Ornithodoros Lahorensis Research Articles

Molecular Analysis of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens from Ticks Infesting Animal Hosts in Kyrgyzstan, 2021.

This study investigated the prevalence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in 494 engorged ticks collected from various animal hosts, including cattle, horses, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats, in six regions of northern Kyrgyzstan. Ten tick species, belonging to two families and six genera, were identified based on CO1, 16S rRNA, and ITS2 genes: Argas persicus (26.5%), Haemaphysalis punctata (18.0%), Dermacentor spp. (16.0%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (11.8%), R. turanicus (10.9%), D. marginatus (7.7%), Hyalomma scupense (4.5%), Hy. marginatum (3.8%), R. sangineus complex (0.6%), and Ornithodoros lahorensis (0.2%). PCR analysis revealed a 15.0% (74/494) overall infection rate of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. Anaplasma species were found in six tick species and were identified as A. bovis (n = 44), Anaplasma spp. (n = 20), A. ovis (n = 5), and A. capra (n = 2). Ehrlichia species were found only in H. punctata (n = 5) and identified as E. chaffeensis (n = 1) and Ehrlichia spp. (n = 4). Additionally, two H. punctata were co-infected with Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. This is the first study to investigate tick-borne bacterial pathogens in ticks collected from animal hosts in Kyrgyzstan. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology and emergence of tick-borne infections in Kyrgyzstan.

Prevalence of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in Ornithodoros lahorensis from southern Xinjiang, China

Ticks are important vectors for pathogens and transmit a variety of diseases in humans and animals. Numerous studies have reported the presence of Ixodidae ticks and tick-borne pathogens in southern Xinjiang. However, data pertaining to argasid ticks and argasid tick-associated pathogens are sparse. This study collected a total of 407 ticks from southern Xinjiang. The tick species were identified on the basis of their morphological and mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) characteristics. The citrate synthase gene (gltA), 17-kilodalton antigen gene (17-kDa), and outer membrane protein A and B genes (ompA, ompB) were amplified using four sets of primers. The species of rickettsiae were further identified on the basis of concatenated sequences. To detect Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, nested PCR was used to amplify the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA genes, respectively. All 407 ticks were Ornithodoros lahorensis. A total of 109 Rickettsia-positive samples and 19 Anaplasma-positive samples were detected in DNA samples from the 407 ticks. R. sibirica, R. massiliae, Candidatus R. barbariae, A. ovis, A. marginale, and A. phagocytophilum were found. All DNA samples from Or. lahorensis were tested for the presence of the Ehrlichia spp. nucleotide, but none of the samples were positive for such pathogens. This is the first time that R. sibirica, R. massiliae, and A. marginale were detected in Or. lahorensis from southern Xinjiang.

Detection of Babesia Spp., Theileria Spp., and Anaplasma Ovis in Ornithodoros Lahorensis from Southern Xinjiang, China.

Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods that have negative economic impacts and can spread a variety of diseases through their bites. There are few reports on soft ticks (Acari: Argasidae) and tick-borne pathogens in southern Xinjiang, China. This investigation supplements the available information for this region and is concerned with an argasid tick, apicomplexan parasites of the Babesia and Theileria genera and a bacterium of the Anaplasma genus. In this study, 330 soft ticks were collected from nine sampling sites in southern Xinjiang between 2020 and 2021. The ticks were identified according to their morphological characteristics and confirmed as Ornithodoros lahorensis using mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences. Babesia and Theileria were identified at the species level based on two fragments of the 18S rRNA gene, and one set of primers targeting the 16S rRNA gene was used to identify the Anaplasma genus. Among the 330 samples, one Babesia species (Babesia sp.), two Theileria species (T. ovis and T. annulata), and one Anaplasma (A. ovis) species were detected. This study provides fundamental evidence for the occurrence of Babesia, Theileria and Anaplasma spp. in soft ticks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of Babesia sp. and T. annulata in O. lahorensis. Therefore, the potential threat of soft ticks to livestock and humans should not be ignored.

Predicting the potential habitat for Ornithodoros tick species in China

Ornithodoros ticks as vectors of pathogens have had serious implications on public health. In China, these ticks are mainly distributed among arid and semiarid areas of the northwest. To improve prevention and risk control of such tick-borne diseases, suitable habitats for four Ornithodoros tick species found in China were predicted using a Maxent model. These habitats were identified based on the global geographic distributions that the tick is known to inhabit. For this study, literature reviews were conducted for each Ornithodoros species at a global level based on published studies and available online databases. Study results showed that high species suitability was primarily concentrated in northwest China for the species Ornithodoros lahorensis, O. papillipes, and O. tartakovskyi, with O. capensis limited to a predicted distribution along the coast in southeastern China. Under future climate conditions Representative Concentration Pathway scenario 4.5 and 8.5, suitable habitats for O. lahorensis, O. papillipes, and O. tartakovskyi were predicted to shift and would likely increase the potential of the species to spread, and O. capensis would reduce compared with the current climatic conditions. For all four species, temperature and precipitation were the main variables influencing distribution.

A review of argasid ticks and associated pathogens of China.

It has been recorded 221 species of soft ticks in the world. However, the classification system of Argasidae is still unclear with nearly two-third controversial species in genus level. Therefore, comprehensive research is still necessary. In 2016, Wen and Chen overviewed the valid species of soft ticks in China for the first time. Up to now, the soft tick fauna of China remains poorly known. Although several studies have been undertaken, the information regarding soft ticks and associated diseases are fragmentary. To facilitate the future study of this group, the scattered information on soft ticks of China is herein synthesized. Toward the end of 2021, 15 valid species of argasid ticks have been reported, of these, 9 species (60%) including Argas beijingensis, A. japonicus, A. persicus, A. sinensis, A. vespertilionis, A. vulgaris, Ornithodoros lahorensis, O. tartakovskyi, and O. papillipes have been recorded biting humans. Argas persicus is the most common species, and its borne pathogens are widely investigated, while most other argasid ticks are not sufficiently studied in China. Here, we summarize detailed information regarding hosts, geographical distribution, molecular data, and vector roles of argasid ticks in China.

Theileria ovis (Piroplasmida: Theileriidae) Detected in Melophagus ovinus (Diptera: Hippoboscoidea) and Ornithodoros lahorensis (Ixodida: Argasidae) Removed From Sheep in Xinjiang, China.

Theileria spp. are tick-transmitted, intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of animals and, as such, can cause significant economic losses. The aim of the present study was to detect and analyze apicomplexan parasites from two different ectoparasites that were collected from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The PCR-based detection of 18S rRNA indicated that Ornithodoros lahorensis specimens from Kashgar, Xinjiang, and Aksu were positive for Theileria spp., as were Melophagus ovinus specimens from Aksu. Meanwhile, phylogenetic analysis, based on the 18S rRNA gene sequences, revealed that the four amplified Theileria sequences could be attributed to T. ovis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the detection of T. ovis DNA in M. ovinus and the first molecular identification study to confirm the detection of T. ovis in O. lahorensis in China. Accordingly, the present study extends the known distribution of T. ovis.

A survey of argasid ticks and tick-associated pathogens in the Peripheral Oases around Tarim Basin and the first record of Argas japonicus in Xinjiang, China.

Argasid ticks (Acari: Argasidae) carry and transmit a variety of pathogens of animals and humans, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. There are several studies reporting ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and associated tick-borne pathogens in Xinjiang, China. However, little is known about the argasid ticks and argasid tick-associated pathogens in this area. In this study, a total of 3829 adult argasid ticks infesting livestock were collected at 12 sampling sites of 10 counties in the Peripheral Oases, which carry 90% of the livestock and humans population, around the Tarim Basin (southern Xinjiang) from 2013 to 2016. Tick specimens were identified to two species from different genera by morphology and sequences of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and 12S rRNA were derived to confirm the species designation. The results showed that the dominant argasid ticks infesting livestock in southern Xinjiang were Ornithodoros lahorensis (87.86%, 3364/3829). Ornithodoros lahorensis was distributed widely and were collected from 10 counties of southern Xinjiang. Argas japonicus was collected from Xinjiang for the first time. In addition, we screened these ticks for tick-associated pathogens and showed the presence of DNA sequences of Rickettsia spp. of Spotted fever group and Anaplasma spp. in the argasid ticks. This finding suggests the potential role for Argas japonicus as a vector of pathogens to livestock and humans.

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.

Field efficacy of flumethrin pour-on against livestock ticks in Iran

Ticks play an important role in the transmission of a variety of diseases in Iran. High prevalence of tick-borne diseases, such as relapsing fever and Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), has been reported in the study area. The aim of this study was to determine the field efficacy of flumethrin on mortality and deterrence of ticks on tick-infested livestock in Meshkin Shahr, Iran. Flumethrin was applied to the back of livestock at the rate of 1 ml/10 kg body weight and tick density was recorded for up to 2 months after application. The deterrent effect of flumethrin was also assessed on cattle sheltered in the same barn. A total of 3144 hard and soft ticks were collected from 300 cattle and 10% of them were identified. The main hard ticks include Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma detritum and the soft ticks comprise Ornithodoros lahorensis and Argas persicus. The treatment with flumethrin pour-on provided complete protection for 2 months. The density of ticks per head of cattle in the control group has not significantly decreased during the study period. This method of application is useful for livestock owners; government staff are not required for application and only community education and participation are needed. This pesticide's efficacy will reduce tick-borne diseases such as relapsing fever and Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Susceptibility of different life stages of Ornithodoros lahorensis to entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana

The use of chemicals for the control of arthropod pests can be problematic due to the potential for both environmental contamination and resistance development. As a result, there is an increasing interest in nonchemical alternatives, such as biocontrol by entomopathogenic fungi. In the present study, three strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (V245, 3247, and 4456) and one strain of Beauveria bassiana (LM 3.2) were evaluated under laboratory conditions for their virulence towards three life stages of Ornithodoros lahorensis. Groups of eggs, larvae, and adult ticks were treated by immersion in two different suspensions (10(5) and 10(7) conidia/ml) of each fungal strain. All treatment and control groups were observed during a 3-week period, and the hatchability of eggs and mortality percentage of larvae and adult ticks were assessed. The effect of fungal strains on egg hatchability and larva and adult mortality was significant and dose dependent compared to the control groups (P < 0.05). The results also showed that the greatest biopesticidal effect was due to strain 4456 of M. anisopliae and LM 3.2 strain of B. bassiana at all tested concentrations, making these fungi potential biological control agents of O. lahorensis reducing the use of chemical acaricides.

Survey on ticks and detection of new bunyavirus in some vect in the endemic areas of fever, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia syndrome (FTLS) in Henan province

To investigate the distribution, species, seasonal fluctuation of ticks and detect new bunyavirus in some hematophagus in the endemic areas of fever thrombocytopenia and leukopenia syndrome (FTLS) in Henan province. From March to December 2011, the free ticks were collected manually with white cloth from the grassland and the parasitic ticks were collected from the host skin by hand searching in Xinyang and Jiyuan. The density and seasonal fluctuation of ticks were analyzed after classification of the specimen. The hematophagus were collected including gadfly (38 in 16 groups), cattle lice (224 in 16 groups), mosquitoes (238 in 17 groups) and ticks (825 in 77 groups), then RNA of new bunyavirus were detected by RT-PCR. A total of 12 388 ticks were collected in Xinyang and Jiyuan, consisting of 2 families, 5 geniuses and 6 species. In Xinyang city, 622 ticks were identified, consisting of 2 families, 3 geniuses and 3 species, including 2 (0.32%) Ornithodoros lahorensis, 451 (72.51%) Haemaphysalis longicornis and 117 (18.81%) Boophilus microplus. In Jiyuan city, 11 766 ticks were identified, consisting of 1 family, 4 geniuses and 5 species, including 7718 (65.60%) Haemaphysalis longicornis, 164 (1.39%) H.anatolicum anatolicum and 710 (6.03%) other ticks such as H. detritum, Boophilus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Haemaphysalis longicornis were found in both districts as the predominant species in Henan province. Ticks were active from March to October. The average density was 160 per person hour and the peak was from May to July with density 278, 209 and 542 per person hour respectively. The results was positive in RNA detection of new bunyavirus in 11 groups of tick and 3 groups of gadfly by RT-PCR. The results were negative in all other hematophagus. Ornithodoros lahorensis, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Boophilus microplus, H.anatolicum anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and H. detritum were found in Henan province. Haemaphysalis longicornis was the predominant species. The density of ticks varied with the seasons. The detection of new bunyavirus by PCR was positive in some ticks and gadflies.

Anti-histamine effect of Rubia tibetica, used to treat anaphylaxis caused by tick bites in the Pamir Mountains, Afghanistan

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe roots of Rubia tibetica are chewed as an antidote to anaphylaxis caused by bites of the tick Ornithodoros lahorensis by the Wakhi people in Afghanistan. Aims of the studyTo test whether Rubia tibetica possess anti-histamine effect. Materials and methodsWater and ethanol extracts of roots of Rubia tibetica were tested for anti-histamine effect on the H1-receptor in the guinea pig ileum assay. Fixed concentrations of plant extract with increasing concentrations of histamine were examined. Mepyramine was used as control. Results and conclusionThe ethanol extract of Rubia tibetica showed dose-dependent anti-histamine effect, whereas the water extract had little activity. The chewing of Rubia tibetica roots may alleviate the fatal swelling of the tongue during anaphylaxis.

Comparative Susceptibility of Cypermethrin in Ornithodoros lahorensis Neuman and Argas persicus Oken (Acari: Argasidae) Field Populations

The toxicity of cypermethrin was determined in five different soft tick strains of Argas persicus Oken and Ornithodoros lahorensis Neuman by topical application method. The O. lahorensis Bij, O. lahorensis west O1, O. lahorensis Mesh, A. persicus Lor, A. persicus West Ap strains were collected from Bijar, Kurdistan province, Takab, Western Azerbaijan province, Meshkinshar, Ardebil province, Khoramabad, Lorestan province, Takab, Western Azerbaijan province of different areas of Islamic Republic of Iran, respectively during 2004 and 2005. In the topical application bioassay, the average LD50 of O. lahorensis Bij, West O1, Mesh and A. reflexus Lor and West AP strains were 0.03, 0.04, 1.7, 0.7 and 1.7 microg tick(-1), respectively and the steep slopes of dose-response curves indicated that the field population of these soft tick strains were homogenous in response to cypermethrin. Comparison of the resistance ratio of collected strains with susceptible strain showed a resistance ratio of 56.7 and 2.4-folds for cypermethrin in O. lahorensis Mesh and A. reflexus West Ap strains, whereas the O. lahorensis West O1 completely susceptible to cypermethrin.

Experimental studies on argasid ticks as possible vectors of tularemia.

birds which are known to be naturally infected with Past. tularensis (Burroughs et al, 1945) serve as hosts of argasid ticks, especially of the genus Ornithodoros. Kamil and Bilal (1938) reported transmission of Past. tularensis by experimentally infected Ornithodoros lahorensis. Davis (1940), in studies of ticks of the genus Ornithodoros as potential vectors of various infectious agents, found that Past. tularensis may persist in the tissues of 0. turicata and 0.