Article
Parasitology
Agustin Estrada-Pena, Gianluca D'Amico, Natalia Fernandez-Ruiz
Summary: This study modeled the probability of introduction of Hyalomma marginatum into Europe by predicting potential migratory routes of bird species and the probability of carrying tick immatures. The results show that the tick may extend its northern range to central and western France, and large portions of central Europe, but the probability of introduction into Baltic and Nordic countries is small.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Natalia Fernandez-Ruiz, Agustin Estrada-Pena
Summary: The study indicates that climate trends are changing the distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, expanding the suitable environment for Hyalomma marginatum to Mediterranean countries, southeast central Europe, and south of the Balkans. It was found that maximum temperature significantly affects all biogeographical categories, while soil humidity influences areas with Mediterranean climate, and minimum temperature and water vapor deficit have no impact.
Article
Biology
Marie Buysse, Anna Maria Floriano, Yuval Gottlieb, Tiago Nardi, Francesco Comandatore, Emanuela Olivieri, Alessia Giannetto, Ana M. Palomar, Benjamin L. Makepeace, Chiara Bazzocchi, Alessandra Cafiso, Davide Sassera, Olivier Duron
Summary: Many animals rely on microbial partners to provide essential nutrients; The invasive tick Hyalomma marginatum harbors a unique dual-partner nutritional system between the ancestral symbiont Francisella and the more recently acquired symbiont Midichloria; Co-symbiosis may be a key mechanism for advanced adaptation of arthropods to specialized diets.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Madiou Thierno Bah, Vladimir Grosbois, Frederic Stachurski, Facundo Munoz, Maxime Duhayon, Ignace Rakotoarivony, Anais Appelgren, Clement Calloix, Liz Noguera, Theo Mouillaud, Charlotte Andary, Renaud Lancelot, Karine Huber, Claire Garros, Agnes Leblond, Laurence Vial
Summary: We developed a high-resolution correlative model to predict the distribution of Hyalomma marginatum ticks in southern France. The study found that the ticks were mainly found in areas with warm temperatures, low precipitation, and open natural habitats.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Apolline Maitre, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Elianne Piloto-Sardinas, Angelique Foucault-Simonin, Vincent Cicculli, Sara Moutailler, Jean-Christophe Paoli, Alessandra Falchi, Dasiel Obregon, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: In this study, scientists used high-throughput pathogen detection and co-occurrence network analysis based on 16S rRNA sequencing to show that tick-borne Rickettsia play a significant role in tick bacterial microbiota. They contribute to the conservation of the 'core bacterial microbiota' and promote community stability.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paulina Maria Lesiczka, Ondrej Danek, David Modry, Kristyna Hrazdilova, Jan Votypka, Ludek Zurek
Summary: This study reports the finding and molecular identification of important virus vectors H. marginatum and H. rufipes from horses in different regions of Czech Republic, indicating their possible introduction from their natural range by migratory birds into Central and Western Europe. Due to their vector competence and potential expansion into new areas, surveillance programs in Europe are recommended.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Agustin Estrada-Pena
Summary: This study identifies the climate niches for Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma rufipes in Europe and analyzes their distribution within these areas. It found that the amount of water in the air and accumulated temperature are key factors influencing the distribution of these ticks.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Jiasong Xiong, Hao Zhou, Lifang Fan, Gongliang Zhu, Yong Li, Guang Chen, Jun Zhang, Jundong Li, Hesong Zheng, Wei Feng, Jing Chen, Guoxiang Yang, Quanjiao Chen
Summary: The study identified eleven highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 viruses that were detected in migratory birds in Central China between November and December 2020. These strains were found to be highly homologous to those isolated in Europe from October to December 2020, suggesting a possible spread from Siberia via migratory birds. The research also revealed that H5N8 virus infection in migratory birds could lead to severe pathological damage and high viral load in multiple organs.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Latifa Elhachimi, Felix Valcarcel, Angeles S. Olmeda, Sabrine Elasatey, Sarah E. Khattat, Sylvie Daminet, Hamid Sahibi, Luc Duchateau
Summary: The study aimed to establish standard procedures for rearing Hyalomma marginatum under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the development of non-parasitic stages was faster at 28 degrees Celsius compared to 18 degrees Celsius due to temperature influences.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zuzanna Jagiello, Lukasz Dylewski, Jose I. Aguirre, Joanna T. Bialas, Andrzej Dylik, Alejandro Lopez-Garcia, Ireneusz Kaluga, Adam Olszewski, Joachim Siekiera, Marcin Tobolka
Summary: The major impact of human development includes the transformation of natural habitats into farming lands and expansion of built-up areas, as well as the global issue of plastic pollution affecting wildlife. This study reveals differences in the incorporation of anthropogenic nest materials between two populations of white storks, with the Spanish population showing higher utilization of anthropogenic nest materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guogang Zhang, Bingying Li, Jayna Raghwani, Bram Vrancken, Ru Jia, Sarah C. Hill, Guillaume Fournie, Yanchao Cheng, Qiqi Yang, Yuxin Wang, Zengmiao Wang, Lu Dong, Oliver G. Pybus, Huaiyu Tian
Summary: Migratory birds have played a crucial role in the rapid dissemination of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 virus clade 2.3.4.4 across Eurasia. This study investigated the seasonal transmission dynamics of HPAI H5N8 viruses using new genomic data obtained from surveying wild birds in China and tracking the migratory patterns of bird species across China since 2006. The findings reveal the association between the introductions of HPAI H5N8 viruses in different Eurasian regions and the seasonal migration of wild birds, and highlight Europe's role as both a source and a sink in the global HPAI virus transmission network.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sandor Hornok, Bernard Cutajar, Nora Takacs, Nicholas Galea, David Attard, Charles Coleiro, Raymond Galea, Gergo Keve, Attila D. Sandor, Jeno Kontschan
Summary: The Maltese Archipelago, located between Europe and Africa, serves as an important stopover site for migratory birds. This study examined ticks on birds mist-netted in Malta and identified nine tick species. It was also the first finding of a tick species in Europe and discovered four tick species for the first time in Malta. The study suggests that the diversity of tick species arriving in Europe from Africa may be higher than previously thought.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biology
David W. Hawman, Kimberly Meade-White, Shanna Leventhal, Friederike Feldmann, Atsushi Okumura, Brian Smith, Dana Scott, Heinz Feldmann
Summary: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe disease caused by the CCHFV virus with a fatality rate as high as 30%. Our understanding of the pathogenesis is limited due to the lack of suitable animal models. A mouse-adapted variant of CCHFV has been developed, allowing for better study of host and viral determinants in a mouse model.
Article
Parasitology
Huseyin Bilgin Bilgic, Selin Hacilarlioglu, Metin Pekagirbas, Tulin Karagenc, Hasan Eren, Serkan Bakirci
Summary: This study focuses on the important tick species H. marginatum and H. excavatum in the Mediterranean region, using silicone membranes as an experimental method to study the transmission mechanisms of ticks. The results show that silicone membranes are suitable for feeding, egg laying, and larval hatching of ticks, providing an important tool for studying the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Hayet Benyedem, Tarek Hajji, Rihab Romdhane, Isaiah Obara, Moez Mhadhbi, Essia Sebai, Khawla Elati, Soufiene Chaari, Mourad Rekik, Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
Summary: Ticks, including the Hyalomma marginatum species, play a crucial role in transmitting pathogens with significant impacts on health, veterinary and economic sectors. This study investigated the genetic structure and distribution of H. marginatum populations in different bioclimatic regions of Tunisia. The findings suggest that the low genetic diversity observed may be due to a bottleneck event caused by environmental factors and/or human activities. Additionally, the study revealed that the phylogenetic clusters did not correspond to the bioclimatic zones.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Apolline Maitre, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Juste Azelyte, Vaidas Palinauskas, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Dasiel Obregon, Adnan Hodzic, Claire Valiente Moro, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Jean-Christophe Paoli, Alessandra Falchi, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: Human and animal pathogens transmitted by arthropods, such as ticks and mosquitoes, are a global concern. Control measures using acaricides are threatened by resistance in vector populations. Alternative strategies that target the vector microbiota and interfere with pathogen development are encouraged. Understanding the immune functions of host antibodies and disrupting the vector microbiota open up possibilities for novel transmission-blocking vaccines.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Jakub Vojtisek, Nele Janssen, Silvie Sikutova, Oldrich Sebesta, Helge Kampen, Ivo Rudolf
Summary: Aedes japonicus, a mosquito species native to North-East Asia, has recently spread to the Czech Republic. This study used ovitrapping and citizen reports to monitor AIM. The species was found in Prachatice and Mikulov, close to the Czech-German and Czech-Austrian borders, respectively, indicating potential further spread in the country.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Romana Kejikova, Clifton McKee, Petra Strakova, Silvie Sikutova, Jan Mendel, Ivo Rudolf
Summary: This study focused on the detection of Bartonella spp. in bat bugs, revealing the potential risk of bacterial pathogen transmission associated with bats and their ectoparasites. Further research is needed to ascertain the zoonotic risk of bat-associated Bartonella spp.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Jakub Vojtisek, Oldrich Sebesta, Silvie Sikutova, Helge Kampen, Ivo Rudolf
Summary: Aedes koreicus, an invasive mosquito species originating from East Asia, has established populations in several countries in Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, as well as Central Asia. Despite the limited knowledge about its biology and ecological requirements, it is considered a potential vector of pathogens and requires careful monitoring. This study reports the first detection of Ae. koreicus in the Czech Republic based on a citizen report.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Veronika Seidlova, Petra Strakova, Romana Kejikova, Monika Nemcova, Tomas Bartonicka, Jiri Salat, Lucie Dufkova, Silvie Sikutova, Jan Mendel, Clifton McKee, Jan Zukal, Jiri Pikula, Ivo Rudolf
Summary: In this study, kidney samples from 300 bat cadavers from the Czech and Slovak Republics were tested for Leptospira DNA using PCR and sequencing. The overall detection rate was 4.7%, with two bat species testing positive. The detected Leptospira sequences were similar to known species, such as L. interrogans and L. borgpetersenii, and also included a potentially novel species related to L. weilii.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Delia Lacasta, Hector Ruiz, Aurora Ortin, Sergio Villanueva-Saz, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Jose Maria Gonzalez, Juan Jose Ramos, Luis Miguel Ferrer, Alfredo Angel Benito, Raquel Labanda, Carlos Malo, Maria Teresa Verde, Antonio Fernandez, Marta Ruiz de Arcaute
Summary: This study analyzed the therapeutic effect of oxytetracycline and doxycycline in treating Anaplasma ovis infected lambs. The results showed that injectable doxycycline and oxytetracycline significantly reduced bacterial load and carcass condemnation in the treated lambs.
Article
Microbiology
Agustin Estrada-Pena, Alina Rodriguez Mallon, Sergio Bermudez, Jose de la Fuente, Ana Domingos, Mario Pablo Estrada Garcia, Marcelo B. Labruna, Octavio Merino, Juan Mosqueda, Santiago Nava, Ricardo Lleonart Cruz, Matias Szabo, Evelina Tarragona, Jose M. Venzal
Summary: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the survival and spread of R. microplus in the Neotropics, and proposes a holistic approach to control infestations. The study highlights the complex and interrelated factors driving the spread of R. microplus, which are often overlooked in control strategies. Climate change and landscape features may have an impact on the spread of the tick.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Agustin Estrada-Pena, Jose de la Fuente
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne diseases have a global impact on human and animal health. This study used scientometric analysis to evaluate trends and gaps in anti-tick vaccine research. The analysis revealed the need for new candidates for vaccine development, the lack of participation from African and Asian countries, and the importance of sustained and integrated research.
Article
Entomology
Agustin Estrada-Pena
Summary: This study identifies the climate niches for Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma rufipes in Europe and analyzes their distribution within these areas. It found that the amount of water in the air and accumulated temperature are key factors influencing the distribution of these ticks.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Natalia Fernandez-Ruiz, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Sharon McElroy, Kaitlyn Morse
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasing in the United States, including New Hampshire, with an ongoing four-year crowdsourcing program providing valuable data. The study recorded the species, prevalence, and distribution of ticks, as well as their associated pathogens. The findings highlighted the distinct patterns of emergence and activity of different tick species, emphasizing the importance of tick prevention during peak seasons. State-wide maps were created to visualize the differences in tick distribution within administrative divisions.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kristina Mravcova, Jeremy V. Camp, Zdenek Hubalek, Silvie Sikutova, Alexander G. C. Vaux, Jolyon M. Medlock, Ivo Rudolf
Summary: Tahyna virus (TAHV) is a neglected human pathogen with unknown public health importance in Central Europe, but it may pose a potential emerging disease threat in other parts of Europe due to extreme summer flooding events. TAHV is an orthobunyavirus isolated from mosquitoes and is associated with floodplain areas, hares as reservoir hosts, and Aedes vexans mosquitoes as the main vector. The disease caused by TAHV, known as Valtice fever, was detected in the 1960s and has been the subject of many studies, although the prevalence and clinical manifestations of TAHV infections are rarely reported.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Claude Saegerman, Marie-France Humblet, Marc Leandri, Gaelle Gonzalez, Paul Heyman, Hein Sprong, Monique L'Hostis, Sara Moutailler, Sarah I. Bonnet, Nadia Haddad, Nathalie Boulanger, Stephen Leib, Thierry Hoch, Etienne Thiry, Laure Bournez, Jana Kerlik, Aurelie Velay, Solveig Jore, Elsa Jourdain, Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont, Katharina Brugger, Julia Geller, Marie Studahl, Natasa Knap, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Daniel P. Ruzek, Tizza Zomer, Rene Bodker, Thomas F. H. Berger, Sandra Martin-Latil, Nick De Regge, Alice A. Raffetin, Sandrine Lacour, Matthias Klein, Tinne Lernout, Elsa Quillery, Zdenek Hubalek, Francisco Ruiz-Fons, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Philippe Fravalo, Pauline Kooh, Florence Etore, Celine M. Gossner, Bethan Purse
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an endemic viral disease in Eurasia, primarily transmitted to humans through ticks and occasionally through unpasteurized milk products. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported an increase in TBE incidence over the years, as well as its emergence in new areas. Through expert knowledge elicitation, we identified nine key drivers for TBE emergence and increased incidence, including changes in human behavior, eating habits, landscape, humidity, difficulty in controlling reservoirs and vectors, temperature, wildlife compartments, increase in autochthonous wild mammals, and distribution of tick species vectors.
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Agustin Estrada-Pena
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
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
Immunology
R. Kejikova, I Rudolf
Summary: This study documents the prevalence of B. miyamotoi in ticks in the South Moravian Region, Czech Republic, indicating a potential risk to public health.
EPIDEMIOLOGIE MIKROBIOLOGIE IMUNOLOGIE
(2022)
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)
