Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Livia Perles, Thiago Fernandes Martins, Wanessa Teixeira Gomes Barreto, Gabriel Carvalho de Macedo, Heitor Miraglia Herrera, Luis Antonio Mathias, Marcelo Bahia Labruna, Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti, Rosangela Zacarias Machado, Marcos Rogerio Andre
Summary: The study identified three tick species parasitizing coatis in forested urban areas, with coatis from anthropized areas showing lower tick species diversity. There was no statistical difference in mean intensity and prevalence of ticks between males and females, or between immature and mature animals, possibly due to the gregarious behavior of coatis.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lucianne Cardoso Neves, Lucas Christian de Sousa-Paula, Sarah Alves Dias, Bianca Barbara Fonseca da Silva, Warley Vieira de Freitas Paula, Luiza Gabriella Ferreira de Paula, Brenda Gomes Pereira, Gracielle Teles Padua, Ana Carolina Borsanelli, Ennya Rafaella Neves Cardoso, Felipe da Silva Krawczak, Filipe Dantas-Torres
Summary: We assessed the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in capybaras and their associated ticks in Goias state, central-western Brazil. Neither capybaras nor ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp. However, we detected an undescribed species of protozoan in both the capybaras and ticks.
Article
Parasitology
L. Perles, W. T. G. Barreto, G. C. de Macedo, A. C. Calchi, M. Bezerra-Santos, J. A. Mendoza-Roldan, D. Otranto, H. M. Herrera, D. M. Barros-Battesti, R. Z. Machado, M. R. Andre
Summary: Procyonids are reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens and other zoonotic infectious diseases. This study examined the prevalence of piroplasmids and Rickettsia in coatis and associated ticks in Brazil. The results showed the presence of Babesia spp. sequences in ticks, closely related to those found in capybaras and opossums, and Rickettsia sequences identical to Rickettsia belli and Spotted Fever Group species. These findings highlight the importance of Amblyomma spp. ticks in the maintenance of tick-borne agents in urban areas where humans and animals live together.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lais Miguel Rezende, Maria Marlene Martins, Luciana Tonelotto, Rodrigo Costa Maia, Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues, Carolina Fonseca Osava, Thiago Fernandes Martins, Marcelo B. Labruna, Matias Pablo Juan Szabo
Summary: This study evaluated the relationship between tick populations, pathogenic bacteria, and a marsh deer population, showing that environmental changes modified tick populations but maintained R. parkeri bacteria in A. triste ticks. Rhipicephalus microplus was refractory to R. parkeri infection, indicating DNA spill over from other tick species. Deer transportations of R. microplus ticks from one farm to another may occur whenever habitat loss pushes this wild animal towards farms.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Michelle E. J. Allerdice, Christopher D. Paddock, Joy A. Hecht, Jerome Goddard, Sandor E. Karpathy
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity within North American strains of Rickettsia parkeri s.s. and the genetic relationships between R. parkeri s.s. and R. parkeri s.l. The results showed distinct genetic clades within these strains, indicating a phylogeographic organization and potential public health risks associated with R. parkeri in the Americas.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Alessandra Castro Rodrigues, Marcio Botelho de Castro, Marcelo Bahia Labruna, Matias Pablo Juan Szabo
Summary: Two tick-borne rickettsioses, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia parkeri, occur in Brazil. Rickettsia rickettsii causes a severe disease with high mortality, while Rickettsia parkeri causes a milder febrile disease with eschar at the tick bite site. Clinical diagnosis of rickettsiosis is challenging, especially during the early stages, and proper recognition of eschar as a clinical tool is crucial.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Abdulsalam Adegoke, Jose M. C. Ribeiro, Sidney Brown, Ryan C. Smith, Shahid Karim
Summary: This study identified five distinct phagocytic and non-phagocytic hemocyte populations in ticks and showed that phagocytic hemocytes play a crucial role in eliminating bacterial infection. The research also revealed that an intracellular tick-borne pathogen modifies tick cellular immune responses by infecting phagocytic hemocytes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andre de Abreu Rangel Aguirre, Ivaneide Nunes da Costa, Paula Frassinetti Medeiros de Paulo, Marcos Valerio Garcia, Jansen Fernandes Medeiros
Summary: This study detected the presence of Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest in ticks in the Amazon biome for the first time, providing evidence of the circulation of a pathogenic spotted fever group Rickettsia in this region. This finding offers substantial information for public health authorities to understand the species of Rickettsia that may be related to Amazon spotted fever cases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Adriane Suzin, Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues, Vanessa do Nascimento Ramos, Matias Pablo Juan Szabo
Summary: Rickettsia rickettsii infection is highly fatal and endemic in Southeast Brazil. The disease is mainly related to ticks, including Amblyomma dubitatum and Amblyomma sculptum, and their host, capybara. Recent observations have shown an increase in A. sculptum population and a decrease in A. dubitatum population in endemic areas. Evaluating tick ratios and studying control measures are crucial in preventing the expansion of the disease. However, distinguishing between the two tick species, especially during the nymph stage, is challenging in potentially endemic areas.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catherine A. Lippi, Holly D. Gaff, Alexis L. White, Sadie J. Ryan
Summary: The increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases in humans in recent decades has highlighted the need for more information on geographic risk for public health planning. A systematic scoping review of species distribution models (SDMs) literature for rickettsial pathogens and tick vectors in the genus Amblyomma found that most studies estimated only tick distributions using vector presence as a proxy for pathogen exposure. The reliance on existing data sources and the lack of original data collection may indicate a lag in new data acquisition and a full understanding of the tick-pathogen ecology.
Review
Microbiology
Elise A. A. Richardson, R. Michael Roe, Charles S. S. Apperson, Loganathan Ponnusamy
Summary: R. amblyommatis is a potentially pathogenic species of Rickettsia transmitted by ticks. The pathogenicity and diagnostic inhibition role of this species in illnesses caused by other Rickettsia species are still debated. High infection prevalence of R. amblyommatis has been recorded in tick populations worldwide. Understanding its role as a pathogen and inhibitor of infection compared to other tick-borne pathogens is important for public health efforts.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yongjin Qiu, Noriko Kidera, Masaki Hayashi, Kanta Fujishima, Hisao Tamura
Summary: This study identified and characterized tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsiaceae and Anaplasmataceae) in reptile-associated ticks in Japan. A putative novel Rickettsia sp. and Rickettsia aeschlimannii-like rickettsia were found in Amblyomma nitidum and Amblyomma geoemydae, respectively. Novel Ehrlichia spp. related to Candidatus Ehrlichia occidentalis were also detected in these ticks. Future studies are needed to understand their pathogenicity and life cycle.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Ayelen T. Eberhardt, Dario E. Manzoli, Camilo Fernandez, Daniel Zurvera, Lucas D. Monje
Summary: The study investigated the presence of Anaplasma species in ticks from different land usage areas in the Ibera wetlands in Argentina. Anaplasma sp. was detected in samples of Amblyomma dubitatum and Rhipicephalus microplus using a real-time PCR assay. The infection rate was higher in protected natural areas than in livestock establishments.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Estefani T. Martinez-Sanchez, Marelid Cardona-Romero, Mateo Ortiz-Giraldo, William David Tobon-Escobar, Daniel Moreno-Lopez, Paula A. Ossa-Lopez, Jorge E. Perez-Cardenas, Marcelo B. Labruna, Thiago F. Martins, Gabriel J. Castano-Villa, Fredy A. Rivera-Paez
Summary: Several species of bacteria belonging to the genus Rickettsia can cause diseases in domestic and wild animals as well as humans. These bacteria are considered emerging or reemerging and are transmitted by ticks, fleas, and lice vectors. Recent research in Colombia found Rickettsia species in ticks collected from wild birds, indicating a possible role of birds in the spread of ticks infected with Rickettsia. The study also identified new Rickettsia species in ticks from wild birds, contributing to the understanding of Rickettsia infections in Colombia. This research provided the first evidence of R. amblyommatis infection in the genus Ixodes in South America, and the presence of Rickettsia at elevations above 3000 m a.s.l.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Oriel Thekisoe, Tsepo Ramatla, Aron Ringo, Sifiso Mnisi, Nthabiseng Mphuthi, Lehlohonolo Mofokeng, Kgaugelo Lekota, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: This study determined the occurrence of Rickettsia africae in Amblyomma hebraeum ticks infecting livestock in the North West Province of South Africa. It was found that Rickettsia africae was present in 48% of cattle, 40% of sheep, and 32% of goats. Although the animals did not exhibit clinical symptoms, Rickettsia africae is still recognized as having significant zoonotic potential.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Felipe R. Jorge, Sebastian Munoz-Leal, Glauber M. B. de Oliveira, Maria Carolina A. Serpa, Meylling M. L. Magalhaes, Lorena M. B. de Oliveira, Francisco B. P. Moura, Bruno M. Teixeira, Marcelo B. Labruna
Summary: A potentially novel Borrelia organism was detected in vampire bats from the Brazilian semiarid region, forming a monophyletic group with a Borrelia associated with a Colombian bat. This discovery suggests an independent event in the evolutionary history of Borrelia in bats.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Warley Vieira de Freitas Paula, Lucianne Cardoso Neves, Luiza Gabriella Ferreira de Paula, Maria Carolina de Azevedo Serpa, Fabricio Peixoto de Oliveira, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Sebastian Munoz-Leal, Marcelo Bahia Labruna, Felipe da Silva Krawczak
Summary: In this study, the first molecular detection of B. theileri subclinical infection in a cow in Brazil is described. The detection was confirmed using PCR, and the implications of this finding for cattle health management in the region are discussed.
VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Glauber M. B. de Oliveira, Sebastian Munoz-Leal, Adriana Santodomingo, Barbara C. Weck, alvaro A. Faccini-Martinez, Mauricio C. Horta, Marcelo B. Labruna
Summary: This study investigated borrelial infection in Ornithodoros ticks collected in rodent-inhabited rock formations in the Brazilian semiarid region. The results showed that only O. cf. tabajara ticks were infected with a novel borrelial pathogen. It was demonstrated that O. cf. tabajara is a competent vector of this new Borrelia species, but the infected rodents did not develop clinical illness.
Article
Zoology
M. Magioli, H. R. Luz, F. B. Costa, H. R. Benatti, U. Piovezan, F. B. P. Nunes, B. Lopes, M. Z. Moreira, M. B. Labruna, K. M. P. M. B. Ferraz
Summary: The study found that capybaras in Brazil exhibit adaptability in food utilization in different environments. By analyzing stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in their hair, it was found that capybara populations in natural environments primarily consumed C-3 plants, while those in anthropized environments mainly fed on C-4 plants.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Alan Eriksson, Antoine Filion, Marcelo Bahia Labruna, Sebastian Munoz-Leal, Robert Poulin, Erich Fischer, Gustavo Graciolli
Summary: Human land use causes habitat loss and fragmentation, which affects host-parasite relationships. This study investigates how forest loss, fragmentation, and edge length impact the prevalence and abundance of bat ectoparasites.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lucianne Cardoso Neves, Warley Vieira de Freitas Paula, Luiza Gabriella Ferreira de Paula, Bianca Barbara Fonseca da Silva, Sarah Alves Dias, Brenda Gomes Pereira, Bruno Sergio Alves Silva, Anaia da Paixao Seva, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Marcelo B. Labruna, Felipe da Silva Krawczak
Summary: Human cases of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) have been recently reported in Goias state, Brazil, but the agent responsible for these cases remains unknown. In this study, antibodies against Rickettsia spp. were detected in dogs, horses, and capybaras, and rickettsial DNA was found in ticks collected from these animals and the environment. The DNA belonged to Rickettsia bellii, a species not belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG). Seroreactivity to SFG and R. bellii antigens was observed in animals, indicating the circulation of SFG rickettsiae in the region.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Shafi Ullah, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Mashal M. Almutairi, Nabila Islam, Gauhar Rehman, Zia Ul Islam, Haroon Ahmed, Itabajara da Silva Vaz, Marcelo B. Labruna, Tetsuya Tanaka, Abid Ali
Summary: Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that can transmit life-threatening pathogens to humans and animals. This study detected Rickettsia conorii for the first time in the Hyalomma kumari ticks collected from goats and sheep in Pakistan. This finding is important for the surveillance and prevention of zoonotic diseases.
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.
Letter
Parasitology
Sergio Bermudez, Luis Romero, Marcelo Labruna
Article
Entomology
Sebastian Munoz-Leal, Jose M. Venzal, Alexander R. Kneubehl, Job E. Lopez, Thiago F. Martins, Marcelo B. Labruna
Summary: A new species of soft ticks of the Pavlovskyella subgenus was described in central Chile based on morphological and mitogenomic evidence. This new species differs from other South American soft ticks in several characteristics, including the presence of 13 pairs of dorsolateral setae, a hexagonal dorsal plate, and a blunt hypostome with denticles. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of this new species in a monophyletic clade with other South American species in the subgenus.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Shehla Shehla, Farman Ullah, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Mashal M. Almutairi, Zaibullah Khan, Tetsuya Tanaka, Marcelo B. Labruna, Kun-Hsien Tsai, Abid Ali
Summary: This study investigated the tick species infesting livestock in Pakistan and the presence of Rickettsia spp. The results showed the distribution of Rickettsia species in ticks and identified certain species that can cause zoonotic diseases.
Review
Microbiology
Jose de la Fuente, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Marta Rafael, Consuelo Almazan, Sergio Bermudez, Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset, Paul D. Kasaija, Fredrick Kabi, Foluke Adedayo Akande, Dorcas Oluwakemi Ajagbe, Timothy Bamgbose, Srikant Ghosh, Azhahianambi Palavesam, Penny H. Hamid, Charlotte L. Oskam, Siobhon L. Egan, Amanda Duarte-Barbosa, Olcay Hekimoglu, Matias P. J. Szabo, Marcelo B. Labruna, Ananta Dahal
Summary: In this comprehensive review study, the challenge posed by ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) with growing incidence affecting global human and animal health was addressed. Data and perspectives from different countries and regions were collected to update the current situation with ticks and TBDs and highlight the existing information bias and gaps perceived by society. The study emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary and international collaborations in advancing surveillance, communication, and proposed future directions to address these challenges.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Bruna Costa da Gama, Thiago Fernandes Martins, Marcelo Bahia Labruna, Rafael Felipe da Costa Vieira, Jonatas Campos de Almeida
Summary: This study investigated the presence of ticks on horses in the State of Alagoas, Brazil, and reported the presence of Amblyomma sculptum and Dermacentor nitens for the first time in the region.
Article
Agronomy
Gracielle Teles Padua, Luiza Gabriella Ferreira de Paula, Ana Carolina Borsanelli, Marcelo Bahia Labruna, Felipe da Silva Krawczak
Summary: Dermacentor nitens Neumann is a common tick species in horses in Brazil, mainly infesting the ears, nasal diverticulum, perineal and perianal regions. Infestations can cause severe damage, anemia, and can also transmit Babesia caballi. This study reports an unusual parasitic site of D. nitens on a formerly enucleated eye orbit in a female cross breed horse.
Article
Microbiology
Sandra Diaz-Sanchez, Luis M. Hernandez-Triana, Marcelo B. Labruna, Octavio Merino, Juan Mosqueda, Santiago Nava, Matias Szabo, Evelina Tarragona, Jose M. Venzal, Jose de la Fuente, Agustin Estrada-Pena
Summary: This study investigates the variability of mitochondrial and nuclear genes in the population of cattle ticks in the Neotropics. The results show that the genetic diversity does not correlate with geographic distance or environmental factors, which may be due to recent introduction of the tick, frequent population exchange, and minimal effect of climate on gene evolution rates.
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)
