scholarly journals Global Distribution of Babesia Species in Questing Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Published Literature

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 230
Author(s):  
ThankGod E. Onyiche ◽  
Cristian Răileanu ◽  
Susanne Fischer ◽  
Cornelia Silaghi
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Babesia Species ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Questing Ticks ◽  
Veterinary Importance

Babesiosis caused by the Babesia species is a parasitic tick-borne disease. It threatens many mammalian species and is transmitted through infected ixodid ticks. To date, the global occurrence and distribution are poorly understood in questing ticks. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the distribution of the pathogen. A deep search for four electronic databases of the published literature investigating the prevalence of Babesia spp. in questing ticks was undertaken and obtained data analyzed. Our results indicate that in 104 eligible studies dating from 1985 to 2020, altogether 137,364 ticks were screened with 3069 positives with an estimated global pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of 2.10%. In total, 19 different Babesia species of both human and veterinary importance were detected in 23 tick species, with Babesia microti and Ixodesricinus being the most widely reported Babesia and tick species, respectively. Regardless of species, adult ticks with 2.60% had the highest infection rates, while larvae had the least with 0.60%. Similarly, female ticks with 4.90% were infected compared to males with 3.80%. Nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 2.80% had the highest prevalence among the molecular techniques employed. In conclusion, results obtained indicate that Babesia species are present in diverse questing tick species at a low prevalence, of which some are competent vectors.

scholarly journals Effect of burning on the numbers of questing ticks collected by dragging

2006 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
I.G. Horak ◽  
G.J. Gallivan ◽  
A.M. Spickett ◽  
A.L.F. Potgieter
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
National Park ◽  
Host Preference ◽  
Term Effect ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Experimental Burn ◽  
Major Species ◽  
Questing Ticks

Sixteen experimental burn plot replicates, in groups of four, in four landscape zones of the Kruger National Park, South Africa, and from which wildlife are not excluded, have been subjected to fixed, regular burning regimens since 1954. In 1999, a study to determine the effect of burning on ixodid ticks questing for hosts from the vegetation of the plots was initiated, and six sub-plots, with identical histories, within each of two of the burn plot replicates in Combretum collinum / Combretum zeyheyri woodland on granite, were selected. With few exceptions these 12 sub-plots, as well as unburned vegetation adjacent to each of the replicates, were sampled for ticks at monthly intervals for a period of 39 months by dragging with flannel strips. The existing regimen of burning during August or during October on individual sub-plots was continued during this time. A total of 14 tick species was recovered from the plots of which nine could be considered major species. Sufficient numbers for statistical analysis of only eight species were, however, collected. Burning appeared to have little short-term effect on the number of ticks recovered. In the longer term, the response varied from no change, an increase, or a decrease in the numbers of ticks collected each year after burning. Tick species, life cycle, seasonality, questing strategy, host preference and host utilization of the habitat were important determinants of the effect of burning.

scholarly journals The Global Emergence of Human Babesiosis

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1447
Author(s):  
Abhinav Kumar ◽  
Jane O'Bryan ◽  
Peter J. Krause
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Babesia Species ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Endemic Disease ◽  
Predominant Species ◽  
Human Babesiosis

Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa that are primarily transmitted by hard-bodied (Ixodid) ticks and rarely through blood transfusion, perinatally, and organ transplantation. More than 100 Babesia species infect a wide spectrum of wild and domestic animals worldwide and six have been identified as human pathogens. Babesia microti is the predominant species that infects humans, is found throughout the world, and causes endemic disease in the United States and China. Babesia venatorum and Babesia crassa-like agent also cause endemic disease in China. Babesia divergens is the predominant species in Europe where fulminant cases have been reported sporadically. The number of B. microti infections has been increasing globally in recent decades. In the United States, more than 2000 cases are reported each year, although the actual number is thought to be much higher. In this review of the epidemiology of human babesiosis, we discuss epidemiologic tools used to monitor disease location and frequency; demographics and modes of transmission; the location of human babesiosis; the causative Babesia species in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia; the primary clinical characteristics associated with each of these infections; and the increasing global health burden of this disease.

scholarly journals Identification and Prevalence of Ixodid Ticks of Cattle in case of Haramaya Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Anteneh Wondimu ◽  
Yehualashet Bayu
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Attachment Site ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Tick Control ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Site Preference ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Veterinary Importance

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to April 2018 to determine the prevalence and identify major species of ixodid ticks of cattle and tick burden of different sex, age, breed, and body condition of cattle. Standard physical and direct stereomicroscopy techniques were employed for identification of tick species. During the study period, a total of 353 cattle were examined for presence of ticks and around 447 ticks were collected. The study showed that 34.3% cattle were infested with one or more tick species. The study reported different species of ticks in the order of their prevalence: A. variegatum (46.3%), Rh. decoloratus (20.1%), A. cohaerens (15.7%), A. gemma (11.9%), and Rh. pulchellus (6.04%), respectively. The prevalence of tick infestation between different risk factors such as sex, age, and body condition of cattle was statistically significant ( p < 0.05 ). The overall male-to-female ratio of ticks was 2.29 : 1. Also, it was reported that, in A. variegatum, A. cohaerens, and A. gemma, the number of male exceeded that of female, but female number exceeded male number in case of Rh. decoloratus. The result also reported difference in attachment site preference, for example, Amblyomma genus was attached mostly to the scrotum/udder and axial and Rh. pulchellus was specified on the ear and perianal area, while Rh. decoloratus was non site selective. In conclusion, findings of this study suggest that ticks were the most important problems of cattle of the study areas. Therefore, the increasing threat of ticks warrants urgent strategic control including application of acaricides and creation of awareness among livestock owners about the veterinary importance of ticks for the integrated tick control.

scholarly journals The specificity of Babesia-tick vector interactions: recent advances and pitfalls in molecular and field studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Bajer ◽  
Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Species Interactions ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Ixodes Persulcatus ◽  
Tick Vector

Abstract Background Babesia spp. are protozoan parasites of great medical and veterinary importance, especially in the northern Hemisphere. Ticks are known vectors of Babesia spp., although some Babesia-tick interactions have not been fully elucidated. Methods The present review was performed to investigate the specificity of Babesia-tick species interactions that have been identified using molecular techniques in studies conducted in the last 20 years under field conditions. We aimed to indicate the main vectors of important Babesia species based on published research papers (n = 129) and molecular data derived from the GenBank database. Results Repeated observations of certain Babesia species in specific species and genera of ticks in numerous independent studies, carried out in different areas and years, have been considered epidemiological evidence of established Babesia-tick interactions. The best studied species of ticks are Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes scapularis (103 reports, i.e. 80% of total reports). Eco-epidemiological studies have confirmed a specific relationship between Babesia microti and Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, and Ixodes scapularis and also between Babesia canis and D. reticulatus. Additionally, four Babesia species (and one genotype), which have different deer species as reservoir hosts, displayed specificity to the I. ricinus complex. Eco-epidemiological studies do not support interactions between a high number of Babesia spp. and I. ricinus or D. reticulatus. Interestingly, pioneering studies on other species and genera of ticks have revealed the existence of likely new Babesia species, which need more scientific attention. Finally, we discuss the detection of Babesia spp. in feeding ticks and critically evaluate the data on the role of the latter as vectors. Conclusions Epidemiological data have confirmed the specificity of certain Babesia-tick vector interactions. The massive amount of data that has been thus far collected for the most common tick species needs to be complemented by more intensive studies on Babesia infections in underrepresented tick species. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals The dynamics of questing ticks collected for 164 consecutive months off the vegetation of two landscape zones in the Kruger National Park (1988–2002). Part I. Total ticks, Amblyomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus

2011 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan G. Horak ◽  
Gordon J. Gallivan ◽  
Arthur M. Spickett
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
National Park ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Amblyomma Hebraeum ◽  
Generic Level ◽  
Questing Ticks

Despite a large number of studies on tick biology, there is limited information on long- term changes in tick populations. This study thus aimed to assess the long-term population dynamics of questing ixodid ticks in two landscape zones of the Kruger National Park (KNP). Questing ixodid ticks were collected in the KNP from August 1988 to March 2002 by monthly dragging of the vegetation in three habitats (grassland, woodland and gully) at two sites (Nhlowa Road and Skukuza). Findings pertaining to total tick numbers and Amblyomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus specifically are presented here. Fourteen tick species were collected, as well as four others that could be identified only to generic level. More ticks (211 569 vs 125 810) were collected at Nhlowa Road than at Skukuza. Larvae were the most commonly collected stage of all the major tick species. A. hebraeum was the most commonly collected tick (63.6%) at Nhlowa Road, whereas R. decoloratus accounted for 15.3% of the ticks collected there. At Skukuza, 31.6% and 27.1% of the collected ticks were R. decoloratus and A. hebraeum respectively. Most A. hebraeum larvae were collected in summer and the fewest in winter and early spring, mostly in woodland and least often in grassland habitats. Most R. decoloratus larvae were collected in spring and the fewest in autumn and winter, and were more frequently collected in woodland and grassland than in gullies. The largest collections of most tick species were made during the early 1990s, while numbers were lowest in the mid-1990s after a drought during 1991 and 1992 and then increased towards the late 1990s, followed by a final decrease. The changes in tick numbers over time probably reflect differences in their host communities at the two sites and the effect of climatic conditions on both hosts and free-living ticks. The population dynamics of questing ticks reflect a complex interaction between ticks, their hosts and the environment.

scholarly journals Pathogens detected in the tick Haemaphysalis concinna in Western Poland: known and unknown threats

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek ◽  
Ewa Julia Mierzejewska ◽  
Mohammed Alsarraf ◽  
Mustafa Alsarraf ◽  
Anna Bajer
Keyword(s):  
Host Species ◽  
Far East ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Haemaphysalis Concinna ◽  
Phylogenetic Methods ◽  
The Far East ◽  
Veterinary Importance

AbstractIn recent years, a new focus of the relict tick Haemaphysalis concinna was discovered in Western Poland, near Wolsztyn, Greater Poland voivodeship. This species may play an important role in the circulation of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. In the present study we tested 880 juvenile ticks collected from rodents, including 427 H. concinna, 443 Ixodes ricinus and 10 Dermacentor reticulatus for three of the most common pathogens vectored by ticks in Poland: Rickettsia and Babesia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. Additionally, molecular techniques were applied for accurate identification of tick host species (the voles Microtus and Alexandromys). Our study found differences in the range and prevalence of vectored pathogens between the three tick species. DNA of all three pathogens was found in I. ricinus. In juvenile H. concinna, DNA of Babesia microti, Borrelia afzelii and Rickettsia sp. was identified. Moreover, DNA of a new unnamed Babesia species related to B. crassa, was found in two H. concinna nymphs. This genotype of Babesia was previously identified in H. concinna in the Far East and then in Central Europe. DNA of Rickettsia raoulti and B. afzelii was detected in D. reticulatus nymphs. Among rodent hosts, Alexandromys oeconomus seems to be host of the highest significance for juvenile tick stages and was the only host species with B. afzelii detected in blood samples. Using phylogenetic methods, we confirmed a clear division between rodents from the genera Microtus and Alexandromys. Moreover, we found that A. oeconomus trapped in Western Poland clustered with a Central European A. oeconomus allopatric phylogroup.

scholarly journals Spiroplasma Infection among Ixodid Ticks Exhibits Species Dependence and Suggests a Vertical Pattern of Transmission

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 333
Author(s):  
Shohei Ogata ◽  
Wessam Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed ◽  
Kodai Kusakisako ◽  
May June Thu ◽  
Yongjin Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rdna ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Frequent Event ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Members of the genus Spiroplasma are Gram-positive bacteria without cell walls. Some Spiroplasma species can cause disease in arthropods such as bees, whereas others provide their host with resistance to pathogens. Ticks also harbour Spiroplasma, but their role has not been elucidated yet. Here, the infection status and genetic diversity of Spiroplasma in ticks were investigated using samples collected from different geographic regions in Japan. A total of 712 ticks were tested for Spiroplasma infection by PCR targeting 16S rDNA, and Spiroplasma species were genetically characterized based on 16S rDNA, ITS, dnaA, and rpoB gene sequences. A total of 109 samples originating from eight tick species were positive for Spiroplasma infection, with infection rates ranging from 0% to 84% depending on the species. A linear mixed model indicated that tick species was the primary factor associated with Spiroplasma infection. Moreover, certain Spiroplasma alleles that are highly adapted to specific tick species may explain the high infection rates in Ixodes ovatus and Haemaphysalis kitaokai. A comparison of the alleles obtained suggests that horizontal transmission between tick species may not be a frequent event. These findings provide clues to understand the transmission cycle of Spiroplasma species in wild tick populations and their roles in host ticks.

scholarly journals Atlas of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) in Germany

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz Rubel ◽  
Katharina Brugger ◽  
Lidia Chitimia-Dobler ◽  
Hans Dautel ◽  
Elisabeth Meyer-Kayser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Federal States ◽  
Ixodes Frontalis ◽  
Argas Reflexus ◽  
The One ◽  
Argasid Tick ◽  
First Time

AbstractAn updated and increased compilation of georeferenced tick locations in Germany is presented here. This data collection extends the dataset published some years ago by another 1448 new tick locations, 900 locations of which were digitized from literature and 548 locations are published here for the first time. This means that a total of 3492 georeferenced tick locations is now available for Germany. The tick fauna of Germany includes two species of Argasidae in the genera Argas and Carios and 19 species of Ixodidae in the genera Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, altogether 21 tick species. In addition, three species of Ixodidae in the genera Hyalomma (each spring imported by migratory birds) and Rhipicephalus (occasionally imported by dogs returning from abroad with their owners) are included in the tick atlas. Of these, the georeferenced locations of 23 tick species are depicted in maps. The occurrence of the one remaining tick species, the recently described Ixodes inopinatus, is given at the level of the federal states. The most common and widespread tick species is Ixodes ricinus, with records in all 16 federal states. With the exception of Hamburg, Dermacentor reticulatus was also found in all federal states. The occurrence of the ixodid ticks Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes hexagonus and I. inopinatus were documented in at least 11 federal states each. The two mentioned argasid tick species were also documented in numerous federal states, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus in 11 and the bat tick Carios vespertilionis in seven federal states. The atlas of ticks in Germany and the underlying digital dataset in the supplement can be used to improve global tick maps or to study the effects of climate change and habitat alteration on the distribution of tick species.

scholarly journals Surveillance of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Suburban Natural Habitats of Central Maryland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew T Milholland ◽  
Lars Eisen ◽  
Robyn M Nadolny ◽  
Andrias Hojgaard ◽  
Erika T Machtinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Questing Ticks ◽  
Tick Vectors

Abstract Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are increasing in the eastern United States and there is a lack of research on integrated strategies to control tick vectors. Here we present results of a study on tick-borne pathogens detected from tick vectors and rodent reservoirs from an ongoing 5-yr tick suppression study in the Lyme disease-endemic state of Maryland, where human-biting tick species, including Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae) (the primary vector of Lyme disease spirochetes), are abundant. During the 2017 tick season, we collected 207 questing ticks and 602 ticks recovered from 327 mice (Peromyscus spp. (Rodentia: Cricetidae)), together with blood and ear tissue from the mice, at seven suburban parks in Howard County. Ticks were selectively tested for the presence of the causative agents of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato [s.l.]), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), babesiosis (Babesia microti), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and ‘Panola Mountain’ Ehrlichia) and spotted fever group rickettsiosis (Rickettsia spp.). Peromyscus ear tissue and blood samples were tested for Bo. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s), A. phagocytophilum, Ba. microti, and Borrelia miyamotoi. We found 13.6% (15/110) of questing I. scapularis nymphs to be Bo. burgdorferi s.l. positive and 1.8% (2/110) were A. phagocytophilum positive among all sites. Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. was found in 71.1% (54/76) of I. scapularis nymphs removed from mice and 58.8% (194/330) of captured mice. Results from study on tick abundance and pathogen infection status in questing ticks, rodent reservoirs, and ticks feeding on Peromyscus spp. will aid efficacy evaluation of the integrated tick management measures being implemented.

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