Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Ticks".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 37944

Special Issue Editors

Mount Allison University
Interests: Ticks, mites, host-pathogens interactions, epigenetics; gene expression; vector biology; zoonotic diseases; wildlife; citizen science; Lyme disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
Interests: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex; persistent infection; atypical forms; genetic diversity; distribution; Lyme disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ticks vector a large variety of pathogens and are an increasing global concern under the influence of climate change, population and land use changes and globalization. The impact of these diseases on health ramifies into a broader social need to address not only the biology of ticks and their pathogens but also the social, economic, and psychological costs of tick-vectored diseases on people who have the disease, their families, their health-care providers, and their communities. For this Special Issue, we invite submissions on the biology of ticks, the biology of the pathogens they transmit and the broader societal consequences of tick-vectored diseases.

Prof. Dr. Vett Lloyd
Dr. Natasha Rudenko
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • ticks
  • pathogens
  • zoonotic diseases
  • host–pathogen interactions
  • Borrelia
  • Healthcare

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1732 KiB  
Article
The Prevalence of Pathogens among Ticks Collected from Livestock in Kazakhstan
by Kulyaisan T. Sultankulova, Gaukhar O. Shynybekova, Aisha U. Issabek, Nazym N. Mukhami, Aibarys M. Melisbek, Olga V. Chervyakova, Nurlan S. Kozhabergenov, Sabyrkhan M. Barmak, Arailym K. Bopi, Zamira D. Omarova, Dana A. Alibekova, Takhmina U. Argimbayeva, Aidar M. Namet, Ivan A. Zuban and Mukhit B. Orynbayev
Pathogens 2022, 11(10), 1206; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11101206 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2099
Abstract
Ticks carry and transmit a wide variety of pathogens (bacteria, viruses and protozoa) that pose a threat to humans and animals worldwide. The purpose of this work was to study ticks collected in different regions of Kazakhstan for the carriage of various pathogens. [...] Read more.
Ticks carry and transmit a wide variety of pathogens (bacteria, viruses and protozoa) that pose a threat to humans and animals worldwide. The purpose of this work was to study ticks collected in different regions of Kazakhstan for the carriage of various pathogens. The collected ticks were examined by PCR for the carriage of various pathogens. A total of 3341 tick samples parasitizing three animal species (cattle, sheep and horses) were collected at eight regions of Kazakhstan. Eight tick species were found infesting animals: Dermacentor marginatus (28.08%), Hyalomma asiaticum (21.28%), Hyalomma anatolicum (17.18%), Dermacentor reticulatus (2.01%), Ixodes ricinus (3.35%), Ixodes persulcatus (0.33%), Hyalomma scupense (12.87%) and Hyalomma marginatum (14.90%). Ticks collected from livestock animals were examined for the pathogen spectrum of transmissible infections to determine the degree of their infection. Four pathogen DNAs (lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), Coxiella burnetti, Teileria annulata, and Babesia caballi) were detected by PCR in Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma scupense, Hyalomma anatolicum. The infection of ticks Dermacentor marginatus and Hyalomma asiaticum collected on cattle in the West Kazakhstan region with LSDV was 14.28% and 5.71%, respectively. Coxiella burnetti was found in the ticks Dermacentor marginatus (31.91%) in the Turkestan region and Hyalomma anatolicum (52.63%) in the Zhambyl region. Theileria annulata was found in ticks Hyalomma scupense (7.32%) and Dermacentor marginatus (6.10%) from cattle in the Turkestan region. Babesia caballi was isolated only from the species Hyalomma scupense (17.14%) in the Turkestan region. There were no PCR-positive tick samples collected from sheep. RNA/DNAs of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), African swine fever virus (ASFV), Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), and chlamydia pathogens were not found in ticks. The new data give a better understanding of the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens and the possibility of the emergence of tick-borne animal diseases in Kazakhstan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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15 pages, 1553 KiB  
Article
Molecular Survey of Bartonella Species in Stray Cats and Dogs, Humans, and Questing Ticks from Portugal
by Estefania Torrejón, Gustavo Seron Sanches, Leonardo Moerbeck, Lenira Santos, Marcos Rogério André, Ana Domingos and Sandra Antunes
Pathogens 2022, 11(7), 749; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11070749 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1746
Abstract
Bartonella spp. comprises emergent and re-emergent fastidious Gram-negative bacteria with worldwide distribution. Cats are the main reservoir hosts for Bartonella henselae and dogs represent opportunistic hosts for the bacteria. Even though ticks may also play a role in transmission, their competence as vectors [...] Read more.
Bartonella spp. comprises emergent and re-emergent fastidious Gram-negative bacteria with worldwide distribution. Cats are the main reservoir hosts for Bartonella henselae and dogs represent opportunistic hosts for the bacteria. Even though ticks may also play a role in transmission, their competence as vectors for Bartonella spp. has not been totally understood. Considering only a few studies had a focus on screening Bartonella in animals, humans and ectoparasites in Portugal, this study aimed to address the molecular occurrence of Bartonella sp. in 123 stray cats, 25 stray dogs, 30 humans from Lisbon and 236 questing ticks within the country. Using a qPCR targeting the nuoG gene, it was possible to detect Bartonella sp. DNA on 20.32% of cat samples (25/123). From these positive samples, 13 sequences were characterized as B. henselae, 11 as B. clarridgeiae and 1 presented co-infection with both species. The absolute quantification of nuoGBartonella DNA in sampled cats ranged from 2.78 × 10 to 1.03 × 105 copies/µL. The sampled dogs, humans and ticks were negative. These results showed that B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae are circulating in stray cats from Lisbon. Additional and more extended studies should be conducted to determine the impact of such infections on humans, particularly those in constant and direct contact with cats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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21 pages, 3245 KiB  
Article
Metabolic Response to Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Infection and Bacterial Co-Infections
by Marta Dobrzyńska, Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska, Iwona Jarocka-Karpowicz, Piotr Czupryna, Monika Groth and Elżbieta Skrzydlewska
Pathogens 2022, 11(4), 384; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11040384 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2174
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of various pathogens, including tick-borne encephalitis virus and bacteria such as B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum, causing infections/co-infections, which are still a diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of TBEV [...] Read more.
Ticks are vectors of various pathogens, including tick-borne encephalitis virus and bacteria such as B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum, causing infections/co-infections, which are still a diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of TBEV infection/bacterial co-infection on metabolic changes in the blood of patients before and after treatment. It was found that those infections promote plasma ROS enhanced generation and antioxidant defence reduction, especially in relation to glutathione and thioredoxin systems, despite the increased effectiveness of Nrf2 transcription factor in granulocytes. Observed oxidative stress promotes the oxidative modifications of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (LA, AA, EPA) with increased lipid peroxidation (estimated as 8-isoPGF2α, 4-HNE). It is accompanied by protein modifications measured as 4-HNE-protein adducts, carbonyl groups, dityrosine increase, and tryptophan level decrease, which promote structural and functional modification of the following transcription factors: Nrf2 and NFkB inhibitors. The lower level of 8-iso-PGF2α in co-infections indicates an impairment of the body’s ability to intensify inflammation and fight co-infections, while an increased level of Trx after therapy may contribute to the intensification of the inflammatory process. The obtained results indicate the potential possibility of using the assessed metabolic parameters to introduce targeted pharmacotherapy in cases of TBEV infections/bacterial co-infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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13 pages, 1002 KiB  
Article
Detection of Babesia spp. in High Altitude Cattle in Ecuador, Possible Evidence of the Adaptation of Vectors and Diseases to New Climatic Conditions
by María A. Chávez-Larrea, Cristina Cholota-Iza, Viviana Medina-Naranjo, Michelle Yugcha-Díaz, Jorge Ron-Román, Sarah Martin-Solano, Gelacio Gómez-Mendoza, Claude Saegerman and Armando Reyna-Bello
Pathogens 2021, 10(12), 1593; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10121593 - 08 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3304
Abstract
Background: Babesia species are intraerythrocytic protozoa, distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, causing anemic diseases in many animals, including cattle. This disease, called babesisosis, is transmitted from one animal to another through ticks (Tick Borne-Disease or TBD). On the other [...] Read more.
Background: Babesia species are intraerythrocytic protozoa, distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, causing anemic diseases in many animals, including cattle. This disease, called babesisosis, is transmitted from one animal to another through ticks (Tick Borne-Disease or TBD). On the other hand, Ecuador has a tropical climate that allows the development of the vector Rhipicephalus microplus, and therefore favors the transmission of Babesia spp. in cattle. Methods and principal findings: We determined the presence of Babesia spp. by PCR using 18s ribosomal gene as target (18s PCR) in 20 farms in the area of El Carmen (zone below 300 m above sea level) and 1 farm in Quito (2469 m.a.s.l.). In addition, we analyzed parameters such as age, sex, and packed cell volume (PCV) as explanatory variable associated with the disease. Results: The 18s PCR test showed that 18.94% (14.77% Babesia bovis and 4.17% Babesia bigemina) and 20.28% (14.69% B. bovis and 5.59% B. bigemina) of the cattle were positive for Babesia spp in farms sampled in El Carmen and in Quito, respectively. Age influenced the presence of animals positive for Babesia spp., but sex and PCV did not. The phylogenetic analysis of sequences showed 4 isolates of B. bovis and 3 isolates of B. bigemina in the 2 study zones, with similarities between 99.73 and 100% with other sequences. One B. bovis isolate was similar in the zone of El Carmen and Quito. Conclusion and significance: This work is the first molecular characterization of B. bigemina and B. bovis in Ecuador, and it is also the first evidence of Babesia spp. in cattle in the area of Quito at an altitude of 2469 m.a.s.l., being the highest altitude reported for animals with babesiosis and for the tick R. microplus. Climatic factors as well as mobility of tick-carrying animals without any control allow the presence of Babesiosis outbreaks in new geographical areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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11 pages, 589 KiB  
Article
Seroreactivity to Coxiella burnetii in an Agricultural Population and Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii Infection in Ticks of a Non-Endemic Region for Q Fever in South Korea
by Jeong-Rae Yoo, Mi-Sun Kim, Sang-Taek Heo, Hyun-Joo Oh, Jung-Hwan Oh, Seo-Young Ko, Jeong-Ho Kang, Sung-Kgun Lee, Woo-Seong Jeong, Gil-Myeong Seong, Hyun-Jung Lee, Chul-Hoo Kang, Ji-Hyun Moon, Keun-Hwa Lee and Sung-Wook Song
Pathogens 2021, 10(10), 1337; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10101337 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2003
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii infects humans and wild and domesticated animals. Although reported cases on Jeju Island, off the coast of South Korea, are rare, the region is considered to have a high potential for Q fever. We investigated the seroprevalence of antibodies to C. [...] Read more.
Coxiella burnetii infects humans and wild and domesticated animals. Although reported cases on Jeju Island, off the coast of South Korea, are rare, the region is considered to have a high potential for Q fever. We investigated the seroprevalence of antibodies to C. burnetii in 230 farmers living in ten rural areas on Jeju Island between January 2015 and December 2019. Blood samples were collected and examined for C. burnetii Phase I/II IgM and IgG antibodies. Trained researchers collected ticks from rural areas. Clone XCP-1 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was performed to identify Coxiella species from the collected ticks. The overall seroprevalence of antibodies to C. burnetii in farmers was 35.7%. The seroprevalence was significantly higher in fruit farmers. Of the collected ticks, 5.4% (19/351) of the Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks harbored C. burnetti. A high seroprevalence of antibodies to C. burnetii was observed in this region of Jeju Island, confirming that C. burnetti is endemic. Physicians should thus consider Q fever in the differential diagnosis of patients that present with acute fever after participating in outdoor activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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26 pages, 1539 KiB  
Article
Monitoring Risk: Tick and Borrelia burgdorferi Public Participatory Surveillance in the Canadian Maritimes, 2012–2020
by Julie Lewis, Andrea M. Kirby, Kami Dawn Harris, Cory L. Filiaggi, Alexandra Foley-Eby, Malcolm Mann, David Lieske and Vett K. Lloyd
Pathogens 2021, 10(10), 1284; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10101284 - 06 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2653
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of many diseases, including Lyme disease (Ld). Lyme disease is an emerging disease in Canada caused by infection with the Lyme borreliosis (Lb) members of the Borrelia genus of spirochaete bacteria, of which Borrelia burgdorferi is regionally the most [...] Read more.
Ticks are vectors of many diseases, including Lyme disease (Ld). Lyme disease is an emerging disease in Canada caused by infection with the Lyme borreliosis (Lb) members of the Borrelia genus of spirochaete bacteria, of which Borrelia burgdorferi is regionally the most prevalent. The primary tick vector in central and eastern Canada, Ixodes scapularis, is increasing in numbers and in the geographical extent of established populations. This study documents the distribution of ticks recovered by passive surveillance, and their B. burgdorferi infection prevalence, in three Canadian Maritime provinces from 2012–2020. These regions represent areas in which tick populations are widely established, establishing, and considered non-established. Using a community science approach by partnering with veterinarians and members of the public, we collected over 7000 ticks from the 3 provinces. The three species found most often on companion animals and humans were I. scapularis (76.9%), Ixodes cookei (10.4%) and Dermacentor variabilis (8.9%). The most common hosts were dogs (60.5%), cats (16.8%) and humans (17.6%). As is typical of passive surveillance tick collections, the majority of ticks recovered were adult females; for I. scapularis 90.2%, 5.3%, 3.9% and 0.6% of the total of 5630 ticks recovered for this species were adult females, adult males, nymphs and larvae, respectively. The majority of B. burgdorferi-infected ticks were I. scapularis, as expected. Borrelia infection prevalence in I scapularis was higher in Nova Scotia (20.9%), the province with the most endemic regions, than New Brunswick (14.1%) and Prince Edward Island (9.1%), provinces thought to have established and non-established tick populations, respectively. The province-wide Borrelia infection prevalence generally increased in these latter tow provinces over the course of the study. The host did not have a significant effect on B. burgdorferi infection prevalence; I. scapularis ticks from dogs, cats, humans was, 13.3% (n = 3622), 15.6% (n = 817), 17.9% (n = 730), respectively. No I. scapularis larvae were found infected (n = 33) but B. burgdorferi was detected in 14.8% of both adults (n = 5140) and nymphs (n = 215). The incidence of B. burgdorferi infection also did not differ by engorgement status 15.0% (n = 367), 15.1% (n = 3101) and 14.4% (n = 1958) of non-engorged, engorged and highly engorged ticks, respectively, were infected. In New Brunswick, at the advancing front of tick population establishment, the province-wide infection percentages generally increased over the nine-year study period and all health district regions showed increased tick recoveries and a trend of increased percentages of Borrelia-infected ticks over the course of the study. Within New Brunswick, tick recoveries but not Borrelia infection prevalence were significantly different from endemic and non-endemic regions, suggesting cryptic endemic regions existed prior to their designation as a risk area. Over the 9 years of the study, tick recoveries increased in New Brunswick, the primary study region, and I. scapularis recoveries spread northwards and along the coast, most but not all new sites of recoveries were predicted by climate-based models, indicating that ongoing tick surveillance is necessary to accurately detect all areas of risk. Comparison of tick recoveries and public health risk areas indicates a lag in identification of risk areas. Accurate and timely information on tick distribution and the incidence of Borrelia and other infections are essential for keeping the public informed of risk and to support disease prevention behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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26 pages, 4503 KiB  
Article
Survey of Ticks and Tick-Borne Rickettsial and Protozoan Pathogens in Eswatini
by Kimberly J. Ledger, Lorenza Beati and Samantha M. Wisely
Pathogens 2021, 10(8), 1043; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10081043 - 17 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3580
Abstract
Ticks are widespread parasites of vertebrates and major vectors of pathogens to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In southern Africa, numerous tick species transmit diseases of economic and health importance. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in [...] Read more.
Ticks are widespread parasites of vertebrates and major vectors of pathogens to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In southern Africa, numerous tick species transmit diseases of economic and health importance. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in multiple land-use types and the possible role of ticks in the transmission of pathogen species. Using molecular techniques, we screened 1716 ticks for infection by rickettsial bacteria and protozoans. To characterize pathogen identity, we sequenced multiple loci from positive samples and analyzed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. Across the seven tick species collected as nymphs or adults, we detected Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Theileira species. We found that some tick species and tick-borne pathogens differed according to land use. For example, we found a higher density of Haemaphysalis elliptica and higher prevalence of Rickettsia in H. elliptica collected from savanna grasses used for livestock grazing near human settlements than savanna grasses in conservation areas. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive surveillance to achieve a full understanding of the diversity and ecology of the tick-borne pathogens that can infect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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12 pages, 593 KiB  
Article
Reptile Host Associations of Ixodes scapularis in Florida and Implications for Borrelia spp. Ecology
by Carrie De Jesus, Chanakya Bhosale, Kristen Wilson, Zoe White and Samantha M. Wisely
Pathogens 2021, 10(8), 999; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10080999 - 07 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2565
Abstract
Host associations of the tick vector for Lyme Borreliosis, Ixodes scapularis, differ across its geographic range. In Florida, the primary competent mammalian host of Lyme disease is not present but instead has other small mammals and herpetofauna that I. scapularis can utilize. [...] Read more.
Host associations of the tick vector for Lyme Borreliosis, Ixodes scapularis, differ across its geographic range. In Florida, the primary competent mammalian host of Lyme disease is not present but instead has other small mammals and herpetofauna that I. scapularis can utilize. We investigated host–tick association for lizards, the abundance of ticks on lizards and the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl). To determine which lizard species I. scapularis associates with, we examined 11 native lizard species from historical herpetological specimens. We found that (294/5828) of the specimens had attached ticks. The most infested species were Plestiodon skinks (241/1228) and Ophisaurus glass lizards (25/572). These species were then targeted at six field sites across Florida and sampled from June to September 2020, using drift fence arrays, cover boards and fishing. We captured 125 lizards and collected 233 immature I. scapularis. DNA was extracted from ticks and lizard tissue samples, followed by PCR testing for Borrelia spp. Of the captured lizards, 69/125 were infested with immature I. scapularis. We did not detect Borrelia spp. from tick or lizard tissue samples. Overall, we found that lizards are commonly infested with I. scapularis. However, we did not detect Borrelia burgdorferi sl. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that lizards are poor reservoir species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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9 pages, 980 KiB  
Article
Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens of the Genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma and Francisella in Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Pomerania (Poland)
by Lucyna Kirczuk, Mariusz Piotrowski and Anna Rymaszewska
Pathogens 2021, 10(7), 901; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10070901 - 15 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2011
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens are an important medical and veterinary issue worldwide. Environmental monitoring in relation to not only climate change but also globalization is currently essential. The present study aimed to detect tick-borne pathogens of the genera Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Francisella in Ixodes [...] Read more.
Tick-borne pathogens are an important medical and veterinary issue worldwide. Environmental monitoring in relation to not only climate change but also globalization is currently essential. The present study aimed to detect tick-borne pathogens of the genera Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Francisella in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from the natural environment, i.e., recreational areas and pastures used for livestock grazing. A total of 1619 specimens of I. ricinus were collected, including ticks of all life stages (adults, nymphs and larvae). The study was performed using the PCR technique. Diagnostic gene fragments msp2 for Anaplasma, gltA for Rickettsia and tul4 for Francisella were amplified. No Francisella spp. DNA was detected in I. ricinus. DNA of A. phagocytophilum was detected in 0.54% of ticks and Rickettsia spp. in 3.69%. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that only one species of Rickettsia, R. helvetica, was present in the studied tick population. The present results are a part of a large-scale analysis aimed at monitoring the level of tick infestation in Northwest Poland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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12 pages, 503 KiB  
Communication
Borrelia burgdorferi BmpA-BBK32 and BmpA-BBA64: New Recombinant Chimeric Proteins with Potential Diagnostic Value
by Weronika Grąźlewska, Bartłomiej Ferra, Monika Rudzińska and Lucyna Holec-Gąsior
Pathogens 2021, 10(6), 767; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10060767 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2873
Abstract
Currently, the diagnosis of Lyme disease is based mostly on two-tiered serologic testing. In the new generation of immunoenzymatic assays, antigens comprise whole-cell lysates of members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) species complex, with the addition of selected recombinant proteins. Due [...] Read more.
Currently, the diagnosis of Lyme disease is based mostly on two-tiered serologic testing. In the new generation of immunoenzymatic assays, antigens comprise whole-cell lysates of members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) species complex, with the addition of selected recombinant proteins. Due to the high diversity of members of the B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and the low degree of conservation among the amino acid sequences of their proteins, serodiagnostic methods currently in use are not sufficient for the correct diagnosis of borreliosis. Two divalent chimeric proteins (BmpA-BBK32 and BmpA-BBA64) were expressed in Escherichia coli. Following purification by one-step metal-affinity chromatography, preparations were obtained containing milligram levels of chimeric protein exhibiting electrophoretic purity in excess of 98%. Reactivity of the new chimeric proteins with specific human IgG antibodies was preliminarily determined by Western blot. For this purpose, 20 negative sera and 20 positive sera was used. The new chimeric proteins were highly reactive with IgG antibodies contained in the serum of patients suffering from borreliosis. Moreover, no immunoreactivity of chimeric proteins was observed with antibodies in the sera of healthy people. These promising results suggest that new chimeric proteins have the potential to discriminate between positive and negative sera. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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8 pages, 602 KiB  
Article
Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), United Kingdom
by Nicholas Johnson, Megan Golding and Laurence Paul Phipps
Pathogens 2021, 10(6), 640; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10060640 - 23 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2198
Abstract
Deer represent a major vertebrate host for all feeding stages of the hard tick Ixodes ricinus in the United Kingdom (UK), and could play a role in the persistence of tick-borne pathogens. However, there have been few studies reporting the presence of Babesia [...] Read more.
Deer represent a major vertebrate host for all feeding stages of the hard tick Ixodes ricinus in the United Kingdom (UK), and could play a role in the persistence of tick-borne pathogens. However, there have been few studies reporting the presence of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in deer in the UK, and those that detected Babesia were unable to confirm the species. To address this, we have investigated blood samples from red deer (Cervus elaphus) for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. Total DNA was extracted from haemolysed blood that was removed from clotted blood sampled from culled, captive red deer. Babesia spp. were detected with a pan-piroplasm PCR that amplifies a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Species were identified based on identity with published sequences. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected with a probe-based PCR targeting the msp2 gene. In addition, residual serum samples from a subset of animals were tested for the presence of anti-flavivirus antibodies. Of 105 red deer samples tested from three locations in the United Kingdom, 5 were positive for piroplasm and 5 were positive for A. phagocytophilum. Co-infection with both pathogens was detected in two samples from one location. No evidence for antibodies against West Nile virus were detected. However, 12% of sera tested were positive for tick-borne encephalitis virus antibodies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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Review

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12 pages, 603 KiB  
Review
Tick-Borne Rickettsioses in the Iberian Peninsula
by Leonardo Moerbeck, Ana Domingos and Sandra Antunes
Pathogens 2022, 11(11), 1377; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11111377 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3670
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses (TBR) are caused by obligate, intracellular bacteria of the spotted-fever group (SFG) of the genus Rickettsia (Order Rickettsiales), transmitted by hard ticks. TBR are one of the oldest known vector-borne zoonoses and pose a threat to both human and animal [...] Read more.
Tick-borne rickettsioses (TBR) are caused by obligate, intracellular bacteria of the spotted-fever group (SFG) of the genus Rickettsia (Order Rickettsiales), transmitted by hard ticks. TBR are one of the oldest known vector-borne zoonoses and pose a threat to both human and animal health, as over the years, new SFG Rickettsia spp. have been reported worldwide with the potential to be human pathogens. In Portugal and Spain, the countries that constitute the Iberian Peninsula, reported TB rickettsiae causing human disease include Rickettsia conorii conorii, Rickettsia conorii israelensis, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia rioja, Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae, and Rickettsia monacensis. An allochthonous case of TBR caused by Rickettsia massiliae, described in Spain, points to the need to monitor disease epidemiology, to predict risks of exposure and spread of disease, and taking into account globalization and climate changes. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on the status of TBR in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as to show the importance of a national and international collaborative epidemiology surveillance network, towards monitoring Rickettsia spp. circulation in both Portugal and Spain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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24 pages, 1299 KiB  
Review
Role of Zoo-Housed Animals in the Ecology of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens—A Review
by Johana Hrnková, Irena Schneiderová, Marina Golovchenko, Libor Grubhoffer, Natalie Rudenko and Jiří Černý
Pathogens 2021, 10(2), 210; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10020210 - 16 Feb 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4621
Abstract
Ticks are ubiquitous ectoparasites, feeding on representatives of all classes of terrestrial vertebrates and transmitting numerous pathogens of high human and veterinary medical importance. Exotic animals kept in zoological gardens, ranches, wildlife parks or farms may play an important role in the ecology [...] Read more.
Ticks are ubiquitous ectoparasites, feeding on representatives of all classes of terrestrial vertebrates and transmitting numerous pathogens of high human and veterinary medical importance. Exotic animals kept in zoological gardens, ranches, wildlife parks or farms may play an important role in the ecology of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), as they may serve as hosts for local tick species. Moreover, they can develop diseases of varying severity after being infected by TBPs, and theoretically, can thus serve as reservoirs, thereby further propagating TBPs in local ecosystems. The definite role of these animals in the tick–host-pathogen network remains poorly investigated. This review provides a summary of the information currently available regarding ticks and TBPs in connection to captive local and exotic wildlife, with an emphasis on zoo-housed species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites and People)
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