Objective Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans,mammals,vertebrates,and arthropods.However,the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear.Methods Transcriptomi...Objective Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans,mammals,vertebrates,and arthropods.However,the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear.Methods Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic raw data from 329 sampling pools of seven tick species across five continents were mined to assess the diversity and abundance of poxviruses.Chordopoxviral sequences were assembled and subjected to phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the unblasted fragments within these sequences.Results Fifty-eight poxvirus species,representing two subfamilies and 20 genera,were identified,with 212 poxviral sequences assembled.A substantial proportion of AT-rich fragments were detected in the assembled poxviral genomes.These genomic sequences contained fragments originating from rodents,archaea,and arthropods.Conclusion Our findings indicate that ticks play a significant role in the transmission and evolution of poxviruses.These viruses demonstrate the capacity to modulate virulence and adaptability through horizontal gene transfer,gene recombination,and gene mutations,thereby promoting co-existence and co-evolution with their hosts.This study advances understanding of the ecological dynamics of poxvirus transmission and evolution and highlights the potential role of ticks as vectors and vessels in these processes.展开更多
Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks,commonly found in East Asia,can transmit various pathogenic viruses,includingthe severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)that has caused febrile diseases among humansin ...Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks,commonly found in East Asia,can transmit various pathogenic viruses,includingthe severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)that has caused febrile diseases among humansin Hubei Province.However,understanding of the viromes of H.longicornis was limited,and the prevalence ofviruses among H.longicornis ticks in Hubei was not well clarified.This study investigates the viromes of bothengorged(fed)and free(unfed)H.longicornis ticks across three mountainous regions in Hubei Province from 2019to 2020.RNA-sequencing analysis identified viral sequences that were related to 39 reference viruses belonging tounclassified viruses and seven RNA viral families,namely Chuviridae,Nairoviridae,Orthomyxoviridae,Parvoviridae,Phenuiviridae,Rhabdoviridae,and Totiviridae.Viral abundance and diversity in these ticks were analysed,andphylogenetic characteristics of the Henan tick virus(HNTV),Dabieshan tick virus(DBSTV),Okutama tick virus(OKTV),and Jingmen tick virus(JMTV)were elucidated based on their full genomic sequences.Prevalenceanalysis demonstrated that DBSTV was the most common virus found in individual H.longicornis ticks(12.59%),followed by HNTV(0.35%),whereas JMTV and OKTV were not detected.These results improve our understanding of H.longicornis tick viromes in central China and highlight the role of tick feeding status and geographyin shaping the viral community.The findings of new viral strains and their potential impact on public health raisethe need to strengthen surveillance efforts for comprehensively assessing their spillover potentials.展开更多
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the bacterial communities of biting midges and ticks collected from three sites in the Poyang Lake area,namely,Qunlu Practice Base,Peach Blossom Garden,and Huangt...Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the bacterial communities of biting midges and ticks collected from three sites in the Poyang Lake area,namely,Qunlu Practice Base,Peach Blossom Garden,and Huangtong Animal Husbandry,and whether vectors carry any bacterial pathogens that may cause diseases to humans,to provide scientific basis for prospective pathogen discovery and disease prevention and control.Methods Using a metataxonomics approach in concert with full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and operational phylogenetic unit(OPU)analysis,we characterized the species-level microbial community structure of two important vector species,biting midges and ticks,including 33 arthropod samples comprising 3,885 individuals,collected around Poyang Lake.Results A total of 662 OPUs were classified in biting midges,including 195 known species and 373 potentially new species,and 618 OPUs were classified in ticks,including 217 known species and 326 potentially new species.Surprisingly,OPUs with potentially pathogenicity were detected in both arthropod vectors,with 66 known species of biting midges reported to carry potential pathogens,including Asaia lannensis and Rickettsia bellii,compared to 50 in ticks,such as Acinetobacter lwoffii and Staphylococcus sciuri.We found that Proteobacteria was the most dominant group in both midges and ticks.Furthermore,the outcomes demonstrated that the microbiota of midges and ticks tend to be governed by a few highly abundant bacteria.Pantoea sp7 was predominant in biting midges,while Coxiella sp1 was enriched in ticks.Meanwhile,Coxiella spp.,which may be essential for the survival of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann,were detected in all tick samples.The identification of dominant species and pathogens of biting midges and ticks in this study serves to broaden our knowledge associated to microbes of arthropod vectors.Conclusion Biting midges and ticks carry large numbers of known and potentially novel bacteria,and carry a wide range of potentially pathogenic bacteria,which may pose a risk of infection to humans and animals.The microbial communities of midges and ticks tend to be dominated by a few highly abundant bacteria.展开更多
Ticks are well known as vectors of many viruses which usually do great harm to human and animal health.Yunnan Province,widely covered by flourishing vegetation and mainly relying on farming husbandry,is abundant with ...Ticks are well known as vectors of many viruses which usually do great harm to human and animal health.Yunnan Province,widely covered by flourishing vegetation and mainly relying on farming husbandry,is abundant with Rhipicephalus microplus ticks.Therefore,it is of great significance to characterize the viral profile present in R.microplus parasitizing on cattle in Yunnan Province.In this study,a total of 7387 R.microplus ticks were collected from cattle and buffalo in the northwest and southeast areas of Yunnan Province from 2015 to 2017.We investigated the virome of R.microplus using next-generation sequencing(NGS)and the prevalence of important identified viruses among tick groups by RT-PCR.It revealed the presence of diverse virus concerning chu-,rhabdo-,phlebo-,flavi-and parvo-viruses in Yunnan.These viruses consist of single-stranded,circular and segmented sense RNAs,showing a greatly diversity in genomic organization.Furthermore,continuous epidemiological survey among ticks reveals broad prevalence of three viruses(Yunnan mivirus 1,Wuhan tick vrius 1 and YN tick-associated phlebovirus 1)and two possible prevalent viruses including a flavivirus-like segmented virus(Jingmen tick virus)and a bovine hokovirus 2 in Yunnan.Serological investigation among cattle indicates that these identified viruses may be infectious to cattle and can elicit corresponding antibody.Our findings on R.microplus-associated viral community will contribute to the prevention of viral disease and tracking the viral evolution.Further analysis is needed to better elucidate the pathogenicity and natural circulation of these viruses.展开更多
Ticks are involved in the transmission of various arboviruses and some tick-borne viruses pose significant threats to the health of humans or livestock.This study aimed to investigate the geographical distribution of ...Ticks are involved in the transmission of various arboviruses and some tick-borne viruses pose significant threats to the health of humans or livestock.This study aimed to investigate the geographical distribution of tick species and tickassociated viruses in central and eastern China.Total 573 ticks from domestic animals including dogs,sheep and cattle were collected in 2017.Two genera of ticks were identified including Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis.Sequencing was performed on Miseq Illumina platform to characterize the tick viromes from the four different sampling locations.Following trimming,13,640 reads were obtained and annotated to 19 virus families.From these sequences,above 37.74%of the viral reads were related to the RNA viruses.Virome comparison study revealed that the tick viral diversity was considerably different in the two identified tick genera.The viral diversity of R.microplus was significantly different from that of other Rhipicephalus species.On the other hand,substantial overlap in viral species was observed between the same genera.In addition,we found no evidence that the natural host played a major role in shaping virus diversity based on the comparison of their viromes.Rather,the geographic location seems to significantly influence the viral families.Phylogenetic study indicated that the novel negative-sense RNA viruses identified in this study was closely related to Bole tick virus 1 and 3 viruses.In conclusion,the present study provides a baseline for comparing viruses detected in ticks,according to species,natural hosts,and geographic locations.展开更多
Introduction:Otoacariasis is a rare infestation of the ear canal,which affects the quality of life especially in rural areas.Different types of ticks and mites may cause otoacariasis.Although treatment of otoacariasis...Introduction:Otoacariasis is a rare infestation of the ear canal,which affects the quality of life especially in rural areas.Different types of ticks and mites may cause otoacariasis.Although treatment of otoacariasis is simple,diseases transmitted through ticks and mites should be considered during diagnosis and treatment.Both local and systemic signs and symptoms of such diseases should be followed up.A literature review was conducted in PubMed using the following terms: 'otoacariasis,' 'ticks,' 'mites,' and 'outer ear canal infestations.' Demographic,radiologic,and treatment options were discussed.Treatment hints and pitfalls were also discussed with the literature review.Conclusion:In this paper,we describe otoacariasis in humans and discuss the appropriate interventions.展开更多
Pathogens like bacteria and protozoa,which affect human and animal health worldwide,can be transmitted by vectors like ticks.To investigate the epidemiology and genetic diversity of bacteria and protozoans carried by ...Pathogens like bacteria and protozoa,which affect human and animal health worldwide,can be transmitted by vectors like ticks.To investigate the epidemiology and genetic diversity of bacteria and protozoans carried by ticks in Chengmai county of Hainan province,China,285 adult hard ticks belonging to two species[Rhipicephalus sanguineus(sensu lato):183,64.21%and Rhipicephalus microplus:102,35.79%]from dogs,cattle,and goats were collected.Microbial families were identified in these ticks by amplifying the 18 S r RNA,16 S r RNA(rrs),citrate synthase(glt A),and heat shock protein(gro EL)genes.Our data revealed the presence of four recognized species and two Candidatus spp.of Anaplasmataceae and Coxiellaceae.In sum,these data reveal an extensive diversity of Anaplasmataceae bacteria,Coxiellaceae bacteria,Babesiidae,and Hepatozoidae in ticks from Hainan Island,highlighting the need to understand the tickborne pathogen infection in local animals and humans.展开更多
Objective:To carry out the distribution survey of hard ticks of livestock in Boeen Zahra and Takistan counties of Qazvin province from April 2010 to September 2010.Methods:Nearly about 2638 sheep, 461 goats and 318 ca...Objective:To carry out the distribution survey of hard ticks of livestock in Boeen Zahra and Takistan counties of Qazvin province from April 2010 to September 2010.Methods:Nearly about 2638 sheep, 461 goats and 318 cattle of 38 herds in different geographical areas were searched for tick infestation.Results:The species compositions collected from the livestock of Boeen Zahra and Takistan wereHaemaphysalis concinna(0.63%),Haemaphysalis sulcata(12.66%),Hyalomma anatolicum(3.80%),Hyalomma asiaticum(3.16%),Hyalomma detritum(5.70%),Hyalomma dromedarii(28.48%),Hyalomma marginatum(13.29%),Hyalomma schulzei(1.89%),Rhipicephalus bursa(3.16%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus(3.16%), and for Takistan's livestock were Hyalomma dromedarii(9.86%),Hyalomma marginatum(13.29%),Hyalomma schulzei(1.89%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus(3.16%), respectively. Hard ticks compositions in different topographic areas were different.Hyalommaspecies had the most prevalence in the areas.Conclusions:The veterinary and public health investigation of the above species should be taken.展开更多
Ticks were extracted from ear canal of 318 cases in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan,Kuantan,Pahang over a 5-year period(January 2002 to December 2006).A total of 329 ticks were recorded and a majority belonged to the gen...Ticks were extracted from ear canal of 318 cases in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan,Kuantan,Pahang over a 5-year period(January 2002 to December 2006).A total of 329 ticks were recorded and a majority belonged to the genus Dermacentor(99.7%).The genus was represented by Dermacentor atrosignatus,Dermacentor compactus and Dermacentor steini.A single tick of the genus Haemaphysalis was found.All active stages(larvae, nymphs and adults) were present.The nymphal stages were most frequently encountered(82.4%).Usually, there was only one tick per case.However,there were 7 cases where 2 or 3 ticks were extracted from a single ear canal.Throughout the study,there were 6 repeat cases.Average body engorgement indices for detached larvae,nymph,male and female ticks were 1.04,1.24,1.32 and 1.31,respectively.Based on these indices,duration of attachment was then predicted.Attachment for most nymphal(99.6%) and all adult ticks were less than 24 hours.Only 1 nymphal tick attached for a 60 hours’duration.Ticks were commonly found in the bony part of ear auditory canal(47.3%),followed by tympanic membrane(29.1%) and cartilage part of ear auditory canal(22.0%);a small percent was attached to the pinna(1.6%).All ticks were alive before extraction.However,most attached ticks were found dead(71.7%) after extraction.Majority of the ticks were intact(90.3%) while others were either in a bad condition(3.6%) or broken(6.1%).Those alive were either unfed or at early stage of feeding.Generally,removal of ticks did not result in any complication (61.4%) to the cases.The most common complication was bleeding(27.6%),followed by haematoma of external auditory canal(5.5%),haematoma of tympanic membrane(3.1%) and perforated tympanic membrane (1.6%).Bleeding was a common complication at the site of skin abrasion due to the strong grip of ticks ’mouthparts that were deeply embedded into the skin of cases.In this study,32.5%of removal ticks had remnants of case tissues attached to the ticks’mouthparts.展开更多
Objective:To determine the rate of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV) infection in hard ticks(Ixodidae) in Yazd province of Iran.Methods:A molecular survey on hard ticks (Ixodidae) was conducted in Yazd prov...Objective:To determine the rate of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV) infection in hard ticks(Ixodidae) in Yazd province of Iran.Methods:A molecular survey on hard ticks (Ixodidae) was conducted in Yazd province during 2008 -2009.A total of 140 hard ticks(three genera and 7 species) were collected from randomly selected villages and were exanimate for presence of CCHFV reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) method.Results: CCHFV genome was found in 5.71%of hard ticks.All positive ticks were from Hyalomma genus. Positive ticks including:Hyalomma dromedarii,Hyalomma marginatum,Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma detritum,Hyalomma asiaticum.We were not able to find virus in in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor marginatus.Results exhibited that Hyalomma is the main vector in the study area.Conclusions:Due to the presence of virus in 24 provinces’ out of 31,we recommend the use of acaricides and repellent to prevent disease transmission among humans. Greta care should be taken by the people who are working in slaughter houses.展开更多
Objective: To determine the prevalence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in feeding ticks removed from hunted wild animals. Methods: PCR was executed on DNA extracted from 77 tick pools to detect Anaplasma phagocytophil...Objective: To determine the prevalence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in feeding ticks removed from hunted wild animals. Methods: PCR was executed on DNA extracted from 77 tick pools to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp. Results: A total of 432 ticks were collected: 30(6.94%) Haemaphysalis punctata, 72(16.7%) Dermacentor marginatus and 330(76.38%) Ixodes ricinus. For each animal one or two pools of 3 ticks of the same species was constituted. Seventy-seven tick pools were examined by PCR: 58(75.32%) resulted infected and among them 14(18.18%) showed co-infections. In particular, 29(37.66%) pools were positive for Bartonella spp., 23(29.87%) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 16(20.78%) for Rickettsia spp., and 5(6.49%) for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. All samples were negative for Coxiella burnetii. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the presence of several zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in the studied area, and underline the risk of exposure to infections for hunters not only during the outdoor activity, but also when they manipulate hunted animals infested by infected ticks.展开更多
Objective:To highlight the presence of aerobic bacteria in live ticks infested sheep,in Diyala Governorate,Iraq.Methods:One hundred and thirty adult alive ticks were picked up from sheep which were reared in different...Objective:To highlight the presence of aerobic bacteria in live ticks infested sheep,in Diyala Governorate,Iraq.Methods:One hundred and thirty adult alive ticks were picked up from sheep which were reared in different farms in Diyala Governorate,Iraq,during the period from November 2012 to May 2013.Ticks were classified in the Natural History Museum in Baghdad.They were dissected aseptically for extraction of the salivary gland and midgut.The removed tissue from each organ was inoculated in buffer peptone water(1%)and incubated for 2 h at 37 °C,to maintain weak and/or injured bacterial cells,then transmitted to nutrient broth incubated at 37 °C for 18 h.Culturing was done on three solid bacteriological media(nutrient,blood and McConkey agars),and then incubated at37 ℃ for 24 h.Bacterial identification was performed by using multiple biochemical tests and API-20 strips.Data were analyzed by using Statistical Analysis System version 9.1,2010.Chi-square test was used for comparison at significant level of P ≤ 0.05.Results:Two species of ticks were identified[Rhipicephalus(Boophilus) annulatus and Hyalomma turanicum].High bacterial isolation rate was observed(483 isolates).A significant high isolation rate was recorded from Rhipicephalus annulatus(63.14%).Six bacterial species were identified[Escherichia coli(28.36%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(18.01%),Bacillus cereus(14.69%),Staphylococcus aureus(13.66%),Citrobacter freundii(13.04%),and Enterobacter species(12.21%)].Also the high bacterial isolation rates were recorded in the temperate months(November,March and April);these coincided with high reproductive performance of ticks.Conclusions:The high isolation rate of aerobic pathogens from ticks might reflect the active contribution of this arthropod in environmental contamination and increase the probability of transmitting bacterial pathogens to their hosts.展开更多
Objective:To determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens with a particular focus on Rickettsia spp.in ticks collected from cattle in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces,South Africa.Methods:A total of 200 ticks were co...Objective:To determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens with a particular focus on Rickettsia spp.in ticks collected from cattle in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces,South Africa.Methods:A total of 200 ticks were collected from cattle within the Madala livestock,Pretoria,Gauteng Province and in Mankweng Township,Polokwane,Limpopo Province in 2019.The ticks were morphologically identified and processed individually for a total genomic DNA extraction.Specific primers targetting ompA,ompB,and the 17KDa genes were used for a molecular screening and delineation of Rickettsia from the extracted genetic materials using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)technique.PCR amplicons of positive samples were sequenced bidirectionally using the Sanger sequencing method.Sequences generated were processed and analysed using appropriate bioinformatics software.Results:The ticks were morphologically identified as Amblyomma spp.PCR profiling of the genomic DNA samples revealed the presence of the Rickettsia pathogen in 42(21%)of the ticks collected from both Provinces.Out of the genes profiled,14(7%)were positive for 17KDa,42(21%)for ompA and 32(16%)were positive for ompB genes respectively.The nucleotide blast of the sequenced genomes showed high similarity,as high as 100% with other reference Rickettsia(R.)africae in the GenBank.The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences further validated them as R.africae with their characteristic clustering pattern with related reference sequences.Conclusions:There is an abundance of R.africae in Amblyomma ticks collected from cattle in the study areas.This has serious public health implications as individuals who accidentally get infested with the ticks could acquire R.africae.Hence,adequate precautions in terms of sensitization of farmers about the risk and mass mobilization drive to control the vectors in the areas are highly recommended to safeguard public health.展开更多
Worldwide, wild birds play a vital role in the dispersal of ticks that harbour tick-borne pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease bacterium. Using PCR testing, we found 124 (31%) of 405 ticks (4 sp...Worldwide, wild birds play a vital role in the dispersal of ticks that harbour tick-borne pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease bacterium. Using PCR testing, we found 124 (31%) of 405 ticks (4 species), which were collected from 21 species of birds in far-western Canada, to be infected with B. burgdorferi. Transstadial transmission of B. burgdorferi occurred from larva to nymph, plus nymph to adult, in the avian coastal tick, Ixodes auritulus, collected from songbirds in British Columbia (B.C). Collectively, all 3 motile life stages (larva, nymph, adult) of this tick had an infection prevalence of 31% for B. burgdorferi, which suggests vector competency. A Pacific Wren was highly infested with I. auritulus immatures, and 20 (44%) of 45 ticks (2 nymphs, 43 larvae) were infected with B. burgdorferi. This heavy infestation shows the high potential to initiate a new population of ticks and to disseminate Lyme spirochetes. Epidemiologically, B. burgdorferi-infected I. auritulus larvae collected from the Spotted Towhee, Swainson’s Thrush, Pacific Wren, and Fox Sparrow suggest that these avian hosts act as reservoirs for B. burgdorferi. In this study, the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus, and Ixodes spinipalpis played a limited role in the enzootic transmission cycle of B. burgdorferi along coastal B.C. We document the first record of I. spinipalpis on a bird in Alberta. Because songbirds widely disperse Lyme disease vector ticks, primary health providers and the general public must be vigilant that outdoors people may be bitten by B. burgdorferi-infected ticks throughout far-western Canada.展开更多
Ticks are regarded as the most relevant vectors of disease-causing pathogens in domestic and wild animals. The diversity of Ixodidae is known for a very small number of genera.Ixodes?are represented by 26 species, and...Ticks are regarded as the most relevant vectors of disease-causing pathogens in domestic and wild animals. The diversity of Ixodidae is known for a very small number of genera.Ixodes?are represented by 26 species, and?in?2007 the first reported ticks vectors in Mexico for the causal agent of Lyme disease. Recent rise in tick-borne disease in many parts of the world is a phenomenon in need of an explanation. The main objective of the present work was to map at a regional scale (1:2,000,000)?of?the distribution of ticks of the family Ixodidae that are potentially present on the wild fauna of state of Michoacan, Mexico. We compiled all available literature on ticks at a national level together with complete cartographic and bibliographic georeferenced information of the distribution of hosts in order to build a spatial database in ArcView 3.3. The results indicated that the wild fauna in the state’s territory could potentially include 31 species of ticks of Ixodidae. The map of potential species richness of ixodid ticks on the wild fauna of the state can be categorized into five classes of species richness. The highest potential concentration of ixodid species on wild fauna occurs in the volcanic area of Pico de Tancítaro.展开更多
The acaricidal efficiency of fipronil alone and fipronil + methoprene compared to commercial fipronil and commercial fipronil + methoprene, applied by the epicutaneous route (spot-on) in dogs naturally infested with t...The acaricidal efficiency of fipronil alone and fipronil + methoprene compared to commercial fipronil and commercial fipronil + methoprene, applied by the epicutaneous route (spot-on) in dogs naturally infested with ticks, was assessed. Thirty dogs infested with high loads of ticks were used. On day 0, the dogs were divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each. Each animal was duly identified for individual and group monitoring. Treatments were made based on body weight according to manufacturer’s instructions. Group 1<span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(G1) received 10.0% fipronil at a single dose of a pipette applied by epicutaneous</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">route in the base of the neck. G2 received 10% fipronil + 10% methoprene in single application similarly to G1. G3 was treated with 9.8% commercial fipronil as before mentioned. G4 received commercial 9.8% fipronil + 9.8% methoprene applied as in previous groups. G5 served as an infected untreated control. Animals were examined</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">by</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">thumb tick counts on days 0 (Treatment day), 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Efficacy was measured as a percentage of tick reduction in the treated groups relative to the untreated control. Results indicated an overall efficacy of 88.2%, 93%, 90.4% and 99.3%, respectively. There was no significant statistical difference between the treated groups (P < 0.05), neither in sex nor in weight. Engorged ticks were the most frequent, followed by the nymph group. However, by the end of the study these data were reversed due to the fact that only small larvae were found, which we interpreted came from engorged ticks that released their progeny before dying and a month later their offspring began to be observed present</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ly</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and in full development. It is concluded that the combined formulations of fipronil + methoprene compared to fipronil applied alone, showed an additive effect against</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rhipicephalus</span></i><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sanguineus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> ticks in naturally infested dogs kept in captivity.</span>展开更多
Background: Metagenomics approaches are increasingly being utilized as “dipstick” for microbial carriage. In this study, 16S rRNA metagenomics was used to probe for microbial community that resides in the ticks, tho...Background: Metagenomics approaches are increasingly being utilized as “dipstick” for microbial carriage. In this study, 16S rRNA metagenomics was used to probe for microbial community that resides in the ticks, those they pick from the environment, wildlife and livestock and to identify potential tick borne zoonoses. Methods: Tick DNA from 463 tick pools collected from domestic animals between 2007 and 2008 were amplified with primers that target the 16S rRNA V3-V4 domain and then sequenced on Illumina Miseq platform using 300 cycles version 3 kits. Ticks were pooled according to species and animal from which they were collected. A non-target control was used to track laboratory contaminants. Sequence data were analyzed using Mothur v1.3 pipeline and R v3.3.1 software and taxonomy determined using SILVA rRNA database. Shannon diversity index was used to compute bacterial diversity in each tick species before computing the means. Results: A total of 645 bacteria genera grouped into 27 phyla were identified. Four phyla contributed 97.4% of the 36,973,934 total sequences. Proteobacteria contributed 61.2% of these sequences that tarried to 33.8% genera, compared to 15.9% (23.4% genera) for Firmicutes, 15.6% (20% genera) for Actinobacteria and 4.7% (11.6% genera) for Bacteroidetes. The remaining 23 phyla only contributed 2.6% of the sequence reads (11.2% genera). Amongst the 645 genera, three groups were discernible, with the biggest group comprised commensals/symbionts that contributed 93.6% of the genera, but their individual sequence contribution was very low. Group two comprised genera that are known to contain pathogenic species, with Coxiella contributing 15,445,204 (41.8%) sequences, Corynebacterium (13.6%), Acinetobacter (4.3%), Staphylococcus (3.9%), Bacillus (2.7%) and Porphyromonas (1.6%), Ralstonia (1.5%), Streptococcus (1.3%), Moraxella (1.3%), amongst others. Group three comprised genera known to contain tick borne zoonotic pathogens (TBZ): Rickettsiae, Anaplasma, Francisella, Ehrlichia, Bartonella and Borrelia. Individually the TBZ contributed Amblyomma variegatum carried the least diverse bacteria (mean Shannon diversity index of 2.69 ± 0.92) compared to 3.79 ± 1.10 for A. gemma, 3.71 ± 1.32 for A. hebraeum, 4.15 ± 1.08 for other Amblyomma spp, 3.79 ± 1.37 for Hyalomma truncatum, 3.67 ± 1.38 for other Hyalomma spp, 3.86 ± 1.27 for Rhipicephalus annulatus, 3.56 ± 1.21 for Rh. appendiculatus, and 3.65 ± 1.30 for Rh. Pulchellus, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.443). Conclusion: This study illustrates the utility of 16S rRNA metagenomics in revealing the complexity of bacteria communities that reside and/or transit through the tick having been picked from the environment, livestock and/or wild animals, some with potential to cause zoonoses.展开更多
On the Kpinnou ranch in Benin, it was observed that the Girolando dairy cattle which graze Panieum maximum var. CI are more susceptible to infestation of ticks. The purpose of this study was to highlight the interacti...On the Kpinnou ranch in Benin, it was observed that the Girolando dairy cattle which graze Panieum maximum var. CI are more susceptible to infestation of ticks. The purpose of this study was to highlight the interactions between ticks and their bovine hosts and two types of artificial grazing pastures. Nineteen young Girolando dairy cattle were used during the big rainy season （March-June） 2009. All present ticks on the animals have been counted according to the body region. The bovine have been divided into two relatively homogeneous groups often and nine animals. The group I of 10 animals had been grazed on Panicum maximum whereas the group 2 of 9 animals had been grazed on Panicum maximum var. C 1. During the two months of grazing, a weekly monitoring of the evolution of the load in ticks has been achieved. Four genera of ticks were identified on the bovine Girolandos （Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus and Boophilus）. The Boophilus genus is the most abundant （P 〈 0.05）. The animals having grazed Panicum maximum var. C I are more infested than those that have been grazed Panicum maximum. A variation of the rate of infestation of the animals has been observed in relation to the different body areas. The colour of the coat also has an effect on the load in tick of the bovine. The bovine of dark coat are in general more infested （P 〈 0.05） than those of clear colour.展开更多
The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV),a member of the genus Orthonairovirus and family Nairoviridae,is transmitted by ticks and causes severe hemorrhagic disease in humans.To study the epidemiology of CCHFV...The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV),a member of the genus Orthonairovirus and family Nairoviridae,is transmitted by ticks and causes severe hemorrhagic disease in humans.To study the epidemiology of CCHFV in different ecosystems in Xinjiang,China,a total of 58,932 ticks were collected from Tarim Basin,Junggar Basin,Tianshan Mountain,and Altai Mountain from 2014 to 2017.Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum was the dominant tick species in Tarim and Junggar basins,whereas Dermacentor nuttalli and Hyalomma detritum were found in Tianshan Mountain and Altai Mountain,respectively.Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of the CCHFV small(S)genome segment was used for the molecular detection.The CCHFV-positive percentage was 5.26%,6.85%,1.94%,and 5.56% in Tarim Basin,Junggar Basin,Tianshan Mountain,and Altai Mountain,respectively.Sequences of the S segment were used for phylogenetic analysis and the results showed that the newly identified CCHFV strains belonged to two clades.Our study confirms that H.asiaticum asiaticum is the major vector of CCHFV in desert habitats which is consistent with previous studies,and also suggests that H.detritum and D.nuttalli are emerging vectors for CCHFV in Xinjiang.Moreover,this study reports the presence of CCHFV in the mountain habitat of Xinjiang for the first time,suggesting that future surveillance of CCHFV should also include mountainous areas.展开更多
Ticks are considered the second most common pathogen vectors transmitting a broad range of vital human and veterinary viruses.From 2017 to 2018,640 ticks were collected in eight different provinces in central and west...Ticks are considered the second most common pathogen vectors transmitting a broad range of vital human and veterinary viruses.From 2017 to 2018,640 ticks were collected in eight different provinces in central and western China.Six species were detected,including H.longicornis,De.everestianus,Rh.microplus,Rh.turanicus,Rh.sanguineous,and Hy.asiaticum.Sixty-four viral metagenomic libraries were constructed on the MiSeq Illumina platform,resulting in 13.44 G(5.88×10^(7))of 250-bp-end reads,in which 2,437,941 are viral reads.We found 27 nearly complete genome sequences,including 16 genome sequences encoding entire protein-coding regions(lack of 30 or 50 end non-coding regions)and complete viral genomes,distributed in the arboviral family(Chuviridae,Rhabdoviridae,Nairoviridae,Phenuiviridae,Flaviviridae,Iflaviridae)as well as Parvoviridae and Polyomaviridae that cause disease in mammals and even humans.In addition,13 virus sequences found in Chuviridae,Nairoviridae,Flaviviridae,Iflaviridae,Hepeviridae,Parvoviridae,and Polyomaviridae were identified as belonging to a new virus species in the identified viral genera.Besides,an epidemiological survey shows a high prevalence(9.38%and 15.63%)of two viruses(Ovine Copiparvovirus and Bovine parvovirus 2)in the tick cohort.展开更多
基金financially supported by the Shanghai New Three-Year Action Plan for Public Health(Grant No.GWVI-11.1-03)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81872673).
文摘Objective Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans,mammals,vertebrates,and arthropods.However,the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear.Methods Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic raw data from 329 sampling pools of seven tick species across five continents were mined to assess the diversity and abundance of poxviruses.Chordopoxviral sequences were assembled and subjected to phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the unblasted fragments within these sequences.Results Fifty-eight poxvirus species,representing two subfamilies and 20 genera,were identified,with 212 poxviral sequences assembled.A substantial proportion of AT-rich fragments were detected in the assembled poxviral genomes.These genomic sequences contained fragments originating from rodents,archaea,and arthropods.Conclusion Our findings indicate that ticks play a significant role in the transmission and evolution of poxviruses.These viruses demonstrate the capacity to modulate virulence and adaptability through horizontal gene transfer,gene recombination,and gene mutations,thereby promoting co-existence and co-evolution with their hosts.This study advances understanding of the ecological dynamics of poxvirus transmission and evolution and highlights the potential role of ticks as vectors and vessels in these processes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant number:U21A20180)the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFC2300900,2022YFC2305100)+2 种基金the Key Deployment Projects of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(KJZD-SW-L11)the Youth Project of the Wuhan Institute of Virology,Chinese Academy of Sciences(2023QNTJ-03)the National Basic Science Data Sharing Service Platform(NBSDC-DB-13).
文摘Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks,commonly found in East Asia,can transmit various pathogenic viruses,includingthe severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)that has caused febrile diseases among humansin Hubei Province.However,understanding of the viromes of H.longicornis was limited,and the prevalence ofviruses among H.longicornis ticks in Hubei was not well clarified.This study investigates the viromes of bothengorged(fed)and free(unfed)H.longicornis ticks across three mountainous regions in Hubei Province from 2019to 2020.RNA-sequencing analysis identified viral sequences that were related to 39 reference viruses belonging tounclassified viruses and seven RNA viral families,namely Chuviridae,Nairoviridae,Orthomyxoviridae,Parvoviridae,Phenuiviridae,Rhabdoviridae,and Totiviridae.Viral abundance and diversity in these ticks were analysed,andphylogenetic characteristics of the Henan tick virus(HNTV),Dabieshan tick virus(DBSTV),Okutama tick virus(OKTV),and Jingmen tick virus(JMTV)were elucidated based on their full genomic sequences.Prevalenceanalysis demonstrated that DBSTV was the most common virus found in individual H.longicornis ticks(12.59%),followed by HNTV(0.35%),whereas JMTV and OKTV were not detected.These results improve our understanding of H.longicornis tick viromes in central China and highlight the role of tick feeding status and geographyin shaping the viral community.The findings of new viral strains and their potential impact on public health raisethe need to strengthen surveillance efforts for comprehensively assessing their spillover potentials.
基金supported by grants from National Key R&D Program of China(2019YFC1200501)Research Units of Discovery of Unknown Bacteria and Function(2018RU010)Capacity Enhancement Project supported by National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention(China CDC).
文摘Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the bacterial communities of biting midges and ticks collected from three sites in the Poyang Lake area,namely,Qunlu Practice Base,Peach Blossom Garden,and Huangtong Animal Husbandry,and whether vectors carry any bacterial pathogens that may cause diseases to humans,to provide scientific basis for prospective pathogen discovery and disease prevention and control.Methods Using a metataxonomics approach in concert with full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and operational phylogenetic unit(OPU)analysis,we characterized the species-level microbial community structure of two important vector species,biting midges and ticks,including 33 arthropod samples comprising 3,885 individuals,collected around Poyang Lake.Results A total of 662 OPUs were classified in biting midges,including 195 known species and 373 potentially new species,and 618 OPUs were classified in ticks,including 217 known species and 326 potentially new species.Surprisingly,OPUs with potentially pathogenicity were detected in both arthropod vectors,with 66 known species of biting midges reported to carry potential pathogens,including Asaia lannensis and Rickettsia bellii,compared to 50 in ticks,such as Acinetobacter lwoffii and Staphylococcus sciuri.We found that Proteobacteria was the most dominant group in both midges and ticks.Furthermore,the outcomes demonstrated that the microbiota of midges and ticks tend to be governed by a few highly abundant bacteria.Pantoea sp7 was predominant in biting midges,while Coxiella sp1 was enriched in ticks.Meanwhile,Coxiella spp.,which may be essential for the survival of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann,were detected in all tick samples.The identification of dominant species and pathogens of biting midges and ticks in this study serves to broaden our knowledge associated to microbes of arthropod vectors.Conclusion Biting midges and ticks carry large numbers of known and potentially novel bacteria,and carry a wide range of potentially pathogenic bacteria,which may pose a risk of infection to humans and animals.The microbial communities of midges and ticks tend to be dominated by a few highly abundant bacteria.
基金This work was jointly funded by the Scientific and Technological Basis Special Project grant(2013FY113500)from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Chinathe National Natural Science Foundation of China(81874274 and 81660558)+1 种基金the National Science and Technology Major Project on Important Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control(2018ZX10734-404)the Yunnan Health Training Project of High Level Talents(L-2017027).
文摘Ticks are well known as vectors of many viruses which usually do great harm to human and animal health.Yunnan Province,widely covered by flourishing vegetation and mainly relying on farming husbandry,is abundant with Rhipicephalus microplus ticks.Therefore,it is of great significance to characterize the viral profile present in R.microplus parasitizing on cattle in Yunnan Province.In this study,a total of 7387 R.microplus ticks were collected from cattle and buffalo in the northwest and southeast areas of Yunnan Province from 2015 to 2017.We investigated the virome of R.microplus using next-generation sequencing(NGS)and the prevalence of important identified viruses among tick groups by RT-PCR.It revealed the presence of diverse virus concerning chu-,rhabdo-,phlebo-,flavi-and parvo-viruses in Yunnan.These viruses consist of single-stranded,circular and segmented sense RNAs,showing a greatly diversity in genomic organization.Furthermore,continuous epidemiological survey among ticks reveals broad prevalence of three viruses(Yunnan mivirus 1,Wuhan tick vrius 1 and YN tick-associated phlebovirus 1)and two possible prevalent viruses including a flavivirus-like segmented virus(Jingmen tick virus)and a bovine hokovirus 2 in Yunnan.Serological investigation among cattle indicates that these identified viruses may be infectious to cattle and can elicit corresponding antibody.Our findings on R.microplus-associated viral community will contribute to the prevention of viral disease and tracking the viral evolution.Further analysis is needed to better elucidate the pathogenicity and natural circulation of these viruses.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFC1200202)the Shanghai Pudong New Area Science and Technology Development Fund(Grant No.PKJ2018-N02)。
文摘Ticks are involved in the transmission of various arboviruses and some tick-borne viruses pose significant threats to the health of humans or livestock.This study aimed to investigate the geographical distribution of tick species and tickassociated viruses in central and eastern China.Total 573 ticks from domestic animals including dogs,sheep and cattle were collected in 2017.Two genera of ticks were identified including Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis.Sequencing was performed on Miseq Illumina platform to characterize the tick viromes from the four different sampling locations.Following trimming,13,640 reads were obtained and annotated to 19 virus families.From these sequences,above 37.74%of the viral reads were related to the RNA viruses.Virome comparison study revealed that the tick viral diversity was considerably different in the two identified tick genera.The viral diversity of R.microplus was significantly different from that of other Rhipicephalus species.On the other hand,substantial overlap in viral species was observed between the same genera.In addition,we found no evidence that the natural host played a major role in shaping virus diversity based on the comparison of their viromes.Rather,the geographic location seems to significantly influence the viral families.Phylogenetic study indicated that the novel negative-sense RNA viruses identified in this study was closely related to Bole tick virus 1 and 3 viruses.In conclusion,the present study provides a baseline for comparing viruses detected in ticks,according to species,natural hosts,and geographic locations.
文摘Introduction:Otoacariasis is a rare infestation of the ear canal,which affects the quality of life especially in rural areas.Different types of ticks and mites may cause otoacariasis.Although treatment of otoacariasis is simple,diseases transmitted through ticks and mites should be considered during diagnosis and treatment.Both local and systemic signs and symptoms of such diseases should be followed up.A literature review was conducted in PubMed using the following terms: 'otoacariasis,' 'ticks,' 'mites,' and 'outer ear canal infestations.' Demographic,radiologic,and treatment options were discussed.Treatment hints and pitfalls were also discussed with the literature review.Conclusion:In this paper,we describe otoacariasis in humans and discuss the appropriate interventions.
基金The National Science and Technology Major Project of China[No.2018ZX10101002-002]the National Natural Science Foundation of China[grants 81702016]the National Science and Technology Major Project of China[2018ZX10712001-006-002 and 2018ZX10305409-003-005]。
文摘Pathogens like bacteria and protozoa,which affect human and animal health worldwide,can be transmitted by vectors like ticks.To investigate the epidemiology and genetic diversity of bacteria and protozoans carried by ticks in Chengmai county of Hainan province,China,285 adult hard ticks belonging to two species[Rhipicephalus sanguineus(sensu lato):183,64.21%and Rhipicephalus microplus:102,35.79%]from dogs,cattle,and goats were collected.Microbial families were identified in these ticks by amplifying the 18 S r RNA,16 S r RNA(rrs),citrate synthase(glt A),and heat shock protein(gro EL)genes.Our data revealed the presence of four recognized species and two Candidatus spp.of Anaplasmataceae and Coxiellaceae.In sum,these data reveal an extensive diversity of Anaplasmataceae bacteria,Coxiellaceae bacteria,Babesiidae,and Hepatozoidae in ticks from Hainan Island,highlighting the need to understand the tickborne pathogen infection in local animals and humans.
基金financially supported by Research Council of Tehran University of Medical Sciences(grant No.89-04-27-11690)
文摘Objective:To carry out the distribution survey of hard ticks of livestock in Boeen Zahra and Takistan counties of Qazvin province from April 2010 to September 2010.Methods:Nearly about 2638 sheep, 461 goats and 318 cattle of 38 herds in different geographical areas were searched for tick infestation.Results:The species compositions collected from the livestock of Boeen Zahra and Takistan wereHaemaphysalis concinna(0.63%),Haemaphysalis sulcata(12.66%),Hyalomma anatolicum(3.80%),Hyalomma asiaticum(3.16%),Hyalomma detritum(5.70%),Hyalomma dromedarii(28.48%),Hyalomma marginatum(13.29%),Hyalomma schulzei(1.89%),Rhipicephalus bursa(3.16%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus(3.16%), and for Takistan's livestock were Hyalomma dromedarii(9.86%),Hyalomma marginatum(13.29%),Hyalomma schulzei(1.89%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus(3.16%), respectively. Hard ticks compositions in different topographic areas were different.Hyalommaspecies had the most prevalence in the areas.Conclusions:The veterinary and public health investigation of the above species should be taken.
基金supported by a grant(Code:04- 002)from the Ministry of Health,Malaysia
文摘Ticks were extracted from ear canal of 318 cases in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan,Kuantan,Pahang over a 5-year period(January 2002 to December 2006).A total of 329 ticks were recorded and a majority belonged to the genus Dermacentor(99.7%).The genus was represented by Dermacentor atrosignatus,Dermacentor compactus and Dermacentor steini.A single tick of the genus Haemaphysalis was found.All active stages(larvae, nymphs and adults) were present.The nymphal stages were most frequently encountered(82.4%).Usually, there was only one tick per case.However,there were 7 cases where 2 or 3 ticks were extracted from a single ear canal.Throughout the study,there were 6 repeat cases.Average body engorgement indices for detached larvae,nymph,male and female ticks were 1.04,1.24,1.32 and 1.31,respectively.Based on these indices,duration of attachment was then predicted.Attachment for most nymphal(99.6%) and all adult ticks were less than 24 hours.Only 1 nymphal tick attached for a 60 hours’duration.Ticks were commonly found in the bony part of ear auditory canal(47.3%),followed by tympanic membrane(29.1%) and cartilage part of ear auditory canal(22.0%);a small percent was attached to the pinna(1.6%).All ticks were alive before extraction.However,most attached ticks were found dead(71.7%) after extraction.Majority of the ticks were intact(90.3%) while others were either in a bad condition(3.6%) or broken(6.1%).Those alive were either unfed or at early stage of feeding.Generally,removal of ticks did not result in any complication (61.4%) to the cases.The most common complication was bleeding(27.6%),followed by haematoma of external auditory canal(5.5%),haematoma of tympanic membrane(3.1%) and perforated tympanic membrane (1.6%).Bleeding was a common complication at the site of skin abrasion due to the strong grip of ticks ’mouthparts that were deeply embedded into the skin of cases.In this study,32.5%of removal ticks had remnants of case tissues attached to the ticks’mouthparts.
基金supported by Tehran University of Medical Sciences grant No.10446
文摘Objective:To determine the rate of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV) infection in hard ticks(Ixodidae) in Yazd province of Iran.Methods:A molecular survey on hard ticks (Ixodidae) was conducted in Yazd province during 2008 -2009.A total of 140 hard ticks(three genera and 7 species) were collected from randomly selected villages and were exanimate for presence of CCHFV reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) method.Results: CCHFV genome was found in 5.71%of hard ticks.All positive ticks were from Hyalomma genus. Positive ticks including:Hyalomma dromedarii,Hyalomma marginatum,Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma detritum,Hyalomma asiaticum.We were not able to find virus in in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor marginatus.Results exhibited that Hyalomma is the main vector in the study area.Conclusions:Due to the presence of virus in 24 provinces’ out of 31,we recommend the use of acaricides and repellent to prevent disease transmission among humans. Greta care should be taken by the people who are working in slaughter houses.
文摘Objective: To determine the prevalence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in feeding ticks removed from hunted wild animals. Methods: PCR was executed on DNA extracted from 77 tick pools to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp. Results: A total of 432 ticks were collected: 30(6.94%) Haemaphysalis punctata, 72(16.7%) Dermacentor marginatus and 330(76.38%) Ixodes ricinus. For each animal one or two pools of 3 ticks of the same species was constituted. Seventy-seven tick pools were examined by PCR: 58(75.32%) resulted infected and among them 14(18.18%) showed co-infections. In particular, 29(37.66%) pools were positive for Bartonella spp., 23(29.87%) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 16(20.78%) for Rickettsia spp., and 5(6.49%) for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. All samples were negative for Coxiella burnetii. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the presence of several zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in the studied area, and underline the risk of exposure to infections for hunters not only during the outdoor activity, but also when they manipulate hunted animals infested by infected ticks.
基金supported by the College of Veterinary Medicine/University of Baghdad
文摘Objective:To highlight the presence of aerobic bacteria in live ticks infested sheep,in Diyala Governorate,Iraq.Methods:One hundred and thirty adult alive ticks were picked up from sheep which were reared in different farms in Diyala Governorate,Iraq,during the period from November 2012 to May 2013.Ticks were classified in the Natural History Museum in Baghdad.They were dissected aseptically for extraction of the salivary gland and midgut.The removed tissue from each organ was inoculated in buffer peptone water(1%)and incubated for 2 h at 37 °C,to maintain weak and/or injured bacterial cells,then transmitted to nutrient broth incubated at 37 °C for 18 h.Culturing was done on three solid bacteriological media(nutrient,blood and McConkey agars),and then incubated at37 ℃ for 24 h.Bacterial identification was performed by using multiple biochemical tests and API-20 strips.Data were analyzed by using Statistical Analysis System version 9.1,2010.Chi-square test was used for comparison at significant level of P ≤ 0.05.Results:Two species of ticks were identified[Rhipicephalus(Boophilus) annulatus and Hyalomma turanicum].High bacterial isolation rate was observed(483 isolates).A significant high isolation rate was recorded from Rhipicephalus annulatus(63.14%).Six bacterial species were identified[Escherichia coli(28.36%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(18.01%),Bacillus cereus(14.69%),Staphylococcus aureus(13.66%),Citrobacter freundii(13.04%),and Enterobacter species(12.21%)].Also the high bacterial isolation rates were recorded in the temperate months(November,March and April);these coincided with high reproductive performance of ticks.Conclusions:The high isolation rate of aerobic pathogens from ticks might reflect the active contribution of this arthropod in environmental contamination and increase the probability of transmitting bacterial pathogens to their hosts.
基金funded by SAMRC with grant number RDG2017/18 and the APC was funded by SMU.
文摘Objective:To determine the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens with a particular focus on Rickettsia spp.in ticks collected from cattle in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces,South Africa.Methods:A total of 200 ticks were collected from cattle within the Madala livestock,Pretoria,Gauteng Province and in Mankweng Township,Polokwane,Limpopo Province in 2019.The ticks were morphologically identified and processed individually for a total genomic DNA extraction.Specific primers targetting ompA,ompB,and the 17KDa genes were used for a molecular screening and delineation of Rickettsia from the extracted genetic materials using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)technique.PCR amplicons of positive samples were sequenced bidirectionally using the Sanger sequencing method.Sequences generated were processed and analysed using appropriate bioinformatics software.Results:The ticks were morphologically identified as Amblyomma spp.PCR profiling of the genomic DNA samples revealed the presence of the Rickettsia pathogen in 42(21%)of the ticks collected from both Provinces.Out of the genes profiled,14(7%)were positive for 17KDa,42(21%)for ompA and 32(16%)were positive for ompB genes respectively.The nucleotide blast of the sequenced genomes showed high similarity,as high as 100% with other reference Rickettsia(R.)africae in the GenBank.The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences further validated them as R.africae with their characteristic clustering pattern with related reference sequences.Conclusions:There is an abundance of R.africae in Amblyomma ticks collected from cattle in the study areas.This has serious public health implications as individuals who accidentally get infested with the ticks could acquire R.africae.Hence,adequate precautions in terms of sensitization of farmers about the risk and mass mobilization drive to control the vectors in the areas are highly recommended to safeguard public health.
文摘Worldwide, wild birds play a vital role in the dispersal of ticks that harbour tick-borne pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease bacterium. Using PCR testing, we found 124 (31%) of 405 ticks (4 species), which were collected from 21 species of birds in far-western Canada, to be infected with B. burgdorferi. Transstadial transmission of B. burgdorferi occurred from larva to nymph, plus nymph to adult, in the avian coastal tick, Ixodes auritulus, collected from songbirds in British Columbia (B.C). Collectively, all 3 motile life stages (larva, nymph, adult) of this tick had an infection prevalence of 31% for B. burgdorferi, which suggests vector competency. A Pacific Wren was highly infested with I. auritulus immatures, and 20 (44%) of 45 ticks (2 nymphs, 43 larvae) were infected with B. burgdorferi. This heavy infestation shows the high potential to initiate a new population of ticks and to disseminate Lyme spirochetes. Epidemiologically, B. burgdorferi-infected I. auritulus larvae collected from the Spotted Towhee, Swainson’s Thrush, Pacific Wren, and Fox Sparrow suggest that these avian hosts act as reservoirs for B. burgdorferi. In this study, the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus, and Ixodes spinipalpis played a limited role in the enzootic transmission cycle of B. burgdorferi along coastal B.C. We document the first record of I. spinipalpis on a bird in Alberta. Because songbirds widely disperse Lyme disease vector ticks, primary health providers and the general public must be vigilant that outdoors people may be bitten by B. burgdorferi-infected ticks throughout far-western Canada.
文摘Ticks are regarded as the most relevant vectors of disease-causing pathogens in domestic and wild animals. The diversity of Ixodidae is known for a very small number of genera.Ixodes?are represented by 26 species, and?in?2007 the first reported ticks vectors in Mexico for the causal agent of Lyme disease. Recent rise in tick-borne disease in many parts of the world is a phenomenon in need of an explanation. The main objective of the present work was to map at a regional scale (1:2,000,000)?of?the distribution of ticks of the family Ixodidae that are potentially present on the wild fauna of state of Michoacan, Mexico. We compiled all available literature on ticks at a national level together with complete cartographic and bibliographic georeferenced information of the distribution of hosts in order to build a spatial database in ArcView 3.3. The results indicated that the wild fauna in the state’s territory could potentially include 31 species of ticks of Ixodidae. The map of potential species richness of ixodid ticks on the wild fauna of the state can be categorized into five classes of species richness. The highest potential concentration of ixodid species on wild fauna occurs in the volcanic area of Pico de Tancítaro.
文摘The acaricidal efficiency of fipronil alone and fipronil + methoprene compared to commercial fipronil and commercial fipronil + methoprene, applied by the epicutaneous route (spot-on) in dogs naturally infested with ticks, was assessed. Thirty dogs infested with high loads of ticks were used. On day 0, the dogs were divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each. Each animal was duly identified for individual and group monitoring. Treatments were made based on body weight according to manufacturer’s instructions. Group 1<span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(G1) received 10.0% fipronil at a single dose of a pipette applied by epicutaneous</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">route in the base of the neck. G2 received 10% fipronil + 10% methoprene in single application similarly to G1. G3 was treated with 9.8% commercial fipronil as before mentioned. G4 received commercial 9.8% fipronil + 9.8% methoprene applied as in previous groups. G5 served as an infected untreated control. Animals were examined</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">by</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">thumb tick counts on days 0 (Treatment day), 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Efficacy was measured as a percentage of tick reduction in the treated groups relative to the untreated control. Results indicated an overall efficacy of 88.2%, 93%, 90.4% and 99.3%, respectively. There was no significant statistical difference between the treated groups (P < 0.05), neither in sex nor in weight. Engorged ticks were the most frequent, followed by the nymph group. However, by the end of the study these data were reversed due to the fact that only small larvae were found, which we interpreted came from engorged ticks that released their progeny before dying and a month later their offspring began to be observed present</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ly</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and in full development. It is concluded that the combined formulations of fipronil + methoprene compared to fipronil applied alone, showed an additive effect against</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rhipicephalus</span></i><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sanguineus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> ticks in naturally infested dogs kept in captivity.</span>
文摘Background: Metagenomics approaches are increasingly being utilized as “dipstick” for microbial carriage. In this study, 16S rRNA metagenomics was used to probe for microbial community that resides in the ticks, those they pick from the environment, wildlife and livestock and to identify potential tick borne zoonoses. Methods: Tick DNA from 463 tick pools collected from domestic animals between 2007 and 2008 were amplified with primers that target the 16S rRNA V3-V4 domain and then sequenced on Illumina Miseq platform using 300 cycles version 3 kits. Ticks were pooled according to species and animal from which they were collected. A non-target control was used to track laboratory contaminants. Sequence data were analyzed using Mothur v1.3 pipeline and R v3.3.1 software and taxonomy determined using SILVA rRNA database. Shannon diversity index was used to compute bacterial diversity in each tick species before computing the means. Results: A total of 645 bacteria genera grouped into 27 phyla were identified. Four phyla contributed 97.4% of the 36,973,934 total sequences. Proteobacteria contributed 61.2% of these sequences that tarried to 33.8% genera, compared to 15.9% (23.4% genera) for Firmicutes, 15.6% (20% genera) for Actinobacteria and 4.7% (11.6% genera) for Bacteroidetes. The remaining 23 phyla only contributed 2.6% of the sequence reads (11.2% genera). Amongst the 645 genera, three groups were discernible, with the biggest group comprised commensals/symbionts that contributed 93.6% of the genera, but their individual sequence contribution was very low. Group two comprised genera that are known to contain pathogenic species, with Coxiella contributing 15,445,204 (41.8%) sequences, Corynebacterium (13.6%), Acinetobacter (4.3%), Staphylococcus (3.9%), Bacillus (2.7%) and Porphyromonas (1.6%), Ralstonia (1.5%), Streptococcus (1.3%), Moraxella (1.3%), amongst others. Group three comprised genera known to contain tick borne zoonotic pathogens (TBZ): Rickettsiae, Anaplasma, Francisella, Ehrlichia, Bartonella and Borrelia. Individually the TBZ contributed Amblyomma variegatum carried the least diverse bacteria (mean Shannon diversity index of 2.69 ± 0.92) compared to 3.79 ± 1.10 for A. gemma, 3.71 ± 1.32 for A. hebraeum, 4.15 ± 1.08 for other Amblyomma spp, 3.79 ± 1.37 for Hyalomma truncatum, 3.67 ± 1.38 for other Hyalomma spp, 3.86 ± 1.27 for Rhipicephalus annulatus, 3.56 ± 1.21 for Rh. appendiculatus, and 3.65 ± 1.30 for Rh. Pulchellus, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.443). Conclusion: This study illustrates the utility of 16S rRNA metagenomics in revealing the complexity of bacteria communities that reside and/or transit through the tick having been picked from the environment, livestock and/or wild animals, some with potential to cause zoonoses.
文摘On the Kpinnou ranch in Benin, it was observed that the Girolando dairy cattle which graze Panieum maximum var. CI are more susceptible to infestation of ticks. The purpose of this study was to highlight the interactions between ticks and their bovine hosts and two types of artificial grazing pastures. Nineteen young Girolando dairy cattle were used during the big rainy season （March-June） 2009. All present ticks on the animals have been counted according to the body region. The bovine have been divided into two relatively homogeneous groups often and nine animals. The group I of 10 animals had been grazed on Panicum maximum whereas the group 2 of 9 animals had been grazed on Panicum maximum var. C 1. During the two months of grazing, a weekly monitoring of the evolution of the load in ticks has been achieved. Four genera of ticks were identified on the bovine Girolandos （Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus and Boophilus）. The Boophilus genus is the most abundant （P 〈 0.05）. The animals having grazed Panicum maximum var. C I are more infested than those that have been grazed Panicum maximum. A variation of the rate of infestation of the animals has been observed in relation to the different body areas. The colour of the coat also has an effect on the load in tick of the bovine. The bovine of dark coat are in general more infested （P 〈 0.05） than those of clear colour.
基金the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2013FY113500)the grants from the National Science Foundation of China (Nos.81460303,81760365)the State Key Laboratory of Virology of China (No.2015IOV003)
文摘The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV),a member of the genus Orthonairovirus and family Nairoviridae,is transmitted by ticks and causes severe hemorrhagic disease in humans.To study the epidemiology of CCHFV in different ecosystems in Xinjiang,China,a total of 58,932 ticks were collected from Tarim Basin,Junggar Basin,Tianshan Mountain,and Altai Mountain from 2014 to 2017.Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum was the dominant tick species in Tarim and Junggar basins,whereas Dermacentor nuttalli and Hyalomma detritum were found in Tianshan Mountain and Altai Mountain,respectively.Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of the CCHFV small(S)genome segment was used for the molecular detection.The CCHFV-positive percentage was 5.26%,6.85%,1.94%,and 5.56% in Tarim Basin,Junggar Basin,Tianshan Mountain,and Altai Mountain,respectively.Sequences of the S segment were used for phylogenetic analysis and the results showed that the newly identified CCHFV strains belonged to two clades.Our study confirms that H.asiaticum asiaticum is the major vector of CCHFV in desert habitats which is consistent with previous studies,and also suggests that H.detritum and D.nuttalli are emerging vectors for CCHFV in Xinjiang.Moreover,this study reports the presence of CCHFV in the mountain habitat of Xinjiang for the first time,suggesting that future surveillance of CCHFV should also include mountainous areas.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Programs of China(No.2022YFC2603800)Jiangsu Provincial Key Research and Development Projects(No.BE2017693).
文摘Ticks are considered the second most common pathogen vectors transmitting a broad range of vital human and veterinary viruses.From 2017 to 2018,640 ticks were collected in eight different provinces in central and western China.Six species were detected,including H.longicornis,De.everestianus,Rh.microplus,Rh.turanicus,Rh.sanguineous,and Hy.asiaticum.Sixty-four viral metagenomic libraries were constructed on the MiSeq Illumina platform,resulting in 13.44 G(5.88×10^(7))of 250-bp-end reads,in which 2,437,941 are viral reads.We found 27 nearly complete genome sequences,including 16 genome sequences encoding entire protein-coding regions(lack of 30 or 50 end non-coding regions)and complete viral genomes,distributed in the arboviral family(Chuviridae,Rhabdoviridae,Nairoviridae,Phenuiviridae,Flaviviridae,Iflaviridae)as well as Parvoviridae and Polyomaviridae that cause disease in mammals and even humans.In addition,13 virus sequences found in Chuviridae,Nairoviridae,Flaviviridae,Iflaviridae,Hepeviridae,Parvoviridae,and Polyomaviridae were identified as belonging to a new virus species in the identified viral genera.Besides,an epidemiological survey shows a high prevalence(9.38%and 15.63%)of two viruses(Ovine Copiparvovirus and Bovine parvovirus 2)in the tick cohort.
