Article
Parasitology
Dieter J. A. Heylen, Bersissa Kumsa, Elikira Kimbita, Mwiine Nobert Frank, Dennis Muhanguzi, Frans Jongejan, Safiou Bienvenu Adehan, Alassane Toure, Fred Aboagye-Antwi, Ndudim Isaac Ogo, Nick Juleff, Dionne Crafford, Josephus Fourie, Michel Labuchange, Maxime Madder
Summary: This study conducted a surveillance of tick-borne pathogens in cattle in rural areas of several African countries. The prevalence of different pathogens varied among countries and was associated with the distribution of specific vector ticks. Factors such as age, gender, weight, and tick exposure were also found to be related to infections. The findings of this study can provide important insights for monitoring and prevention of tick-borne pathogens in cattle.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Valeria Gargano, Valeria Blanda, Delia Gambino, Francesco La Russa, Sophia Di Cataldo, Antonino Gentile, Giorgia Schiro, Alessandra Torina, Javier Millan, Domenico Vicari
Summary: Tropical theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites with significant veterinary and economic impact globally. A study in Sicily analyzed the molecular epidemiology of Theileria annulata in cows, revealing limited geographical and temporal genetic variability of the parasite. This information will be valuable for improving control and prevention strategies for theileriosis.
Article
Parasitology
Stacy Q. Y. Chong, Darren Yeo, Nur Insyirah Aidil, Jasmine L. Y. Ong, Amy H. J. Chan, Charlene Judith Fernandez, Bryan T. M. Lim, Max D. Y. Khoo, Anna M. S. Wong, Siow Foong Chang, Him Hoo Yap
Summary: This study reports the detection of a novel Babesia species in Amblyomma javanense ticks, the main ectoparasite of Sunda pangolins. The results showed a high prevalence of Babesia DNA in both ticks and pangolins across Singapore. Further studies are needed to confirm vector competency and explore other transmission pathways. There is a potential risk for this novel Babesia species to cause disease in other animals or humans.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Felipe da Silva Krawczak, Ana Claudia Calchi, Lucianne Cardoso Neves, Sarah Alves Dias, Bianca Barbara Fonseca da Silva, Warley Vieira de Freitas Paula, Luiza Gabriella Ferreira de Paula, Mariana Avelar Tavares, Gracielle Teles Padua, Nicolas Jalowitzki de Lima, Ennya Rafaella Neves Cardoso, Daniel Graziani, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Marcos Rogerio Andre
Summary: Novel Piroplasmida clades and species were found in wild animals from Brazil. A putative new Babesia species was detected in capybaras and associated ticks through phylogenetic assessments based on distinct molecular markers. The phylogenetic analysis showed that this new species belonged to a new clade sister to the Babesia sensu stricto clade and the Theileria sensu stricto clade.
Review
Microbiology
Imran Farooq, Tara J. Moriarty
Summary: Tick-borne infectious diseases can affect various tissues and organs, including bone, which is one of the most multifunctional structures in the human body. Research on the impact of tick-borne pathogens on bones is scarce, with evidence of eight different tick-borne diseases affecting bone. Pathological bone effects commonly associated with tick-borne infections include disruption of bone marrow function and bone loss. Further investigation into this topic is warranted given the preliminary nature of existing research.
Article
Microbiology
Latifa Elhachimi, Carolien Rogiers, Stijn Casaert, Siham Fellahi, Thomas Van Leeuwen, Wannes Dermauw, Felix Valcarcel, Angeles Sonia Olmeda, Sylvie Daminet, Sarah El Hamiani Khatat, Hamid Sahibi, Luc Duchateau
Summary: Tick-borne pathogens were investigated in cattle in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco, revealing a high prevalence and diversity of tick species, with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. having the highest infection rate. Risk factors for pathogen abundance included crossbreeds, females, older age, and high tick infestation. Locations with the highest prevalence of tick-borne pathogens were Jorf El Melha, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Ait Ichou, and Arbaoua.
Review
Microbiology
Anna Bajer, Ana Beck, Relja Beck, Jerzy M. Behnke, Dorota Dwuznik-Szarek, Ramon M. Eichenberger, Robert Farkas, Hans-Peter Fuehrer, Mike Heddergott, Pikka Jokelainen, Michael Leschnik, Valentina Oborina, Algimantas Paulauskas, Jana Radzijevskaja, Renate Ranka, Manuela Schnyder, Andrea Springer, Christina Strube, Katarzyna Tolkacz, Julia Walochnik
Summary: There is growing evidence of an emerging infectious disease in Europe called babesiosis, which is spreading due to the increasing range of tick vectors. The incidence of babesiosis is increasing in both humans and animals, and the situation requires extensive monitoring and a One Health approach.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jin-woo Seo, So-young Han, Sun-hye Sung, Eun-young Jung, Jong-ho Kim, Seok-ju Lee, Sang-sik Yoo
Summary: Ticks as principal vectors of zoonotic diseases pose a major public health threat, with this study in South Korea identifying the distribution profile of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, detecting SFTSV, Borrelia spp., and Babesia microti. These findings contribute to the prevention and management of tick-borne zoonoses.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(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
Microbiology
Marcos Rogerio Andre, Ana Claudia Calchi, Maria Eduarda Chiaradia Furquim, Isabela de Andrade, Paulo Vitor Cadina Arantes, Lara Cristina de Melo Lopes, Iuri Kauan Lins do Nascimento Demarchi, Mayra Araguaia Pereira Figueiredo, Cirilo Antonio de Paula Lima, Rosangela Zacarias Machado
Summary: Despite extensive research on tick-borne agents (TBA) in dogs, little is known about the occurrence, vectors, and molecular identity of these agents in cats. This study aimed to investigate the presence and molecular identity of TBA in cats from different regions in Brazil. The results showed the presence of various TBA in cats, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proper diagnosis among veterinary practitioners when dealing with cats infected with multiple TBA.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Stephen M. Rich, Eric L. Siegel, Guang Xu
Summary: With increasing concerns about ticks, there is a general lack of certainty in the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical judgment and laboratory testing, which may vary depending on the specific pathogens. Treatment approaches may differ for each disease, and co-infections can complicate the clinical picture. Measuring exposure indices in ticks has become popular, but there are concerns about the interpretation and rigor of testing. This study clarifies the role of pathogen testing in ticks and highlights the need for future research and interdisciplinary conversation to address these issues. Improving quality control oversight for tick testing labs and studying the integration of tick testing with human cases are also important.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Allison A. A. Snow, Patrick Pearson, Guang Xu, David N. N. Allen, Roberto Santamaria, Stephen M. M. Rich
Summary: In the town of Nantucket, Massachusetts, we conducted drag sampling at 12 study sites and found that blacklegged ticks were common in moist deciduous woodlands and rare in open grasslands. Pathogen testing revealed that around 10-20% of blacklegged nymphs were infected with the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Lone star ticks were common on Tuckernuck Island and rare on Nantucket Island. Tick-borne diseases and tick-induced red meat allergy pose significant threats to public health.
Article
Microbiology
Pavla Snebergerova, Pavla Bartosova-Sojkova, Marie Jalovecka, Daniel Sojka
Summary: Apicomplexan genomes encode multiple pepsin-family aspartyl proteases that have diversified to adapt to different strategies of host infection and transmission. Expressional profiling of Babesia microti APs and phylogenetic analysis of APs from selected Babesia and Theileria species indicate their potential roles and druggable enzymatic targets for specific therapy for babesiosis.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alessandra Cafiso, Chiara Bazzocchi, Martina Cavagna, Elena Di Lorenzo, Valentina Serra, Riccardo Rossi, Stefano Comazzi
Summary: This study investigated the presence of tick-transmitted pathogens in roe deer recovered by a wildlife rescue center in Italy, with high positive rates found. These results emphasize the usefulness of wild rescued animals as a convenient source of biological samples for tick-borne pathogens investigation and highlight the role of roe deer in the endemic cycle of Babesia species and Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Manuel Calvopina, Maria Montesdeoca-Andrade, Carlos Bastidas-Caldes, Sandra Enriquez, Richar Rodriguez-Hidalgo, Dayana Aguilar-Rodriguez, Philip Cooper
Summary: Babesiosis is a protozoan disease transmitted by ticks. Most cases occur in animals, but it can also infect humans. The symptoms vary and can be severe in individuals with weakened immune systems. A 13-year-old boy from the Amazon region was diagnosed with Babesia bigemina infection, which is rarely found in humans. Treatment with quinine and clindamycin was successful, and there was no relapse during the follow-up period. This case highlights the need for public health measures to reduce tick exposure and research on emerging zoonotic diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ellen Haynes, Kayla B. Garrett, Erin K. Box, Hubert Zirimwabagabo, Philip Tchindebet Oaukou, Kyler Abernathy, Michael J. Yabsley, Christopher A. Cleveland
Summary: Infections of Guinea worm in dogs and cats have been increasing in Chad, Africa. Study using animal-borne video cameras revealed that cats engage in risky behaviors such as scavenging, stalking prey, and consuming infected items at a high frequency, suggesting they may contribute to the transmission of the parasite. Cats could potentially serve as a new source for Guinea worm transmission.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Michael J. Yabsley, Alec T. Thompson
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kevin D. Niedringhaus, Marissa Gordon, Michael J. Yabsley, Jackie Gai, Francisco A. Uzal, Kevin D. Woolard
Summary: Free-living amoebae can cause rare diseases and death in humans and animals worldwide. Identifying the species of amoeba involved is important due to variations in exposure routes and clinical progression. This study reports a fatal infection by the free-living amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris in a Siberian tiger, confirmed through PCR assay and sequencing. Different modalities, including PCR, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry, are often used to confirm the pathogen in these cases.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Deborah L. A. Chong, Brittany McHale, Kayla B. Garrett, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: A wild adult Greater Sage-grouse from Oregon, US, was found dead, with multiorgan necrosis and inflammation caused by protozoal schizonts and phanerozoites. Molecular characterization identified these protozoa as Plasmodium homopolare H2 and a novel Leucocytozoon sp. lineage. This is the first report of fatal systemic haemosporidiosis in Greater Sage-grouse.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ellen Haynes, Sarah Coker, Michael J. Yabsley, Kevin D. Niedrighaus, Andrew M. Ramey, Guilherme G. Verocai, Grant V. Hilderbrand, Kyle Joly, David D. Gustine, Buck Mangipane, William B. Leacock, Anthony P. Crupi, Christopher A. Cleveland
Summary: To assess infection with or exposure to parasites, blood and fecal samples were collected from Alaska brown bears at five locations. Gastrointestinal parasites were screened using fecal centrifugal flotation, blood was tested for Bartonella and Babesia spp., and an ELISA was used to detect antibodies to Sarcoptes scabiei. The results showed low levels of parasite detection, which is expected for brown bear populations in undisturbed habitats near the northern edge of their range. These findings provide important baseline data for monitoring changes in parasite presence over time and in response to ecological alterations.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kayla Garrett, Justin Brown, Ryan K. A. Grunert, Jonathan Hunte, Mark G. Ruder, Kyle Van Why, Michael J. Yabsley, Christopher A. Cleveland
Summary: Echinococcus spp. are parasitic tapeworms that affect the health of wildlife, domestic animals, livestock, and humans. Two species of interest in North America are Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus canadensis. The primary hosts for these parasites include red foxes, gray foxes, coyotes, and wolves. Different intermediate hosts are used for each species. Recent reports in the eastern US emphasize the need for surveillance of Echinococcus spp. in this region.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mark W. Cunningham, Daniel P. Wolf, Katherine A. Sayler, Michael Milleson, Brittany Bankovich, Paul Schueller, Betsy S. Haley, Savannah Stura, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: During the study in Florida, we found the presence of Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) in 9 counties, with an overall prevalence of 3.7%. We identified housing density, the presence of the endoparasite Macracanthorhynchus ingens, and urbanicity as important factors in predicting the presence of raccoon roundworm. It is important for public health officials, wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife managers, and others to recognize that all raccoons in Florida may potentially be infected with B. procyonis, especially in areas with high housing density.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kevin D. Niedringhaus, John P. Dumbacher, Freeland Dunker, Shelby Medina, Becki Lawson, Heather M. A. Fenton, J. Mark Higley, Ellen Haynes, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: Barred Owls have expanded their range and their presence is suspected to have contributed to the decline of the Northern Spotted Owl. A study was conducted to understand the health threats to Barred Owls and to determine the prevalence and effects of periorbital nematode infection in these owls. It was found that 49% of the sampled Barred Owls were infected with periorbital nematodes, but the effect on their health is still unclear.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia C. Frederick, Alec T. Thompson, Prisha Sharma, Guha Dharmarajan, Isobel Ronai, Risa Pesapane, Ryan C. Smith, Kellee D. Sundstrom, Jean I. Tsao, Holly C. Tuten, Michael J. Yabsley, Travis C. Glenn
Summary: The blacklegged tick is a vector of Lyme disease and its genetic variation is associated with its vectorial capacity. Through studying genome-wide markers of 353 blacklegged tick samples, differences in genetic variation among different geographic regions were found, especially in populations from the Northeast and Upper Midwest, where Lyme disease is most common. The study also identified 10 variable DNA sites that contribute the most to population differentiation.
Article
Ecology
Meredith Lane, Mitra Kashani, Joel LN. Barratt, Yvonne Qvarnstrom, Michael J. Yabsley, Kayla B. Garrett, Richard S. Bradbury
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of nUPDx in detecting parasitic infections in animals. nUPDx was able to detect parasitic infections in various animal samples, and identified co-infections that were not detected by other methods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sonia M. Hernandez, Shannon E. Curry, Maureen H. Murray, Lisa A. Hoopes, Roger Nilsen, Christopher Gregory, Branson Ritchie, Katelyn Adkins, R. Ethan Cooper, Taylor J. Ellison, Henry C. Adams, Michael J. Yabsley, Elizabeth Howerth, Nicole L. Gottdenker
Summary: The infection of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster was discovered for the first time in American white ibis in Florida, and the infection was found to be potentially associated with clinical disease and mortality. Further studies on this pathogen in free-living birds are needed.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2023)
Correction
Ecology
Alexander T. Strauss, Daniel C. Suh, Kate Galbraith, Sarah M. Coker, Katie Schroeder, Christopher Brandon, Elizabeth M. Warburton, Michael J. Yabsley, Christopher A. Cleveland
Article
Ecology
Michael J. Yabsley, Sarah M. Coker, Catharine N. Welch, Kayla B. Garrett, Maureen Murray, Ryan Grunert, Julia S. Seixas, Whitney M. Kistler, Shannon E. Curry, Henry C. Adams, Charlie S. Nakatsu, Liandrie Swanepoel, Seth T. Wyckoff, Troy M. Koser, Elizabeth Kurimo-Beechuk, Ellen Haynes, Sonia M. Hernandez
Summary: The American white ibis is increasingly urban in Florida and relies on urban and suburban habitats, potentially altering parasite transmission. Parasites, especially haemosporidians, in ibis have been understudied. This study found a high prevalence and genetic diversity of Haemoproteus in white ibis in South Florida, suggesting a significant presence of haemosporidia in this population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Seth T. Wyckoff, Tell Judkins, Nicole M. Nemeth, Mark G. Ruder, James A. Martin, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: This study investigated the health impacts of gastrointestinal and periorbital parasites in bobwhite in western Oklahoma, USA. The results showed a low prevalence and diversity of parasites in bobwhite, but at least one gastrointestinal or ocular parasite species was detected in more than half of the sampled birds. The study also found a negative association between burdens of A. pennula infections and fat stores in bobwhite.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Jenna R. Gettings, Christopher S. Mcmahan, Christopher A. Cleveland, Andrea Varela-Stokes, Kris Hubbard, Sarah A. Hamer, Heather S. Walden, Michael J. Yabsley
Summary: Domestic dogs are susceptible to various vector-borne pathogens that are not only important for their health but also pose a risk to human health. This study found a correlation between the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in shelter-housed and owned dog populations, suggesting that shelter-housed dogs have higher rates of heartworm infection and seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and B. burgdorferi compared to owned dogs. The findings provide valuable data on the risk of vector-borne diseases in dogs and contribute to our understanding of the relationship between shelter-housed and owned dogs in terms of seroprevalence of these pathogens.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)