scholarly journals Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Wild Ungulates in North-Eastern Poland

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 587
Author(s):  
Mirosław M. Michalski ◽  
Katarzyna Kubiak ◽  
Magdalena Szczotko ◽  
Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Infection Frequency ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
North Eastern

This study was carried out in north-eastern Poland during two hunting seasons between 2018 and 2020. Ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus) were removed from wild cervids and boars and examined for the presence of Borrelia spirochetes and Rickettsiales members: Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The present study contributes to the knowledge of even-toed ungulates, which are an important reservoir of the above-mentioned pathogens and a potential source of infections for humans through ticks as vectors. Almost 40% of the collected ticks (191 out of 484) were infected with the following pathogens: 3.3% with Borrelia spp., 19.2% with A. phagocytophilum and 26.9% with Rickettsia spp. Only the ticks collected from cervids carried Borrelia. Typing of the species DNA confirmed the presence of B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. lusitaniae and B. miyamotoi. An analysis of Rickettsia spp. sequences using the GenBank data revealed the presence of R. helvetica, R. raoultii and R. monacensis. Monoinfections (79.1%) dominated over co-infections (20.9%). Among co-infections, the most frequent was A. phagocytophilum/Rickettsia spp. (70%), however co-infections, including B. afzelii/A. phagocytophilum, B. afzelii/Rickettsia spp., B. miyamotoi/A. phagocytophilum and B. afzelii/B. garinii/B. lusitaniae, were also noted. Significant differences were observed in the affinity of some pathogens to their vectors. Thus, Borrelia spp. and A. phagocytophilum were more frequently detected in I. ricinus (5.3% and 23.1%) than in D. reticulatus (1.2% and 15.3%). Infection frequency with Rickettsia spp. was similar (approximately 25–29%) in both tick species. The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. in ticks removed from cervids was 19.8% and 27.1%, and in ticks from wild boars it was 13.3% and 24.4%, respectively.

scholarly journals Composition of tick species (Acari: Ixodida) on dogs in the urban agglomeration – a multi-year study

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 698-701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirosław M. Michalski
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Urban Agglomeration ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The City

Ticks parasitizing on dogs belong to mites of the order Ixodida, class Arachnida. In Poland the occurrence of four species has been recorded most frequently: Ixodes ricinus, I. hexagonus, I. crenulatus and Dermacentor reticulatus. Their importance is due to the fact that they are vectors of many dangerous diseases of humans and animals. The subject of the present study were ticks collected from dogs, patients of several veterinary clinics from the urban agglomeration of the city of Olsztyn. Ticks were collected from May to June in eight consecutive years: 2009–2016. The dominant species was I. ricinus (60.14%) in relation to D. reticulatus (39.71%). In two consecutive years, 2011–2012, single females of Rhipicephalus sanguineus were also identified, an exceptional finding of this species in our country. In D. reticulatus, nymphs predominated over females (23.74% vs 16.0%) while in I. ricinus the respective percentage was 29.6% and 30.55%. However, in subsequent years of the study the proportions between nymphs and females varied greatly in both species.

scholarly journals A unique phenomenon of oral-anal contact between ticks observed in two tick species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 686-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicja Buczek ◽  
Katarzyna Bartosik ◽  
Weronika Buczek ◽  
Alicja Buczek ◽  
Dorota Kulina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus

scholarly journals Occurrence of juvenile Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in three regions in Poland: the final evidence of the conquest

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek ◽  
Ewa Julia Mierzejewska ◽  
Anna Bajer
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Tick Population ◽  
Western Region ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Haemaphysalis Concinna ◽  
Fallow Lands ◽  
The Western Region ◽  
June July

Abstract Background Two populations of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (Western and Eastern) in Poland are among the most dynamic tick populations in Central Europe. Expansion and settlement of ticks in new localizations depend on the presence of suitable hosts, for both adult and juvenile ticks. Methods The current study was planned to complement our previous studies on questing adult ticks and was focused on a collection of juvenile D. reticulatus ticks from rodents from three regions in Poland, defined by the presence/absence of adult ticks (regions of the Western and Eastern tick population and the gap area between them) to confirm the existence of stable populations. Rodent trapping was conducted in open habitats (fallow lands, wasteland and submerged meadows) in 2016–2018 in June, July and/or August to encompass seasonal peaks of larvae and nymph activity. Results Altogether, three tick species were collected, 2866 D. reticulatus, 2141 Ixodes ricinus and 427 Haemaphysalis concinna. Dermacentor reticulatus was the most common (72.3%) and abundant (mean 17.94 ± 2.62 ticks/rodent) tick species on rodents from the Eastern region; in the Western region infestation of rodents was only 6.8%. Ixodes ricinus was found in all three regions and was the only tick species collected from rodents from the gap area. Haemaphysalis concinna was noted only in the Western region. The highest infestation of juvenile D. reticulatus was recorded on voles (Myodes and Microtus spp.), infestation of I. ricinus was the highest on Apodemus mice, and the majority of H. concinna ticks were collected from root voles Alexandromys oeconomus. Conclusions Our study confirmed a stable population of D. reticulatus in Eastern and Central Poland and a lower prevalence and mean abundance of this tick species among rodents from the Western region. A lack of juvenile D. reticulatus on rodents in Niewiadów confirmed the existence of the gap area, free of D. reticulatus ticks. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Evaluation of the efficacy of afoxolaner against two European dog tick species: Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus

2014 ◽  
Vol 201 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 216-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Dumont ◽  
Jeffrey Blair ◽  
Josephus J. Fourie ◽  
Theodore S. Chester ◽  
Diane L. Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Dog Tick

scholarly journals Comparison of the occurrence of tick-borne diseases in ticks collected from vegetation and animals in the same area

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 484-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
MONIKA ROCZEŃ-KARCZMARZ ◽  
PAULINA DUDKO ◽  
MARTA DEMKOWSKA-KUTRZEPA ◽  
MICHAŁ MEISNER ◽  
MARIA STUDZIŃSKA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Mouth Area ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Ixodes Hexagonus ◽  
Urban Settlements

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of selected pathogens in ticks taken from cats and dogs and from vegetation in urban settlements. A study was conducted to estimate the distribution of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi in adult Ixodes ricinus (236), Dermacentor reticulatus (237) and Ixodes hexagonus (3) ticks collected from animals in veterinary clinics (184) and from vegetation in urban settlements (292). The most numerous ticks collected from animals were Ixodes ricinus (73.9%), followed by Dermacentor reticulatus (24.5%) and Ixodes hexagonus (1.6%). A total of 65.8% of the ticks collected from vegetation were Dermacentor reticulatus and 30% were Ixodes ricinus. The arthropods removed from the animals were most commonly located around the neck (48.1%) and in the mouth area (17.1%). All ticks were analyzed by molecular techniques. The percentages of ticks positive for Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum among those collected from animals differed from the corresponding rates for ticks taken from vegetation in the same area. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was more common in ticks collected from vegetation (N = 137, or 47.20%) than in those from animals (N = 12, or 6.6%). Borrelia burgdorferi, as well, was more common in ticks collected from the vegetation (N = 96, or 32.9%) than in those from animals (N = 19, or 10.5%). The DNA of A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi were detected in 30.4% and 22.8% of D. reticulatus ticks, respectively, and in 32.6% and 25.4% of I. ricinus ticks, respectively. The DNA of A. phagocytophilum was also found in one Ixodes hexagonus tick. Single infections were noted in 69 I. ricinus ticks, 56 D. reticulatus ticks and 1 I. hexagonus tick. Coinfections of A. phagocytophilum with B. burgdorferi were detected in 33 (14.0%) I. ricinus ticks and in 29 (12.24%) D. reticulatus ticks. Infected companion animals can form a reservoir for human tick-transmitted infectious agents. The monitoring of the pathogens transmitted by ticks is an important tool in preventing and combating infections transmitted to humans and animals..

scholarly journals Molecular Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ticks Collected from Dogs in Urban Areas of North-Eastern Poland

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 455
Author(s):  
Mirosław M. Michalski ◽  
Katarzyna Kubiak ◽  
Magdalena Szczotko ◽  
Marta Chajęcka ◽  
Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
16S Rna ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The City ◽  
Rna Genes

From 2016 to 2018, ticks were collected from 272 dogs admitted to veterinary clinics in the city of Olsztyn (north-eastern Poland). Among 522 collected ticks, 423 were identified as Ixodes ricinus (413 females and 10 males) and 99 as Dermacentor reticulatus (62 females and 37 males). Non-engorged (86 individuals) and engorged (436 individuals) ticks were screened for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA. Borrelia and A. phagocytophilum species detection was determined based on the sequence of the fla B and 16S RNA genes, respectively. DNA of B. burgdorferi s.l. was identified in 31.6% (165/522, 95% CI: 27.6–35.8%) of ticks (I. ricinus 151/423, 35.7%, 95% CI: 31.1–40.4%; D. reticulates 14/99, 14.1%, 95% CI: 7.9–22.6%). A. phagocytophilum was identified in 0.96% (5/522, 95% CI: 0.3–2.2%) of specimens. All positive samples were engorged I. ricinus females (5/402, 1.2%, 95% CI: 0.4–2.9%). In 85.4% (141/165, 95% CI: 79.1–90.4%) of Borrelia infected ticks, the DNA of one genospecies was revealed. The DNA of at least two different genospecies was detected in 14.5% of specimens (24/165, 95% CI: 9.5–20.8). The coexistence of B. burgdorferii s.l. and A. phagocytophilum was not detected.

scholarly journals Impact of a freeway on the dispersal of ticks and Ixodes ricinus-borne pathogens: forested resting areas may become Lyme disease hotspots

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sándor Hornok ◽  
Maria Mulvihill ◽  
Krisztina Szőke ◽  
Enikő Gönczi ◽  
Kinga M. Sulyok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Pathogen Prevalence ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Two Sides

Man-made barriers are well known for their effects on ecosystems. Habitat fragmentation, for instance, is a recognised consequence of modern-day infrastructure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity and abundance of tick species, as well as the risks of acquiring tick-borne infections in habitats adjacent to a freeway. Therefore, ixodid ticks were collected from the vegetation at two-week intervals (in the main tick season, from March to June) in eight habitats of different types (forest, grove, grassland) along both sides of a freeway. Ixodes ricinus females were molecularly screened for three species of tick-borne bacteria. In the study period, 887 ixodid ticks were collected. These included 704 I. ricinus (79.4%), 51 Dermacentor reticulatus (5.7%), 78 D. marginatus (8.8%), 35 Haemaphysalis inermis (3.9%) and 19 H. concinna (2.1%). There was no significant difference in the abundance of tick species between similar habitats separated by the freeway, except for the absence of Dermacentor spp. on one side. In I. ricinus females, the overall prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was low, and (in part due to this low rate) did not show significant difference between the two sides of the freeway. Rickettsia helvetica had significantly different overall prevalence between two distant habitats along the same side of the freeway (12.3% vs. 31.4%), but not between habitats on the opposite sides. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. showed significantly different overall prevalence between habitats both on the same and on the opposite sides of the freeway (8.6–35.9%), and the difference was higher if relevant habitats were also separated by the freeway. Importantly, the prevalence rate of the Lyme disease agent was highest in a forested resting area of the freeway, and was significantly inversely proportional to the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum (taking into account all evaluated habitats), apparently related to deer population density. Prevalence rates of these bacteria also differed significantly on single sampling occasions between: (1) closely situated habitats of different types; (2) distant and either similar or different habitat types; and (3) habitats on the opposite sides of the freeway. In conclusion, the findings of the present study show that a fenced freeway may contribute to differences in tick species diversity and tick-borne pathogen prevalence along its two sides, and this effect is most likely a consequence of its barrier role preventing deer movements.

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