Bird ticks in Hungary reflect western, southern, eastern flyway connections and two genetic lineages of Ixodes frontalis and Haemaphysalis concinna.

S. Hornok,B. Flaisz,B. R. Jaksa,D. Kováts,J. Kontschán,N. Takács,Á. Csipak,T. Csörgő

doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1365-0

Abstract

BackgroundBirds play an important role in short- and long-distance transportation of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The aim of the present study was to provide comprehensive information on the species and genetic diversity of ixodid ticks transported by migratory and non-migratory bird species in Central Europe, and to evaluate relevant data in a geographical, as well as in an ecological context.MethodsDuring a three year period (2012-2014), altogether 3339 ixodid ticks were collected from 1167 passerine birds (representatives of 47 species) at ringing stations in Hungary. These ticks were identified, and the tick-infestations of bird species were compared according to various traits. In addition, PCR and sequencing of part of the cytochrome oxidase subunit-I (COI) and 16S rDNA genes were performed from representatives of five tick species.ResultsThe most abundant tick species found were Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna (with 2296 and 989 immature stages, respectively). In addition, 48 I. frontalis (all stages), three Hyalomma rufipes nymphs, one I. lividus and two I. festai females were collected. The majority of I. ricinus and I. frontalis specimens occurred on ground-feeding bird species, as contrasted to Ha. concinna. Hy. rufipes showed the highest degree of sequence identity to an Ethiopian hybrid of the same tick species. Based on both COI and 16S rDNA gene analyses, two genetic lineages of I. frontalis were recognized (with only 91.4 % identity in their partial COI gene). These were highly similar to South-Western European isolates of the same tick species. Phylogenetic analysis of Ha. concinna specimens collected from birds in Hungary also revealed two genetic lineages, one of which showed high (≥99 %) degree of 16S rDNA sequence identity to conspecific East Asian isolates.ConclusionsTwo genetic lineages of I. frontalis and Ha. concinna are transported by birds in Central Europe, which reflect a high degree of sequence identity to South-Western European and East Asian isolates of the same tick species, respectively. In addition, I. festai was collected for the first time in Hungary. These findings highlight the importance of western and eastern migratory connections by birds (in addition to the southern direction), which are also relevant to the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.

Highlights

Birds play an important role in short- and long-distance transportation of ticks and tick-borne pathogens
The large scale survey of this study aimed to extend the scope of these previous works by providing comprehensive information on the species and genetic diversity of ixodid ticks transported by migratory and non-migratory bird species in Central Europe, while evaluating relevant data in a geographical, as well as in an ecological context
Tick-infestation of birds according to tick and bird species In the period between 2012-2014, altogether 3339 ixodid ticks were collected from 1167 passerine birds

Summary

Introduction

Birds play an important role in short- and long-distance transportation of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. In Europe, to other parts of the globe, migratory birds play an important role in short- and long-distance transportation of ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne pathogens [1]. Nonmigrating bird species contribute significantly to the local tick populations, as they are preferred hosts of immature stages (larvae and nymphs) of several tick species of medical and veterinary importance, such as Ixodes ricinus [2] and Haemaphysalis concinna [3]. Since numerous exotic and local tick species are transported by birds and may infest humans, avian hosts may contribute to zoonotic pathogen transmission, in urban habitats [4]. Birds may harbour ornithophilic tick species, such as I. frontalis and I. arboricola [5], which may be relevant to the transmission of pathogens within or between bird populations [6]

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