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
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
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
Parasitology
Elisha Chatanga, Emmanuel Maganga, Wessam Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed, Shohei Ogata, Gita Sadaula Pandey, Abdelbaset Eweda Abdelbaset, Kyoko Hayashida, Chihiro Sugimoto, Ken Katakura, Nariaki Nonaka, Ryo Nakao
Summary: This study conducted a molecular survey on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) infecting cattle in the central and southern regions of Malawi. The results showed a high burden of TBPs, with 92.3% of the examined animals infected with at least one TBP. Various species of Anaplasmataceae and piroplasms were detected, highlighting the need for new methods to control ticks and TBPs in order to improve animal health and productivity. The newly developed multiplex PCR assay can be a useful tool, especially in resource-limited settings.
Article
Microbiology
Lin Huang, Shunshuai Liu, Lu Chen, Fei Wang, Ping Ye, Luoyuan Xia, Baogui Jiang, Hao Tang, Qingyu Zhang, Xiangdong Ruan, Weijun Chen, Jiafu Jiang
Summary: This study discovered and confirmed a new Jingmen tick virus, named Sichuan tick virus. Four tick samples showed similarity to known JMTV strains and exhibited reassortment signals with other JMTV strains, indicating cross-species transmission and co-infection of segmented flavi-like viruses among multiple tick hosts. Further investigation is required to determine the pathogenicity of Sichuan tick virus to humans and animals, as well as its epidemiological characteristics in nature.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
ThankGod E. Onyiche, Ewan Thomas MacLeod
Summary: Ticks are significant vectors of economically important pathogens affecting small ruminants in Africa. This review focuses on the diversity of tick species, tick-borne diseases, and risk factors in Africa. Various species of hard ticks belonging to the genera Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, Ixodes, and Amblyomma were found infesting small ruminants. Tick-borne protozoal and bacterial pathogens have been reported, as well as non-infectious conditions like tick paralysis and lameness. Integrated control measures are necessary to alleviate the burden of vector-borne diseases in small ruminant production.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(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
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
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
Virology
Annika Brinkmann, Steven Uddin, Eva Krause, Rebecca Surtees, Ender Dincer, Sirri Kar, Sabri Hacioglu, Aykut Ozkul, Koray Ergunay, Andreas Nitsche
Summary: The SISPA + nanopore sequencing method successfully screened viruses in ticks, generating data comparable to NGS and providing an effective tool for broad-range virus detection.
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)
Article
Parasitology
Shirley C. Nimo-Paintsil, Mba Mosore, Seth Offei Addo, Taylor Lura, Janice Tagoe, Danielle Ladzekpo, Charlotte Addae, Ronald E. Bentil, Eric Behene, Courage Dafeamekpor, Victor Asoala, Anne Fox, Chaselynn M. Watters, Jeffrey W. Koehler, Randy J. Schoepp, Hanayo Arimoto, Samuel Dadzie, Andrew Letizia, Joseph W. Diclaro
Summary: Ticks collected from different ecological zones in Ghana were examined for tick-borne pathogens. The study found that ticks infected with Rickettsia spp. had the highest infection rates and co-infection with C. burnetii, suggesting a higher risk of rickettsiosis in humans and animals in these areas.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Danielle Beard, Hayley J. Stannard, Julie M. Old
Summary: This study on wombat ticks in Australia identified multiple tick species, with the wombat tick being the most prevalent. The research also revealed the various bacteria carried by ticks, highlighting the high bacterial diversity in native Australian ticks.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Chanakya R. Bhosale, Kristen N. Wilson, Kimberly J. Ledger, Zoe S. White, Rayann Dorleans, Carrie E. De Jesus, Samantha M. Wisely
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the potential risk of encountering tick-borne pathogens in recreational greenspaces. Tick abundance and pathogen prevalence were higher in natural habitats surrounded by forests, but ticks and pathogens were also found in manicured groundcover. This suggests that even on closely manicured turf, the probability of encountering an infected tick is measurable and substantial if the surrounding landcover is undeveloped.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mennat-Allah Abdelsalam, Wael Felefel, Sabreen Fadl, Mohamed Bessat
Summary: This study provides the first molecular evidence of Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma infections in sheep and goat populations in the North Coast region of Egypt. 73% of the samples were found to be infected with at least one of the three blood pathogenic organisms through microscopic examination. 43% of the small ruminants were infected with at least one of these pathogens according to molecular diagnosis.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucky R. Runtuwene, Shuichi Kawashima, Victor D. Pijoh, Josef S. B. Tuda, Kyoko Hayashida, Junya Yamagishi, Chihiro Sugimoto, Shoko Nishiyama, Michihito Sasaki, Yasuko Orba, Hirofumi Sawa, Tomohiko Takasaki, Anthony A. James, Takashi Kobayashi, Yuki Eshita
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kyoko Hayashida, Peter Nambala, Nick Van Reet, Philippe Buscher, Naoko Kawai, Mable Mwale Mutengo, Janelisa Musaya, Boniface Namangala, Chihiro Sugimoto, Junya Yamagishi
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Elisha Chatanga, Henson Kainga, Tinotenda Razemba, Richard Ssuna, Lieza Swennen, Kyoko Hayashida, Chihiro Sugimoto, Ken Katakura, Nariaki Nonaka, Ryo Nakao
Summary: The study revealed that at least 44.5% of dogs in Malawi were infected with tick-borne pathogens, including genera Babesia, Hepatozoon, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia; education and awareness raising are needed for veterinary practitioners, dog handlers, and pet owners to protect animal health; further research focusing on rural areas is necessary to determine the extent of tick-borne pathogen infection in dogs.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yukiko Nakamura, Kyoko Hayashida, Victoire Delesalle, Yongjin Qiu, Ryosuke Omori, Martin Simuunza, Chihiro Sugimoto, Boniface Namangala, Junya Yamagishi
Summary: Using PCR targeting specific sequences, we clarified the genetic diversity of Trypanosoma spp. in the Kafue ecosystem. The findings suggest that T. vivax is the dominant cause of anemia in the area, with extensive diversity among T. vivax-like lineages. Combining CatL PCR with next generation sequencing proves useful in assessing Trypanosoma spp. diversity, especially for T. vivax and T. vivax-like lineages.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chiho Kaneko, Ryosuke Omori, Michihito Sasaki, Chikako Kataoka-Nakamura, Edgar Simulundu, Walter Muleya, Ladslav Moonga, Joseph Ndebe, Bernard M. Hang'ombe, George Dautu, Yongjin Qiu, Ryo Nakao, Masahiro Kajihara, Akina Mori-Kajihara, Herman M. Chambaro, Hideaki Higashi, Chihiro Sugimoto, Hirofumi Sawa, Aaron S. Mweene, Ayato Takada, Norikazu Isoda
Summary: This study conducted a demographic survey of domestic dogs in rural Zambia and estimated vaccination coverage achievable through mass vaccination campaigns. It found that the majority of the domestic dog population was young, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a 70% annual vaccination coverage in the dog population for rabies control.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yongjin Qiu, Martin Simuunza, Masahiro Kajihara, Herman Chambaro, Hayato Harima, Yoshiki Eto, Edgar Simulundu, David Squarre, Shiho Torii, Ayato Takada, Bernard Mudenda Hang'ombe, Hirofumi Sawa, Chihiro Sugimoto, Ryo Nakao
Summary: Ticks are important vectors of various pathogens and this study detected Rickettsia and Anaplasmataceae in three different species of argasid ticks collected in Zambia. The study revealed new geographical records of R. lusitaniae and R. hoogstraalii in Africa, highlighting the diversity and distribution of Anaplasma spp.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Chiho Kaneko, Michihito Sasaki, Ryosuke Omori, Ryo Nakao, Chikako Kataoka-Nakamura, Ladslav Moonga, Joseph Ndebe, Walter Muleya, Edgar Simulundu, Bernard M. Hang'ombe, George Dautu, Masahiro Kajihara, Akina Mori-Kajihara, Yongjin Qiu, Naoto Ito, Herman M. Chambaro, Chihiro Sugimoto, Hideaki Higashi, Ayato Takada, Hirofumi Sawa, Aaron S. Mweene, Norikazu Isoda
Summary: This study investigated the rabies vaccination coverage and antibody levels in owned dog population in Lusaka, Zambia, and assessed the trends of neutralizing antibodies post-vaccination. Findings suggest that a single vaccination with certified vaccines can induce protective antibody levels, while multiple vaccinations resulted in higher antibody titers. The results highlight the importance of continuous booster immunization for maintaining herd immunity and provide valuable information for planning mass rabies vaccination in Zambia.
Article
Parasitology
Elisha Chatanga, Yuma Ohari, Walter Muleya, Kyoko Hayashida, Chihiro Sugimoto, Ken Katakura, Nariaki Nonaka, Ryo Nakao
Summary: This study investigated the population structure of T. parva in Malawi using genetic analysis. The results showed that the isolates in Malawi are closely related to the vaccine component, supporting the use of Muguga cocktail vaccine to control bovine theileriosis.
Article
Parasitology
Elisha Chatanga, Emmanuel Maganga, Wessam Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed, Shohei Ogata, Gita Sadaula Pandey, Abdelbaset Eweda Abdelbaset, Kyoko Hayashida, Chihiro Sugimoto, Ken Katakura, Nariaki Nonaka, Ryo Nakao
Summary: This study conducted a molecular survey on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) infecting cattle in the central and southern regions of Malawi. The results showed a high burden of TBPs, with 92.3% of the examined animals infected with at least one TBP. Various species of Anaplasmataceae and piroplasms were detected, highlighting the need for new methods to control ticks and TBPs in order to improve animal health and productivity. The newly developed multiplex PCR assay can be a useful tool, especially in resource-limited settings.
Article
Oncology
Shuhei Teranishi, Chihiro Sugimoto, Satoshi Nagaoka, Hirokazu Nagayama, Wataru Segawa, Atsushi Miyasaka, Shuntaro Hiro, Yukihito Kajita, Chihiro Maeda, Nobuaki Kobayashi, Masaki Yamamoto, Makoto Kudo, Takeshi Kaneko
Summary: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 61 patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC who received osimertinib as first-line therapy. The results showed that poor performance status was associated with poor prognosis in these patients.
Article
Oncology
Shuntaro Hiro, Shuhei Teranishi, Tomoe Sawazumi, Satoshi Nagaoka, Chihiro Sugimoto, Hirokazu Nagayama, Wataru Segawa, Yukihito Kajita, Chihiro Maeda, Sousuke Kubo, Kenichi Seki, Ken Tashiro, Nobuaki Kobayashi, Masaki Yamamoto, Makoto Kudo, Takeshi Kaneko
Summary: This study presents a case of a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 patient who was diagnosed with atypical carcinoid tumors with elevated mitotic counts. The patient underwent surgery and showed stable disease after treatment. Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the MEN1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.
Article
Oncology
Chihiro Sugimoto, Shuhei Teranishi, Tomoe Sawazumi, Satoshi Nagaoka, Hirokazu Nagayama, Wataru Segawa, Shuntaro Hiro, Yukihito Kajita, Chihiro Maeda, Sousuke Kubo, Kenichi Seki, Ken Tashiro, Nobuaki Kobayashi, Masaki Yamamoto, Makoto Kudo, Takeshi Kaneko
Summary: Primary tracheal small-cell carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that lacks standard treatment, and is often managed using small-cell lung cancer guidelines. We present a case of a patient who developed nodules in the trachea and left main bronchus following surgery for pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, which were found to be small-cell carcinoma upon biopsy. The patient experienced respiratory failure due to airway stenosis caused by the growing lesion, but showed improvement after receiving first-line chemotherapy and accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Myagmarsuren Odonchimeg, Dashzevge Erdenechimeg, Adiyasuren Tuvshinbayar, Munkhtuul Tsogtgerel, Enkhbold Bazarragchaa, Ankhanbaatar Ulaankhuu, Tsend Selenge, Dalantai Munkhgerel, Ariunbold Munkhtsetseg, Adilbish Altanchimeg, Raadan Odbileg, Gurdorj Soyolmaa, Yondonjamts Enkhmandakh, Enkhbaatar Batmagnai, Sengee Sugar, Takashi Kimura, Chihiro Sugimoto, Norikazu Isoda, Basan Batsukh, Yoshihiro Sakoda
Summary: This study reports the first outbreak of LSD in Mongolia, with an overall prevalence rate of 5.9% in cattle. Female adults, older cattle, and locations near tube wells and pond water were found to be at higher risk for LSD cases. The newly isolated Mongolian LSD viruses were phylogenetically clustered with Chinese and Vietnamese isolates.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Lavel C. Moonga, Kyoko Hayashida, Namwiinga R. Mulunda, Yukiko Nakamura, James Chipeta, Hawela B. Moonga, Boniface Namangala, Chihiro Sugimoto, Zephaniah Mtonga, Mable Mutengo, Junya Yamagishi
Summary: The study found R. asembonensis DNA in human blood samples in Zambia, indicating the possibility of human infection despite its unknown pathogenicity.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
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)
