Rhipicephalus Sanguineus Research Articles

Rhipicephalus simus ticks: new hosts for phleboviruses.

Ticks are widespread arthropods that transmit microorganisms of veterinary and medical significance to vertebrates, including humans. Rhipicephalus simus, an ixodid tick frequently infesting and feeding on humans, may play a crucial role in transmitting infectious agents across species. Despite the known association of many Rhipicephalus ticks with phleboviruses, information on R. simus is lacking. During a study in a riverine area in Lusaka Zambia, ten R. simus ticks were incidentally collected from the grass and bushes and subjected to metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) in 2 pools of 5. Analysis detected a diverse microbial profile, including bacteria 82% (32/39), fungi 15.4% (6/39), and viruses 2.6% (1/39). Notably, viral sequence LSK-ZM-102022 exhibited similarity to tick phleboviruses, sharing 74.92% nucleotide identity in the RdRp gene and 72% in the NP gene with tick-borne phlebovirus (TBPV) from Greece and Romania, respectively. Its RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) encoding region carried conserved RdRp and endonuclease domains characteristic of phenuiviridae viruses. Phylogenetic analysis positioned LSK-ZM-102022 in a distinct but lone lineage within tick phleboviruses basal to known species like brown dog tick phlebovirus and phlebovirus Antigone. Pair-wise genetic distance analysis revealed similar findings. This study emphasizes the urgency of further research on the ecology, transmission dynamics, and pathogenic potential of LSK-ZM-102022 and related TBPVs, crucial for local and global preparedness against emerging tick-borne diseases.

Mining the secreted and membrane transcriptome of Hyalomma dromedarii ticks for identification of potential protective antigens.

Members belonging to the tick genus Hyalomma function as a multi-host reservoir for several pathogens and important parasites infesting large animals, such as camels, goats, cattle and sheep. In Egypt, there is a high risk of pathogen transmission as camels and cattle are imported from Sudan and Ethiopia and shipped to slaughterhouses and animal markets located in populated areas. Hyalomma dromedarii ticks are semi-desert vectors and, similar to other members of the genus Hyalomma, characterized by long-term feeding. During this process, different physiological, biochemical and immunological interactions occur within both the feeding ticks and their hosts. These biological changes affect the different tick developmental phases. The aim of this study was to explore the transcriptome of mixed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) collected from H. dromedarii eggs, larvae, nymphs and fed and unfed adults, using the Gateway cDNA library prepared in pCMV sport6.1 vector METHODS: The clones were sequenced and searched for potential secreted, membrane-associated or transmembrane (SMaT) sequences. The identified SMaT sequences were compared to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) non-redundant protein sequence database using Blastx. Annotation and functional classification were achieved by comparison to sequences in the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot and VectorBase databases and to the publicly available annotated proteomes of six hard tick species (H. asiaticum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Dermacentor silvarum, Rhipicephalus microplus, Ixodes scapularis and Haemaphysalis longicornis) in addition to the published H. dromedarii sialotranscriptome. For the common sequences, we predicted the physicochemical properties, secondary structures and antigenicity of the fragments similar to matched sequences in the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot database using three different methods. The quality-trimmed sequences from the cDNA library revealed 319 SMaT transcripts among 1248 sequenced clones. Annotation of the SMaT sequences using the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot database revealed only 232 non-redundant sequences with at least one match. According to the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot and Vectorbase databases, the SMaT sequences were either secreted (extracellular) (29 sequences) or cellular (transmembrane and membrane-associated) (203 sequences). These were classified into 10 functional classes: biogenesis (49 sequences), defense (9 sequences), development (36 sequences), signal transduction (28 sequences), transport (15 sequences), protein modification (33 sequences), homeostasis (6 sequences), metabolism (45 sequences) and miscellaneous/uncharacterized (11 sequences). A total of 60 sequences were shared between H. dromedarii SMaT, the sialotransciptome and six other hard tick species. The peptide fragments of these sequences that aligned to proteins from the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot database were predicted to be promising epitopes and mapped to 10 functional classes at different ratios. Our immuno-informatics analysis identified 60 sequences common among hard tick species and encoded by H. dromedarii salivary glands. These annotated SMaT sequences of H. dromedarii will pave the way for the identification and discovery of novel potential protective antigens that are either secreted, membrane-associated or transmembrane.

Comparative toxicity of three variant oils and their nanoemulsions on the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Tick control mainly depends on using chemical acaricides that have led to the emergence of resistant tick populations along with environmental hazards. Natural alternatives including essential oils are now widely used to avoid the undesirable effects of chemicals on human, animals and environment. In this study, three commercial oils (myrrh, patchouli, and cypress) and their nanoemulsions (NEs) were tested against Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato unfed adults. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the nanoemulsions. Four concentrations with three replicates were used in the bioassay of oils and NEs against ticks using an adult immersion test. Furthermore, a toxicity study of the three oils and their NEs using normal fibroblast cells (BJ-1) was performed. TEM revealed particle size ranges from 29 to 211 nm with spherical droplets. The droplet size and polydispersity index were (29.30 nm & 0.367), (211.6 nm & 0.221) and (164.2 nm & 0.237) for myrrh NE, patchouli NE, and cypress NE, respectively. Myrrh and patchouli oils recorded high acaricidal activity followed by cypress oil with LC50 value 5 days after treatment of 9.01, 12.40, and 15.21%, respectively. The acaricidal efficacy of oil was potentiated in the NEs form which was proved by the reduction in LC50 values that were recorded 7 days after treatment 4.17, 8.57, and 5.04%, for myrrh, patchouli, and cypress NE, respectively. As an alternative for lab animals, we applied the cytotoxicity of myrrh, patchouli, and cypress on normal fibroblast cells. The oils showed low cytotoxic activity of 10.6, 21.5, and 23.6% for Myrrh, Patchouli, and Cypress, respectively. The nanoemulsion was revealed to be safe for normal cells up to a concentration of 0.62% (cytotoxicity%= 24.4, 34.4, and 16.3%, respectively), and the moderate cytotoxic effect appeared at around a concentration of 1.25% (cytotoxicity%= 42.2%, 57.0%, and 36.8% respectively). In conclusion, the three oils and their NEs have good acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus sanguineus unfed adults. Further toxicity studies on mammals are needed to ensure the safe use of these formulations for the control of ticks on infested animals.

Conceptual Framework for Community-Based Prevention of Brown Dog Tick-Associated Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a severe tickborne disease that can reach epidemic proportions in communities with certain social and ecologic risk factors. In some areas, the case-fatality rate of brown dog tick-associated RMSF is up to 50%. Because of the spread of brown dog tick-associated RMSF in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the disease has the potential to emerge and become endemic in other communities that have large populations of free-roaming dogs, brown dog ticks, limited resources, and low provider awareness of the disease. By using a One Health approach, interdisciplinary teams can identify communities at risk and prevent severe or fatal RMSF in humans before cases occur. We have developed a conceptual framework for RMSF prevention to enable communities to identify their RMSF risk level and implement prevention and control strategies.

A novel chemokine binding protein 1-like gene is vital for the blood pool development and engorgement of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis

Tick saliva modulates host responses during a blood feeding process. We identified a novel chemokine binding protein 1-like (HLCBP1-like) gene from the salivary glands of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. The HLCBP1-like protein, lacking a well-defined conserved domain, showed structural similarity to evasin, a chemokine binding protein from the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. A preliminary knockdown study of HLCBP1-like revealed that ticks with reduced expression of this gene, halted feeding in the early feeding phase, and did not fully-engorge, unlike the control dsRNA (malE) injected ticks. Also, knockdown ticks induced cellular immune responses in the host skin, similar to control dsmalE-injected ticks, but did not show hemorrhage. These findings suggest that HLCBP1-like may play a modulatory role in the slow feeding phase.

Literature Study: Babesiosis in Dogs in The Period of 2013-2023

Background: Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by Babesia spp. with tick vectors Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor margniatus (a tick-borne disease). Babesiosis transmission occurs through tick bites or blood transfusions. Diagnostic techniques involve the microscopic examination of blood smears, hematology, blood chemistry, and PCR laboratory analysis. Purpose: To determine the clinical symptoms, confirmation of diagnosis, and therapy used for babesiosis conditions in dogs. Method: Analysis was conducted on 22 literature cases of babesiosis in dogs with a publication period of 2013-2023. The analysis was carried out using the descriptive analysis method, a problem-solving procedure that describes the condition of the subject or object based on facts, characteristics, and any relationships between the phenomena being investigated. Qualitative research methods were used to examine natural object conditions, as a key instrument. Data source sampling was done purposively, the data collection techniques were combined, the data analysis was either inductive or qualitative, and qualitative research results emphasize meaning. Result: Dog patients with babesiosis have the highest prevalence of clinical symptoms, namely anorexia (62.5%), vomiting (33.3%), pyrexia (54.16%) lethargy (45.83%), brownish urination (29.16%), and ectoparasite infestation (29.16%). Confirmation of the diagnosis carried out included the microscopic examination of blood smears (100%), hematology (91.66%), blood chemistry (41.66%), and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (20.83%). The therapeutic management used included 3 combinations of antibiotics in 7 cases (31.81%), combination therapy of 2 antibiotics and an antiparasitic in 3 cases (13.63%), and combination therapy of 1 antibiotic and antiparasitic in 3 cases (13.63%). Conclusion: Antiparasitic therapy that can be used is imidocarb dipropionate, which works by inhibiting inositol in the erythrocytes infected with Babesia spp. and diminazene aceturate, which works by disrupting parasite DNA synthesis.

A single treatment with a fluralaner injectable suspension (Bravecto® injectable) provides 1-year efficacy against Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Ctenocephalides felis in dogs

BackgroundRhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) and Ctenocephalides felis are among the most important year-round ectoparasites of dogs. The persistent efficacy of one treatment with fluralaner injectable suspension (Bravecto® 150 mg/ml powder and solvent for suspension for dogs, referred to as Bravecto® injectable) was investigated in a negative-controlled, randomised, partially blinded 12-month laboratory study.MethodsA total of 20 dogs were randomly allocated to two equal groups (treatment and control). Treatment-group dogs were injected subcutaneously on study day 0 with the investigational veterinary product at the recommended dose of 15 mg fluralaner/kg body weight (0.1 mL/kg), whereas the control group dogs received saline solution (0.1 mL/kg). Each dog was infested with 50 (25 female, 25 male) adult R. sanguineus s.l. and 100 adult C. felis 2 days before treatment, 5 and 28 days after treatment, and then once monthly for a 12-month period. Live tick and flea counts were performed 48 h after treatment or subsequent infestation, respectively. Efficacy was determined by comparing arithmetic means of the treatment group tick and flea counts with those of the control group. Infestation was considered adequate if at least 25.0% of ticks and 40.0% of fleas were recovered from at least six dogs in the control group at the respective assessment times.ResultsAdequate R. sanguineus s.l. and C. felis infestations of control group dogs were observed at each time point. Arithmetic mean treatment group values were significantly lower than those of the control group at all time points. The immediate efficacy when treating existing infestations of R. sanguineus s.l. and C. felis (infestation 2 days before treatment), was 49.7% and 89.7%, respectively. The persistent efficacy against post-treatment re-infestations was 94.4–100% against R. sanguineus s.l. and 92.2–100% against C. felis. Seven dogs in the control group developed flea allergy dermatitis due to the repeated re-infestations over the study period, whereas no dogs in the treatment group were affected. No clinically relevant side effects were observed over the entire study period.ConclusionsThe fluralaner injectable suspension (Bravecto® injectable) provides 1 year of efficacy against R. sanguineus s.l. and C. felis infestations in dogs following a single treatment, allowing once-yearly treatment, which can significantly improve owner compliance with year-round protection of dogs.Graphical

In vitro assessment of assembly and sex pheromones in the control of larval stages of brown dog ticks

The increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases and the growing resistance to conventional acaricides underscore the urgent need for innovative and sustainable tick management strategies. This study investigates the potential of assembly and sex pheromones for the control of larval stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, which poses significant health risks to dogs. The ticks were collected from various canine hosts in Thrissur, Kerala and subjected to Petri-dish bioassays using vapour patches impregnated with synthetic assembly pheromone (AP) and sex pheromone (SP), both individually and in combination. The efficacy of these semiochemicals was assessed based on the attraction and clustering behaviour of unfed larvae and partially fed adult ticks over a 24-hour period. Results demonstrated a significantly higher attraction to AP-impregnated patches, with notable efficacy observed in causing tick aggregation, particularly beyond 30 min of exposure. While SP also showed potential in attracting ticks, the combination of SP and AP did not result in a synergistic effect. The study highlights the potential of using semiochemicals as an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional acaricides, highlighting their role in integrated pest management strategies Keywords: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, adenine, guanine, xanthine, 2,6-DCP, Petri-dish bioassay

Anaplasma platys and Rickettsia massiliae in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto ticks collected on dogs in the Patagonian region of Argentina.

The aim of this study was to examine the presence of tick-borne rickettsial bacteria in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto ticks collected from dogs in the Patagonian region of Argentina. Fourteen stray dogs from Valcheta, Río Negro province, Argentina were examined for the presence of R. sanguineus s.s. ticks. Ninety ticks were collected and identified to species level. DNA was extracted and analysed by conventional PCR assays for the presence of tick-borne bacteria belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia. Thirty-three tick pools were tested by different PCR assays of which 3 were positive for Anaplasmataceae bacteria. From the 3 Anaplasmataceae positive samples, 2 partial 16S rDNA sequences were generated and belonging to Anaplasma platys, the causative agent of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia. Two tick samples were positive in Rickettsia specific PCR assays and were identified by phylogenetic analysis as Rickettsia massiliae, a member of the spotted fever group rickettsiae. The results of this study demonstrate the molecular detection of 2 rickettsial bacteria in R. sanguineus s.s. in a region of Argentina where no data were available so far.

Thymol-Loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules’ Repellent Activity on Nymphs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus Sensu Lato

Thymol-loaded polymeric nanocapsules were developed in this study to control volatilization and drug release for repellent application on Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs. Policaprolactone-loaded nanocapsules were prepared and characterized by diameter, PdI, zeta potential, pH, entrapment efficiency, and thymol content. Moreover, drug release, skin permeation profile, and repellent activity were evaluated. Nanocapsules showed a mean diameter of 195.7 ± 0.5 nm, a PdI of 0.20 ± 0.01, a zeta potential of −20.6 ± 0.3 mV, a pH of 4.7 ± 0.1, and an entrapment efficiency and a thymol content of 80.1 ± 0.1% and 97.9 ± 0.2%, respectively. The nanosystem progressively released 68.6 ± 2.3% of the thymol over 24 h, demonstrating that it can control drug release. Thymol-loaded nanocapsules showed less epidermis penetration upon skin application than pure thymol (control). Moreover, nanocapsules showed 60–70% repellency for 2 h against Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs. Thus, the nanocapsules proved to be a promising alternative for use as an arthropod repellent.

Surveillance of tick-borne pathogens present in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) removed from companion animals in Louisiana, USA.

Current knowledge of tick distribution and tick-borne pathogen presence across Louisiana is limited. Collaborating with veterinarians across the state, ticks removed from companion animals were recovered and assessed for the presence of zoonotic pathogens. A large number of ticks (n = 959) were removed from companion animals and subsequently screened using qPCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and spotted fever group Rickettsia. Five different tick species, Ixodes scapularis (54.5%), Amblyomma americanum (18.4%), Amblyomma maculatum (12.5%), Dermacentor variabilis (11.2%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.3%) from different regions of Louisiana were collected from October 2018 to July 2019. There were 15 PCR-positive ticks for Rickettsia parkeri (1.6% prevalence), and four ticks were positive for Ehrlichia chaffeensis (0.4% prevalence). This survey identifies ticks and tick-borne pathogens associated with companion animals and areas for future active surveillance.

Microbial community characteristics and pathogens detection in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis hystricis from Hainan Island, China.

Microbial communities significantly influence the vector capacity of ticks, which, along with tick-borne diseases, pose an increasing global threat. Due to the substantial individual variability caused by various factors, it is essential to assess tick microbial communities and vectorial capacities under different environmental conditions. However, there is a relative scarcity of research on the microbial communities and pathogen transmission of ticks in different physiological states and environmental conditions, especially in Hainan Island, southern China. From 2021 to 2022, we collected 4,167 tick samples, grouping them by blood meal status, developmental stage, sex, time, geographical location, and tick species. We selected 128 samples for full-length 16S rRNA sequencing to describe microbial community characteristics and identify potential biomarkers. Seven hundred seventy-two samples were tested for seven tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsia, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Theileria, Babesia, and Hepatozoon), and sera from 208 residents of Hainan Island were tested for IgG antibodies against Rickettsia and B. burgdorferi. Blood meal status, developmental stage, sex, time, geographical location, and tick species significantly influenced the microbial communities of ticks. We observed distinct microbial community characteristics across different states. We noted the non-random replacement of stable and transient species, with functional differences between parasitic and engorged ticks mainly driven by transient species. Functionally, we observed three distinct response patterns: driven by stable species, transient species, and both together in response to the six factors. We identified 273 potential biomarkers (200 robust core species and 73 robust differential species). Six genera and eight species of pathogens were detected in ticks, with an overall positivity rate of 12.44% (96/772). Among humans, 18.27% (38/208) of serum samples were positive for at least one tick-borne pathogen IgG. Our findings indicate that these six factors significantly influence both tick microbial communities and vectorial capacity, with varying effects on vector competence for different pathogens and inconsistent impacts on microbial communities under different conditions. This study supplemented the understanding of tick microbial communities on Hainan Island, assessed the relatively high risk of tick-borne pathogens in the region, and evaluated the impact of these factors on both microbial communities and vectorial capacity.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Thailand: using a one health approach to respond to novel zoonosis and its implications in clinical practice

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne disease caused by Dabie bandavirus (SFTSV) is an emerging infectious disease of substantial concern in East Asia. In 2019, Ongkittikul S et al. reported the first case of SFTS in Thailand. Our report describes a One Health investigation of SFTS zoonosis examining the index case and suspected animal reservoirs using real-time RT-PCR and immunoassays. We add to the report on the first confirmed case of SFTSV infection in a human in Thailand by conducting a limited but informative One Health surveillance study. Dogs and cats tested positive for SFTSV antibody using IgG ELISA. We conclude that domestic dogs and cats might serve as potential reservoirs for SFTSV spread due to their closer proximity to the index case than other non-domestic animals. Notably, we did not detect SFTSV in synanthropic cats or dogs—nor did we detect SFTSV in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks—using RT-PCR. We propose that One Health investigations coupling genomic and serologic assays in response to new SFTS cases could play a pivotal role in preventing and managing SFTS among humans and animals in East Asia. As such, we are establishing a collaborative response to SFTS in Thailand through human outbreak investigations that align with principles of One Health, through environmental surveys and animal RT-PCR and immunoassays. Our investigation highlights the importance of coupling RT-PCR with seroprevalence assays as principal elements of One Health surveillance for SFTS in order to shed light on potential animal reservoirs and track emerging zoonosis.

A rapid tick exposure test for monitoring acaricide resistance in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks on dogs

BackgroundBrown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) are vectors of pathogens adversely affecting the health of dogs in many regions of the world. The three-host life cycle of R. sanguineus s.l., with all stages feeding on dogs, can lead to an uncontrolled build-up of large tick populations if not controlled by acaricides. However, frequent tick control on dogs using acaricides has led to the emergence of resistance to permethrin and fipronil. Currently, the larval packet test (LPT) is the standard tick resistance test, which is laborious, requires laboratory facilities, and takes at least 6 weeks before larvae derived from engorged female ticks can be tested. Our novel approach is to expose semi-engorged adult ticks to acaricides immediately after removing them from dogs, obtaining results within 24 h.MethodsAdult ticks from three laboratory colonies of R. sanguineus s.l. were tested in RaTexT®, a rapid tick exposure test in which ticks were confined to small compartments and exposed to an acaricide-impregnated, specially designed matrix. Resistance was confirmed by testing larvae derived from the same laboratory colonies using the LPT. RaTexT® was also used to determine the susceptibility of R. sanguineus acaricides in dog shelters.ResultsRaTexT® detected resistance to permethrin in adult R. sanguineus s.l. ticks from two Brazilian laboratory colonies compared to a susceptible laboratory strain originating in Greece. Resistance was confirmed by LPT testing of larvae from the same colonies with resistance factors between 2.2 and 3.1. All laboratory strains were susceptible to fipronil. A suspected case of fipronil resistance at a dog shelter in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, was resolved within 24 h by testing adult ticks in RaTexT® and could be attributed to improper treatment.ConclusionsRaTexT® is a valuable tool for monitoring the development of resistance to synthetic pyrethroids or phenylpyrazoles in tick-infested dogs.Graphical

Molecular detection of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Bartonella spp. in dogs treated at a veterinary teaching clinic in Peru

In recent years, vector-borne diseases have become widespread throughout the world and affect the health of humans and domestic animals. These diseases spread to areas where their primary vectors, fleas and ticks, thrive, particularly in tropical and subtropical climate regions, providing ideal conditions for their proliferation. The growing closeness between people and their pets increases the likelihood of bites from these ectoparasites, which represents a latent zoonotic risk. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the presence of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Bartonella spp. in dogs treated at the Small Animal Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, located in Lima, Peru. Blood samples from 214 dogs were molecularly analyzed for hemopathogen detection. The results revealed prevalences of 2.6 % (6/214) for Anaplasma platys, 5.14 % (11/214) for Ehrlichia canis, and 0.46 % (1/214) for Bartonella rochalimae. No statistically significant relationship was found between the animal infection and the age, sex, breed, presence of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), and locality. This study reported molecularly for the first time the presence of A. platys, E. canis, and B. rochalimae in dogs from Lima city, and demonstrates the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in pets treated at the veterinary clinic.

Molecular detection of Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii, Rickettsia sp. and Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from camels

Tick-borne bacteria of the genera Rickettsia and Coxiella cause several emerging veterinary and human infectious diseases. Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are medically important vectors due to their potential role in the transmission of pathogens to vertebrate hosts. There is an inadequate knowledge on tick-borne Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella spp. in ticks infesting transhumant camels in Pakistan. In this study, we conducted a molecular survey for screening of Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella spp. in ticks infesting camels. Seven hard tick species including Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma scupense, Hyalomma isaaci, Hyalomma turanicum, Hyalomma asiaticum, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l were confirmed on camels in three distinct physiographic regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A subset of morphologically identified ticks were subjected to molecular assays for the genetic characterization of ticks and the detection and genetic characterization of Rickettsia and Coxiella species using standard genetic markers. Ticks screened for pathogens resulted in the detection of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii and Coxiella burnetii. The molecular analysis further reveals the presences of an undetermined Rickettsia aeschlimannii-like species, that is making a distinct phylogenetic clade with R. aeschlimannii. The detection of pathogens in camel ticks poses potential health hazards as these ticks frequently bites humans. Molecular screening of Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella spp. associated with camel ticks is a preliminary step toward the surveillance of evaluating their zoonotic threats in the region.

Evaluation of the Ixodicidal Effect of Neem Essential Oil (Azadirachta Indica) in Domestic Dogs Infested by Ticks (Rhipicephalus Sanguineus) in the Veterinary Clinic Castim from the City of Arenillas Province El Oro

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the ixodicide effect of Neem Essential Oil (Azadirachta indica) in domestic dogs infested by ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) that were admitted to the CASTIM Veterinary Clinic, through the use of a shampoo based on Neem essential oil. (Azadirachta indica) at two concentration doses of 20% and 30% and with its positive control Derrivante (Ethion¬ + Cypermethrin) at 10%. thus determining: the effectiveness of the concentration of Neem oil, the time range in which the ixodicide effect occurs after application and the comparison of the positive control Derrivante (Ethion + Cypermethrin) at 10% vs. Neem essential oil 20% and 30%. evidencing its effectiveness, promoting the solution to the problem presented by most dogs at the Coastal or Littoral region level. In this research projected a total of 36 dogs male and female patients were analyzed by non-probabilistic consecutive sampling significance level of 0.05% admitted to the Veterinary Clinic CASTIM in a period of four months, classifying them according to size, type of coat (short and long) and their habitat (inside and outside the home) as indicators in which the acaricide efficiency of essential oil of Neem both 20% and 30% with residual effect 15 days were assessed in addition to the commercial product have Derrivante (ethion + Cypermethrin) as a positive control. According to data obtained, Neem Oil 30% had a greater effect in relation to the concentration to 20%, demonstrating the degree of infestation of ticks declined significantly as at 5 observation.

Molecular-phylogenetic analyses of Babesia and Theileria species from small mammals and their ticks in northern China suggest new reservoirs of bovine and equine piroplasms

Babesia and Theileria species (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) are tick-borne protozoan parasites that can cause mild to severe infection in humans, wildlife, livestock and companion animals. To date, reports on the molecular study of piroplasms from wild living small mammals and their ticks are still limited, especially in Asia. This study encompassed an extensive survey involving 907 liver samples and 145 ixodid ticks from 16 different species of small mammals (Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Eulipotyphla). These were collected in 13 cities and counties in northern China. DNA extracts from these samples were screened for the presence of piroplasm 18S rRNA gene. Samples that tested positive were further evaluated for other genetic markers of piroplasms, including the cox1 gene and the ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2 region. Several piroplasm species were identified, including Babesia sp. tavsan2, Babesia occultans, Theileria sp. Xinjiang, Theileria equi, and Theileria sp. Kalecik. Among these, Theileria sp. Xinjiang was shown to be the most prevalent. Importantly, Babesia sp. tavsan2 was identified in the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus from the Yarkand hare and Theileria sp. Kalecik in Hyalomma asiaticum from the long-eared hedgehog, in line with the detection of these pathogens in tissue samples of the relevant hosts. This study further disclosed the presence of DNA from B. occultans and T. equi, typically found in cattle and horses respectively, with an additional discovery in small mammals. Moreover, Theileria sp. Kalecik, which was first detected in small-sized mammals, and Babesia sp. tavsan2, were both reported for the first time in China.

Dog ectoparasites as sentinels for pathogenic Rickettsia and Bartonella in rural Guatemala

Fleas and ticks serve as vectors of multiple pathogens in the genera Rickettsia and Bartonella that cause diseases in humans and other animals. Although human rickettsiosis and bartonellosis have been reported in all countries in Central America, limited research has been conducted to investigate the natural cycles of flea- and tick-borne rickettsiosis and bartonellosis, especially in Guatemala. We evaluated dog parasites as sentinels for zoonotic disease risk in rural Guatemala by sampling ticks and fleas from dogs, which were then identified and individually screened for Rickettsia and Bartonella. A total of 77 households were surveyed and 80.5 % of them had dogs. Overall, 133 dogs were examined for fleas and ticks, of which 68.4 % had fleas and 35.3 % had ticks. A total of 433 fleas and 181 ticks were collected from the infested dogs, with an additional 33 ticks collected from house walls. Three flea species were identified: Ctenocephalides felis (70.0 %), Echidnophaga gallinacea (11.8 %), and Pulex sp. (17.8 %). Among the collected ticks, 97 % were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato with the rest being Amblyomma cajennense, A. auricularium, and A. ovale. Rickettsia felis were detected in six C. felis, in one Pulex sp., and in two R. sanguineus sensu lato, while Candidatus R. senegalensis was detected in one C. felis. Bartonella was detected only in fleas, including three Pulex sp. infected with B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, B. henselae, and Bartonella sp., respectively, and 11 C. felis infected with B. henselae. This study reports Candidatus R. senegalensis and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in Guatemala for the first time, and indicates the potential risk of human and dog exposure to Rickettsia and Bartonella species. These results show that dogs provide critical information relevant to managing human potential exposure to flea- and tick-borne pathogens in rural Guatemala. This approach can potentially be expanded to other regions in Central America where domestic dogs are abundant and suffer from ectoparasite infestation.

High serological and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde

Despite the high global impacts of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) due to their wide distribution and zoonotic potential, the current epidemiological situation of CVBD in many tropical and subtropical regions remains unknown. This study examines the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other pathogens causing CVBDs (Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon canis) in dogs living on the island of Boa Vista (Cape Verde Republic). Blood samples and infesting ticks were taken from 150 dogs across the island (stray, shelter, and pet dogs). Serum samples were tested using a rapid immunochromatographic test (Uranotest® Quattro) that detects antibodies against E. canis, L. infantum, Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis antigen. Levels of serum antibodies against E. canis were measured using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). In addition, tick-borne pathogens in blood samples (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Ehrlichia canis) were detected by microscopy observation and/or PCR plus sequencing. The seroprevalence of E. canis was extremely high at 82% (123/150), as revealed by both immunochromatography and IFAT. Most dogs returning a seropositive test result (82.92%; 102/123) had antibody titres > 1:1280 but showed no clinical signs or notable laboratory abnormalities. Of the 123 animals testing seropositive for E. canis, 67 (54.47%) also presented antibodies against Anaplasma spp., and 13 (10.56%) showed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts in the blood smear. Ehrlichia canis infection was detected in 17.1% (25/146) of dogs tested by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Co-infections were detected in seven of these dogs: four dogs tested PCR-positive for both E. canis and A. platys, two dogs tested positive for E. canis and Hepatozoon spp., and one dog tested positive for E. canis, A. platys and Hepatozoon spp. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was the only tick species found infesting the canine study population. The high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs from Boa Vista Island highlights a need for improved control measures designed to prevent the transmission of these pathogens.Graphical