Article
Microbiology
Shona Chandra, Erin Harvey, David Emery, Edward C. Holmes, Jan Slapeta
Summary: This study successfully identified the microbiome and virome composition of ticks, including various bacterial endosymbionts and viruses. The discovery of a potentially pathogenic virus highlights the importance of further research in understanding tick-associated pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Lucy Gilbert
Summary: Ticks are widespread and carry pathogens, impacting by climate change; tick-borne disease systems are complex with diverse drivers, modeling can help understand changes; future research should focus on assessing the resilience of ticks and tick-borne pathogens to climate change.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY, VOL 66, 2021
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Olivier Plantard, Thierry Hoch, Romain Daveu, Claude Rispe, Frederic Stachurski, Franck Boue, Valerie Poux, Nicolas Cebe, Helene Verheyden, Magalie Rene-Martellet, Karine Chalvet-Monfray, Alessandra Cafiso, Emanuela Olivieri, Sara Moutailler, Pollet Thomas, Agoulon Albert
Summary: Tick-borne diseases in Europe have a complex epidemiology that involves various species of vertebrate hosts, vectors, and pathogens. A poorly known tick species, Ixodes frontalis, was found to have high density populations under bamboo bushes, likely due to providing birds with a favorable roosting place sheltered from predators and wind. This discovery may have implications for the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marina Sidorenko, Jana Radzijevskaja, Saulius Mickevicius, Nomeda Bratcikoviene, Algimantas Paulauskas
Summary: The study analyzed the prevalence of TBEV in Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in Lithuania, revealing the presence of TBEV in various developmental stages of ticks and identifying TBEV-infected ticks in multiple locations across seven counties.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Giorgia Giglio, Elisa Ramassa, Fabrizio Nobili, Luca Rossi, Laura Tomassone
Summary: The study investigated people's perception of health risks posed by ticks in an area recently invaded by these arthropods, as well as the infection caused by tick bites. The findings show that people rarely adopt preventive measures against ticks, yet previous experience of tick bites is positively associated with the adoption of personal protection measures. Overall, public awareness about the risks of being bitten by infected ticks should be improved to mitigate the increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases in the region.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Oxana A. Belova, Alexandra E. Polienko, Anastasia D. Averianova, Galina G. Karganova
Summary: Ixodes ricius and Ixodes persulcatus ticks are the main vectors of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The overlap in distribution ranges of these tick species can lead to hybridization, affecting both tick spread and arbovirus infection properties. The study found that virus transmission effectiveness and RNA copy numbers were highest in ticks, specifically hybrids, during the transmission of the Siberian subtype of TBEV. However, after molting, the transmission effectiveness decreased.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Viktoriya A. Levytska, Andriy B. Mushinsky, Dana Zubrikova, Lucia Blanarova, Ewa Dlugosz, Bronislava Vichova, Kateryna A. Slivinska, Zdzislaw Gajewski, Slawomir Gizinski, Shuling Liu, Lan Zhou, Artem S. Rogovskyy
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence of various tick-borne pathogens in different regions of Ukraine, finding variations in infection rates among different tick species, while no significant differences were observed between the five cities.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Wiesinger, Jasmin Wenderlein, Sebastian Ulrich, Stephanie Hiereth, Lidia Chitimia-Dobler, Reinhard K. K. Straubinger
Summary: Due to climate change, there has been an increase in tick activity and population, leading to a higher prevalence of tick-borne diseases. This study analyzed the microbial communities within different tick tissues and used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to study the microbiota of Ixodes ricinus ticks. The inclusion of a mock community during bioinformatic analysis proved to be useful in identifying key bacteria within the tick.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Per M. Jensen, Finn Danielsen, Sigurdur Skarphedinsson
Summary: Tracking the spread of vector-borne diseases is difficult, but internet search records may provide low-cost real-time monitoring data.
Article
Entomology
Jani J. Sormunen, Tero Klemola, Eero J. Vesterinen
Summary: Birds can transport various species of ticks and tick-borne pathogens during their migrations. In Finland, a study initiated in 2018 aimed to update knowledge on ticks parasitizing birds by collecting ticks from both migrating and local birds. The most commonly collected tick species was Ixodes ricinus, with few exotic species found.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Adela Chlastakova, Jan Kotal, Zuzana Berankova, Barbora Kascakova, Larissa Almeida Martins, Helena Langhansova, Tatyana Prudnikova, Monika Ederova, Ivana Kuta Smatanova, Michail Kotsyfakis, Jindrich Chmelar
Summary: The study investigated the functional and structural characteristics of Iripin-3, a component in tick saliva, revealing its ability to modulate host immunity and blood clotting mechanisms. This may facilitate successful blood feeding by ticks and potentially aid in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Cristian Raileanu, Cornelia Silaghi, Volker Fingerle, Gabriele Margos, Claudia Thiel, Kurt Pfister, Evelyn Overzier
Summary: The study demonstrates high infection levels and diverse genospecies of Borrelia in questing ticks in different habitats in Southern Germany. The presence of roe deer appears to reduce infection rates of B. burgdorferi s.l. in tick populations.
Article
Microbiology
Anna-Katharina Topp, Andrea Springer, Gerhard Dobler, Malena Bestehorn-Willmann, Masyar Monazahian, Christina Strube
Summary: A study in Lower Saxony, Germany, investigated the occurrence of TBEV in questing ticks and found a previously unknown transmission focus, while confirming ongoing virus circulation at four other locations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of two different virus strains with different origins in identified natural foci.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Bonnet, Thierry Blisnick, Charbel Al Khoury, Jacques Guillot
Summary: This study identified fungal contamination in a laboratory-reared colony of Ixodes ricinus, with three different species of fungi isolated from the ticks. While there is no direct evidence of lethal infections in ticks, the heavy fungal growth and high mortality rates suggest the potential of these fungi as entomopathogenic agents for tick control.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zsolt Boros, Mihai Horia Baies, Dan Cristian Vodnar, Calin Mircea Gherman, Silvia-Diana Borsan, Anamaria Cozma-Petrut, Menelaos Lefkaditis, Adriana Gyorke, Vasile Cozma
Summary: This study evaluated the antiparasitic effect of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 and L. paracasei CNCM on mice infected with Trichinella britovi. The results showed that treatment with these probiotics significantly reduced the number of adult parasites in the intestines of the mice. Female mice had better response to L. paracasei CNCM treatment compared to males.
Article
Entomology
Sergey Mironov, Jacob Gonzalez-Solis, Andrei D. Mihalca, Laura M. Stefan
Summary: This article reports on three species of the genus Brephosceles found on European storm petrels in the Mediterranean Sea and the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. A new species, Brephosceles holoplax, is described, and two previously known species, B. pelagicus and B. longirostris, are redescribed based on both male and female individuals. The latter species has been transferred from the genus Alloptes. All descriptions are supported by DNA barcode data.
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Gergo Keve, Attila D. Sandor, Sandor Hornok
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the association between tick species and avian hosts in Europe, based on records from nearly 200 papers published since 1952. The study identifies five frequently reported tick species that infest birds and have a wide geographical distribution in the Western Palearctic. Additionally, the ecology of these tick species in relation to avian orders is discussed, taking into account habitat type, circadian rhythm, and feeding level.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Luciana Catalina Panait, Angela Monica Ionica, Cristina Daniela Cazan, Mircea Coroian, Ana Maria Diacu, Ana Maria Boncea, Cosmin Mateescu, Andrei Daniel Mihalca
Summary: This study aimed to assess the occurrence of Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Hepatozoon spp. in domestic cats in Romania using molecular tools. The results showed that 19.4% of the sampled cats were positive for piroplasmids, with 15.1% being positive for Babesia spp. and 0.5% for Hepatozoon spp. The study highlights the importance of mitochondrial genes as targets for molecular protocols.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mihai-Horia Baies, Adriana Gyorke, Vlad-Dan Cotutiu, Zsolt Boros, Anamaria Cozma-Petrut, Lorena Filip, Laurian Vlase, Ana-Maria Vlase, Gianina Crisan, Marina Spinu, Vasile Cozma
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anticoccidial effects of various plant extracts against Eimeria suis and Eimeria debliecki oocysts. The results showed that the marigold extract had the best effects on oocyst sporulation and destruction. This study provides a preliminary contribution to the development of natural disinfectants for eliminating Eimeria oocysts in swine contamination.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jonno Jorn Stelder, Andrei Daniel Mihalca, Ann Sofie Olesen, Lene Jung Kjaer, Anette Ella Boklund, Thomas Bruun Rasmussen, Mihai Marinov, Vasile Alexe, Oana Maria Balmos, Rene Bodker
Summary: Mosquitoes can transmit various vector-borne pathogens affecting pigs, and different mosquito species have different preferences and behaviors towards hosts. The feeding preferences of mosquitoes on pigs were observed to vary, and the abundance of certain mosquito species could contribute to pathogen transmission.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Roland Eric Yessinou, Cristina Daniela Cazan, Luciana Catalina Panait, Eyabana Mollong, Abel S. S. Biguezoton, Sarah Irene Bonnet, Souaibou Farougou, Martin H. H. Groschup, Andrei Daniel Mihalca
Summary: This study investigated the presence of zoonotic pathogens in ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo, revealing the presence of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. This information is important for raising awareness among physicians and veterinarians, monitoring the spread of these pathogens, and implementing necessary measures to control the transmission of tick-borne diseases.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Jie Feng, Tao Lin, Andrei D. Mihalca, Qingli Niu, Marinda C. Oosthuizen
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ioana Adriana Matei, Zsuzsa Kalmar, Anamaria Balea, Marian Mihaiu, Attila D. Sandor, Adrian Cocian, Smaranda Craciun, Cosmina Bouari, Violeta Tincuta Briciu, Nicodim Fit
Summary: Wild boars are suggested as suitable sentinel species for tick-borne pathogens and were found to carry Anaplasma phagocytophilum and two Rickettsia species in Romania. These findings indicate their role in the epidemiology of these zoonotic pathogens and their potential as sentinel species for general surveillance.
Article
Microbiology
Mihai-Horia Baies, Vlad-Dan Cotutiu, Marina Spinu, Attila Mathe, Anamaria Cozma-Petrut, Doina Miere, Sorana D. Bolboaca, Vasile Cozma
Summary: Parasitic diseases cause significant losses in swine reproduction and productivity, impacting efficient and profitable livestock management. Phytotherapeutic remedies, such as Cucurbita pepo L. and Coriandrum sativum L., have gained popularity due to their bioavailability, decreased toxicity, non-polluting nature, and antiparasitic effects. This study evaluated the antiparasitic potential of these plants against protozoa and nematodes in swine, finding that a specific dosage demonstrated pronounced anthelmintic and antiprotozoal effects. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage for maximum antiparasitic effectiveness. This study provides the first Romanian report on the in vivo antiparasitic activity of these plants on digestive parasites in swine.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Zsuzsa Kalmar, Attila D. Sandor, Anamaria Balea, Silvia-Diana Borsan, Ioana Adriana Matei, Angela Monica Ionica, Calin Mircea Gherman, Andrei Daniel Mihalca, Anamaria Cozma-Petrut, Viorica Mircean, Adriana Gyorke
Summary: The study examined the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in small mammals in Romania. The overall prevalence of infection was 7.3%, with several species of rodents and shrews carrying T. gondii DNA. The infection showed a patchy occurrence, with long living and highly mobile host species being the most common carriers. The presence of domestic feline and the habitat did not have a significant effect on infection prevalence.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Mohammed Lamine Bendjeddou, Farouk Khelfaoui, Awatef Abiadh, Noureddine Mechouk, Andrei Daniel Mihalca, Attila D. Sandor
Summary: This study aims to identify the distribution and host-parasite associations of bat ectoparasites in the Grand Maghreb region. The research revealed 43 ectoparasite species, including ticks, mites, bat flies, bugs, and fleas. Several new country records were also documented. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiological implications and highlight the ecological and public health importance of bat ectoparasites.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2023)
