Article
Immunology
Paola Gonzalez-Carmona, Aranzazu Portillo, Cristina Cervera-Acedo, Daniel Gonzalez-Fernandez, Jose A. Oteo
Summary: We present a case of Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis infection in a woman with a history of hematologic malignancy in Spain. Immunocompromised patients, particularly those living in tick-infested areas, should be considered for Candidatus N. mikurensis infections if they present with persistent fever and venous thrombosis.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Julia Gonzalez, Dina M. Fonseca, Alvaro Toledo
Summary: People frequently use parks and forested areas for outdoor activities. This study monitored the seasonal dynamics of ticks in forest/meadow and forest/path ecotones in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The most abundant tick species collected was Haemaphysalis longicornis, an invasive tick species. The presence of anthropophilic ticks suggests the need for specific control approaches, and the high numbers of H. longicornis collected highlight the importance of monitoring its expansion as a potential vector of diseases.
Article
Parasitology
Kellee D. Sundstrom, Megan W. Lineberry, Amber N. Grant, Kathryn T. Duncan, Michelle M. Ientile, Susan E. Little
Summary: This study reveals that common ticks on horses in North America show preferences for attachment sites and infest horses in Oklahoma throughout the year, including during the winter months. More research is needed to fully understand the health risks posed by these infestations on equine health.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Barbara Cristina Felix Nogueira, Artur Kanadani Campos, Sebastian Munoz-Leal, Adriano Pinter, Thiago Fernandes Martins
Summary: Records of accidental parasitism by ticks in humans are scarce in Brazil, mainly reported by researchers and professionals. A literature review was conducted including studies published from 1909 to 2022. The study identified nine species in the Argasidae family and 32 species in the Ixodidae family that have been reported biting humans in Brazilian biomes. The species with the highest number of parasitism records was Amblyomma sculptum. The Atlantic Forest was the most frequent biome where human parasitism occurred. Several species known for transmitting pathogens were also reported.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nathalia Xavier Da Silva, Thomas Salles Dias, Julia Alves Vignoli, Leandro Dos Santos Machado, Erich Loza Telleria, Virginia Leo De Almeida Pereira, Elmiro Rosendo Do Nascimento, Nathalie Costa Da Cunha
Summary: This study detected and characterized Mollicutes microorganisms in ticks from Brazil using molecular techniques. Spiroplasma spp. were found in the tick samples, highlighting the need for further research on the epidemiology, virulence, and pathogenicity of these microorganisms.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Linnea Hoper, Elisabet Skoog, Martin Stenson, Anna Grankvist, Linda Wass, Bjorn Olsen, Kenneth Nilsson, Andreas Martensson, Jacob Soderlind, Augustinas Sakinis, Christine Wenneras
Summary: Neoehrlichiosis caused by Ca. N. mikurensis is an emerging tick-borne infectious disease that can lead to vascular complications. Younger age is a risk factor for developing vascular events. There may be qualitative differences in the incidence of vascular events between immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katarzyna Tolkacz, Maciej Kowalec, Mohammed Alsarraf, Maciej Grzybek, Dorota Dwuznik-Szarek, Jerzy. M. M. Behnke, Anna Bajer
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CNM and Hepatozoon spp. in three species of Microtus and to assess the occurrence of vertical transmission. The prevalence of CNM in the vole community ranged 24-47% depending on Microtus species, while the Hepatozoon spp. infection rate was 14% in M. arvalis and 9% in M. oeconomus voles. This study highlights the significance of alternative routes of transmission for important vector-borne pathogens.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Lindsey Bidder, Holly Gaff
Summary: Adult unfed Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, and Dermacentor variabilis ticks were placed in environmental containers in southeastern Virginia from May to August 2015. Analysis showed significant differences in survival rates among the three species across all field sites. A. maculatum had a higher risk of mortality compared to A. americanum and D. variabilis, and D. variabilis had a higher risk of mortality compared to A. americanum. There was also higher mortality in flooding-prone habitats compared to drier upland habitats. The study concluded that A. americanum was not negatively affected by increased flooding, while A. maculatum was more susceptible to mortality in both dry and flood-prone environments.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Felipe S. Krawczak, Lina C. Binder, Fabio Gregori, Thiago F. Martins, Gracielle T. Padua, Jonas Sponchiado, Geruza L. Melo, Gina Polo, Marcelo B. Labruna
Summary: This study investigated the rickettsial infection in ticks, domestic dogs, and small mammals in a natural reserve in the Pampa biome in southern Brazil. The main vector, Amblyomma tigrinum, was not found to carry Rickettsia parkeri, but instead carried the non-pathogenic agent 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae'. The study area was determined not to be endemic for R. parkeri rickettsiosis, and a negative correlation was observed between the infection rates of R. parkeri and 'Candidatus R. andeanae' in A. tigrinum populations.
Article
Parasitology
Alec T. Thompson, Seth A. White, Emily E. Doub, Prisha Sharma, Kenna Frierson, Kristen Dominguez, David Shaw, Dustin Weaver, Stacey L. Vigil, Denise L. Bonilla, Mark G. Ruder, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: This study surveyed ticks collected from animals in 23 different states in the eastern USA, with the primary goal of better characterizing the distribution and host associations of the exotic tick H. longicornis. New distribution data on tick species of veterinary or medical importance were also obtained.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Rohit Sharma, Duncan W. Cozens, Philip M. Armstrong, Douglas E. Brackney
Summary: The study shows that non-Ixodes tick species can effectively acquire POWV II by feeding on viremic hosts, maintain infection through molting, and successfully transmit the virus to naive hosts at comparable rates across all three species.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Mason V. Reichard, Tiana L. Sanders, Pabasara Weerarathne, James H. Meinkoth, Craig A. Miller, Ruth C. Scimeca, Consuelo Almazan
Summary: Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging tick-borne disease affecting domestic and wild felids, mainly occurring in the southern, south-central, and mid-Atlantic United States, characterized by severe symptoms and potential fatality.
Article
Microbiology
Magdalena Szczotko, Katarzyna Kubiak, Miroslaw Mariusz Michalski, Leonardo Moerbeck, Sandra Antunes, Ana Domingos, Malgorzata Dmitryjuk
Summary: A study in northeastern Poland analyzed the prevalence of the bacteria Neoehrlichia mikurensis in 348 Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. The research found a potential transmission risk for tick-bitten humans, as this pathogen was detected in common tick species in the area.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mitja Lenart, Miha Simoniti, Katja Strasek-Smrdel, Vesna Cvitkovic Spik, Tanja Selic-Kurincic, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc
Summary: Diagnosis of CNM is challenging and prolonged due to the obscurity of the pathogen. There is a need for more awareness about this emerging infectious disease, especially in countries with high prevalence of tick-borne diseases, as standard microbiological methods may not be successful in confirming the diagnosis. Successful treatment with doxycycline was achieved in this case.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aummarin Chaloemthanetphong, Arunee Ahantarig, Dmitry A. Apanaskevich, Supanee Hirunkanokpun, Visut Baimai, Wachareeporn Trinachartvanit
Summary: A study in Taksin Maharat National Park, Thailand, identified and confirmed the presence of Dermacentor laothaiensis, D. steini, and D. auratus ticks. PCR and DNA sequencing revealed that 6.10% of the ticks tested positive for spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGRs), including a novel genotype, Candidatus Rickettsia takensis, detected in D. laothaiensis. Additionally, Candidatus Rickettsia laoensis was found at a low frequency in D. auratus, the first record in Thailand. These findings suggest potential risks of SFGR transmission near the Thailand-Myanmar border.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ellen Haynes, Kayla B. Garrett, Erin K. Box, Hubert Zirimwabagabo, Philip Tchindebet Oaukou, Kyler Abernathy, Michael J. Yabsley, Christopher A. Cleveland
Summary: Infections of Guinea worm in dogs and cats have been increasing in Chad, Africa. Study using animal-borne video cameras revealed that cats engage in risky behaviors such as scavenging, stalking prey, and consuming infected items at a high frequency, suggesting they may contribute to the transmission of the parasite. Cats could potentially serve as a new source for Guinea worm transmission.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Michael J. Yabsley, Alec T. Thompson
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kevin D. Niedringhaus, Marissa Gordon, Michael J. Yabsley, Jackie Gai, Francisco A. Uzal, Kevin D. Woolard
Summary: Free-living amoebae can cause rare diseases and death in humans and animals worldwide. Identifying the species of amoeba involved is important due to variations in exposure routes and clinical progression. This study reports a fatal infection by the free-living amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris in a Siberian tiger, confirmed through PCR assay and sequencing. Different modalities, including PCR, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry, are often used to confirm the pathogen in these cases.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Deborah L. A. Chong, Brittany McHale, Kayla B. Garrett, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: A wild adult Greater Sage-grouse from Oregon, US, was found dead, with multiorgan necrosis and inflammation caused by protozoal schizonts and phanerozoites. Molecular characterization identified these protozoa as Plasmodium homopolare H2 and a novel Leucocytozoon sp. lineage. This is the first report of fatal systemic haemosporidiosis in Greater Sage-grouse.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ellen Haynes, Sarah Coker, Michael J. Yabsley, Kevin D. Niedrighaus, Andrew M. Ramey, Guilherme G. Verocai, Grant V. Hilderbrand, Kyle Joly, David D. Gustine, Buck Mangipane, William B. Leacock, Anthony P. Crupi, Christopher A. Cleveland
Summary: To assess infection with or exposure to parasites, blood and fecal samples were collected from Alaska brown bears at five locations. Gastrointestinal parasites were screened using fecal centrifugal flotation, blood was tested for Bartonella and Babesia spp., and an ELISA was used to detect antibodies to Sarcoptes scabiei. The results showed low levels of parasite detection, which is expected for brown bear populations in undisturbed habitats near the northern edge of their range. These findings provide important baseline data for monitoring changes in parasite presence over time and in response to ecological alterations.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kayla Garrett, Justin Brown, Ryan K. A. Grunert, Jonathan Hunte, Mark G. Ruder, Kyle Van Why, Michael J. Yabsley, Christopher A. Cleveland
Summary: Echinococcus spp. are parasitic tapeworms that affect the health of wildlife, domestic animals, livestock, and humans. Two species of interest in North America are Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus canadensis. The primary hosts for these parasites include red foxes, gray foxes, coyotes, and wolves. Different intermediate hosts are used for each species. Recent reports in the eastern US emphasize the need for surveillance of Echinococcus spp. in this region.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mark W. Cunningham, Daniel P. Wolf, Katherine A. Sayler, Michael Milleson, Brittany Bankovich, Paul Schueller, Betsy S. Haley, Savannah Stura, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: During the study in Florida, we found the presence of Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) in 9 counties, with an overall prevalence of 3.7%. We identified housing density, the presence of the endoparasite Macracanthorhynchus ingens, and urbanicity as important factors in predicting the presence of raccoon roundworm. It is important for public health officials, wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife managers, and others to recognize that all raccoons in Florida may potentially be infected with B. procyonis, especially in areas with high housing density.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kevin D. Niedringhaus, John P. Dumbacher, Freeland Dunker, Shelby Medina, Becki Lawson, Heather M. A. Fenton, J. Mark Higley, Ellen Haynes, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: Barred Owls have expanded their range and their presence is suspected to have contributed to the decline of the Northern Spotted Owl. A study was conducted to understand the health threats to Barred Owls and to determine the prevalence and effects of periorbital nematode infection in these owls. It was found that 49% of the sampled Barred Owls were infected with periorbital nematodes, but the effect on their health is still unclear.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia C. Frederick, Alec T. Thompson, Prisha Sharma, Guha Dharmarajan, Isobel Ronai, Risa Pesapane, Ryan C. Smith, Kellee D. Sundstrom, Jean I. Tsao, Holly C. Tuten, Michael J. Yabsley, Travis C. Glenn
Summary: The blacklegged tick is a vector of Lyme disease and its genetic variation is associated with its vectorial capacity. Through studying genome-wide markers of 353 blacklegged tick samples, differences in genetic variation among different geographic regions were found, especially in populations from the Northeast and Upper Midwest, where Lyme disease is most common. The study also identified 10 variable DNA sites that contribute the most to population differentiation.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sonia M. Hernandez, Shannon E. Curry, Maureen H. Murray, Lisa A. Hoopes, Roger Nilsen, Christopher Gregory, Branson Ritchie, Katelyn Adkins, R. Ethan Cooper, Taylor J. Ellison, Henry C. Adams, Michael J. Yabsley, Elizabeth Howerth, Nicole L. Gottdenker
Summary: The infection of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster was discovered for the first time in American white ibis in Florida, and the infection was found to be potentially associated with clinical disease and mortality. Further studies on this pathogen in free-living birds are needed.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Correction
Ecology
Alexander T. Strauss, Daniel C. Suh, Kate Galbraith, Sarah M. Coker, Katie Schroeder, Christopher Brandon, Elizabeth M. Warburton, Michael J. Yabsley, Christopher A. Cleveland
Article
Ecology
Alexander T. Strauss, Daniel C. Suh, Kate Galbraith, Sarah M. Coker, Katie Schroeder, Christopher Brandon, Elizabeth M. Warburton, Michael J. Yabsley, Christopher A. Cleveland
Summary: Parasites play important roles in ecosystems by infecting common hosts, such as Daphnia, which are critical for freshwater ecosystems. This study found two previously unreported parasite species infecting three Daphnia species in shallow ponds in Georgia, USA. The prevalence and impact of these parasites varied among ponds and host species, suggesting their potential significance in these freshwater ecosystems.
Article
Ecology
Michael J. Yabsley, Sarah M. Coker, Catharine N. Welch, Kayla B. Garrett, Maureen Murray, Ryan Grunert, Julia S. Seixas, Whitney M. Kistler, Shannon E. Curry, Henry C. Adams, Charlie S. Nakatsu, Liandrie Swanepoel, Seth T. Wyckoff, Troy M. Koser, Elizabeth Kurimo-Beechuk, Ellen Haynes, Sonia M. Hernandez
Summary: The American white ibis is increasingly urban in Florida and relies on urban and suburban habitats, potentially altering parasite transmission. Parasites, especially haemosporidians, in ibis have been understudied. This study found a high prevalence and genetic diversity of Haemoproteus in white ibis in South Florida, suggesting a significant presence of haemosporidia in this population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Seth T. Wyckoff, Tell Judkins, Nicole M. Nemeth, Mark G. Ruder, James A. Martin, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: This study investigated the health impacts of gastrointestinal and periorbital parasites in bobwhite in western Oklahoma, USA. The results showed a low prevalence and diversity of parasites in bobwhite, but at least one gastrointestinal or ocular parasite species was detected in more than half of the sampled birds. The study also found a negative association between burdens of A. pennula infections and fat stores in bobwhite.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Jenna R. Gettings, Christopher S. Mcmahan, Christopher A. Cleveland, Andrea Varela-Stokes, Kris Hubbard, Sarah A. Hamer, Heather S. Walden, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: Domestic dogs are susceptible to various vector-borne pathogens that are not only important for their health but also pose a risk to human health. This study found a correlation between the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in shelter-housed and owned dog populations, suggesting that shelter-housed dogs have higher rates of heartworm infection and seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and B. burgdorferi compared to owned dogs. The findings provide valuable data on the risk of vector-borne diseases in dogs and contribute to our understanding of the relationship between shelter-housed and owned dogs in terms of seroprevalence of these pathogens.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)