Detection of Leishmania infantum,Babesia canis,and rickettsiae in ticks removed from dogs living in Italy

The aims of this study were to determine natural infections by Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania infantum, Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp. by molecular methods in ticks (n = 91) removed from dogs with clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities compatible with tick-borne diseases (n = 22) living in Italy and to assess the distribution and species of ticks encountered. Ticks from dogs living in southern Italy were all identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n = 25), ticks from central Italy included Rh. sanguineus (n = 8) and Ixodes ricinus (n = 9), ticks from northern Italy included Rh. sanguineus (n = 45), Dermacentor marginatus (n = 3), and one I. ricinus. Leishmania infantum, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia canis were the only pathogens detected in 7 (8%), 4 (4%), and 2 (2%) out of 91 ticks, respectively. L. infantum was detected in I. ricinus from central Italy and in Rh. sanguineus from northern and central Italy. Rickettsia conorii and Ri. massiliae were detected in Rh. sanguineus ticks from central and southern Italy (Sicily), respectively. Bab. canis was detected in D. marginatus ticks from northern Italy.     

The potential role of migratory birds in transmission cycles of Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum,and Rickettsia spp.

Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Rickettsia spp. are potentially emerging tick-borne pathogens, whereas many issues about their ecology, e.g. reservoir host specificity, are still unclear. In spring 2007, we collected 191 feeding Ixodes ricinus ticks from 99 birds of 11 different species on a German bird conservation island in the Baltic Sea. Babesia spp. were detected in 4.7% (9/191), A. phagocytophilum was present in 2.6% (5/191), and Rickettsia spp. were identified in 7.3% (14/191) of the investigated ticks. Further characterization of Babesia spp. infections resulted in B. divergens and B. microti. Among the Rickettsia spp. infections, we identified at least 2 different species: R. monacensis and R. helvetica. Furthermore, 2 ticks harboured mixed infections. Our study provides first interesting insights into the role of migratory birds in the distribution of several emerging tick-borne pathogens.     

Diversity and geographic distribution of rickettsial agents identified in brown dog ticks from across the United States

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, or brown dog ticks, transmit a variety of pathogens of veterinary and public health importance globally. Pathogens vectored by brown dog ticks and identified in the United States include Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, and several spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. (SFGR). Due to the challenge of collecting canine blood samples nationwide to screen for exposure to these pathogens, we took an indirect approach and tested brown dog ticks for molecular evidence of infection. Brown dog ticks (616 adults and 65 nymphs) collected from dogs and cats across the nation were tested by separate PCR assays detecting Babesia spp., E. canis, and SFGR. While no Babesia sp. was found, we identified rickettsial agents in 3.5% (24/681; 95% CI 2.4–5.2%) of the ticks. Pathogens and related organisms detected in ticks included E. canis (n = 1), Rickettsia amblyommatis (n = 3), Rickettsia massiliae (n = 11), Rickettsia monacensis (n = 3), Rickettsia montanensis (n = 5), and an undefined Rickettsia species (n = 1). These data demonstrate a wider geographic distribution of R. massiliae than previously known, and to the authors’ knowledge, reports R. monacensis in brown dog ticks for the first time. Due to the close association that brown dog ticks have with domestic dogs and humans, more research is needed to understand the full array of organisms, some of which are zoonotic, potentially transmitted by this widespread tick complex.     

First molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in ticks from dogs in Cebu,Philippines

Ehrlichia canis infection of dogs in the Philippines has been detected by serological and peripheral blood smear examination methods, but not by molecular means. Anaplasma platys infection in dogs has not yet been officially reported, although it is suspected to occur in the country. Thus, sensitive and specific molecular techniques were used in this study to demonstrate the presence of both E. canis and A. platys in the Philippines. A total of 164 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks was collected from 36 dogs. Seven tick samples were found positive with E. canis and one sample with A. platys. To further characterize these pathogens, molecular analyses based on citrate synthase and heat-shock operon genes were also performed. Philippine strains were found to be not divergent from strains from other countries. The present results are the first molecular detection and analyses of E. canis and A. platys in ticks from dogs in the Philippines.     

Rickettsia spp. in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks collected from stray dogs in Kerman city,Iran

Rickettsial diseases are recognized as one of the most important vector-borne infectious diseases for humans all over the world. Dogs and their ticks are considered the most important reservoirs for Rickettsia spp., especially in spotted fever group rickettsioses. The aim of the study was to investigate Rickettsia infections in ticks collected from stray dogs in southeastern Iran. In this study, 50 stray dogs in Kerman city were randomly selected, of 68% and 52% of which were above 8 months age and male, respectively. Ticks were collected from the dog skins. After identification of collected ticks, genomic DNA of all ticks was extracted. DNA samples were tested using real-time PCR for Rickettsia spp. infections. The species of Rickettsia in positive samples were determined using gltA gene amplification and sequencing. A total of 250 ticks were collected from 50 stray dogs and all of them belonged to Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Totally, 10 pooled of 50 pooled ticks were positive for Rickettsia spp. in real-time PCR and the minimal Rickettsial infection rate was 4% in this study. The identified Rickettsia spp. included R. massiliae (n = 5), R. rhipicephali (n = 1), and R. sibirica (n = 1). In this study, molecular evidence of Rickettsia spp. infection was observed in collected ticks from stray dogs in southeast Iran. More sensitivity to human and animal health care systems in southeastern Iran is essential to the diagnosis of suspected clinical cases that are related to rickettsiosis.     

A 15-year monitoring of Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp.) in questing ticks in the city of Hanover,Germany

Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp.) are regarded as potentially emerging tick-borne pathogens and may change in abundance in response to global climate change. However, continuous monitoring on their prevalence in questing ticks is only available for the northern German city of Hanover. In the presented follow-up of this long-term study, 2100 questing ticks of the Ixodes ricinus/Ixodes inopinatus-complex collected from April to October 2020 at ten different recreation sites in Hanover were individually analysed for Rickettsia and A. phagocytophilum infection by quantitative real-time PCR. Together with previous results from years 2005, 2010 and 2015, the current study allows to assess potential changes in tick infection rates with Rickettsiales over a 15-year monitoring period. In 2020, 3.0% (63/2100) of ticks were infected with A. phagocytophilum, 36.0% (756/2100) with Rickettsia spp. and 1.2% (26/2100) with both pathogens. Regarding the different developmental tick stages, nymphs showed a significantly lower A. phagocytophilum prevalence of 0.5% (5/1050) than adult ticks (5.5% [58/1050]) as well as compared to females (5.4% [38/700]) and males (5.7% [20/350]). For Rickettsia spp., nymphs also showed a lower prevalence of 33.2% (349/1050) with a significant difference to adult ticks (38.8% [407/1050]) and female ticks (40.7% [285/700]), while males had a Rickettsia infection rate of 34.9% (122/350). Comparison with previous years indicated a stable A. phagocytophilum prevalence over the 15-year monitoring period. In contrast, fluctuating Rickettsia prevalences were observed, with a peak in 2015 in all developmental stages, but similar infection rates in 2005 and 2020. Therefore, epidemiological changes in response to climate change are not (yet) evident. Nevertheless, the long-term monitoring study will be continued in the future, as climatic impacts on tick and reservoir host populations may have a delayed effect on pathogen prevalence and, consequently, transmission to humans and domestic animals.     

Molecular and seroepidemiological investigation of Сoxiella burnetii and spotted fever group rickettsiae in the southern region of Kazakhstan

Ticks are involved in the circulation of a number of human pathogens, including spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii. Little is known about the occurrence of these microorganisms in the southern region of Kazakhstan. In 2018–2022, a total of 726 ticks were collected from bitten humans, livestock, and vegetation in four oblasts of the southern region of Kazakhstan and subjected to DNA extraction. The overall infection rate of Coxiella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in the ticks was 3.3% (24/726) and 69.9% (300/429), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of ompA and gltA genes revealed the presence of three pathogenic SFG rickettsiae: Candidatus R. tarasevichiae, R. aeschlimannii and R. raoultii in ticks collected from bitten humans. In addition, Candidatus R. barbariae was detected in six Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks for the first time in Kazakhstan. To determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii infection, we performed a serological analysis of samples collected from 656 domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) in the region. Overall, 23.5% (154/656) of the animals tested were positive for IgG against C. burnetii. Seroprevalence at the herd level was 54% (28/52). Goats (43%; 12/28; odds ratio (OD) = 28.9, p < 0.05) and sheep (31.9%; 137/430; OD = 18.1, p < 0.05) had higher seroprevalence than cattle (2.5%; 5/198). Among the risk factors considered in this study, age (p = 0.003) and the oblast in which the animals were sampled (p = 0.049) were statistically associated with seropostivity for Q fever in sheep, according to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Seroprevalence ranged from 0% to 55.5% in animals in different districts of the southern region of Kazakhstan. Active C. burnetii bacteremia was detected in four of 154 (2.6%) seropositive animals. The data obtained provide strong evidence of the presence of pathogenic rickettsiae and C. burnetii in the southern region of Kazakhstan and emphasize the need to improve epidemiological surveillance in the region.     

Seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. and molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys in stray dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Stray dogs may be highly exposed to vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), including zoonotic agents, and therefore may pose a high risk of spreading infections to other animals and humans. Among the Anaplasmataceae, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys and Ehrlichia canis are commonly identified species in dogs in Europe; however, information on the occurrence of these pathogens in canine populations from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is still lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in stray dogs in the Sarajevo region of B&H and to identify A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis and E. ewingii by molecular techniques. A total of 903 blood samples of stray dogs were screened by SNAP 4Dx Plus Test for the presence of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and E. canis/E. ewingii. Real-time PCR assays were performed for the detection of Anaplasmataceae, A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis and E. ewingii in seropositive dogs. Antibodies to A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and/or E. canis/E. ewingii were detected in 187 (20.7%) samples. Seroprevalence was highest for A. phagocytophilum/A. platys (184/903, 20.4%). Two dogs had antibodies to E. canis/E. ewingii, while one dog was found to have antibodies to A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and to E. canis/E. ewingii. Forty-eight (25.7%) of the 187 seropositive dogs examined by Real-time PCR were positive for Anaplasmataceae. A. phagocytophilum was detected in 45 (24%) samples, while one sample was positive for A. phagocytophilum and A. platys. Two samples positive for Anaplasmataceae tested negative in the species-specific PCRs. E. canis or E. ewingii could not be detected in any of the Ehrlichia-seropositive dogs. These findings highlight the need for dog health monitoring, improving the health and welfare of stray dog population, and establishment of effective surveillance systems to combat VBDs.     

Genetic variability of Rickettsia spp. in Ixodes persulcatus/Ixodes trianguliceps sympatric areas from Western Siberia,Russia: Identification of a new Candidatus Rickettsia species

Rickettsia spp. are the causative agents of a number of diseases in humans. These bacteria are transmitted by arthropods, including ixodid ticks. DNA of several Rickettsia spp. was identified in Ixodes persulcatus ticks, however, the association of Ixodes trianguliceps ticks with Rickettsia spp. is unknown. In our study, blood samples of small mammals (n = 108), unfed adult I. persulcatus ticks (n = 136), and I. persulcatus (n = 12) and I. trianguliceps (n = 34) ticks feeding on voles were collected in two I. persulcatus/I. trianguliceps sympatric areas in Western Siberia. Using nested PCR, ticks and blood samples were studied for the presence of Rickettsia spp. Three distinct Rickettsia species were found in ticks, but no Rickettsia species were found in the blood of examined voles. Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae DNA was detected in 89.7% of unfed I. persulcatus, 91.7% of engorged I. persulcatus and 14.7% of I. trianguliceps ticks. Rickettsia helvetica DNA was detected in 5.9% of I. trianguliceps ticks. In addition, a new Rickettsia genetic variant was found in 32.4% of I. trianguliceps ticks. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA, gltA, ompA, оmpB and sca4 genes was performed and, in accordance with genetic criteria, a new Rickettsia genetic variant was classified as a new Candidatus Rickettsia species. We propose to name this species Candidatus Rickettsia uralica, according to the territory where this species was initially identified. Candidatus Rickettsia uralica was found to belong to the spotted fever group. The data obtained in this study leads us to propose that Candidatus Rickettsia uralica is associated with I. trianguliceps ticks.     

Immature hard ticks infected with Rickettsia amblyommatis on breeding birds from Pantanal

Immature hard ticks from the genus Amblyomma feed on blood from a wide range of Neotropical avian hosts. They serve as vectors for pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, such as Rickettsia agents of the spotted fever group (SFG). Hence, determining ecological factors that increase encounter rates between immature ticks and their avian hosts may contribute to the understanding of tick-borne diseases transmission. Here, we used 720 individual birds from 96 species surveyed in the Brazilian Pantanal to test whether host breeding season influenced tick infestation probabilities. Additionally, collected ticks were screened for Rickettsia agents to describe new avian-tick-bacteria associations. Our models revealed that the probability of an individual bird being infested with immature ticks was similar during the breeding and pre-breeding season, but higher loads of immature tick stages were found during the breeding season. Host sex did not predict infestation probability, but Rickettsia agents recovered from ticks were more prevalent during the pre-breeding season. The new records of host usage by larvae and nymphs of Amblyomma in Pantanal and the growing body of tick surveys in Neotropical avian communities, suggest that immature ticks may benefit from avian blood sources during their annual cycle. The low number of infected ticks with Rickettsia agents on Pantanal birds suggest that this vertebrate group are likely not acting as reservoirs for these microorganisms. However, long-term surveys at the same site are imperative to determine which tick species are acting as reservoirs for Rickettsia agents in Pantanal and determine whether birds are playing a role in dispersing ticks and tick-borne pathogens.     

Molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato,Coxiella burnetii and piroplasms) in questing and feeding hard ticks from North-Western Spain

The occurrence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of human and veterinary interest was studied in questing and feeding ticks collected from wild animals in a region in North-Western Spain. A total of 529 ticks (489 questing, 40 feeding) of seven different species (386 Ixodes ricinus, 53 Haemaphysalis concinna, 27 Haemaphysalis punctata, 25 Dermacentor marginatus, 21 Haemaphysalis inermis, 15 Dermacentor reticulatus, and two Rhipicephalus bursa) were analyzed. Molecular analysis of the 16S rRNA gene in I. ricinus ticks, revealed the presence of two phylogenetic groups in the region. Most of the sequenced ticks (96%) were assigned to I. ricinus haplogroup and 4% of the ticks were phylogenetically related to I. inopinatus haplogroup. Feeding ticks were removed from 17 animals from seven wild species (seven roe deer -Capreolus capreolus-, three wolves -Canis lupus-, two Iberian red deer -Cervus elaphus hispanicus-, two European wild boar -Sus scrofa-, one Cantabrian brown bear -Ursus arctos-, one Eurasian badger -Meles meles-, and one red fox -Vulpes vulpes-). Presence of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, piroplasms, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and Coxiella burnetii were tested in ticks by specific PCR. A total of 92 (17.4%) of the 529 ticks analyzed were positive for at least one of the TBPs tested. Sequencing revealed the presence of the genospecies “Candidatus Rickettsia rioja”, Rickettsia raoultii, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in both questing and feeding ticks. Rickettsia slovaca, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Babesia bigemina were only detected in questing ticks, while Babesia sp. badger type A, Theileria OT3 and Hepatozoon canis occurred only in engorged ticks. None of the ticks were positive for C. burnetii. The analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of A. phagocytophilum revealed the presence of three variants (I, X and W) circulating in the region. New host-tick-pathogen interactions have been revealed, finding for the first time the human pathogen R. raoultii in D. reticulatus removed from a Cantabrian brown bear. Co-occurrence between different TBPs were detected in 4.3% of the ticks. The association B. burgdorferi s.l./Rickettsia spp. was detected in questing ticks; and Rickettsia spp./piroplasms and A. phagocytophilum/Theileria OT3 in feeding ticks. The presence of pathogenic agents constitutes a threat to human and animal health, and should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment after a tick bite. This study increases the knowledge on TBPs diversity of medical and veterinary interest circulating between ticks and their hosts in North-Western Spain.     

Development of three quantitative real-time PCR assays for the detection of Rickettsia raoultii,Rickettsia slovaca,and Rickettsia aeschlimannii and their validation with ticks from the country of Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan

A previous surveillance study of human pathogens within ticks collected in the country of Georgia showed a relatively high infection rate for Rickettsia raoultii, R. slovaca, and R. aeschlimannii. These 3 spotted fever group rickettsiae are human pathogens: R. raoultii and R. slovaca cause tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA), and R. aeschlimannii causes an infection characterized by fever and maculopapular rash. Three quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays, Rraoul, Rslov, and Raesch were developed and optimized to detect R. raoultii, R. slovaca, and R. aeschlimannii, respectively, by targeting fragments of the outer membrane protein B gene (ompB) using species-specific molecular beacon or TaqMan probes. The 3 qPCR assays showed 100% specificity when tested against a rickettsiae DNA panel (n = 20) and a bacteria DNA panel (n = 12). The limit of detection was found to be at least 3 copies per reaction for all assays. Validation of the assays using previously investigated tick nucleic acid preparations, which included Rickettsia-free tick samples, tick samples that contain R. raoultii, R. slovaca, R. aeschlimannii, and other Rickettsia spp., gave 100% sensitivity for all 3 qPCR assays. In addition, a total of 65 tick nucleic acid preparations (representing 259 individual ticks) collected from the country of Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2009 was tested using the 3 qPCR assays. R. raoultii, R. slovaca, and R. aeschlimannii were not detected in any ticks (n = 31) from the Republic of Azerbaijan, but in the ticks from the country of Georgia (n = 228) the minimal infection rate for R. raoultii and R. slovaca in Dermacentor marginatus was 10% and 4%, respectively, and for R. aeschlimannii in Haemaphysalis sulcata and Hyalomma spp. it was 1.9% and 20%, respectively.     

Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato,Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. in cattle serum and questing ticks from Belgium

BackgroundAnaplasmosis, borreliosis, rickettsiosis and babesiosis are tick-borne diseases of medical, veterinary and economic importance. In Belgium, little is known on the prevalence of these diseases in animals and previous screenings relate only to targeted geographic regions, clinical cases or a limited number of tested samples. We therefore performed the first nationwide seroprevalence study of Anaplasma spp., A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. in Belgian cattle. We also screened questing ticks for the aforementioned pathogens.MethodsELISAs and IFATs were performed on a representative sample set of cattle sera stratified proportionally to the number of cattle herds per province. Questing ticks were collected in areas where the highest prevalence for the forenamed pathogens in cattle serum were observed. Ticks were analyzed by quantitative PCR for A. phagocytophilum (n = 783), B. burgdorferi sensu lato (n = 783) and Rickettsia spp. (n = 715) and by PCR for Babesia spp. (n = 358).ResultsThe ELISA screening for antibodies to Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia spp. in cattle sera showed an overall seroprevalence of 15.6% (53/339) and 12.9% (52/402), respectively. The IFAT screening for antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. resulted in an overall seroprevalence of 34.2% (116/339), 31.2% (99/317) and 3.4% (14/412), respectively. At the provincial level, the provinces of Liege and Walloon Brabant harboured the highest seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. (44.4% and 42.7% respectively) and A. phagocytophilum (55.6% and 71.4%). East Flanders and Luxembourg exhibited the highest seroprevalence of Borrelia spp. (32.4%) and Rickettsia spp. (54.8%) respectively. The province of Antwerp showed the highest seroprevalence of Babesia spp. (11%). The screening of field-collected ticks resulted in a prevalence of 13.8% for B. burgdorferi s.l., with B. afzelii and B. garinii being the most common genospecies (65.7% and 17.1%, respectively). Rickettsia spp. was detected in 7.1% of the tested ticks and the only identified species was R. helvetica. A low prevalence was found for A. phagocytophilum (0.5%) and no Babesia positive tick was detected.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence data in cattle indicate hot spots for tick-borne pathogens in specific provinces and highlights the importance of veterinary surveillance in anticipating the emergence of diseases among humans. The detection of all pathogens, with the exception of Babesia spp. in questing ticks, underlines the need of raising awareness among public and professionals on other tick-borne diseases along with lyme borreliosis.     

Detection of Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus ticks in a region of Middle Germany (Thuringia)

Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma spp. are regarded as potentially emerging tick-borne pathogens, but so far data on prevalence rates in questing ticks and reports on human diseases in several parts of Europe are rarely available.In this study, 430 nymphs and 570 adult Ixodes (I.) ricinus ticks were collected from a frequently visited forest region of Thuringia (Zeitzgrund, near Stadtroda) in 2006 (n=506) and 2007 (n=494). Individual ticks were investigated for a part of the citrate synthase gene (gltA) of Rickettsia spp. and the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Positive amplicons were identified with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and/or sequencing. Overall, 14.7% (147/1000) of investigated ticks were infected with Rickettsia spp. After sequencing of 64/147 positive amplicons R. helvetica (29/64) was detected predominantly. Prevalence varied in different developmental stages between 9.3% (40/430) in nymphs and 18.8% (107/570) in adults. A. phagocytophilum-specific DNA was detected in 5.4% (54/1000) of ticks with an infection rate of 4.7% (20/430) in nymphs and 6.0% (34/570) in adults. In 1% (10/1000) of ticks coinfections with Rickettsia spp. and A. phagocytophilum were found. Our study provides interesting insights into the circulation and cocirculation of different rickettsial species and A. phagocytophilum in the same biotope.     

Species richness and adaptation of the invasive cattle tick,Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) on camps grazed by sheep in the Eastern Cape Province,South Africa

The seasonal dynamics and distribution of ticks play a pivotal role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. The objective of this study was to establish the seasonal abundance and species richness of questing ixodid ticks on Amathole Montane Grassland camps grazed by sheep. Ticks questing for hosts were collected monthly for a period of three years by dragging flannel strips attached to a wooden spar over the vegetation. At each occasion, six replicate drag-samples were made in camps grazed by sheep. Of the questing ticks (n = 14 891) collected from the vegetation, the most abundant larvae were those of Rhipicephalus microplus (95.04%) followed by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (2.32%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (1.56%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (1.03%), Rhipicephalus simus (0.03) and Amblyomma hebraeum (0.02%). Comparing the two Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp., R. microplus (98.9%) outcompete the indigenous tick, R. decoloratus (1.1%). The R. microplus larvae were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 2015 (2.11±0.108), 2016 (2.02 ± 0.076) and 2017 (1.94±0.075) during spring than any other season. There were no significant differences (P ? 0.05) from R. appendiculatus questing ticks collected in autumn (0.27±0.007; 0.30±0.052) and spring (0.33±0.007; 0.20±0.052) for 2015 and 2016, respectively. The study showed that the cattle tick, R. microplus adapted very well on host species, in this case sheep, and encroached to areas that were too cold for its adaptation.     

Rickettsia spp. in Ticks, Poland

Ticks are recognized as the main vectors and reservoirs of spotted fever group rickettsiae. We searched for the most prevalent Rickettsia spp. in Poland and found R. slovaca and R. helvetica bacteria in ticks in southern and central Poland; R. raoulti was found in ticks in all parts of Poland.     

Tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in ticks feeding on the common nightingale including a novel strain of Rickettsia sp.

We examined 77 Ixodes ricinus ticks found on 33 out of 120 common nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos) sampled in the Czech Republic in 2008 for the presence of Borrelia spirochetes, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp. We detected Borrelia garinii (in 4% of ticks), A. phagocytophilum (1%), Rickettsia helvetica (3%), a novel strain of Rickettsia sp. (sister taxon of R. bellii; 1%), and Babesia sp. EU1 (1%). Thus, we conclude that nightingales are unlikely to be important reservoir hosts for tick-borne pathogens.     

Rickettsia spp. in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from wild birds: First detection of Candidatus Rickettsia vini in Hesse,Germany

Tick-borne diseases are recognized as a growing public health concern and cause significant issues in humans and animals by serving as dispersal agents of ticks and their associated pathogens. Birds contribute to the spread of ticks and tick-borne diseases, with migratory birds playing a role in regional dispersal. Only a few studies have been carried out in Germany so far to investigate tick fauna on birds and the pathogens they harbour. In 2017 and 2018, we collected ticks from a total of 358 birds in the northern region of the Federal State of Hesse, Germany. Most ticks were Ixodes ricinus larvae and nymphs (95.4%). However, two ornithophilic species were also collected: Ixodes frontalis (larvae, nymphs and females) and Ixodes arboricola (larvae and nymphs). Ticks were tested individually or in pools, depending on the tick life stage and species for each bird host, in order to detect tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus and Rickettsia spp. All samples tested negative for TBE virus. Of 684 investigated tick pools, 162 tested positive for Rickettsia spp. by screening PCR. Of these, 117 carried Rickettsia helvetica detected by specific real-time PCR. The samples which were negative in the R. helvetica PCR were further investigated using five targets (gltA, 16S, ompA IV, ompB, 23S-5S intergenic spacer region) using multi locus sequence typing and phylogenetic analysis. The obtained sequences showed strong phylogenetic relationship to Candidatus Rickettsia vini, which is most closely related to R. japonica and R. heilongjiangensis, and occur in I. arboricola. Three more sequences were determined as R. helvetica in I. ricinus and I. frontalis. This is the first detection of Ca. R. vini in Germany and the first 23S-5S data published for Ca. R. vini, a useful target for Rickettsia species identification.     

Urban family cluster of spotted fever rickettsiosis linked to Rhipicephalus sanguineus infected with Rickettsia conorii subsp. caspia and Rickettsia massiliae

Here, we report an epidemiological and entomological investigation of a cluster of cases of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiosis occurring in southern France. A family of 3 (husband, wife, and their son) presented with symptoms compatible with SFG rickettsiosis. For 2 patients, serum samples presented increased levels of IgM and IgG for SFG Rickettsia. The patients’ home was investigated, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were collected from the floor from behind the furniture. Of 22 ticks collected, 20 tested positive for Rickettsia. As Rh. sanguineus serves as a vector for both Rickettsia conorii and Ri. massiliae in southern France, all Rh. sanguineus isolates were tested by real-time PCR and conventional PCR to detect the 2 species. Nine ticks tested positive for Ri. conorii subsp. caspia (marking the first documentation of this subspecies in France), 7 tested positive for Ri. massiliae, and 4 tested positive for both rickettsiae. This study is the first report of coinfection of Rh. sanguineus ticks with Ri. conorii and Ri. massiliae in southern France.     

Rickettsia africae in Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from sub-Saharan Algeria

Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are caused by obligate, intracellular Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. In recent years, several species and subspecies of rickettsias have been identified as emerging pathogens throughout the world, including sub-Saharan Africa. We report here the detection of Rickettsia africae, the agent responsible for African tick-bite fever, by amplification of fragments of gltA and ompA genes and multi-spacer typing from Hyalomma dromedarii ticks collected from the camel Camelus dromedarius in the Adrar and Béchar region (sub-Saharan Algeria). To date, R. africae has been associated mainly with Amblyomma spp. The role of H. dromedarii in the epidemiology of R. africae requires further investigation.