Turkey tick news: A molecular investigation into the presence of tick-borne pathogens in host-seeking ticks in Anatolia; Initial evidence of putative vectors and pathogens,and footsteps of a secretly rising vector tick,Haemaphysalis parva

This Turkey-based study investigated the presence of various tick-borne microorganisms in a broad-range of host-seeking ticks (n = 1019) that exhibit both hunter and ambusher characteristics. All collected ticks were analyzed individually via PCR-sequencing, resulting in the identification of 18 different microorganisms: six Babesia spp., including one putative novel species (Ba. occultans, Ba. crassa, Ba. rossi, Babesia sp. tavsan1, Babesia sp. tavsan2, and Babesia sp. nov.); six SFG rickettsiae (Ri. aeschlimannii, Ri. s. mongolitimonae, Ri. slovaca, Ri. raoultii, Ri. monacensis, and Ri. hoogstraalii); two Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spp. (Bo. afzelii and Bo. lusitaniae); two unnamed Hepatozoon spp.; Theileria annulata; and Hemolivia mauritanica. This provided evidence for the natural transstadial survival of these tick-borne microorganisms in adult ticks (in addition a nymph) of Turkey. Surprisingly, this study determined the presence of five different microorganisms (Ba. crassa, Ba. rossi, Babesia sp. Ucbas, Hepatozoon sp., and Ri. hoogstraalii) in host-seeking Haemaphysalis parva adults, for which poor data exist on its vectorial competence. Therefore, this study provides important data indicating the potential vectorial capacity of Ha. parva. This study also revealed the presence of the close ecological and evolutionary relationships between two important vector ticks, Hyalomma marginatum and Hy. aegyptium and determined genetic variations (distinct phylogenetic divergences inside the main clades) in some pathogenic SFG rickettsiae that are found in these ticks. Additionally, the presence of two Babesia species described very recently in hares with unknown vectors, namely Babesia sp. tavsan1 and Babesia sp. tavsan2, were detected for the first time in ticks. Finally, two unnamed Hepatozoon spp. were detected in Haemaphysalis ticks and their phylogenetic positions were demonstrated. Consequently, this study provides important data on the diversity of tick-borne microorganisms in host-seeking ticks and on potentially novel microorganisms (Babesia and Hepatozoon species) and their possible vectors (Ha. parva, Ha. sulcata, Hy. aegyptium, Hy. marginatum, and Rh. turanicus).     

Comprehensive screening of tick-borne microorganisms indicates that a great variety of pathogens are circulating between hard ticks (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae) and domestic ruminants in natural foci of Anatolia

Grazing domestic ruminants serve as important reservoirs and/or amplificatory hosts in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and tick vectors in the natural foci; however, many enzootic life cycles including ruminants and ticks are still unknown. This study investigated a wide range of TBPs circulating among ticks and grazing ruminants in the natural foci of Anatolia, Turkey. Tick specimens (n = 1815) were collected from cattle, sheep, and goats in three ecologically distinct areas (wooded, transitional, and semi-arid zones) of Anatolia and identified by species: Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupense, Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, and Rhipicephalus turanicus. PCR-sequencing analyses revealed TBPs of great diversity, with 32 different agents identified in the ticks: six Babesia spp. (Babesia occultans, Babesia crassa, Babesia microti, Babesia rossi, Babesia sp. tavsan1, and Babesia sp. Ucbas); four Theileria spp., including one putative novel species (Theileria annulata, Theileria orientalis, Theileria ovis, and Theileria sp.); one Hepatozoon sp.; four Anaplasma spp., including one novel genotype (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, and Anaplasma sp.); six unnamed Ehrlichia spp. genotypes; Neoehrlichia mikurensis; nine spotted fever group rickettsiae, including one putative novel species (Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia monacensis with strain IRS3, Rickettsia mongolitimonae, Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia goldwasserii, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, and Rickettsia sp.); and Borrelia valaisiana. Detailed phylogenetic analyses showed that some of the detected pathogens represent more than one haplotype, potentially relating to the tick species or the host. Additionally, the presence of Neoehrlichia mikurensis, an emerging pathogen for humans, was reported for the first time in Turkey, expanding its geographical distribution. Consequently, this study describes some previously unknown tick-borne protozoan and bacterial species/genotypes and provides informative epidemiological data on TBPs, which are related to animal and human health, serving the one health concept.     

Molecular and MALDI-TOF MS characterisation of Hyalomma aegyptium ticks collected from turtles and their associated microorganisms in Algeria

The identification of ticks and their associated pathogens is important for knowledge on tick-borne diseases. The objective of this study was to use morphological, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and/or molecular biology tools to identify ticks collected from turtles in north-eastern Algeria, as well as to investigate the microorganisms associated with these ticks. A total of 471 adult ticks were collected and identified morphologically as Hyalomma aegyptium, of which 248 (52.7%) were female and 223 (47.3%) were male. amongst them, 230 specimens were randomly selected for molecular and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Molecular biology confirmed that our ticks were Hy. aegyptium. MALDI-TOF MS analysis revealed that 100% of the spectra were of excellent quality. Four spectra were selected to update our own database MALDI-TOF MS arthropod. The blind test of the 226 remaining spectra showed that all ticks were correctly identified, with scores ranging from 1.774 to 2.655 with a mean of 2.271 ± 0.16 of which, 223 (98.6%) had log score value (LSV)>1.8. Molecular biology screening showed that the ticks carried the DNA of Borrelia turcica, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae and with the Anaplasmataceae were close to a potentially new, undescribed Ehrlichia sp. This study confirms that MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable tool for the identification of ticks and that ticks collected from turtles in Algeria are carriers of several species of microorganisms which may be responsible for diseases in humans and animals.     

Identification and distribution of nine tick-borne spotted fever group Rickettsiae in the Country of Georgia

Rickettsial pathogens cause diseases that vary in severity and clinical presentation. Rickettsia species transmitted by ticks are mostly classified within the spotted fever group of rickettsiae (SFGR) and are often associated with febrile diseases. Preliminary studies have detected three human-pathogenic SFGR from ticks in Georgia: Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia raoultii, and Rickettsia slovaca. To more broadly assess the presence of tick-borne rickettsiae from Georgia we examined 1594 ticks, representing 18 species from five genera (Ixodes, Hyalomma, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, and Rhipicephalus), collected from eight regions of Georgia. A total of 498 tick DNA samples extracted from single ticks or pooled ticks were assessed by molecular methods. Genus-specific Rick17b and species-specific qPCR assays were used to identify six rickettsiae: R. aeschlimannii, R. raoultii, R. slovaca, Rickettsia conorii subsp. conorii, Rickettsia massiliae, and Rickettsia monacensis. Tick samples that were positive for Rickettsia, but not identified by the species-specific assays, were further evaluated by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) using sequences of four protein-coding genes (gltA, ompA,ompB, sca4). Three additional Rickettsia species were identified by MLST: Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, Rickettsia helvetica, and Rickettsia hoogstraalii. Overall, nine species of Rickettsia (six human pathogens and three species with unknown pathogenicity) were detected from 12 tick species of five different genera. A distribution map for the tick-borne rickettsiae revealed six newly identified endemic regions in Georgia.     

Description of a novel Babesia sp. genotype from a naturally infected Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Anatolia,Turkey, with remarks on its morphology and phylogenetic relation to other piroplasmid species

There are very limited data on Babesia species infecting lynx species worldwide, and almost nothing is known about babesias in the Eurasian lynx, the most widely distributed wild feline species in the Palearctic geography. This study describes a novel Babesia sp. genotype in a free-living Eurasian lynx in Turkey, named tentatively as ‘Babesia sp. lynx’, and its integrated genetic and morphological features. Phylogenetic analyses of piroplasmids with the novel Babesia sp. genotype in the current study indicated that this genotype falls into the ‘carnivore clade A’ of Babesia sensu stricto (true babesias), at the level of different genes (mainly 18S rRNA, ITS1, ITS2, and cyt b) and is monophyletic with the Babesia sp. Ankara genotype, previously observed in Turkey. Additionally, the constructed phylogenetic trees showed that the Babesia sp. lynx genotype infecting the Eurasian lynx is closely related to certain domestic and wild carnivore babesias, mainly Babesia rossi, Babesia presentii, and Babesia pisicii, at the level of different genes. This study also genetically barcoded the lynx infected with the Babesia sp. lynx and Haemaphysalis erinacei, and specimens collected from the animal revealed significant genetic variations between the sample Ha. erinacei and Babesia sp. Ankara-related Ha. erinacei that persists with sympatric populations in Central Anatolia. The lynx infected with the Babesia sp. lynx genotype was also found to be coinfected with Hepatozoon felis, an adeleorinid tick-borne protozoan parasite infecting wild and domestic felids, confirming for the first time its presence in a lynx species. Therefore, this study is the first to describe a potential novel Babesia sp. using its both morphological and phylogenetic characteristics in a lynx species. Adding the Babesia sp. lynx genotype to the phylogeny of feline piroplasmids significantly expands our knowledge of feline babesias in the Palearctic geography and their putative coevolution with their vertebrate hosts.     

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.     

First records of adult Hyalomma marginatum and H. rufipes ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Sweden

From July 2018 to January 2019 we recorded 41 specimens of adult Hyalomma ticks, which had been found on horses, cattle or humans in 14 Swedish provinces. In 20 cases we received tick specimens, which were identified morphologically as adults of H. marginatum (n = 11) or H. rufipes (n = 9). These are the first documented records in Sweden of adults of H. marginatum and H. rufipes. Molecular tests for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus and piroplasms (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) proved negative; 12 out of 20 tested specimens were positive for rickettsiae (R. aeschlimannii was identified in 11 of the ticks). All ticks originated from people or animals that had not been abroad during the previous two months. These data suggest (i) that the adult Hyalomma ticks originated from immature ticks, which had been brought from the south by migratory birds arriving in Sweden during spring or early summer; and that (ii) due to the exceptionally warm summer of 2018 these immature ticks had been able to develop to the adult stage in the summer and/or autumn of the same year. The rapidly changing climate most likely now permits these two Hyalomma species to develop to the adult, reproductive stage in northern Europe. There is consequently a need to revise the risk maps on the potential geographic occurrence of relevant tick species and related tick-borne pathogens in Sweden and in the neighbouring countries.     

Genetic variability of Babesia parasites in Haemaphysalis spp. and Ixodes persulcatus ticks in the Baikal region and Far East of Russia

To study Babesia diversity in Ixodid ticks in Russia, Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis japonica, Haemaphysalis concinna, Dermacentor silvarum, and Dermacentor nuttalli ticks collected in the Far East and Baikal region were assayed for the presence of Babesia spp. using nested PCR. In total, Babesia DNA was detected in 30 of the 1125 (2.7%) I. persulcatus, 17 of the 573 (3.0%) H. concinna, and 12 of the 543 (2.2%) H. japonica but was undetectable in any of the 294 analyzed Dermacentor spp. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences were determined for all of the positive samples. Among the positive ticks, nine I. persulcatus were infected by Babesia microti ‘US’-type, five I. persulcatus were infected by Babesia divergens-like parasites, and 11 I. persulcatus were infected by Babesia venatorum. For all three of these species, the determined 18S rRNA gene sequences were identical to those of the Babesia genetic variants found previously in I. persulcatus in Russia. In addition, five I. persulcatus from the Baikal region and all of the positive Haemaphysalis spp. ticks carried 13 different sequence variants of Babesia sensu stricto belonging to distinct phylogenetic clusters. Babesia spp. from 29 ticks of different species collected in distinct locations belonged to the cluster of cattle and ovine parasites (Babesia crassa, Babesia major, Babesia motasi, Babesia bigemina, etc.). Babesia spp. from four H. japonica ticks in the Far East belonged to the cluster formed by parasites of carnivores. One more Babesia sequence variant detected in an I. persulcatus tick from the Baikal region belonged to the cluster formed by parasites of cattle and wild cervids (B. divergens, Babesia capreoli, B. venatorum, Babesia odocoilei, etc.).     

Pathogens in ticks collected in Israel: II. Bacteria and protozoa found in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus turanicus

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus turanicus are very prevalent in Israel and are known to be vectors of human and animal diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the pathogens found in questing ticks and such parasitizing domestic and wild animals. Ticks were collected from 16 localities in Israel with the flagging technique and by examining dogs, hedgehogs, a badger and a tortoise. Bacterial and protozoal pathogens were analyzed by PCR and sequencing. Overall, 374 R. sanguineus s.l. specimens were collected, out of which 142 by flagging and 132 from six dogs. Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis, and Anaplasma sp. were identified in ticks collected by flagging, Rickettsia aeschlimannii was found only in specimens collected from dogs, while Ehrlichia sp., Coxiella burnetii, Hepatozoon canis and Leishmania infantum were recorded in ticks collected by flagging and from dogs. Out of 226 specimens of R. turanicus, 124 were collected by flagging, while additional 33 from eight dogs, 64 from seven southern white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor), two from a European badger (Meles meles) and one from a Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca). Out of 65 R. sanguineus s.l. pools 17 (26.2%) had pathogens, while seven of them were positive for one pathogen, and 10 for two pathogens. In 43 R. turanicus pools, R. aeschlimannii R. africae, Rickettsia barbariae, R. massiliae, Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia sp. and C. burnetii, as well as Babesia microti, B. vogeli, Hepatozoon felis, and L. infantum was detected, while Listeria monocytogenes, Bartonella sp. and Toxoplasma gondii were negative in all R. sanguineus s.l. and R. turanicus pools examined. In conclusion, Babesia microti is reported for the first time in Israel, R. africae, R. aeschlimannii, C. burnetii and L. infantum are reported for the first time in R. sanguineus s.l. and R. turanicus, while H. felis is reported for the first time from R. turanicus in the country.     

Molecular characterization of Babesia species in wild animals and their ticks in Turkey

To date, no study has investigated Babesia ecology in wild boars, hares or foxes in Turkey. This study aimed to determine and characterize Babesia spp. in wild animals and their ticks. We identified a novel Babesia genotype and four known Babesia species in wild animals and their ticks. We detected Babesia spp. molecularly in hares for the first time. In addition, we identified B. vulpes in foxes for the first time in Turkey. The presence of B. rossi, B. crassa and B. occultans was also revealed in ticks collected from wild boars and hares. This is only the second report of B. rossi in ticks outside of Africa and suggests that B. rossi is circulating in ticks in Turkey. Therefore B. rossi poses a significant threat to domestic dogs. Here we demonstrate the role of wild animals in the life cycle of Babesia species in Turkey and contribute to Babesia ecological and taxonomic information.     

北京郊区旅游景点北亚蜱传斑点热分子流行病学调查

用ＰＣＲ／ＲＦＬＰ技术对北京郊区１１个旅游景点的媒介蜱及小哺乳动物进行斑点热群立克次体的检测，并进行了病原体分离和鉴定。结果从北京航空博物馆附近地区收集的刺猬和其体表寄生的中华革蜱中分离出２株斑点热群立克次体，分别命名为ＢＪＨ－９５株和ＢＪ－９５株，经ＳＤＳ－ＰＡＧＥ、Ｗｅｓｔｅｒｎｂｌｏｔ和ＰＣＲ／ＲＦＬＰ技术进行了鉴定认为是西伯利亚立克次体。结果证明了该立克次体在蜱和动物宿主间呈水平传播，并且表明在被调查的旅游景点中除航空博物馆附近地区外，大多数景点基本上是北亚热的安全区。在刺猬中分离出西伯利亚立克次体为国内、外首次报道     

A novel Babesia sp. of the “Western Babesia group”, detected in opossums from Guatemala

Babesia spp. are tick-borne protozoans that involve birds and mammals in their transmission cycles and cause babesiosis, a severe hemolytic malaria-like disease. Opossums of the genus Didelphis are recognized hosts of tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, exploring tick-borne agents in Didelphis species is important to understand the circulation of pathogens in areas where opossums occur. In this study, we targeted Anaplasmataceae, Babesia, Borrelia and Hepatozoon DNA in ticks, blood and organ samples collected from three hunted Didelphis marsupialis specimens in eastern Guatemala. While the samples were negative for Hepatozoon and bacterial DNA, sequences of Babesia 18S rDNA, cox1 and cytb genes were retrieved from two opossums. Ticks collected on the animals included Amblyomma parvum and an undetermined Ornithodoros sp. The Babesia sp. detected in this study (Babesia sp. THB1–2) clusters phylogenetically within the “Western Babesia group”, which includes pathogenic species such as Babesia conradae, Babesia duncani, and Babesia negevi. Our results represent the first record of a Babesia sp. in Guatemala and highlight the importance of D. marsupialis as potential spreaders of ticks and pathogens in Central America.     

First detection of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from Tunisia

Tick-borne rickettsioses have long been described in North Africa. These human diseases and their causative agents occur in several countries in this region, including Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. In Tunisia, the first described and most well-known rickettsiosis is Mediterranean spotted fever, which is caused by Rickettsia conorii conorii. Cases of R. aeschlimannii infections have been documented by serology, but the agent has never actually been detected in patients or arthropods in the country. In October 2008, ticks were collected from a dromedary (Camelius dromedarii) in Douz, Central Tunisia. All of the ticks were identified as Hyalomma dromedarii and were tested using polymerase chain reaction to determine the presence of rickettsiae. Our results indicate the first molecular detection of R. aeschlimannii in ticks from Tunisia.     

Pathogens in ticks collected in Israel: I. Bacteria and protozoa in Hyalomma aegyptium and Hyalomma dromedarii collected from tortoises and camels

Ticks were collected from 30 Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca), and 10 Arabian camels (dromedary) (Camelus dromedarius) in Israel. All those collected from Greek tortoises belonged to Hyalomma aegyptium, while all specimens collected from the camels belonged to Hyalomma dromedarii. Out of 84 specimens of H. aegyptium, 31 pools were examined by PCR, while from 75 H. dromedarii specimens nine pools were studied. Out of 31 pools of H. aegyptium 26 were positive for pathogens or endosymbiont; 14 for one, 11 for two and one for three pathogens. Out of nine pools prepared from H. dromedarii, seven were positive for pathogens (two for C. burnetii and five for Leishmania infantum). In H. aegyptium, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia endosymbiont, Coxiella burnetii, Hemolivia mauritanica, Babesia microti, Theileria sp., and Leishmania infantum was detected, while in H. dromedarii C. burnetii and L. infantum were found. None of the ticks were positive for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia, Listeria monocytogenes, Bartonella spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. H Rickettsia endosymbionts, C. burnetii, B. microti, Theileria sp. and L. infantum are reported for the first time in H. aegyptium, and C. burnetii and L. infantum for the first time in H. dromedarii.     

用PCR/RFLP技术对黑龙江沿岸蜱类和鼠类中北亚蜱传斑点热的检测

为了解黑龙江沿岸部分地区斑点热自然疫源地存在情况，作者用PCR／RFLP的方法检测该地区蜱类及鼠类中的斑点热群（spottedfevergroup，SFG）立克次体。结果从该地区的森林革蜱、嗜群血蜱、黑线姬鼠、东方田鼠、麝鼠及棕背中均扩增出了斑点热群立克次体的特异片段，而对斑疹伤寒立克次体、恙虫病立克欢体、Q热立克次体则为阴性。PCR产物经PstⅠ及RsaⅠ酶切后发现它们的酶切图谱与西伯利亚立克次体完全相同，而有别于其它斑点热群立克次体标准株。作者认为黑龙江沿岸调查点可能存在北亚蜱传斑点热的自然疫源地。     

Genetic characterization and molecular survey of Babesia sp. Xinjiang infection in small ruminants and ixodid ticks in China

Babesia sp. Xinjiang is a large ovine Babesia species that was recently isolated in China. Compared with other ovine Babesia species, it has different morphological features, pathogenicity and vector tick species. The known transmitting vector is Hyalomma anatolicum. In this study, the distribution and the presence of Babesia sp. Xinjiang in small ruminants and ixodid ticks in China were assessed by specific nested-PCR assay based on the rap-1a gene. A total of 978 blood samples from sheep or goats from 15 provinces and 797 tick specimens from vegetation from 10 provinces were collected and analysed for the presence of the Babesia sp. Xinjiang. Full-length and partial rap-1a of Babesia sp. Xinjiang were amplified from field samples. The PCR results were further confirmed by DNA sequencing. Overall, 38 (3.89%) blood samples and 51 (6.4%) tick samples were positive for Babesia sp. Xinjiang infection. The highest presence (26.92%) was found in blood samples from Yunnan province, while H. qinghaiensis ticks with the highest presence of infection (21.3%) were from Gansu province. This study identified for the first time Babesia sp. Xinjiang infection in H. longicornis tick species. The rap-1a sequences of Babesia sp. Xinjiang from field blood and tick samples indicated 100% identity. The presence of Babesia sp. Xinjiang infection may increase in China. Novel potential transmitting vectors might be more extensive than previously thought.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.