1%). These data indicate an infectious status of the great cormorant population nesting in Slovakia; they might suggest a degree of environmental contamination by infectious agents and demonstrate the role of migratory seabirds in the circulation and dispersal of pathogens with zoonotic potential.
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Lommano E, Dvořák C, Vallotton L, Jenni L, Gern L. Tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from breeding and migratory birds in Switzerland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:871-82. [PMID: 25113989 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
From 2007 to 2010, 4558 migrating and breeding birds of 71 species were caught and examined for ticks in Switzerland. A total of 1205 specimens were collected; all were Ixodes ricinus ticks except one Ixodes frontalis female, which was found on a common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) for the first time in Switzerland. Each tick was analysed individually for the presence of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Altogether, 11.4% of birds (22 species) were infested by ticks and 39.8% of them (15 species) were carrying infected ticks. Bird species belonging to the genus Turdus were the most frequently infested with ticks and they were also carrying the most frequently infected ticks. Each tick-borne pathogen for which we tested was identified within the sample of bird-feeding ticks: Borrelia spp. (19.5%) and Rickettsia helvetica (10.5%) were predominantly detected whereas A. phagocytophilum (2%), Rickettsia monacensis (0.4%) and TBEV (0.2%) were only sporadically detected. Among Borrelia infections, B. garinii and B. valaisiana were largely predominant followed by B. afzelii, B. bavariensis, B. miyamotoi and B. burgdorferi ss. Interestingly, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis was identified in a few ticks (3.3%), mainly from chaffinches. Our study emphasizes the role of birds in the natural cycle of tick-borne pathogens that are of human medical and veterinary relevance in Europe. According to infection detected in larvae feeding on birds we implicate the common blackbird (Turdus merula) and the tree pipit (Anthus trivialis) as reservoir hosts for Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp. and A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lommano
- Institute of Biology, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasites, Emile-Argand 11, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Laurent Vallotton
- Department of Mammalogy and Ornithology, Natural History Museum of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Jaman's Group of Faunal Studies, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Jenni
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Lise Gern
- Institute of Biology, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasites, Emile-Argand 11, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
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Kang JG, Kim HC, Choi CY, Nam HY, Chae HY, Chong ST, Klein TA, Ko S, Chae JS. Molecular detection of Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Borrelia species in ticks collected from migratory birds from Hong-do Island, Republic of Korea. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:215-25. [PMID: 23428091 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bird migration is a recurring annual and seasonal event undertaken by more than 100 species of birds in the southeast Asian and northeast Palearctic regions that pass through or remain for short periods from April to May and September to November at Hong-do Island, Republic of Korea (ROK). A total of 212 ticks (40 Haemaphysalis flava, 12 H. longicornis, 146 Ixodes turdus, 13 I. nipponensis, and 1 I. ornithophila) were collected from 65/2,161 (3.0%) migratory birds consisting of 21 species that were captured from January, 2008, through December, 2009, as part of the Migratory Birds Center, Hong-do bird banding program for studying bird migration patterns. Adult ticks were assayed individually while larvae and nymphs were pooled (1-22 and 1-6 ticks per pool, respectively) into 31 and 65 pools, respectively. Ticks were assayed for zoonotic pathogens by PCR using 16S rRNA, heat shock protein (groEL), and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene primers to amplify genera specific for Anapalsma, Bartonella, and Borrelia PCR amplicons. Using the 16S rRNA-based nested PCR, A. phagocytophilum (n=1) was detected in I. nipponensis collected from Zoothera sibirica and A. bovis (n=1) was detected in I. turdus collected from Emberiza chrysophrys. Borrelia turdi 16S rRNA genes (n=3) were detected in I. turdus and I. nipponensis collected from Turdus pallidus and Zoothera aurea. Borrelia spp. 16S rRNA genes (n=4) were detected in Ixodes ticks collected from Emberiza tristrami, T. pallidus, and Z. aurea. The Bartonella grahamii ITS gene (n=1) was detected by nested PCR assay in I. turdus collected from Z. aurea. These results provide insight into the potential role of migratory birds in the dispersal of ticks and associated tick-borne pathogens throughout their ranges in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Gu Kang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
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Association between Anaplasma phagocytophilum seroprevalence in dogs and distribution of Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Latvia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 4:83-8. [PMID: 23043871 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum has been detected in ticks in Latvia; however, this is the first study to investigate this pathogen in dogs in Latvia. The aims of this study were: (i) to determine A. phagocytophilum seroprevalence in dogs, (ii) to correlate A. phagocytophilum seroprevalence in dogs with the geographic distribution of the tick species Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus, and (iii) to determine if seroprevalence for A. phagocytophilum is higher in dogs with clinical signs suggestive of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis (CGA). Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 3 dog groups: (i) clinically healthy dogs (HD, n=400), (ii) clinically healthy hunting dogs (HHD, n=41), and (iii) dogs with a clinical suspicion of anaplasmosis (SD, n=29). Sampling was carried out in regions inhabited by I. ricinus (IR), I. persulcatus (IP), and in regions where both tick species were present (M). SNAP 4Dx test (IDEXX) was used to detect antibodies against A. phagocytophilum in the blood of all dogs; nested PCR was performed in selected dogs of the SD group. Seroprevalence for A. phagocytophilum was calculated and correlated with the prevalent tick species in the region. A. phagocytophilum seroprevalence was 11.0% in HD, 12% in HHD, and 17% in SD with no significant differences among groups. In the IR region, seroprevalence was 12.5% (34/272) while seroprevalence in the M region was 17% (13/76), and both were significantly higher than the seroprevalence of 2% in the IP region (2/93; p<0.0005). One CGA case was diagnosed. We conclude that A. phagocytophilum seroprevalence in Latvia is within the range reported from other European countries. CGA should be included in the differential list in Latvian dogs with appropriate clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities, especially in I. ricinus habitat areas.
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Paulauskas A, Radzijevskaja J, Rosef O. Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 35:187-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2012.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ixodes scapularis salivary gland protein P11 facilitates migration of Anaplasma phagocytophilum from the tick gut to salivary glands. EMBO Rep 2011; 12:1196-203. [PMID: 21921936 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2011.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodes ticks harbour several human pathogens belonging to the order Rickettsiales, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human anaplasmosis. When ticks feed on A. phagocytophilum-infected mice, the pathogen enters the ticks' gut. The bacteria then migrate from the gut to infect the salivary glands of the ticks and are transmitted to the next host via the saliva. The molecular mechanisms that enable the migration of A. phagocytophilum from the gut to the salivary glands are poorly understood. Here we show that a secreted tick protein, P11, is important in this process. We show that P11 enables A. phagocytophilum to infect tick haemocytes, which are required for the migration of A. phagocytophilum from the gut to the salivary glands. Silencing of p11 impaired the A. phagocytophilum infection of tick haemocytes in vivo and consequently decreased pathogen infection of the salivary glands. In vitro experiments showed that P11 could bind to A. phagocytophilum and thus facilitate its infection of tick cells. This report provides new insights into A. phagocytophilum infection of ticks and reveals new avenues to interrupt the life cycle of Anaplasma and related Rickettsial pathogens.
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Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from migratory birds in Southern Norway. Acta Vet Scand 2010; 52:59. [PMID: 21054890 PMCID: PMC2988791 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-52-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) are the causative agent for Lyme borreliosis (LB), the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. Birds are considered important in the global dispersal of ticks and tick-borne pathogens through their migration. The present study is the first description of B. burgdorferi prevalence and genotypes in Ixodes ricinus ticks feeding on birds during spring and autumn migration in Norway. Methods 6538 migratory birds were captured and examined for ticks at Lista Bird Observatory during the spring and the autumn migration in 2008. 822 immature I. ricinus ticks were collected from 215 infested birds. Ticks were investigated for infection with B. burgdorferi s.l. by real-time PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, and B. burgdorferi s.l. were thereafter genotyped by melting curve analysis after real-time PCR amplification of the hbb gene, or by direct sequencing of the PCR amplicon generated from the rrs (16S)-rrl (23S) intergenetic spacer. Results B. burgdorferi s.l. were detected in 4.4% of the ticks. The most prevalent B. burgdorferi genospecies identified were B. garinii (77.8%), followed by B.valaisiana (11.1%), B. afzelii (8.3%) and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (2.8%). Conclusion Infection rate in ticks and genospecies composition were similar in spring and autumn migration, however, the prevalence of ticks on birds was higher during spring migration. The study supports the notion that birds are important in the dispersal of ticks, and that they may be partly responsible for the heterogeneous distribution of B. burgdorferi s.l. in Europe.
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Rosef O, Radzijevskaja J, Paulauskas A, Haslekås C. The prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks in Norway. Clin Microbiol Infect 2010; 15 Suppl 2:43-5. [PMID: 20584162 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02169.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- O Rosef
- Department of Environmental and Health Studies, Telemark University College, Bø i Telemark, Norway.
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Hildebrandt A, Fritzsch J, Franke J, Sachse S, Dorn W, Straube E. Co-circulation of emerging tick-borne pathogens in Middle Germany. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2010; 11:533-7. [PMID: 20846013 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
From May until October 2007, a total of 658 Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected off birds (189), rodents (273), and vegetation (196) in a certain area of Middle Germany and investigated for infection with Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Rickettsia spp. Overall, 13.1% (86/658) of the ticks were infected with at least one pathogen; co-infections occurred in 0.6% (4/658). Babesia spp. specific DNA was detected in 9.7% (64/658) of the ticks, 1.4% (9/658) were infected with A. phagocytophilum, and 2.6% (17/658) harbored rickettsiae. At least two different Rickettsia species were identified: Rickettsia monacensis and Rickettsia helvetica. Our study provides first interesting insights into the circulation and co-circulation of several emerging pathogens not only in ticks parasitizing birds and small mammals as potential reservoirs but also in questing ticks in a single natural habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hildebrandt
- Medical University Laboratories, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany.
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Coexistence of pathogens in host-seeking and feeding ticks within a single natural habitat in Central Germany. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:6829-36. [PMID: 20729315 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01630-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of established and emerging tick-borne pathogens in Central and Northern Europe is steadily increasing. In 2007, we collected Ixodes ricinus ticks feeding on birds (n = 211) and rodents (n = 273), as well as host-seeking stages (n = 196), in a habitat in central Germany. In order to find out more about their natural transmission cycles, the ticks were tested for the presence of Lyme disease borreliae, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, Francisella tularensis, and babesiae. Altogether, 20.1% of the 680 ticks examined carried at least one pathogen. Bird-feeding ticks were more frequently infected with Borrelia spp. (15.2%) and A. phagocytophilum (3.2%) than rodent-feeding ticks (2.6%; 1.1%) or questing ticks (5.1%; 0%). Babesia spp. showed higher prevalence rates in ticks parasitizing birds (13.2%) and host-seeking ticks (10.7%), whereas ticks from small mammals were less frequently infected (6.6%). SFG rickettsiae and F. tularensis were also found in ticks collected off birds (2.1%; 1.2%), rodents (1.8%; 1.5%), and vegetation (4.1%; 1.6%). Various combinations of coinfections occurred in 10.9% of all positive ticks, indicating interaction of transmission cycles. Our results suggest that birds not only are important reservoirs for several pathogens but also act as vehicles for infected ticks and might therefore play a key role in the dispersal of tick-borne diseases.
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Rosef O, Paulauskas A, Radzijevskaja J. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in relation to the density of wild cervids. Acta Vet Scand 2009; 51:47. [PMID: 19943915 PMCID: PMC2788566 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-51-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 11/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum have been considered as pathogens in animals and humans. The role of wild cervids in the epidemiology is not clear. We analyzed questing Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in spring for these pathogens from sites with high (Fjelløyvær and Strøm) and low density (Tjore, Hinnebu and Jomfruland) of wild cervids to study the spread of the pathogens in questing ticks. Methods For detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum a 77-bp fragment in the msp2 gene was used. Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was performed using the FL6 and FL7 primers according to sequences of conserved regions of the fla gene. The OspA gene located on the linear 49-kb plasmid was used as target in multiplex PCR for genotyping. Genospecies-specific primers were used in the PCR for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii and B. garinii. Results Infection rates with Borrelia spp. were significantly lower at Fjelløyvær and Strøm compared to Tjore and Hinnebu; Fjelløyvær vs. Tjore (χ2 = 20.27, p < 0.0001); Fjelløyvær vs. Hinnebu (χ2 = 24.04, p < 0.0001); Strøm vs. Tjore (χ2 = 11.47, p = 0.0007) and Strøm vs. Hinnebu (χ2 = 16.63, p < 0.0001). The Borrelia genospecies were dominated by. B. afzelii (82%) followed by B. garinii (9.7%) and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (6.9%). B. burgdorferi s.s. was only found on the island of Jomfruland. The infection rate of Anaplasma phagocytophilum showed the following figures; Fjelløyvær vs Hinnebu (χ2 = 16.27, p = 0.0001); Strøm vs. Tjore (χ2 = 13.16, p = 0.0003); Strøm vs. Hinnebu (χ2 = 34.71, p < 0.0001); Fjelløyvær vs. Tjore (χ2 = 3.19, p = 0.0742) and Fjelløyvær vs. Støm (χ2 = 5.06, p = 0.0245). Wild cervids may serve as a reservoir for A. phagocytophilum. Jomfruland, with no wild cervids but high levels of migrating birds and rodents, harboured both B. burgdorferi s.l. and A. phagocytophilum in questing I. ricinus ticks. Birds and rodents may play an important role in maintaining the pathogens on Jomfruland. Conclusion The high abundance of roe deer and red deer on the Norwegian islands of Fjelløyvær and Strøm may reduce the infection rate of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in host seeking Ixodes ricinus, in contrast to mainland sites at Hinnebu and Tjore with moderate abundance of wild cervids. The infection rate of Anaplasma phagocytophilum showed the opposite result with a high prevalence in questing ticks in localities with a high density of wild cervids compared to localities with lower density.
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