Article
Microbiology
Yannick Ngnindji-Youdje, Adama Zan Diarra, Michel Lontsi-Demano, Timoleon Tchuinkam, Philippe Parola
Summary: Ticks in Cameroon carry a variety of microorganisms and pose a risk of zoonotic diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guo-Ping Zhao, Yi-Xing Wang, Zheng-Wei Fan, Yang Ji, Ming-jin Liu, Wen-Hui Zhang, Xin-Lou Li, Shi-Xia Zhou, Hao Li, Song Liang, Wei Liu, Yang Yang, Li-Qun Fang
Summary: Understanding the ecological niches of major tick species and prevalent tick-borne pathogens is crucial for efficient surveillance and control of tick-borne diseases. The study in China reveals that Haemaphysalis longicornis harbors the highest variety of tick-borne agents among various tick species.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Juergen Kruecken, Gabor A. Czirjak, Sabrina Ramunke, Maria Serocki, Sonja K. Heinrich, Joerg Melzheimer, M. Carolina Costa, Heribert Hofer, Ortwin H. K. Aschenborn, Nancy A. Barker, Stefano Capodanno, Luis Madeira de Carvalho, Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna, Marion L. East, Bettina Wachter
Summary: A study on brown and spotted hyenas in Namibia and Tanzania revealed high frequencies of various pathogens, with frequent co-infections observed in the samples. Ecological conditions were found to have a greater impact on pathogen diversity and frequency than host taxonomy.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Artemis Efstratiou, Gabriele Karanis, Panagiotis Karanis
Summary: Tick-borne diseases are a serious public health issue in Europe and a major cause of losses in global livestock production. This review summarizes studies on ticks, tick-borne pathogens, and diseases in Greece, providing information on tick species, important pathogens, prevalence data, and geographic and climatic conditions. Enhanced surveillance is crucial for effective TBD control policies.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Joseph Wang'ang'a Oundo, Daniel Masiga, Quirine ten Bosch, Jandouwe Villinger, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt, Shewit Kalayou
Summary: Tick-borne diseases are a significant issue in livestock health in sub-Saharan Africa, including coastal Kenya. This study investigates the epidemiology and management factors of tick-borne diseases in zebu cattle in coastal Kenya.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Aaron Edmond Ringo, Hezron Emanuel Nonga, Eloiza May Galon, Shengwei Ji, Mohamed Abdo Rizk, Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed, Uday Kumar Mohanta, Zhuowei Ma, Boniface Chikufenji, Thanh Thom Do, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: The occurrence of tick-transmitted pathogens in local breeds of cattle in Tanzania was investigated. The study revealed a high infection rate of the pathogens that cause theileriosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis in the sampled cattle. Furthermore, co-infections of multiple pathogens were common among the cattle.
Article
Parasitology
Sergio Villanueva-Saz, Marivi Martinez, Ard M. Nijhof, Bastian Gerst, Michaela Gentil, Elisabeth Mueller, Antonio Fernandez, Ana Gonzalez, Mohamed Sh. Mohamud Yusuf, Grazia Greco, Maite Verde, Giovanni Sgroi, Delia Lacasta, Diana Marteles, Michele Trotta, Ingo Schaefer
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in stray cats in Zaragoza, Spain, and identified potential risk factors for infection. The findings revealed the presence of various VBP infections in stray cats and emphasized the importance of regular monitoring to prevent and manage potential zoonotic diseases.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Isihaka Haji, Martin Simuunza, Ning Jiang, Qijun Chen
Summary: Ticks are vectors and reservoirs of various pathogens that cause tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in humans and livestock. In Tanzania, limited information is available on the relationship between ticks and pathogens. This study used PCR and sequencing to screen for pathogens in ticks collected from four districts. The study found that 34.7% of tick pools were positive for at least one pathogen, with Theileria parva being the most abundant. Multiple pathogens detection was observed in 7.2% of the tested pools. This information contributes to the understanding of TBPs epidemiology and can aid in planning future control strategies.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Tal Azagi, Margriet Harms, Arno Swart, Manoj Fonville, Dieuwertje Hoornstra, Lapo Mughini-Gras, Joppe W. Hovius, Hein Sprong, Cees van den Wijngaard
Summary: The study found associations between the presence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks feeding on humans and self-reported symptoms. However, due to the subjective nature of such reports and the fact that infection was determined in the ticks and not in the patient samples, further prospective studies utilizing diagnostic modalities should be performed before any clinical outcome can be causally linked to infection with tick-borne pathogens.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Anastasios Saratsis, Panagiota Ligda, Fredie Aal, Mandy Jelicic, Juliette Polgar, Myrthe de Vries, Ioannis Mastranestasis, Vincenzo Musella, Laura Rinaldi, Frans Jongejan, Smaragda Sotiraki
Summary: This study investigated the presence, infection intensity, and seasonality of ticks and tick-borne pathogens on the island of Lesvos in Greece. Results showed that 72.3% of sheep farms during the tick activity season were infected with 9 different tick species, with Rhipicephalus turanicus being the most common. 84.9% of the animals were found to be infected with at least one tick-borne pathogen, with Anaplasma and Theileria being the most common genera. The study highlights the need for a more holistic One Health approach to effectively monitor and control ticks and tick-borne pathogens.
Article
Microbiology
Elianne Piloto-Sardinas, Angelique Foucault-Simonin, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Roxana Marrero-Perera, Lianet Abuin-Denis, Lisset Roblejo-Arias, Cristian Diaz-Corona, Zbigniew Zajac, Joanna Kulisz, Aneta Wozniak, Sara Moutailler, Belkis Corona-Gonzalez, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: This study investigated tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in cattle and ticks using real-time microfluidic PCR. Results showed that Rhipicephalus microplus ticks were found infesting all animals. Among the detected TBPs in cattle, Anaplasma marginale was the most frequently identified, often as a single infection. Mixed infections involving Rickettsia felis, uncharacterized Rickettsia sp., and Anaplasma sp. were also observed. In ticks, A. marginale was the predominant pathogen, along with R. felis, Rickettsia sp., and Ehrlichia sp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of A. marginale and Anaplasma platys strains in bovines. These findings highlight the importance of understanding TBP dynamics and phylogenetics for effective control strategies in livestock.
Article
Microbiology
Amalia Rataud, Clemence Galon, Laure Bournez, Pierre-Yves Henry, Maud Marsot, Sara Moutailler
Summary: Birds contribute to the multiplication of ticks and pathogens during their breeding season, playing a role in the maintenance of tick-borne diseases. A study in France found that Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent tick species, while Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was the most prevalent pathogen genus in bird-feeding ticks. Certain bird species, such as Turdidae birds, Troglodytes troglodytes, and Anthus trivialis, had a higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected bird-feeding ticks, indicating their potential role as reservoir hosts for this pathogen during their breeding season.
Article
Parasitology
Asmaa A. Hegab, Hussein M. Omar, Mai Abuowarda, Souzan G. Ghattas, Nisreen E. Mahmoud, Magdy M. Fahmy
Summary: The study aimed to screen and genetically identify tick-borne pathogens in dogs and associated ticks in Egypt. The prevalence of TBPs in dogs was 23.56%, with Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Babesia being the most common. The molecular prevalence rate of TBPs was 25.81% in dog blood samples and 29.17% in ticks, with various species of TBPs detected, including Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma marginale being reported for the first time in Egypt.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Latifa Elhachimi, Carolien Rogiers, Stijn Casaert, Siham Fellahi, Thomas Van Leeuwen, Wannes Dermauw, Felix Valcarcel, Angeles Sonia Olmeda, Sylvie Daminet, Sarah El Hamiani Khatat, Hamid Sahibi, Luc Duchateau
Summary: Tick-borne pathogens were investigated in cattle in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco, revealing a high prevalence and diversity of tick species, with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. having the highest infection rate. Risk factors for pathogen abundance included crossbreeds, females, older age, and high tick infestation. Locations with the highest prevalence of tick-borne pathogens were Jorf El Melha, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Ait Ichou, and Arbaoua.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Evan J. Kipp, Laramie L. Lindsey, Benedict Khoo, Christopher Faulk, Jonathan D. Oliver, Peter A. Larsen
Summary: Technological and computational advancements in genomics and bioinformatics are being utilized to enhance pathogen discovery and genomic surveillance. The use of single-molecule nucleotide sequence data from ONT sequencing platforms allows for real-time bioinformatic analysis for monitoring various animal-origin zoonotic diseases. The NAS strategy enables immediate mapping of nucleotide molecules to a reference genome, allowing for selective sequencing of DNA from multiple bacterial tick-borne pathogens in wild populations of the blacklegged tick vector, Ixodes scapularis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Moitshepi Plaatjie, ThankGod Onyiche, Lesetja Legoabe, Tsepo Ramatla, Nthatisi Nyembe, Keisuke Suganuma, Oriel Thekisoe
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review on the efficacy of medicinal plant extracts against trypanosomiasis. The results showed that certain plant extracts have potential therapeutic activity against pathogenic trypanosomes, but there is a lack of standardized experimental designs and failures in statistical tests in the existing research. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of medicinal plant extracts against specific trypanosome species both in vitro and in vivo.
ADVANCES IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Hang Li, Shengwei Ji, Eloiza May Galon, Iqra Zafar, Zhuowei Ma, Thom Do, Moaz M. Amer, Yihong Ma, Junya Yamagishi, Mingming Liu, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: This study identified and characterized three members of the CCp family in B. gibsoni. The sexual stages of B. gibsoni were induced in vitro and it was confirmed that the expression of CCp proteins increased significantly. These findings provide important insights for understanding the biology of B. gibsoni and developing transmission-blocking vaccines against canine babesiosis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hejia Ma, Eloiza May Galon, Yanjun Lao, Ming Kang, Xuenan Xuan, Jixu Li, Yali Sun
Summary: This study extensively characterized the genes and proteins of the tick midgut through transcriptome and proteomics analysis. It identified differentially expressed genes and proteins and aimed to elucidate the digestive physiology and sexual dimorphism of Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis. These findings provide important protein candidates for controlling the transmission of tick-borne diseases.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Liang Shen, Chunhua Wang, Ruilin Wang, Xue Hu, Shiying Liao, Wentong Liu, Aoling Du, Shengwei Ji, Eloiza May Galon, Hang Li, Xuenan Xuan, Juan Xiao, Mingming Liu
Summary: This study investigates the use of serum metabolic profiling to identify systemic metabolic variations in B. microti-infected mice and noninfected controls. The results confirm that B. microti infection leads to dysregulation of metabolic pathways and perturbation of metabolites, and identify potential serological biomarkers for diagnosing B. microti infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Uday Kumar Mohanta, Boniface Chikufenji, Eloiza May Galon, Shengwei Ji, Zhuowei Ma, Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed, Aaron Edmond Ringo, Thanh Thom Do, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: This study screened the piroplasms in different livestock species in Bangladesh using molecular tools. It found the prevalence of Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. naoakii, B. ovis, Theileria annulata, and T. orientalis to be 49.28%, 0.72%, 1.09%, 32.26%, 6.52%, and 46.01%, respectively. The highest co-infection rate was observed with B. bigemina and T. orientalis. Additionally, this study provided the first molecular report on piroplasms in gayals and goats in Bangladesh.
Article
Microbiology
Maropeng C. Monyama, Oriel M. Taioe, Jane S. Nkhebenyane, Deidre van Wyk, Tsepo Ramatla, Oriel M. M. Thekisoe
Summary: This study collected houseflies from hospices and used genetic sequencing to detect the diversity of bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes they carried. The results showed that houseflies carried various potentially pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. This indicates a potential health risk to patients in hospices and the surrounding community, highlighting the importance of strict control of houseflies and maintaining high standards of hygiene and food safety.
Article
Agronomy
Lisemelo Francina Motholo, Marde Booyse, Justin Louis Hatting, Toi John Tsilo, Makhotso Lekhooa, Oriel Thekisoe
Summary: This study found that the endophytic fungus Beauveria bassiana has a suppressive effect on the population growth and reproduction of the Russian wheat aphid, reducing the number and mass of aphids. Integration of B. bassiana endophytism with host plant resistance can provide a more effective control method for this pest.
Article
Parasitology
Afraa Elata, Eloiza May Galon, Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni, Rochelle Haidee D. Ybanez, Ehab Mossaad, Caro B. Salces, Gundolino P. Bajenting, Adrian P. Ybanez, Xuenan Xuan, Noboru Inoue, Keisuke Suganuma
Summary: A PCR-based molecular survey was conducted in the Philippines to assess the prevalence of trypanosomosis in different animals. Trypanosomes were detected in water buffalo, cattle, goats, and horses, with no clinical signs observed in infected animals. The study emphasizes the importance of regular surveillance and efficient intervention measures.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Iqra Zafar, Tomoyo Taniguchi, Hanadi B. Baghdadi, Daisuke Kondoh, Mohamed Abdo Rizk, Eloiza May Galon, Shengwei Ji, Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed, Thom Do, Hang Li, Moaz M. Amer, Zhuowei Ma, Yihong Ma, Jinlin Zhou, Noboru Inoue, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: Malaria is a significant global health issue, and efforts to eliminate it continue. This study investigated the impact of co-infection with B. microti and P. berghei on the severity of malaria, and found that B. microti infection activated immunity and reduced the severity of malaria. TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-12p70 were identified as key cytokines associated with the severity of P. berghei infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni, Eloiza May Galon, Maria Agnes Tumwebaze, Benedicto Byamukama, Ruttayaporn Ngasaman, Saruda Tiwananthagorn, Ketsarin Kamyingkird, Tawin Inpankaew, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: This study investigated tick-borne pathogens in dairy cattle in Thailand and found that common infections were widespread, leading to significantly lower hematocrit values in infected cattle. The results underscore the importance of regular tick-borne surveillance and its clinical impact on dairy cattle in Thailand.
Article
Microbiology
Zhuowei Ma, Onur Ceylan, Eloiza May Galon, Uday Kumar Mohanta, Shengwei Ji, Hang Li, Thanh Thom Do, Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji, Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed, Iqra Zafar, Mingming Liu, Ferda Sevinc, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: This study investigated piroplasmids in ticks collected from small ruminants in Turkey. Several tick species were identified, with R. turanicus being the most common in goats and sheep. Molecular assay confirmed the presence of B. ovis and T. ovis, with calculated infection rates.
Article
Microbiology
William Diymba Dzemo, Patrick Vudriko, Tsepo Ramatla, Oriel Thekisoe
Summary: A study conducted in communal farms in South Africa shows that chemical acaricides have been widely used to control ticks and tick-borne pathogens in cattle. However, the prolonged and indiscriminate use of these chemicals has led to the selection of resistant ticks. These data are critical for designing effective and sustainable tick control strategies.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Tsepo Ramatla, Zamantungwa T. H. Khumalo, Asiashu Matshotshi, Kgaugelo E. Lekota, Moeti O. Taioe, Oriel Thekisoe
Summary: This study found that Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is prevalent in rats and chickens sampled from poultry farms in the North West Province of South Africa. Regular screening for C. burnetii in poultry operations should be implemented, and further investigation on the transmission risks between rodents, chickens, and humans is needed.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
N. G. Khasapane, Z. T. H. Khumalo, S. Kwenda, S. J. Nkhebenyane, O. Thekisoe
Summary: This study characterized the milk microbiota of cows with subclinical mastitis (SCM) and apparently healthy dairy cows using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed significant differences in bacterial species between SCM and non-SCM cow milk, highlighting the need for further epidemiological studies.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Emily Emsley, Asiashu Matshotshi, Eric Mathebula, Setjhaba Mohlakoana, Tsepo Ramatla, Oriel Thekisoe, Ana Tsotetsi-Khambule
Summary: This study assessed the occurrence of anthelmintic and acaricide resistance in small ruminants from rural farming communities in the North West Province of South Africa. The results showed that sheep and goats in these areas are developing resistance to gastrointestinal parasites, highlighting the need for management methods to be developed and small-scale farmers to be educated on proper administration of anthelmintics and acaricides.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Harold Salant, Yaarit Nachum-Biala, Doni Zivotofsky, Tsachi Even Tzur, Gad Baneth
Summary: This study describes the presentation, clinical signs, parasitemia levels, laboratory findings and treatment of dogs infected with B. negevi. Treatment with imidocarb dipropionate was helpful for recovery from clinical disease but did not facilitate parasite elimination, and it is therefore recommended to treat canine B. negevi infection with the combination of atovaquone and azithromycin.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gervillien Arnold Malonga, Almoustapha Issiaka Maiga, Dimitry Moudiongui Mboungou Malanda, Mahamadou Saliou, Juth ece Private Malanda-Kiminou, Oumar Dolo, Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba, Alhassane Ba, Robert Murphy, Jean Felix Peko, Anne-Genevieve Marcelin, Vincent Calvez, Stephane Marot
Summary: A serological survey in sub-urban areas of the capital cities of Congo and Mali reveals human contact with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) associated with previously described CCHFV risk factors.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aleksander Wymazal, Sabina Nowak, Robert W. Myslajek, Anna Bajer, Renata Welc-Faleciak, Maciej Szewczyk, Iga Kwiatkowska, Kinga M. Stepniak, Michal Figura, Agnieszka Kloch
Summary: The wolf population in Central and Eastern Europe has been increasing, but their frequent contacts with humans make them a potential zoonotic reservoir. This study found a high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in free-ranging wolves from Poland.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nannet D. Fabri, Hans Heesterbeek, Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt, Frauke Ecke, Hein Sprong, Lonneke Nijhuis, Tim R. Hofmeester, Nienke Hartemink
Summary: In many parts of the northern hemisphere, different species of deer, small mammals, and birds coexist and their composition can strongly influence the outbreak potential of tick-borne pathogens. This study investigates how the abundance and composition of vertebrate communities affect the basic reproduction number R0 of tick-borne pathogens, and shows that species composition plays a substantial role in the outbreak potential of tick-borne diseases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lynn M. Osikowicz, Maria R. Rizzo, Andrias Hojgaard, Sarah E. Maes, Rebecca J. Eisen
Summary: This article describes the prevalence and diversity of Lyme disease in the United States. By using different detection methods, the authors found various species of spirochetes present in specific tick species, revealing the potential transmission of pathogens among ticks.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Review
Infectious Diseases
El-Sayed El-Alfy, Ibrahim Abbas, Somaya Saleh, Rana Elseadawy, Ragab M. Fereig, Mohamed Abdo Rizk, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: Published data on tick-borne pathogens in camels worldwide have been collected, providing an overview of their global prevalence and species diversity. Evidence of natural infection of camels with certain tick-borne pathogens is limited, particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. More research is needed to understand the role of camels in maintaining and transmitting these pathogens.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Saana Sipari, Mikko Kiljunen, Minna Nylund, Eva R. Kallio
Summary: This study introduces a stable isotope analysis method to directly identify tick breeding hosts by sampling field collected larvae. The results show that stable isotope signatures can reflect the diet of the breeding host of the mother tick.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
