Article
Entomology
Seth Offei Addo, Ronald Essah Bentil, Bernice Olivia Ama Baako, Kevin Nii Yartey, Eric Behene, Benjamin Asiamah, Abena Akyeamaa Nyarko, Victor Asoala, Mohamed Sallam, Suzanne Mate, James C. Dunford, John Asiedu Larbi, Philip Kweku Baidoo, Michael David Wilson, Joseph W. W. Diclaro II, Samuel K. Dadzie
Summary: Ticks collected from livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of Ghana were screened for zoonotic pathogens DNA and identified as predominantly Amblyomma variegatum ticks. Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in 56.8% of the tick pools, C. burnetii DNA in 3.7%, and coinfections in 2.4% of the tick pools. These pathogens pose potential public health threats, highlighting the need for control measures to reduce the risk of infections.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Matheus de Souza Santana, Estevam Guilherme Lux Hoppe, Paulo Eduardo Carraro, Ana Claudia Calchi, Laryssa Borges de Oliveira, Renan Bressianini do Amaral, Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel, Dalia Monique Ribeiro Machado, Karina Paes Burger, Darci Moraes Barros-Batestti, Rosangela Zacarias Machado, Marcos Rogerio Andre
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of various pathogens in free-living wild boars and associated ticks in south-eastern Brazil. The results showed that these wild boars and ticks may carry and transmit different diseases, including bacterial infections, various types of pathogens, and parasitic infections. This has important epidemiological implications for the health of humans and animals.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Carlo Andrea Cossu, Nicola E. Collins, Marinda C. Oosthuizen, Maria Luisa Menandro, Raksha Vasantrai Bhoora, Ilse Vorster, Rudi Cassini, Hein Stoltsz, Melvyn Quan, Henriette van Heerden
Summary: Ticks in Africa remain a major obstacle in the livestock industry due to tick-borne pathogens. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the distribution and prevalence of these pathogens in African ticks. The highest prevalence was found for Rickettsia spp., R. africae, R. conorii, A. marginale, E. ruminantium, and E. canis. The prevalence of C. burnetii was low, but higher for Coxiella spp. and Coxiella-like endosymbionts. The study also identified the effect of tick genera, tick species, country, and other variables on the epidemiology of these pathogens in ticks.
Article
Microbiology
Abid Ali, Muhammad Kashif Obaid, Mashal M. Almutairi, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Muhammad Numan, Shafi Ullah, Gauhar Rehman, Zia Ul Islam, Sher Bahadar Khan, Tetsuya Tanaka
Summary: Tick-borne Coxiella spp. are being found in new regions and infecting various hosts. This study screened various ticks in Pakistan and found that 50.9% of hosts were infested with nine tick species. The ticks were molecularly screened and found to carry Coxiella spp., including Coxiella burnetii. This comprehensive report provides the first genetic characterization of Coxiella spp. in Pakistan's ticks infesting domestic and wild hosts. Proper surveillance and management measures are needed to prevent health risks.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A-Tai Truong, Mi-Sun Yoo, Subin Min, Ji-Yeon Lim, Hyun-Ji Seo, Heung-Chul Kim, Sung-Tae Chong, Terry A. Klein, Chang-uk Park, Sook-Young Cho, Chang-Yong Choi, Young-Soo Kwon, Miran Kim, Soon-Seek Yoon, Yun Sang Cho
Summary: This study demonstrates that migratory birds can disperse ticks and associated pathogens along their migratory routes. The presence of Toxoplasma gondii and five rickettsial species in ticks collected from migratory birds in Korea raises awareness of potential transmission of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Bruno S. J. Phiri, Simone Kattner, Lidia Chitimia-Dobler, Silke Woelfel, Celina Albanus, Gerhard Dobler, Thomas Kuepper
Summary: Evidence of the presence of different species of Rickettsia in ticks in South Luangwa Valley, Eastern Province, Zambia was obtained for the first time. The study also identified the presence of Rickettsia africae, a potential human infection risk, in Amblyomma variegatum ticks.
Article
Parasitology
Marie Edvinsson, Camilla Norlander, Kenneth Nilsson, Andreas Martensson, Elisabet Skoog, Bjorn Olsen
Summary: Antibodies to Bartonella were more common in Swedish patients than in healthy Swedish blood donors, but lower than in blood donors from southern Europe. Positive Bartonella serology was not linked to any specific symptom, nor to suspected tick-bite exposure.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sibonginhlanhla I. C. Mahlobo-Shwabede, Oliver T. Zishiri, Oriel M. M. Thekisoe, Mabusetsa J. R. Makalo
Summary: This study identified zoonotic tick-borne pathogens of economic importance in domestic animals in Lesotho using molecular techniques. Anaplasma spp. had a prevalence rate of 35%, with Rhipicephalus microplus being the most infected species.
Article
Microbiology
Clara-Lee van Wyk, Khethiwe Mtshali, Moeti O. Taioe, Stallone Terera, Deon Bakkes, Tsepo Ramatla, Xuenan Xuan, Oriel Thekisoe
Summary: Ticks infesting urban stray dogs in Potchefstroom, South Africa, were identified as Haemaphysalis elliptica and Rhipicephalus sanguineus, carrying various pathogenic organisms known to cause tick-borne diseases.
Article
Microbiology
Jun Jiao, Jianing Zhang, Peisheng He, Xuan OuYang, Yonghui Yu, Bohai Wen, Yi Sun, Qinghong Yuan, Xiaolu Xiong
Summary: This study detected various tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in Rh. microplus in Yunnan, China, including Ca. Rickettsia jingxinensis, Anaplasma marginale, Coxiella burnetii, and Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE). It also reported for the first time that C. burnetii had been found in Rh. microplus in China. MLVA analysis distinguished the C. burnetii detected in Yunnan into MLVA genotype 1, indicating a potential public health threat posed by C. burnetii in Rh. microplus in Yunnan.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Miao Lu, Junhua Tian, Hongqing Zhao, Hai Jiang, Xincheng Qin, Wen Wang, Kun Li
Summary: This study collected insect and animal samples in Southwest China and investigated the bacterial pathogens present. The results identified novel strains and species of pathogens and revealed the diversity of vector-borne pathogens in the area. Further research is needed to understand their pathogenicity to humans and domestic animals.
Article
Microbiology
Dennis Getange, Joel L. Bargul, Esther Kanduma, Marisol Collins, Boku Bodha, Diba Denge, Tatenda Chiuya, Naftaly Githaka, Mario Younan, Eric M. Fevre, Lesley Bell-Sakyi, Jandouwe Villinger
Summary: The study revealed a high diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens associated with camels and co-grazing sheep in northern Kenya. In addition, the findings suggest that camels and/or the ticks infesting them serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, posing a public health threat to pastoralist communities.
Article
Parasitology
Angela Stufano, Roberta Iatta, Giovanni Sgroi, Hamid Reza Jahantigh, Francesco Cagnazzo, Agnes Floel, Guglielmo Lucchese, Daniela Loconsole, Francesca Centrone, Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan, Maria Chironna, Domenico Otranto, Piero Lovreglio
Summary: This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of selected vector-borne pathogens in different groups of outdoor workers and investigate the occupational risk factors for exposure to arthropod bites. The results showed a high seroprevalence for Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia conorii, mainly in farmers and forestry workers, while a low prevalence was observed for Bartonella henselae and Borrelia spp. The findings emphasize the need for specific preventive measures to minimize the risk of arthropod vector exposure in high-risk job categories.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Miao Lu, Junhua Tian, Wen Wang, Hongqing Zhao, Hai Jiang, Jizhou Han, Wenping Guo, Kun Li
Summary: Multiple species of Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia were discovered in ticks from Yunnan Province, Southwest China, with some having potential pathogenicity to humans. The high infection rate of certain human pathogenic bacteria in ticks suggests potential infection risk in humans and underscores the importance of surveillance in local populations.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kosta Y. Mumcuoglu, Gonul Arslan-Akveran, Sabiha Aydogdu, Djursun Karasartova, Ali Kosar, Unsal Savci, Adem Keskin, Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan
Summary: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus turanicus are prevalent in Israel and known to transmit various pathogens. This study identified multiple bacterial and protozoal pathogens carried by these ticks, some of which were reported for the first time in Israel.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sonia Santibanez, Antonio Caruz, Julia Marquez-Constan, Aranzazu Portillo, Jose Antonio Oteo, Francisco J. Marquez
Summary: The prevalence of IgG antibodies against Bartonella species in patients from the North Sanitary District of Jaen was studied. The results showed relatively high seropositivity for B. henselae and B. quintana, with no significant difference observed among age and sex groups.
ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Ricardo Garcia-Munoz, Jesus Feliu, Judit Anton-Remirez, Luis Metola, Enrique Sosa-Campos, Maria-Pilar Sanz, Giovanna Farfan, Eztizen Labrador-Sanchez, Valvanera Ibarra, Jose-Luis Pena, Ana Pascual, Maria-Jesus Hermosa, Miriam Blasco, Lorena Llerena-Garcia, Maria-Jose Najera, Jose Antonio Oteo
IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Paula Santibanez, Concepcion Garcia-Garcia, Aranzazu Portillo, Sonia Santibanez, Lara Garcia-Alvarez, Maria de Toro, Jose A. Oteo
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore the potential utility of metataxonomics for improving microbiological diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene was performed in heart valve tissues from 27 patients diagnosed with IE. Metataxonomics matched with conventional diagnostic techniques in the majority of cases and was able to detect more pathogens compared to traditional techniques.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jose A. Oteo, Hector Corominas, Raquel Escudero, Fernando Farinas-Guerrero, Juan Carlos Garcia-Monco, Miguel A. Goenaga, Sara Guillen, Jose M. Mascaro, Aranzazu Portillo
Summary: The diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis (LB) relies on the patient's epidemiological history, clinical symptoms, and microbiological findings. The introduction of microbiological diagnostic techniques has not improved the diagnosis and management of LB patients, but instead has led to confusion. Experts and representatives from Spanish Scientific Societies have provided recommendations for the microbiological diagnosis, therapeutic management, and prophylaxis of LB, after reviewing the epidemiology, clinical spectrum, and available diagnostic techniques.
ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Ana M. Palomar, Israel Molina, Cristina Bocanegra, Aranzazu Portillo, Fernando Salvador, Milagros Moreno, Jose A. Oteo
Summary: This study conducted molecular screening of ticks collected from cattle in Angola, and identified various tick-related microorganisms associated with zoonotic infectious diseases, including Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Ehrlichia spp., Coxiella spp., Francisella sp., Spiroplasma sp., and Babesia spp.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lesley Bell-Sakyi, Catherine S. Hartley, Jing Jing Khoo, Jan Hendrik Forth, Ana M. Palomar, Benjamin L. Makepeace
Summary: Tick cell lines play a crucial role in studying ticks and the pathogens they transmit. In this study, ten new cell lines were established from ticks collected in Germany and Spain. The method for generating the primary culture, morphological characteristics of the cells, and species confirmation were provided for each cell line. Furthermore, genetic variation was observed among cell lines derived from ticks collected in the same or nearby locations.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Daniel Camprubi-Ferrer, Jose Antonio Oteo, Emmanuel Bottieau, Blaise Genton, Leire Balerdi-Sarasola, Aranzazu Portillo, Ludovico Cobuccio, Steven Van den Broucke, Sonia Santibanez, Daniel Cadar, Natalia Rodriguez-Valero, Alex Almuedo-Riera, Carme Subira, Valerie d'Acremont, Miguel J. Martinez, Montserrat Roldan, Jessica Navero-Castillejos, Marjan Van Esbroeck, Jose Munoz
Summary: Diagnosis and treatment of undifferentiated non-malaria fevers (NMF) in returning travellers is a challenging task. This study aims to explore the prevalence and predictive factors of NMF in returning travellers and to investigate the effectiveness of doxycycline as an empirical treatment option.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Antonio Beltran, Ana M. Palomar, Maria Ercibengoa, Pilar Goni, Rafael Benito, Beatriz Lopez, Jose Antonio Oteo
Summary: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number and spectrum of tick-borne diseases in Spain. However, tick identification at the species level can be challenging outside research centers. This study aimed to develop a protein-extraction protocol and create a tick-legs reference spectra for accurate identification using mass spectrometry. The results showed that mass-spectrometry can be confidently used in a hospital setting for the rapid identification of tick vectors.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Daniele De Meneghi, Hein Sprong, Aranzazu Portillo, Jose A. Oteo, Laura Tomassone
Summary: We analyzed the surveillance systems in the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy to identify the ideal elements for monitoring and preventing tick-borne diseases (TBD). The Dutch initiative showed a high level of transdisciplinary collaboration, while Italy and Spain's surveillance systems were based on compulsory notification. The Dutch initiative yielded measurable outcomes, such as a reduction in tick bites and the discovery of new pathogens. However, the initiatives characterized by transdisciplinary collaboration may be more effective in surveillance and prevention of TBD.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Mikel Alexander Gonzalez, Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo, Maria Altagracia Rodriguez-Sosa, Juan Rueda, Jose Antonio Oteo, Pedro Maria Alarcon-Elbal
Summary: This study investigated the species composition, relative abundance, breeding sites, phylogenetic relationships, and biting habits of black flies in an ecotourism spot in La Vega Province, Dominican Republic. Different black fly species were found to have varying abundance in different types of water courses, with most of the flowing waters being abundant in black flies. Phylogenetic analysis revealed different clades within the black fly populations, and the black flies from the Dominican Republic were found to be closely related to those from other South American countries. Simulium quadrivittatum was identified as the predominant anthropophilic species, preferring to bite the lower parts of the human body.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TROPICAL INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Annette M. Amakali, Ali Halajian, Margit R. Wilhelm, Martin Tjipute, Richard Heckmann, Wilmien Luus-Powell
Summary: This study reports five metazoan parasites found in silver kob, marking the first time some of these species have been discovered in silver kob from the Atlantic Ocean. The findings highlight the potential of silver kob as a mariculture species and provide valuable information for future mariculture practices, particularly in terms of understanding and preventing parasite infestation. Additionally, the results from this study can be used as a baseline for assessing stock structure using parasite data.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(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)
