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Tick-borne diseases are common occurrences in both the medical and veterinary clinical settings. In addition to the constraints related to their diagnosis and clinical management, the control and prevention of these diseases is often difficult, because it requires the disruption of a complex transmission chain, involving vertebrate hosts and ticks,...
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Context 1
... of these agents, such as Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia parkeri, and Rickettsia massiliae, were identified in ticks, decades before these were associated with human diseases [12]. Other tick-borne pathogens, including many flaviviruses (e.g., Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus, Powassan encephali- tis virus, and Kyasanur forest disease virus) have been implicated in human disease in new geographical regions (Table 1) [5,13]. Despite the enormous contribution of molecular biology to the discovery of new species or strains of tick-borne pathogens, genetic data must be interpreted with caution. ...
Citations
... International Journal of Recent Research in Life Sciences (IJRRLS) Vol. 11, Issue 2, pp: (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30), Month: April -June 2024, Available at: www.paperpublications.org ...
... A person's social Vol. 11, Issue 2, pp: (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30), Month: April -June 2024, Available at: www.paperpublications.org Page | 23 Paper Publications network will determine his propensity to be infected by directly transmissible pathogens (without an intermediary host) (Finger et al., 2016) and to be affected by non-infectious diseases such as obesity (Christakis & Fowler, 2007) or blood cholesterol. ...
The "One Health" idea comprises a global strategy emphasizing the need for an approach that is whole and transdisciplinary and integrates multisector expertise in dealing with the health of man, animals, and the environment. It stimulates and promotes the interconnectedness, coexistence, and evolution of living things and their environment, which is itself in a state of constant evolution. Industrialization, geopolitical problems, and an increase in human population have led to increasing global changes causing a lot of damage to biodiversity, extensive deterioration of ecosystems, and considerable migratory movement of both mankind and species in general. Over the years, certain zoonoses, such as bird flu or the Ebola and Zika viral epidemics, have illustrated this fact to the entire world demonstrating the interdependence of human health, animal health, and ecosystem health. Many of the same microbes infect animals and humans, as they share the ecosystems, they live in. Efforts by just one sector cannot prevent or eliminate the problem. One toxicology combines wildlife, human, veterinary, and ecological toxicology to support more logical choices as to what chemicals and what concentrations are permitted to come into contact with human beings and their domestic animals. Ecosystems serve as a life support system to mankind. Humans take great advantage of the resources provided by the planet and by doing so the environment is being modified. The shared environment and food sources of animals and humans allow potential exposure to the same toxic and infectious agents. In this review article, we discuss the connection between toxicology, ecosystem health, and one health.
... Up to 20% of untreated cases and 5% of treated cases can have a fatal outcome [11,12]. The transmission chain involves the host and the arthropod in an environmental context, which is why it is complex and implies a constant challenge in the prevention and control of the disease [13][14][15][16]. ...
Objetive
this study was to determine the relationship between acute febrile illness and bacterial pathogens with zoonotic potential that cause emerging and re-emerging diseases in a central-eastern region of Peru.
Results
Out of the 279 samples analyzed, 23 (8.2%) tested positive for infection by Rickettsia spp., while a total of 15 (5.4%) tested positive for Leptospira spp. Women had a higher frequency of infection by Rickettsia spp., with 13 cases (53.3%), while men had a higher frequency of infection by Leptospira spp., with 10 cases (66.7%). The most frequently reported general symptom was headache, with 100.0% (n = 23) of patients with Rickettsia (+) and 86.7% (n = 13) of patients with Leptospira (+) experiencing it. Arthralgia was the second most frequent symptom, reported by 95.6% (n = 22) and 60% (n = 9) of patients with Rickettsia (+) and Leptospira (+), respectively. Myalgia was reported by 91.3% (n = 21) and 66.7% (n = 10) of patients with Rickettsia (+) and Leptospira (+), respectively. Retroocular pain, low back pain, and skin rash were also present, but less frequently. Among the positives, no manifestation of bleeding was recorded, although only one positive case for Leptospira spp. presented a decrease in the number of platelets.
... (Dantas-Torres et al. 2012). The former two genera of ticks are vectors of Borrelia spp. ...
... The former two genera of ticks are vectors of Borrelia spp. associated with human relapsing fevers, while Ornithodoros species have been recognized as vectors of the causative agents of African swine fever and Alkhurma human hemorrhagic fever(Dantas-Torres et al. 2012;Faccini-Martínez et al. 2022). Although there are no reports of rickettsial infections in humans caused by argasid ticks, some Rickettsia species (e.g., R. felis and R. rickettsii) of public health and veterinary importance have been found in these ticks(Manzano-Román et al. 2012;Sánchez-Montes et al. 2016;Tomassone et al. 2018;Beeson 2023). ...
We conducted surveillance of mammals to investigate their associations with argasid ticks and tick-borne pathogens. During 2021, a total of 20 wild carnivores and 57 lagomorphs were sampled, and 39 argasid ticks belonging to two species were collected. All mammals and ticks were tested by molecular assays to detect Borrelia and Rickettsia infections. Nine ticks identified as Otobius megnini were collected from two coyotes (Canis latrans) and 30 Alveonasus cooleyi (McIvor 1941) were collected from six bobcats (Lynx rufus) and one rabbit (Sylvilagus auduboni). We detected Rickettsia spp. DNA in 21 of the 27 (77.8%) tested Av. cooleyi and none of the O. megnini. No ticks were PCR-positive for borreliae and all mammals were PCR-negative for both pathogen genera. Phylogenetic analysis based on gltA, htrA, and 16 S rRNA targets revealed that all rickettsiae from Av. cooleyi clustered with ancestral group rickettsiae, likely representing a novel species of possibly endosymbiotic Rickettsia. The significance of Av. cooleyi and the newly identified Rickettsia sp. to the health of wildlife is unknown, and further work is indicated to determine whether they may be relevant to public health or carnivore conservation.
... Ticks are important vectors of pathogens in Western Europe (Dantas-Torres et al. 2012;de la Fuente et al. 2008). These pathogens include microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses or protozoa) transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. ...
Ixodes ricinus is a vector of several pathogens of public health interest. While forests are the primary habitat for I. ricinus, its abundance and infection prevalence are expected to vary within forest stands. This study assesses the spatio-temporal variations in tick abundance and infection prevalence with three pathogens in and around a peri-urban forest where human exposure is high. Ticks were sampled multiple times in 2016 and 2018 in multiple locations with a diversity of undergrowth, using the consecutive drags method. Three zoonotic pathogens were screened for, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, and Francisella tularensis. The influence of season, type of site and micro-environmental factors on tick abundance were assessed with negative binomial generalized linear mixed-effects models. We collected 1642 nymphs and 181 adult ticks. Ticks were most abundant in the spring, in warmer temperatures, and where undergrowth was higher. Sites with vegetation unaffected by human presence had higher abundance of ticks. Forest undergrowth type and height were significant predictors of the level of tick abundance in a forest. The consecutive drags method is expected to provide more precise estimates of tick abundance, presumably through more varied contacts with foliage. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. prevalence was estimated from pooled ticks at 5.33%, C. burnetii was detected in six pools and F. tularensis was not detected. Borrelia afzelii was the dominant B. burgdorferi genospecies. Tick abundance and B. burgdorferi s.l. infection prevalence were lower than other estimates in Belgian forests.
... In addition to being a specialized group of bloodsucking arthropods, ticks are also well known for being ectoparasites and transmitters of several diseases that affect humans and animals. They are regarded as the primary arthropod vectors for human and domestic animal disease infections globally, along with mosquitoes [5]. Ticks have extremely diverse hosts and are widely distributed throughout the world. ...
... Furthermore, there is a continuous rise in the variety of infections they harbour. This has a signi cant impact on both the economic progress of animal husbandry and the overall public health of humans [5,[9][10][11]. ...
Background
Ticks play a crucial role in transmitting and carrying various disease-causing microorganisms, which poses a significant risk to public health and the growth of the animal farming industry. Research on the whole genome sequence of ticks is consistently progressing due to the ongoing advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies.
Methods
This study performed whole-genome resequencing on Rhipicephalus microplus obtained from free-range cattle in Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province. The newly obtained data was then combined with existing whole genome resequencing data of R. microplus from the NGDC database (project ID: PRJCA002242) for further analysis. The purpose of this analysis was to assess genomic diversity and selection signatures in the Shaanxi group.
Results
The study identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels) in the Shaanxi group. The R. microplus from China has been classified into three main branches, and there were variations in nucleotide diversity among populations in different places. All populations exhibited a high level of heterozygosity. Additionally, the value of Tajima's D deviated significantly from zero. Upon examining the mitochondrial genetic diversity of the tick, the study observed subtle variations compared to the phylogenetic tree created using the entire autosomal genome. These differences may arise from variances in population structure and migration patterns between the paternal and maternal tick populations. Genes associated with pesticide resistance, metal ion transportation, and antioxidant activity were identified during the selection study of the Shaanxi group.
Conclusions
The data acquired from our research holds significance in comprehending the biology of ticks, enhancing our understanding of their disease transmission, and formulating efficient strategies for tick management.
... Ticks are important vectors of pathogens of zoonotic concern worldwide, being able to transmit infectious agents to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife [80,105]. These arthropods are responsible for significant economic losses to the livestock industry, which are directly related with the decrease in animal production and, indirectly, with the transmission of pathogens such as Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. ...
... These arthropods are responsible for significant economic losses to the livestock industry, which are directly related with the decrease in animal production and, indirectly, with the transmission of pathogens such as Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. [105,106]. For this reason, studying the host preference, the pathogen transmission times [107] as well as the mechanisms behind the resistance of some breeds to ticks, is paramount to improve control measures against these ectoparasites. ...
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals emitted as products of cell metabolism, which reflects the physiological and pathological conditions of any living organisms. These compounds play a key role as olfactory cues for arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks, which act in the transmission of pathogens to many animal species, including humans. Some VOCs may influence arthropod behaviour, e.g., host preference and oviposition site selection for gravid females. Furthermore, deadly vector-borne pathogens such as Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania infantum are suggested to manipulate the VOCs profile of the host to make them more attractive to mosquitoes and sand fly vectors, respectively. Under the above circumstances, studies on these compounds have demonstrated their potential usefulness for investigating the behavioural response of mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks toward their vertebrate hosts, as well as potential tools for diagnosis of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Herein, we provide an account for scientific data available on VOCs to study the host seeking behaviour of arthropod vectors, and their usefulness as attractants, repellents, or tools for an early diagnosis of VBDs.
Graphical Abstract
... The epidemiology of TBPs and the distribution of ticks are intertwined, directly influenced by several factors, such as anthropophilic behavior, demographics, climate changes and wildlife population. Many TBPs are maintained in sylvatic cycles [28], and wild animals may act as reservoirs, amplifiers or even sentinel hosts for human infections [29]. The spill-over of these cycles into peri-domestic areas and the potential exposure of domestic animals and humans are particularly important. ...
Over the years, tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) have garnered significant interest due to their medical, veterinary and economic importance. Additionally, TBPs have drawn attention to how these microorganisms interact with their own vectors, increasing the risk to human and animal infection of emerging and reemerging zoonoses. In this sense, ticks, which are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites, have a key role in maintaining and transmitting TBPs among humans and animals. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of neglected TBPs in mainland Portugal, namely Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Neoehrlichia mikurensis. DNA fragments were detected in questing ticks collected from five different ecological areas under investigation. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study reports new worldwide findings, including B. bigemina infecting Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Additionally, it presents new findings in Portugal of N. mikurensis infecting I. ricinus and of presumably Wolbachia endosymbionts being detected in I. ricinus. Overall, there were 208 tick samples that were negative for all screened TBPs. The results herein obtained raise concerns about the circulation of neglected TBPs in mainland Portugal, especially in anthropophilic ticks, highlighting the importance of adopting a One Health perspective.
... Advancements in molecular techniques for the identification of novel species and genotypes have led to a continual rise in the number of tick-borne pathogens being discovered (Dantas-Torres et al. 2012). According to the classification framework proposed by (Dumler et al. 2001), which relies on the analysis of 16S rRNA and groEL genomes, the genus Anaplasma was initially recognized to encompass six wellknown species: A. marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum, and A. platys. ...
Anaplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease that is being recognised all over the world, with impact on animal health.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the rate infection of Anaplasma spp. infection in Algerian ruminants. Three databases were searched to identify eligible studies for the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The 'meta' package in the R software was used for the meta-analysis, and the random effects model was chosen to pool the data. Meta-analysis encompasses 14 research papers spanning 19 years (2004–2023), out of an initial pool of 737 articles retrieved from various databases. The study included a total of 1515 cattle, 190 sheep, and 310 goats, and the overall Anaplasma infection rate was estimated at 28% (95% CI, 17–41%). The analysis revealed varying infection rates among species, with cattle at 20%, sheep at 30%, and goats at 61%. Five classified species and two unclassified strains belonging to Anaplasma genus were identified in ruminants, which are A. marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. phagocytophilum-like strains, and A. platys-like strains. Among these, A. marginale was prevalent in ten out of eleven cattle studies. The data also revealed regional variations, with Northeastern Algeria showing a higher infection rate (26%) compared to North-central Algeria (9%). In the subgroup analysis, clinically healthy cattle had a higher infection rate (28%) compared to suspected disease cattle (16%). Molecular biology screening methods yielded a significantly higher infection rate (33%) than microscopy (12%). Gender analysis suggested slightly higher infection rates among male cattle (19%) compared to females (16%). Age analysis indicated that Anaplasma infection was more common in cattle less than 12 months (14%) compared to those over 12 months (9%). This systematic review provides valuable insights, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and potential preventive strategies in different regions and among different animal populations in Algeria.
... Within the context of One Health, wildlife can be considered important reservoirs or amplifying hosts for emerging pathogens (Dantas-Torres et al., 2012). Among factors related to interspecific transmission and emergence of shared pathogens, climate change, land use changes (agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, livestock, etc.), food provisioning or human encroachment in the natural environment favor interactions at the wildlife-human and wildlife-domestic interfaces (Gortázar et al., 2014). ...
... Several transmission routes have been reported for these pathogens, including the direct contact, airborne transmission, through an intermediate host or even vectors (Han et al., 2015). Bats are hosts for a range of arthropod ectoparasites, among which ticks stand out as vectors of some of the above-mentioned pathogens (Pearce and O'Shea, 2007;Dantas-Torres et al., 2012;Hornok et al., 2019). Although bat-associated ticks are poorly documented, bats are known to be the main hosts of five tick species in Europe, i.e. three Ixodidae hard ticks (Ixodes ariadnae, Ixodes simplex and Ixodes vespertilionis) and two Argasidae soft ticks (Argas transgariepinus and Argas vespertilionis) . ...
... In addition, a novel nairovirus was identified in an I. simplex tick collected from M. schreibersii using a multiplex PCR designed for this study. These animals, like birds, can act as vehicles for the movement of ticks and their associated pathogens, and therefore play an important role from a One Health perspective (Dantas-Torres et al., 2012). The number of studies on bat ticks in Spain is scarce, since to the best of our knowledge there is only one published by Estrada-Peña and Serra-Cobo (1991), and further studies would be needed to elucidate the role of bats and their associated ticks as reservoirs and vectors of different TBP (Tendu et al., 2022). ...
To improve the knowledge on the role of bats in the maintenance and transmission of tick-borne pathogens, a molecular approach was used to characterize Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., piroplasmids, Hepatozoon spp., flaviviruses and nairoviruses in ticks collected from Iberian bats. A total of 732 bats from 25 species were captured at 38 sampling sites distributed in seven provinces of Spain between 2018 and 2022. Seventy-nine Ixodes simplex ticks were collected from 31 bats (Eptesicus isabellinus, Hypsugo savii, Myotis capaccini, Myotis emarginatus, Myotis myotis, Miniopterus schreibersii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). Sixty of 79 I. simplex were positive for at least one pathogen tested and were collected from 23 bats captured in southeast Spain. We detected the presence of Rickettsia slovaca in 12 ticks collected from M. emarginatus, H. savii, M. schreibersii and E. isabellinus; Rickettsia aeschlimannii in 1 tick from M. schreibersii; Anaplasma ovis in 3 ticks from H. savii and M. schreibersii; C. burnetii in 2 ticks from H. savii; Occidentia massiliensis in 1 tick from H. savii; piroplasmids in 12 ticks from H. savii, M. schreibersii and E. isabellinus; and a novel nairovirus in 1 tick from M. schreibersii. Furthermore, blood samples obtained from 14 of the 31 tick-infested bats were negative in all PCR analyses. This study describes new host and pathogen associations for the bat-specialist I. simplex, highlights the risk of spread of these pathogens, and encourages further research to understand the role of Iberian bats in the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens.
... Although ticks are regarded as the primary vector of illnesses damaging cattle globally, ticks and mosquitoes are the most frequent carriers of pathogens that cause human and animal diseases [4]. Ticks are globally acknowledged arthropod vectors of infection-producing pathogens in medicine and animal sciences, presenting a zoonotic and imminent risk to human health [5]. Besides, ticks have secondary effects on their hosts during feeding, including the development of anaemia, paralysis, immunosuppression, and the infiltration of secondary bacterial infections at tick bite spots. ...
Arthropods serve as efficient carriers for various life-threatening infections parasites, viruses and other harmful organisms throughout the world. In this study, Al-Aqiq Governorate of Al-Baha city served as the site where tick burden on camels (Camelus dromedarius) was assessed. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the diversity and prevalence of ticks. A total of 800 ticks, 756 adults and 44 nymphs were gathered and identified. Tick DNA was obtained from camels by utilizing commercially available kits. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done on recovered DNA utilizing 12S rDNA and 16S ribosomal DNA fragments to analyze and identify the ticks. Three species of hard ticks were found in the two genera Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Hyalomma dromedarii (81.81%) and H. rufipes (17.35%) were the two species with the highest prevalence found on the domestic animal hosts, whereas R. sanguineus (had the lowest prevalence of 0.82%). This is a preliminary report of DNA barcode of tick species of camels (Camelus dormedarius) from Al-Baha in KSA and the Arabian Peninsula, which is a significant step towards broader phylogenetic studies on tick samples from this region. The results of our study provide valuable insights for healthcare administrators and government authorities regarding the frequency of hard ticks on mammalian hosts in Al-Aqiq Governorate of Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia. This can also assist in regulating tick diseases, in particular during the epidemic time.
