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Pelletier J, Bouchard C, Aenishaenslin C, Dibernardo A, Dimitri Masson G, Fernandez-Prada C, Gagnon S, Victoria Ibarra Meneses A, Lindsay R, Ogden N, Rocheleau JP, Leighton P. The effect of fluralaner treatment of small mammals on the endemic cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi in a natural environment. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 61:1203-1213. [PMID: 39119633 PMCID: PMC11386212 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Among approaches aimed at reducing Lyme disease risk in the environment, those targeting reservoirs of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson are promising because they have the potential to reduce both the density of questing Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidea) ticks and the prevalence of B. burgdorferi in the tick population. In this 4-yr field study, we treated a population of wild small mammals with 2 densities of fluralaner baits and investigated the effect of the treatment on 3 parameters of the endemic cycle of B. burgdorferi: (i) the prevalence of infected Peromyscus mice (PIM), (ii) the density of questing nymphs (DON), and (iii) the prevalence of infected questing nymphs (NIP). We demonstrated that fluralaner baiting is effective at reducing tick infestation of Peromyscus mice, the main reservoir of B. burgdorferi in central and northeastern North America, in the laboratory and the field. Results from this study showed a significant decrease in B. burgdorferi infection in mice (odds ratio: 0.37 [CI95: 0.17 to 0.83]). A reduction in the DON between 45.4% [CI95: 22.4 to 61.6] and 62.7% [CI95: 45.9 to 74.2] occurred in treated area when compared with control areas. No significant effect was reported on the NIP. These results confirm the hypothesis that fluralaner baits have an effect on B. burgdorferi endemic cycle, with the potential to reduce the density of B. burgdorferi-infected ticks in the environment. Further studies performed in various habitats and public health intervention contexts are needed to refine and operationalize this approach for reducing Lyme disease risk in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Pelletier
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Bouchard
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Public Health Risk Science Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Cecile Aenishaenslin
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Antonia Dibernardo
- One Health division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Dimitri Masson
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherché sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Simon Gagnon
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherché sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Ana Victoria Ibarra Meneses
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherché sur les maladies infectieuses en production animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Robbin Lindsay
- One Health division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nicholas Ogden
- Public Health Risk Science Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Rocheleau
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Département de santé animale, Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Leighton
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Brestrich G, Diesing J, Kossack N, Stark JH, Pilz A, Yu H, Suess J. Excess Healthcare Costs and Resource Utilisation of Lyme Borreliosis in Germany: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study. Zoonoses Public Health 2024. [PMID: 39238143 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
AIM Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease in Germany; however, data on the economic burden of LB are limited. In this study, we aim to report healthcare costs, healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and diagnostic consumption associated with LB by clinical manifestation. METHOD Using specific case definitions, patients with localised disease (erythema migrans [EM]) or disseminated disease (Lyme arthritis [LA], Lyme neuroborreliosis [LNB] and other rarer manifestations [OTH]) were identified from a claims database in 2016 and followed up for 3 years (2016-2019). After propensity score matching, excess costs and HCRU were calculated as the differences between each LB cohort and the matched control cohort. RESULTS On a per-patient basis, the excess all-cause healthcare cost was €130 for EM during Quarter 1 of Year 1, and €1539 for LA, €3248 for LNB and €4137 for OTH during Year 1. Only for OTH, additional €1860 was observed in Year 2. No increase in costs was observed in Year 3. When extrapolated to all German patients with statutory health insurance, LB was associated with €64.5 million in excess costs. Although disseminated manifestations only accounted for 7.8% of all LB cases, they were responsible for 66% of overall costs. In addition, LB patients consumed healthcare resources of 1.4 million excess outpatient visits, 13,000 excess hospitalisations, 96,000 ELISAs and 65,000 Western blots. CONCLUSION This study shows the substantial economic burden of LB to the German healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Diesing
- Scientific Institute for Health Economics and Health System Research (WIG2 GmbH), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nils Kossack
- Scientific Institute for Health Economics and Health System Research (WIG2 GmbH), Leipzig, Germany
| | - James H Stark
- Vaccines, Antivirals, and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Biopharma Group, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Holly Yu
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Pfizer Biopharma Group, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jochen Suess
- Brehm Memorial Center (BREHM WORLD), Renthendorf, Germany
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Ownagh A, Rajabi SA, Enferadi A, Hadian M. Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Borrelia Spp. In blood samples of cats and dogs by the nested-PCR method in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:2915-2922. [PMID: 38819772 PMCID: PMC11405608 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01401-2] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the presence and genetic attributes of Borrelia spp. in cats and dogs from the West Azerbaijan Province, located in the northwest of Iran. A total of 250 blood samples from cats and 300 blood samples from dogs were collected, and information regarding their age, sex, breed, ownership status, sampling time and region was recorded. The identification of positive samples was accomplished through nested-PCR and sequencing, with subsequent analysis of the gene sequences conducted using BioEdit software. The gene sequences for Borrelia spp. in this study showed 100% similarity to reference sequences in the GenBank® database. Phylogenetic trees were built using MEGA11. The outcomes indicated that among 250 blood samples from cats, 48 (19.2%) tested positive for Borrelia spp. gene, with a CI from 14.8 to 24.53% for cats. Similarly, out of 300 blood samples from dogs, 45 (15%) tested positive for the Borrelia spp. gene, with a CI from 11.4 to 19.48% for dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmad Enferadi
- Department of Microbiology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Hadian
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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Blatman Z, Rowan-Legg A, Schaffzin JK, Wilson N, Bechard N. Powassan virus encephalitis in a 9-year-old. CMAJ 2024; 196:E973-E976. [PMID: 39187284 PMCID: PMC11349341 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.240227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Blatman
- Divisions of Pediatric Medicine (Blatman, Rowan-Legg, Bechard), Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Schaffzin) and Medical Imaging (Wilson), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ont.
| | - Anne Rowan-Legg
- Divisions of Pediatric Medicine (Blatman, Rowan-Legg, Bechard), Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Schaffzin) and Medical Imaging (Wilson), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Joshua K Schaffzin
- Divisions of Pediatric Medicine (Blatman, Rowan-Legg, Bechard), Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Schaffzin) and Medical Imaging (Wilson), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Nagwa Wilson
- Divisions of Pediatric Medicine (Blatman, Rowan-Legg, Bechard), Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Schaffzin) and Medical Imaging (Wilson), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Nicole Bechard
- Divisions of Pediatric Medicine (Blatman, Rowan-Legg, Bechard), Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Schaffzin) and Medical Imaging (Wilson), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ont
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Alkishe A, Cobos ME, Peterson AT. Broad-scale ecological niches of pathogens vectored by the ticks Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum in North America. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17944. [PMID: 39193518 PMCID: PMC11348911 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental dimensions, such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and vegetation type, influence the activity, survival, and geographic distribution of tick species. Ticks are vectors of various pathogens that cause disease in humans, and Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum are among the tick species that transmit pathogens to humans across the central and eastern United States. Although their potential geographic distributions have been assessed broadly via ecological niche modeling, no comprehensive study has compared ecological niche signals between ticks and tick-borne pathogens. We took advantage of National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) data for these two tick species and associated bacteria pathogens across North America. We used two novel statistical tests that consider sampling and absence data explicitly to perform these explorations: a univariate analysis based on randomization and resampling, and a permutational multivariate analysis of variance. Based on univariate analyses, in Amblyomma americanum, three pathogens (Borrelia lonestari, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and E. ewingii) were tested; pathogens showed nonrandom distribution in at least one environmental dimension. Based on the PERMANOVA test, the null hypothesis that the environmental position and variation of pathogen-positive samples are equivalent to those of A. americanum could not be rejected for any of the pathogens, except for the pathogen E. ewingii in maximum and minimum vapor pressure and minimum temperature. For Ixodes scapularis, six pathogens (A. phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, B. mayonii, B. miyamotoi, and Ehrlichia muris-like) were tested; only B. miyamotoi was not distinct from null expectations in all environmental dimensions, based on univariate tests. In the PERMANOVA analyses, the pathogens departed from null expectations for B. microti and B. burgdorferi sensu lato, with smaller niches in B. microti, and larger niches in B. burgdorferi sensu lato, than the vector. More generally, this study shows the value of large-scale data resources with consistent sampling methods, and known absences of key pathogens in particular samples, for answering public health questions, such as the relationship of presence and absence of pathogens in their hosts respect to environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelghafar Alkishe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States of America
- Zoology Department/Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
- Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Marlon E. Cobos
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States of America
| | - A. Townsend Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States of America
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Colasante G, Makari K, Hummel TI, Murphy C. Sample-to-answer direct real-time PCR detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia spp., and Babesia spp. infections in whole-blood specimens. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0065524. [PMID: 38980020 PMCID: PMC11302060 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00655-24] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging tick-borne illnesses, such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, or ehrlichiosis, are caused by obligate intracellular pathogens that have clinically comparable presentations. Diagnostics used in laboratories today are serologic assays and blood smear analyses, which have known diagnostic limits. This study evaluated the performance of a sample-to-answer direct real-time PCR laboratory-developed test for the multiplex qualitative detection of Anaplasma, Babesia, and Ehrlichia DNA in whole-blood specimens. Compared to two standard-of-care (SOC) methods, the DiaSorin tick-borne laboratory-developed test for Anaplasma detection demonstrated a positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) of 100% (95% CI, 0.80 to 1.0) and 89% (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.97), respectively with a discordant rate of 9.3% against microscopy. After discordant resolution, the NPA increased to 100%. For Babesia, the test demonstrated a PPA of 100% (95% CI, 0.90 to 1.0) and NPA of 100% (95% CI, 0.90 to 1.0). Compared to a SOC PCR method Anaplasma samples showed a PPA of 100% (95% CI, 0.66 to 1.0) and NPA of 100% (95% CI, 0.90 to 1.0). Ehrlichia results showed a PPA of 100% (95% CI, 0.69 to 1.0) and NPA of 100% (95% CI, 0.90 to 1.0). The total percent agreement was 98% (95% CI, 0.95 to 0.99) with a κ statistic of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.90 to 0.99) or almost perfect agreement compared to SOC methods. This laboratory-developed test for detecting Anaplasma, Babesia, and Ehrlichia DNA provides rapid and reliable detection of tick-borne infections without nucleic acid extraction. IMPORTANCE This work demonstrates that detection of tick-borne illnesses, such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, or ehrlichiosis, can be performed directly from whole blood with no extraction. The assay described here has a high positive and negative percent agreement with existing methods and is used as the standard of care. An increasing incidence of tick-borne illness combined with shortage of well-trained technologists to perform traditional manual testing, testing options that can be adapted to various lab settings, are of the utmost importance.
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Kelly PH, Tan Y, Yan Q, Shafquat M, Davidson A, Xu Q, Major M, Halsby K, Grajales A, Davis J, Angulo FJ, Moïsi JC, Stark JH. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato prevalence in Ixodes scapularis from Canada: A thirty-year summary and meta-analysis (1990-2020). Acta Trop 2024; 256:107268. [PMID: 38782109 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107268] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bb) are a complex of bacteria genospecies that can cause Lyme disease (LD) in humans after the bite of an infected Ixodes spp. vector tick. In Canada, incidence of LD is increasing in part due to the rapid geographic expansion of Ixodes scapularis across the southcentral and eastern provinces. To better understand temporal and spatial (provincial) prevalence of Bb infection of I. scapularis and how tick surveillance is utilized in Canada to assess LD risk, a literature review was conducted. Tick surveillance studies published between January 1975 to November 2023, that measured the prevalence of Bb in I. scapularis via "passive surveillance" from the public citizenry or "active surveillance" by drag or flag sampling of host-seeking ticks in Canada were included for review. Meta-analyses were conducted via random effects modeling. Forty-seven articles, yielding 26 passive and 28 active surveillance studies, met inclusion criteria. Mean durations of collection for I. scapularis were 2.1 years in active surveillance studies (1999-2020) and 5.5 years by passive surveillance studies (1990-2020). Collectively, data were extracted on 99,528 I. scapularis nymphs and adults collected between 1990-2020 across nine provinces, including Newfoundland & Labrador (33 ticks) and Alberta (208 ticks). More studies were conducted in Ontario (36) than any other province. Across nine provinces, the prevalence of Bb infection in I. scapularis collected by passive surveillance was 14.6% with the highest prevalence in Nova Scotia at 20.5% (minimum studies >1). Among host-seeking I. scapularis collected via active surveillance, Bb infection prevalence was 10.5% in nymphs, 31.9% in adults, and 23.8% across both life stages. Host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs and adults from Ontario had the highest Bb prevalence at 13.6% and 34.8%, respectively. Between 2007-2019, Bb infection prevalence in host-seeking I. scapularis was positively associated over time (p<0.001) which is concurrent with a ∼25-fold increase in the number of annually reported LD cases in Canada over the same period. The prevalence of Bb-infection in I. scapularis has rapidly increased over three decades as reported by tick surveillance studies in Canada which coincides with increasing human incidence for LD. The wide-ranging distribution and variable prevalence of Bb-infected I. scapularis ticks across provinces demonstrates the growing need for long-term standardized tick surveillance to monitor the changing trends in I. scapularis populations and best define LD risk areas in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick H Kelly
- Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals Pfizer Inc., New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Ye Tan
- Medical Affairs, Evidence Generation Statistics Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qi Yan
- Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals Pfizer Inc., Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Madiha Shafquat
- Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals Pfizer Inc., New York City, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Davidson
- Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals Pfizer Inc., New York City, NY, USA
| | - Qiaoyi Xu
- Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals Pfizer Inc., New York City, NY, USA
| | - Maria Major
- Vaccines Medical Affairs Pfizer Canada ULC, Kirkland, QC, Canada
| | - Kate Halsby
- Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals Pfizer Inc., Walton Oaks, Surrey, UK
| | - Ana Grajales
- Vaccines Medical Affairs Pfizer Canada ULC, Kirkland, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Davis
- Life Sciences, Clarivate Analytics, 3133 W. Frye Road Suite 401, Chandler, AZ, USA
| | - Frederick J Angulo
- Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals Pfizer Inc., Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer C Moïsi
- Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals Pfizer Inc., Paris, France
| | - James H Stark
- Medical Affairs, Vaccines and Antivirals, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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Yuan C, Xu Q, Ning Y, Xia Q. Potential mechanisms implied in tick infection by arboviruses and their transmission to vertebrate hosts. Integr Zool 2024. [PMID: 39016029 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Ticks can transmit many pathogens, including arboviruses, to their vertebrate hosts. Arboviruses must overcome or evade defense mechanisms during their passage from the tick gut to the hemolymph, salivary glands, and the feeding site in the host skin. This review summarizes current knowledge of defense mechanisms in specific tick tissues and at the feeding site in the host skin. We discuss the possible roles of these defense mechanisms in viral infection and transmission. The responses of tick salivary proteins to arbovirus infection are also discussed. This review provides information that may help accelerate research on virus-tick interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfei Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiong Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yunjia Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianfeng Xia
- NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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9
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Fellin E, Varin M, Millien V. Outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in Québec. Zoonoses Public Health 2024. [PMID: 38967431 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lyme disease is a well-known occupational risk across North America caused by exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi via blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). As the geographic range of B. burgdorferi advances with the increasing distribution of blacklegged ticks, more outdoor workers are at risk of contracting Lyme disease. In this study, we examined the demography and personal perceptions of outdoor workers within one framework to better determine the overall risk for those working outdoors. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and of behaviours that can prevent tick bites and Lyme disease. We then compared these risk perceptions of individuals across age, sex, education, and industry, as well as time spent outdoors. We tested the hypothesis that the risk perception of an individual and their knowledge of Lyme disease transmission was dependent on their demographics, experience in their job, and the region in which they spend time outdoors. We estimated a knowledge-based risk score based on individuals' answers to a questionnaire on risk perception given to voluntary participants who work outdoors. Those who had higher risk scores were more at risk. We found that knowledge-based risk scores were correlated with geographic risk levels and with the number of hours per day spent outdoors. Those who work longer hours and who work in areas with mid-level risk had higher risk scores. Those who spend more time outdoors recreationally had lower risk scores. CONCLUSIONS Further examination and acknowledgment of the reasoning behind why these factors are affecting workers' risks must be considered to recognize that it is not necessarily demographics or geographically high-risk areas that affect an individual's risk. Workers' knowledge of these risks is affected by several variables that should be taken into consideration when implementing safety measures and awareness programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Fellin
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Varin
- Centre d'enseignement et de Recherche en Foresterie (CERFO), Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Virginie Millien
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Perumalsamy N, Sharma R, Subramanian M, Nagarajan SA. Hard Ticks as Vectors: The Emerging Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases in India. Pathogens 2024; 13:556. [PMID: 39057783 PMCID: PMC11279560 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks (Ixodidae) play a critical role in transmitting various tick-borne diseases (TBDs), posing significant global threats to human and animal health. Climatic factors influence the abundance, diversity, and vectorial capacity of tick vectors. It is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of hard ticks, pathogens, eco-epidemiology, and the impact of climatic changes on the transmission dynamics of TBDs. The distribution and life cycle patterns of hard ticks are influenced by diverse ecological factors that, in turn, can be impacted by changes in climate, leading to the expansion of the tick vector's range and geographical distribution. Vector competence, a pivotal aspect of vectorial capacity, involves the tick's ability to acquire, maintain, and transmit pathogens. Hard ticks, by efficiently feeding on diverse hosts and manipulating their immunity through their saliva, emerge as competent vectors for various pathogens, such as viruses, parasites and bacteria. This ability significantly influences the success of pathogen transmission. Further exploration of genetic diversity, population structure, and hybrid tick vectors is crucial, as they play a substantial role in influencing vector competence and complicating the dynamics of TBDs. This comprehensive review deals with important TBDs in India and delves into a profound understanding of hard ticks as vectors, their biology, and the factors influencing their vector competence. Given that TBDs continue to pose a substantial threat to global health, the review emphasizes the urgency of investigating tick control strategies and advancing vaccine development. Special attention is given to the pivotal role of population genetics in comprehending the genetic diversity of tick populations and providing essential insights into their adaptability to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shriram Ananganallur Nagarajan
- Division of Vector Biology and Control, Indian Council of Medical Research—Vector Control Research Centre (ICMR-VCRC), Puducherry 605006, India; (N.P.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
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11
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Martinez-Villegas L, Lado P, Klompen H, Wang S, Cummings C, Pesapane R, Short SM. The microbiota of Amblyomma americanum reflects known westward expansion. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304959. [PMID: 38857239 PMCID: PMC11164389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amblyomma americanum, a known vector of multiple tick-borne pathogens, has expanded its geographic distribution across the United States in the past decades. Tick microbiomes may play a role shaping their host's life history and vectorial capacity. Bacterial communities associated with A. americanum may reflect, or enable, geographic expansion and studying the microbiota will improve understanding of tick-borne disease ecology. We examined the microbiota structure of 189 adult ticks collected in four regions encompassing their historical and current geographic distribution. Both geographic region of origin and sex were significant predictors of alpha diversity. As in other tick models, within-sample diversity was low and uneven given the presence of dominant endosymbionts. Beta diversity analyses revealed that bacterial profiles of ticks of both sexes collected in the West were significantly different from those of the Historic range. Biomarkers were identified for all regions except the historical range. In addition, Bray-Curtis dissimilarities overall increased with distance between sites. Relative quantification of ecological processes showed that, for females and males, respectively, drift and dispersal limitation were the primary drivers of community assembly. Collectively, our findings highlight how microbiota structural variance discriminates the western-expanded populations of A. americanum ticks from the Historical range. Spatial autocorrelation, and particularly the detection of non-selective ecological processes, are indicative of geographic isolation. We also found that prevalence of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum ranged from 3.40-5.11% and did not significantly differ by region. Rickettsia rickettsii was absent from our samples. Our conclusions demonstrate the value of synergistic analysis of biogeographic and microbial ecology data in investigating range expansion in A. americanum and potentially other tick vectors as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Martinez-Villegas
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Paula Lado
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Hans Klompen
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology and Museum of Biological Diversity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Selena Wang
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Caleb Cummings
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Risa Pesapane
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sarah M. Short
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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12
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Bramlett KE, Witt LE, Meyer MM, Zellars K, Dye-Braumuller KC, Nolan MS. Evidence of Incomplete Feeding Behaviors among South Carolina Tick Populations. INSECTS 2024; 15:385. [PMID: 38921100 PMCID: PMC11203686 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic environmental conditions, such as climate change and host availability, have greatly influenced the expansion of medically relevant tick vectors into new regions throughout the southeastern United States of America. As tick populations migrate into new areas, it has been suggested they can exhibit a phenomenon known as incomplete feeding. With this phenomenon, tick vectors feed on more than one host at each life stage, thus increasing the likelihood of pathogen transmission. Although this behavior is not well understood, it presents an important threat to human health. Here we present evidence of incomplete feeding behaviors in multiple tick species in South Carolina. Engorged, blood-fed female ticks were collected from feral dogs at animal shelters across South Carolina in 2022. All ticks were tested for human blood meals using rapid stain identification blood tests. Approximately one third (33.78%) of all ticks tested positive for a human blood meal, with various patterns seen across species, geographic location, and collection month. The results of this pilot study follow the current national trend of increasing rates of tick-borne disease incidence in the southeastern United States of America and warrant further investigation into the relationship between seasonality, geographic distribution, species, and incomplete feeding among tick populations in South Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla E. Bramlett
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.E.W.); (M.M.M.); (K.Z.); (K.C.D.-B.)
| | - Laura E. Witt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.E.W.); (M.M.M.); (K.Z.); (K.C.D.-B.)
| | - Madeleine M. Meyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.E.W.); (M.M.M.); (K.Z.); (K.C.D.-B.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kia Zellars
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.E.W.); (M.M.M.); (K.Z.); (K.C.D.-B.)
| | - Kyndall C. Dye-Braumuller
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.E.W.); (M.M.M.); (K.Z.); (K.C.D.-B.)
| | - Melissa S. Nolan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.E.W.); (M.M.M.); (K.Z.); (K.C.D.-B.)
- Institute for Infectious Disease Translational Research, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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13
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Kim YJ, Seo JY, Park JS, Kim SY, Aknazarov B, Atabekova N, Lee HI. Molecular Analysis of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens from Ticks Infesting Animal Hosts in Kyrgyzstan, 2021. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1046. [PMID: 38930428 PMCID: PMC11205634 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in 494 engorged ticks collected from various animal hosts, including cattle, horses, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats, in six regions of northern Kyrgyzstan. Ten tick species, belonging to two families and six genera, were identified based on CO1, 16S rRNA, and ITS2 genes: Argas persicus (26.5%), Haemaphysalis punctata (18.0%), Dermacentor spp. (16.0%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (11.8%), R. turanicus (10.9%), D. marginatus (7.7%), Hyalomma scupense (4.5%), Hy. marginatum (3.8%), R. sangineus complex (0.6%), and Ornithodoros lahorensis (0.2%). PCR analysis revealed a 15.0% (74/494) overall infection rate of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. Anaplasma species were found in six tick species and were identified as A. bovis (n = 44), Anaplasma spp. (n = 20), A. ovis (n = 5), and A. capra (n = 2). Ehrlichia species were found only in H. punctata (n = 5) and identified as E. chaffeensis (n = 1) and Ehrlichia spp. (n = 4). Additionally, two H. punctata were co-infected with Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. This is the first study to investigate tick-borne bacterial pathogens in ticks collected from animal hosts in Kyrgyzstan. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology and emergence of tick-borne infections in Kyrgyzstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Ji Ye Seo
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Jin Seo Park
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Seong Yoon Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Bekbolsun Aknazarov
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (N.A.)
| | - Nurzina Atabekova
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (N.A.)
| | - Hee Il Lee
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
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14
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Szaroz D, Kulkarni M, Robayo González CX, Zinszer K. Study protocol for a scoping review of Lyme disease prediction methodologies. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e071402. [PMID: 38772589 PMCID: PMC11110606 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the temperate world, Lyme disease (LD) is the most common vector-borne disease affecting humans. In North America, LD surveillance and research have revealed an increasing territorial expansion of hosts, bacteria and vectors that has accompanied an increasing incidence of the disease in humans. To better understand the factors driving disease spread, predictive models can use current and historical data to predict disease occurrence in populations across time and space. Various prediction methods have been used, including approaches to evaluate prediction accuracy and/or performance and a range of predictors in LD risk prediction research. With this scoping review, we aim to document the different modelling approaches including types of forecasting and/or prediction methods, predictors and approaches to evaluating model performance (eg, accuracy). METHODS AND ANALYSIS This scoping review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review guidelines. Electronic databases will be searched via keywords and subject headings (eg, Medical Subject Heading terms). The search will be performed in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CAB Abstracts, Global Health and SCOPUS. Studies reported in English or French investigating the risk of LD in humans through spatial prediction and temporal forecasting methodologies will be identified and screened. Eligibility criteria will be applied to the list of articles to identify which to retain. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text screening of the articles' content. Data will be extracted and charted into a standard form, synthesised and interpreted. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This scoping review is based on published literature and does not require ethics approval. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Szaroz
- École de santé publique, Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Manisha Kulkarni
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claudia Ximena Robayo González
- École de santé publique, Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kate Zinszer
- École de santé publique, Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montréal, Québec, Canada
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15
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Ng’eno E, Alkishe A, Romero-Alvarez D, Sundstrom K, Cobos ME, Belgum H, Chitwood A, Grant A, Keck A, Kloxin J, Letterman B, Lineberry M, McClung K, Nippoldt S, Sharum S, Struble S, Thomas B, Ghosh A, Brennan R, Little S, Peterson AT. Phenology of five tick species in the central Great Plains. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302689. [PMID: 38722854 PMCID: PMC11081307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The states of Kansas and Oklahoma, in the central Great Plains, lie at the western periphery of the geographic distributions of several tick species. As the focus of most research on ticks and tick-borne diseases has been on Lyme disease which commonly occurs in areas to the north and east, the ticks of this region have seen little research attention. Here, we report on the phenology and activity patterns shown by tick species observed at 10 sites across the two states and explore factors associated with abundance of all and life specific individuals of the dominant species. Ticks were collected in 2020-2022 using dragging, flagging and carbon-dioxide trapping techniques, designed to detect questing ticks. The dominant species was A. americanum (24098, 97%) followed by Dermacentor variabilis (370, 2%), D. albipictus (271, 1%), Ixodes scapularis (91, <1%) and A. maculatum (38, <1%). Amblyomma americanum, A. maculatum and D. variabilis were active in Spring and Summer, while D. albipictus and I. scapularis were active in Fall and Winter. Factors associated with numbers of individuals of A. americanum included day of year, habitat, and latitude. Similar associations were observed when abundance was examined by life-stage. Overall, the picture is one of broadly distributed tick species that shows seasonal limitations in the timing of their questing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ng’eno
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Abdelghafar Alkishe
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Daniel Romero-Alvarez
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity Research Group, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Kellee Sundstrom
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Marlon E. Cobos
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Hallee Belgum
- Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Abigail Chitwood
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Amber Grant
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Alex Keck
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Josiah Kloxin
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Brayden Letterman
- Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Megan Lineberry
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Kristin McClung
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Sydney Nippoldt
- Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Sophia Sharum
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Stefan Struble
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Breanne Thomas
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Anuradha Ghosh
- Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Robert Brennan
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Susan Little
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - A. Townsend Peterson
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
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16
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Ghodrati S, Lesiczka PM, Zurek L, Szekely F, Modrý D. Rhipicephalus sanguineus from Hungarian dogs: Tick identification and detection of tick-borne pathogens. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101007. [PMID: 38644036 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101007] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a complex of tick species with an unsettled species concept. In Europe, R. sanguineus is considered mainly a Mediterranean tick with sporadic findings in central and northern Europe. R. sanguineus is known as a vector of a range of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, most of which not yet reported as autochthonous in Hungary. A total of 1839 ticks collected by veterinarians from dogs and cats were obtained in Hungary. The study aims at precise determination of ticks identified as R. sanguineus and detection of pathogens in collected ticks. All ticks were morphologically determined and 169 individuals were identified as R. sanguineus. A subset of 15 ticks was selected for molecular analysis (16S rDNA, 12S rDNA, COI). Phylogenetic analyses invariably placed sequences of all three markers into a single haplotype identified as R. sanguineus sensu stricto. All 169 brown dog ticks were tested for the presence of A. platys, E. canis, R. conorii, B. vogeli and H. canis. None of the investigated ticks was positive for the screened pathogens, though A. phagocytophilum sequence was detected in a single tick.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Ghodrati
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Paulina Maria Lesiczka
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludek Zurek
- CEITEC, University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, Prague, Czech Republic
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17
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Janzén T, Choudhury F, Hammer M, Petersson M, Dinnétz P. Ticks - public health risks in urban green spaces. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1031. [PMID: 38614967 PMCID: PMC11015579 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18540-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban green spaces are important for human health, but they may expose visitors to tick-borne diseases. This not only presents a potential public health challenge but also undermines the expected public health gains from urban green spaces. The aim of this study is to assess the public health risk of tick-borne diseases in an urban green space used for recreation in Stockholm, Sweden. METHODS We used a mixed method approach identifying both the magnitude of the tick hazard and the extent of the human exposure to tick-borne diseases. At six entry points to an urban green space, we sampled ticks and documented microhabitat conditions from five randomly assigned 2 m × 2 m plots. Surrounding habitat data was analyzed using geographical information system (GIS). Nymphs and adult ticks were tested for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum using TaqMan qPCR. Positive B. burgdorferi (s.l.) ticks were further analyzed by nested PCR amplification and sequence analysis. Population census data and visitor count data were used to estimate the degree of human exposure to tick-borne diseases. To further understand the degree to which visitors get in contact with infected ticks we also conducted interviews with visitors to green spaces. RESULTS High tick densities were commonly found in humid broadleaved forest with low field vegetation. High pathogen prevalence was significantly correlated with increasing proportions of artificial areas. Integrating the tick hazard with human exposure we found that the public health risk of tick-borne diseases was moderate to high at most of the studied entry points. Many of the visitors frequently used urban green spaces. Walking was the most common activity, but visitors also engaged in activities with higher risk for tick encounters. Individual protective measures were connected to specific recreational activities such as picking berries or mushrooms. CONCLUSIONS The number of visitors can be combined with tick inventory data and molecular analyses of pathogen prevalence to make crude estimations of the public health risk of tick-borne diseases in urban green spaces. The risk of encountering infected ticks is omnipresent during recreational activities in urban green spaces, highlighting the need for public health campaigns to reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thérese Janzén
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden.
| | - Firoza Choudhury
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
| | - Monica Hammer
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
| | - Mona Petersson
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
| | - Patrik Dinnétz
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
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18
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Kataria A, Arcidiacono AM, Murshad M, Sen S, Homoud AA. Unraveling the Complexity: Ehrlichiosis-Induced Septic Shock and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Cureus 2024; 16:e57682. [PMID: 38707057 PMCID: PMC11070192 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Human monocytic ehrlichiosis typically presents with nonspecific cold-like symptoms and a history of recent tick exposure, often responding well to early treatment. Here, we present the case of a 67-year-old immunocompetent male who initially presented with fevers, chills, dysuria, and hematuria, leading to admission to the intensive care unit with septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which was later attributed to Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection. Prompt treatment with doxycycline resulted in a full clinical recovery. This case highlights the rare occurrence of severe ehrlichiosis and provides insights into its effective management based on updated literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Kataria
- Internal Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, USA
| | | | - Minhaz Murshad
- Internal Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, USA
| | - Shuvendu Sen
- Internal Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, USA
| | - Ahmad A Homoud
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, USA
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19
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Wei H, Xiong T, Wang SS, Wang BH, Du LF, Xu Q, Zheng JJ, Cui XM, Jia N, Jiang JF, Shi W, Zhao L, Cao WC. Investigating the pathogens associated with Dermacentor nuttalli and its global distribution: A study integrating metagenomic sequencing, meta-analysis and niche modeling. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100907. [PMID: 38283887 PMCID: PMC10810740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Dermacentor nuttalli, a member of family Ixodidae and genus Dermacentor, is predominantly found in North Asia. It transmits various pathogens of human and animal diseases, such as Lymphocytic choriomeningitis mammarenavirus and Brucella ovis, leading to severe symptoms in patients and posing serious hazards to livestock husbandry. To profile pathogen abundances of wild D. nuttalli, metagenomic sequencing was performed of four field-collected tick samples, revealing that Rickettsia, Streptomyces, and Pseudomonas were the most abundant bacterial genera in D. nuttalli. Specifically, four nearly complete Rickettsia genomes were assembled, closely relative to Rickettsia conorii subsp. raoultii. Then, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to evaluate its potential threats based on detected pathogens and geographical distribution positions reported in literature, reference books, related websites, and field surveys. At least 48 pathogens were identified, including 20 species of bacteria, seven species of eukaryota, and 21 species of virus. Notably, Rickettsia conorii subsp. raoultii, Coxiella burnetii, and Brucella ovis displayed remarkably high positivity rates, which were known to cause infectious diseases in both humans and livestock. Currently, the primary distribution of D. nuttalli spans China, Mongolia, and Russia. However, an additional 14 countries in Asia and America that may also be affected by D. nuttalli were identified in our niche model, despite no previous reports of its presence in these areas. This study provides comprehensive data and analysis on the pathogens carried by D. nuttalli, along with documented and potential distribution, suggesting an emerging threat to public health and animal husbandry. Therefore, there is a need for heightened surveillance and thorough investigation of D. nuttalli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wei
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Tao Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shan-Shan Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Bai-Hui Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Li-Feng Du
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jia-Jing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wenqiang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
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20
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Seo J, Kim G, Lim JA, Song S, Yoo DS, Cho HS, Oh Y. Tick Diversity and Pathogen Transmission in Daejeon, Korea: Implications from Companion Animals and Walking Trails. Vet Sci 2024; 11:90. [PMID: 38393108 PMCID: PMC10892892 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
With the ongoing global warming-induced climate change, there has been a surge in vector-borne diseases, particularly tick-borne diseases (TBDs). As the population of companion animals grows, there is growing concern from a One Health perspective about the potential for these animals to spread TBDs. In this study, ticks were collected from companion animals and the surrounding environment in Daejeon Metropolitan City, Korea, using flagging and dragging, and CO2 trap methods. These ticks were then subjected to conventional (nested) PCR for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Borrelia spp. We identified a total of 29,176 ticks, consisting of three genera and four species: H. longicornis, H. flava, I. nipponensis, and A. testudinarium. Notably, H. longicornis was the predominant species. The presence of A. testudinarium suggested that the species traditionally found in southern regions are migrating northward, likely as a result of climate change. Our PCR results confirmed the presence of all four pathogens in both companion animals and the surrounding environment, underscoring the potential for the indirect transmission of tick-borne pathogens to humans through companion animals. These findings emphasize the importance of the ongoing surveillance of companion animals in the management and control of TBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Seo
- Division of Animal Health, Daejeon Institute of Health and Environment, Daejeon 34142, Republic of Korea; (J.S.); (J.-a.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Gyurae Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jeong-ah Lim
- Division of Animal Health, Daejeon Institute of Health and Environment, Daejeon 34142, Republic of Korea; (J.S.); (J.-a.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Seungho Song
- Division of Animal Health, Daejeon Institute of Health and Environment, Daejeon 34142, Republic of Korea; (J.S.); (J.-a.L.); (S.S.)
| | - Dae-Sung Yoo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ho-Seong Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yeonsu Oh
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea;
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21
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Ruiz H, de Arcaute MR, Benito AÁ, Villanueva-Saz S, Jiménez JC, Lacasta D. Long-lasting infection with Anaplasma ovis in sheep. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:521-525. [PMID: 37528260 PMCID: PMC10810980 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Ovine anaplasmosis is an emerging vector-borne disease in Europe caused by Anaplasma ovis. The infection has spread quickly in recent years, causing moderate to severe outbreaks in sheep flocks, leading to relevant economic losses in sheep farming. This wider spread has been associated with global warming and climate change, favouring the maintenance and life cycle of their main vector, the ticks. However, another epidemiological aspect could favour this quick spread. Long persistence infection of Anaplasma ovis has been proposed as a hypothesis in several articles but never scientifically proven. The results of the present study demonstrate that eight adult sheep, both naturally or experimentally infected, maintain Anaplasma ovis load in blood during their whole productive life (4 to 6 years), being permanently infected. In addition, the results suggest that A. ovis bacterial load can be constant or suffer fluctuations, as has been demonstrated in other Anaplasma species. Both aspects can be determinants in the epidemiology and the transmission of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Ruiz
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C. Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain.
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain.
| | - Marta Ruiz de Arcaute
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C. Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | | | - Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C. Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - José Calasanz Jiménez
- Veterinarios Asesores en Clínica y Sanidad Animal S.L, C. Ramón y Cajal 14, Zaragoza, 50003, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C. Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
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22
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Crandall KE, Millien V, Kerr JT. High-resolution environmental and host-related factors impacting questing Ixodes scapularis at their northern range edge. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10855. [PMID: 38384829 PMCID: PMC10879908 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The geographic range of tick populations has expanded in Canada due to climate warming and the associated poleward range shifts of their vertebrate hosts. Abiotic factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and snow, are known to directly affect tick abundance. Yet, biotic factors, such as the abundance and diversity of mammal hosts, may also alter tick abundance and consequent tick-borne disease risk. Here, we incorporated host surveillance data with high-resolution environmental data to evaluate the combined impact of abiotic and biotic factors on questing Ixodes scapularis abundance in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. High-resolution abiotic factors were derived from remote sensing satellites and meteorological towers, while biotic factors related to mammal hosts were derived from active surveillance data that we collected in the field. Generalized additive models were used to determine the relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors on questing I. scapularis abundance. Combinations of abiotic and biotic factors were identified as important drivers of abundances of questing I. scapularis. Positive and negative linear relationships were found for questing I. scapularis abundance with monthly mean precipitation and accumulated snow, but no effect was found for the relative abundance of white-footed mice. Positive relationships were also identified between questing I. scapularis abundance with monthly mean precipitation and mammal species richness. Therefore, future studies that assess I. scapularis should incorporate host surveillance data with high-resolution environmental factors to determine the key drivers impacting the abundance and geographic spread of tick populations and tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E. Crandall
- Department of BiologyUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
- Redpath MuseumMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Virginie Millien
- Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
- Redpath MuseumMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Jeremy T. Kerr
- Department of BiologyUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
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23
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Crandall KE, Millien V, Kerr JT. Historical associations and spatiotemporal changes of pathogen presence in ticks in Canada: A systematic review. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:18-33. [PMID: 37957785 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Starting in the early 20th century, ticks and their pathogens have been detected during surveillance efforts in Canada. Since then, the geographic spread of tick vectors and tick-borne pathogens has steadily increased in Canada with the establishment of tick and host populations. Sentinel surveillance in Canada primarily focuses on Ixodes scapularis, which is the main vector of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium causing Lyme disease. Other tick-borne pathogens, such as Anaplasma, Babesia, and Rickettsia species, have lower prevalence in Canada, but they are emerging or re-emerging in tick and host populations. AIMS/MATERIALS & METHODS Here, we assessed the historical associations between tick vectors, hosts and pathogens and identified spatiotemporal clusters of pathogen presence in ticks in Canada using data extracted from the literature. RESULTS Approximately one-third of ticks were infected with a pathogen, and these ticks were feeding primarily on bird and mammal hosts. B. burgdorferi was the most detected pathogen and I. scapularis harboured the greatest number of pathogens. We identified several spatial outliers of high pathogen presence in ticks in addition to five spatiotemporal clusters in southern Canada, all of which have long-established tick populations. Six spatiotemporal clusters of high pathogen presence in ticks were also identified based on surveillance method, with four clusters associated with passive surveillance and two clusters associated with active surveillance. DISCUSSION Our review represents the first systematic assessment of the literature that identifies historical associations and spatiotemporal changes in tick-host-pathogen disease systems in Canada over broad spatial and temporal scales. CONCLUSION As distinct spatiotemporal clusters were identified based on surveillance method, it is imperative that surveillance efforts employ standardized methods and data reporting to comprehensively assess the presence, spread and risk of tick-borne pathogens in tick and host populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E Crandall
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Virginie Millien
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jeremy T Kerr
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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24
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Harman PR, Mendell NL, Harman MM, Draney PA, Boyle AT, Gompper ME, Orr TJ, Bouyer DH, Teel PD, Hanley KA. Science abhors a surveillance vacuum: Detection of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in southern New Mexico through passive surveillance. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292573. [PMID: 38295027 PMCID: PMC10830002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Robust tick surveillance enhances diagnosis and prevention of tick-borne pathogens, yet surveillance efforts in the United States are highly uneven, resulting in large surveillance vacuums, one of which spans the state of New Mexico. As part of a larger effort to fill this vacuum, we conducted both active and passive tick sampling in New Mexico, focusing on the southern portion of the state. We conducted active tick sampling using dragging and CO₂ trapping at 45 sites across Hidalgo, Doña Ana, Otero, and Eddy counties between June 2021 to May 2022. Sampling occurred intermittently, with at least one sampling event each month from June to October 2021, pausing in winter and resuming in March through May 2022. We also conducted opportunistic, passive tick sampling in 2021 and 2022 from animals harvested by hunters or captured or collected by researchers and animals housed in animal hospitals, shelters, and farms. All pools of ticks were screened for Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia amblyommatis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Active sampling yielded no ticks. Passive sampling yielded 497 ticks comprising Carios kelleyi from pallid bats, Rhipicephalus sanguineus from dogs, mule deer, and Rocky Mountain elk, Otobius megnini from dogs, cats, horses, and Coues deer, Dermacentor parumapertus from dogs and black-tailed jackrabbits, Dermacentor albipictus from domesticated cats, mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk, and Dermacentor spp. from American black bear, Rocky Mountain elk, and mule deer. One pool of D. parumapterus from a black-tailed jackrabbit in Luna County tested positive for R. parkeri, an agent of spotted fever rickettsiosis. Additionally, a spotted fever group Rickettsia was detected in 6 of 7 C. kelleyi pools. Two ticks showed morphological abnormalities; however, these samples did not test positive for any of the target pathogens, and the cause of the abnormalities is unknown. Passive surveillance yielded five identified species of ticks from three domestic and six wild mammal species. Our findings update tick distributions and inform the public, medical, and veterinary communities of the potential tick-borne pathogens present in southern New Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige R. Harman
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Nicole L. Mendell
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maysee M. Harman
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Puck A. Draney
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Anna T. Boyle
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Matthew E. Gompper
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Teri J. Orr
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Donald H. Bouyer
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pete D. Teel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kathryn A. Hanley
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
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25
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Mendoza MA, Hass RM, Vaillant J, Johnson DR, Theel ES, Toledano M, Abu Saleh O. Powassan Virus Encephalitis: A Tertiary Center Experience. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:80-89. [PMID: 37540989 PMCID: PMC10810704 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Powassan virus (POWV) is an emerging arthropod-borne flavivirus, transmitted by Ixodes spp. ticks, which has been associated with neuroinvasive disease and poor outcomes. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at Mayo Clinic from 2013 to 2022. We included clinical and epidemiologic data of probable and confirmed neuroinvasive POWV cases. RESULTS Sixteen patients with neuroinvasive POWV were identified; their median age was 63.2 years, and 62.5% were male. Six patients presented with rhombencephalitis, 4 with isolated meningitis, 3 with meningoencephalitis, 2 with meningoencephalomyelitis, and 1 with opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome. A median time of 18 days was observed between symptom onset and diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis with elevated protein and normal glucose in the majority of patients. Death occurred within 90 days in 3 patients (18.8%), and residual neurologic deficits were seen in 8 survivors (72.7%). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of patients with neuroinvasive POWV infection. We highlight the importance of a high clinical suspicion among patients who live in or travel to high-risk areas during the spring to fall months. Our data show high morbidity and mortality rates among patients with neuroinvasive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alejandra Mendoza
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases, and Occupational Medicine News, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Reece M Hass
- Departement of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - James Vaillant
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases, and Occupational Medicine News, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Derek R Johnson
- Departement of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Elitza S Theel
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michel Toledano
- Departement of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Omar Abu Saleh
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases, and Occupational Medicine News, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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26
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Guillot C, Aenishaenslin C, Acheson ES, Koffi J, Bouchard C, Leighton PA. Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillance. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:294. [PMID: 38267914 PMCID: PMC10809750 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17684-x] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The implementation of cost-effective surveillance systems is essential for tracking the emerging risk of tick-borne diseases. In Canada, where Lyme disease is a growing public health concern, a national sentinel surveillance network was designed to follow the epidemiological portrait of this tick-borne disease across the country. The surveillance network consists of sentinel regions, with active drag sampling carried out annually in all regions to assess the density of Ixodes spp. ticks and prevalence of various tick-borne pathogens in the tick population. The aim of the present study was to prioritize sentinel regions by integrating different spatial criteria relevant to the surveillance goals. METHODS We used spatially-explicit multi-criteria decision analyses (MCDA) to map priority areas for surveillance across Canada, and to evaluate different scenarios using sensitivity analyses. Results were shared with stakeholders to support their decision making for the selection of priority areas to survey during active surveillance activities. RESULTS Weights attributed to criteria by decision-makers were overall consistent. Sensitivity analyses showed that the population criterion had the most impact on rankings. Thirty-seven sentinel regions were identified across Canada using this systematic and transparent approach. CONCLUSION This novel application of spatial MCDA to surveillance network design favors inclusivity of nationwide partners. We propose that such an approach can support the standardized planning of spatial design of sentinel surveillance not only for vector-borne disease BDs, but more broadly for infectious disease surveillance where spatial design is an important component.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Guillot
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique (CRESP) de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - C Aenishaenslin
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique (CRESP) de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - E S Acheson
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Public Health Risk Sciences Divisions, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - J Koffi
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Policy Integration and Zoonoses Division, Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - C Bouchard
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Public Health Risk Sciences Divisions, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - P A Leighton
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique (CRESP) de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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27
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Ma R, Li C, Gao A, Jiang N, Feng X, Li J, Hu W. Evidence-practice gap analysis in the role of tick in brucellosis transmission: a scoping review. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:3. [PMID: 38191468 PMCID: PMC10773131 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01170-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brucellosis is a zoonotic affliction instigated by bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella and is characterized by a diverse range of pervasiveness, multiple transmission routes, and serious hazards. It is imperative to amalgamate the current knowledge and identify gaps pertaining to the role of ticks in brucellosis transmission. METHODS We systematically searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, Google Scholar, and PubMed on the topic published until April 23, 2022. The procedure was performed in accordance with the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The selected articles were categorized across three major topic areas, and the potential data was extracted to describe evidence-practice gaps by two reviewers. RESULTS The search identified 83 eligible studies for the final analyses. The results highlighted the potential capacity of ticks in brucellosis transmission as evidenced by the detection of Brucella in 16 different tick species. The pooled overall prevalence of Brucella in ticks was 33.87% (range: 0.00-87.80%). The review also revealed the capability of Brucella to circulate in parasitic ticks' different developmental stages, thus posing a potential threat to animal and human health. Empirical evidence from in vitro rodent infection experiments has revealed that ticks possess the capability to transmit Brucella to uninfected animals (range: 45.00-80.00%). Moreover, significant epidemiological associations have been found between the occurrence of brucellosis in animals and tick control in rangelands, which further suggests that ticks may serve as potential vectors for brucellosis transmission in ruminants. Notably, a mere three cases of human brucellosis resulting from potential tick bites were identified in search of global clinical case reports from 1963 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS It is imperative to improve the techniques used to identify Brucella in ticks, particularly by developing a novel, efficient, precise approach that can be applied in a field setting. Furthermore, due to the lack of adequate evidence of tick-borne brucellosis, it is essential to integrate various disciplines, including experimental animal science, epidemiology, molecular genetics, and others, to better understand the efficacy of tick-borne brucellosis. By amalgamating multiple disciplines, we can enhance our comprehension and proficiency in tackling tick-borne brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Chunfu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Ai Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Na Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Xinyu Feng
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, China.
- One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 20025, China.
| | - Jian Li
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- Basic Medical College, Guangxi University of Chinese Medical, Nanning, 530005, Guangxi, China.
| | - Wei Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- Basic Medical College, Guangxi University of Chinese Medical, Nanning, 530005, Guangxi, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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28
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Parums DV. Editorial: Climate Change and the Spread of Vector-Borne Diseases, Including Dengue, Malaria, Lyme Disease, and West Nile Virus Infection. Med Sci Monit 2024; 29:e943546. [PMID: 38161310 PMCID: PMC10768291 DOI: 10.12659/msm.943546] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The major health threats from climate change include increasing temperatures, air pollution, extreme weather events, changes in the spread of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, emerging pathogens, and an increase in vector-borne disease. Between October and December 2023, in 200 medical journal, epidemiologists, clinicians, healthcare policymakers, and journal editors published an emergency call to action to health professionals, the United Nations, and political leaders on climate change and its effects on the ecosystem and human health. Also, in December 2023, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its sixth Assessment Report (AR6) that summarizes current knowledge, impacts, and health risks from climate change, as well as suggestions for mitigation and adaptation. For over a decade, the IPCC has reported that the prevalence of vector-borne diseases has increased and highlighted the importance of monitoring dengue, malaria, Lyme disease, West Nile virus infection, and other vector-borne diseases. This editorial aims to provide an update on the association between climate change and the spread of vector-borne diseases and highlights the urgent need for public health and disease prevention and treatment strategies to control the rise in vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinah V Parums
- Science Editor, Medical Science Monitor, International Scientific Information, Inc., Melville, NY, USA
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29
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Kim HHR, Leschied JR, Noda SM, Sarma A, Pruthi S, Iyer RS. Planetary health: an imperative for pediatric radiology. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:20-26. [PMID: 37962606 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05807-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The global temperature has been increasing resulting in climate change. This negatively impacts planetary health that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us, especially children. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, flooding, and heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and severe, posing a significant threat to our patients' health, safety, and security. Concurrently, shifts in environmental exposures, including air pollution, allergens, pathogenic vectors, and microplastics, further exacerbate the risks faced by children. In this paper, we provide an overview of pediatric illnesses that are becoming more prevalent and severe because of extreme weather events, global temperature increases, and shifts in environmental exposures. As members of pediatric health care teams, it is crucial for pediatric radiologists to be knowledgeable about the impacts of climate change on our patients, and continue to advocate for safe, healthier environments for our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H R Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, MA.7.220, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Jessica R Leschied
- Department of Radiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sakura M Noda
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, MA.7.220, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Asha Sarma
- Department of Radiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sumit Pruthi
- Department of Radiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ramesh S Iyer
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, MA.7.220, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
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Van Wyk CL, Mtshali S, Ramatla T, Lekota KE, Xuan X, Thekisoe O. Distribution of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Heamaphysalis elliptica dog ticks and pathogens they are carrying: A systematic review. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100969. [PMID: 38199685 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100969] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The role of ixodid ticks especially Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Heamaphysalis elliptica in the epidemiology of several diseases of veterinary and public health importance have been documented. This study conducted a systematic review focusing on the distribution of R. sanguineus and H. elliptica, as well as the common tick-borne pathogens they harbour. The Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used to search for English journal articles published between January 1990 and June 2021. The articles were assessed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO [(ID no: CRD42022327372). Of the studies included in the systematic review, 247 and 19 articles had identified R. sanguineus and H. elliptica respectively, whereas 15 articles had identified both tick species. There is a reported worldwide distribution of R. sanguineus from 64 countries, whereas H. elliptica was only reported in the African continent from 6 countries. In total, 120 articles that were included in this systematic review reported detection of tick-borne pathogens from R. sanguineus (n = 118 articles) and/or H. elliptica (n = 2 articles) ticks. According to the studies tick-borne pathogens harboured by R. sanguineus included protozoa such as Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Leishmania spp., and Theileria spp., as well as bacteria such as Acinetobacter spp. Anaplasma spp., Bacillus spp., Borrelia spp., Brucella spp., Coxiella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. The H. elliptica was reported to be harbouring Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. Most of the studies (50%) used the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the detection of tick-borne pathogens, followed by real-time PCR (qPCR) (n = 26), and nested PCR (n = 22). This systematic review has shed light on the distribution of two common dog ticks as well as the tick-borne pathogens of veterinary and zoonotic importance they are harbouring. This data will enable surveillance studies that can report whether the distribution of these ticks and their associated tick-borne pathogens is expanding or shrinking or is stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara-Lee Van Wyk
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Senzo Mtshali
- National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Sandringham 2131, South Africa
| | - Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa.
| | - Kgaugelo E Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
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31
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Foerst E, Shankar K, Zhou J, Ghaneie A. A Presentation of Babesiosis in the Setting of Low-Grade Follicular B-cell Lymphoma. Cureus 2024; 16:e52585. [PMID: 38371063 PMCID: PMC10874646 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne parasitic infection seen in the Northeast and upper Midwest regions of the United States. Clinically, this intra-erythrocytic parasitic infection can present in a variety of ways, including fever, fatigue, malaise, or myalgia. Of note, these presenting symptoms are very similar to symptoms that can also be seen in patients with low-grade lymphoma. Thus, differentiating between babesiosis infection and active, symptomatic low-grade lymphoma can be difficult. We present a patient with concurrent severe babesiosis infection and follicular lymphoma. This case report provides a unique overlap of Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Disease and the ensuing diagnostic challenges when both tick-borne illnesses and low-grade lymphoma present together. We suggest including babesiosis screening in the pretreatment evaluation for the use of rituximab in patients with the above symptomatology and geography. This will help rule out alternate confounding diagnoses of babesiosis infection before initiating immunosuppressive treatment for active, symptomatic low-grade lymphoma. Using immunosuppressive agents such as rituximab to treat suspected low-grade lymphoma, before ruling out tick-borne illnesses, can be harmful. Our goal is to reduce such instances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Foerst
- Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Karthik Shankar
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory Services and Pathology, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, USA
| | - Arezoo Ghaneie
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, USA
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Deshpande G, Beetch JE, Heller JG, Naqvi OH, Kuhn KG. Assessing the Influence of Climate Change and Environmental Factors on the Top Tick-Borne Diseases in the United States: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2023; 12:50. [PMID: 38257877 PMCID: PMC10821204 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the United States (US), tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have more than doubled in the past fifteen years and are a major contributor to the overall burden of vector-borne diseases. The most common TBDs in the US-Lyme disease, rickettsioses (including Rocky Mountain spotted fever), and anaplasmosis-have gradually shifted in recent years, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. In this systematic review, we examined climate change and other environmental factors that have influenced the epidemiology of these TBDs in the US while highlighting the opportunities for a One Health approach to mitigating their impact. We searched Medline Plus, PUBMED, and Google Scholar for studies focused on these three TBDs in the US from January 2018 to August 2023. Data selection and extraction were completed using Covidence, and the risk of bias was assessed with the ROBINS-I tool. The review included 84 papers covering multiple states across the US. We found that climate, seasonality and temporality, and land use are important environmental factors that impact the epidemiology and patterns of TBDs. The emerging trends, influenced by environmental factors, emphasize the need for region-specific research to aid in the prediction and prevention of TBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Katrin Gaardbo Kuhn
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (G.D.); (J.E.B.); (J.G.H.); (O.H.N.)
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33
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Sanchez-Vicente S, Tokarz R. Tick-Borne Co-Infections: Challenges in Molecular and Serologic Diagnoses. Pathogens 2023; 12:1371. [PMID: 38003835 PMCID: PMC10674443 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infections are a poorly understood aspect of tick-borne diseases. In the United States alone, nineteen different tick-borne pathogens have been identified. The majority of these agents are transmitted by only two tick species, Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum. Surveillance studies have demonstrated the presence of multiple pathogens in individual ticks suggesting a risk of polymicrobial transmission to humans. However, relatively few studies have explored this relationship and its impact on human disease. One of the key factors for this deficiency are the intrinsic limitations associated with molecular and serologic assays employed for the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases. Limitations in the sensitivity, specificity and most importantly, the capacity for inclusion of multiple agents within a single assay represent the primary challenges for the accurate detection of polymicrobial tick-borne infections. This review will focus on outlining these limitations and discuss potential solutions for the enhanced diagnosis of tick-borne co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Sanchez-Vicente
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Rafal Tokarz
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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34
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Dupuis AP, Lange RE, Ciota AT. Emerging tickborne viruses vectored by Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae): Heartland and Bourbon viruses. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:1183-1196. [PMID: 37862097 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Heartland (HRTV) and Bourbon (BRBV) viruses are newly identified tick-borne viruses, isolated from serious clinical cases in 2009 and 2014, respectively. Both viruses originated in the lower Midwest United States near the border of Missouri and Kansas, cause similar disease manifestations, and are presumably vectored by the same tick species, Amblyomma americanum Linnaeus (Ixodida: Ixodidae). In this article, we provide a current review of HRTV and BRBV, including the virology, epidemiology, and ecology of the viruses with an emphasis on the tick vector. We touch on current challenges of vector control and surveillance, and we discuss future directions in the study of these emergent pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan P Dupuis
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Griffin Laboratory, 5668 State Farm Road, Slingerlands, NY 12159, USA
| | - Rachel E Lange
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Griffin Laboratory, 5668 State Farm Road, Slingerlands, NY 12159, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Alexander T Ciota
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Griffin Laboratory, 5668 State Farm Road, Slingerlands, NY 12159, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
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Drews SJ, Kjemtrup AM, Krause PJ, Lambert G, Leiby DA, Lewin A, O'Brien SF, Renaud C, Tonnetti L, Bloch EM. Transfusion-transmitted Babesia spp.: a changing landscape of epidemiology, regulation, and risk mitigation. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0126822. [PMID: 37750699 PMCID: PMC10595070 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01268-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesia spp. are tick-borne parasites with a global distribution and diversity of vertebrate hosts. Over the next several decades, climate change is expected to impact humans, vectors, and vertebrate hosts and change the epidemiology of Babesia. Although humans are dead-end hosts for tick-transmitted Babesia, human-to-human transmission of Babesia spp. from transfusion of red blood cells and whole blood-derived platelet concentrates has been reported. In most patients, transfusion-transmitted Babesia (TTB) results in a moderate-to-severe illness. Currently, in North America, most cases of TTB have been described in the United States. TTB cases outside North America are rare, but case numbers may change over time with increased recognition of babesiosis and as the epidemiology of Babesia is impacted by climate change. Therefore, TTB is a concern of microbiologists working in blood operator settings, as well as in clinical settings where transfusion occurs. Microbiologists play an important role in deploying blood donor screening assays in Babesia endemic regions, identifying changing risks for Babesia in non-endemic areas, investigating recipients of blood products for TTB, and drafting TTB policies and guidelines. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical presentation and epidemiology of TTB. We identify approaches and technologies to reduce the risk of collecting blood products from Babesia-infected donors and describe how investigations of TTB are undertaken. We also describe how microbiologists in Babesia non-endemic regions can assess for changing risks of TTB and decide when to focus on laboratory-test-based approaches or pathogen reduction to reduce TTB risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Drews
- Microbiology, Donation Policy and Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne M. Kjemtrup
- California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Peter J. Krause
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Grayson Lambert
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - David A. Leiby
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, USA
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Epidemiology, Surveillance and Biological Risk Assessment, Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Département d'Obstétrique et de Gynécologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sheila F. O'Brien
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Donation Policy and Studies, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christian Renaud
- Department of Microbiology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura Tonnetti
- American Red Cross, Scientific Affairs, Holland Laboratories for the Biomedical Sciences, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Evan M. Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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36
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Kim CL, Agampodi S, Marks F, Kim JH, Excler JL. Mitigating the effects of climate change on human health with vaccines and vaccinations. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1252910. [PMID: 37900033 PMCID: PMC10602790 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1252910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change represents an unprecedented threat to humanity and will be the ultimate challenge of the 21st century. As a public health consequence, the World Health Organization estimates an additional 250,000 deaths annually by 2030, with resource-poor countries being predominantly affected. Although climate change's direct and indirect consequences on human health are manifold and far from fully explored, a growing body of evidence demonstrates its potential to exacerbate the frequency and spread of transmissible infectious diseases. Effective, high-impact mitigation measures are critical in combating this global crisis. While vaccines and vaccination are among the most cost-effective public health interventions, they have yet to be established as a major strategy in climate change-related health effect mitigation. In this narrative review, we synthesize the available evidence on the effect of climate change on vaccine-preventable diseases. This review examines the direct effect of climate change on water-related diseases such as cholera and other enteropathogens, helminthic infections and leptospirosis. It also explores the effects of rising temperatures on vector-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, as well as the impact of temperature and humidity on airborne diseases like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection. Recent advances in global vaccine development facilitate the use of vaccines and vaccination as a mitigation strategy in the agenda against climate change consequences. A focused evaluation of vaccine research and development, funding, and distribution related to climate change is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Lynn Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suneth Agampodi
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Florian Marks
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Madagascar Institute for Vaccine Research, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jerome H. Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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37
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Millien V, Leo SST, Turney S, Gonzalez A. It's about time: small mammal communities and Lyme disease emergence. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14513. [PMID: 37667029 PMCID: PMC10477272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41901-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Theory predicts that biodiversity changes due to climate warming can mediate the rate of disease emergence. The mechanisms linking biodiversity-disease relationships have been described both theoretically and empirically but remain poorly understood. We investigated the relations between host diversity and abundance and Lyme disease risk in southern Quebec, a region where Lyme disease is rapidly emerging. We found that both the abundance of small mammal hosts and the relative abundance of the tick's natural host, the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), influenced measures of disease risk in tick vectors (Borrelia burgdorferi infection abundance and prevalence in tick vectors). Our results suggest that the increase in Lyme disease risk is modulated by regional processes involving the abundance and composition of small mammal assemblages. However, the nature and strength of these relationships was dependent both on time and geographic area. The strong effect of P. leucopus abundance on disease risk we report here is of significant concern, as this competent host is predicted to increase in abundance and occurrence in the region, with the northern shift in the range of North American species under climate warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Millien
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C4, Canada.
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada.
| | - S S T Leo
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C4, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - S Turney
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C4, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - A Gonzalez
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada
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38
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Mathison BA, Pritt BS. The Landscape of Parasitic Infections in the United States. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100217. [PMID: 37182583 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100217] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The landscape of parasitic infections in the United States has shifted dramatically over the past century. Although infections such as malaria have been successfully eliminated, others remain endemic and pose a significant public health risk. Numerous parasitic infections are also imported each year. This article focuses on endemic parasitic infections that may be commonly seen in anatomical pathology preparations and discusses their biology, diagnostic histopathological features, and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine A Mathison
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Bobbi S Pritt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Divisions of Clinical Microbiology and Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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Holguin-Rocha AF, Calle-Tobon A, Vásquez GM, Astete H, Fisher ML, Tobon-Castano A, Velez-Tobon G, Maldonado-Ruiz LP, Silver K, Park Y, Londono-Renteria B. Diversity of the Bacterial and Viral Communities in the Tropical Horse Tick, Dermacentor nitens, in Colombia. Pathogens 2023; 12:942. [PMID: 37513789 PMCID: PMC10384233 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens among various vertebrates, including humans. The microbial and viral communities of ticks, including pathogenic microorganisms, are known to be highly diverse. However, the factors driving this diversity are not well understood. The tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens, is distributed throughout the Americas and it is recognized as a natural vector of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, the causal agents of equine piroplasmosis. In this study, we characterized the bacterial and viral communities associated with partially fed Dermacentor nitens females collected using a passive survey on horses from field sites representing three distinct geographical areas in the country of Colombia (Bolivar, Antioquia, and Cordoba). RNA-seq and sequencing of the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were performed using the Illumina-Miseq platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). A total of 356 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, in which the presumed endosymbiont, Francisellaceae/Francisella spp., was predominantly found. Nine contigs corresponding to six different viruses were identified in three viral families: Chuviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Flaviviridae. Differences in the relative abundance of the microbial composition among the geographical regions were found to be independent of the presence of Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLE). The most prevalent bacteria found in each region were Corynebacterium in Bolivar, Staphylococcus in Antioquia, and Pseudomonas in Cordoba. Rickettsia-like endosymbionts, mainly recognized as the etiological agent of rickettsioses in Colombia, were detected in the Cordoba samples. Metatranscriptomics revealed 13 contigs containing FLE genes, suggesting a trend of regional differences. These findings suggest regional distinctions among the ticks and their bacterial compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres F Holguin-Rocha
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Arley Calle-Tobon
- Grupo Entomologia Medica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Gissella M Vásquez
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Bellavista, Lima 15001, Peru
| | - Helvio Astete
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Bellavista, Lima 15001, Peru
| | - Michael L Fisher
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Bellavista, Lima 15001, Peru
| | - Alberto Tobon-Castano
- Grupo Malaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Velez-Tobon
- Grupo Malaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - L Paulina Maldonado-Ruiz
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Berlin Londono-Renteria
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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40
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Quitmann C, Griesel S, Nayna Schwerdtle P, Danquah I, Herrmann A. Climate-sensitive health counselling: a scoping review and conceptual framework. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e600-e610. [PMID: 37438001 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Health professional societies and researchers call for the integration of climate change into health counselling. However, the scientific evidence and conceptual grounding of such climate-sensitive health counselling (CSHC) remains unclear. We conducted a scoping review identifying scientific articles on the integration of climate change into communication between health professionals and patients in health-care settings. Scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were searched from inception until Nov 30, 2022. 97 articles were included, of which 33 represented empirical research, and only two evaluated the effects of CSHC. More than half of the articles originated from the USA and addressed physicians. We introduce a conceptual framework for CSHC, which elaborates on aims, content areas, and communication strategies, and establishes the guiding principle of integrating CSHC into routine activities of health care. This framework supports health professionals in implementing CSHC and enables researchers to conceptualise intervention studies investigating how CSHC can contribute to the health of patients and the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Quitmann
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvan Griesel
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing (IWR)-Climate Change and Health AI Lab, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ina Danquah
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alina Herrmann
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of General Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Paulson AR, Lougheed SC, Huang D, Colautti RI. Multiomics Reveals Symbionts, Pathogens, and Tissue-Specific Microbiome of Blacklegged Ticks (Ixodes scapularis) from a Lyme Disease Hot Spot in Southeastern Ontario, Canada. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0140423. [PMID: 37184407 PMCID: PMC10269869 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01404-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks in the family Ixodidae are important vectors of zoonoses, including Lyme disease (LD), which is caused by spirochete bacteria from the Borreliella (Borrelia) burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) continues to expand across Canada, creating hot spots of elevated LD risk at the leading edge of its expanding range. Current efforts to understand the risk of pathogen transmission associated with I. scapularis in Canada focus primarily on targeted screens, while natural variation in the tick microbiome remains poorly understood. Using multiomics consisting of 16S metabarcoding and ribosome-depleted, whole-shotgun RNA transcriptome sequencing, we examined the microbial communities associated with adult I. scapularis (n = 32), sampled from four tissue types (whole tick, salivary glands, midgut, and viscera) and three geographical locations within a LD hot spot near Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The communities consisted of both endosymbiotic and known or potentially pathogenic microbes, including RNA viruses, bacteria, and a Babesia sp. intracellular parasite. We show that β-diversity is significantly higher between the bacterial communities of individual tick salivary glands and midguts than that of whole ticks. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) determined that the three potentially pathogenic bacteria detected by V4 16S rRNA sequencing also differed among dissected tissues only, including a Borrelia strain from the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Importantly, we find coinfection of I. scapularis by multiple microbes, in contrast to diagnostic protocols for LD, which typically focus on infection from a single pathogen of interest (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto). IMPORTANCE As a vector of human health concern, blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) transmit pathogens that cause tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including Lyme disease (LD). Several hot spots of elevated LD risk have emerged across Canada as I. scapularis expands its range. Focusing on a hot spot in southeastern Ontario, we used high-throughput sequencing to characterize the microbiome of whole ticks and dissected salivary glands and midguts. Compared with whole ticks, salivary glands and midguts were more diverse and associated with distinct bacterial communities that are less dominated by Rickettsia endosymbiont bacteria and are enriched for pathogenic bacteria, including a B. burgdorferi sensu lato-associated Borrelia sp., Borrelia miyamotoi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We also found evidence of coinfection of I. scapularis by multiple pathogens. Overall, our study highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with the surveillance of the microbiome of I. scapularis for pathogen detection using metabarcoding and metatranscriptome approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber R. Paulson
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - David Huang
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Seo JY, Kim YJ, Kim SY, Lee HI. Molecular Detection of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Humans in the Republic of Korea, 2021. Pathogens 2023; 12:802. [PMID: 37375492 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), transmitted by the bites of ticks, are of great medical and veterinary importance. They include bacteria, viruses, and protozoan parasites. To provide fundamental data on the risk of tick contact and public health strategies, we aimed to perform a molecular investigation on four tick-borne bacterial pathogens in ticks collected from humans across the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 2021. In total, 117 ticks were collected, including Haemaphysalis longicornis (56.4%), Amblyomma testudinarium (26.5%), Ixodes nipponensis (8.5%), H. flava (5.1%), and I. persulcatus (0.9%). Among the ticks, 20.5% (24/117) contained tick-borne bacterial pathogens, with infection rates of 17.9% for Rickettsia (Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, R. tamurae, R. monacensis, and Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae), 2.5% for Anaplasma (A. phagocytophilum, A. capra, and A. bovis), and 0.9% for Ehrlichia (Ehrlichia sp.). Additionally, the co-detection rate for R. monacensis and A. phagocytophilum was 0.9%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. capra and A. bovis detection in ticks collected from humans in the ROK. This study contributes to the understanding of the potential risk of tick contact and provides fundamental data for establishing a public health strategy for tick-borne disease management in the ROK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Ye Seo
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jung Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Yoon Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Il Lee
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
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Wilson C, Gasmi S, Bourgeois AC, Badcock J, Carr J, Chahil N, Coatsworth H, Dibernardo A, Goundar P, Leighton P, Lee MK, Morshed M, Ripoche M, Savage J. Surveillance for Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus ticks and their associated pathogens in Canada, 2020. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2023; 49:288-298. [PMID: 38444700 PMCID: PMC10914093 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v49i06a06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus ticks are the principal vectors of the agent of Lyme disease and several other tick-borne diseases in Canada. Tick surveillance data can be used to identify local tick-borne disease risk areas and direct public health interventions. The objective of this article is to describe the seasonal and spatial characteristics of the main Lyme disease vectors in Canada, and the tick-borne pathogens they carry, using passive and active surveillance data from 2020. Methods Passive and active surveillance data were compiled from the National Microbiology Laboratory Branch (Public Health Agency of Canada), provincial and local public health authorities, and eTick (an online, image-based platform). Seasonal and spatial analyses of ticks and their associated pathogens are presented, including infection prevalence estimates. Results In passive surveillance, I. scapularis (n=7,534) were submitted from all provinces except Manitoba and British Columbia, while I. pacificus (n=718) were submitted only from British Columbia. No ticks were submitted from the Territories. The seasonal distribution of I. scapularis submissions was bimodal, but unimodal for I. pacificus. Four tick-borne pathogens were identified in I. scapularis (Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti and Borrelia miyamotoi) and one in I. pacificus (B. miyamotoi). In active surveillance, I. scapularis (n=688) were collected in Ontario, Québec and New Brunswick. Five tick-borne pathogens were identified: B. burgdorferi, A. phagocytophilum, B. microti, B. miyamotoi and Powassan virus. Conclusion This article provides a snapshot of the distribution of I. scapularis and I. pacificus and their associated human pathogens in Canada in 2020, which can help assess the risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens in different provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy Wilson
- Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - Salima Gasmi
- Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
| | - Annie-Claude Bourgeois
- Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - Jacqueline Badcock
- Public Health New Brunswick, New Brunswick Department of Health, Fredericton, NB
| | - Justin Carr
- New Brunswick Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Fredericton, NB
| | - Navdeep Chahil
- BCCDC Public Health Laboratory, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
| | - Heather Coatsworth
- National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB
| | - Antonia Dibernardo
- National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB
| | | | - Patrick Leighton
- Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health Research Group (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
| | - Min-Kuang Lee
- BCCDC Public Health Laboratory, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
| | - Muhammad Morshed
- BCCDC Public Health Laboratory, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Marion Ripoche
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, QC
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Liang D, Chen H, An L, Li Y, Zhao P, Upadhyay A, Hansson BS, Zhao J, Han Q. Molecular identification and functional analysis of Niemann-Pick type C2 proteins,carriers for semiochemicals and other hydrophobic compounds in the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:105451. [PMID: 37247999 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens with tremendous impact on human and animal health. Studies of semiochemical interactions and mechanisms underlying chemoreception can provide important tools in tick management. Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) proteins have been proposed as one type of chemoreceptor in arthropods. Here, we cloned two NPC2 genes in the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei, the tropical lineage previously named R. sanguineus sensu lato and characterized them functionally. R.linNPC2a and R.linNPC2b genes were found to be expressed at each developmental stage with the highest level in adult males. By using quantitative real-time PCR we revealed expression in multiple tissues, including midgut, ovary, salivary glands and legs. Ligand binding analysis revealed that R.linNPC2b bound a wide spectrum of compounds, with β-ionone, α-amylcinnamaldehyde, 2-nitrophenol and benzaldehyde displaying the strongest binding affinity (Ki < 10 μM), whereas R.linNPC2a showed a more narrow ligand binding range, with intermediate binding affinity to α-amylcinnamaldehyde and 2-nitrophenol (Ki < 20 μM). Molecular docking indicated that the amino acid residue Phe89, Leu77 and Val131 of R.linNPC2a and Phe70, Leu132 and Phe73 of R.linNPC2b could bind multiple ligands. These residues might thus play a key role in the identification of the volatiles. Our results contribute to the understanding of olfactory mechanisms of R. linnaei and can offer new pathways towards new management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejuan Liang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Huaqing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Liping An
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Yao Li
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Peizhen Zhao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Archana Upadhyay
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Bill S Hansson
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
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Holguin-Rocha AF, Calle-Tobon A, Vásquez GM, Astete H, Fisher ML, Tobon-Castano A, Velez-Tobon G, Maldonado-Ruiz LP, Silver K, Park Y, Londono-Renteria B. Diversity of the bacterial and viral communities in the tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens in Colombia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.04.539352. [PMID: 37205465 PMCID: PMC10187316 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.04.539352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens among various vertebrates, including humans. The composition of the microbial and viral communities in addition to the pathogenic microorganisms is highly diverse in ticks, but the factors driving the diversity are not well understood. The tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens , is distributed throughout the Americas and it is recognized as a natural vector of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi , the causal agents of equine piroplasmosis. We characterized the bacterial and viral communities associated with partially-fed D. nitens females collected by a passive survey on horses from field sites representing three distinct geographical areas in Colombia (Bolivar, Antioquia, and Cordoba). RNA-seq and sequencing of the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were performed using the Illumina-Miseq platform. A total of 356 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, in which the presumed endosymbiotic Francisellaceae/ Francisella spp. was predominantly found. Nine contigs corresponding to six different viruses were identified in three viral families: Chuviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Flaviviridae. Differences in the relative abundance of the microbial composition among the geographical regions were found to be independent of the presence of Francisella -Like Endosymbiont (FLE). The most prevalent bacteria found on each region were Corynebacterium in Bolivar, Staphylococcus in Antioquia, and Pseudomonas in Cordoba. Rickettsia -like endosymbionts, mainly recognized as the etiological agent of rickettsioses in Colombia were detected in the Cordoba samples. Metatranscriptomics revealed 13 contigs containing FLE genes, suggesting a trend of regional differences. These findings suggest regional distinctions among the ticks and their bacterial compositions.
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Ladha D, Khalife R, Hummel B, Purssell A. Anaplasmose granulocytaire humaine compliquée d’un syndrome hémophagocytaire et d’une coinfection. CMAJ 2023; 195:E629-E632. [PMID: 37127302 PMCID: PMC10151092 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.220638-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Danyal Ladha
- Département de médecine (Ladha); Division d'hématologie (Khalife), Département de médecine; Division d'infectiologie (Purssell), Département de médecine, Hôpital d'Ottawa, Université d'Ottawa, Division d'infectiologie (Hummel), Centre hospitalier pour enfants de l'est de l'Ontario, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Roy Khalife
- Département de médecine (Ladha); Division d'hématologie (Khalife), Département de médecine; Division d'infectiologie (Purssell), Département de médecine, Hôpital d'Ottawa, Université d'Ottawa, Division d'infectiologie (Hummel), Centre hospitalier pour enfants de l'est de l'Ontario, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Brian Hummel
- Département de médecine (Ladha); Division d'hématologie (Khalife), Département de médecine; Division d'infectiologie (Purssell), Département de médecine, Hôpital d'Ottawa, Université d'Ottawa, Division d'infectiologie (Hummel), Centre hospitalier pour enfants de l'est de l'Ontario, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Andrew Purssell
- Département de médecine (Ladha); Division d'hématologie (Khalife), Département de médecine; Division d'infectiologie (Purssell), Département de médecine, Hôpital d'Ottawa, Université d'Ottawa, Division d'infectiologie (Hummel), Centre hospitalier pour enfants de l'est de l'Ontario, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.
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Otsuka Y, Hagiya H, Fukushima S, Harada K, Koyama T, Otsuka F. Trends in the Incidence of Japanese Spotted Fever in Japan: A Nationwide, Two-Decade Observational Study from 2001-2020. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:701-704. [PMID: 36746667 PMCID: PMC10076997 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide spread of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) has become a public health concern. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify trends in the incidence of Japanese spotted fever (JSF), one of Japan's most prevalent TBDs. Weekly infectious disease reports were used to calculate the annual incidence rates (AIRs) of JSF. Data were stratified by age and sex, and joinpoint regression analysis was performed to estimate the annual percentage change (APC). AIR and APC were geographically compared among the 47 prefectures. A total of 3,453 JSF cases were observed from 2001 to 2020. The AIR per 100,000 population was 0.03 in 2001, which increased approximately 10-fold to 0.33 in 2020. The average APC (AAPC) during the study period was 12.3% (95% CI: 10.7-13.9). By age group, the incidence of JSF increased more rapidly among the older population: 11.5% (95% CI: 10.1-12.9) in those aged ≥ 65 years and 8.9% (95% CI: 6.4-11.5) in those aged < 50 years. Although the AIR over the past two decades was higher in climatically warm regions located in southwestern Japan and on the Pacific coast, increases in the AAPC were notable in colder regions located in eastern Japan. The incidence of JSF continues to increase in Japan, especially among older populations and in eastern prefectures, where the disease has not been previously diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hideharu Hagiya
- Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Fukushima
- Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ko Harada
- Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York
| | - Toshihiro Koyama
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
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Pelletier J, Guillot C, Rocheleau JP, Bouchard C, Baron G, Bédard C, Dibernardo A, Lindsay LR, Leighton PA, Aenishaenslin C. The added value of One Health surveillance: data from questing ticks can provide an early signal for anaplasmosis outbreaks in animals and humans. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:317-324. [PMID: 36471231 PMCID: PMC10036682 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-022-00723-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2021, a first outbreak of anaplasmosis occurred in animals and humans in southern Québec, with 64% of confirmed human cases located in Bromont municipality. Ixodes scapularis ticks and Peromyscus mouse ear biopsies collected in Bromont from 2019 to 2021 were analyzed for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap) with the objective of determining whether an early environmental signal could have been detected before the outbreak. METHODS Samples were collected for a concurrent study aiming to reduce Lyme disease risk. Between 2019 and 2021, up to 14 experimental sites were sampled for ticks and capture of small mammals took place on three sites in 2021. Samples were screened for Ap using multiplex real-time PCR, and genetic strains were identified using a single-nucleotide polymorphism assay. RESULTS Analyses showed an increase of 5.7% in Ap prevalence in ticks (CI95: 1.5-9.9) between 2019 and 2020, i.e., one year before the outbreak. A majority of Ap-positive ticks were infected with the zoonotic strain (68.8%; CI95: 50.0-83.9) during the study period. In 2021, 2 of 59 captured Peromycus mice were positive for Ap, for a prevalence of 3.4% (CI95: 0.4-11.7). CONCLUSION We conclude that data collected in Bromont could have provided an early signal for an anaplasmosis risk increasing in the targeted region. This is a reminder that integrated surveillance of tick-borne diseases through structured One Health programs, i.e. systematically integrating data from humans, animals and the environment, can provide useful and timely information for better preparedness and response in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Pelletier
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Camille Guillot
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Catherine Bouchard
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Baron
- Direction de la santé publique du CIUSS de l'Estrie, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Bédard
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de diagnostic vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Antonia Dibernardo
- One Health Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - L Robbin Lindsay
- One Health Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Patrick A Leighton
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cécile Aenishaenslin
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Rahravani M, Moravedji M, Mostafavi E, Mozoun MM, Zeeyaie AH, Mohammadi M, Seyfi H, Adhami G, Esmaeili S, Ameri M. Clinical, hematological and molecular evaluation of piroplasma and Anaplasma infections in small ruminants and tick vectors from Kurdistan province, western Iran. Res Vet Sci 2023; 159:44-56. [PMID: 37080001 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne haemoparasite infections are a major challenge in small ruminant (SR) production across tropical areas. The present study evaluated the prevalence of Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma in SRs and their tick vectors and estimated the association between pathogen prevalence with clinical hematological findings among SR populations in Kurdistan province, western Iran. In total, 250 blood samples and 250 tick species (one per animal) were collected from SR populations, along with clinical and hematological examinations. Microscopy of blood smears and molecular analysis were performed to detect potential infection with Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma. Moreover, haemoparasites were explored in the isolated ticks using semi-nested PCR. Based on microscopy, the prevalence of Theileria, Anaplasma and Babesia infections was 91.2%, 23.2% and 2.4%, respectively. Semi-nested PCR analysis of blood samples demonstrated 86.8%, 78.8% and 14% prevalence for T. ovis, A. ovis and B. ovis, respectively. Dermacentor marginatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus were predominant isolated tick vectors from SR, while D. marginatus was the most contaminated tick in all investigated counties. There were, also, a statistically significant association between the estimated molecular prevalence rates with semi-yellow conjunctiva (A. ovis), body temperature (T. ovis and A. ovis), heart rate (T. ovis and B. ovis), mean white blood cell count (T. ovis and A. ovis), mean red blood cell count (T. ovis and B. ovis), as well as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in all haemoparasite infections. Future studies are recommended to reveal the epidemiology of such infections in SRs in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahravani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Meysam Moravedji
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Ghazaaleh Adhami
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Ameri
- Clinical Pathology, Non-Clinical Safety (NCS), In Vitro/In Vivo Translation (IVIVT), GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 S. Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, PA. 19426, United States of America
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O'Neill X, White A, Gortázar C, Ruiz-Fons F. The Impact of Host Abundance on the Epidemiology of Tick-Borne Infection. Bull Math Biol 2023; 85:30. [PMID: 36892680 PMCID: PMC9998325 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-023-01133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are an increasing global public health concern due to an expanding geographical range and increase in abundance of tick-borne infectious agents. A potential explanation for the rising impact of tick-borne diseases is an increase in tick abundance which may be linked to an increase in density of the hosts on which they feed. In this study, we develop a model framework to understand the link between host density, tick demography and tick-borne pathogen epidemiology. Our model links the development of specific tick stages to the specific hosts on which they feed. We show that host community composition and host density have an impact on tick population dynamics and that this has a consequent impact on host and tick epidemiological dynamics. A key result is that our model framework can exhibit variation in host infection prevalence for a fixed density of one host type due to changes in density of other host types that support different tick life stages. Our findings suggest that host community composition may play a crucial role in explaining the variation in prevalence of tick-borne infections in hosts observed in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xander O'Neill
- Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences and Department of Mathematics, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK. x.o'
| | - Andy White
- Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences and Department of Mathematics, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (UCLM & CSIC), 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (UCLM & CSIC), 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
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