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Distribution of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Animals and Their Ticks in the Countries of the Mediterranean Basin between 2000 and 2021: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061236. [PMID: 35744755 PMCID: PMC9228937 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) include a wide range of bacteria, parasites and viruses that cause a large spectrum of animal, human and zoonotic tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The object of this review was to establish an inventory and an analysis of TBPs found in domestic animals in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin. This geographic area occupies a central position between several continents and is an area of movement for animals, humans and pathogens of interest and their vectors, which is important in terms of animal and human health. In this systematic review, we included a total of 271 publications produced between 2000–2021 concerning TBPs in domestic animals. Among this literature, we found a total of 90 pathogen species (known as TBPs) reported in the 20 countries of the area; these were detected in tick species from domestic animals and were also directly detected in domestic animals. In all, 31 tick species were recorded and 12 domestic animal species, the latter comprising nine livestock and three pet species. More than 50% of the publications were from Western Europe. Island data were extracted and assessed, as islands of the Mediterranean Basin were represented in 16% of the publications and 77.8% of the TBPs reported. Our results show the importance of islands in the monitoring of TBPs, despite the low percentage of publications.
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Nasirian H. Ticks infected with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV): A decision approach systematic review and meta-analysis regarding their role as vectors. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 47:102309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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Sormunen JJ, Klemola T, Vesterinen EJ. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing migrating and local breeding birds in Finland. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 86:145-156. [PMID: 34787774 PMCID: PMC8702513 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00679-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are globally renowned vectors for numerous zoonoses, and birds have been identified as important hosts for several species of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne pathogens. Many European bird species overwinter in Africa and Western Asia, consequently migrating back to breeding grounds in Europe in the spring. During these spring migrations, birds may transport exotic tick species (and associated pathogens) to areas outside their typical distribution ranges. In Finland, very few studies have been conducted regarding ticks parasitizing migrating or local birds, and existing data are outdated, likely not reflecting the current situation. Consequently, in 2018, we asked volunteer bird ringers to collect ticks from migrating and local birds, to update current knowledge on ticks found parasitizing birds in Finland. In total 430 ticks were collected from 193 birds belonging to 32 species, caught for ringing between 2018 and 2020. Furthermore, four Ixodes uriae were collected from two roosting islets of sea birds in 2016 and 2020. Ticks collected on birds consisted of: Ixodes ricinus (n = 421), Ixodes arboricola (4), Ixodes lividus (2) and Hyalomma marginatum (3). Ixodes ricinus loads (nymphs and larvae) were highest on thrushes (Passeriformes: Turdidae) and European robins (Erithacus rubecula). The only clearly imported exotic tick species was H. marginatum. This study forms the second report of both I. uriae and I. arboricola from Finland, and possibly the northernmost observation of I. arboricola from Europe. The importation of exotic tick species by migrating birds seems a rare occurrence, as over 97% of all ticks collected from birds arriving in Finland during their spring migrations were I. ricinus, a species native to and abundant in Finland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tero Klemola
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eero J Vesterinen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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High prevalence and different genotypes of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus genome in questing unfed adult Hyalomma marginatum in Thrace, Turkey. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101622. [PMID: 33388553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral disease in the old continents, in many countries south of the 50 °North Parallel. The agent is known to be the most prevalent and major cause of severe and fatal human hemorrhagic diseases among the tick-borne viruses, and is the second most widespread of all medically critical arboviruses following dengue. Members of the Hyalomma genus are mainly involved in the natural transmission of the CCHF virus (CCHFV); of those, H. marginatum is known to be the primary vector of the disease in the Western Palaearctic. In general, epidemiological studies have been based on serological detections in the hosts and/or virus screening of ticks collected from the hosts. To the best of our knowledge, only a few studies have been carried out to screen the virus in unfed, questing field ticks. Nevertheless, detection of the virus in questing ticks is known to be a crucial parameter to determine the possible vector roles of the ticks and to understand the ecological dynamics of related diseases. In this study, 200 (75 males,125 females) questing H. marginatum adults collected from the field in nine villages in Thrace, located in the European part of Turkey, were screened individually for CCHFV using nested PCR. As a result, 103 (51.5 %) ticks were determined as positive with various strains of CCHFV. High positivity in questing vectors in a region where a significantly lower number of human cases have been encountered suggests that there should be some region-specific drivers that are effective in the natural dynamics of the disease. Detailed etiological and epidemiological studies are needed to reveal the possible reason for this unexpected discrepancy.
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Kar S, Rodriguez SE, Akyildiz G, Cajimat MNB, Bircan R, Mears MC, Bente DA, Keles AG. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in tortoises and Hyalomma aegyptium ticks in East Thrace, Turkey: potential of a cryptic transmission cycle. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:201. [PMID: 32307010 PMCID: PMC7168965 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04074-6] [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: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent reports have demonstrated the presence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) genomic material in Hyalomma aegyptium ticks feeding primarily on tortoises belonging to the genus Testudo. This raises the question if these ticks and their hosts play a role in the natural transmission dynamics of CCHFV. However, the studies are limited, and assessing the relevance of H. aegyptium in perpetuating the virus in nature, and a potential spillover to humans remains unknown. This study aimed to detect CCHFV in H. aegyptium ticks and their tortoise hosts in the East Thrace region of Turkey, where H. aegyptium is the most common human-biting tick and where a high density of tortoises of the genus Testudo can be found. Methods During the study period, 21 blood samples from different tortoises (2 T. hermanni and 19 T. graeca), 106 tick pools (containing 448 males, 152 females, 93 nymphs and 60 larvae) collected from 65 tortoises (5 T. hermanni and 60 T. graeca), 38 adult unfed questing ticks (25 males and 13 females, screened individually) and 14 pools (containing 8 nymphs and 266 larvae) of immature unfed questing ticks collected from the ground were screened for CCHFV genome by nested PCR and partial genomes sequenced. Results As a result of the screening of these 179 samples, 17 (9.5%) were detected as positive as follows: 2 of 21 blood samples (9.52%), 13 (containing 18 nymphs in 3 pools, and 52 males and 8 females in 10 pools) of 106 tick pools from tortoises (12.26%), and 2 of 38 adult questing ticks (5.26%). No positive result was determined in 14 pools of immature questing ticks. Conclusions Previous studies have shown that reptiles can participate in the transmission of arthropod-borne viruses, but they may contribute to different aspects of the disease ecology and evolution of tick-borne viral pathogens. Our results indicate the presence of CCHFV in questing and feeding H. aegyptium ticks as well as tortoise hosts. This may indicate that CCHFV circulates in a cryptic transmission cycle in addition to the primary transmission cycle that could play a role in the natural dynamic of the virus and the transmission to humans.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirri Kar
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Biology, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Sergio E Rodriguez
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Gurkan Akyildiz
- Department of Biology, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Maria N B Cajimat
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rifat Bircan
- Department of Biology, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Megan C Mears
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Dennis A Bente
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Aysen G Keles
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Fares W, Dachraoui K, Najjar C, Younsi H, Findlay-Wilson S, Petretto M, Dowall S, Hewson R, Zhioua E. Absence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in the tick Hyalomma aegyptium parasitizing the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) in Tunisia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:35. [PMID: 31198174 PMCID: PMC6568017 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Free-ranging spur-thighed tortoises Testudo graeca, captured in different habitat types of Northern Tunisia from March to April 2017, were examined for tick infestation: 134/147 (91%) were infested. The overall infestation intensity and abundance was 8.5 and 7.8, respectively. From these tortoises, 1174 ticks were collected, of which 10% (n = 120) taken from 18 randomly-selected tortoises were identified at the species level; the remaining ticks were examined for the presence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFv) by real time RT-PCR. Only adult Hyalomma aegyptium were found, suggesting a high degree of host specificity to tortoises. No CCHFv was detected in ticks. Considering the absence of CCHFv in Hyalomma aegyptium infesting its main host, the spur-thighed tortoise, this tick species is unlikely to play a major role in the epidemiology of CCHF. Therefore, more studies are needed to investigate the circulation of this arbovirus between livestock and other tick species from North Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasfi Fares
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratory of Vector Ecology, 13 Place Pasteur, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Khalil Dachraoui
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratory of Vector Ecology, 13 Place Pasteur, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Chawki Najjar
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratory of Vector Ecology, 13 Place Pasteur, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia - Marwell Wildlife Colden Common, Thompsons Lane, Winchester, SO21 1JH Hampshire, UK
| | - Hend Younsi
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences Biologiques Appliquées de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 9 Avenue Zouhaïer Essafi, 1009 Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Marie Petretto
- Marwell Wildlife Colden Common, Thompsons Lane, Winchester, SO21 1JH Hampshire, UK
| | - Stuart Dowall
- Public Health England, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG Wiltshire, UK
| | - Roger Hewson
- Public Health England, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG Wiltshire, UK
| | - Elyes Zhioua
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratory of Vector Ecology, 13 Place Pasteur, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
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Orkun Ö, Karaer Z, Çakmak A, Nalbantoğlu S. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks in Turkey: A broad range tick surveillance study. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 52:59-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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The role of ticks in the maintenance and transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus: A review of published field and laboratory studies. Antiviral Res 2017; 144:93-119. [PMID: 28579441 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This manuscript is part of a series of reviews that aim to cover published research on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and its etiological agent, CCHF virus (CCHFV). The virus is maintained and transmitted in a vertical and horizontal transmission cycle involving a variety of wild and domestic vertebrate species that act as amplification hosts, without showing signs of illness. These vertebrates have traditionally been considered reservoirs of CCHFV, but in fact they develop only a transient viremia, while the virus can persist in ticks for their entire lifespan, and can also be transmitted vertically to the next generation. As a result, ticks are now considered to be both the vector and the reservoir for the virus. CCHFV has been detected in a wide range of tick species, but only a few have been proven to be vectors and reservoirs, mainly because most published studies have been performed under a broad variety of conditions, precluding definitive characterization. This article reviews the published literature, summarizes current knowledge of the role of ticks in CCHFV maintenance and transmission and provides guidance for how to fill the knowledge gaps. Special focus is given to existing data on tick species in which vertical passage has been demonstrated under natural or experimental conditions. At the same time, we identify earlier reports that used unreliable methods and perceptions to ascribe a vector role to some species of ticks, and have contributed to confusion regarding viral transmission. We also examine epidemiological pathways of CCHFV circulation and discuss priority areas for future research.
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Leblebicioglu H, Eroglu C, Erciyas-Yavuz K, Hokelek M, Acici M, Yilmaz H. Role of migratory birds in spreading Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Turkey. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 20:1331-4. [PMID: 25062428 PMCID: PMC4111188 DOI: 10.3201/eid2008.131547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated migratory birds’ role in spreading Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) through attached ticks. We detected CCHFV RNA in ticks on migratory birds in Turkey. Two isolates showed similarity with CCHFV genotype 4, suggesting a role for ticks in CCHFV epidemics in Turkey and spread of CCHFV by birds.
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Keskin A, Erciyas-Yavuz K. A Preliminary Investigation on Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Infesting Birds in Kızılırmak Delta, Turkey. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:217-220. [PMID: 26487249 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are mandatory blood-feeding ectoparasites of mammals, birds, reptiles, and even amphibians. Turkey has a rich bird fauna and is located on the main migration route for many birds. However, information on ticks infesting birds is very limited. In the present study, we aimed to determine ticks infesting birds in Kızılırmak Delta, Turkey. In 2014 autumn bird migration season, a total of 7,452 birds belonging to 79 species, 52 genera, 35 families, and 14 orders were examined for tick infestation. In total, 287 (234 larvae, 47 nymphs, 6♀) ticks were collected from 54 passerine birds (prevalence = 0.72%) belonging to 12 species. Ticks were identified as Amblyomma sp., Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer), Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, Haemaphysalis punctata Canestrini and Fanzago, Hyalomma sp., Ixodes frontalis (Panzer), and Ixodes ricinus (L). The most common tick species were I. frontalis (223 larvae, 23 nymphs, 6♀) followed by I. ricinus (3 larvae, 12 nymphs) and H. concinna (4 larvae, 6 nymphs). Based on our results, it can be said that Erithacus rubecula (L.) is the main host of immature I. frontalis, whereas Turdus merula L. is the most important carrier of immature stages of some ticks in Kızılırmak Delta, Turkey. To the best of our knowledge, most of the tick-host associations found in this study have never been documented in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adem Keskin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science & Art, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tasliciftlik, Tokat, Turkey 60250 ,
| | - Kiraz Erciyas-Yavuz
- Ornithology Research Center, Ondokuz Mayis University, Atakum, Samsun, Turkey 55137
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Papa A, Mirazimi A, Köksal I, Estrada-Pena A, Feldmann H. Recent advances in research on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. J Clin Virol 2014; 64:137-43. [PMID: 25453328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2014.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an expanding tick-borne hemorrhagic disease with increasing human and animal health impact. Immense knowledge was gained over the past 10 years mainly due to advances in molecular biology, but also driven by an increased global interest in CCHFV as an emerging/re-emerging zoonotic pathogen. In the present article, we discuss the advances in research with focus on CCHF ecology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, prophylaxis and treatment. Despite tremendous achievements, future activities have to concentrate on the development of vaccines and antivirals/therapeutics to combat CCHF. Vector studies need to continue for better public and animal health preparedness and response. We conclude with a roadmap for future research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, SE 171 82 Sweden; National Veterinary Institute, SE-756 51 Sweden; Dept for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkopings University, SE-581 83 Sweden
| | - Iftihar Köksal
- Karadeniz Technical University, Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases, Trabzon, Turkey
| | | | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, USA
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Estrada-Peña A, de la Fuente J. The ecology of ticks and epidemiology of tick-borne viral diseases. Antiviral Res 2014; 108:104-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Yesilbag K, Aydin L, Dincer E, Alpay G, Girisgin AO, Tuncer P, Ozkul A. Tick survey and detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in tick species from a non-endemic area, South Marmara region, Turkey. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2013; 60:253-261. [PMID: 23229492 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9642-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an increasing health concern in Turkey since 2002. There were also some recent human cases from the South Marmara region of Turkey; thus, a tick survey was performed, and possible vector tick species for the CCHF virus were determined in the region. A total of 740 adult ticks were collected from infested livestock from five locations: Çanakkale-Biga, Bursa-Orhaneli, Bursa-Keles, Balıkesir and Bilecik. Total of 11 tick species from the genera Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, Ixodes and Haemaphysalis were identified. Rhipicephalus ticks were dominant in the region; the most frequently observed tick species was R. turanicus, (53.1 %), and only 15.4 % of the identified ticks were H. marginatum. The occurrence of H. rufipes infestation in the region fort he first time. A total of 73 pools of adult ticks were tested with both an antigen-detecting ELISA and RT real-time PCR (RT rt PCR). The presence of the CCHF virus was demonstrated in 9 (12.3 %) of the tested tick pools. Although seven of the tick pools were positive for the CCHF virus with both of the methods, one pool was positive only with RT rt PCR and the other pool was only positive with the ELISA. Positive results were obtained from ticks collected from cattle, sheep and goats from two locations, Bursa-Orhaneli and Bilecik. The CCHF virus was detected in R. turanicus (n = 3), R. bursa (n = 2), H. marginatum (n = 2) and D. marginatus (n = 2) ticks. The results of this study confirm the presence of the CCHF virus and present preliminary data on the vector tick species in the southern Marmara region of Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Yesilbag
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey.
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Bursali A, Keskin A, Tekin S. Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) infesting humans in the provinces of Kelkit Valley, a Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever endemic region in Turkey. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2013; 59:507-515. [PMID: 22941278 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are mandatory blood feeding ectoparasites leading transmission of various tick-borne pathogens to human and animals. Since 2002, thousands of human tick bites and numerous Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever cases have been reported in several provinces in the Kelkit Valley region in Turkey. Despite increased cases of tick bites and tick-borne diseases, no taxonomic information is available about the tick species infesting humans in the region. In the present study, a tick survey on humans was performed to determine the species composition of ticks infesting humans in several provinces of Kelkit Valley. In the survey, 1,460 ticks (721 males, 516 females and 223 nymphs) were collected from tick-infested humans. A total of 19 tick species have been found on humans in the region, including 7 Hyalomma, 2 Argas, 2 Haemaphysalis, 2 Ixodes, Dermacentor and 3 Rhipicephalus species. Infestation of Dermacentor reticulatus on humans was documented for the first time in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Bursali
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Art, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tasliciftlik, 60250 Tokat, Turkey.
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Bursali A, Keskin A, Tekin S. A review of the ticks (Acari: Ixodida) of Turkey: species diversity, hosts and geographical distribution. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2012; 57:91-104. [PMID: 22371208 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/04/2012] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important ectoparasites, causing a variety of serious infectious diseases in humans and domestic animals. There is very limited taxonomic information about the tick species of Turkey in the literature, even though Turkey has very suitable climate and vegetation for ticks. In the current study, species diversity, hosts and geographical distribution of the ticks present in Turkey are reviewed based on taxonomic data in the literature from 1915 to 2011 and our recent observations. The names of tick species are arranged according to the most recent check lists. The taxonomic records in the literature and our studies on actual tick samples indicated that the tick fauna of Turkey consists of 46 species; 38 species from Ixodidae and 8 species from Argasidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Bursali
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tasliciftlik, 60250 Tokat, Turkey.
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Albayrak H, Ozan E, Kurt M. Serosurvey and molecular detection of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in northern Turkey. Trop Anim Health Prod 2012; 44:1667-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-012-0122-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Hekimoglu O, Ozer N, Ergunay K, Ozkul A. Species distribution and detection of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in field-collected ticks in Ankara Province, Central Anatolia, Turkey. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2012; 56:75-84. [PMID: 21910017 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-011-9492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ticks may act as vectors for a number of infectious diseases including Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). The causative agent is Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV), a member of Bunyaviridae, causing extensive ecchymosis, visceral bleeding and hepatic dysfunction with a high fatality rate in the affected individuals. CCHF was initially recognized in Turkey in 2002 and the current number of reported cases exceeds 4,400. This study was conducted to confirm the presence of tick species established as potential CCHFV vectors and investigate CCHFV activity in ticks at Ankara province, Turkey's second most-densely populated province, where CCHF cases were demonstrated. A total of 1,196 adult ticks, collected from various animals and vegetation in 12 sites located in 5 counties of Ankara during April-July 2010 were identified to species level. Twenty-two tick pools from county K2 were also evaluated for the presence of CCHFV RNA via a one-step real-time RT-PCR assay and reactive results were further confirmed by an in house nested RT-PCR assay. Nine tick species were identified: Rhipicephalus bursa (44.9%), R. sanguineus (18.9%), R. turanicus (18.1%), Haemaphysalis parva (8.3%), Hyalomma marginatum marginatum (5.4%), H. aegyptium (1.4%), H. anatolicum excavatum (1.3%), Hae. punctata (0.3%) and Dermacentor marginatus (0.2%). A total of five tick pools (22.7%) were reactive in real-time and nested RT-PCR assays. The pools included R. bursa, H. m. marginatum and Hae. parva ticks, collected from mammal hosts from two villages in one county. This is the first documentation of CCHFV activity in ticks from Ankara province, which indicates requirement for detailed surveillance to predict high risk zones in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olcay Hekimoglu
- Ecology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, 06800 Beytepe Ankara, Turkey
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Tekin S, Bursali A, Mutluay N, Keskin A, Dundar E. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in various ixodid tick species from a highly endemic area. Vet Parasitol 2011; 186:546-52. [PMID: 22119389 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are major vectors of numerous diseases affecting animals and humans. Presence of various tick-borne pathogens such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in various tick species was documented. CCHF is a severe tick-borne illness caused by the CCHFV which is a member of the Nairovirus genus (family: Bunyaviridae). Presence of CCHFV was shown in the most prevalent ixodid tick species such as Hyalomma marginatum and Rhiphicephalus bursa in Turkey. In the present study, prevalence and species diversity of ixodid ticks carrying CCHFV in Tokat province where CCHF is highly endemic were determined by using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR). As a result, 15 out 745 ticks from various hosts (2%) were found to be CCHFV positive. The CCHFV positive ticks were Haemaphysalis concinna, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma turanicum, Rhipicephalus bursa, and Rhiphicephalus turanicus indicating that multiple ixodid tick species may contribute to transmission of CCHFV to humans and animals in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saban Tekin
- Department of Biology, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Faculty of Science & Art, 60250 Tokat, Turkey.
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