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Gandy S, Medlock J, Cull B, Smith R, Gibney Z, Sewgobind S, Parekh I, Harding S, Johnson N, Hansford K. Detection of Babesia species in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in England and Wales. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102291. [PMID: 38061320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Babesiosis, a disease in humans and animals is caused by piroplasms from the genus Babesia and is transmitted by ixodid ticks. Bovine babesiosis, commonly called redwater fever, is reported in cattle from many regions of the British Isles. The presence of Babesia in questing ticks in the United Kingdom (UK) and its potential impact on public and animal health has not been widely studied. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the presence of Babesia spp. in England and Wales using ticks collected over a six-year period. Questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs were collected at 20 recreational areas between 2014 and 2019 and screened for Babesia. Of 3912 nymphs tested, Babesia spp. were detected in 15, giving an overall prevalence of 0.38% [95%CI: 0.21-0.63%]. A number of Babesia species were identified including B. venatorum (n = 9), B. divergens/capreoli (n = 5) and B. odocoilei-like species (n = 1). Based on the low prevalence of Babesia detected in questing I. ricinus nymphs in the recreational areas studied, the likelihood of exposure to Babesia-infected ticks is lower compared to other pathogens more widely studied in the UK (e.g. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.). However, localized areas of elevated risk may occur in pockets in England and Wales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gandy
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom.
| | - Jolyon Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Smith
- Health Protection Division, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Zoë Gibney
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses Team, UK Health Security Agency, United Kingdom
| | | | - Insiyah Parekh
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Harding
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Kayleigh Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
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Zintl A, McManus A, Galan M, Diquattro M, Giuffredi L, Charbonnel N, Gray J, Holland C, Stuart P. Presence and identity of Babesia microti in Ireland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102221. [PMID: 37406478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Babesia microti is a tick-transmitted protozoan parasite of wildlife that can also cause serious disease in humans. It is now well established that B. microti represents an assemblage of different strains or species, only some of which are important zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, in order to assess the potential public health risk associated with B. microti in any given location, it is important to determine the strains that are present. This is the first study on the presence and identity of B. microti in Ireland. Overall, 314 wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), 243 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and 634 questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs collected in various locations across Ireland were screened for the presence of B. microti by metabarcoding and nested PCR, respectively. Overall 8 rodent spleen samples (1.4%) were positive for B. microti, while all tick samples tested negative. Rodent isolates were identified as the 'Munich' strain which rarely causes human disease and is chiefly transmitted by the mouse tick, Ixodes trianguliceps. Together with reports from the UK these results suggest that B. microti does not represent a significant public health risk in Britain or Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zintl
- UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - A McManus
- MunsterTechnological University, Kerry Campus, Ireland
| | - M Galan
- CBGP, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - M Diquattro
- Biological Engineering Department, University of Toulon, France
| | | | - N Charbonnel
- CBGP, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - J Gray
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Holland
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - P Stuart
- Munster Technological University, Kerry Campus, Ireland
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Molecular Survey of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Roe Deer from a Wildlife Rescue Center in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113335. [PMID: 34828065 PMCID: PMC8614772 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Roe deer, whose populations are increasing and expanding throughout Europe, are suitable hosts for the maintenance of a variety of infectious tick-vectored microorganisms, that can infect both animals and humans. In this study the presence of tick-transmitted pathogens was investigated in roe deer recovered by a wildlife rescue center based in Italy. This kind of samples represents a convenient material for investigations under several aspects for both animals and researchers. Notably, no live trapping or killing are required to obtain samples, as they are collected in the context of the rescue activities and aimed to frame the health status of the animal. The investigated blood samples showed high positive rates to typical roe deer-related microorganisms (such as Babesia capreoli), and to the zoonotic agent Babesia venatorum. Roe deer were also positive to Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains mainly considered apathogenic or limited to wild ungulates. The obtained results underline the importance of a constant investigation on circulating tick-borne pathogens in roe deer, and generally speaking, in wild animal species, due to their potential role as a key factor in the endemic cycle of important infectious agents for domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Abstract Babesia ssp. and Anaplasma spp. are tick-borne microorganisms representing a possible health risk for domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Roe deer serve as a suitable reservoir host for some species ascribed to Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum taxa, also due to its important role in the maintenance of large populations of Ixodes ricinus, the main tick vector of these pathogens in Europe. Roe deer populations have been recently expanding throughout Europe, namely in Italy. However, the collection of samples from free-ranging wild animals for diagnostic investigations often includes several practical issues. This problem can be overcome using samples provided by wildlife rescue centers making them available for investigations following routine analyses. The presence of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in blood samples of 43 roe deer rescued by a wildlife rescue center in Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) was molecularly investigated. PCR screening revealed the presence of at least one pathogen in 86.05% of the animals, while co-infection occurred in 18.92% of the tested individuals. Zoonotic Babesia venatorum was found in 6.98% of the samples, while Babesia capreoli and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in 74.42% and in 20.93%, respectively. No hematological signs compatible with clinical anaplasmosis or piroplasmosis, as well as absence of intracellular circulating microorganisms in blood smears, were observed, suggesting asymptomatic infection in the tested animals. These results confirm the usefulness of wild rescued animals as convenient source of biological samples for tick-borne pathogens investigation and the role of roe deer as a key factor in the endemic cycle of Babesia species and A. phagocytophilum.
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Impact of climate factors on the seasonal activity of ticks and temporal dynamics of tick-borne pathogens in an area with a large tick species diversity in Slovakia, Central Europe. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00902-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Bajer A, Dwużnik-Szarek D. The specificity of Babesia-tick vector interactions: recent advances and pitfalls in molecular and field studies. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:507. [PMID: 34583754 PMCID: PMC8480096 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia spp. are protozoan parasites of great medical and veterinary importance, especially in the northern Hemisphere. Ticks are known vectors of Babesia spp., although some Babesia-tick interactions have not been fully elucidated. Methods The present review was performed to investigate the specificity of Babesia-tick species interactions that have been identified using molecular techniques in studies conducted in the last 20 years under field conditions. We aimed to indicate the main vectors of important Babesia species based on published research papers (n = 129) and molecular data derived from the GenBank database. Results Repeated observations of certain Babesia species in specific species and genera of ticks in numerous independent studies, carried out in different areas and years, have been considered epidemiological evidence of established Babesia-tick interactions. The best studied species of ticks are Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes scapularis (103 reports, i.e. 80% of total reports). Eco-epidemiological studies have confirmed a specific relationship between Babesia microti and Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, and Ixodes scapularis and also between Babesia canis and D. reticulatus. Additionally, four Babesia species (and one genotype), which have different deer species as reservoir hosts, displayed specificity to the I. ricinus complex. Eco-epidemiological studies do not support interactions between a high number of Babesia spp. and I. ricinus or D. reticulatus. Interestingly, pioneering studies on other species and genera of ticks have revealed the existence of likely new Babesia species, which need more scientific attention. Finally, we discuss the detection of Babesia spp. in feeding ticks and critically evaluate the data on the role of the latter as vectors. Conclusions Epidemiological data have confirmed the specificity of certain Babesia-tick vector interactions. The massive amount of data that has been thus far collected for the most common tick species needs to be complemented by more intensive studies on Babesia infections in underrepresented tick species. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05019-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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Goethert HK. What Babesia microti Is Now. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091168. [PMID: 34578201 PMCID: PMC8467215 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites from diverse hosts morphologically identified as Babesia microti have previously been shown to belong to a paraphyletic species complex. With a growing number of reports of B. microti-like parasites from across the world, this paper seeks to report on the current knowledge of the diversity of this species complex. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA sequences obtained from GenBank shows that the diversity of the B. microti species complex has markedly increased and now encompasses at least five distinct clades. This cryptic diversity calls into question much of our current knowledge of the life cycle of these parasites, as many biological studies were conducted before DNA sequencing technology was available. In many cases, it is uncertain which B. microti-like parasite was studied because parasites from different clades may occur sympatrically and even share the same host. Progress can only be made if future studies are conducted with careful attention to parasite identification and PCR primer specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi K Goethert
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Onyiche TE, Răileanu C, Fischer S, Silaghi C. Global Distribution of Babesia Species in Questing Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Published Literature. Pathogens 2021; 10:230. [PMID: 33669591 PMCID: PMC7926846 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis caused by the Babesia species is a parasitic tick-borne disease. It threatens many mammalian species and is transmitted through infected ixodid ticks. To date, the global occurrence and distribution are poorly understood in questing ticks. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the distribution of the pathogen. A deep search for four electronic databases of the published literature investigating the prevalence of Babesia spp. in questing ticks was undertaken and obtained data analyzed. Our results indicate that in 104 eligible studies dating from 1985 to 2020, altogether 137,364 ticks were screened with 3069 positives with an estimated global pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of 2.10%. In total, 19 different Babesia species of both human and veterinary importance were detected in 23 tick species, with Babesia microti and Ixodesricinus being the most widely reported Babesia and tick species, respectively. Regardless of species, adult ticks with 2.60% had the highest infection rates, while larvae had the least with 0.60%. Similarly, female ticks with 4.90% were infected compared to males with 3.80%. Nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 2.80% had the highest prevalence among the molecular techniques employed. In conclusion, results obtained indicate that Babesia species are present in diverse questing tick species at a low prevalence, of which some are competent vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- ThankGod E. Onyiche
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri 600230, Nigeria;
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
- Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Domstrasse 11, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Severe Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens Concomitant Infection in Imported Captive Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus). MACEDONIAN VETERINARY REVIEW 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/macvetrev-2020-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are highly prevalent in domestic and wild ruminants and they may be distributed in wide geographical ranges by animal transportation. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence of European strains of Babesia spp. and/or Anaplasma spp. in oversea imported reindeer specimens. Imported specimens (n=7) were hospitalized with visible tick infestation (Ixodes ricinus) and signs of cachexia, anemia, and hemoglobinuria. Using blood smears, PCR, and BLAST comparisons, it was confirmed that the animals were infected with a French strain of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens which is considered to be absent in the USA. We conclude that oversea importation of reindeers must be followed with a routine check for geographically-specific strains of pathogens from the place of origin. This monitoring process must be dynamic and according to recent reports of tick-borne pathogens.
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Alvarez JA, Rojas C, Figueroa JV. Diagnostic Tools for the Identification of Babesia sp. in Persistently Infected Cattle. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030143. [PMID: 31505741 PMCID: PMC6789608 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease of cattle caused by the protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Babesia divergens are considered by International health authorities (OIE) as the principal species of Babesia that cause bovine babesiosis. Animals that recover from a babesial primo infection may remain as persistent carriers with no clinical signs of disease and can be the source of infection for ticks that are able to acquire Babesia parasites from infected cattle and to transmit Babesia parasites to susceptible cattle. Several procedures that have been developed for parasite detection and diagnosis of this infectious carrier state constitute the basis for this review: A brief description of the direct microscopic detection of Babesia-infected erytrocytes; PCR-based diagnostic assays, which are very sensitive particularly in detecting Babesia in carrier cattle; in-vitro culture methods, used to demonstrate presence of carrier infections of Babesia sp.; animal inoculation, particularly for B. divergens isolation are discussed. Alternatively, persistently infected animals can be tested for specific antibabesial antibodies by using indirect serological assays. Serological procedures are not necessarily consistent in identifying persistently infected animals and have the disadvantage of presenting with cross reactions between antibodies to Babesia sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Antonio Alvarez
- Babesia Unit, CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, 62550 Jiutepec, Mexico.
| | - Carmen Rojas
- Babesia Unit, CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, 62550 Jiutepec, Mexico.
| | - Julio V Figueroa
- Babesia Unit, CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, 62550 Jiutepec, Mexico.
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khosravani M. The fauna and perspective of rodentia ectoparasites in Iran relying on their roles within public health and veterinary characteristics. J Parasit Dis 2018; 42:1-18. [PMID: 29491552 PMCID: PMC5825361 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0959-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, rodents-ectoparasites are responsible for many diseases in human and domestic animal communities because they are well-adapted to the environment and nutritional resources. In addition, ectoparasites can affect the reproductive rates, ecological fitness and the dispersal pattern of their hosts. Data was compiled through all publications relating to ectoparasites fauna from Iranian rodents. Host specificity, rodent-parasites interaction, geographical distribution, ecological trends as well as the medical or veterinary importance of ectoparasites are considered in this review. Also, results compared with other equal global findings. According to the obtained information, the genus Hyalomma considered being the major vector of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Sistan-Balouchistan, Isfahan, Fars and Khuzestan are endemic provinces of this disease in Iran. Ixodes ticks (especially Hyalomma spp.) commonly existed throughout the months but had high activity in spring and late autumn seasons. Muridae as the most diversified rodent family was more reiterated exploited host by all parasites in this knowledge. Tatera indica confirmed as a positive host for Francisella tularensis by serological test but the definitive reservoir is still unclear in Iran. Meriones persicus as a nocturnal jird has been permanently presented in semi-desert areas except Dasht-e Kavir desert. This rodent was the frequent host for Pulicid fleas followed by Mus musculus and Cricetulus migratorius (Cricetidae). Rattus norvegicus was specialized host for Polyplax spinulosa (spiny rat louse). Pulex irritans from Pulicidae was spread in particularly west of Iran which known as an endemic focus of plague. Mites were high diversity than other taxa. The domestic vertebrates (sheep, goat and cattle) were primitive hosts and rodents were discovered as auxiliary hosts for ticks in Iran apparently. The available data suggested that lice had a type of model of host specificity due to their morphological traits. Meanwhile, Alborz and Zagros mountains ranges provided the specialized habitats for animals which have been surrounded by northern and western regions. Perhaps these mountainous areas can prevent gene flow between local mammalian populations. Notably, the genealogy of parasite genome can orient toward the evolutionary process into speciation point. In general, more researches are needed to decipher the whole sights of host-parasite association and the role of ectoparasites within zoonosis diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousa khosravani
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 71645-111, Shiraz, Fars Province Iran
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Radzijevskaja J, Mardosaitė-Busaitienė D, Aleksandravičienė A, Paulauskas A. Investigation of Babesia spp. in sympatric populations of Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus ticks in Lithuania and Latvia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:270-274. [PMID: 28969995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to investigate the presence of the Babesia parasites in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks along its current distribution range in Lithuania and Latvia, and Ixodes ricinus in Lithuania, to characterize the detected Babesia spp. using partial sequencing of 18S rRNR gene, and to determine the prevalence of the Babesia pathogens in ticks from different locations of Lithuania and Latvia. From 2013 to 2015, four D. reticulatus nymphs and 2255 questing adults were collected from 40 locations in Lithuania, and 181 questing adult D. reticulatus specimens from 11 locations in Latvia. In Lithuania, 16 questing I. ricinus nymphs and 354 questing adults were collected from 12 locations with the sympatric existence of D. reticulatus and I. ricinus. In Lithuania, Babesia spp. were detected in 1.2% (26/2259) of D. reticulatus and in 9.5% (35/370) of I. ricinus ticks. The overall prevalence of Babesia in D. reticulatus ticks from Latvia was 2.8% (5/181). Sequence analysis of partial 18S rRNA gene of positive samples indicated the presence of B. canis and B. venatorum in D. reticulatus ticks, whereas B. microti and B. venatorum were detected in I. ricinus ticks. Our study is the first investigation on the prevalence and molecular characterization of zoonotic B. canis, B. venatorum, and B. microti in ixodid ticks in Lithuania, and of B. canis in D. reticulatus ticks in Latvia. It is also the first report of B. venatorum in D. reticulatus ticks.
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Baráková I, Derdáková M, Selyemová D, Chvostáč M, Špitalská E, Rosso F, Collini M, Rosà R, Tagliapietra V, Girardi M, Ramponi C, Hauffe HC, Rizzoli A. Tick-borne pathogens and their reservoir hosts in northern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:164-170. [PMID: 28890111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Ixodes spp. ticks removed from wildlife, domestic animals and humans in the Province of Trento (northern Italy) in order to better understand their ecology and provide public health professionals with an updated list of pathogens which should be considered during their diagnostic procedures after a tick bite. During 2011-2012, 848 feeding ticks at all life stages (adults, nymphs and larvae) from various hosts (wild ungulates, birds and rodents; domestic sheep, dogs and humans) were collected. The highest prevalences of A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. were detected in adult and nymphal tick stages feeding on wild ungulates (11.4% prevalence for both pathogens), while the Babesia spp. prevailed in nymphal and larval ticks feeding on wild birds (7.7%). A wide spectrum of tick-borne agents was present in larval ticks: those detached from wild ungulates were positive for A. phagocytophilum, B. venatorum, R. helvetica, R. monacensis and R. raoultii, while those removed from wild rodents were positive for B. venatorum, R. helvetica, R. monacensis and Ca. N. mikurensis, and ticks from wild birds carried A. phagocytophilum, B. venatorum, B. capreoli and R. helvetica. This study provides evidence of circulation of five tick-borne pathogens not reported in this region before, specifically R. raoultii, R. monacensis, B. venatorum, B. capreoli and B. microti. Furthermore, it discusses the epidemiological role of the animal species from which the ticks were collected highlighting the needs for more experimental studies especially for those pathogens where transovarial transmission in ticks has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Baráková
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all´Adige, Trento, Italy; Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Markéta Derdáková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Diana Selyemová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Chvostáč
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Eva Špitalská
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Fausta Rosso
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all´Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Margherita Collini
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all´Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all´Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all´Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Matteo Girardi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all´Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Claudio Ramponi
- Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari, Ospedale Santa Chiara, Trento, Italy
| | - Heidi C Hauffe
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all´Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all´Adige, Trento, Italy.
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Approaches for Reverse Line Blot-Based Detection of Microbial Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Collected in Austria and Impact of the Chosen Method. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.00489-17. [PMID: 28455331 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00489-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks transmit a large number of pathogens capable of causing human disease. In this study, the PCR-reverse line blot (RLB) method was used to screen for pathogens in a total of 554 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from all provinces of Austria. These pathogens belong to the genera Borrelia, Rickettsiae, Anaplasma/Ehrlichia (including "Candidatus Neoehrlichia"), Babesia, and Coxiella The pathogens with the highest detected prevalence were spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferisensu lato complex, in 142 ticks (25.6%). Borrelia afzelii (80/142) was the most frequently detected species, followed by Borrelia burgdorferisensu stricto (38/142) and Borrelia valaisiana (36/142). Borrelia garinii/Borrelia bavariensis, Borrelia lusitaniae, and Borrelia spielmanii were found in 28 ticks, 5 ticks, and 1 tick, respectively. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 93 ticks (16.8%): R. helvetica (39/93), R. raoultii (38/93), R. monacensis (2/93), and R. slovaca (1/93). Thirteen Rickettsia samples remain uncharacterized. "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis," Babesia spp. (B. venatorum, B. divergens, B. microti), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were found in 4.5%, 2.7%, and 0.7%, respectively. Coxiella burnetii was not detected. Multiple microorganisms were detected in 40 ticks (7.2%), and the cooccurrence of Babesia spp. and "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis" showed a significant positive correlation. We also compared different PCR-RLBs for detection of Borrelia burgdorferisensu lato and Rickettsia spp. and showed that different detection approaches provide highly diverse results, indicating that analysis of environmental samples remains challenging.IMPORTANCE This study determined the wide spectrum of tick-borne bacterial and protozoal pathogens that can be encountered in Austria. Surveillance of (putative) pathogenic microorganisms occurring in the environment is of medical importance, especially when those agents can be transmitted by ticks and cause disease. The observation of significant coinfections of certain microorganisms in field-collected ticks is an initial step to an improved understanding of microbial interactions in ticks. In addition, we show that variations in molecular detection methods, such as in primer pairs and target genes, can considerably influence the final results. For instance, detection of certain genospecies of borreliae may be better or worse by one method or the other, a fact of great importance for future screening studies.
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Cull B, Vaux AGC, Ottowell LJ, Gillingham EL, Medlock JM. Tick infestation of small mammals in an English woodland. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2017; 42:74-83. [PMID: 28504447 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Tick infestations on small mammals were studied from April to November, 2010, in deciduous woodland in southern England in order to determine whether co-infestations with tick stages occurred on small mammals, a key requirement for endemic transmission of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). A total of 217 small mammals was trapped over 1,760 trap nights. Yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) made up the majority (52.5%) of animals, followed by wood mice (A. sylvaticus) 35.5% and bank voles (Myodes glareolus) 12%. A total of 970 ticks was collected from 169 infested animals; 96% of ticks were Ixodes ricinus and 3% I. trianguliceps. Over 98% of ticks were larval stages. Mean infestation intensities of I. ricinus were significantly higher on A. flavicollis (6.53 ± 0.67) than on A. sylvaticus (4.96 ± 0.92) and M. glareolus (3.25 ± 0.53). Infestations with I. ricinus were significantly higher in August than in any other month. Co-infestations with I. ricinus nymphs and larvae were observed on six (3.6%) infested individuals, and fifteen small mammals (8.9%) supported I. ricinus - I. trianguliceps co-infestations. This work contributes further to our understanding of European small mammal hosts that maintain tick populations and their associated pathogens, and indicates that co-infestation of larvae and nymph ticks does occur in lowland UK. The possible implications for transmission of tick-borne encephalitis virus between UK ticks and small mammals are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury
| | - Alexander G C Vaux
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury
| | - Lisa J Ottowell
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury
| | - Emma L Gillingham
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury
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Ixodes persulcatus Ticks as Vectors for the Babesia microti U.S. Lineage in Japan. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:6624-6632. [PMID: 27590815 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02373-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The U.S. lineage, one of the major clades in the Babesia microti group, is known as a causal agent of human babesiosis mostly in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States. This lineage, however, also is distributed throughout the temperate zone of Eurasia with several reported human cases, although convincing evidence of the identity of the specific vector(s) in this area is lacking. Here, the goal was to demonstrate the presence of infectious parasites directly in salivary glands of Ixodes persulcatus, from which U.S. lineage genetic sequences have been detected in Asia, and to molecularly characterize the isolates. Five PCR-positive specimens were individually inoculated into hamsters, resulting in infections in four; consequently, four strains were newly established. Molecular characterization, including 18S rRNA, β-tubulin, and CCT7 gene sequences, as well as Western blot analysis and indirect fluorescent antibody assay, revealed that all four strains were identical to each other and to the U.S. lineage strains isolated from rodents captured in Japan. The 18S rRNA gene sequence from the isolates was identical to those from I. persulcatus in Russia and China, but the genetic and antigenic profiles of the Japanese parasites differ from those in the United States and Europe. Together with previous epidemiological and transmission studies, we conclude that I. persulcatus is likely the principal vector for the B. microti U.S. lineage in Japan and presumably in northeastern Eurasia. IMPORTANCE The major cause of human babesiosis, the tick-borne blood parasite Babesia microti, U.S. lineage, is widely distributed in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. However, the specific tick vector(s) remains unidentified in Eurasia, where there are people with antibodies to the B. microti U.S. lineage and cases of human babesiosis. In this study, the first isolation of B. microti U.S. lineage from Ixodes persulcatus ticks, a principal vector for many tick-borne diseases, is described in Japan. Limited antigenic cross-reaction was found between the Japan and United States isolates. Thus, current serological tests based on U.S. isolates may underestimate B. microti occurrence outside the United States. This study and previous studies indicate that I. persulcatus is part of the B. microti U.S. lineage life cycle in Japan and, presumably, northeastern Eurasia. This report will be important for public health, especially since infection may occur through transfusion, and also to researchers in the field of parasitology.
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Cuber P, Urbanek A, Naczk A, Stepnowski P, Gołębiowski M. Seasonal changes in the fatty acid profile of the tick Ixodes ricinus (Acari, Ixodidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 69:155-65. [PMID: 26976134 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) from nymphs, females and males of Ixodes ricinus were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Ticks were collected from May to October 2013. The most abundant FAs were 18:1, 18:0, 16:0 and 18:2 which are also dominant FAs of insects. Adults contained higher concentrations of FAs in general than nymphs because they contain more fat body and probably a thicker layer of epicuticular lipids. Larger quantities of FAs > 20 carbon atoms in the carboxylic chain were present in females, which generally show higher content of lipids essential for oogenesis, whereas there were similar amounts of 14-18 in both sexes. In September and October, ticks contained large concentrations of the majority of FAs except for 18:1, the most abundant one in ticks collected from May through August. Thus, most FAs, especially those with more than 20 C atoms, tend to increase at lower temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Cuber
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Urbanek
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Naczk
- Department of Molecular Evolution, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Stepnowski
- Laboratory of Analysis of Natural Compounds, Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marek Gołębiowski
- Laboratory of Analysis of Natural Compounds, Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
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Hamšíková Z, Kazimírová M, Haruštiaková D, Mahríková L, Slovák M, Berthová L, Kocianová E, Schnittger L. Babesia spp. in ticks and wildlife in different habitat types of Slovakia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:292. [PMID: 27207099 PMCID: PMC4874003 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1560-z] [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: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesiosis is an emerging and potentially zoonotic disease caused by tick-borne piroplasmids of the Babesia genus. New genetic variants of piroplasmids with unknown associations to vectors and hosts are recognized. Data on the occurrence of Babesia spp. in ticks and wildlife widen the knowledge on the geographical distribution and circulation of piroplasmids in natural foci. Questing and rodent-attached ticks, rodents, and birds were screened for the presence of Babesia-specific DNA using molecular methods. Spatial and temporal differences of Babesia spp. prevalence in ticks and rodents from two contrasting habitats of Slovakia with sympatric occurrence of Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna ticks and co-infections of Candidatus N. mikurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were investigated. RESULTS Babesia spp. were detected in 1.5 % and 6.6 % of questing I. ricinus and H. concinna, respectively. Prevalence of Babesia-infected I. ricinus was higher in a natural than an urban/suburban habitat. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Babesia spp. from I. ricinus clustered with Babesia microti, Babesia venatorum, Babesia canis, Babesia capreoli/Babesia divergens, and Babesia odocoilei. Babesia spp. amplified from H. concinna segregated into two monophyletic clades, designated Babesia sp. 1 (Eurasia) and Babesia sp. 2 (Eurasia), each of which represents a yet undescribed novel species. The prevalence of infection in rodents (with Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus prevailing) with B. microti was 1.3 % in an urban/suburban and 4.2 % in a natural habitat. The majority of infected rodents (81.3 %) were positive for spleen and blood and the remaining for lungs and/or skin. Rodent-attached I. ricinus (accounting for 96.3 %) and H. concinna were infected with B. microti, B. venatorum, B. capreoli/B. divergens, Babesia sp. 1 (Eurasia), and Babesia sp. 2 (Eurasia). All B. microti and B. venatorum isolates were identical to known zoonotic strains from Europe. Less than 1.0 % of Babesia-positive ticks and rodents carried Candidatus N. mikurensis or A. phagocytophilum. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that I. ricinus and rodents play important roles in the epidemiology of zoonotic Babesia spp. in south-western Slovakia. Associations with vertebrate hosts and the pathogenicity of Babesia spp. infecting H. concinna ticks need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Hamšíková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Danka Haruštiaková
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Mahríková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mirko Slovák
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Berthová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Elena Kocianová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiología, CICVyA, INTA-Castelar, 1686 Hurlingham, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET (National Research Council of Argentina), C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Puraite I, Rosef O, Radzijevskaja J, Lipatova I, Paulauskas A. The first detection of species of Babesia Starcovici, 1893 in moose, Alces alces (Linnaeus), in Norway. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2016; 63. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2016.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Molecular detection of emerging tick-borne pathogens in Vojvodina, Serbia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:199-203. [PMID: 26565929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Ticks play an important role in disease transmission globally due to their capability to serve as vectors for human and animal pathogens. The Republic of Serbia is an endemic area for a large number of tick-borne diseases. However, current knowledge on these diseases in Serbia is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of new emerging tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from dogs and the vegetation from different parts of Vojvodina, Serbia. A total of 187 ticks, including 124 Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 45 Ixodes ricinus and 18 Dermacentor reticulatus were collected from dogs. In addition, 26 questing I. ricinus ticks were collected from the vegetation, using the flagging method, from 4 different localities in Vojvodina, Serbia. DNA was extracted from each tick individually and samples were tested by either conventional or real-time PCR assays for the presence of Rickettsia spp.-DNA (gltA and ompA gene fragments), Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp.-DNA (16S rRNA gene fragment) and Hepatozoon spp./Babesia spp.-DNA (18S rRNA gene fragment). In addition, all I. ricinus DNA samples were tested for Bartonella spp.-DNA (ITS locus) by real-time PCR. In this study, the presence of novel emerging tick-borne pathogens including Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia massiliae, Babesia venatorum, Babesia microti, Hepatozoon canis and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis was identified for the first time in Serbia. Our findings also confirmed the presence of Rickettsia monacensis, Babesia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks from Serbia. The findings of the current study highlight the great diversity of tick-borne pathogens of human and animal importance in Serbia. Physicians, public health workers and veterinarians should increase alertness to the presence of these tick-borne pathogens in this country.
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Castro LR, Gabrielli S, Iori A, Cancrini G. Molecular detection of Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Babesia species in Ixodes ricinus sampled in northeastern, central, and insular areas of Italy. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 66:443-452. [PMID: 25784072 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9899-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to provide insight into the diversity of tick-borne pathogens circulating in Italy, carried/transmitted by Ixodes ricinus, one of the most abundant tick species in the country. A total of 447 specimens sampled in five areas of northeastern, central and insular Italy were analysed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing for the presence of rickettsiae, borreliae and babesiae. Several rickettsial species of the spotted fever group of zoonotic concern and other zoonotic pathogens were found, such as Borrelia burgdorferi s.s., Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Babesia venatorum. These findings confirm a wide distribution of tick-borne bacterial and protozoan species in Italy, and highlight the sanitary importance of I. ricinus, often recorded as feeding on humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyda R Castro
- Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología Molecular, Lab 2, Intropic, Universidad del Magdalena, Cra 32 No. 22 - 08, Santa Marta, Colombia,
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Molecular examinations of Babesia microti in rodents and rodent-attached ticks from urban and sylvatic habitats in Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:445-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Babesia spp. in questing ticks from eastern Poland: prevalence and species diversity. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3111-6. [PMID: 25976982 PMCID: PMC4513193 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A total of 853 questing Ixodes ricinus males, females, and nymphs and of 582 questing Dermacentor reticulatus males and females were collected from vegetation on the territory of the Lublin province (eastern Poland). The ticks were examined for the presence of Babesia by PCR detecting part of 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and nuclear small subunit rRNA (SS-rDNA) for determining of Babesia spp. and Babesia microti, respectively. The overall incidence of Babesia strains in I. ricinus ticks was 4.6 %. Three species of Babesia were identified. The prevalent species was B. microti which occurred in 2.8 % of ticks, while Babesia venatorum, Babesia divergens, and unidentified Babesia species were found at the frequency of 1.2, 0.2, and 0.3 %, respectively. Altogether, B. microti constituted 61.5 % of the total strains detected in I. ricinus, B. venatorum—25.7 %, B. divergens—5.1 %, and unidentified Babesia species—7.7 %. The prevalence of Babesia species in I. ricinus did not depend significantly on locality (χ2 = 1.885, P = 0.390) nor on the tick stage (χ2 = 4.874, P = 0.087). The incidence of Babesia strains in D. reticulatus ticks was 2.7 %. Two species of Babesia were identified. Again, the prevalent species was B. microti which occurred in 2.1 % of ticks, while B. canis was found in 0.7 % of ticks. In one D. reticulatus female, B. canis and B. microti co-infection was found. Altogether, B. microti constituted 75 % of the total strains detected in D. reticulatus while B. canis formed 25 % of the total strains. The frequency of the occurrence of Babesia species in D. reticulatus did not depend significantly on locality (χ2 = 0.463, P = 0.793). The difference between the prevalence of Babesia in males and females of D. reticulatus was insignificant (P = 0.0954); nymphs were not found. The dominance of B. microti in the species composition of tick-borne Babesia found in this study was typical for eastern Europe. In conclusion, the results revealed that the population inhabiting the forested area of eastern Poland could be exposed to Babesia parasites, especially to those from the species B. microti, by a bite of I. ricinus, a competent vector of human babesiosis, and probably also by a bite of D. reticulatus whose role in the transmission of human babesiosis needs to be clarified.
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Schreiber C, Krücken J, Beck S, Maaz D, Pachnicke S, Krieger K, Gross M, Kohn B, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Pathogens in ticks collected from dogs in Berlin/Brandenburg, Germany. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:535. [PMID: 25441762 PMCID: PMC4262381 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0535-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases are a major health risk for humans and dogs. In addition to collection and analysis of questing ticks, analysis of host-associated ticks for the presence of pathogens is a valuable method to gain insight into transmission patterns of tick-borne diseases. METHODS Ticks were collected from dogs living in the Berlin/Brandenburg area. The three tick species Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus and Dermacentor reticulatus were examined for the presence of Babesia spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasmataceae. Conventional PCR followed by sequencing was used for pathogen detection and characterization. RESULTS Babesia spp. were found in 2.5% and 3% of I. ricinus and I. hexagonus, respectively. Sequencing revealed the presence of Babesia microti, Babesia capreoli and Babesia venatorum. D. reticulatus were free of Babesia canis. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 61% of I. ricinus, 44% of I. hexagonus and 39% of D. reticulatus. Specifically detected were Rickettsia raoulti in D. reticulatus and I. hexagonus, Rickettsia helvetica in I. ricinus and I. hexagonus and Rickettsia monacensis in I. hexagonus. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis have been reported previously in I. ricinus (6.5% and 4.3%, respectively) and I. hexagonus (3.9% and 5.9%). Borrelia spp. were found in 11.6% of I. ricinus and 11.2% of I. hexagonus. Subsequent genospecies analysis revealed Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Borrelia miyamotoi. Simultanous presence of more than one pathogen was found in 20% of I. ricinus and in 59% of I. hexagonus whereas the total frequency of any pathogen was 65% in I. ricinus, 59% in I. hexagonus and 64% in D. reticulatus. Ticks in which A. phagocytophilum was detected had a significantly increased risk of also containing Rickettsia. Ticks harbouring a pathogen had significantly higher scutal indices than ticks without presence of any pathogen. CONCLUSIONS Frequencies of potential human or canine pathogens in ticks were considerable and DNA of all four groups of pathogens was detected. Differences in scutal indices might suggest that pathogens are frequently taken up by ticks when feeding on dogs in Berlin/Brandenburg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Schreiber
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Beck
- Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Denny Maaz
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Institute of Immunology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | - Marcus Gross
- Institute for Statistics and Economy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Rizzoli A, Silaghi C, Obiegala A, Rudolf I, Hubálek Z, Földvári G, Plantard O, Vayssier-Taussat M, Bonnet S, Spitalská E, Kazimírová M. Ixodes ricinus and Its Transmitted Pathogens in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Europe: New Hazards and Relevance for Public Health. Front Public Health 2014; 2:251. [PMID: 25520947 PMCID: PMC4248671 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases represent major public and animal health issues worldwide. Ixodes ricinus, primarily associated with deciduous and mixed forests, is the principal vector of causative agents of viral, bacterial, and protozoan zoonotic diseases in Europe. Recently, abundant tick populations have been observed in European urban green areas, which are of public health relevance due to the exposure of humans and domesticated animals to potentially infected ticks. In urban habitats, small and medium-sized mammals, birds, companion animals (dogs and cats), and larger mammals (roe deer and wild boar) play a role in maintenance of tick populations and as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens. Presence of ticks infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus and high prevalence of ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., causing Lyme borreliosis, have been reported from urbanized areas in Europe. Emerging pathogens, including bacteria of the order Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis," Rickettsia helvetica, and R. monacensis), Borrelia miyamotoi, and protozoans (Babesia divergens, B. venatorum, and B. microti) have also been detected in urban tick populations. Understanding the ecology of ticks and their associations with hosts in a European urbanized environment is crucial to quantify parameters necessary for risk pre-assessment and identification of public health strategies for control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, San Michele all'Adige , Trento , Italy
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Vetsuisse-Faculty, Swiss National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute for Parasitology, University of Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Olivier Plantard
- INRA, UMR1300 BioEpAR , Nantes , France ; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR BioEpAR , Nantes , France
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Sarah Bonnet
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Eva Spitalská
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
| | - Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
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Molecular evidence for piroplasms in wild Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) in China. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:713-6. [PMID: 24970769 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
DNA from liver samples of 17 free-ranging wild Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) was used for PCR amplification of piropalsm 18S rRNA gene. Of 17 samples, 14 (82.4%) showed a specific PCR product which were cloned and sequenced. BLAST analysis of the sequences obtained showed similarities to Babesia sp., Theileria capreoli, Theileria uilenbergi and Theileria sp. BO302-SE. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Babesia sp. detected in the present study was distantly separated from known Babesia species of wild and domestic animals. Six sequences showed 100% similarity to T. capreoli while five sequences were separated from all known Theileria species and constituted an independent clade with Theileria sp. BO302-SE derived from roe deer in Italy; two sequences were close to T. uilenbergi with 97% similarity. This is the first description of hemoparasite infection in free-ranging wild Reeves' muntjac in China. Our results indicate that wild Reeves' muntjac may play an important reservoir role for hemoparasites.
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Iwakami S, Ichikawa Y, Inokuma H. Molecular survey of Babesia gibsoni using Haemaphysalis longicornis collected from dogs and cats in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2014; 76:1313-6. [PMID: 24920547 PMCID: PMC4197166 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.14-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A nationwide survey of
Babesia gibsoni using Haemaphysalis longicornis
collected from dogs and cats in Japan was conducted using molecular methods. A total of
1,341 H. longicornis, including 305 females, 14 males, 332 nymphs and 690
larvae (153 pools) from 44 prefectures, were examined by B.
gibsoni-targeted PCR. Partial sequence analysis revealed that 12 of 13 positive
samples sequenced, including samples from Tottori, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Ehime
and Oita prefectures (all in western Japan), were identical to B.
gibsoni, and 1 sample from Kyoto Prefecture was most closely related to a
Babesia species recently detected from feral raccoons in Hokkaido.
H. longicornis is a candidate for transmission vector tick of the new
Babesia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Iwakami
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Najm NA, Meyer-Kayser E, Hoffmann L, Herb I, Fensterer V, Pfister K, Silaghi C. A molecular survey of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and their ticks from Thuringia, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:386-91. [PMID: 24717451 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Wild canines which are closely related to dogs constitute a potential reservoir for haemoparasites by both hosting tick species that infest dogs and harbouring tick-transmitted canine haemoparasites. In this study, the prevalence of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. was investigated in German red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and their ticks. DNA extracts of 261 spleen samples and 1953 ticks included 4 tick species: Ixodes ricinus (n=870), I. canisuga (n=585), I. hexagonus (n=485), and Dermacentor reticulatus (n=13) were examined for the presence of Babesia/Theileria spp. by a conventional PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. One hundred twenty-one out of 261 foxes (46.4%) were PCR-positive. Out of them, 44 samples were sequenced, and all sequences had 100% similarity to Theileria annae. Similarly, sequencing was carried out for 65 out of 118 PCR-positive ticks. Theileria annae DNA was detected in 61.5% of the sequenced samples, Babesia microti DNA was found in 9.2%, and Babesia venatorum in 7.6% of the sequenced samples. The foxes were most positive in June and October, whereas the peak of tick positivity was in October. Furthermore, the positivity of the ticks was higher for I. canisuga in comparison to the other tick species and for nymphs in comparison to adults. The high prevalence of T. annae DNA in red foxes in this study suggests a reservoir function of those animals for T. annae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. annae in foxes from Germany as well as the first detection of T. annae and B. microti in the fox tick I. canisuga. Detection of DNA of T. annae and B. microti in three tick species collected from foxes adds new potential vectors for these two pathogens and suggests a potential role of the red fox in their natural endemic cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour-Addeen Najm
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstraße 5, 80802 München, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Meyer-Kayser
- State Office for Consumer Protection (TLV), Tennstedter Straße 8/9, 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany
| | - Lothar Hoffmann
- State Office for Consumer Protection (TLV), Tennstedter Straße 8/9, 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany
| | - Ingrid Herb
- Institut für Statistik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Akademie Straße 1, 80779 München, Germany
| | - Veronika Fensterer
- Institut für Statistik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Akademie Straße 1, 80779 München, Germany
| | - Kurt Pfister
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstraße 5, 80802 München, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstraße 5, 80802 München, Germany
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Bonnet S, Michelet L, Moutailler S, Cheval J, Hébert C, Vayssier-Taussat M, Eloit M. Identification of parasitic communities within European ticks using next-generation sequencing. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2753. [PMID: 24675738 PMCID: PMC3967966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Risk assessment of tick-borne and zoonotic disease emergence necessitates sound knowledge of the particular microorganisms circulating within the communities of these major vectors. Assessment of pathogens carried by wild ticks must be performed without a priori, to allow for the detection of new or unexpected agents. Methodology/Principal Findings We evaluated the potential of Next-Generation Sequencing techniques (NGS) to produce an inventory of parasites carried by questing ticks. Sequences corresponding to parasites from two distinct genera were recovered in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Eastern France: Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Four Babesia species were identified, three of which were zoonotic: B. divergens, Babesia sp. EU1 and B. microti; and one which infects cattle, B. major. This is the first time that these last two species have been identified in France. This approach also identified new sequences corresponding to as-yet unknown organisms similar to tropical Theileria species. Conclusions/Significance Our findings demonstrate the capability of NGS to produce an inventory of live tick-borne parasites, which could potentially be transmitted by the ticks, and uncovers unexpected parasites in Western Europe. Diseases transmitted by ticks have diverse etiology (viral, bacterial, parasitic) and are responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates around the world, both in humans and animals. The emergence or re-emergence of tick-borne diseases is increasingly becoming a problem as the geographical distribution of several tick species is expanding, as well as the numbers of potential or known tick-borne pathogens are constantly evolving. It is thus necessary to know which microorganisms circulate within communities of this major vector to ensure adequate epidemiological surveillance. In this study, we evaluated the potential of Next-Generation Sequencing techniques (NGS) to produce, without a priori, an inventory of both predicted and non-expected parasites carried by Ixodes ricinus, the most prevalent human biting tick in France. Our findings suggest that NGS strategies could be used to produce an inventory of live parasites residing in ticks from a selected area, thereby expanding our knowledge base of tick-associated parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bonnet
- USC INRA Bartonella-tiques, UMR BIPAR ENVA-ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Lorraine Michelet
- USC INRA Bartonella-tiques, UMR BIPAR ENVA-ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- USC INRA Bartonella-tiques, UMR BIPAR ENVA-ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | | | | | - Marc Eloit
- PathoQuest SAS, Paris, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR 1161 Virologie ENVA, INRA, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratory of Pathogen Discovery, Paris, France
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29
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Rizzoli A, Silaghi C, Obiegala A, Rudolf I, Hubálek Z, Földvári G, Plantard O, Vayssier-Taussat M, Bonnet S, Spitalská E, Kazimírová M. Ixodes ricinus and Its Transmitted Pathogens in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Europe: New Hazards and Relevance for Public Health. Front Public Health 2014. [PMID: 25520947 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00251.pmid:25520947;pmcid:pmc4248671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases represent major public and animal health issues worldwide. Ixodes ricinus, primarily associated with deciduous and mixed forests, is the principal vector of causative agents of viral, bacterial, and protozoan zoonotic diseases in Europe. Recently, abundant tick populations have been observed in European urban green areas, which are of public health relevance due to the exposure of humans and domesticated animals to potentially infected ticks. In urban habitats, small and medium-sized mammals, birds, companion animals (dogs and cats), and larger mammals (roe deer and wild boar) play a role in maintenance of tick populations and as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens. Presence of ticks infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus and high prevalence of ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., causing Lyme borreliosis, have been reported from urbanized areas in Europe. Emerging pathogens, including bacteria of the order Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis," Rickettsia helvetica, and R. monacensis), Borrelia miyamotoi, and protozoans (Babesia divergens, B. venatorum, and B. microti) have also been detected in urban tick populations. Understanding the ecology of ticks and their associations with hosts in a European urbanized environment is crucial to quantify parameters necessary for risk pre-assessment and identification of public health strategies for control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, San Michele all'Adige , Trento , Italy
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Vetsuisse-Faculty, Swiss National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute for Parasitology, University of Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Olivier Plantard
- INRA, UMR1300 BioEpAR , Nantes , France ; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR BioEpAR , Nantes , France
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Sarah Bonnet
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Eva Spitalská
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
| | - Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
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30
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Yano Y, Saito-Ito A, Anchalee D, Takada N. JapaneseBabesia microtiCytologically Detected in Salivary Glands of Naturally Infected TickIxodes ovatus. Microbiol Immunol 2013; 49:891-7. [PMID: 16237266 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2005.tb03680.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Babesia microti protozoa were detected by light and electron microscopy in the salivary glands of field-collected Ixodes ovatus ticks; 6 of 85 adult ticks were demonstrated to be positive for B. microti DNA by polymerase chain reaction assays. In the salivary glands of unfed ticks, B. microti existed in the sporoblast stage in the granular acinus cells, and developed into the sporozoite stage during feeding on the host for 2 days. The present results indicated for the first time that I. ovatus can indeed carry B. microti and is not infected mechanically with the parasites by blood-sucking. This frequent infection of I. ovatus with B. microti demonstrates the significance of such a vector-pathogen relationship in Japan, and strongly suggests that I. ovatus is involved in the maintenance of B. microti in the fauna of Japanese rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yano
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan.
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31
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Saito-Ito A, Kasahara M, Kasai M, Dantrakool A, Kawai A, Fujita H, Yano Y, Kawabata H, Takada N. Survey ofBabesia microtiInfection in Field Rodents in Japan: Records of the Kobe-Type in New Foci and Findings of a New Type Related to the Otsu-Type. Microbiol Immunol 2013; 51:15-24. [PMID: 17237595 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2007.tb03886.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Of 247 rodents comprising 5 genera and 7 species collected at 17 sites throughout Japan from 2003 to 2005, Babesia microti was detected microscopically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 36 rodents comprising 2 genera and 3 species from 12 sites. Based on the analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSUrDNA) sequences, the Kobe-type, the etiological type of the first Japanese case of human infection was found in Apodemus speciosus and Apodemus argenteus in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of the Japanese mainland, while the U.S.-type was found on Hokkaido Island and the Otsu-type was widely distributed. In addition, a new Otsu-related type was detected exclusively in Eothenomys andersoni in Nagano, a prefecture in central Japan. The sequences of internal transcribed spacer 1 to 2 (ITS1/2) of the present Kobe- and Otsu-types were almost identical to those of the same types previously identified. The ITS1/2 sequence of the U.S.-type identified in Hokkaido in this survey was somewhat different from that of the U.S.-type strain originating from the U.S.A., with approximately 95% identity. This value was similar to the 94% identity found between the ITS1/2 sequences of the Otsu-type and the new Otsu-related type. The new Otsu-related type of B. microti was isolated as the Nagano strain, which was serologically differentiated from the other type strains of B. microti. The divergence and distribution of genotypes are important factors in investigating the epidemiology of human B. microti infection in Japan.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Babesia microti/classification
- Babesia microti/genetics
- Babesia microti/isolation & purification
- Babesiosis/epidemiology
- Babesiosis/parasitology
- Babesiosis/veterinary
- Cricetinae
- DNA, Intergenic/analysis
- DNA, Intergenic/chemistry
- DNA, Intergenic/genetics
- DNA, Protozoan/analysis
- DNA, Protozoan/chemistry
- DNA, Protozoan/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/analysis
- DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- Japan/epidemiology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Rodent Diseases/epidemiology
- Rodent Diseases/parasitology
- Rodentia
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Saito-Ito
- Section of Parasitology, Division of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
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DGGE Identification of Microorganisms Associated with Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato- or Anaplasma phagocytophilum-Infected Ixodes ricinus Ticks from Northwest Norway. Int J Microbiol 2013; 2013:805456. [PMID: 24282414 PMCID: PMC3826297 DOI: 10.1155/2013/805456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks acquire a wide range of microorganisms as a natural part of their lifecycle. Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can be transmitted to ticks during feeding and free-living phases. DGGE profiling is a molecular method to describe the microbial population associated with ticks and demonstrate some of the complexity and variety of tick-borne microorganisms. The present study profiled a total of 120 I. ricinus ticks, which were divided into three equally sized groups. We found that B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected ticks presented a pattern consisting of bacterial Pseudomonas spp. (67.5%), Bacillus spp. (50%), and Sphingomonas spp. (77.5%), while A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks were associated with Pseudomonas spp. (82.5%) and Sphingomonas spp. (57.5%). All profiles had one or more Pseudomonas species present, and the intramitochondrial endosymbiont Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii was present in more than 25% of the samples. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the microbial communities were not significantly different between the groups and that the groups could not be characterised by a specific microbial population.
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33
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Alekseev AN, Dubinina HV. Multiple Infections of Tick-Borne Pathogens inIxodesSpp. (Acarina, Ixodidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/13921657.2003.10512687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey N. Alekseev
- a Zoological Institute , Russian Academy of Sciences , Universitetskaya nab. 1, 199034 , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Helen V. Dubinina
- a Zoological Institute , Russian Academy of Sciences , Universitetskaya nab. 1, 199034 , St. Petersburg , Russia
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34
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Wójcik-Fatla A, Bartosik K, Buczek A, Dutkiewicz J. Babesia microti in adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks from eastern Poland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:841-3. [PMID: 22651392 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 468 adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (298 females and 170 males) collected by flagging in the forests of Lubelskie province, eastern Poland, were analyzed by PCR and nested-PCR for the presence of Babesia microti DNA. In all, 21 ticks (4.5%) were found to be infected with B. microti. The infection rate in females (5.0%) was slightly greater than in males (3.5%). Detection of B. microti for the first time in adult D. reticulatus ticks suggests that this species should be considered as a potential vector of B. microti in Europe.
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35
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Giadinis ND, Chochlakis D, Kritsepi-Konstantinou M, Makridaki E, Tselentis Y, Kostopoulou D, Karatzias H, Psaroulaki A. Haemolytic disease in sheep attributed to a Babesia lengau-like organism. Vet Rec 2012; 170:155. [PMID: 22238200 DOI: 10.1136/vr.100394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N D Giadinis
- Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University, 546 27 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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36
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Tadin A, Turk N, Korva M, Margaletić J, Beck R, Vucelja M, Habuš J, Svoboda P, Zupanc TA, Henttonen H, Markotić A. Multiple co-infections of rodents with hantaviruses, Leptospira, and Babesia in Croatia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:388-92. [PMID: 22217170 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hantaviruses, Leptospira spp., and Babesia spp. are rodent-borne pathogens present worldwide. We studied multiple co-infections of small rodents in Croatia with all three pathogens. Twenty-eight Apodemus flavicollis and 16 Myodes glareolus were tested for the presence of hantavirus RNA by real-time RT-PCR, Leptospira strains by renoculture method and Babesia DNA by PCR. Anti-hantavirus antibodies and anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected by serological methods. Very high infection rates with each pathogen were found in A. flavicollis: 20 of 28 rodents (71%) were infected with Dobrava virus, 13 rodents (46%) were infected with Leptospira, and 5 rodents (18%) were infected with Babesia. Multiple co-infections with all three pathogens were found in 3 of 28 (11%) A. flavicollis animals, suggesting that the same rodent host can be infected with several pathogens at the same time. Dual infections with both hantaviruses and Leptospira were found in 7 of 44 rodents (16%), with hantaviruses and Babesia in 2 rodents (5%), and double infection with both Leptospira and Babesia were found in 1 rodent (2%). Since hantaviruses, Leptospira, and Babesia have similar geographical distributions, it is to be expected that in other parts of the world multiple co-infections, representing a serious threat to public health, can be found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ante Tadin
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Research Department, Zagreb, Croatia.
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37
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Tveten AK, Sjåstad KK. Identification of Bacteria InfectingIxodes ricinusTicks by 16S rDNA Amplification and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:1329-34. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kristin Tveten
- Institute for Biological Sciences, Aalesund University College, Aalesund, Norway
| | - Knut K. Sjåstad
- Institute for Biological Sciences, Aalesund University College, Aalesund, Norway
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38
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Durmiši E, Knap N, Saksida A, Trilar T, Duh D, Avšič-Županc T. Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus inIxodes ricinusTicks Collected in Slovenia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:659-64. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emina Durmiši
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Knap
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Saksida
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomi Trilar
- Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Duh
- Public Health Institute Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Tatjana Avšič-Županc
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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39
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Abstract
SUMMARYIn the epidemiology of infectious diseases, the basic reproduction number, R0, has a number of important applications, most notably it can be used to predict whether a pathogen is likely to become established, or persist, in a given area. We used the R0model to investigate the persistence of 3 tick-borne pathogens;Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilumandBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato in anApodemus sylvaticus-Ixodes ricinussystem. The persistence of these pathogens was also determined empirically by screening questing ticks and wood mice by PCR. All 3 pathogens behaved differently in response to changes in the proportion of transmission hosts on whichI. ricinusfed, the efficiency of transmission between the host and ticks and the abundance of larval and nymphal ticks found on small mammals. Empirical data supported theoretical predictions of the R0model. The transmission pathway employed and the duration of systemic infection were also identified as important factors responsible for establishment or persistence of tick-borne pathogens in a given tick-host system. The current study demonstrates how the R0model can be put to practical use to investigate factors affecting tick-borne pathogen persistence, which has important implications for animal and human health worldwide.
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40
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Bown KJ, Lambin X, Telford G, Heyder-Bruckner D, Ogden NH, Birtles RJ. The common shrew (Sorex araneus): a neglected host of tick-borne infections? Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:947-53. [PMID: 21453011 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the importance of rodents as reservoirs for a number of tick-borne infections is well established, comparatively little is known about the potential role of shrews, despite them occupying similar habitats. To address this, blood and tick samples were collected from common shrews (Sorex araneus) and field voles (Microtus agrestis), a known reservoir of various tick-borne infections, from sites located within a plantation forest in northern England over a 2-year period. Of 647 blood samples collected from shrews, 121 (18.7%) showed evidence of infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and 196 (30.3%) with Babesia microti. By comparison, of 1505 blood samples from field voles, 96 (6.4%) were positive for A. phagocytophilum and 458 (30.4%) for Ba. microti. Both species were infested with the ticks Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes trianguliceps, although they had different burdens: on average, shrews carried almost six times as many I. trianguliceps larvae, more than twice as many I. ricinus larvae, and over twice as many nymphs (both tick species combined). The finding that the nymphs collected from shrews were almost exclusively I. trianguliceps highlights that this species is the key vector of these infections in this small mammal community. These findings suggest that common shrews are a reservoir of tick-borne infections and that the role of shrews in the ecology and epidemiology of tick-borne infections elsewhere needs to be comprehensively investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Bown
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, United Kingdom.
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41
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Katargina O, Geller J, Vasilenko V, Kuznetsova T, Järvekülg L, Vene S, Lundkvist Å, Golovljova I. Detection and characterization of Babesia species in Ixodes ticks in Estonia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:923-8. [PMID: 21395407 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of Babesia spp. was studied in 2603 Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks collected at seven sites in Estonia. By reverse line blot screening, Babesia spp. was detected in 36 (1.4%) ticks, among them 18 (0.7%) were further recognized by a Babesia microti probe, 3 (0.1%) by a Babesia divergens probe, and the other 15 (0.6%) were recognized only by the universal Babesia spp. "catch all" probe. Sequence analyses of 6 of these 15 samples revealed that all of them belonged to Babesia sp. EU1. B. microti was detected in both tick species I. ricinus and I. persulcatus at the seven sites, whereas B. divergens-like and Babesia sp. EU1 were found only in I. persulcatus and I. ricinus, respectively. Genetic characterization based on partial 18S rRNA showed that the Estonian sequences of B. microti, B. divergens-like, and Babesia sp. EU1 share a high rate of similarity and are closely related to sequences from other European countries, Siberia, and United States. The present study demonstrated for the first time the existence and distribution of Babesia spp. in I. persulcatus and I. ricinus ticks in Estonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Katargina
- Department of Virology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
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42
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Gigandet L, Stauffer E, Douet V, Rais O, Moret J, Gern L. Prevalence of three zoonotic Babesia species in Ixodes ricinus (Linné, 1758) nymphs in a suburban forest in Switzerland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:363-6. [PMID: 21395425 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tick Ixodes ricinus (Linné, 1758) is known as the vector of various Babesia spp. pathogenic for humans. In Switzerland, three of them, Babesia divergens, Babesia venatorum (also known as Babesia EU1), and Babesia microti, have been reported in I. ricinus ticks from various areas. The aim here was to determine how frequently these species infect I. ricinus nymphs in a suburban forest and to determine their prevalence over 3 years along a pathway delimited in four different sections. Babesia spp. was detected and identified in 44/2568 (1.7%) I. ricinus nymphs using Reverse Line Blot. B. venatorum was infecting 1.1% (27/2568) of nymphs, B. divergens 0.2% (4/2568), and B. microti 0.7% (13/1908). Tick infection rates by these three Babesia species between years were not different except for B. microti, which was significantly less frequent in ticks in 2008 than in 2006 and 2007 according to a test using trusted intervals of percentages. B. microti was displaying the greater difference of prevalence among sampling sections, ranging from 1.6% in section 1 to 0% in section 4. The presence of these three Babesia species that are of medical relevance in a suburban forest where I. ricinus tick density is high requires attention from physicians, particularly for patients presenting unspecific symptoms and for patients who are immunocompromised, and who have history of contact with tick biotopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gigandet
- Institute of Biology, Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasites, University of Neuchâtel, Emile Argand 11, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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43
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Zintl A, Finnerty EJ, Murphy TM, de Waal T, Gray JS. Babesias of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Ireland. Vet Res 2011; 42:7. [PMID: 21314977 PMCID: PMC3037898 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-42-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood samples were obtained from 38 wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) at two sites in Ireland and subjected to PCR analysis of the 18S rRNA gene followed by sequencing. Two fragments of the 18S rRNA gene were generated by two different PCR protocols and subsequent sequencing suggested that at least six of the deer were infected by a babesia that, in those loci, is indistinguishable from Babesia divergens, an important tick-borne pathogen of cattle and of zoonotic significance. Additionally, a B. odocoilei-like parasite was detected in three samples and a babesia that did not match any sequences in the GenBank database was found in five samples. Neither B. capreoli nor B. venatorum (EU1) were found. There have been several reports of B. divergens occurring in deer species, including red deer, roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). However, in view of recent re-sequencing of bovine-origin samples deposited previously in GenBank, it is unlikely that any of these sequences from deer are B. divergens. The present study describes the only deer piroplasm detected so far that shows complete identity with B. divergens, in just over half of the 18S rRNA gene. The entire gene of this deer parasite should be analysed and transmission experiments undertaken before the infectivity of B. divergens for red deer can be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annetta Zintl
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Ireland.
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Beck R, Vojta L, Ćurković S, Mrljak V, Margaletić J, Habrun B. Molecular Survey of Babesia microti in Wild Rodents in Central Croatia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:81-3. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2009.0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lea Vojta
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases with Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Snježana Ćurković
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Mrljak
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty for Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Margaletić
- Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Forestry Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Boris Habrun
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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45
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Pancewicz S, Moniuszko A, Bieniarz E, Puciło K, Grygorczuk S, Zajkowska J, Czupryna P, Kondrusik M, Świerzbińska-Pijanowska R. Anti-Babesia microti antibodies in foresters highly exposed to tick bites in Poland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 43:197-201. [DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2010.538930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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46
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Lempereur L, De Cat A, Caron Y, Madder M, Claerebout E, Saegerman C, Losson B. First molecular evidence of potentially zoonotic Babesia microti and Babesia sp. EU1 in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Belgium. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2010; 11:125-30. [PMID: 20575647 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2009.0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the first molecular evidence of the presence of Babesia sp. EU1 and Babesia microti in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Belgium. A 1-year national survey collected 1005 ticks from cats and dogs. A polymerase chain reaction technique amplifying a part of the 18S rRNA gene detected Babesia spp. in 11 out of 841 selected and validated tick extracts. Subsequent sequencing identified Ba. microti (n=3) and Babesia sp. EU1 (n=6). This study has demonstrated a low infection rate (1.31% with 95% CI: 0.65-2.33) of Babesia spp. carriage in I. ricinus ticks in Belgium but, for the first time, reports two potentially zoonotic species belonging to this genus. Coinfection with Ba. microti and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto also was demonstrated. In addition, this study clearly demonstrates that inhibitors of polymerase chain reaction amplification are present in engorged ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Lempereur
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Pathology of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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47
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Malandrin L, Jouglin M, Sun Y, Brisseau N, Chauvin A. Redescription of Babesia capreoli (Enigk and Friedhoff, 1962) from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): isolation, cultivation, host specificity, molecular characterisation and differentiation from Babesia divergens. Int J Parasitol 2009; 40:277-84. [PMID: 19733572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2009] [Revised: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 08/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The recent use of the sole molecular identification of Babesia infecting European cervids has led to confusion between the closely related Babesia divergens and Babesia capreoli, and to their grouping together as "B. divergens-like". In order to clarify this taxonomic confusion, Babesia from roe deer, cattle and human blood were isolated, cultured and their biological as well as molecular characteristics compared. On this basis, we conclude that: (i) the parasites isolated from roe deer blood are B. capreoli; (ii) there are no intraspecific variations in the 18S rDNA within B. capreoli and B. divergens spp.; (iii) these two species are closely related as demonstrated by their morphology, serological cross-reactions and 99.83% identity in their 18S rDNA; (iv) these two species are distinct as demonstrated by their different abilities to grow in vitro in cattle, human and sheep erythrocytes, by their infectivity for gerbils, and by a conserved three bases difference at positions 631, 663 and 1637 of their 18S rDNA; (v) B. capreoli does not pose a threat to either humans or livestock. An integrated description is given of the host range, geographical distribution, biological and molecular characterisation of B. capreoli, and reference materials have been deposited at the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Malandrin
- INRA, UMR1300 Bio-agression, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, F-44307 Nantes, France.
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48
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Knap N, Durmisi E, Saksida A, Korva M, Petrovec M, Avsic-Zupanc T. Influence of climatic factors on dynamics of questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in Slovenia. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:275-81. [PMID: 19560275 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2009] [Revised: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 06/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus is a vector of pathogens that cause many diseases in Europe and Slovenia: tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), anaplasmosis, borreliosis, babesiosis and others. The risk for contracting these diseases depends strongly on the density of the infected questing ticks and many studies have investigated tick population dynamics and the parameters affecting them. They have shown a clear influence of climatic and landscape arrangements in the microhabitat on tick abundance and dynamics and therefore on transmission of pathogens important in human and veterinary medicine. In our study we assessed the influence of climatic factors on questing activity of ticks over a three-year period at 7 locations in Slovenia. Locations were selected in endemic foci of TBE with different intensity, which were identified according to the presence of human disease. Sites differ according to various abiotic and biotic factors, such as climate, amount of rain, height above sea level, vegetation and wildlife. All three stages of ticks were collected monthly over a three-year period (2005-2007). Temperature, humidity and precipitation data were collected for these years. The purpose of our study was to relate observed differences in I. ricinus ticks questing activity to local climate. We found a correlation between the decrease of questing ticks in the summer and the combination of air temperatures and humidity in the form of saturation deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Knap
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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49
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Evidence for a risk of tick-borne infection in the city parks of Vilnius, Lithuania. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.2478/v10055-008-0008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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50
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García-Sanmartín J, Barandika JF, Juste RA, García-Pérez AL, Hurtado A. Distribution and molecular detection of Theileria and Babesia in questing ticks from northern Spain. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2008; 22:318-325. [PMID: 19120958 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2008.00748.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A total of 562 questing adult ixodid ticks, collected during 2003-05 in 10 recreational mountain areas in northern Spain, were analysed for piroplasm infection. Reverse line blot (RLB) analysis using a panel of probes for 23 piroplasm species identified 16 different piroplasms, with an overall prevalence of 9.3%. Most were Theileria spp.-positive (7.7%), 3.0% were positive for Babesia spp. and 1.4% of ticks harboured both genera. Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758), the most abundant tick in the vegetation, ranked third with regard to piroplasm infection prevalence (11.4%) after Rhipicephalus bursa (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1878) (16.0%) and Haemaphysalis punctata (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1878) (13.5%). Infection was detected in 6.2% of Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) and in 1.1% of Haemaphysalis inermis (Birula, 1895), but was absent from Haemaphysalis concinna (Koch, 1844). Ixodes ricinus carried more piroplasm species (13), followed by H. punctata (10), D. reticulatus (8), R. bursa (3) and H. inermis (1). Although most of the positive ticks harboured a single infection (76.9%), mixed infections with two or three different piroplasm species were also detected (23.1%). The various tick-pathogen associations found are discussed and prevalences of infection in ticks are compared with previous results on piroplasms infecting animals in the same region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J García-Sanmartín
- Department of Animal Health and Production, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Bizkaia, Spain
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