Tick Rhipicephalus Sanguineus Research Articles

One-month comparative efficacy of three topical ectoparasiticides against adult brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) on mixed-bred dogs in controlled environment

This study was designed to compare the therapeutic and residual efficacy for 1 month of three topical ectoparasiticides on mixed-bred dogs against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Adult dogs (n = 32, 10.8–18.4 kg BW) were allocated to 4 groups (n = 8) and infested with 50 adult ticks on days −8, −2, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Within each group, dogs were treated topically on day 0 with a control solution (CS), Vectra® 3D (DPP), Frontline® Plus (FM), or K9 Advantix® (IP). Ticks were enumerated on dogs 24 h after treatment and each subsequent tick infestation by in situ thumb count assessment without removal and at 48 h by combing and removal. Acaricidal efficacy was calculated using arithmetic means for all 24 and 48 h tick count assessments. From 42 to 56 % of the total, infested ticks were found on dogs 48 h post-challenge in the CS group. Therapeutic efficacy for all treatments ranged from 45.5 to 64.6 % after 48 h of infestation. Residual efficacy after FM treatment was consistently lower compared to DPP or IP treatments at the 24 h assessments on days 8, 22, 23, and 29. Residual efficacy measured at this last time point was 94.8 % for DPP, 83.1 % for IP, and 46.9 % for FM. This study demonstrates that permethrin-based formulations (DPP and IP) provided a quicker onset of residual protection against brown dog ticks compared to FM. Although DPP and IP are both permethrin-based formulations, DPP exhibited consistently higher residual acaricidal efficacies and was the only treatment that provided >90 % protection for 1 month at 24 h post challenge.

Molecular detection of vector-borne bacteria and protozoa in healthy hunting dogs from Central Italy

To determine the prevalence of vector-borne bacteria and protozoa in hunting dogs living in Central Italy. Molecular testing was executed on DNA which was extracted from blood specimens collected from 117 asymptomatic dogs to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia canis (B. canis), Bartonella spp., Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and Leishmania infantum. A total of 48 dogs (41.0%) were infested by Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. Tick-borne infections were observed in 64 (54.7%) animals. More in detail, 38 dogs (32.5%) screened positive for Hepatozoon canis, 24 (20.5%) for Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, 20 (17.1%) for Leishmania infantum, 6 (5.1%) for C. burnetii, 5 (4.3%) for B. canis (3 B. canis vogeli and 2 B. canis canis), 3 (2.5%) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and 2 (1.7%) for Ehrlichia canis. Mixed infection by 2 agents occurred in 17 (14.5%) subjects, by 3 agents in 7 (6.0%) dogs, and by 4 agents in 1 (0.9%) animal. The results demonstrated that several vector-borne pathogens were circulating in this region and dogs infected by these agents were usually asymptomatic. A relevant finding was the presence of DNA of C. burnetii, a severe zoonotic agent, in the 5.1% of tested dogs, which can be source of infection for their owners not only through tick bites, but also directly with urine, feces and birth products.

SEROPREVALENCE OF CANINE MONOCYTIC EHRLICHIOSIS IN HUNTING DOGS IN THE AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE OF VOJVODINA, SERBIA

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a bacterial, vector-transmitted infection caused by Ehrlichia canis. Th e pathogen is mainly transmitted by ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The disease highest distributionis most widely distributed in tropical and subtropical countries but it is also reported in Mediterranean countries of Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Turkey). Temperate continental climate and presence of these tick species are responsible for the maintenance and spreading of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis within the dog population in our region as well. Since hunting dogs are more exposed to tick bites then pet dogs, ed thisour study was conducted with the aims of determining the seroprevalence and basic epidemiological characteristics of monocytic ehrlichiosis infection in the population of hunting dogs, and comparing the obtained results with the results of other authors. This research involved 58 hunting dogs from the region of Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. All dogs were clinically examined and their basic epidemiological characteristics were recorded. Then, blood samples were collected in order to determine the presence of specifi c G class antibodies against Ehrlichia canis antigens. An indirect immunofl uorescence test manufactured by VMRD, U.S.A., was used. In this study, the seroprevalence of monocytic ehrlichiosis in a population of examined hunting dogs from the region of Vojvodina was 13.79%. Th is rate is similar to the seroprevalence of monocytic ehrlichiosis in the general population of dogs in Vojvodina.

Diagnosis and incidence risk of clinical canine monocytic ehrlichiosis under field conditions in Southern Europe.

BackgroundCanine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME), due to the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is a major tick-borne disease in southern Europe. In this area, infections with other vector-borne pathogens (VBP) are also described and result in similar clinical expression. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence risk of clinical CME in those endemic areas and to assess the potential involvement of other VBP in the occurrence of clinical and/or biological signs evocative of the disease.MethodsThe study was conducted from April to November 2011 in veterinary clinics across Italy, Spain and Portugal. Sick animals were included when fitting at least three clinical and/or biological criteria compatible with ehrlichiosis. Serological tests (SNAP®4Dx, SNAP®Leish tests, Idexx, USA) and diagnostic PCR for E. canis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp, Hepatozoon canis and Leishmania infantum detection were performed to identify the etiological agents. Ehrlichiosis was considered when three clinical and/or biological suggestive signs were associated with at least one positive paraclinical test (serology or PCR). The annual incidence risk was calculated and data were geo-referenced for map construction. The probabilities of CME and other vector-borne diseases when facing clinical and/or biological signs suggestive of CME were then evaluated.ResultsA total of 366 dogs from 78 veterinary clinics were enrolled in the survey. Among them, 99 (27%) were confirmed CME cases, which allowed an estimation of the average annual incidence risk of CME amongst the investigated dog population to be 0.08%. Maps showed an increasing gradient of CME incidence risk from northern towards southern areas, in particular in Italy. It also suggested the existence of hot-spots of infections by VBP in Portugal. In addition, the detection of other VBP in the samples was common and the study demonstrated that a dog with clinical signs evocative of CME is as likely to be positive to Ehrlichia canis as to another VBP.ConclusionsThe study confirms the endemicity of CME in southern Europe and highlights the difficulties encountered by veterinarians to differentiate CME from other vector-borne diseases under field conditions.

Molecular Diagnosis of Ehrlichia canis in Dogs and Ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Yucatan, Mexico.

Ehrlichia canis is the etiological agent behind canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, and the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) is its main vector. Blood smear and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to identify E. canis infection in dogs and R. sanguineus, and explore factors possibly associated with infection in dogs in Yucatan, Mexico. Blood samples were taken and ticks R. sanguineus collected from 50 dogs (10 house dogs and 40 in an animal control center). Data were collected on dog age, sex, body condition, and signs associated with platelet deficiencies (epistaxis). Blood smears were analyzed to identify E. canis morulae and generate platelet counts. Nested PCR analysis was done on blood samples and 200 ticks. A χ(2) test was done to identify factors associated with the E. canis infection in the tested dogs. The overall prevalence for infection, as determined by PCR, was 36% (18 out of 50). All positive dogs were from samples collected from the animal shelter, representing prevalence, for this sampling site, of 45% (18 out of 40). Morulae in monocytes were identified in only 4% of samples. Dog origin (i.e. animal control center) was the only variable associated with E. canis infection (P < 0.01). Male ticks had a higher (P < 0.05) infection rate than female ticks (24.5 vs 13.5%). It is concluded that E. canis infection is present in both dogs and the brown dog ticks R. sanguineus in Yucatan, Mexico.

Prevalence of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Indonesian Dogs

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the most common ectoparasites of dog in the world. The study of ticks infestation and tick-borne diseases on the dog is necessary, because this information still limited in Indonesia. Ticks and dog blood test sampling were done at Animal Police Directorate Security Agency (Baharkam) and Atang Sendjaja Air Force (ATS). In addition, ticks and cases on ticks infestation data were obtained from 21 veterinary clinics in Bogor, Jakarta and Bandung. All ticks samples were preserved in bottles containing 70% alcohol for identification, and dog blood tests performed for Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis diagnosis. This research was done in March to December 2013. The results showed that all ticks samples collected from Baharkam dogs, ATS dogs and Veterinary Clinics in Bogor, Jakarta and Bandung were identified as one species, i.e., Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The prevalence of dogs infested by ticks were 67.90% in Baharkam 100% in ATS, and the prevalence in 21 Veterinary Clinic in Jakarta, Bogor, and Bandung from 2008-2013 tend to be increased every year. The tick predilections in Baharkam dogs distributed on the back regio (35.0%), the head, ears and neck (29.0%), the legs and the interdigital spaces (14.5%), the abdomen (10.9%) and the tail (10.9%). The tick larvae were found not only in the kennel but also on the grass field of Baharkam which often use for the training of police dogs. These places can be a source of transmission of tick infestation among dogs. The purebred and male dogs in Bogor, Jakarta and Bandung were more infested than the crossbred, local and female dogs. The prevalence of Ehrlichiosis on Baharkam dog was 12%, and 40% from ATS dogs. The results of blood smear examination on Baharkam dogs showed positive Babesia (8%) and Anaplasma (16%). There was no relationship between the degree of tick infestations to E. canis, Babesia and Anaplasma infections (p>0.05).

Occurrence of Canine Borreliosis in Egyptian Dogs: A Public Health Threat

Background: Lyme borreliosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by a tick bite, primarily from Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus. In Egypt, few articles reported the existence of Lyme disease in humans and animals. The aim of the current study is to investigate the presence of B. burgdorferi in dogs, ticks and contact human cases in Egypt. Methods and Findings: A total of 100 samples of dogs (70), contact human (15) and ticks (15) were collected and subjected for culture, PCR and/or IgM ELISA. 50/70 (71.4%) of canine sera were sero-reactive, while 3/15 (20%) in human cases were reactive. OspA gene was detected in the blood of 13 out of 70 dogs (18.5%). 6/15 (4%) ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) that collected from dogs contained the ospA gene, while none of human blood samples was positive by PCR. None of the investigated samples give positive results for B. burgdorferi by culture. Conclusions: This study confirms the occurrence of B. burgdorferi infection in Egyptian dogs in which the only identified tick species is Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

Bacteria associated with Amblyomma cajennense tick eggs.

Ticks represent a large group of pathogen vectors that blood feed on a diversity of hosts. In the Americas, the Ixodidae ticks Amblyomma cajennense are responsible for severe impact on livestock and public health. In the present work, we present the isolation and molecular identification of a group of culturable bacteria associated with A. cajennense eggs from females sampled in distinct geographical sites in southeastern Brazil. Additional comparative analysis of the culturable bacteria from Anocentor nitens, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes scapularis tick eggs were also performed. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses identified 17 different bacterial types identified as Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterobacter spp., Micrococcus luteus, Ochrobactrum anthropi, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus spp., distributed in 12 phylogroups. Staphylococcus spp., especially S. sciuri, was the most prevalent bacteria associated with A. cajennense eggs, occurring in 65% of the samples and also frequently observed infecting A. nitens eggs. S. maltophilia, S. marcescens and B. cereus occurred infecting eggs derived from specific sampling sites, but in all cases rising almost as pure cultures from infected A. cajennense eggs. The potential role of these bacterial associations is discussed and they possibly represent new targets for biological control strategies of ticks and tick borne diseases.

Description of Immature Stages of the Brown Dog Tick Rhipicephalus Sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy

The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a three-host tick that feeds primarily on dogs and occasionally on other hosts, including humans. Therefore, this study aimed to describe in details the immature stages (larva and nymph) of R. sanguineus using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and morphometeric analyses. The measurements of nymph and larva structures are relatively close to those of Hyalomma excavatum. The number and distribution of setae on either the dorsal or ventral surfaces of nymph differ from those of other ixodid ticks. Eyes have an elongated shape in nymph and larva. The position of sternal setae in nymph resembles the position of these setae in H. dromedarii. The shape and position of spurs on coxae in nymph and larva are considered the unique characters that can differentiate this species from other three species of R. sanguineus group (R. camicasi, R. turanicus and R. sulcatus). Palpi in nymph and larva are tending to each other forming triangular shape. The apices of palpi in nymph and larva are tapering. Basis capitulum has hexagonal shape dorsally in nymph and larva. Basis capitulum of nymph has a pair of spur-like ventrally. Further studies are needed in details on the immature stages of other tick species of R. sanguineus group such as R. camicasi, R. turanicus and R. sulcatus using advanced techniques such as SEM or molecular biology. These techniques may provide additional characteristics which may facilitate the identification of the immature stages of R. sanguineus group.

Potential role of ATP-binding cassette transporters against acaricides in the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters have been shown to be involved in pesticide detoxification in arthropod vectors and are thought to contribute to the development of drug resistance. Little is currently known about the role they play in ticks, which are among the more important vectors of human and animal pathogens. Here, the role of ABC transporters in the transport of fipronil and ivermectin acaricides in the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) was investigated. Larvae were treated with acaricide alone and acaricide in combination with a sub-lethal dose of the ABC transporter inhibitor cyclosporine A. The LC50 doses and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated by mortality data using probit analysis were 67.930 p.p.m. (95% CI 53.780-90.861) for fipronil and 3741 p.p.m. (95% CI 2857-4647) for ivermectin. The pre-exposure of larvae to a sub-lethal dose of cyclosporine A reduced the LC50 dose of fipronil to 4.808 p.p.m. (95% CI 0.715-9.527) and that of ivermectin to 167 p.p.m. (95% CI 15-449), which increased toxicity by about 14- and 22-fold, respectively. The comparison of mortality data for each separate acaricide concentration showed the synergic effect of cyclosporine A to be reduced at higher concentrations of acaricide. These results show for the first time a strong association between ABC transporters and acaricide detoxification in R.sanguineus s.l.

Community-based control of the brown dog tick in a region with high rates of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, 2012-2013.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) has emerged as a significant public health risk on American Indian reservations in eastern Arizona. During 2003–2012, more than 250 RMSF cases and 19 deaths were documented among Arizona's American Indian population. The high case fatality rate makes community-level interventions aimed at rapid and sustained reduction of ticks urgent. Beginning in 2012, a two year pilot integrated tick prevention campaign called the RMSF Rodeo was launched in a ∼600-home tribal community with high rates of RMSF. During year one, long-acting tick collars were placed on all dogs in the community, environmental acaricides were applied to yards monthly, and animal care practices such as spay and neuter and proper tethering procedures were encouraged. Tick levels, indicated by visible inspection of dogs, tick traps and homeowner reports were used to monitor tick presence and evaluate the efficacy of interventions throughout the project. By the end of year one, <1% of dogs in the RMSF Rodeo community had visible tick infestations five months after the project was started, compared to 64% of dogs in Non-Rodeo communities, and environmental tick levels were reduced below detectable levels. The second year of the project focused on use of the long-acting collar alone and achieved sustained tick control with fewer than 3% of dogs in the RMSF Rodeo community with visible tick infestations by the end of the second year. Homeowner reports of tick activity in the domestic and peridomestic setting showed similar decreases in tick activity compared to the non-project communities. Expansion of this successful project to other areas with Rhipicephalus-transmitted RMSF has the potential to reduce brown dog tick infestations and save human lives.

First report of Rickettsia felis in China.

BackgroundRickettsia felis is a recently described flea-borne spotted fever group Rickettsia that is an emerging human pathogen. Although there is information on the organism from around the world, there is no information on the organism in China.MethodsWe used a commercial ELISA to detect antibodies reactive against R. felis in blood samples and developed a PCR to detect the gltA of the organism in blood samples and external parasites.ResultsWe found reactive antibodies in people (16%; 28/180), dogs (47%; 128/271) and cats (21%; 19/90) and positive PCRs with DNA from people (0.1%; 1/822), dogs (0.8%; 8/1,059), mice (10%; 1/10), ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus; 10%; 15/146), lice (Linognathus setosus; 16%; 6/37), fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis; 95%; 57/60) and mosquitoes (Anopheles sinensis, Culex pipiens pallens; 6%; 25/428), but not from cats (0/135) or canine fecal swabs (0/43).ConclusionsThis is the first report of R. felis in China where there is serological and/ or PCR evidence of the organism in previously reported [people, dogs, cats, ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) and mosquitoes (Anopheles sinensis, Culex pipiens pallens)] and novel species [mice and lice (Linognathus setosus)].Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0682-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Identification of the Pharmacophore of the CC Chemokine-binding Proteins Evasin-1 and -4 Using Phage Display

To elucidate the ligand-binding surface of the CC chemokine-binding proteins Evasin-1 and Evasin-4, produced by the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, we sought to identify the key determinants responsible for their different chemokine selectivities by expressing Evasin mutants using phage display. We first designed alanine mutants based on the Evasin-1·CCL3 complex structure and an in silico model of Evasin-4 bound to CCL3. The mutants were displayed on M13 phage particles, and binding to chemokine was assessed by ELISA. Selected variants were then produced as purified proteins and characterized by surface plasmon resonance analysis and inhibition of chemotaxis. The method was validated by confirming the importance of Phe-14 and Trp-89 to the inhibitory properties of Evasin-1 and led to the identification of a third crucial residue, Asn-88. Two amino acids, Glu-16 and Tyr-19, were identified as key residues for binding and inhibition of Evasin-4. In a parallel approach, we identified one clone (Y28Q/N60D) that showed a clear reduction in binding to CCL3, CCL5, and CCL8. It therefore appears that Evasin-1 and -4 use different pharmacophores to bind CC chemokines, with the principal binding occurring through the C terminus of Evasin-1, but through the N-terminal region of Evasin-4. However, both proteins appear to target chemokine N termini, presumably because these domains are key to receptor signaling. The results also suggest that phage display may offer a useful approach for rapid investigation of the pharmacophores of small inhibitory binding proteins.

Morphological effects of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed oil with known azadirachtin concentrations on the oocytes of semi-engorged Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

The concern about the harmful effects caused by synthetic pesticides has led to the search for safe and ecological alternatives for pest control. In this context, the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) stands out due to its repellent properties and effects on various arthropods, including ticks. For this reason, this study aimed to demonstrate the potential of neem as a control method for Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, important vectors of diseases in the veterinary point of view. For this, R. sanguineus semi-engorged females were subjected to treatment with neem seed oil enriched with azadirachtin, its main compound, and ovaries were assessed by means of morphological techniques in conventional light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Neem demonstrated a clear dose-dependent effect in the analyzed samples. The observed oocytes presented, especially in the groups treated with higher concentrations of neem oil, obvious signs of cytoplasmic disorganization, cellular vacuolization, nuclear and nucleolar irregularity, dilation in mitochondrial cristae, alterations in mitochondrial matrix, and swelling of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Intracellular microorganisms were observed in all analyzed groups, reinforcing the importance of ticks in the transmission of pathogens. A greater quantity of microorganisms was noted as the concentration of neem increased, indicating that the damaged oocytes may be more susceptible for their development. Such morphological alterations may promote future damages in reproductive performance of these animals and demonstrate the potential of neem seed oil for the control of R. sanguineus ticks, paving the way for new, cheaper, and safer methods of control.

Prevalence of ectoparasites in owned dogs in Kerman city, southeast of Iran

The present study aimed to investigate the intensity and distribution of natural infestation of ectoparasites in owned dogs during June to November 2011 in Kerman city, southeast of Iran. One hundred two domestic dogs (63 males, 39 females) with age ranged between 45days to 13years were examined for ectoparasites infestation including (tick, lice, flea and mite) in Kerman city. Detailed questionnaire about grooming and bathing interval, keeping place (outdoor, indoor) and purpose of keeping were obtained from owners. After complete skin examination, animals hairs were combed and their skin rubbed with a piece of cotton soaked in alcohol to remove the ectoparasites in apparently normal cases, and deep skin scratching were prepared from all type of lesions in symptomatic dogs. A total number of 149 ectoparasites were collected. The most common ectoparasite was Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which infested 27 of the 102 dogs (26.47%). Ctenocephalides canis was identified on two dogs (1.96%) and 5 dogs infested with Hippobosca spp (4.9%)that the highest infestation rate was seen in September (14.2%). Studied samples were routinely checked for clinical symptoms. Itching and scratching lesions were the only reported signs which seen in flea infested dogs (6.4%) and other infested dogs (93.5%) had no clinical symptoms. Ectoparasites were significantly higher in outdoor dogs in compare with indoor group and the most tick infested location was ear (61.3%) (P<0.05).

Quantitative study of Rickettsia massiliae in Rhipicephalus sanguineus organs

Rickettsia massiliae, belonging to the spotted fever group of Rickettsia, is a human pathogen causing a similar course of disease to that caused by R. conorii, the originally recognized etiologic agent of Mediterranean spotted fever. In view of this similarity, we performed an ultrastructural study of R. massiliae in organs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, in order to advance knowledge of the complex dynamics at the tick-pathogen interface in rickettsioses.Adult R. massiliae-infected Rh. sanguineus ticks were fed on uninfected Hartley strain guinea pigs, and five females were collected daily throughout their feeding period up to day 6, and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and electron microscopy. An increase in rickettsial content was observed in the salivary glands, particularly in the first two days of feeding, and a plateau was observed between days 3 and 6. Rickettsial organisms were observed in all tick organs analyzed, in higher numbers in the fed state, and statistically significant differences were observed in measurements of the periplasmic layer of R. massiliae in salivary glands of fed and unfed Rh. sanguineus ticks, with increased thickness in the former case.This study provides insight into the interface between R. massiliae and Rh. sanguineus ticks, highlighting the need for analysis of R. massiliae to fully ascertain its place as an important pathogenic agent of a spotted fever rickettsiosis.

Identification of rickettsiae from wild rats and cat fleas in Malaysia.

Rickettsioses are emerging zoonotic diseases reported worldwide. In spite of the serological evidence of spotted fever group rickettsioses in febrile patients in Malaysia, limited studies have been conducted to identify the animal reservoirs and vectors of rickettsioses. This study investigated the presence of rickettsiae in the tissue homogenates of 95 wild rats and 589 animal ectoparasites. Using PCR assays targeting the citrate synthase gene (gltA), rickettsial DNA was detected in the tissue homogenates of 13 (13.7%) wild rats. Sequence analysis of the gltA amplicons showed 98.6-100% similarity with those of Rickettsia honei/R. conorii/R. raoultii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae). Sequence analysis of outer membrane protein A gene (ompA) identified Rickettsia sp. TCM1 strain from two rats. No rickettsia was detected from Laelaps mites, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis bispinosa ticks, and Felicola subrostratus lice in this study. R. felis was identified from 32.2% of 177 Ctenocephalides felis fleas. Sequence analysis of the gltA amplicons revealed two genotypes of R. felis (Rf31 and RF2125) in the fleas. As wild rats and cat fleas play an important role in the enzoonotic maintenance of rickettsiae, control of rodent and flea populations may be able to reduce transmission of rickettsioses in the local setting.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, A Reemerging Disease in Arizona and Sonora- Case Study

Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Rickettsia Rickettsii (RMSF) is a reoccurring disease in Arizona and Sonora and a public health problem due to the high risk medical complications it provokes. In the region it is transmitted by the bite of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick,found in dogs.

Occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Romania

Hepatozoon is an apicomplexan parasite of carnivores transmitted by the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus trough ingestion. Infections in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been recorded in several parts of the world, including European countries, with variable prevalence values. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. in red foxes originating from two counties (Arad and Timis) of Western Romania. Fresh/coagulated blood samples from 28 red foxes, killed in sanitary hunting during the routine rabies monitoring, were molecularly analyzed by a conventional PCR using the primers Hep F and Hep R for the presence of Hepatozoon spp. Overall, 11/28 (39.2%) investigated samples contained the DNA of the parasite. Most of the positive samples were from Arad County (8/17), while in Timis County only 3 out of 11 foxes tested were positive. Occurrence of Hepatozoon canis was reported in Romania in dogs but investigations in wildlife were not performed. The relatively high prevalence value of the infection recorded in the current survey can be related to the common occurrence of the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) in the area, documented by previous surveys. The high prevalence of the parasite among red foxes confirms the presence of sylvatic cycle, highlights the role of wildlife as reservoirs and potential vectors for the infection in the screened region and also the emerging of this pathogen agent in the country. This is the first report of Hepatozoon spp. infection in red foxes from Romania. The findings support the global changing in vector borne diseases expansion.

Tick and flea infestation in a captive Margay Leopardus wiedii (Schinz, 1821) (Carnivora: Felidae: Felinae) in Peru

Interaction between wild and domestic animals can increase the risk for transmission of parasites in both directions, and thus, affects the ecology of diseases. Wild felids have been proven to be sensitive to infectious agents commonly found in domestic animals, and those agents have had detrimental effects on wildlife conservation. A margay Leopardus wiedii which had been kept captive as a pet for about fifteen days, was found moderately infested with the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus and the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis. Considering that the captive Margay lived close to domestic dogs and cats, this interaction might be the source of that infestation. Based on this finding, careful attention should be paid to wildlife and domestic animals interactions as ectoparasites can be easily transmitted and new host-pathogen interactions are possible.