Hyalomma Anatolicum Excavatum Research Articles

Prevalence and identification of tick infestation in cattle and sheep in Herat, Afghanistan

Objective: This study aimed to assess and outline the prevalence of tick infestation among cattle and sheep in Herat, Afghanistan, utilizing accurate identification and classification methods for tick species. Materials and Methods: A total of 620 animals (315 cattle and 305 sheep) in six villages of the Injil district underwent examination for tick presence, with approximately 450 ticks collected for species identification. Results: The ticks found on cattle and sheep belonged predominantly to two genera: Hyalomma (98.6% in cattle, 1.4% in sheep) and Rhipicephalus (1.4%). Among cattle, five Hyalomma species were identified, notably Hyalomma anatolicum (36.60%), Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (36.16%), Hyalomma marginatum (15.65%), Hyalomma rufipes (6.69%), and Hyalomma detritum (4.90%). Similarly, in sheep, four Hyalomma species were observed, including H. anatolicum (33.3%), H. anatolicum excavatum (31.1%), H. marginatum (20%), and H. rufipes (15.60%). Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of Hyalomma ticks among both cattle and sheep in Herat province, underscoring the escalated risk of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever dissemination. These findings advocate for tailored strategies in tick control and educational initiatives to effectively address this critical concern.

Evaluation of CCHF Infection in Hard Ticks in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal tick-borne viral disease. Hard ticks are both carriers and reservoirs of the CCHF virus. In this regard, the present study was done to investigate the CCHF viral infection in collected ticks from livestock in Gonabad City (Southwest of Razavi Khorasan Province) in Eastern Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was performed in rural areas of Gonabad City in 2018. The forceps sampling method collected hard ticks from livestock (goats, sheep, and cattle). The ticks were identified based on a valid taxonomic key; finally, the CCHF viral infection was evaluated using the RT-PCR technique. Results: Between April and October 2018, 100 ticks were collected from 13 rural areas of Gonabad. The frequency of ticks collected from goats, sheep, and cows was 6.4%, 3.7%, and 89.9%, respectively. Also, 90% of ticks were Hyalomma (Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (n=9), Hyalomma lusitanicum (n=59), Hyalomma marginatum (n=4), Hyalomma anatolicuman (n=18)) and the remaining 10% were Rhipicephalus sanguine. Overally, CCHF infection was observed in 14% of the ticks (Hy. excavatum, Hy. lusitanicum, and Hy. anatolicumand Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Conclusion: Hyalomma species is the main vector of the CCHF virus. Due to the high abundance of hard ticks in nature and the livestock environment, special care is required in the villages. Also, due to the presence of more scattered ticks in the northern half of the country, comprehensive studies that cover a wide geographical area and cover a larger sample size are necessary.

Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Abound in the Cattle Population of the Rabat-Sale Kenitra Region, Morocco.

Tick-borne pathogens cause the majority of diseases in the cattle population in Morocco. In this study, ticks were collected from cattle in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco and identified morphologically, while tick-borne pathogens were detected in cattle blood samples via polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing. A total of 3394 adult ixodid ticks were collected from cattle and identified as eight different tick species representing two genera, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The collected ticks consisted of Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma impeltatum. The overall prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in blood samples was 63.8%, with 29.3% positive for Babesia/Theileria spp., 51.2% for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., and none of the samples positive for Rickettsia spp. Sequencing results revealed the presence of Theileria annulata, Babesia bovis, Anaplasma marginale, Theileria buffeli, Theileria orientalis, Babesia occultans, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma capra, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma bovis, Ehrlichia minasensis, and one isolate of an unknown bovine Anaplasma sp. Crossbreeds, females, older age, and high tick infestation were the most important risk factors for the abundance of tick-borne pathogens, which occurred most frequently in Jorf El Melha, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Ait Ichou, and Arbaoua locations.

Ixodid tick salivary gland extracts suppress human transforming growth factor-β1 triggered signalling pathways in cervical carcinoma cells

Ticks, very successful vectors and reservoirs of diverse viruses and other infectious agents, are able to counteract host defence mechanisms and wound healing processes to facilitate blood-feeding. Cutting the epidermis by the tick chelicerae and penetration of the hypostome into the dermis followed by feeding elicit a wound healing response, involving coagulation, inflammation, angiogenesis, synthesis of extracellular matrix and ground substances, as well as tissue remodelling. These repair processes of injured skin are coordinated by a wide array of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Tick salivary gland compounds, in addition to their vital anticoagulant and immunomodulatory functions, also possess significant anti-tumour properties and represent very promising sources of novel pharmaceuticals. Among life-threatening cancers, cervical carcinoma is still a high risk. Human transforming growth factor-beta 1 (huTGF-β1) inhibitors are significant in anti-cancer therapy. In this study, we investigated effects of salivary gland extracts (SGE) of females of two ixodid ticks, Dermacentor reticulatus (DR SGE) and Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (HAE SGE), on signalling pathways triggered by huTGF-β1 in two cervical carcinoma cell lines, SiHa and HeLa, varying in their response to huTGF-β1. By dual luciferase reporter assay we monitored activation/inhibition of canonical SMAD or non-canonical signalling pathways in cells treated with huTGF-β1 and DR SGE/HAE SGE. Using specific monoclonal antibodies we tested effects of SGE on phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and/or AKT-1 molecules. We were the first to detect significant inhibition of huTGF-β1 induced signalling pathways, canonical as well as non-canonical, by DR and HAE SGE. Although the overall effects of both SGE on signalling pathways were similar, we revealed different patterns of effects of the two SGE on phosphorylation of the monitored signal transducers. Further investigations in this field are required.

STUDIES ON ROLE OF TICKS IN TRANSMISSION OF SOME BLOOD PARASITES IN CAMEL

This study was carried out in the imported camels that enter Egypt coming from Sudan those were passed on Abu-Simbuel region (Abu-Simbuel Abatoir) of Aswan Governorate, southern Egypt in the period from November, 2015 to October, 2016, to identify tick species infesting camels, study the prevalence of ticks infestation in camels all over the year andthe prevalence of Trypanosoma and microfilaria infection of camels, also the role of ticks in transmission of Trypanosoma species. The overall prevalence in the tick infestation was recorded as (60.96 %) (1463/2400) .The higher infestation were recorded in November, December (2015) and January (2016) and lower infestation were recorded in June.A total of (960) ticks were collected from the infested camels and identified. Hyalomma dromedarii was the predominant tick species and comprised (83.54 %) of the collected ticks. Other tick species found in very low numbers were Rhipicephalus praetextatus(4.27 %), Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum(3.85%),Hyalomma impeltatum (2.92%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (2.29 %),Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum(1.35 %), Hyalomma marginatum rufipes (1.12 %), and Hyalomma truncatum (0.63 %).(99) blood samples from (4800 )collected blood samples was infected by Trypanosoma evansi and hence constitute a prevalence rate of (2.0625%),with highest prevalence rate infection was (8.5 %) in October, alsofounded that (2) blood samples from( 4800) samples that infected by microfilaria in February and December (winter) with prevalence rate (0.042 %)(2/4800).We founded two samples in gut of male ticks contain developed stages of Trypanosoma in (March and June).

Differential susceptibility of Hyalomma excavatum adults and nymphs to the entomopathogens Metarhizium anisopliae ARSEF 4556 and Steinernema carpocapsae

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the virulence of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae strain ARSEF 4556, and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae against adult and nymphal stages of the tick Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum. The fungus was tested at three different concentrations, 106, 107, and 108 conidia ml−1. Ticks were exposed to 4000 IJs of S. carpocapsae in 0.5 ml distilled water in Petri dishes lined with 2 layers of moist filter paper. Adult ticks were not susceptible to M. anisopliae, whereas the nymphs were highly susceptible. Nymph mortality was dose dependent with all ticks being killed at the highest dose 96 hours post-inoculation. In contrast, S. carpocapsae was much more effective against engorged adults than unfed adults or nymphs. Tick susceptibility was not influenced by gender. The mean mortalities of the unfed adult males, females, and nymphs were 30% ± 9.2%, 40% ± 7.5%, and 36% ± 4.7%, respectively. Nymphal mortality was 36% and there was a significant difference between nematode treatment and control group (P < 0.05).

Detection of Bartonella tamiae, Coxiella burnetii and rickettsiae in arthropods and tissues from wild and domestic animals in northeastern Algeria.

BackgroundIn recent years, the scope and importance of emergent vector-borne diseases has increased dramatically. In Algeria, only limited information is currently available concerning the presence and prevalence of these zoonotic diseases. For this reason, we conducted a survey of hematophagous ectoparasites of domestic mammals and/or spleens of wild animals in El Tarf and Souk Ahras, Algeria.MethodsUsing real-time PCR, standard PCR and sequencing, the presence of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp. and Coxiella burnetii was evaluated in 268/1626 ticks, 136 fleas, 11 Nycteribiidae flies and 16 spleens of domestic and/or wild animals from the El Tarf and Souk Ahras areas.ResultsFor the first time in Algeria, Bartonella tamiae was detected in 12/19 (63.2 %) Ixodes vespertilionis ticks, 8/11 (72.7 %) Nycteribiidae spp. flies and in 6/10 (60 %) bat spleens (Chiroptera spp.). DNA from Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, was also identified in 3/19 (15.8 %) I. vespertilionis from bats. Rickettsia slovaca, the agent of tick-borne lymphadenopathy, was detected in 1/1 (100 %) Haemaphysalis punctata and 2/3 (66.7 %) Dermacentor marginatus ticks collected from two boars (Sus scrofa algira) respectively. Ri. massiliae, an agent of spotted fever, was detected in 38/94 (40.4 %) Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato collected from cattle, sheep, dogs, boars and jackals. DNA of Ri. aeschlimannii was detected in 6/20 (30 %) Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum and 6/20 (30 %) Hy. scupense from cattle. Finally, Ri. felis, an emerging rickettsial pathogen, was detected in 80/110 (72.7 %) Archaeopsylla erinacei and 2/2 (100 %) Ctenocephalides felis of hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus).ConclusionIn this study, we expanded knowledge about the repertoire of ticks and flea-borne bacteria present in ectoparasites and/or tissues of domestic and wild animals in Algeria.

Evaluation of Tick-Bite Cases with Infection Agents among Patients Visiting State Hospital in Malatya, Turkey

Objevtive: The study aims to determine where the patients who visited applied to the state hospital with tick-bites between April-September 2009 to evaluate bitten areas of the body and species separation that forms infestation and the cases in terms of bacterial and viral infection. Methods: The patients, who had tick-bites, applied to the state hospital to form the material of the study. Anamnesis was taken from the patients applied to the hospital. It was recorded that where the patients came from and where the infestation was. Results: Patients' serological test results were found within normal levels. Tick type found as 69 Hyalomma marginatum, 29 Rhipicephalus bursa , 27 Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum , 21 Hyalomma aegyptium , 19 Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum , 12 Rhipicephalus sanguineus , 9 Dermacentor marginatus , 7 Haemaphysalis parva , and 4 Hyalomma detritum . Also it was determined that there were 3 larvas and 5 nimfs belonged to Hyalomma species in a growth phase and 1 nimf belonged to Haemaphysalis . Conclusion: It was concluded in the study that the H. marginatum , known as crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever vector, is more common than the other types and it is a risky situation for the city to be geographically near to the regions where the virus is seen, thus some precautions should be taken.

Molecular and serological detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infection in horses and ixodid ticks in Iran

Equine piroplasmosis is a hemoprotozoan tick-borne disease with worldwide distribution that is caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. However, the geographical distribution of equine piroplasmosis in Iran is unknown. The aim of the current study was to determine the causative agents and vector ticks of equine piroplasmosis in horses in the North Khorasan Province. In the year 2011, 100 horses were randomly selected from 14 villages. Blood samples and ixodid ticks were collected and examined using microscopical, molecular, and serological methods. Theileria equi infection was microscopically detected in 5 (5%) of the blood smears with low parasitemia, while serum samples were tested by the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibodies against T. equi, B. caballi, and a mixed infection were detected in 48 (48%), 2 (2%), and 3 (3%) of the serum samples, respectively. A multiplex PCR was used to detect T. equi and B. caballi DNA in blood samples. No B. caballi infections could be found, but Theileria equi DNA was detected in 45 (45%) of the blood samples, and a BLAST analysis of the sequenced samples indicated a 99% similarity with T. equi 18S rRNA gene sequences in GenBank. Both molecular and serological results did not identify any significant association between T. equi infection and risk factors. A comparision of the results of 3 diagnostic methods demonstrated a poor agreement between microscopical examination with IFAT and PCR and a moderate agreement between IFAT and PCR. Thirty-seven adult ticks (20 females and 17 males) were collected from 15 horses. The most common tick was Hyalomma marginatum marginatum (n=19), followed by Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (n=10), Rhipicephalus bursa (n=4), Hyalomma marginatum turanicum (n=3), and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (n=1). The salivary glands and ovaries were also examined using PCR. The genomic DNA samples of the salivary glands of 3 ticks, H. a. excavatum (n=2) and R. bursa (n=1), had a positive reaction for T. equi, but no tick contained B. caballi DNA. Thus, our results indicate that T. equi occurs more frequently than B. caballi in the investigated geographical region.

Rhipicephalus turanicus: from low numbers to complete establishment in Cyprus. Its possible role as a bridge-vector

We describe herein the abundance of Rhipicephalus turanicus in Cyprus, and its potential role as bridge vector carrying tick-borne pathogens among various hosts. Following the first recording (1970-72), at low numbers, of R. turanicus in Cyprus, two studies took place (March 1999 - March 2001, January 2004 - December 2006), during which, ticks were collected from ruminants (goats, sheep, bovine), dogs and wild mammals (foxes, wild-rabbits and mouflons) from different sites of the island. All ticks were morphologically identified to the species level, washed in 70% alcohol, rinsed in sterile water, dried on sterile filter paper and triturated individually. Following DNA extraction [QIAampTissue Kit (QIAGEN, Germany)] all ticks were tested for Rickettsia species and Coxiella burnetii by Real-time PCR targeting the gltA gene and IS1111 insertion sequence, respectively, and for Anaplasma species by PCR targeting the 16s rRNA gene. Samples positive for Rickettsia species were further amplified by PCR targeting the ompA and ompB genes. Of the 3950 ticks collected, 805 (20.4%) were identified as R. turanicus; this species was the only one, amongst the rest of the ticks (R. bursa, R. sanguineus, Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum, H. marginatum, H. m. rufipes, Ixodes gibbosus, I. ventalloi, Haemaphysalis sulcata, H. punctata), that was collected from every host. Of the ticks tested, 125/805 (IR: 15.5%) were tested positive for Rickettsia species [R. massilliae (83/125), Candidatus Rickettsia (5/125), Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae genotype Cretocypriensis (26/125) and Candidatus Rickettsia tselentii (11/125)]. The latter Rickettsia species showed a close relationship with R. africae, was described for the first time in Cyprus and was identified in R. turanicus only disregarding the animal host. Of the 805 ticks, 107 (IR: 13.3%) were tested positive for C. burnetii, and 16 (IR: 2%) were positive for Anaplasma species. Five ticks harboured both Rickettsia species and C. burnetii. Rhipicephalus turanicus, largely distributed in the Mediterranean sub-region, Africa and Asia, is flexible and adaptable and can be found in a rich variety of hosts (domestic and wild). It has well adapted and spread over a great variety of animal species in Cyprus during the last 40 years and seems to play an importance role as a bridge-vector of tick-borne pathogens. The changing climate, geographical position of Cyprus (wintering area for migratory birds), make the island an important cross-over for possible dispersal of ticks and their tick-borne pathogens from East to the West.

Identification of a Novel Uncultured Rickettsia Species Strain (Rickettsia Species Strain Tselenti) in Cyprus

In a previous study conducted in Cyprus, various spotted fever group Rickettsia species were detected and identified in ticks by molecular analysis. Among them, a partially characterized Rickettsia species was detected in Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum and Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks. We report characterization of this rickettsial strain by using polymerase chain reaction sequencing analysis of partial citrate synthase A, outer membrane protein A, outer membrane protein B, and 17-kD protein genes. We propose a provisional name Rickettsia sp. strain Tselenti for this strain until it is isolated and further characterized.

Tick Paralysis : First Zoonosis Record in Egypt

Tick paralysis caused by the secretion of toxin with saliva while taking a blood meal is an important veterinary disease, but is rare in humans. Although it has certain geographical proclivities, it exists worldwide. Tick paralysis was demonstrated for the first time in Egypt among four children living in rural area at Giza Governorate. The clinical pictures were confused with rabies; myasthensia gravis; botulism; diphtheritic polyneuropathy encountered in rural areas. The recovery of tick infesting the four little children and negative clinical and laboratory data of all diseases denoted tick paralysis. The encountered ticks infesting their animals were Rhipicephalus sanguineus on dogs, Hyalomma dromedarii on camels and Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum and Haemaphysalis sp. on goats. The case was recognized as first record of tick paralysis in Egypt.

Study on prevalence of parasitic diseases in cattle in Abyei area – Sudan

This study was designed to compare information on parasitic diseases occurrence in nomadic cattle herds in Abyei area. Collection of data from the veterinary records, Veterinary drug centres, questionnaire and external parasites, faecal and blood samples from animals were carried out for one year. The clinical records showed that, parasitic diseases constitute a major problem, and formed 53% of the total diseases recorded in the clinical records. Veterinary drug centers records also revealed that, within parasitic drugs, anthelmentic drugs were the most used in high quantities constituting 48%, then blood parasites as 37% and external parasites drugs which were 15%. During the wet season, many cattle herds were found in a restricted area sharing the available water and pasture. There were no proper slaughter houses, and also disposal of the offals and carcasses during meat inspection. Cattle parasitic diseases were surveyed at four administrative units in the study area at Muglad, Mayram, Abyei and Dibab. Faecal samples, blood smear, ticks and biting flies were collected. The results of this survey showed the followings: the faecal samples from cattle using floatation and sedimentation methods showed that: Paramphistomum sp. constituted 11.25%,Fasciola gigantica 5.00%, Schistosoma bovis, 1.50%, Oesophagustomum sp. 2.50%, Moniezia sp. 0.63% and Eimeria sp. 4.38%. The occurrence of internal parasites was found higher during the wet season. Blood smear examination revealed that there were Theileria species and Babesia sp. at prevalence rates of 5.88 and 5.15% respectively. Theileria sp. was more prevalent in Muglad compared to other locations, while Babesia was more frequently detected in Mayram. It is noticeable that the overall prevalence is almost the same for the two parasites. Herds were found to be 100% infested with hard ticks. 9 different tick species were identified. They belong to three genera:Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Identified tick species collected from cattle, sheep, goats and camel were: Amblyomma lepidum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Rhipicephalus simus. simus, Boophilus decoloratus, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum, Hyalomma truncatum and Hyalomma dromedarii. The most abundant tick species were R. sanguineus (38.60%), A. lepidum (29.06%) and H. m. rufipes (27.91%). The total count of ticks showed that A. lepidum and Hyalomma m. rufipes were actively distributed throughout the year among the hosts with relative preference to cattle and camel. Similarly R. sanguineus had a significant distribution in sheep with restricted presence on other animal species. The biting flies identified revealed; Atylotus agrystus, Atylotus fuscipus, Tabanus taeniola and Ancala latipes. The total count showed that, A. agrystus and T. taeniola were actively distributed in the area. Parasitic disease burden as calculated for individual animals revealed that examined animals (100%) were infested with ticks. 64% of the animals were infested with ticks only. The rest showed 32% with one internal parasite and ticks, and 4% with two internal parasites and ticks. The nomads were found scattered during the dry season, whereas they were found in concentration in five locations during the wet season. The main water sources in the wet season are Rahad, Butta, Hafeir and Al Wadi.Whereas in the dry season, the main water sources are Ragaba and Downki and other additional sources such as Hafeir, Id and Bahr Al Arab. The animal owners have a good knowledge about the parasitic diseases and their symptoms, but their knowledge about the treatment and control was not adequate. They ranked the most important diseases as follows: mixed infection (Alk) 71%, Ticks and tick-borne diseases 27%, Biting flies and Trypanosomosis 20%, Foot and mouth disease and Black quarter as 20% each. The majority of the livestock keepers were 58.60% treating their animals several times throughout the year, and they find the drug in the temporary markets and sometimes in the (Farig). Ticks were 61 and 39%for biting flies were found during wet season, whereas, in the dry season 91% ticks and 9% biting flies. Key words: Parasitic diseases, Abyei, Sudan.

Molecular Detection of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae Associated with Ixodid Ticks in Egypt

Tick-borne diseases comprise a complex epidemiological and ecological network that connects the vectors, pathogens, and a group of host species. The aim of this study was to identify bacteria from the genus Rickettsia associated with ixodid ticks infesting camels and cows in Egypt. Ticks were collected from 6 different localities: Qina, Giza, Qalet El Nakhl, New Valley, El Arish, and Minufia, from July to October 2008. Species were identified using PCR, followed by sequencing. The gltA and rOmpA genes were used for the initial detection of Rickettsia spp. Further characterization of positive samples utilized primers targeting rOmpB, sca4, and intergenic spacers (mppA-purC, dksA-xerC, and rpmE-tRNA(fMet)). Cows were infested with Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum and Boophilus annulatus. Camels were infested with Hyalomma dromedarii, H. impeltatum, and H. marginatum marginatum. Approximately 57.1% of H. dromedarii ticks collected from Qalet El Nakhl were infected with Rickettsia africae, exhibiting 99.1-100% identity to reference strains. Within H. impeltatum, 26.7% and 73.3% of ticks from El Arish were infected with R. africae and R. aeschlimannii, with 98.3-100% and 97.9-100% identity, respectively. Furthermore, 33.3% of H. marginatum marginatum ticks in Qalet El Nakhl were infected with the same two species as H. impeltatum, demonstrating 99.1-100% and 99.3-100% identity, respectively. By comparing percent identities and phylogenetic relationships, R. africae is identified for the first time in Egypt, in addition to R. aeschlimannii, which exhibits 100% identity with the Stavropol strain in GenBank. In conclusion, the obtained data underscore the medical and veterinary importance of tick-borne rickettsioses, which necessitate further investigation by authorities in Egypt. Moreover, additional characterization of these rickettsial isolates should be performed to designate their strains, using a polyphasic strategy combining genotypic and phenotypic tests, to facilitate their deposition in the rickettsial collection of the WHO and/or ATCC.

Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks in Cyprus

In two surveys conducted from March 1999 to March 2001 and from January 2004 to December 2006, a total of 3,950 ticks (belonging to ten different species) were collected from seven domestic and wild animals (goat, sheep, cattle, dog, fox, hare, and mouflon) from different localities throughout Cyprus. In order to establish their infection rate with Spotted Fever Rickettsiae (SFG), ticks were pooled and tested by polymerase chain reaction targeting gltA and ompA genes, followed by sequencing analysis. When tick pools tested positive, individual ticks were then tested one by one, and of the 3,950 ticks screened, rickettsial DNA was identified in 315 ticks (infection rate, 8%). Five SFG Rickettsiae were identified: Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma marginatum marginatum, Rickettsia massiliae in Rhipicephalus turanicus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rickettsia sibirica mongolotimonae in Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum, and a Rickettsia endosymbiont of Haemaphysalis sulcata (later described as Rickettsia hoogstraalii) in Haemaphysalis punctata. Two additional genes, 17 kDa and ompB, were targeted to characterize a new genotype of "Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae" genotype in R. turanicus, designated here as "Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae" Cretocypriensis. These results confirm the presence of a spectrum of SFG Rickettsiae on the island. Further studies are necessary to gain better knowledge on the epidemiology of SFG Rickettsiae in Cyprus.

Hard ticks on one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) and their seasonal population dynamics in southeast, Iran

The primary objective of this study was to determine the diversity and intensity of ticks found on camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their seasonal population dynamics in Kerman, southeast of Iran. For this purpose, a total of 426 tick specimens were collected from 217 infested camels in southeast of Iran during activating seasons of ticks (April 2009 to March 2010). The species collected from camel were Hyalomma dromedarii (84.7%), Hyalomma marginatum (8.7%), Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (5.4%), and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (1.2%). The highest seasonal activities occurred in summer. The ratio of male ticks was more than female ticks. H. dromedarii was the predominant tick species and accounted for 84.7% of the ticks.

Nucleotide sequence analysis of the Second Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS2) in Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum in Iran.

Ticks are important acarina that infest animals. They are obligatory blood sucker arthropods which economically impact cattle industry by reducing weight gain and production. Moreover, they are important vectors of viral, bacterial, rickettsial and parasitic pathogens infecting humans and animals. In view of the importance of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum in pathogen transmission, including Theileria lestoquardi in Iran, the accurate identification of this tick is critical. Although many keys are available as aids, morphological identification of tick species such as Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (Koch, 1844; Hoogstral and Kaiser, 1959) is difficult and expert knowledge is required. False morphological identification at the level of species and subspecies is common, particularly for Hyalomma excavatum complex members which are prevalent in Iran. For example, the high similarity between Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum is the cause of confusion in the identification of these species. In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used for identification of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum based on analysis of the gene sequence of the Second Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS2) of this tick. The ITS2 nucleotide sequence of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum was 963 base pairs (bp) in length and exhibited 93% homology with other GenBank registered ITS2 sequences of this subspecies (accession no: FJ593700.1). The complete ITS2 region sequence was identified in this study and registered in GenBank under accession number HQ123320.

TICK-BORNE BACTERIA IN MOUFLONS AND THEIR ECTOPARASITES IN CYPRUS

The Cypriot mouflon (Ovis orientalis ophion), a once almost extirpated species of wild sheep, is under strict surveillance because it can be threatened by likely transmission of pathogenic bacteria, such as Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., and Coxiella burnetii, primarily from domestic ungulates. We collected 77 blood samples from Cypriot mouflons and 663 of their ectoparasites (Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, and Ixodes gibossus) and tested them by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Twenty-three mouflon blood samples (30%) were positive for C. burnetii, 23 (30%) for Rickettsia spp., and 8 (10%) for Anaplasma ovis. Of 109 pools of ectoparasites, 32.1% were positive for C. burnetii, 28.4% for Rickettsia spp., and 10.9% for A. ovis; 11.9% were positive for both C. burnetii and Rickettsia spp., 6.4% for both Rickettsia spp. and A. ovis, and 2.8% for all three pathogens. This is the first survey that records the presence of tick-borne pathogens, both in the Cypriot mouflon and in ticks parasitizing it.

Prevalence of ixodid ticks on cattle and sheep southeast of Iran

A survey was carried out to investigate the prevalence of hard tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) on cattle and sheep southeast of Iran. A total of 972 ticks were collected from 280 infested cattle and 1,207 ticks were collected from 632 infested sheep during activating seasons of ticks in 2008-2009. The species collected from cattle were Hyalomma marginatum marginatum (50.92%), Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (25.61%), Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (8.12%), Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum (1.85%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (13.47%) while the species collected from sheep were R. sanguineus (36.37%), H. marginatum marginatum (30.65%), H. anatolicum excavatum (19.05%), H. asiaticum asiaticum (10.52%), Hyalomma detritum (3.14%), and Dermacentor marginatus (0.24%). The results show that, H. marginatum marginatum, H. anatolicum excavatum, and R. sanguineus are dominant tick species in the surveyed area.

Prevalence of ixodid ticks on cattle in Mazandaran province, Iran

A survey was carried out to investigate the prevalence of hard tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) on cattle in Mazandaran province, Iran. A total of 953 ticks were collected from 86 infested cattle during activating seasons of ticks during 2004-2005. Nine species were identified: Boophilus annulatus (51.3%), Rhipicephalus bursa (16.8%), Haemaphysalis punctata (6.3%), Ixodes ricinus (6.8%), Hyalomma marginatum (12.5%), Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (5.2%), Hyalomma asiaticum (0.6%), Hyalomma detritum (0.2 %), and Dermacentor spp. (0.1%). The results show that Boophilus annulatus, Rhipicephalus bursa, and Hyalomma species are dominant tick species in the surveyed area.