Hyalomma Detritum 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.

Molecular Identification of Hyalomma Ticks and Application of Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins as an Effective Biological Acaricide.

Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis) is considered one of the most important entomopathogenic microorganisms. It produces potent toxins against insects. Therefore, the present study investigates the bioacaricidal properties of B. thuringiensis on the Hyalomma tick species. Firstly, we identify Hyalomma ticks based on morphological screening and molecular characterization. The cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene was selected for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, which resulted in the amplification of 656 bp. The amplified products were sequenced, and the isolated (COX1) gene of ticks was submitted to the gene bank of NCBI (Accession No. OR077934.1). The nucleotide sequences were retrieved from the NCBI data bank by BLASTn analysis, which confirmed that all obtained sequences belong to genus Hyalomma, and multiple alignments confirmed that the sequence of Hyalomma anatolicum Tandojam-isolate (HA-TJ) 100% aligned with Hyalomma analoticum KP792577.1, Hyalomma detritum KP792595.1, Hyalomma excavatum KX911989.1, and H. excavatum OQ449693.1. The generated phylogenetic tree confirmed that sequences of HA-TJ COX1 clustered with a single clad of H. analoticum, H. excavatum, and H. detritum. The acaricidal effect of B. thuringiensis toxins B. thuringiensis spore crystal mix (BtSCM) and B. thuringiensis crystal proteins (Btcps) was evaluated against larvae and adult life stages of Hyalomma ticks in vitro. We applied Btcps and BtSCM separately with different concentrations and calculated the mortality percentage. Adult mortality was estimated at the 8th, 10th, 12th, and 15th days posttreatment and larval mortality after 24 h. During treatment of the adult life stage, at first, ticks were immersed in different concentrations of Btcps and BtSCM for 5 min after the treatments, and the samples were transferred to sterile containers and placed in an incubator with 80% humidity at 23°C. Furthermore, Btcps produced the highest mortality on Day 15, 89 ± 1.00% at a concentration of 3000 μg/mL, followed by the 12th, 10th, and 8th days produced 83 ± 1.91%, 70 ± 1.15%, and 61 ± 1.00%, respectively. BtSCM produced mortality of 69 ± 1.91% on Day 15 at a concentration of 3000 μg/mL, followed by the 12th, 10th, and 8th days at 57 ± 2.51%, 37 ± 1.91%, and 34 ± 2.00%. The present study revealed that B. thuringiensis toxins produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mortality rate in adults of Hyalomma ticks. Additionally, Btcps and BtSCM were used to treat the larval stage. The treatments were applied to calculate the mortality percentage via the Laravel packet test. At a 1500 μg/mL concentration, Btcps resulted in the highest mortality of 98 ± 1.15%; this was followed by 1250 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL, and 750 μg/mL, which produced mortalities of 76 ± 1.63%, 60 ± 1.63%, and 56 ± 1.63%, respectively. In addition, BtSCM produced a mortality rate of 79 ± 2.51% at a concentration of 1500 μg/mL. Furthermore, 75 ± 2.51%, 65 ± 1.91%, and 58 ± 1.15% mortality were observed at concentrations of 1250 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL, and 750 μg/mL, respectively. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in larval mortality compared to the control group. We conclude that B. thuringiensis toxins are applicable as a bioacaricide.

Studies on the Determination of Ectoparasites and the Prevalence Rate in Cattle in İzmir, Aydın and Muğla Regions.

The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence rates of ectoparasites (external parasites) seen in cattle in Muğla, Aydın and İzmir regions. For ectoparasite screening, a total of 1,353 cattle breeds from Muğla, Aydın and İzmir regions were included in the study. Ectoparasite samples were collected with the help of hand, forceps, comb and scalpel, brought to the laboratory in plastic containers containing 70% alcohol and examined under a microscope. In the study, 191 (14.12%) of 1,353 cattle were infested with external parasites. Of the cattle, 138 (72.25%) ticks, 24 (12.57%) lice, 9 (4.71%) tabanid, 8 (4.19%) hippoboscid, 7 (3.66%) fleas and 5 (2.62%) mites were detected. Accordingly, 4 tick species in cattle Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma detritum, Rhipicephalus turanicus, 4 lice species (Bovicola bovis, Linognathus vituli, Solenopotes capillatus, Haematopinus quadripertusus ), 1 mite species (Chorioptes bovis), 2 flea species (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis), 1 hippoboscid fly species (Hippobosca equina) ve 3 tabanid fly species (Tabanus bromius, Tabanus exclusus, Philipomyia aprica) diagnosed. The presence of external parasites varied depending on the frequency of antiparasitic use in cattle.

Molecular Identification of Piroplasmids in Ticks from Infested Small Ruminants in Konya Province, Turkey.

Ticks play a pivotal role in propagating a diverse spectrum of infectious agents that detrimentally affect the health of both humans and animals. In the present study, a molecular survey was executed of piroplasmids in ticks collected from small ruminants in four districts within Konya province, Turkey. Microscopic examination identified 1281 adult ticks, which were categorized into 357 pools based on their species, sexes, host animals, and collection site before DNA extraction. The infection rates were calculated by using a maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Hyalomma detritum, H. excavatum, Rhipicephalus bursa, R. sanguineus, and R. turanicus were identified in this study. Among the five tick species identified here, R. turanicus exhibited the highest infestation rate in both goats and sheep. The presence of Babesia ovis and Theileria ovis based on 18S rRNA was confirmed using molecular assay. The overall MLE of infection rates for B. ovis and T. ovis was 2.49% (CI 1.72-3.46) and 1.46% (CI 0.87-2.23), respectively. The MLE of B. ovis and T. ovis infection rates in R. bursa was 10.80% (CI 7.43-14.90) and 0.33% (CI 0.02-1.42), respectively, while that in R. turanicus was 0.12% (CI 0.01-0.51) and 2.08% (CI 1.25-3.22). This study further confirms that R. turanicus and R. sanguineus can act as vectors for B. ovis, thus advancing our comprehension of tick-borne piroplasmids epidemiology and providing valuable insights for the development of effective control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in Turkey.

Prevalence of cattle ticks in various agro-ecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and evaluation of botanical extracts against Hyalomma detritum

BackgroundThe occurrence of infestation by ticks on livestock is a significant challenge in several semi-tropical and tropical countries including Pakistan. Polluted environment and adapted tolerance by ticks against acaricide are the limiting factors that restrict the management of ticks globally. MethodsIn this study, we evaluatedthe infestation by ticks on cattle from numerous livestock farmspresent in different districts andagroecological areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province inPakistan. Furthermore, wecompared the anti-tick efficacy of different botanicals using ethanolic and aqueous extracts tocontrolHyalomma detritum. ResultsThe prevalence rate was 1.78, 35.37, 36.23, 8.15, 15.50, 0.29 and 2.67 percent for Amblyoma varigatum (A. varigatum), Hyalomma anatolicum (H. anatolicum), H. detritum, Hylomma rufipes (H. rufipes), Hyalomma truncatem (H. truncatum), Rhipicephalus microplus (R. microplus), and Hyalomma kashmirensis (H. kashmirensis), respectively. In terms of high mortality rate of ticks, extracts derived from Calotropis procera flower (93.33%), Citrullus colocynthis fruit (95.0%) and Calotropis procera flower (89.4%) showed significantly high efficancy (P < 0.05) than the extracts derived from other plants. In terms of their efficacy in causing mortality of H. detritum tick, Calotropis procera flower, Citrullus colocynthis fruit and Calotropis procera leaves extracts displayed non-significant variation. ConclusionThis work revealed that the cattle tick H. detritum can be successfully controlled by employing bothethanolic and aqueous plant extracts. The intensive use of insecticides and chemical drugs are costly and may affect human health negatively due to residual effects in milk and animal meat.

First detection of Leishmania DNA in ticks collected from domestic and wild animals in Algeria

Herewith, we report the detection of Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum DNA in ticks collected from diverse animal species in two sites in northern Algeria (Algiers and Tizi-Ouzou). Between December 2019 and April 2020, 422 ticks were collected from dogs, cows, turtles and boars during a period when sand flies, the main vectors, are not very active where the main vectors, sand flies, are not very active. A total of 237 ticks (56.2%) were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, followed by 131 Hyalomma marginatum (31%), 20 Ixodes ricinus (4.7%), 16 Dermacentor marginatus (3.8%), 10 Rhipicephalus turanicus (2.4%), 7 Hyalomma aegyptium (1.7%) and 1 Hyalomma detritum (0.2%). The DNA was extracted and the polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the potential presence of Leishmania spp. DNA. The results were positive in four of the collected species: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor marginatus and Hyalomma aegyptium. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) PCR performed to identify the Leishmania species gave profiles of Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum. The presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in ticks from Algeria is reported here for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, Leishmania major DNA is detected for the first time in ticks. These findings do not confirm the role of ticks as an active vector of Leishmania parasites. However, it is suggested to not overlook the current knowledge during the establishment of Leishmaniasis control strategies until further information.

Molecular identification of Theileria spp. in ruminants and ticks from southern littoral of Caspian Sea, Iran.

The present study aimed at evaluating the presence of tick-borne apicomplexan parasites including Theileria ovis, Theileria lestoquardi, Theileria annulata, and Theileria orientalis in 92 cattle and 105 sheep from 6 different districts of Guilan and Mazandaran Provinces, inthe southern littoral of Caspian Sea. Furthermore, ixodid ticks were collected from the same animals. Stained blood smears were microscopically evaluated for the presence of blood parasites, and a specific PCR was applied for the detection of Theileria species. Besides, ticks were subsequently examined by species-specific PCR. Microscopic examination of blood smears demonstrated no evidence of intraerythrocytic piroplasms. Species-specific diagnostic PCRs demonstrated that 52.17% of sheep blood samples were positive for T. ovis. In addition, 31.03% and 24.13% of cattle blood samples were positive for T. annulata and T. orientalis, respectively. Moreover, 3 species of the ixodid ticks, namely, Rhipicephalus annulatus (58.47%), Ixodes ricinus (29.82%), and Haemaphysalis inermis (11.69%), were identified in Guilan Province, while Hyalomma detritum (73.03%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (26.92%) were found in Mazandaran Province. Additionally, by obtaining the data with respect to tick-borne apicomplexan parasites in 122 infected ticks, 35.24%, 22.95%, and 2.45% of tick samples were positive for T. annulata, T. orientalis, and T. ovis, respectively. Species-specific PCR revealed that H. inermis and R. annulatus were positive for T. orientalis. In addition, T. annulata was found in R. annulatus, H. inermis, and H. detritum. Besides, T. ovis was the only species of Theileria found in R. sanguineus. In conclusion, the results revealed that T. annulata infection was prevalent among cattle and ovine theileriosis caused by T. ovis was the only Theileria species found in sheep in the studied areas of the southern littoral of Caspian Sea. R. annulatus, H. inermis, and H. detritum were the main vectors for T. annulata, followed by H. inermis and R. annulatus for T. orientalis, and R. sanguineus for T. ovis.

Epidemiology, Distribution and Identification of Ticks on Livestock in Pakistan.

Background: Ticks are ectoparasites that transmit a variety of pathogens that cause many diseases in livestock which can result in skin damage, weight loss, anemia, reduced production of meat and milk, and mortality. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify tick species and the distribution on livestock hosts (sheep, goat, dairy cattle, and buffalo) of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Islamabad from October 2019 to November 2020. Materials and Methods: Surveillance was performed to calculate the prevalence of ticks on livestock. Tick prevalence data (area, host, breed, gender, age, and seasonal infestation rate) was recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 2080 animals were examined from selected farms, and, of these, 1129 animals were tick-infested. A total of 1010 male tick samples were identified to species using published keys. Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Rhipicephalus decoloratus Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were collected from goats, sheep, buffalo, and cattle. The overall rates of tick infestation on livestock were 34.83% (buffalo), 57.11% (cattle), 51.97% (sheep) and 46.94% (goats). Within each species, different breeds demonstrated different proportions of infestation. For cattle breeds, infestation proportions were as follows: Dhanni (98.73%), Jersey (70.84%) and the Australian breed of cattle (81.81%). The Neeli Ravi breed (40%) of buffalo and the Beetal breed (57.35%) of goats were the most highly infested for these species. Seasonally, the highest prevalence of infestation (76.78%) was observed in summer followed by 70.76% in spring, 45.29% in autumn, and 20% in winter. The prevalence of tick infestation in animals also varied by animal age. In goats, animals aged 4–6 years showed the highest prevalence (90%), but in cattle, the prevalence of ticks was highest (68.75%) in 6 months–1-year-old animals. 1–3 years old buffalo (41.07%) and 6 months–1 year sheep (65.78%) had the highest prevalence rate. Females had significantly higher infestation rates (61.12%, 55.56% and 49.26%, respectively) in cattle, sheep, and goats. In buffalo, males showed a higher prevalence (38.46%) rate. Conclusions: This study showed tick diversity, infestation rate, and numerous factors (season, age, and gender of host) influencing tick infestation rate in different breeds of cattle, sheep, goats, and buffalo in Punjab Province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, and Islamabad, Pakistan. Higher tick burdens and rates of tick-borne disease reduce production and productivity in animals. Understanding tick species’ prevalence and distribution will help to develop informed control measures.

Reproductive features of the biology of some ticks of the family Ixodidae Murray, 1877 widespread in the southeast of the North Caucasus

The purpose of the research is study of some reproductive characteristics of the biology of ticks of the family Ixodidae which are widespread in the southeast of the North Caucasus.Materials and methods. In 2000–2010, 9 series of experiments were carried out in the conditions of the plain belt in Dagestan. The first, second, and third series of experiments were intended to find out the duration of the tick searching for a place to fix on the animal, the duration of the skin incised and the proboscis inserted into the wound, and the engorgement duration; and the fourth series was intended to clarify the tick wintering on the animal. Such experiments were performed on two-year-old calf bulls on the Educational and Experimental Farm of the Dagestan State Agrarian University with Boophilus annulatus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma detritum, H. scupense, and H. anatolicum in 2000. Five hungry adult female ticks were placed onto all 5 calf bulls in the middle third of the neck. We conducted experiments on searching for a place for egg-laying, egg-laying duration in the environment, number of eggs in a clutch, duration of the larva formed and the hatching rate, distance of the larvae from the hatching place, and larvae death rate in five specially equipped sites of pastures of 1 m2 . Five adult female ticks of B. annulatus, R. bursa, H. detritum, H. scupense, and H. anatolicum were placed after engorgement in each biological site.Results and discussion. Ixodid ticks perform their natural physiological functions associated with feeding and reproduction with significant time fluctuations. The search for a place to fix on the animal took 4–8 hours; the skin incised and proboscis inserted in the wound took 2–5 hours; the engorgement took 4–6 hours; the search for an egg-laying place took 10– 22 hours; the egg-laying duration in the environment was 18–23 hours; the number of eggs in a clutch was 4–13K; the duration of the larva formed and the hatching rate was 10–15 days and 58.0–75% respectively; the distance of the larva from the hatching place was 0.5–1.5 m; death rate of the larva in captivity was 100%; and the tick wintering on the animal was near the neck, ears, in the dewlap, the flank and the udder. These features are typical for the analyzed tick species in the southeast of the North Caucasus and, probably, for other taxa of these genera.

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.

Hyalomma spp. ticks and associated Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. on the Iran-Pakistan border

BackgroundAnaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are tick-borne diseases affecting humans and livestock, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Animal husbandry is the main activity of people on the borders of Iran and Pakistan, with thousands of cattle crossing the border each week.MethodsPCR and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to determine the percentage and geographical distribution of the pathogens carried by Hyalomma spp. (n = 306) collected from 126 goats, cattle and camels in the region between November 2017 and late March 2018.ResultsIn total, 1124 hard ticks including 1020 Hyalomma spp. ticks belonging to six species (Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma schulzei, and Hyalomma detritum) were found on the borders of Iran and Pakistan, with H. anatolicum being the most prevalent tick species. Anaplasma spp. and/or Ehrlichia spp. DNA was found in 68.3% of the engorged tick specimens (n = 256). Sequencing of a subset (12.6%) of PCR-positive samples revealed Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma marginale, and Ehrlichia ewingii DNA in 81.8%, 9.1%, and 9.1% of the ticks, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. ewingii, an important human pathogen, in Iran.ConclusionsBased on molecular analysis, three pathogenic Anaplasmataceae were detected in six Hyalomma spp. parasitizing cattle, goats and camels, confirming the presence of these pathogens along the Iran-Pakistan border.Graphical

Tick distribution and detection of Babesia and Theileria species in Eastern and Southern Kazakhstan

Piroplasmosis is an economically important tick-borne disease worldwide. However, little is known about the presence of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in ticks in Eastern and Southern Kazakhstan (ESK). During 2016 – 2019, adult ticks (at 26 sampling sites in 16 districts of 5 oblasts in ESK) were collected. Tick species were identified according to morphological and molecular characteristics. Two fragments (487 bp and 438 bp) of 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) were used to determine piroplasm species in representative 698 ticks. The genotype characteristics of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi were further analyzed by longer 18S rRNA gene fragments. A total of 6107 adult ticks (4558 parasitizing ticks and 1549 off-host ticks), including 4665 hard ticks and 1442 soft ticks, were collected from their natural hosts (cattle, horses, sheep, camels, shepherd dogs and hedgehogs) and the surrounding environment, respectively. Among the hard tick species, Dermacentor marginatus (62.59%, 2920/4665) was the most abundant, followed by Hyalomma asiaticum (19.36%, 903/4665) and Hyalomma detritum (9.95%, 464/4665). All soft ticks were identified as Argas persicus. 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) phylogenic analysis showed that several tick species in Kazakhstan, as exemplified by Haemaphysalis erinacei and D. marginatus, clustered together with conspecific ticks reported from China. Five species of piroplasms, i.e. Babesia occultans, Babesia caballi, Theileria ovis, Theileria annulata and Theileria equi, were detected in 698 representative ticks. Genotype E of T. equi in Almaty, and genotype A of B. caballi in Almaty and South Kazakhstan were identified.

High-Throughput Microfluidic Real-Time PCR for the Detection of Multiple Microorganisms in Ixodid Cattle Ticks in Northeast Algeria.

Ixodid ticks are hematophagous arthropods considered to be prominent ectoparasite vectors that have a negative impact on cattle, either through direct injury or via the transmission of several pathogens. In this study, we investigated the molecular infection rates of numerous tick-borne pathogens in ticks sampled on cattle from the Kabylia region, northeastern Algeria, using a high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system. A total of 235 ticks belonging to seven species of the genera Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Ixodes were sampled on cattle and then screened for the presence of 36 different species of bacteria and protozoans. The most prevalent tick-borne microorganisms were Rickettsia spp. at 79.1%, followed by Francisella-like endosymbionts (62.9%), Theileria spp. (17.8%), Anaplasma spp. (14.4%), Bartonella spp. (6.8%), Borrelia spp. (6.8%), and Babesia spp. (2.5%). Among the 80.4% of ticks bearing microorganisms, 20%, 36.6%, 21.7%, and 2.1% were positive for one, two, three, and four different microorganisms, respectively. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma detritum, and Rhipicephalus bursa ticks. Rickettsia massiliae was found in Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Rickettsia monacensis and Rickettsia helvetica were detected in Ixodes ricinus. Anaplasma marginale was found in all identified tick genera, but Anaplasma centrale was detected exclusively in Rhipicephalus spp. ticks. The DNA of Borrelia spp. and Bartonella spp. was identified in several tick species. Theileria orientalis was found in R. bursa, R. sanguineus, H. detritum, H. marginatum, and I. ricinus and Babesia bigemina was found in Rhipicephalus annulatus and R. sanguineus. Our study highlights the importance of tick-borne pathogens in cattle in Algeria.

Genetic Diversity of Hard Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the South and East Regions of Kazakhstan and Northwestern China.

To date, there is no report on the genetic diversity of ticks in these regions. A total of 370 representative ticks from the south and east regions of Kazakhstan (SERK) and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) were selected for molecular comparison. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene, ranging from 631 bp to 889 bp, was used to analyze genetic diversity among these ticks. Phylogenetic analyses indicated 7 tick species including Hyalomma asiaticum, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma anatolicum, Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus turanicus and Haemaphysalis erinacei from the SERK clustered together with conspecific ticks from the XUAR. The network diagram of haplotypes showed that i) Hy. asiaticum from Almaty and Kyzylorda Oblasts together with that from Yuli County of XUAR constituted haplogroup H-2, and the lineage from Chimkent City of South Kazakhstan was newly evolved; and ii) the R. turanicus ticks sampled in Israel, Almaty, South Kazakhstan, Usu City, Ulugqat and Baicheng Counties of XUAR were derivated from an old lineage in Alataw City of XUAR. These findings indicate that: i) Hy. asiaticum, R. turanicus and Ha. erinacei shared genetic similarities between the SERK and XUAR; and ii) Hy. marginatum and D. reticulatus show differences in their evolution.

Molecular investigation, isolation and phylogenetic analsysis of Coxiella burnetii from aborted fetus and ticks

Q fever is a zoonotic infection threatening human health, causing abortions in cattle, sheep and goats. Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) also causes serious problems such as low birth weight, infertility. This study is the first exemplary for analysis of Q fever around Black Sea region in Turkey. In the study, a total of 270 aborted fetuses (171 cattle, 79 sheep, 20 goats) and 1069 tick samples were aimed to be searched by PCR method. C. burnetii DNA was detected in 8 (2.96 %) of 270 sheep specimens while it could not be found in cattle and goat specimens. 406 sample pools were created from 1069 tick samples (490 male, 579 female) collected from 254 farm animals (187 cattle, 54 sheep, 13 goats) and 11 of these were stated positive. Tick species determined as C. burnetii positive were Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anoliticum excavatum, Hyalomma detritum and Boophilus annulatus. Agent isolation was carried out within embryonated eggs. Agents were stained with Giemsa and was showed. Sequence analysis was performed for TUR/SAM/coxiella_1 (MN917207) isolate and phylogenetic tree was created. This tree, created in compliance with IS1111 transposon gene, did not form different branches in regard to host affiliation (goat, sheep, tick, human) and geographical distribution. As a result, an important zoonotic agent, C. burnetii was diagnosed in sheep aborted fetuses and the infection was proved to have spread among sheep herds in Black Sea region. Besides, 4 separate tick species found in our region hosted the agent and were found important for infection.

Chemical Composition and Acaricidal Activity of the Essential Oils of Some Plant Species of Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae against the Vector of Tropical Bovine Theileriosis: Hyalomma scupense (syn. Hyalomma detritum).

The present study aimed to investigate the acaricidal properties of six essential oils. They were extracted from some plant species (Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae) using the technique of hydrodistillation with the Clevenger apparatus. The chemical compositions of the essential oils under study were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC-MS). An Adult Immersion Test (AIT) and a Larval Immersion Test (LIT) were used to evaluate the acaricidal activity of these essential oils against the adults and larvae of Hyalomma scupense. GC-MS analysis showed the major constituents of each essential oil: 25.49% of α-thujone (lavender); 46.82% of carvacrol (oregano); 78.78% of carvacrol (thyme); 40.27% of 1,8-cineole (blue gum); 17.45% of p-cymene (river red gum); and 26.96% of 1,8-cineole (rosemary). The biotests on the essential oils revealed that they inhibit the reproduction of H. scupense engorged females at a rate of 100 % with doses of 0.781 μl/ml of rosemary, 1.562 μl/ml of thyme, 3.125 μl/ml of lavender and oregano, and 6.250 μl/ml of blue gum and river red gum. After a treatment that lasted for 24 hours, essential oils showed a larvicidal activity with respective values of lethal concentrations (LC): LC50, LC90, and LC95 (0.058, 0.358, and 0.600 μl/ml for thyme; 0.108, 0.495, and 0.761 μl/ml for rosemary; 0.131, 0.982, and 1.740 μl/ml for oregano; 0.155, 2.387, and 5.183 μl/ml for blue gum; 0.207, 1.653, and 2.978 μl/ml for river red gum; and 0.253, 2.212, and 4.092 μl/ml for lavender). This is the first report on the acaricidal activity of these essential oils against H. scupense. The results obtained showed that the essential oils with chemotype carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, α-thujone, and p-cymene are highly acaricidal, and they can be used for ticks control. However, further studies on their toxicity in nontarget organisms are required.

Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Ticks from Different Ecosystems in Xinjiang, China.

The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a member of the genus Orthonairovirus and family Nairoviridae, is transmitted by ticks and causes severe hemorrhagic disease in humans. To study the epidemiology of CCHFV in different ecosystems in Xinjiang, China, a total of 58,932 ticks were collected from Tarim Basin, Junggar Basin, Tianshan Mountain, and Altai Mountain from 2014 to 2017. Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum was the dominant tick species in Tarim and Junggar basins, whereas Dermacentor nuttalli and Hyalomma detritum were found in Tianshan Mountain and Altai Mountain, respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of the CCHFV small (S) genome segment was used for the molecular detection. The CCHFV-positive percentage was 5.26%, 6.85%, 1.94%, and 5.56% in Tarim Basin, Junggar Basin, Tianshan Mountain, and Altai Mountain, respectively. Sequences of the S segment were used for phylogenetic analysis and the results showed that the newly identified CCHFV strains belonged to two clades. Our study confirms that H. asiaticum asiaticum is the major vector of CCHFV in desert habitats which is consistent with previous studies, and also suggests that H.detritum and D. nuttalli are emerging vectors for CCHFV in Xinjiang. Moreover, this study reports the presence of CCHFV in the mountain habitat of Xinjiang for the first time, suggesting that future surveillance of CCHFV should also include mountainous areas.

High infection of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. among tick species collected from different geographical locations of Iran

ObjectiveTo ascertain the prevalence of the Anaplasma/Ehrlichia infections in tick population within four provinces of Iran. MethodsA total of 384 tick specimens were collected from domestic animals inhabiting in four provinces (East Azerbaijan, Gilan, South Khorasan and Yazd). Specimens were identified based on morphological analysis. The detection of Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp. within tick samples was carried out by nested PCR amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene accompanied by DNA sequencing and analysis for verification. ResultsA total of 10 tick species were identified as follows: Ornithodoros lahorensis (O. lahorensis) (44.8%), Hyalomma dromedarii (15.6%), Dermacentor marginatus (13.5%), Hyalomma anatolicum (11.2%), Hyalomma asiaticum (5.7%), Hyalomma marginatum (4.9%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (2.3%), Hyalomma detritum (1.0%), Dermacentor niveus (0.5%) and Argas persicus (0.3%). The percentage distribution of Anaplasma/Ehrlichia was 55.5% (213) across 384 studied ticks. ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Anaplasma ovis infection in O. lahorensis in Iran. We also conjecture the prevalence of Ehrlichia spp. in Yazd Province based on sequencing results; also, it is suggested that O. lahorensis is a potential vector in the studied area. This survey highlights the importance of Argasidae family to verify and correlate their threat in causing anaplasmosis and other diseases in animals.

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.

Parasites of One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran: An Abattoir Study

This study was conducted in Tehran and Najaf Abad abattoirs to determine the parasitic infection in Camelus dormedarius in Iran. A total of 286 camels from abattoirs of Tehran and Najaf Abad were examined during July 2011 until August 2012 from which 100 camels were evaluated for protozoa and external parasitic infection, and 186 camels were evaluated for internal parasites. A total 9 nematodes species, 4 cestodes species and 7 species of external parasites were identified as follows: Nematodes: Haemonchus longistipes (36%), Parabronema skrjabini (2.1%), Camelostrongylus mentulatus (5.3%), Trichostrongylus mentulatus (0.5%), Physocephalus sexalatus (0.5%), Nematodirella longissimespiculata (0.5%), Nematodirus oiratianus (0.5%), Nematodirella cameli (1.6%), Onchocerca fasciata (15%). Cestodes: Moniezia expansa (5.9%), Moniezia benedeni (2.6%), Stilesia globipunctata (23.6%), Hydatid cyst (in lung 16.6%, in liver 5.9% and in spleen (1.6%) Arthropoda: Hyalomma dromedarii (63.8%), Hyalomma anatolicum. anatolicum (4.6%) Hyalomma schulzei (0.4%), Hyalomma detritum (0.4%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (0.9%), Cephalopina titillator (48/3%), Linguatula serrate (64/7%). According the results of this study Haemonchus longistipes and Hyalomma dromedarii were more prevalent in camel. The results of this study showed that strategic control, including external and internal parasites of camel should be considered. This is the first report of Hyalomma detritum and Rhipicephalus turanicus from camel in Iran.