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Foley J, López-Pérez AM, Rubino F, Backus L, Ferradas C, Barrón-Rodriguez J, Mendoza H, Arroyo-Machado R, Inustroza-Sánchez LC, Zazueta OE. Roaming Dogs, Intense Brown Dog Tick Infestation, and Emerging Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Tijuana, México. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:779-794. [PMID: 38377609 PMCID: PMC10993825 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
A two decades-long epidemic of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in northern México reached the U.S. border city of Tijuana in 2021. Cases were near the city periphery in marginalized areas, some lacking infrastructure such as streets or utilities. We worked in the three census areas where human cases were reported and in 12 additional control Áreas Geoestadisticas Básicas. There were dogs, the primary tick host and Rickettsia rickettsii reservoir, in 76% of homes, with 2.2 owned dogs per home on average, approximately equal numbers of roaming dogs were seen, and 46.2% of owned dogs were allowed to roam in the street. Sixty-eight percent of people had heard of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), and 35% self-reported tick infestation, including 19% of homes without dogs. Ticks appeared to move among houses of adjacent neighbors. Of 191 examined dogs, 61.8% were tick-infested, with 6-fold increased odds if they were allowed to roam. Although no dogs were Rickettsia polymerase chain reaction-positive, we found one R. rickettsii- and 11 Rickettsia massiliae-infected ticks. The rickettsial IgG seroprevalence by immunofluorescence antibody assay was 76.4%, associated with unhealthy body condition, adults, dogs with >10 ticks, more dogs being seen in the area, and dogs being permitted in the street. Insufficient medical and canine management resources have contributed to a case fatality rate of RMSF that has exceeded 50% in areas. High canine seroprevalence suggests risks to people and dogs; unfortunately, herd immunity is impeded by high turnover in the canine population owing to the birth of puppies and high death rates. Binational One Health workers should monitor disease spread, enact canine population management and tick eradication, and provide prevention, diagnostic, and treatment support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Foley
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Andrés M. López-Pérez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología, Xalapa, México
| | - Francesca Rubino
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Laura Backus
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Cusi Ferradas
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
- Emerge, Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Emergentes y Cambio Climático, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Julio Barrón-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Ecología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | - Hugo Mendoza
- Departamento de Ecología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
| | | | | | - Oscar E. Zazueta
- Departamento de Epidemiología, Secretaría de Salud de Baja California, Mexicali, México
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Rodríguez O, de la Fuente G, Fernández de Mera IG, Vaz-Rodrigues R, Gortázar C, de la Fuente J. The Saharan antelope addax (Addax nasomaculatus) as a host for Hyalomma marginatum, tick vector of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102034. [PMID: 36041296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102034] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tick infestation and pathogen prevalence in ticks infesting the Saharan antelope addax (Addax nasomaculatus) are factors that may constitute a risk for both human and animal health. In this study we describe season distribution of adult Hyalomma marginatum and analyzed the tick-borne pathogens and their seroprevalence in natural-living addax in Morocco. The results showed that addax is an important host species for H. marginatum adults. The seroprevalence of Bluetongue virus (BTV; 61.5-92.3%, n = 8/13-84/91), Coxiella burnetii (36.3-69.2%, n = 33/91-9/13) and Brucella spp. (0.0-4.8%, n = 0/50-2/42) was characterized in addax during various years (sampled animals per year, n = 13-91). Presence of Aigai virus (AIGV), a recent taxonomic differentiation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) of 100% (4/4, years 2016 and 2017) together with Babesia ovis (75%, 3/4, year 2014), Anaplasma spp. (75%, 3/4, year 2014), Rickettsia spp. (50%, 2/4, year 2014) and Theileria spp. (25%, 1/4, year 2014) was observed in H. marginatum collected from the addax (4 pools of 10 adult ticks each). The results support the role of addax host in H. marginatum life cycle and exposure to AIGV and other tick-borne pathogens. The development of control interventions including anti-tick vaccines for wildlife species will contribute to the implementation of effective measures for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases and might be relevant for the preservation of this threatened species and others such as Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) and African elk (Taurotragus oryx) that share habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela de la Fuente
- Sabiotec, Edificio incubadora de empresas UCLM, Camino de Moledores s/n, Ciudad Real 13071, Spain
| | - Isabel G Fernández de Mera
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain
| | - Rita Vaz-Rodrigues
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States.
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3
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Mesquita JR, Santos-Silva S, de Sousa Moreira A, Baptista MB, Cruz R, Esteves F, Vala H, Barradas PF. Rickettsia massiliae circulation in sheep and attached Rhipicephalus sanguineus in Central Portugal. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:199. [PMID: 35668327 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03206-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsiosis is considered an emerging/re-emerging vector-borne disease that causes significant public health threats. Ticks are reservoirs and vectors of Rickettsia having a significant role in the transmission of rickettsiae. In Portugal, little is known about tick-borne Rickettsia species in sheep. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate rickettsiae infection in ticks and their sheep host from 27 farms in four districts of central Portugal, to clarify the role of the sheep host in the circulation of this zoonotic agent. Between March and May 2021, EDTA blood samples (n = 100) of healthy grazing sheep and their ticks (n = 100, one tick per animal) were collected during a herd health program in central Portugal. Obtained ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato by PCR targeting a partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene followed by sequence analysis. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and host sheep blood were tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by PCR targeting a partial sequence of ompB and ompA genes. From a total of 100 paired R. sanguineus s.l. and host sheep, Rickettsia massiliae was detected in 62 ticks and 35 grazing sheep blood samples, collected in central Portugal, 2021. All 35 positive sheep had attached positive R. sanguineus s.l., with matching nucleotidic sequences. These findings suggest that sheep may develop rickettsiemia and are likely capable of transmitting and amplifying the infection to uninfected ticks maintaining rickettsiae in circulation in the domestic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- João R Mesquita
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-091, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa E Translacional Em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | - Rita Cruz
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Studies in Education and Health Technologies (CI&DETS), Viseu, Portugal
| | - Fernando Esteves
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Studies in Education and Health Technologies (CI&DETS), Viseu, Portugal
| | - Helena Vala
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB) and Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Patrícia F Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-091, Porto, Portugal. .,Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa E Translacional Em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal. .,University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal. .,OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Porto, Portugal.
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Vieira Lista MC, Belhassen-García M, Vicente Santiago MB, Sánchez-Montejo J, Pedroza Pérez C, Monsalve Arteaga LC, Herrador Z, del Álamo-Sanz R, Benito A, Soto López JD, Muro A. Identification and Distribution of Human-Biting Ticks in Northwestern Spain. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13050469. [PMID: 35621803 PMCID: PMC9144542 DOI: 10.3390/insects13050469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary We conducted a tick surveillance study in northwestern Spain. Nymphs of Ixodes ricinus were the most frequently collected. Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Hyalomma marginatum, Hy. lusitanicum, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus and Haemaphysalis punctata were also found, with adults as the main stage. The number of collected Hyalomma spp. and R. bursa has been progressively increasing over time. Although bites occurred throughout the year, the highest number of incidents was reported from April to July. The distribution patterns of the tick species were different between the north and the south of the region, which was related to cases detected in humans of the pathogens they carried. Adult men were more likely to be bitten by ticks than women. Ticks were most frequently removed from adults from the lower limbs, while for children, they were mainly attached to the head. Epidemiological surveillance is essential given the increase in tick populations in recent years. Abstract Ticks transmit a wide diversity of pathogens to a great variety of hosts, including humans. We conducted a tick surveillance study in northwestern Spain between 2014 and 2019. Ticks were removed from people and identified. Tick numbers, species, development stages, the timeline, seasonal and geographical distribution and epidemiological characteristics of people bitten by ticks were studied. We collected ticks from 8143 people. Nymphs of I. ricinus were the most frequently collected. Rhipicephalus bursa, R. sanguineus s.l., Hy. marginatum, Hy. lusitanicum, D. marginatus, D. reticulatus and H. punctata were also found, with adults as the main stage. The number of collected Hyalomma spp. and R. bursa has been progressively increasing over time. Although bites occurred throughout the year, the highest number of incidents was reported from April to July. The distribution patterns of the tick species were different between the north and the south of the region, which was related to cases detected in humans of the pathogens they carried. Adult men were more likely to be bitten by ticks than women. Ticks were most frequently removed from adults from the lower limbs, while for children, they were mainly attached to the head. Epidemiological surveillance is essential given the increase in tick populations in recent years, mainly of species potentially carrying pathogens causing emerging diseases in Spain, such as Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCFH).
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Affiliation(s)
- María Carmen Vieira Lista
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | - Moncef Belhassen-García
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.B.-G.); (A.M.)
| | - María Belén Vicente Santiago
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | - Javier Sánchez-Montejo
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | - Carlos Pedroza Pérez
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | | | - Zaida Herrador
- National Centre for Tropical Medicine, Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (Z.H.); (A.B.)
| | | | - Agustin Benito
- National Centre for Tropical Medicine, Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (Z.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Julio David Soto López
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.V.L.); (M.B.V.S.); (J.S.-M.); (C.P.P.); (J.D.S.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.B.-G.); (A.M.)
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Castillo-Contreras R, Magen L, Birtles R, Varela-Castro L, Hall JL, Conejero C, Aguilar XF, Colom-Cadena A, Lavín S, Mentaberre G, López-Olvera JR. Ticks on wild boar in the metropolitan area of Barcelona (Spain) are infected with spotted fever group rickettsiae. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e82-e95. [PMID: 34331835 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) constitute an emerging public health concern favoured by multidimensional global changes. Amongst these, increase and spread of wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations are of special concern since this species can act as a reservoir of zoonotic pathogens and promote tick abundance. Thus, we aimed to make a first assessment of the risk by TBPs resulting from wild boar and ticks in the vicinity of a highly populated area. Between 2014 and 2016, we collected spleen samples and 2256 ticks from 261 wild boars (out of 438 inspected) in the metropolitan area of Barcelona (MAB; northeast Spain). We morphologically identified four tick species: Hyalomma lusitanicum (infestation prevalence: 33.6%), Dermacentor marginatus (26.9%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (18.9%) and R. bursa (0.2%). Ticks were pooled according to species and individual host. A total of 180 tick pools and 167 spleen samples were screened by real-time PCR and/or reverse line blot hybridization assay for Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp., Babesia sp., Rickettsia sp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Coxiella burnetii. Seventy-two out of the 180 tick pools were positive to Rickettsia spp. (minimum prevalence of 8.7%), including Rickettsia massiliae, R. slovaca and R. raoultii. We did not detect Rickettsia spp. in wild boar spleens nor other TBPs in ticks or wild boars. Since the ticks identified can bite humans, and the recorded spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae are zoonotic pathogens, there is a risk of SFG rickettsiae transmission for MAB inhabitants. Our results suggest a broader distribution of H. lusitanicum, competent vector for the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus than previously known. Wild boar is not a Rickettsia spp. reservoir according to the spleen negative results. However, its abundance could favour tick life cycle and abundance, and its proximity to humans could promote the infection risk by Rickettsia spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Castillo-Contreras
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Magen
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard Birtles
- University of Salford Tick Infections Group, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Lucía Varela-Castro
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jessica L Hall
- University of Salford Tick Infections Group, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Carles Conejero
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Fernandez Aguilar
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreu Colom-Cadena
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Lavín
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregorio Mentaberre
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Departament de Ciència Animal, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Agraria, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Jorge R López-Olvera
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Seroprevalences of Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis and Coxiella burnetii in Dogs from Montenegro. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:769-778. [PMID: 31286358 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00098-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence of vector-borne zoonoses has been increasing in Europe as a result of global climate change, and rickettsioses are a significant etiologic entity among these infections. The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalences of Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis and Coxiella burnetii in dogs in Montenegro. METHODS The seroepidemiological study covered 259 dogs, of which 155 were owned dogs suspected of infection with agents of rickettsial aetiology from the continental (Podgorica) or five coastal municipalities of Montenegro (Budva, Herceg Novi, Kotor, Ulcinj and Bar), and 104 dogs were from a public shelter in Podgorica. The presence of specific IgG antibodies against R. conorii was analysed using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, and the presence of antibodies against E. canis and C. burnetii was analysed using commercial indirect immunofluorescence tests (IFAT). RESULTS Seroprevalences of 73.36, 19.3 and 1.16% were determined for R. conorii, E. canis and C. burnetii, respectively. R. conorii was significantly more prevalent (χ2 = 14.53; p < 0.001) in owned dogs (81.93%) than in dogs from the public shelter (60.6%), while E. canis was more prevalent (χ2 = 12.31; p < 0.001) in dogs from the public shelter (29.81%) than in owned dogs (12.26%). Coinfection with two pathogens was determined in 40 (15.44%) dogs, and the prevalence of R. conorii/E. canis (χ2 = 4.23; p < 0.05) was greater in dogs from the public shelter (20.19%) than in owned dogs (10.97%). CONCLUSION The prevailing evidence from this study shows that dogs from Montenegro are exposed to pathogens of veterinary and public health importance. This calls for the One Health approach to sensitise the public on the risks of zoonoses from dogs and to formulate policies and strategies to mitigate their spread and safeguard public health.
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Remesar S, Díaz P, Portillo A, Santibáñez S, Prieto A, Díaz-Cao JM, López CM, Panadero R, Fernández G, Díez-Baños P, Oteo JA, Morrondo P. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp. in questing ticks from north-western Spain. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 79:267-278. [PMID: 31655926 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses, most of them belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG), have been recognized as important emerging vector-borne zoonotic diseases. In order to determine the presence of Rickettsia spp. in questing ticks from north-western Spain, 1056 Ixodes ricinus, 19 Dermacentor marginatus, 17 Dermacentor reticulatus and one Ixodes acuminatus were processed. Rickettsia DNA was detected by PCR targeting rOmpA and rOmpB genes. A total of 219 (20.7%) I. ricinus, 19 (100%) D. marginatus and four D. reticulatus (23.5%) were positive. The prevalence was significantly higher in I. ricinus from coastal areas and in winter. Five species were identified: Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia monacensis, Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia slovaca and "Candidatus Rickettsia rioja". Our results reveal a significant presence of some pathogenic Rickettsia species in questing tick populations from this area which involves a noticeable risk of rickettsiosis. As R. raoultii, R. slovaca and "Ca. R. rioja" DNA were identified in I. ricinus, considered an unusual vector for these Rickettsia species, further studies are needed to unravel the role of that tick species in the maintenance and transmission of these three Rickettsia species in north-western Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Remesar
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pabellón I, Planta Baja, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Díaz
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pabellón I, Planta Baja, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Centro de Rickettsiosis y Enfermedades Transmitidas por Artrópodos Vectores (CRETAV), Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital U. San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Sonia Santibáñez
- Centro de Rickettsiosis y Enfermedades Transmitidas por Artrópodos Vectores (CRETAV), Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital U. San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Alberto Prieto
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pabellón I, Planta Baja, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - José M Díaz-Cao
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pabellón I, Planta Baja, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ceferino M López
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pabellón I, Planta Baja, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Rosario Panadero
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pabellón I, Planta Baja, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Fernández
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pabellón I, Planta Baja, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Díez-Baños
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pabellón I, Planta Baja, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - José A Oteo
- Centro de Rickettsiosis y Enfermedades Transmitidas por Artrópodos Vectores (CRETAV), Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital U. San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Patrocinio Morrondo
- Departamento de Patología Animal (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Pabellón I, Planta Baja, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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8
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Remesar S, Díaz P, Prieto A, Markina F, Díaz Cao JM, López-Lorenzo G, Fernández G, López CM, Panadero R, Díez-Baños P, Morrondo P. Prevalence and distribution of Babesia and Theileria species in roe deer from Spain. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:195-201. [PMID: 31193911 PMCID: PMC6545327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis and Theileriosis are important worldwide-distributed tick-borne diseases for human and animals. Their presence in a particular area depends on the presence of suitable tick-vector and host species as well as competent reservoirs such as roe deer, one of the most abundant wild cervids in Spain. Spleen samples from 174 roe deer hunted in Spain were analysed to determine the prevalence of Babesia and Theileria species. DNA of both piroplasms was firstly detected using a commercial qPCR. Then, positive samples were molecularly characterized at the 18S rRNA and ITS1 genes of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. The possible influence of some factors such as ecological area, age and sex was also assessed. Overall, 89.7% of roe deer were positive to any of the two piroplasms. Theileria spp. was more prevalent (60.9%) than Babesia spp. (19.0%); species identification could not be achieved in 17.3% of positive samples. Babesia prevalence was significantly higher in young animals and in roe deer from Oceanic regions, in contrast to Theileria spp. Five species were identified: Theileria sp. OT3 (60.3%), Babesia capreoli (15.5%), Babesia venatorum (2.9%), Theileria sp. 3185/02 (0.6%) and Babesia bigemina (0.6%). The coinfection B. capreoli/T. sp. OT3 was the most common (4.6%) followed by B. venatorum/T. sp. OT3 (0.6%) and B. bigemina/T. sp. OT3 (0.6%). Our results reveal that Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. are prevalent piroplasms in roe deer from Spain. These cervids can act as reservoirs for several Babesia and Theileria species, including the zoonotic B. venatorum. This study represents the first description of B. venatorum and B. bigemina in roe deer from Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Remesar
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Díaz
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Alberto Prieto
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | | | - Jose Manuel Díaz Cao
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo López-Lorenzo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Fernández
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ceferino M. López
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Rosario Panadero
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Díez-Baños
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Patrocinio Morrondo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
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9
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Moraga-Fernández A, Chaligiannis Ι, Cabezas-Cruz A, Papa A, Sotiraki S, de la Fuente J, G Fernández de Mera I. Molecular identification of spotted fever group Rickettsia in ticks collected from dogs and small ruminants in Greece. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 78:421-430. [PMID: 31175472 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia are zoonotic and emerging pathogens with considerable impact in public and animal health. Greece is an endemic country of diseases caused by SFG Rickettsia. This work aims to evaluate the prevalence of SFG Rickettsia in ticks collected from domestic hosts including sheep, goats and dogs. Several genetic markers for bacterial genes, such as 16S rRNA, ompA, ompB, atpA, gltA, recA, dnaA and dnaK, were amplified and sequenced to accurately classified the rickettsial pathogens in the ticks. Taxonomy and species classification of the Rickettsia was achieved by combining phylogenetic and in silico digestion analysis of the gene sequences obtained. A total of 187 ticks were collected and classified at the species level as Ixodes gibosus, Dermacentor marginatus, Haemaphysalis parva, H. sulcata, H. punctata, Hyalomma scavatum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. bursa and Rhipicephalus sp. The results showed that 7.5% of ticks were infected with at least one SFG Rickettsia including R. massiliae (n = 3), R. slovaca (n = 5), R. raoultii (n = 1) and R. hoogstraalii (n = 5), collected from sheep (n = 4), goats (n = 5) and dogs (n = 3). Molecular analysis revealed the presence of novel genetic variants of R. hoogstraalii (in H. sulcata and H. parva from goat and sheep) and R. raoultii (in D. marginatus from goat). These results proof the presence of SFG Rickettsia in domestic hosts in Greece, and support the need for continued monitoring, surveillance and further analyses of other hosts and study areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Moraga-Fernández
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo, 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ιlias Chaligiannis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anna Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo, 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Isabel G Fernández de Mera
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo, 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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10
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Tick species diversity and population dynamics of Ixodes ricinus in Galicia (north-western Spain). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:132-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Mhlwatika Z, Aderibigbe BA. Application of Dendrimers for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases. Molecules 2018; 23:E2205. [PMID: 30200314 PMCID: PMC6225509 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23092205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendrimers are drug delivery systems that are characterized by a three-dimensional, star-shaped, branched macromolecular network. They possess ideal properties such as low polydispersity index, biocompatibility and good water solubility. They are made up of the interior and the exterior layers. The exterior layer consists of functional groups that are useful for conjugation of drugs and targeting moieties. The interior layer exhibits improved drug encapsulation efficiency, reduced drug toxicity, and controlled release mechanisms. These unique properties make them useful for drug delivery. Dendrimers have attracted considerable attention as drug delivery system for the treatment of infectious diseases. The treatment of infectious diseases is hampered severely by drug resistance. Several properties of dendrimers such as their ability to overcome drug resistance, toxicity and control the release mechanism of the encapsulated drugs make them ideal systems for the treatment of infectious disease. The aim of this review is to discuss the potentials of dendrimers for the treatment of viral and parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zandile Mhlwatika
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Eastern Cape 5700, South Africa.
| | - Blessing Atim Aderibigbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Eastern Cape 5700, South Africa.
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12
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Integrated metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics for the characterization of bacterial microbiota in unfed Ixodes ricinus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1241-1251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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13
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Fernández de Mera IG, Blanda V, Torina A, Dabaja MF, El Romeh A, Cabezas-Cruz A, de la Fuente J. Identification and molecular characterization of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from farm ruminants in Lebanon. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:104-108. [PMID: 29054546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases have become a world health concern, emerging with increasing incidence in recent decades. Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae are tick-borne pathogens recognized as important agents of human tick-borne diseases worldwide. In this study, 88 adult ticks from the species Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rh. bursa, Rh. sanguineus sensu lato, and Rh. turanicus, were collected from farm ruminants in Lebanon, and SFG rickettsiae were molecularly identified and characterized in these ticks. The screening showed a prevalence of 68% for Rickettsia spp., including the species R. aeschlimannii, R. africae, R. massiliae and Candidatus R. barbariae, the latter considered an emerging member of the SFG rickettsiae. These findings contribute to a better knowledge of the distribution of these pathogens and demonstrate that SFG rickettsiae with public health relevance are found in ticks collected in Lebanon, where the widespread distribution of tick vectors and possible livestock animal hosts in contact with humans may favor transmission to humans. Few reports exist for some of the tick species identified here as being infected with SFG Rickettsia. Some of these tick species are proven vectors of the hosted rickettsiae, although this information is unknown for other of these species. Therefore, these results suggested further investigation on the vector competence of the tick species with unknown role in transmission of some of the pathogens identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel G Fernández de Mera
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Intituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via G. Marinuzzi n°3, 90129 Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Intituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via G. Marinuzzi n°3, 90129 Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | | | - Ali El Romeh
- Republic of Lebanon, Ministry of Agriculture, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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14
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Pereira A, Parreira R, Cotão AJ, Nunes M, Vieira ML, Azevedo F, Campino L, Maia C. Tick-borne bacteria and protozoa detected in ticks collected from domestic animals and wildlife in central and southern Portugal. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:225-234. [PMID: 28958791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of many human and animal pathogens. The aim of this study was to screen bacteria and protozoa from ticks infesting domestic animals and wildlife collected in central and southern Portugal. A total of 593 ticks, comprising 465 (78.4%) adults, 122 (20.6%) nymphs, and six (1.0%) larvae, were collected from 283 hosts of 25 different species (4 domestic and 21 wild). Overall, the analysis of DNA extracts prepared from ticks collected from hosts of 11 different species in the districts of Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Lisboa, Setúbal, Beja and Faro, revealed the presence of genomic sequences from Anaplasma sp., A. ovis, Babesia sp., relapsing fever-like Borrelia sp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Ri. helvetica, Ri. massiliae, Ri. raoultii, Ri. slovaca, Candidatus Ri. barbariae, Theileria annulata and T. ovis, in specimens of Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hy. marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa and Rh. sanguineus sensu lato. The obtained results suggest the circulation of a wide variety of infectious agents, some of zoonotic concern, in hard ticks from Portugal. Further studies should be conducted to better characterize (both genetically and phenotypically) the putative novel microorganisms detected, both in what regards their potential pathogenity towards vertebrates, and to assist the implementation of effective control strategies for the management of ticks and human and animal tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal; Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Parreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | | | - Mónica Nunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | - Maria Luísa Vieira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | | | - Lenea Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal; Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal.
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15
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Liu L, Chen Q, Yang Y, Wang J, Cao X, Zhang S, Li H, Hou Y, Wang F, Xu B. Investigations on Rickettsia in Ticks at the Sino-Russian and Sino-Mongolian Borders, China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 15:785-9. [PMID: 26684526 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To describe the prevalence of Rickettsia in ticks at the Sino-Russian and Sino-Mongolian borders, a total of 292 ticks were collected and tested by conventional PCR assays. The prevalence of Rickettsia was 53.4%, and phylogenetic analysis showed that they belonged to R. raoultii species after alignment for the ompA, ompB, and gltA genes, respectively. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected for 14%, and no Ehrlichia, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Babesia species were found. Co-infection of two pathogens was 9.9%, and no co-infection with three or more pathogens was found. This study suggested Rickettsia was the most common pathogen in the ticks and co-infection was found. The findings might be helpful to provide advice on the prevention and control of tick-borne disease potential for tourists and residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Liu
- 1 Institute of Health Quarantine , Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qian Chen
- 1 Institute of Health Quarantine , Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Yang
- 1 Institute of Health Quarantine , Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jiancheng Wang
- 1 Institute of Health Quarantine , Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomei Cao
- 1 Institute of Health Quarantine , Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- 2 Department of Health and Quarantine, Inner-Mongolia Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau , Hohhot, P. R. China
| | - Hong Li
- 2 Department of Health and Quarantine, Inner-Mongolia Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau , Hohhot, P. R. China
| | - Yong Hou
- 3 Department of Health and Quarantine, Heilongjiang Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau , Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Fuxiang Wang
- 4 Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University , Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Baoliang Xu
- 1 Institute of Health Quarantine , Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, P. R. China
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16
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Palomar AM, Portillo A, Mazuelas D, Roncero L, Arizaga J, Crespo A, Gutiérrez Ó, Márquez FJ, Cuadrado JF, Eiros JM, Oteo JA. Molecular analysis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and Rickettsia in Hyalomma marginatum ticks removed from patients (Spain) and birds (Spain and Morocco), 2009-2015. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:983-987. [PMID: 27215620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was detected in Spain in 2010. The presence of CCHFV in Hyalomma marginatum ticks from migratory birds passing through Morocco during the spring migration strengthened the hypothesis of the arrival of infected ticks transported by birds to the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, Hyalomma species are vectors of bacterial infections such as spotted fever rickettsioses. CCHFV and Rickettsia were screened in Hyalomma ticks from Spain attached to patients (n=12) and birds (n=149). In addition, Rickettsia was investigated in 52 Hyalomma ticks from Morocco (previously reported as CCHFV-infected). No sample collected in Spain showed an infection with CCHFV. Two ticks removed from patients (16.7%), as well as 47 (31.5%) and 4 (7.7%) from birds, collected in Spain and Morocco respectively, were infected with Rickettsia aeschlimannii. Rickettsia sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae was also found in 2 ticks from birds collected in Spain (1.3%). The risk of CCHFV-infected ticks attached to migratory birds to reach the North of Spain is low. This study corroborates the presence of R. aeschlimannii in Spain and Morocco, and supports that H. marginatum can be a potential vector of R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae in the Iberian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Palomar
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
| | | | | | - Juan Arizaga
- Aranzadi Society of Sciences, San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Ariñe Crespo
- Aranzadi Society of Sciences, San Sebastián, Spain.
| | | | - Francisco J Márquez
- Dpto. Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain.
| | | | - José M Eiros
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - José A Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
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17
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López V, Alberdi P, Mera IGFD, Barasona JA, Vicente J, Garrido JM, Torina A, Caracappa S, Lelli RC, Gortázar C, de la Fuente J. Evidence of co-infection with Mycobacterium bovis and tick-borne pathogens in a naturally infected sheep flock. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:384-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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18
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Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens in wild and domestic carnivores and their ticks at the human-wildlife interface. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:284-90. [PMID: 26643497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization of natural areas is considered one of the causes of the current apparent emergence of infectious diseases. Carnivores are among the species that adapt well to urban and periurban environments, facilitating cross-species disease transmission with domestic dogs and cats, and potentially with their owners. The prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBP) of zoonotic and veterinary interest was studied in sympatric wild and domestic carnivores into Barcelona Metropolitan Area (NE Spain). Blood or spleen samples from 130 animals, including 34 common genets (Genetta genetta), 12 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 10 stone martens (Martes foina), three Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), 34 free-roaming domestic cats and 37 dogs with outdoor access, were collected either in protected or adjacent residential areas. A total of 309 ticks (chiefly Rhipicephalus turanicus) were collected on these animals. The samples were analyzed with a battery of PCR assays targeting the DNA of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasmataceae, Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp., and Piroplasmida, and the amplicons were sequenced. The fox showed the highest prevalence (58%) and diversity of VBP (four pathogens), whereas none of the dogs were infected. Bartonella spp. (including B. clarridgeiae, B. henselae, and B. rochalimae) was the most prevalent pathogen. Infection of wild carnivores with Ehrlichia canis, C. burnetii, Theileria annae and Babesia vogeli was also confirmed, with some cases of coinfection observed. The presence of DNA of T. annae and B. vogeli was also confirmed in tick pools from four species of wild carnivores, supporting their role in piroplasmid life-cycle. By the sequencing of several target genes, DNA of Rickettsia massiliae was confirmed in 17 pools of Rh. turanicus, Rh. sanguineous, and Rh. pusillus from five different species, and Rickettsia conorii in one pool of Rh. sanguineous from a dog. None of the hosts from which these ticks were collected was infected by Rickettsia. Although carnivores may not be reservoir hosts for zoonotic Rickettsia, they can have an important role as mechanical dispersers of infected ticks.
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19
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Proboste T, Kalema-Zikusoka G, Altet L, Solano-Gallego L, Fernández de Mera IG, Chirife AD, Muro J, Bach E, Piazza A, Cevidanes A, Blanda V, Mugisha L, de la Fuente J, Caracappa S, Millán J. Infection and exposure to vector-borne pathogens in rural dogs and their ticks, Uganda. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:306. [PMID: 26043771 PMCID: PMC4460633 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0919-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In rural parts of Africa, dogs live in close association with humans and livestock, roam freely, and usually do not receive prophylactic measures. Thus, they are a source of infectious disease for humans and for wildlife such as protected carnivores. In 2011, an epidemiological study was carried out around three conservation areas in Uganda to detect the presence and determine the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in rural dogs and associated ticks to evaluate the risk that these pathogens pose to humans and wildlife. METHODS Serum samples (n = 105), blood smears (n = 43) and blood preserved on FTA cards (n = 38) and ticks (58 monospecific pools of Haemaphysalis leachi and Rhipicephalus praetextatus including 312 ticks from 52 dogs) were collected from dogs. Dog sera were tested by indirect immunofluorescence to detect the presence of antibodies against Rickettsia conorii and Ehrlichia canis. Antibodies against R. conorii were also examined by indirect enzyme immunoassay. Real time PCR for the detection of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella spp. and Babesia spp. was performed in DNA extracted from FTA cards and ticks. RESULTS 99% of the dogs were seropositive to Rickettsia spp. and 29.5% to Ehrlichia spp. Molecular analyses revealed that 7.8% of the blood samples were infected with Babesia rossi, and all were negative for Rickettsia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. Ticks were infected with Rickettsia sp. (18.9%), including R. conorii and R. massiliae; Ehrlichia sp. (18.9%), including E. chaffeensis and Anaplasma platys; and B. rossi (1.7%). Bartonella spp. was not detected in any of the blood or tick samples. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the presence of previously undetected vector-borne pathogens of humans and animals in East Africa. We recommend that dog owners in rural Uganda be advised to protect their animals against ectoparasites to prevent the transmission of pathogens to humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Proboste
- Facultad de Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
- Conservation Through Public Health, Plot 3 Mapera Lane, Uringi Crescent, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Laura Altet
- VetGenomics, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Isabel G Fernández de Mera
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, IREC (CSIC-UCLM- JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, Ciudad Real, 13005, Spain.
| | | | - Jesús Muro
- Andorra Veterinary Services, Government of Andorra, Andorra La Vella, Andorra.
| | - Ester Bach
- Servei d'Hematologia Clinica Veterinaria (SHCV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Antonio Piazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Republica 252, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, 7062, Uganda.
- Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance (CEHA), Kampala, 34153, Uganda.
| | - José de la Fuente
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 74078, OK, USA.
| | - Santo Caracappa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Republica 252, Santiago, Chile.
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Faccini-Martínez ÁA, García-Álvarez L, Hidalgo M, Oteo JA. Syndromic classification of rickettsioses: an approach for clinical practice. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 28:126-39. [PMID: 25242696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsioses share common clinical manifestations, such as fever, malaise, exanthema, the presence or absence of an inoculation eschar, and lymphadenopathy. Some of these manifestations can be suggestive of certain species of Rickettsia infection. Nevertheless none of these manifestations are pathognomonic, and direct diagnostic methods to confirm the involved species are always required. A syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms that characterizes a disease with many etiologies or causes. This situation is applicable to rickettsioses, where different species can cause similar clinical presentations. We propose a syndromic classification for these diseases: exanthematic rickettsiosis syndrome with a low probability of inoculation eschar and rickettsiosis syndrome with a probability of inoculation eschar and their variants. In doing so, we take into account the clinical manifestations, the geographic origin, and the possible vector involved, in order to provide a guide for physicians of the most probable etiological agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara García-Álvarez
- Infectious Diseases Department, Center of Rickettsioses and Vector-borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José A Oteo
- Infectious Diseases Department, Center of Rickettsioses and Vector-borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain.
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Villar M, Popara M, Ayllón N, Fernández de Mera IG, Mateos-Hernández L, Galindo RC, Manrique M, Tobes R, de la Fuente J. A systems biology approach to the characterization of stress response in Dermacentor reticulatus tick unfed larvae. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89564. [PMID: 24586875 PMCID: PMC3931811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) is distributed in Europe and Asia where it infests and transmits disease-causing pathogens to humans, pets and other domestic and wild animals. However, despite its role as a vector of emerging or re-emerging diseases, very little information is available on the genome, transcriptome and proteome of D. reticulatus. Tick larvae are the first developmental stage to infest hosts, acquire infection and transmit pathogens that are transovarially transmitted and are exposed to extremely stressing conditions. In this study, we used a systems biology approach to get an insight into the mechanisms active in D. reticulatus unfed larvae, with special emphasis on stress response. Principal Findings The results support the use of paired end RNA sequencing and proteomics informed by transcriptomics (PIT) for the analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics data, particularly for organisms such as D. reticulatus with little sequence information available. The results showed that metabolic and cellular processes involved in protein synthesis were the most active in D. reticulatus unfed larvae, suggesting that ticks are very active during this life stage. The stress response was activated in D. reticulatus unfed larvae and a Rickettsia sp. similar to R. raoultii was identified in these ticks. Significance The activation of stress responses in D. reticulatus unfed larvae likely counteracts the negative effect of temperature and other stress conditions such as Rickettsia infection and favors tick adaptation to environmental conditions to increase tick survival. These results show mechanisms that have evolved in D. reticulatus ticks to survive under stress conditions and suggest that these mechanisms are conserved across hard tick species. Targeting some of these proteins by vaccination may increase tick susceptibility to natural stress conditions, which in turn reduce tick survival and reproduction, thus reducing tick populations and vector capacity for tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Villar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marina Popara
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Nieves Ayllón
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ruth C. Galindo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Marina Manrique
- Oh no sequences! Research group, Era7 Bioinformatics, Granada, Spain
| | - Raquel Tobes
- Oh no sequences! Research group, Era7 Bioinformatics, Granada, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mentaberre G, Gutiérrez C, Rodríguez NF, Joseph S, González-Barrio D, Cabezón O, de la Fuente J, Gortazar C, Boadella M. A transversal study on antibodies against selected pathogens in dromedary camels in the Canary Islands, Spain. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:468-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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