Presence Of Ticks Research Articles

Factors responsible for Ixodes ricinus presence and abundance across a natural-urban gradient.

To better understand the spatial distribution of the common tick Ixodes ricinus, we investigated how local site factors and landscape characteristics influence tick presence and abundance in different greenspaces along the natural-urban gradient in Stockholm County, Sweden. Ticks and field data were collected in 2017 and 2019 and analyzed in relation to habitat type distributions estimated from land cover maps using geographical information system (GIS). A total of 1378 (992 larvae, 370 nymphs, 13 females, and 3 males) questing ticks were collected from 295 sampling plots in 47 different greenspaces. Ticks were present in 41 of the 47 greenspaces and our results show that both local site features such as vegetation height, and landscape characteristics like the amount of mixed coniferous forest, significantly affect tick abundance. Tick abundance was highest in rural areas with large natural and seminatural habitats, but ticks were also present in parks and gardens in highly urbanized areas. Greenspaces along the natural-urban gradient should be included in surveillance for ticks and tick-borne diseases, including highly urbanized sites that may be perceived by the public as areas with low risk for tick encounters.

Postindustrial Landscapes Are Neglected Localities That May Play an Important Role in the Urban Ecology of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases-A Pilot Study.

Numerous recent studies have shown that ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a considerable threat in urban areas, such as parks, playgrounds, zoos, cemeteries, etc. Abandoned postindustrial localities, and other types of vague terrain, are other examples of urban wilderness areas that have been absolutely neglected in respect to ticks and tick-borne pathogens thus far, even though they provide ideal biotopes for ticks. The abundance of ticks and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes were compared between a city park and an adjacent abandoned construction waste disposal site in Prague, Czechia from June to October 2021. The results showed that ticks and borrelia spirochetes are present at the city park as well as at the abandoned construction waste disposal site, although in lower numbers. According to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the presence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in an urban postindustrial landscape. More detailed studies are needed to uncover the role of these localities in the ecology of ticks and ecoepidemiology of tick-borne diseases in urban areas.

Epidemiology and Risk Mapping of hard ticks (Ixodidae) infecting Small Ruminants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) cause a negative impact on animal health and production globally. Because of the transhumant production system of sheep and goats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, registration and tracking system of animals is not possible, which is a prerequisite for the development of early warning systems for any outbreak of TBDs. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the district-wise surveillance and risk mapping to find the epidemiological profile of tick infestation in small ruminants from KP, Pakistan. Ticks (n=6257) were collected from the six selected districts from May 2017- April 2018. A total of 1500 animals (goats=618 and sheep=881) were screened for the presence of ticks on different host predilection sites. A questionnaire depicting epidemiological information was filled, and a geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the risk areas. The study identified six tick species namely, Rhiphicephalus (R.) microplus, Hyalomma (H.) trancatum, H. anatolicum, H. aegyptium, H. asiaticum, and Haemaphysalis bispinosa. The tick prevalence in study districts was 16% in Peshawar, 15.67% Mardan, 12.8% Bannu, 18% Mansehra, 15.67% Mingora, and 21.87% in Dera Ismail Khan. R. microplus was only prevalent in Peshawar (36.18 %) and in Dera Ismail Khan (63.81 %) districts, while Haemaphysalis bispinosa and H. aegyptium were only recorded in Mardan. The intensity of Hyalomma spp. was recorded at 62.92 % followed by Rhipicephalus spp., 36.55%, and Haemaphysalis spp., 1.15%. Hyalomma spp. showed the highest prevalence on all host predilection sites viz: ears (62.2 %), groin areas (60.8%), under the tail (61.9 %), testicular areas (63.2 %), breast (64.5 %), and in hooves (64.7%) as compared to Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis species. Similarly, in sheep and goats, the adult ticks were more prevalent in age group 1-2 years (83.28% and 68.98%) followed by < 1 year of age group (82% and 68.89%), respectively. The results revealed high female (61.9%) tick infestation as compared to male ticks (38.1%), whereas the highest female to male tick ratio was 1.77:1 in Haemaphysalis species. The GIS map demonstrated that the degree of tick infestation varied within districts and villages. In conclusion, results recorded that economically vital ticks are extensively distributed all over the KP province and cost-effective control studies are needed to minimize the spread of tick-borne diseases.

An Updated Review of Ornithodoros Ticks as Reservoirs of African Swine Fever in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar.

This updated review provides an overview of the available information on Ornithodoros ticks as reservoirs and biological vectors of the ASF virus in Africa and Indian Ocean islands in order to update the current knowledge in this field, inclusive of an overview of available methods to investigate the presence of ticks in the natural environment and in domestic pig premises. In addition, it highlights the major areas of research that require attention in order to guide future investigations and fill knowledge gaps. The available information suggests that current knowledge is clearly insufficient to develop risk-based control and prevention strategies, which should be based on a sound understanding of genotype distribution and the potential for spillover from the source population. Studies on tick biology in the natural and domestic cycle, including genetics and systematics, represent another important knowledge gap. Considering the rapidly changing dynamics affecting the African continent (demographic growth, agricultural expansion, habitat transformation), anthropogenic factors influencing tick population distribution and ASF virus (ASFV) evolution in Africa are anticipated and have been recorded in southern Africa. This dynamic context, together with the current global trends of ASFV dissemination, highlights the need to prioritize further investigation on the acarological aspects linked with ASF ecology and evolution.

Seasonal Dynamics of Tick Species in the Ecotone of Parks and Recreational Areas in Middlesex County (New Jersey, USA).

People often use parks and other forested areas for outdoor activities such as hiking and walking their dogs. Areas of primary use are paths or grassy meadows on the edges of the forests that constitute transitional areas between different plant communities (aka ecotones). In this study, we monitored the seasonal dynamics of questing ticks in forest/meadow and forest/path ecotones in five areas in Middlesex County, New Jersey (NJ). We found anthropophilic species such as Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, and Dermacentor variabilis coexisting with Haemaphysalis longicornis, an invasive tick species first detected in NJ in 2017. Surveillance was conducted weekly from March to November 2020, and collected ticks were identified. The most abundant tick species was H. longicornis (83%), followed by A. americanum (9%), I. scapularis (7%), and D. variabilis (<1%). The seasonal dynamics of A. americanum and I. scapularis in the ecotone were similar to previous surveys in forest habitats. The presence of anthropophilic ticks, particularly I. scapularis, suggests the need for specific control approaches to target these habitats. In addition, the extraordinarily high numbers of H. longicornis collected in ecotones (1.70 ticks/m2) and frequent reports of this species on dogs highlight the importance of monitoring its expansion due to its potential as a vector of animal and human diseases.

Clinico-Haemato-Biochemical Changes and Therapeutic Efficacy of Diminazene Aceturate and Artesunate against Bovine Babesiosis in Kashmir Valley

Background: The purpose of the study trial was to assess therapeutic efficacy of diminazene aceturate and artesunate with respect to clinical, haematological and biochemical changes in the cattle affected by babesiosis. Methods: For the analysis, a total of 16 clinically affected cattle were selected, with eight animals in each group. Eight healthy cattle were also selected under the control group. Clinical symptoms, blood smear microscopy and PCR-based molecular tools were used to confirm babesiosis. For the therapeutic trial, Groups I and II received treatment with diminazene aceturate and artesunate, respectively and the efficacy was estimated on the basis of survival rate, and improvement in the clinico-haemato-biochemical parameters. Result: The major clinical signs recorded were persistent high fever, pale mucous membranes, presence of ticks, decreased ruminal motility and haemoglobinuria. In diseased cattle (n=16) Hb, PCV, and TEC levels were significantly (P less than 0.05) low but with a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in TLC as compared to the control group (n=8). Significantly (P less than 0.05) neutrophilia, lymphopenia, hypoglycaemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminaemia, was recorded in the diseased group. Moreover, significantly (P less than 0.05) increased levels of BUN, creatinine, AST, LDH and iron were recorded in the infected animals. Group I treated with diminazene aceturate was the most effective and cost- efficient treatment for bovine babesiosis compared to Group II treated with Artesunate.

What Influences the Prevalence and Intensity of Haemoparasites and Ectoparasites in an Insular Lizard?

Island biogeography theories predict that characteristics such as island size, age, and isolation interplay in host-parasite dynamics. In this study, we analyzed haemogregarines of the Aegean wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii, to investigate how island characteristics relate to parasite prevalence and intensity. A previous assessment of 19 Greek island populations suggested that isolation time and host population density were key predictors of haemogregarines. Here, by combining microscopy and genetic techniques, we extend this previous study to four additional islands: Syros, Folegandros, Santorini and Nea Kameni. We also recorded the prevalence of ticks and mites, definitive hosts for these parasites. The genetically identified haemogregarines are part of a clade with parasites from other lizard species, including some considered as Karyolysus, but others assigned to Hepatozoon. The prevalence of these parasites differed significantly between islands, while their intensity did not. The presence of ticks was associated with endoparasite prevalence, and males were more frequently infected by haemogregarines than females. Combining our data with that of the previous study, we found no significant impact of the island age and area on parasite prevalence. We also confirmed the presence of the unrelated parasite genus Schellackia through microscopy and DNA sequencing, which is the first record of this genus in this host species. Our results further highlight the complexity of host-parasite systems.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus from ticks: a molecular epidemiological study of a patient in the Republic of Korea

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by Dabie bandavirus, commonly called SFTS virus (SFTSV). In the Republic of Korea (ROK), 1,504 cases of SFTS have been reported since the first human case was identified in 2013 until 2021. However, no case exists to provide molecular evidence between questing tick and patients with confirmed SFTS in the same living environment. In this study, we investigated the presence of ticks near the area of a patient infected with SFTSV. Ticks were collected by flagging and dry ice-baited traps at three spots in the vegetation around the patients’ residence in Chuncheon City, Gangwon Province (ROK). Among the tick samples collected, the presence of SFTSV was genetically determined using reverse transcription PCR, followed by the phylogenetic analysis of the tick virus sequences and SFTSV found in the patient. In total 1,212 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks were collected, and SFTSV was detected at a minimum infection rate of 5.3% (33 pools/618 tested ticks). The sequences of SFTSV in ticks were 99.6–100% identical with the patient’s SFTSV in the M segment. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first case to provide a molecular correlation between SFTSV in questing ticks collected from residence and patient with SFTS in the ROK. The present results provide useful information for the epidemiological investigation of patients with SFTS using ticks as vectors of SFTSV.

Preliminary Study on Hard Ticks ( Acari: Ixodidae) of Sheep in Some Areas of Thamar Governorate, Yemen

The objective of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence of tick species infesting sheep in some areas of Thamar governorate, Yemen. A total of 392 indigenous sheep breeds of either sex and different age were randomly selected and examined for presence of ticks using standard parasitological techniques from December, 2010 to May, 2011. The results revealed that the overall prevalence of tick infestations on sheep was 43.37 %. Of total 875 ticks collected, Seven species of ixodid ticks were identified. The species on hierarchy of overall prevalence abundance were Rhipicephalus sanguineus (13.01%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (9.69%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (5.87 %), Hyalomma marginatum (4.59 %), Amblyomma variegatum (4.34%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (3.06%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (2.04%). Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus species is recorded for first time in Thamar governorate and Yemen as well as. Statistically, there was significance difference (P

Survey of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in wild chimpanzee habitat in Western Uganda

BackgroundTicks and tick-borne pathogens significantly impact both human and animal health and therefore are of major concern to the scientific community. Knowledge of tick-borne pathogens is crucial for prescription of mitigation measures. In Africa, much research on ticks has focused on domestic animals. Little is known about ticks and their pathogens in wild habitats and wild animals like the endangered chimpanzee, our closest relative.MethodsIn this study, we collected ticks in the forested habitat of a community of 100 chimpanzees living in Kibale National Park, Western Uganda, and assessed how their presence and abundance are influenced by environmental factors. We used non-invasive methods of flagging the vegetation and visual search of ticks both on human team members and in chimpanzee nests. We identified adult and nymph ticks through morphological features. Molecular techniques were used to detect and identify tick-borne piroplasmids and bacterial pathogens.ResultsA total of 470 ticks were collected, which led to the identification of seven tick species: Haemaphysalis parmata (68.77%), Amblyomma tholloni (20.70%), Ixodes rasus sensu lato (7.37%), Rhipicephalus dux (1.40%), Haemaphysalis punctaleachi (0.70%), Ixodes muniensis (0.70%) and Amblyomma paulopunctatum (0.35%). The presence of ticks, irrespective of species, was influenced by temperature and type of vegetation but not by relative humidity. Molecular detection revealed the presence of at least six genera of tick-borne pathogens (Babesia, Theileria, Borrelia, Cryptoplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia). The Afrotopical tick Amblyomma tholloni found in one chimpanzee nest was infected by Rickettsia sp.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study presented ticks and tick-borne pathogens in a Ugandan wildlife habitat whose potential effects on animal health remain to be elucidated.Graphical

Epidemiological study of ticks harbouring Aeromonas hydrophila in areas endemic and non-endemic to Japanese-spotted fever.

Aeromonas spp. often cause life-threatening diseases, including necrotizing fasciitis, which may lead to septic shock and ultimately death. Aeromonas infections are believed to be transmitted via minor wounds or the consumption of fresh fish. However, after the detection of Aeromonas hydrophila in ticks in areas endemic to Japanese-spotted fever (JSF), a novel transmission route of A. hydrophila (i.e., via tick bites) has been proposed. We investigated the prevalence of A. hydrophila in ticks in areas endemic and not endemic to JSF in the Mie Prefecture, Japan. We collected ticks from endemic and nonendemic areas in summer and winter and assessed them for presence of A. hydrophila using polymerase chain reaction. Six A. hydrophila isolates were obtained from 95 ticks in endemic areas, whereas one A. hydrophila isolate was obtained from 142 ticks in non-endemic areas, in summer. All ticks that harboured A. hydrophila were Haemaphysalis longicornis (H.L); these ticks were almost at the larval stage and also carried Rickettsia spp. in the endemic area. In contrast, 51 and 41 ticks in the endemic and non-endemic areas were captured in winter, respectively; A. hydrophila was not detected in these. This study revealed the prevalence of tick-borne A. hydrophila. Therefore, the risk of transmission of A. hydrophila via a tick bite should be considered in the following conditions: areas abundant in H. L. harbouring Rickettsia spp., in areas endemic for JSF, presence of ticks in the larval stage and during the summer season.

Cattle tick and gastrointestinal nematodes strategic control in dairy 31/32 Gyr x Holstein and beef ½ Brangus: is the same way?

Cattle ticks and gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a major concern in cattle rearing. Strategic treatments with chemical products are used to curb these infestations and infections. There are several studies on the population dynamics and strategic control of these parasites; however, none considered the genetic proportion of dairy cattle (Bos taurus taurus) and beef cattle (crossbred) to establish and understand the best strategy to control these parasites. To establish and understand the best strategy to control these parasites, we evaluated strategic treatment schemes against cattle ticks and GINs in dairy (Bos taurus taurus-Gyr × Holstein, 31/32) and beef (crossbred-1/2 Nellore × 1/2 Angus) cattle with different genetics. To determine whether the adopted strategic control scheme was sufficient to maintain a low level of infestation or infection of cattle ticks and GINs in animals, a group of dairy and crossbred beef cattle received chemical treatment only as a palliative treatment. Concomitantly, the productive and reproductive data of the animals were evaluated. The results showed that the level of challenge by ticks was different in crossbred beef (½ Nellore × ½ Angus) and dairy (Gyr × Holstein 31/32) cattle, and it was necessary to adopt different protocols for strategic or palliative treatments in these animals. Eight palliative treatments against Rhipicephalus microplus for over 12 months were necessary for dairy cattle, while only one was necessary for crossbred beef cattle. Thus, a more suppressive strategic protocol should be established in dairy cattle for monitoring the tick burden because new treatments may be necessary depending on the situation. In contrast, in crossbred beef cattle, an endectocide could be used after weaning, and other treatments must be conditioned to the presence of ticks in cattle. Further, prolonged periods without chemical treatment can increase the proportion of GINs, such as Haemonchus spp., compared to Cooperia spp. in these animals. Therefore, two to three treatments per year, depending on the anthelmintic used, are recommended for dairy and beef cattle. In both dairy and beef cattle, the strategic treatments showed better weight gain at the end of the study, resulting in greater productivity and return on investment (ROI), in crossbred beef cattle. Reproductive parameters were numerically similar in dairy females subjected to different treatment regimens.

Epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal parasites infecting dogs in Kwara Central, North Central, Nigeria

Dogs are the most cosmopolitan pets of humans and as such a means of transmitting zoonotic parasites to their owners. This study was designed to investigate the diversity, prevalence, pattern of infection, intensity of infections, and the risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Kwara Central, North Central, Nigeria. Three hundred and five clinically healthy dogs were sampled. Faecal samples were subjected to the direct smear, simple faecal centrifugation flotation, formol-ether concentration, and the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. Oocysts/eggs per gram of faeces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. Data were analysed using univariate logistic regression, multivariate logistic regression, and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A p -value of < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses. One hundred and sixty-six dogs were positive for at least one species of gastrointestinal parasite, representing 54.43% (95% CI: 44.81 – 59.96) of the sampled population. The study identified Cystoisospora species (15.41%), Cryptosporidium species (25.25%), Ancylostoma species (25.25%), Toxocara canis (19.02%), Strongyloides stercoralis (7.54%), Uncinaria stenocephala (6.89%), and Dipylidium caninum (2.30%) as the gastrointestinal parasites infecting dogs in the study area. Coinfection with more than one species of gastrointestinal parasites was a common finding in dogs. The intensity of Cystoisospora spp. among infected dogs ranged between 40 and 980 oocysts per gram of faeces, while that of helminth parasites was 40 – 1560 eggs per gram of faeces. Age, sex, breeds, body condition score, presence of ticks on dogs, the purpose of keeping dog(s), types of housing, types of feed consumed, vaccination status, and treatment with antiparasitics were predators associated with the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites infections. Due to the zoonotic nature of most of the encountered gastrointestinal parasites, there is need for regular antiparasitic treatment, proper dog management, and adequate personal hygiene to prevent zoonosis.

Perception of risk among children: Exploring the risk of TB-rickettsial disease based on the children's drawing pictures in a Mayan community of Yucatan.

It is important to work on designs of health promotion strategies that involve educational interventions about the risk factors associated to TB-rickettsiosis (Tick-Borne rickettsiosis). Children's drawings provide a window into their thoughts and feelings. The aim was to analyze children's risk perceptions regarding by the presence of ticks in a rural community in southeast Mexico. The main framework used was a social cognitive perspective under the Health Belief Model. Study was carried out in rural elementary schools and included a drawing contest. A total of 224 children (8-12 years old) participated. Drawings were coded and classified; descriptive trend analysis was performed using counts and percentages. The qualitative data was analyzed by researcher experts in TB- rickettsiosis and using Atlas ti V.8. Results are presented in seven categories that consider environmental elements, actors, and cognitive aspects. The environmental context, 99.1% of the drawings represent sites outside the home (92% include vegetation with the presence of ticks in their immediate external environment). In the actors' category, 69.6% included people carrying out activities (prevention and risk). As for the cognitive aspects, 70% included domestic pets and 13.4% farmyards animals. The children expressed their ideas about risk factors and preventive measures against TB-rickettsiosis with a self-care approach. They acquired knowledge about preventive strategies and clinical symptoms. It is necessary to evaluate what happens after an intervention and how they implement in their lives what they have learned.

Co-infections of major tick-borne pathogens of dogs in Andhra Pradesh, South India.

Implementing hemoprotozoan control strategies in dogs has become difficult because of the co-infections. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out for simultaneous detection of the co-infections of Babesia gibsoni, B. vogeli, Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis from dogs (N = 442) in Andhra Pradesh, South India. The co-infection combinations were classified as (i) B. gibsoni + B. vogeli + E. canis + H. canis (BEH), (ii) B. gibsoni + B. vogeli + E. canis (BE), (iii) B. gibsoni + B. vogeli + H. canis (BH) and (iv) E. canis + H. canis (EH) groups. The parasite-specific multiplex PCR amplified 18S rRNA gene of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli and H. canis and VirB9 gene of E. canis. The age, gender, breed, medium, living condition and region of dogs were studied as risk factors for co-infections using logistic regression model. Among the co-infections, the incidence was 1.81%, 9.28%, 0.69% and 0.90% for BEH, BE, BH and EH infections, respectively. Young age (< one year), females, mongrels, rural dogs, kennel dogs and presence of ticks were the identified risk factors for overall prevalence of tick-borne pathogens. The incidence of infection was less in rainy season, especially in dogs with a previous acaricidal treatment. The study concludes that the multiplex PCR assay could simultaneously detect natural co-infections in dogs, emphasizing the need for the assay in epidemiological studies to reveal the real pattern of pathogens and select pathogen-specific treatment protocols.

Seroprevalence of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Livestock, Pakistan

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is among the deadly human pathogens which cause a highly lethal haemorrhagic fever. CCHFV, a high-priority zoonotic pathogen is distributed widely and is transmitted in a vertical transmission cycle through these animals. Humans get infected by an infected tick bite, contact with viremic livestock blood, and through nosocomial route. Several CCHFV outbreaks have been reported for the past 2 decades in Pakistan and the virus has emerged in previously non-endemic regions as well. It is important to screen animals for CCHFV through an efficient diagnostic assay to prevent the viral zoonotic spill over to humans. Objectives: To screen the presence of CCHFV in sera collected from cattle, goat, and sheep in various regions in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh through a pre-established IgG ELISA assay. Methods: A recombinant nucleoprotein (rNP) of CCHFV was used to capture the anti CCFHV IgG antibodies in the animal sera. Results: Among 164 animals tested, 65% (103/164) showed the presence of IgG CCHFV antibodies. From the total 103 animals tested positive, 14.5 % (CI 0-28.2%) were cattle, 63.7% (CI 38.5-60.3%) were goats and 42% (CI 24.4-48.8%) were sheep. Conclusions: High seroprevalence of the CCHFV was expected from these areas as numerous cases of CCHFV have been reported previously. Since no commercial tests are available for the detection of CCHFV-specific antibodies in animals, this IgG ELISA test can be used to screen the animals in areas at risk such as those that have the presence of permissive ticks

Impact of green space connectivity on urban tick presence, density and Borrelia infected ticks in different habitats and seasons in three cities in southern England

Understanding the effects of local habitat and wider landscape connectivity factors on tick presence, nymph density and Borrelia species (spp.) prevalence in the tick population is important for identifying the public health risk from Lyme borreliosis. This multi-city study collected data in three southern England cities (Bath, Bristol, and Southampton) during spring, summer, and autumn in 2017. Focusing specifically on urban green space used for recreation which were clearly in urbanised areas, 72 locations were sampled. Additionally, geospatial datasets on urban green space coverage within 250 m and 1 km of sampling points, as well as distance to woodland were incorporated into statistical models. Distance to woodland was negatively associated with tick presence and nymph density, particularly during spring and summer. Furthermore, we observed an interaction effect between habitat and season for tick presence and nymph density, with woodland habitat having greater tick presence and nymph density during spring. Borrelia spp. infected Ixodes ricinus were found in woodland, woodland edge and under canopy habitats in Bath and Southampton. Overall Borrelia spp. prevalence in nymphs was 2.8%, similar to wider UK studies assessing prevalence in Ixodes ricinus in rural areas. Bird-related Borrelia genospecies dominated across sites, suggesting bird reservoir hosts may be important in urban green space settings for feeding and infecting ticks. Whilst overall density of infected nymphs across the three cities was low (0.03 per 100 m2), risk should be further investigated by incorporating data on tick bites acquired in urban settings, and subsequent Lyme borreliosis transmission.

Prevalence and Species Identification of Ixodid Ticks of Small Ruminants in Benadir Region, Somalia.

Ixodid ticks are one of the major health constraints on small ruminant productivity and contribute to significant economic losses in Somalia. An across-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 through December 2020 to identify hard tick species and determine the prevalence of tick infestation in small ruminants in the Benadir region, Somalia. Ticks were identified at the genera and species level by using morphological identification keys under a stereomicroscope. During the study period, a total of 384 small ruminants were examined for the presence of ticks through purposive sampling. All visible individual adult ticks were collected from the bodies of 230 goats and 154 sheep. A total of 651 Ixodid adult ticks were collected, of which 393 were male and 258 were female. The overall prevalence of tick infestation in the study area was 66.15% (254/384). The prevalence of tick infestation in goats and sheep was found to be 76.1% (175/230) and 51.3% (79/154), respectively. In the present study, nine species of hard ticks, which were grouped into three genera, were identified. The most abundant species found in this study were Rhipichephalus pulchellus (64.97%), Rhipichephalus everstieversti (8.45%), Rhipichephalus pravus (5.53%), Rhipichephalus lunulatus (5.38%), Amblyomma lepidum (5.22%), Amblyomma gemma (3.38%), and Hyalomma truncatum (2.62%) according to predominance. Rhipichephalus bursa (2.46%) and Rhipichephalus turanicus (1.99%) were the minor species observed in both species in the study area. The difference in the prevalence of tick infestation was found to be a statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) between species groups but not sex groups. In all cases, male ticks dominated female ticks. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that ticks were the most prevalent ectoparasites of small ruminants in the study areas. Therefore, the increasing threat of ticks and tick-borne pathogens of small ruminants warrants the urgent strategic application of acaricides and the creation of awareness among livestock owners to prevent and control tick infestations of sheep and goats in the study area.

Coxiella burnetii in dairy cattle herd: farming practices and infection dynamics

Abstract Q fever is a widespread disease affecting reproduction in dairy cattle. Several risk factors can increase the possibility of the herd becoming infected and the persistence of infection. The aim of this study was to characterise the dynamics of C. burnetii infection in affected herds and to evaluate reproduction problems and risk factors using a questionnaire within infected and infection-free dairy herds. In total, 25 farms that were serologically positive or shedding C. burnetii DNA in milk and 14 C. burnetii infection-free farms in Latvia answered the questionnaire. Ten positive herds were studied by testing individual blood and milk samples from up to 10 animals at two times separated by 7.5 to 13 months. The number of serologically positive and suspicious animals was higher in the second sampling even though several animals were culled. In the positive herds, the percentage of dystocia, stillborn calves and abortions during the last year was significantly (p=0.001; 0.01; 0.005, respectively) higher than in the negative herds. Several significant factors were found for the presence of Q fever infection, such as the herd size, the regional population density of ruminants, artificial ventilation systems, and frequent farm visitors. Deratisation was less practised in the negative farms and the presence of ticks was observed more often in the negative farms. Only two identified risk factors can be mitigated – the ventilation system and frequent farm visitors. The other factors cannot be changed arbitrarily but they have to be taken into account by decision makers.

From Diagnosis to Treatment of Human Otoacariasis: Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients.

Otoacariasis is the presence of ticks and mites in the ear canals of humans or animals, and particularly common in rural areas. This study aimed to present the clinical characteristics of patients that presented with ticks in their ear canal. The study was conducted with a total of 425 patients with 527 ticks in their ear canal at the Muş Malazgirt State Hospital Ear-Nose-Throat Clinic between June 2019 and June 2020. The removed ticks were examined at the parasitology laboratory of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. Of the 425 cases included in the study, 72% (n=306) were female and 28% (n=119) were male (mean age 40±20, minimum-maximum: 4 months-81 years). A total of 527 ticks were removed in the one-year period. Three-hundred-and-fifty-one patients had adult or nymph ticks, and 74 patients had a larval form of the tick. Of the patients with adult or nymph tick, foreign body sensation was the dominant symptom in 68.7% (n=242), whereas pain was the dominant symptom in 62% (n=46) of those with larval tick. In the comparison between groups, foreign body sensation was statistically significantly higher in the adult tick group, and pain was higher in the larval tick group (p<0.001). There were no systemic diseases related to the ticks in any of the cases. Ticks in the ear is endemic in Eastern Anatolia and poses a public health problem. Tick infestations could be minimized with various precautions and educating the general public on preventive methods. Our study is the largest series in the literature on cases with ear ticks.