Article
Microbiology
Monica L. Mazuz, Jacob M. Laughery, Benjamin Lebovitz, Daniel Yasur-Landau, Assael Rot, Reginaldo G. Bastos, Nir Edery, Ludmila Fleiderovitz, Maayan Margalit Levi, Carlos E. Suarez
Summary: The study successfully generated a stable transfected strain of B. bovis expressing eGFP in the parasite cytoplasm and displaying Bm86 on the merozoite surface, demonstrating controlled attenuation and immunogenicity of the vaccine strain, as well as potential clinical effects in calves experimentally infected. This novel strategy provides valuable insights for simultaneous control of bovine babesiosis and tick infestation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qi Liu, Ke Yang, Bo Xie, Yang Gao, Shuhua Xu, Yan Lu
Summary: Ticks, as the second most common vector after mosquitoes, pose an increasing threat to public health and cause economic losses. This study conducted the first whole-genome sequencing-based analysis of structural variation (SV) in ticks, identifying numerous SVs in two tick species. The study also revealed distinct geographic populations in one tick species and identified genetic variations associated with vector-pathogen adaptation. This research provides valuable insights into the biology and evolution of ticks and may contribute to the prevention and control of tick-related diseases.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Santiago Nava, Ignacio J. Gamietea, Nicolas Morel, Alberto A. Guglielmone, Agustin Estrada-Pena
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the ability of temperate areas to support permanent populations of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. The results showed that the southern limit for the establishment of permanent populations is approximately 31 degrees S. The introduction of infested cattle in temperate areas could lead to the establishment of permanent populations. The temperature-based habitat models overestimated the potential dispersal of the cattle tick.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Elianne Piloto-Sardinas, Angelique Foucault-Simonin, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Roxana Marrero-Perera, Lianet Abuin-Denis, Lisset Roblejo-Arias, Cristian Diaz-Corona, Zbigniew Zajac, Joanna Kulisz, Aneta Wozniak, Sara Moutailler, Belkis Corona-Gonzalez, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: This study investigated tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in cattle and ticks using real-time microfluidic PCR. Results showed that Rhipicephalus microplus ticks were found infesting all animals. Among the detected TBPs in cattle, Anaplasma marginale was the most frequently identified, often as a single infection. Mixed infections involving Rickettsia felis, uncharacterized Rickettsia sp., and Anaplasma sp. were also observed. In ticks, A. marginale was the predominant pathogen, along with R. felis, Rickettsia sp., and Ehrlichia sp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of A. marginale and Anaplasma platys strains in bovines. These findings highlight the importance of understanding TBP dynamics and phylogenetics for effective control strategies in livestock.
Article
Parasitology
Joao Eduardo Nicaretta, Dina Maria Beltran Zapa, Luiz Fellipe Monteiro Couto, Luciana Maffini Heller, Alliny Souza de Assis Cavalcante, Leonardo Bueno Cruvinel, Rubens Dias de Melo Junior, Lorena Lopes Ferreira, Rafael Moreira do Nascimento, Vando Edesio Soares, Ligia Miranda Ferreira Borges, Caio Marcio de Oliveira Monteiro, Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
Summary: This study conducted a two-year evaluation of the seasonal dynamics of Rhipicephalus microplus in a Cerrado biome in midwestern Brazil, correlating current climatic conditions with those of 30 years ago. The results suggest that climate change, particularly increasing environmental temperatures due to global warming, may be a determining factor in the increase of tick population density and number of annual peaks of R. microplus.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Hala E. E. Hussein, Wendell C. C. Johnson, Massaro W. W. Ueti
Summary: This study found that the efficacy of the Babesia bovis vaccine depends on the antigens displayed on the parasite's surface during its development within tick vectors. The researchers focused on two protein family members, BboGDP1 and BboGDP3, and found that they are expressed on the surface of the parasite during sexual stages. Therefore, these proteins may be potential candidates for the development of a B. bovis transmission blocking vaccine.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Florencia Ortega, Guillermo Giovambattista, Christian Cutulle, Daniel Dos Santos, Santiago Nava, Martin Bonamy, Fernando Holgado
Summary: The objective of this study was to assess the infestation levels of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Argentine Creole cattle breed. Through artificial infestations over a period of four years, 663 observations were made on 179 heifers. The breed was classified as highly resistant to tick infestation (99.3%), making it a desirable genetic alternative for cattle breeding in endemic regions.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Kaue Rodriguez Martins, Marcos Valerio Garcia, Paulino Bonatte-Junior, Pamella Oliveira Duarte, Barbara Guimaraes Csordas, Leandro de Oliveira Souza Higa, Namor Pinheiro Zimmermann, Jacqueline Cavalcante Barros, Renato Andreotti
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the number of ticks and the number of Babesia bigemina cytochrome b gene copies in the blood of Brangus and Nellore cattle. The results showed that Nellore cattle had fewer ticks but a higher number of Babesia bigemina cytochrome b gene copies compared to Brangus cattle.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Jorgelina Torrents, Macarena Sarli, Nestor F. Sarmiento, Maria V. Rossner, Nicolas Morel, Alberto A. Guglielmone, Santiago Nava
Summary: This study reports the presence of resistance to fluazuron in an Argentina population of Rhipicephalus microplus. Both field and in vitro trials were conducted to gather evidence. The results showed that the population exhibited a higher level of resistance to fluazuron, indicating the emergence of resistance. This highlights the need for control strategies that minimize the use of this drug to preserve its functionality as an acaricide.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Aline Chaves Reis, Isaac Filipe Moreira Konig, Danubia Aparecida de Carvalho Selvati Rezende, Raquel Romano Palmeira Goncalves, Allan da Silva Lunguinho, Jenifer Caroline Silva Ribeiro, Maria das Gracas Cardoso, Rafael Neodini Remedio
Summary: The essential oil of Satureja montana L. was found to affect the ovary morphology of cattle ticks by causing cytoplasmic vacuolation, irregular and thicker chorion, and irregular oocyte shape, which may impair the development of eggs.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2021)
Article
Entomology
M. B. Perez-Martinez, D. A. Moo-Llanes, C. N. Ibarra-Cerdena, D. Romero-Salas, A. Cruz-Romero, K. M. Lopez-Hernandez, M. Aguilar-Dominguez
Summary: In this study, a global ecological niche model of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus was built using different scenarios and datasets, to determine its potential distribution and impact on the transmission of hemotropic diseases. America, Africa, and Oceania showed a higher probability for the presence of R. microplus, while some countries in Europe and Asia had lower probability in the current ecological niche. However, with climate change, there was an increase in the geographic range preserved between different scenarios, with the greatest gain in the RCP4.5-SSP245 interaction. The results provide insight into future changes in cattle tick distribution and the possibility of designing integral maps between the tick vector and specific diseases.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Ananda Segabinazzi Ries, Isac J. Roman, Patricia Braunig, Glaucia D. Kommers, Luis Antonio Sangioni, Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti, Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel
Summary: The study found that organo-modified siloxane alone had a 93.88% acaricidal efficacy at a 2% concentration, and when combined with 5% BPO, it reached 100% efficacy at all tested concentrations. Combining siloxane with commercial products enhanced their effectiveness. Histopathological analysis showed that siloxane caused cell changes and total cell disintegration after a certain period of time.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Amanda Figueiredo, Luis Adriano Anholeto, Diego Faria Cola, Rafaela Regina Fantatto, Yousmel Aleman Gainza, Isabella Barbosa dos Santos, Gabriel Pedroso Vicozzi, Daiana Silva Avila, Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto, Ana Carolina de Souza Chagas
Summary: Nanoformulations containing zein nanoparticles (ZN) were developed to enhance the stability and protection of acaricidal molecules. The nanoformulations, composed of ZN and a combination of cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and a plant compound, showed high efficacy against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and low toxicity to nontarget nematodes. ZN was able to protect the active compounds and provide a longer residual activity period. This study suggests that ZN can be a promising alternative for the development of new acaricidal formulations.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alejandro Gonzalez-Mora, Kenny Misael Calvillo-Rodriguez, Jesus Hernandez-Perez, Marco Rito-Palomares, Ana Carolina Martinez-Torres, Jorge Benavides
Summary: The study developed a candidate phage-based vaccine displaying a cattle tick antigen, which induced both humoral and cellular immune-specific responses in bovine and murine models. This represents a promising alternative for controlling cattle tick infestations, though further evaluation in a bovine model is necessary.
Article
Parasitology
Brian T. Rich, Donald B. Thomas, Michael T. Longnecker, Douglas R. Tolleson, Jay Angerer, Adalberto A. Perez de Leon, Pete D. Teel
Summary: Surveillance for cattle fever ticks is crucial in preventing the reestablishment of tick vectors causing bovine babesiosis in the U.S. This study aimed to determine if infestation of Rhipicephalus microplus larvae induced detectable changes in fecal chemistry. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy was used to analyze fecal samples from infested and non-infested cattle, revealing significant differences in fecal spectra associated with different stages of tick infestation.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ingrid Pelgrims, Brecht Devleesschauwer, Hans Keune, Tim S. Nawrot, Roy Remmen, Nelly D. Saenen, Isabelle Thomas, Vanessa Gorasso, Johan van der Heyden, Eva Clercq
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of using information collected from health interview surveys, along with GIS-modeled air pollution exposure, to build prediction models for assessing individual long-term exposure to air pollution. The results suggest that self-reported air pollution annoyance is not a reliable proxy for air pollution exposure, but variables related to socio-economic status, region, urbanization level, and environmental annoyance can predict individual air pollution exposure to a certain extent.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Olivier M. Zannou, Daniele Da Re, Achille S. Ouedraogo, Abel S. Biguezoton, Emmanuel Abatih, Kouassi Patrick Yao, Souaibou Farougou, Laetitia Lempereur, Sophie O. Vanwambeke, Claude Saegerman
Summary: Ticks are important due to their ability to transmit diseases to humans and animals. Tick-borne diseases are particularly significant in tropical and sub-tropical countries. This study developed models to predict suitable habitat for Rhipicephalus microplus distribution in West Africa. The models performed well, with temperature and vegetation index identified as key factors. Coastal countries were found to be the most suitable, but some Sahelian areas were also favorable. Vector surveillance and control are crucial in countries with predicted suitable habitat.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pauline Hautekiet, Nelly D. Saenen, Stefaan Demarest, Hans Keune, Ingrid Pelgrims, Johan Van der Heyden, Eva M. De Clercq, Tim S. Nawrot
Summary: This study evaluated the association between air pollution and mental and self-rated health and found that long-term exposure to PM2.5, BC, or NO2 was adversely associated with multiple mental health dimensions and self-rated health. Part of the association might be mediated by physical activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Isabelle Lebert, Severine Bord, Christine Saint-Andrieux, Eva Cassar, Patrick Gasqui, Frederic Beugnet, Karine Chalvet-Monfray, Sophie O. Vanwambeke, Gwenael Vourc'h, Magalie Rene-Martellet
Summary: Using a knowledge-based method, this study mapped the habitat suitability for I. ricinus ticks in France and Corsica, taking into account climate, land cover, altitude, and density of wild ungulates. The results showed that most areas of France and Corsica are suitable for I. ricinus, with particularly suitable habitats in central, north-eastern and south-western France. The study also demonstrated the value of multi-criteria decision analysis in estimating tick abundance and highlighting priority areas for preventive measures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claire Demoury, Raf Aerts, Bram Vandeninden, Bert Van Schaeybroeck, Eva M. De Clercq
Summary: Temperature has a significant impact on health, with both low and high temperatures associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. The sensitivity to temperature varies among different age groups and genders, and individuals living in developed areas are more vulnerable to high temperatures. There is no confounding effect of air pollutants on the results.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Valeria Paucar, Ximena Perez-Otanez, Richar Rodriguez-Hidalgo, Cecilia Perez, Dario Cepeda-Bastidas, Jorge Grijalva, Sandra Enriquez, Susana Arciniegas-Ortega, Sophie O. Vanwambeke, Lenin Ron-Garrido, Claude Saegerman
Summary: Decision-making on tick control practices is influenced by the level of knowledge and social context in livestock farming. Various factors, such as cattle husbandry practices, use of external paddocks, and the absence of mechanization on farms, are associated with high tick infestations. Owner involvement in acaricide preparation is a protective factor against high tick infestations. Factors such as age, body condition, and breed of cattle also impact tick infestations. A model at the farm level predicts a high level of infestation with 72.00% accuracy and high sensitivity. Crossbreeding with indicus cattle and breeding selection for host resistance can help reduce tick infestations.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pauline Hautekiet, Nelly D. Saenen, Dries S. Martens, Margot Debay, Johan Van der Heyden, Tim S. Nawrot, Eva M. De Clercq
Summary: This study examined the impact of a healthy lifestyle on mental health, biological aging, and well-being. The results showed that a higher lifestyle score was associated with better mental health outcomes, longer telomere length, and higher mtDNA content, indicating the positive correlation between a healthy lifestyle and overall health.
Article
Entomology
Safiou Bienvenu Adehan, Maurice Landry Kounonzo, Kadidjatoulai Opeyemi Badarou, Wakili Adebo Alain Adehan, Souleymane Kande, Traore Mama Yacoubou, Yao Akpo, K. Cyrille Boko, Gerard Septime Olivier Dossou-Gbete, Maxime Madder, Souaibou Farougou
Summary: A study collected 5329 ticks from 85 dogs in three municipalities in Benin. Among the collected Rhipicephalus sanguineus species, a specimen with double monstrosities was found, featuring a double-lobed body, four pairs of legs, and four spiracular plates. This specimen adds to the database of teratological ticks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Martina Otavova, Christel Faes, Catherine Bouland, Eva De Clercq, Bram Vandeninden, Thierry Eggerickx, Jean-Paul Sanderson, Brecht Devleesschauwer, Bruno Masquelier
Summary: Poor housing conditions are associated with increased mortality. The study investigates the relationship between housing inequality and increased mortality in Belgium, and estimates the number of deaths that could be prevented if the entire population faced the mortality rates of the least deprived areas. Tailored public actions are necessary to address housing inequalities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claire Demoury, Katrien De Troeyer, Finaba Berete, Raf Aerts, Bert Van Schaeybroeck, Johan Van der Heyden, Eva M. De Clercq
Summary: This study found a significant association between extreme temperatures and overall natural and respiratory mortality. Certain individual characteristics and residential factors modulated this association, and air pollutants also had an impact on the effects.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ingrid Pelgrims, Brecht Devleesschauwer, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Eva M. De Clercq, Stijn Vansteelandt, Vanessa Gorasso, Johan van der Heyden
Summary: This study aimed to assess the agreement between self-reported and measured height, weight, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and to identify an adequate approach for valid measurement error correction. The study confirmed the underestimation of risk factor prevalence based on self-reported data and found that random-forest multiple imputation is the method of choice for correcting this bias.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Martina Otavova, Bruno Masquelier, Christel Faes, Laura Van den Borre, Catherine Bouland, Eva De Clercq, Bram Vandeninden, Andreas De Bleser, Brecht Devleesschauwer
Summary: This study describes the development of the first Belgian Indices of Multiple Deprivation (BIMDs) and presents the distribution of deprivation in Belgium for the years 2001 and 2011. The results show geographical variations in deprivation, with the most deprived areas predominantly located in Wallonia and the least deprived areas in Flanders. The BIMDs provide a new tool for researchers and policy makers to analyze patterns of deprivation and identify areas in need of special initiatives and programs.
SPATIAL AND SPATIO-TEMPORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Daniele Da Re, Enrico Tordoni, Jonathan Lenoir, Jonas J. Lembrechts, Sophie O. Vanwambeke, Duccio Rocchini, Manuele Bazzichetto
Summary: Habitat suitability models use occurrence data and environmental variables to infer the geographical distribution of species. Generating pseudo-absences in silico is a common approach due to difficulties in confirming real absences in the field. However, random sampling of pseudo-absences introduces location bias and class overlap. To address this issue, the uniform approach systematically samples pseudo-absences within a portion of the environmental space and effectively reduces sample location bias and class overlap.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Matteo Marcantonio, Raluca Voda, Daniele Da Re, Quentin Igot, Roger L. H. Dennis, Aurelien Vielfaure, Sophie O. Vanwambeke, Caroline M. Nieberding
Summary: Habitat loss has a significant impact on animal behavior. This study reveals a connection between the flight capabilities of Limenitis camilla butterflies and the spatial-temporal connectivity of their main habitat broadleaved forests. Butterflies from fragmented forests spend more time on movement-related behaviors, potentially due to evolutionary adaptation in response to habitat loss.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Suzannah D'Hooghe, Yasemin Inac, Eva De Clercq, Benedicte Deforche, Sarah Dury, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Nico Van de Weghe, Delfien Van Dyck, Karin De Ridder
Summary: The CIVISANO project aims to investigate the impact of environmental factors on physical activity and healthy eating behavior among different socioeconomic groups in two peri-urban municipalities in Belgium. It will use community-based participatory tools and a mixed-methods approach to collect data and evaluate the participatory process. The project seeks to explore the role of community engagement in reducing health inequities.
ARCHIVES OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)