Dermacentor Reticulatus Research Articles

Low seroprevalence of equine piroplasmosis in horses exported from the Netherlands between 2015 and 2021.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease affecting horses, donkeys, mules and zebras, caused by the intracellular apicomplexan protozoa Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. The geographical distribution of EP is closely related to the distribution of its vector tick species belonging to the genera of Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. Since the discovery of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in 2007 and the first reported autochthonous cases in the South of the Netherlands in 2012, no data on the (sero)prevalence of EP in horses in the Netherlands have been reported and it remains unclear whether B. caballi and T. equi have been able to establish themselves in the Netherlands. This study aims to give an update on the current status of EP in horses in the Netherlands using data from serological tests performed in the context of export and screening of 12,881 horses from 2015 through 2020. Horses were categorized as “Dutch,” “Foreign,” or “Unknown” based on microchip number. The overall seroprevalence of EP in Dutch horses was found to be 0.5% (95% exact CI [0.4–0.7]), compared to 1.9% (95% exact CI [1.3–2.6]) in horses in the category “Foreign” and 1.7% (95% exact CI [1.2–2.3]) in horses in the category “Unknown.” In addition, the seroprevalence per country in the category “Foreign” ranged from 0% (0.95% exact CI [0–2.8]) for Ireland to 6.0% (0.95% exact CI [3.5–9.3]) for Spain. In light of the reports on the seroprevalence during the outbreak of autochthonous EP reported in 2012 and on seroprevalences of EP in other countries in Northwestern Europe, the seroprevalence of EP in horses exported from the Netherlands is very low. However, the higher seroprevalence of EP in horses from abroad warrants the need for the monitoring of EP, as tick vectors are present in the Netherlands and the import of horses from endemic areas increases the chances of EP becoming more prevalent in the Netherlands.

Distribution of the causative agent of relapsing tick-borne fever <i>Borrelia miyamotoi</i> in natural focus in the Tomsk region

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the infectious potential of the causative agent of recurrent tick-borne fever Borrelia miyamotoi and the role of this pathogen in the etiological structure formation of transmissible natural focal infections in a number of regions remains incomplete. Among them is the Tomsk region where in 2021 the incidence of ixodic tick-borne borreliosis was 15.7 per 100,000 population, which is 3.6 times higher than the all-Russian indicator.
 AIMS: This study aimed to summarize and analyze epidemiological data, as well as the results of our own clinical observations and laboratory studies conducted in 20152021 confirming the distribution of the causative agent of relapsing tick-borne fever B. miyamotoi in the Tomsk region.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epidemiological data on the manifestation of the natural foci of tick-borne infections were analyzed in the Tomsk region for the period 20152021. A clinical case of febrile infection caused by B. miyamotoi infection is described as an example of underdiagnosis of relapsing tick-borne fever. Verification of the etiological variant of borreliosis was carried out using real-time PCR. DNA extraction and detection of B. miyamotoi genetic markers were performed using RealBest series kits (Vector-Best, Novosibirsk), followed by nucleic acid sequencing of B. miyamotoi 23SrRNA, glpQ, and recA gene sequences. Ixodid ticks (Ixodes persulcatus, Ixodes pavlovskyi, Dermacentor reticulatus) collected from the Tomsk region were studied for infestation with B. miyamotoi. The detection of genetic markers of pathogenic Borrelia was carried out in nucleic acid samples isolated from tick homogenates using kits of the RealBest series (Vector-Best, Novosibirsk).
 RESULTS: In 2016, the first clinical case of borreliosis caused by B. miyamotoi was confirmed by molecular genetic methods in the Tomsk region. During the period 20152021, the infection rate of B. miyamotoi ticks of the genus Ixodes in the Tomsk region was up to 7%, ticks of the genus Dermacentor ― up to 3%.
 CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated the distribution of the causative agent of relapsing tick-borne fever B. miyamotoi in the natural foci of the Tomsk region, which requires further monitoring of the epizootic situation and study of the role of this pathogen in the formation of the etiological structure of transmission natural focal infections.

Prevalence of Babesia spp. pathogens in the ticks Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus in the UK

The emergence of Babesia pathogens novel to the UK is of growing concern; these include Babesia canis and Babesia caballi. However, a better understanding of changes in the prevalence of endemic Babesia species such as Babesia venatorum and Babesia divergens is also of importance. Here, the prevalence of Babesia pathogens in both Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus ticks was assessed. Dermacentor reticulatus were collected from six sites known to harbour populations of this species in west Wales and southern England. DNA was extracted from 879 individual ticks and subjected to PCR and sequence analysis. Seven Babesia species were detected in 7.5% of the ticks, including B. caballi (0.68%), B. bovis (1.7%), B. microti (1.02%), B. bigemina (0.34%), B. capreoli (0.34%), and one isolate of B. canis (0.34%). Two of the field sites with grazing equines present had ticks that were positive for B. caballi. For I. ricinus, up to 200 nymphs were collected from each of 24 cattle farms in south-west England. Nymphs were divided into 6 pools of 30 from each farm for DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing. Samples from seven out of the 24 farms tested positive for Babesia, and most were positive for more than one species. Babesia divergens was identified from five farms, and three of these farms had two pooled samples positive for B. divergens, which given the low overall prevalence rate suggests that B. divergens may be highly clustered within the tick population. Most of the remaining positive samples were Babesia venatorum, demonstrating that this zoonotic pathogen is widespread in livestock habitats. The data suggest that B. canis is not yet widely prevalent in established D. reticulatus populations in the UK, but that there is a need to raise awareness of the risk of equine piroplasmosis in areas with endemic D. reticulatus foci, since B. caballi appears more widely established.

Ticks in the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany

A high-resolution city map showing the geographic distribution of 12 tick species (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) that have been recorded from the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany is presented. A total of 237 tick locations was mapped. These include ten ixodid tick species: Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Hyalomma rufipes, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes arboricola, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes trianguliceps and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The two tick species Hy. rufipes and R. sanguineus s.l. are not endemic to Berlin. Hyalomma rufipes ticks are introduced in Europe with migratory birds from Africa every spring. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. are introduced to Central Europe with dogs that had travelled to or were imported from countries where this tick is endemic. In Germany, they are able to develop and reproduce inside heated buildings. Occurrences of two soft tick species, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus and the short-legged bat tick Carios vespertilionis were also mapped. Other tick species that are likely to be endemic to Berlin and its environs, but for which documented findings or geographical coordinates are lacking, are mentioned. These include the long-legged bat tick I. vespertilionis and the marten tick I. rugicollis documented in Brandenburg, the federal state surrounding Berlin. It can be assumed that if appropriate field studies are carried out, these tick species will also be found in the metropolitan area of Berlin. The high-resolution mapping of all tick species found in a city (like Berlin) forms the basis for further investigations into the impact of climate change and changing land use on ticks and tick-borne diseases, precisely in those habitats where most people will live in the future.

Comprehensive screening of tick-borne microorganisms indicates that a great variety of pathogens are circulating between hard ticks (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae) and domestic ruminants in natural foci of Anatolia

Grazing domestic ruminants serve as important reservoirs and/or amplificatory hosts in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and tick vectors in the natural foci; however, many enzootic life cycles including ruminants and ticks are still unknown. This study investigated a wide range of TBPs circulating among ticks and grazing ruminants in the natural foci of Anatolia, Turkey. Tick specimens (n = 1815) were collected from cattle, sheep, and goats in three ecologically distinct areas (wooded, transitional, and semi-arid zones) of Anatolia and identified by species: Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupense, Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, and Rhipicephalus turanicus. PCR-sequencing analyses revealed TBPs of great diversity, with 32 different agents identified in the ticks: six Babesia spp. (Babesia occultans, Babesia crassa, Babesia microti, Babesia rossi, Babesia sp. tavsan1, and Babesia sp. Ucbas); four Theileria spp., including one putative novel species (Theileria annulata, Theileria orientalis, Theileria ovis, and Theileria sp.); one Hepatozoon sp.; four Anaplasma spp., including one novel genotype (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, and Anaplasma sp.); six unnamed Ehrlichia spp. genotypes; Neoehrlichia mikurensis; nine spotted fever group rickettsiae, including one putative novel species (Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia monacensis with strain IRS3, Rickettsia mongolitimonae, Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia goldwasserii, Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, and Rickettsia sp.); and Borrelia valaisiana. Detailed phylogenetic analyses showed that some of the detected pathogens represent more than one haplotype, potentially relating to the tick species or the host. Additionally, the presence of Neoehrlichia mikurensis, an emerging pathogen for humans, was reported for the first time in Turkey, expanding its geographical distribution. Consequently, this study describes some previously unknown tick-borne protozoan and bacterial species/genotypes and provides informative epidemiological data on TBPs, which are related to animal and human health, serving the one health concept.

Molecular Prevalence of Selected Tick-Borne Pathogens in Dermacentor reticulatus Collected in a Natural Park in Italy.

Dermacentor reticulatus is one of the most important vectors of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in Europe causing diseases in animals and humans. A longitudinal study was planned, aimed to detect the molecular prevalence of tick-borne pathogens, i.e., Babesia spp. and the spotted fever group Rickettsiae, and its seasonal variation in D. reticulatus questing ticks to define the temporal infection risk. Ticks were collected monthly over a period of 15 months in a peri-urban park in Lombardy, Italy. DNA extraction and molecular analyses were performed. Statistical analysis was carried out. Out of 488, 53 (P = 10.9%) adult questing ticks were positive for Babesia DNA. A higher prevalence was revealed in male (32/241, P = 13.3%) than in female (21/247, P = 8.5%) ticks. Positive ticks were mostly collected in winter months (P = 13.3%) compared to early (P = 7.9) and late (P = 12.8) spring months. A similar percentage of positive ticks was evidenced in transects 1 and 3 (5.8% and 6.5%, respectively); instead, a significant higher prevalence was recorded in transect 2 (P = 16.0%). Obtained sequences confirmed a homology of 100% with B. canis sequences deposited in GenBank. No ticks tested positive for Rickettsia spp. DNA (0/488, P = 0%). The conspicuous circulation of B. canis infection in D. reticulatus adult questing ticks confirms their role in the epidemiology of canine babesiosis and requires preventive measures for dogs in this recreational area. Even if no tick was positive for the spotted fever group Rickettsia, its capacity as a vector of zoonotic pathogens should not be neglected.

Assessment of the species composition of ticks attacking dogs and domestic cats in the Małopolska and Silesian provinces

Urban, tourist and recreational environments are ideal places for the spread of ticks to new areas. The increasing presence of wild animals in urban environments can lead to increased exposure and risk of infestation by dangerous parasites in humans and pets. Increased pace of urbanization relates to human mobility, long-distance trade and interactions with nature between humans and companion animals, which could change epidemiological conditions in urban and peri-urban areas. In 2017–2018, 2,777 ticks were collected in selected areas of the Małopolska and Silesian provinces: 2,643 Ixodes ricinus (95.2%), 107 Ixodes hexagonus (3.9%), 23 Ixodes crenulatus (0.8%), 3 Dermacentor reticulatus (0.1%) and 1 Ixodes apronophorus (0.03%), from 1,209 dogs and 399 cats. Ixodes ricinus is of the greatest medical, veterinary and economic importance in the transmission of many pathogens of tick-borne diseases. The widespread travel of humans with their pets is likely to have a key impact on the existing epidemiology situation of many ectoparasites and may lead to a higher frequency of rare or new parasitic diseases.

Distribution and identification of tick species infesting donkeys, in district Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

A first cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the distribution and identification of tick species infesting donkeys, in district Dera Ismail Khan and two tehsils i.e. Daraban and Kulachi. A total of 1370 donkeys were examined and a total of 2190 ticks were collected from different body parts of donkeys. Thirteen tick species belonging to seven genera identified in this study were Rhipicephalus sanguineus (13.196%), Amblyomma variegatum (1.416%), A. americanum (2.001%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (2.657%), Dermacentor reticulatus (3.651%), D. marginatus (4.711%), Hyalomma rufipes (8.538%), H. dromedarii (12.251%), H. excavatum (9.963), H. anatolicum (19.132%), H. scupense (12.702%), Haemaphysalis punctata (4.803%) and Ixodes ricinus (2.602%). H. anatolicum was the dominant species with 19.132% prevalence, while, A. variegatum was least prevalent, with 1.416% prevalence. The relative abundance of tick species in three tehsils of D.I.Khan was 46.06, 30.85 and 22.90% in tehsil D.I.Khan, Kulachi and Daraban, respectively. Mane and ears were the most affected parts of the host body, while, the tail, eyes and muzzle were less affected. The statistical analysis of the prevalence of ticks among different age and sex groups was found significant. Ticks were abundantly distributed in all of the study areas and further studies related to tick prevalence, distribution, molecular and serological detection of tick-borne pathogens in donkeys, are needed in the country.

Ecological niche and potential geographic distributions of Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus (Acari: Ixodidae) under current and future climate conditions

Abstract. Dermacentor marginatus is a vector disease of both humans and animals and transmits the causative agents of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) and the spotted fever group (Rickettsia raoultii and R. slovaca), as well as of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever. Dermacentor reticulatus can transmit various pathogens such as Francisella tularensis, Babesia spp., tick encephalitis virus, Coxiella burnetii, Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus, and Rickettsia spp. and can cause serious skin lesions. Herein, ecological niche modeling (ENM) is used to characterize the niches of these two ticks and describe their potential distributional patterns under both current and future climate conditions, as a means of highlighting geographic distributional shifts that may be of public health importance. We assessed distributional implications of five general circulation models (GCMs), under two shared socio-economic pathways (SSP245 and SSP585) for the period 2041–2060. Predictions for D. marginatus showed broad suitable areas across western, central, and southern Europe, with potential for expansion in northern and eastern Europe. Dermacentor reticulatus has suitable areas across western, central, and northern Europe. Under future scenarios, new expansions were observed in parts of northern and eastern Europe and highland areas in central Europe. Despite broad overlap between the niches of the ticks, D. marginatus has a broader niche, which allows it to show greater stability in the face of the changing climate conditions. Areas of potential geographic distributional expansion for these species should be monitored for actual distributional shifts, which may have implications for public health in those regions.

High genetic diversity of Babesia canis (Piana & Galli‐Valerio, 1895) in a recent local outbreak in Berlin/ Brandenburg, Germany

Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis (Piana & Galli-Valerio, 1895) is emerging in new regions in Europe since its vector Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) is expanding its geographic range. In the Berlin/Brandenburg area in northeast Germany, D. reticulatus is highly abundant but in the past only one autochthonous B. canis infection was reported. Since 2015, autochthonous cases were occasionally diagnosed but numbers increased since autumn 2019. The aim of the study was to genotype autochthonous canine Babesia spp. infections from Berlin/Brandenburg. Between 04/2015 and 01/2022, 46 dogs with acute babesiosis were presented to the small animal clinic (one dog was infected twice resulting in 47 samples). There were 32 dogs that had never left Berlin/Brandenburg and 14 others that had not left the region in the 6weeks prior to disease onset. PCRs targeting the 18S rRNA and the Bc28.1 merozoite surface antigen were positive in 47 and 42 samples, respectively. Sequencing of cloned PCR products identified all samples as B. canis with 17 18S rRNA and 12 Bc28.1 haplotypes. Based on network analysis for 18S rRNA sequences and a previously described polymorphic dinucleotide, samples were assigned to two distinct clusters. One contained 31 and the other 16 samples. Using network analysis, the Bc28.1 haplotypes could also be separated into two clusters differing by at least five polymorphisms. Analyses of sequences from multiple clones indicated the presence of up to five 18S rRNA and eight Bc28.1 haplotypes and thus high parasite variability in an individual host. The genetic diversity could suggest that the parasites in the region have multiple origins, but diversity in individual dogs and dog populations from endemic regions is unknown. The suitability of both markers for genotyping is questionable due to potential intragenomic diversity for the rRNA and high intergenomic variability for the Bc28.1 marker.

Study and comparison of population density indices of Ixodes ticks of different biotopes of Kyiv and Cherkasy regions

Ixodes ticks play an important role in the spread of various infectious diseases. Representatives of the Ixodes family carry a large number of pathogens. Zoonotic infections, such as tick-borne borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, etc., are especially dangerous. Areas of distribution of Ixodes ticks are quite diverse: forests, meadows, shrubs, city parks and various types of green spaces in cities. The study of the quantitative and species composition of ticks in natural foci of infectious diseases is an important component of assessing the epizootiological biopotential and forecasting the risks of infectious diseases in certain areas. In the studies, we studied and compared the distribution of Ixodes ticks based on the population density index of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus in two different habitats: anthropogenically transformed semi-natural forest environment and meadow-type with pastures. The first – the forest area is located in the forest park tract "Golendernya" in Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region. The second – a natural meadow area is located in the Cherkasy region, Lysyansk United Territorial Community (OTG), village Zhabianka. Collection of Ixodes was performed by the usual method on the flag. The population density index is expressed in relation to the number of ticks per 1 m2 of the surveyed area with a correction factor of 1.2. A total of 12,000 m2 of total habitat area was surveyed, 572 specimens of Ixodes ticks were collected, including 393 Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus 179, respectively. 356 Ixodes ticks were collected in the Golendernia tract, of which 339 were Ixodes ricinus and only 17 were Dermacentor reticulatus. Accordingly, in Golendernia tract the population density index of the surveyed area of 6 thousand m2 Ixodes ricinus is 0.07 specimens/m2 (95.9%) and Dermacentor reticulatus – 0.003 specimens/m2 (4.1%). 216 specimens of Ixodes ticks were collected in the natural meadow biotope, of which 162 – Dermacentor reticulatus and 54 – Ixodes ricinus. The population density index of the surveyed area of 6 thousand m2 in the meadow biotope with mites of the species Dermacentor reticulatus is 0.03 specimens/m2 (75.0%), and with mites of the species Ixodes ricinus – 0.01 specimens/m2. (25.0%). Population density indices between Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus have a statistically significant difference (p <0.01) which is due to the types of habitats. Key words: Ixodes tiks, Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, population density index, habitats.

Diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in ticks and small mammals from different habitats

BackgroundIxodid ticks are important vectors for zoonotic pathogens, with Ixodes ricinus being the most important in Europe. Rodents are hosts of immature life stages of I. ricinus ticks and are considered main reservoirs for tick-borne pathogens, e.g. Borrelia burgdorferi. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence as well as genospecies and sequence type (ST) diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in ticks and small mammals from central Germany and to elaborate on the influence of environmental and/or individual host and vector factors on Borrelia prevalence.MethodsAfter species identification, 1167 small mammal skin samples and 1094 ticks from vegetation were screened by B. burgdorferi sensu lato real-time polymerase chain reaction, and positive samples were characterized by multilocus sequence typing. Generalized linear (mixed) models were used to estimate how seasonality, small mammal species/tick life stage and habitat affect individual infection status.ResultsIn total, 10 small mammal species and three tick species, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes inopinatus (both considered members of the I. ricinus complex) and Dermacentor reticulatus, were investigated. Borrelia DNA was detected in eight host species, i.e. the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius), the yellow-necked field mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), the water vole (Arvicola amphibius), the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), the field vole (Microtus agrestis), the common vole (Microtus arvalis), and the common shrew (Sorex araneus). Two species were Borrelia negative, the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) and the pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus). The average prevalence was 6.2%, with two genospecies detected, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii, and at least three STs that had not been previously reported in small mammals. Borrelia prevalence in small mammals did not differ between seasons. Six genospecies of Borrelia—Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia valaisiana, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia spielmanii, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto—and 25 STs of Borrelia, of which 12 have not been previously described at all and five have not been previously reported in Germany, were detected in 13% of I. ricinus complex ticks. Prevalence was highest in adult females (25.3%) and lowest in nymphs (11.4%). Prevalence was significantly higher in ticks from grassland (16.8%) compared to forests (11.4%).ConclusionsThe high level of small mammal diversity in this region of Germany seems to be reflected in a wide variety of genospecies and STs of B. burgdorferi.Graphical abstract

TBE in Belarus

Belarus is a landlocked country of eastern Europe with a population of 9.4 million, of which 78.4% reside in urban areas bordered by Lithuania and Latvia to the north west, by Russia to the north and east, by Ukraine to the south, and by Poland to the west. The country of Belarus is divided into six administrative districts (Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk, Mogilev, Vitebsk regions) each centered around a major city (Minsk). Much of the country consists of flat lowlands separated by low-level topped hills and uplands; the highest point is Dzyarzhynskaya Hill, being only 1135 feet (346 meters) above sea level. Over half of the surface area of Belarus lies below 660 feet (200 meters), and about 40% of the country is forested. The most common tick species in Belarus are Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus.

Ticks on the move—climate change-induced range shifts of three tick species in Europe: current and future habitat suitability for Ixodes ricinus in comparison with Dermacentor reticulatus and Dermacentor marginatus

Tick-borne diseases are a major health problem worldwide and could become even more important in Europe in the future. Due to changing climatic conditions, ticks are assumed to be able to expand their ranges in Europe towards higher latitudes and altitudes, which could result in an increased occurrence of tick-borne diseases.There is a great interest to identify potential (new) areas of distribution of vector species in order to assess the future infection risk with vector-borne diseases, improve surveillance, to develop more targeted monitoring program, and, if required, control measures.Based on an ecological niche modelling approach we project the climatic suitability for the three tick species Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Dermacentor marginatus under current and future climatic conditions in Europe. These common tick species also feed on humans and livestock and are vector competent for a number of pathogens.For niche modelling, we used a comprehensive occurrence data set based on several databases and publications and six bioclimatic variables in a maximum entropy approach. For projections, we used the most recent IPCC data on current and future climatic conditions including four different scenarios of socio-economic developments.Our models clearly support the assumption that the three tick species will benefit from climate change with projected range expansions towards north-eastern Europe and wide areas in central Europe with projected potential co-occurrence.A higher tick biodiversity and locally higher abundances might increase the risk of tick-borne diseases, although other factors such as pathogen prevalence and host abundances are also important.

Occurrence of canine babesiosis in dogs in the Rhine-Main area of Hesse, Germany - a case study of 81 dogs

Canine babesiosis, an infectious disease transmitted by Dermacentor reticulatus, is exhibiting growing importance in Germany. The aim of this study was to display the increased incidence of canine babesiosis in the Rhine-Main area in Hesse, with special focus on the accumulation in the district of Groß-Gerau. The retrospective study included dogs presented to the veterinary hospital between October 2018 and December 2020 and diagnosed with canine babesiosis on the basis of a positive Babesia spp.-PCR. A total of 697 dogs were tested by Babesia spp.-PCR during this time period. Of these, 81 (12 %) were positive.Sequencing was performed in 14 of the 81 dogs (17 %) (B. canis n = 13, B, vulpes n = 1). A simultaneous anaplasmosis infection was detected in 2 dogs. Strikingly, babesiosis cases occurred throughout the year with accumulations in March/April as well as in October.Evaluation of a complete blood cell count revealed pancytopenia in 44 of the 81 animals (54 %). Anemia was present in 66 (82 %), thrombocytopenia in 76 of the 81 patients (94 %). Only 2 of the 81 positive cases showed no hematological changes. Hyperbilirubinemia was found in 66 of 73 measured bilirubin levels (90 %).All animals were treated with two injections of imidocarb-diproprionate (Carbesia®) in 14-day intervals. Follow-up PCR was performed in 37 of the 81 patients (46 %). In the majority of cases (92 %), successful therapy was confirmed by a negative Babesia-PCR. A total of 6 of the 81 patients (7 %) were euthanized during the treatment period. The reasons for euthanasia were progressive renal disease, high-grade intravascular hemolysis necessitating multiple blood transfusions, and development of splenic and renal abscesses. In dogs with clinical signs such as apathy, pyrexia and hemoglobinuria, as well as hematologic abnormalities comprising anemia, thrombocytopenia as well as pancytopenia, babesiosis needs to be included in the list of differential diagnoses. Testing should be initiated accordingly regardless of the season, however especially in spring and autumn.

BLOOD-SUCKING ARTHROPODS (ACARI: IXODIDAE; DIP-TERA: CULICIDAE, SIMULIIDAE) ON THE TERRITO-RY OF SETTLEMENTS OF VARIOUS TYPES OF THE NORTHERN CLIMATIC REGION OF BELARUS

The article presents data on the species diversity of blood-sucking arthropods in settlements of various types of the northern climatic region of Belarus. A total of 3 species of Ixodidae − Ixodes persulcatus (Schulze, 1930), Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Dermacentor reticulatus Fabricius, 1794; 14 species of mosquitoes from 3 genera (Aedes Meigen, 1818; Anopheles Meigen, 1818; Coquillettidia Dyar, 1905) and 9 black fly species from 6 genera (Simulium Latreille, 1802; Wilhelmia Enderlein, 1921; Cnetha Enderlein, 1921; Eusimulium Roubaud, 1906; Boophthora Ender-lein, 1921; Odagmia Enderlein, 1921) have been found. The abundance of Ixodidae averaged 6,1±1,97 per flag/km, adult mosquitoes − 12,5±2,9 individuals per sampling, larvae − 40,5±22,4 individuals per square meter, immature black flies − 96,6±12,7 individuals per square decimeters. The highest species diversity of mosquitoes was observed in the city of regional subordination, black flies − in the town of district subordination.

The Risk of Exposure to Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in a Spa Town in Northern Poland

The aim of this study was to determine the potential risk of human exposure to tick-borne infection in a recreation areas in a spa town located in northern Poland. Questing Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were collected in the spring of 2018. Tick-borne microorganisms were detected by PCR. Species were identified based on RFLP and the sequencing of DNA. In total, 38.3% of the ticks (34.6% of I. ricinus and 48.6% of D. reticulatus) were infected. The prevalence was 14.9% for Borrelia spp., 10.6% for Babesia spp. and 17.7% for Rickettsia spp. No Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected. Spirochaetes B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi s.s. were detected only in I. ricinus ticks (20.2%). The differences in the infection rates of Babesia spp. between I. ricinus (7.7%) and D. reticulatus (18.9%) were not significant. DNA of B. canis and B. venatorum were identified in both tick species. B. microti were detected in D. reticulatus ticks. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was significantly higher in D. reticulatus (37.8%) than that in I. ricinus (10.6%). R. raoultii was identified only in D. reticulatus and R. helvetica in I. ricinus. Co-infections of at least two pathogens were recognized in 13% of positive ticks.

Babesiosis in Southeastern, Central and Northeastern Europe: An Emerging and Re-Emerging Tick-Borne Disease of Humans and Animals.

There is now considerable evidence that in Europe, babesiosis is an emerging infectious disease, with some of the causative species spreading as a consequence of the increasing range of their tick vector hosts. In this review, we summarize both the historic records and recent findings on the occurrence and incidence of babesiosis in 20 European countries located in southeastern Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia), central Europe (Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland), and northern and northeastern Europe (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway), identified in humans and selected species of domesticated animals (cats, dogs, horses, and cattle). Recorded cases of human babesiosis are still rare, but their number is expected to rise in the coming years. This is because of the widespread and longer seasonal activity of Ixodes ricinus as a result of climate change and because of the more extensive use of better molecular diagnostic methods. Bovine babesiosis has a re-emerging potential because of the likely loss of herd immunity, while canine babesiosis is rapidly expanding in central and northeastern Europe, its occurrence correlating with the rapid, successful expansion of the ornate dog tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) populations in Europe. Taken together, our analysis of the available reports shows clear evidence of an increasing annual incidence of babesiosis across Europe in both humans and animals that is changing in line with similar increases in the incidence of other tick-borne diseases. This situation is of major concern, and we recommend more extensive and frequent, standardized monitoring using a “One Health” approach.

Virome of Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, and Haemaphysalis concinna Ticks from Croatia.

Tick-borne diseases are a serious threat to both public and veterinary health. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to characterize the virome of three tick species implicated in the spread of vector-borne disease throughout Croatia. Ten viruses were identified, including seven potential novel species within the viral families Flaviviridae, Nyamiviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Phenuiviridae, and Nairoviridae.

New problems of environmental ecology: ticks and tick-borne pathogens in city parks of Ukraine.

City parks of Vinnytsia, Ukraine, were examined for the occurrence of host-seeking ticks and collected specimens were examined for presence of rickettsial pathogens. In the summer season, the only collected individuals were Dermacentor reticulatus adults (n= 203). DNA identification of pathogens was conducted with the use of 16S rRNA gene amplification. Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of Rickettsia raoultii in ticks from all parks, with infection prevalence ranging from 5% to 68% across parks. These results indicate that city parks in Vinnytsia have become a new habitat for ticks of high medical and veterinary importance. Due to the risk of acquiring tick-borne pathogens, the urban environment such as parks and home gardens, should be monitored for the presence of ticks and their infection with human pathogens. Screening of these areas is an important preventive element of environmental epidemiology.