Sanguineus Ticks Research Articles

Seroprevalence study in humans and molecular detection in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in Thailand

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne virus with a mortality rate of up to 30%. First identified in China in 2009, it was later reported in other Asian countries, including Thailand in 2020. SFTSV has been detected in several tick species, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, known for infesting dogs. We conducted a seroprevalence study of SFTSV in Bangkok and Nong Khai, Thailand, by analyzing 1162 human samples collected between 2019 and 2023. The testing method relied on IgG detection using ELISA and confirmed though a virus seroneutralization test. The results indicated that out of the participants, 12 (1.1%) tested positive for anti-SFTSV IgG antibodies; however, none exhibited positive results in the seroneutralization assay. Additionally, molecular detection of SFTSV, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Coxiella spp., Bartonella spp., and Rickettsia spp. was performed on 433 Rh. sanguineus ticks collected from 49 dogs in 2023 in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. No evidence of these pathogens was found in ticks. These findings highlight the importance of exploring viral cross-reactivity. Furthermore, it is important to conduct additional studies to isolate SFTSV from animals and ticks in order to identify the potential transmission routes contributing to human and animal infections in Thailand.

MALASSEZIA FUNGAL DERMATITIS AND RHIPICEPHALUS SANGUINEUS TICK INFESTATION IN MIXED BREED DOGS

Dermatitis is the most common skin health problem in dogs whose causative agents are parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral infections. The purpose of this paper is to diagnose and determine the success of dermatitis therapy due to Malassezia spp fungal infection and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick infestation. A 7-month-old mixed breed dog weighing 4.5 kg was examined with complaints of itching and hair baldness. Clinical examination revealed alopecia on the face, chin, body and legs, scale on the head, papules on the abdomen, erythema on the cranial and caudal extremities with oily, rancid skin and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on the hind legs. The results of cytological examination of skin taken by impression smear found the presence of Malassezia fungal agents. The results of the examination using the antibody kit showed negative results. Routine hematology examination showed the case dog had lymphocytosis and hyperchromic macrocytic anemia. Based on the history, physical examination, and supporting examination, the case dog was diagnosed with Malassezia fungal dermatitis and tick infestation with a prognosis of fausta.The therapy given was oral itraconazole, loratadine, fish oil, sebasol shampoo and multivitamin (sakatonic active). The results of therapy observed on day 14 showed that the condition of the case dog began to improve, characterized by a reduced scratching reaction, reduced scale, erythema, and papules, and superficial skin that was initially oily and rancid smelling had also begun to decrease. The case dog's hair has grown on the head, abdomen and legs. Therefore, to avoid recurrent infections, owners need to avoid keeping the animal in a humid place and keep the animal's body clean as favorable conditions can trigger recurrent events, as well as reduce direct contact with stray dogs to prevent ticks.

TREATMENT OF INFECTION OF EHRLICHIA SP. IN A MIX BREED DOG

Ehrlichiosis is a disease in dogs caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia sp. and affects all ages and breeds. Ehrlichia sp. is an obligate intracellular bacterium, which means that this bacterium is able to enter into its host cells and its life depends on its host. This article was created to provide information regarding the management of Ehrlichia infection in dogs. The case animal is a mixed breed dog named Cio, 2 years old, female, weighing 11 kg. The dog come with complaints of itching and hair loss. The dog has a history of blood parasites (Ehrlichiosis) a year ago and has already been to the clinic. The blood test results found Ehrlichia sp and the test kit was positive. Based on the anamnesis, and the results of clinical and supporting examinations, the dog was diagnosed with ehrlichiosis with Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick infestation. The therapy provided includes symptomatic therapy, causative therapy, and supportive therapy. Diphenhydramine HCl injection 1.1 mL, intramuscularly. The antibiotic doxycycline is given at a dose of 10 mg/kg, once a day for 28 days. Sangobion was given to reduce clinical symptoms, which is anemia and thrombocytopenia. Dog was bathed with a Tick and Flea shampoo which contains insecticides (Pyrethrin and Piperonyl). The evaluation was carried out after the antibiotics were finished, based on the owner's statement, the condition of the case dog was healthy, no longer scratching and falling hair, and the tick infestation had disappeared. It is recommended to eradicate the vector (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) in the environment where animals live. This is done to prevent recurrent infections from Ehrlichia.

The utility of Ocimum basilicum, Perilla frutescens, and Mentha spicata essential oils to control larvae and engorged female Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on dogs.

The study evaluated the larvicidal and reproductive effects of essential oils from Ocimum basilicum, Perilla frutescens, and Mentha spicata on engorged female Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. Adult immersion and larval packet assays were used to evaluate their larvicidal efficacy and impact on tick reproductive abilities. For tick larvae, Perilla frutescens essential oil had the highest 50% lethal dose of 1.89 mg/mL, followed by Ocimum basilicum at 1.58 mg/mL, and Mentha spicata at 1.07 mg/mL. Regarding adult ticks, although Mentha spicata essential oil had the lowest reduced oviposition value, it showed the highest product efficacy. Overall, all tested essential oils effectively killed tick larvae and influenced the reproductive capacity of engorged female ticks, with Mentha spicata essential oil being the most potent.

Molecular detection of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from Ibagué, Tolima.

The genus Hepatozoon consists of apicomplexan protozoans that affect mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. In dogs, the Hepatozoon species include H. canis and H. americanum, which are transmitted by the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick and cause nonspecific signs, such as fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and blood disorders. These protozoans have a worldwide distribution in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America, including Colombia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with H. canis in the urban and rural areas of Ibagué, Colombia. Blood samples were collected from 308 dogs (180 rural areas and 128 urban areas). Collected data included dog breed, sex, age, environmental factors, and the presence of ectoparasites. A fragment of the 18S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR for detection of the pathogen and confirmed by sequencing. Among the 308 samples, 14 were positive (14/308, 4.5%) for the presence of H. canis. The partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene showed identity values >98% with H. canis, forming a cluster with sequences from Latin America. An epidemiological survey found two protective factors: most of the time at home (P=0.055) and overnight stay at home (P=0.03). This is the first molecular study of the prevalence and phylogeny analysis of H. canis in Ibagué, Colombia. The findings may help determine risk factors and enhance our understanding of the geographic distribution of H. canis in Colombia.

First report of spotted fever group Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma turanicum, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi infesting domestic animals: updates on the epidemiology of tick-borne Rickettsia aeschlimannii.

Tick-borne Rickettsia spp. have long been known as causative agents for zoonotic diseases. We have previously characterized Rickettsia spp. in different ticks infesting a broad range of hosts in Pakistan; however, knowledge regarding Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma ticks is missing. This study aimed to obtain a better understanding about R. aeschlimannii in Pakistan and update the knowledge about its worldwide epidemiology. Among 369 examined domestic animals, 247 (66%) were infested by 872 ticks. Collected ticks were morphologically delineated into three genera, namely, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Haemaphysalis. Adult females were the most prevalent (number ₌ 376, 43.1%), followed by nymphs (303, 34.74%) and males (193, 22.13%). Overall, genomic DNA samples of 223 tick were isolated and screened for Rickettsia spp. by the amplification of rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB partial genes using conventional PCR. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 8 of 223 (3.58%) ticks including nymphs (5 of 122, 4.0%) and adult females (3 of 86, 3.48%). The rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB sequences were detected in Hyalomma turanicum (2 nymphs and 1 adult female), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (1 nymph and 1 adult female), and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (2 nymphs and 1 adult female). These rickettsial sequences showed 99.71-100% identity with R. aeschlimannii and phylogenetically clustered with the same species. None of the tested Rhipicephalus microplus, Hyalomma isaaci, Hyalomma scupense, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, and Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks were found positive for rickettsial DNA. Comprehensive surveillance studies should be adopted to update the knowledge regarding tick-borne zoonotic Rickettsia species, evaluate their risks to humans and livestock, and investigate the unexamined cases of illness after tick bite among livestock holders in the country.

DEMODICOSIS WITH TICKS INFESTATION AND BABESIOSIS IN A MIXED DOG

Demodicosis is a skin disease that often affects dogs caused by Demodex sp. Babesiosis is a parasitic disease in the erythrocytes that attacks dogs caused by Babesia sp. This paper discusses cases of demodicosis with ticks infestation and babesiosis in a dog. A 6-year-old Shih tzu and local mixed-breed male dog named Dede has skin problems such as hair loss and itching. During clinical examination, the dog had a rancid odor, slow skin turgor, alopecia, erythema, crusting, hyperpigmentation and hemorrhage, accompanied by pruritus and infestation of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. The mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth appear pale. On examination of skin scrapings, Demodex sp. were found. Complete blood count showed that dog had normochromic normocytic anemia, leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, granulocytosis, erythrocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. On examination of the blood smear, protozoa Babesia sp were found. The dog was diagnosed with demodicosis and babesiosis. Treatment is carried out by administering ivermectin, diphenhydramine HCl, clindamycin, caviplex, fish oil, and shampoo containing miconazole nitrate, lime sulfur, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and triclosan, and spraying the dog's place with deltamethrin. Evaluation on the 7th, 14th and 21st day the dog's condition showed an improvement.

Efficacy of the Vaccine Candidate Based on the P0 Peptide against Dermacentor nitens and Ixodes ricinus Ticks.

The control of ticks through vaccination offers a sustainable alternative to the use of chemicals that cause contamination and the selection of resistant tick strains. However, only a limited number of anti-tick vaccines have reached commercial realization. In this sense, an antigen effective against different tick species is a desirable target for developing such vaccines. A peptide derived from the tick P0 protein (pP0) conjugated to a carrier protein has been demonstrated to be effective against the Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Amblyomma mixtum tick species. The aim of this work was to assess the efficacy of this peptide when conjugated to the Bm86 protein against Dermacentor nitens and Ixodes ricinus ticks. An RNAi experiment using P0 dsRNA from I. ricinus showed a dramatic reduction in the feeding of injected female ticks on guinea pigs. In the follow-up vaccination experiments, rabbits were immunized with the pP0-Bm86 conjugate and challenged simultaneously with larvae, nymphs, and the adults of I. ricinus ticks. In the same way, horses were immunized with the pP0-Bm86 conjugate and challenged with D. nitens larva. The pP0-Bm86 conjugate showed efficacies of 63% and 55% against I. ricinus and D. nitens ticks, respectively. These results, combined with previous reports of efficacy for this conjugate, show the promising potential for its development as a broad-spectrum anti-tick vaccine.

DERMATITIS DUE TO SARCOPTES SCABIEI AND RHIPICEPHALUS SANGUINEUS ACCOMPANIED BY ANAPLASMOSIS IN SHIH-TZU MIXED DOG

Dermatitis is a skin disorder that can be caused by a variety of things, including ectoparasites such as mites and ticks. A tick infestation is often accompanied by a bacterial infection in the blood. The case dog is a Shih-Tsu cross dog named Pico, female, 3 years old. The case animal had complaints of itching for 12 weeks and had previously experienced tick infestation. Physical examination, the hair looked dirty and dull, the animal's skin showed erythema, hyperpigmentation, crusting, scale and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were found. Examination of skin scrapings found Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Complete haematological examination showed normochromic microcytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. The results of the blood smear showed the presence of Anaplasma sp in the erythrocytes. Examination of the test kit showed that the dog was a positive case of Anaplasma sp. Based on the results of the examination of case dogs, they were diagnosed with dermatitis due to Sarcoptes scabiei and Rhipicephalus sanguineus accompanied by anaplasmosis. Case dogs were treated with ivermectin 300 mcg/kg BW subcutaneously at intervals of 14 days, topical therapy with sulfur soap and bathed twice a week, doxycycline 5mg/kg BW once a day orally for 28 days. Symptomatic therapy, diphenhydramine HCl 1 mg/kg BW intramuscularly and chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg twice daily orally for 14 days. For supportive therapy, 1 ml of B-complex vitamins intramuscularly and vitamins B12 and Fe orally once a day for 28 days. After 21 days of therapy, the dog's condition improved, the frequency of pruritus decreased, the lesions decreased, the hair started growing, no ticks were found and the hematology results showed an increase in RBC, Hb and platelets from the initial condition. Pet owners recommend disinfecting the environment to break the life cycle of ticks and keeping dogs in cages to prevent transmission to healthy animals.

Detecção molecular de Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis e Rangelia vitalli em Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato coletados de cães no Brasil

ABSTRACT This study evaluated by molecular methods the presence of major canine tick-borne agents in ticks infesting domestic dogs of a hospital population in a neglected area of the southern zone of the São Paulo Metropolitan region, which is characterized by an extensive urban area surrounded and interspersed by forest remnants of the original Atlantic rainforest. During 2017, 106 tick specimens - 71 adults and 33 nymphs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), and two adults of Amblyomma aureolatum - were collected from 41 dogs that were attended in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in São Paulo City, Brazil. By molecular analyses, 4.2% (3/71) of the R. sanguineus s.l. adult ticks contained the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, 2.8% (2/71) contained the bacterium Ehrlichia canis, and 4.2% (3/71) contained the protozoan Rangelia vitalii. These results indicate that domestic dogs of the southern zone of the São Paulo metropolitan region might be exposed to three of the major tick-borne agents affecting dogs in Brazil, R. rickettsii, E. canis and R. vitalii. In addition, the findings reinforce the circulation of the human pathogen R. rickettsii in the study area in a likely enzootic cycle involving dogs and R. sanguineus ticks.

History and Current Status of Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) in the Crimean Peninsula and Neighboring Regions along the Black Sea Coast.

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a tick-borne rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia conorii subspecies conorii and transmitted to humans by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. The disease was first discovered in Tunisia in 1910 and was subsequently reported from other Mediterranean countries. The first cases of MSF in the former Soviet Union were detected in 1936 on the Crimean Peninsula. This review summarizes the historic information and main features of MSF in that region and contemporary surveillance and control efforts for this rickettsiosis. Current data pertinent to the epidemiology of the disease, circulation of the ticks and distribution of animal hosts are discussed and compared for each of the countries in the Black Sea basin where MSF occurs.

Molecular detection of pathogens from ticks collected from dogs and cats at veterinary clinics in Finland

BackgroundTicks carry microbes, some of which are pathogenic for humans and animals. To assess this One Health challenge, 342 ticks were collected from pet dogs and cats at 10 veterinary clinics in Finland as part of the European project “Protect Our Future Too”.MethodsThe tick species were identified, and ticks were screened with quantitative PCR (qPCR) for tick-borne pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Borrelia miyamotoi, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and Babesia spp. For comparison, a subset of tick DNA (20 qPCR-positive samples) was analysed with 16S next-generation sequencing (NGS).ResultsMost ticks were Ixodes ricinus (289, 84.5%), followed by Ixodes persulcatus (51, 14.9%). One hybrid tick (I. ricinus/I. persulcatus, 0.3%) and one Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick (0.3%) were identified. We found one or more of the analysed pathogens in 17% (59/342) of the ticks. The most prevalent pathogen was B. burgdorferi s.l. (36, 10.5%), followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum (12, 3.5%), B. miyamotoi (5, 1.5%), Babesia venatorum (4, 1.2%), and TBEV (1, 0.3%). Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis DNA was amplified from three (0.9%) ticks. Ehrlichia canis was not detected. In the 16S NGS, six samples produced enough reads for the analysis. In these six samples, we confirmed all the positive qPCR findings of Borrelia spp. and Ca. N. mikurensis.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms in the ticks of this study emphasizes the importance of awareness of ticks and tick-borne diseases and prevention. Furthermore, the results show that veterinary surveillance can facilitate early detection of tick-borne pathogens and new tick species and draw attention to possible co-infections that should be considered both in symptomatic humans and animals after tick bites.Graphical

Study of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in questing and feeding ticks in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

Ticks are vectors of many zoonotic pathogens of clinical relevance, including Anaplasma and Rickettsia species. Since few data about these tick-borne pathogens are available in the Canary Islands, the aim of the present study was to screen their presence in questing and feeding ticks on the island of Tenerife. A total of 81 ticks was removed from six hedgehogs, and eight ticks were collected from the grass. PCR assays for tick species identification based on the LSU rRNA gene, and detection of Anaplasma spp. and Rickettsia spp. by targeting the 16s rRNA and gltA gene, respectively, were carried out. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis formosensis tick species were identified, with Rickettsia hoogstraalii detected in H. formosensis. In addition, Rickettsia helvetica and one unidentified Rickettsia species were detected. The overall prevalence of Rickettsia in ticks was 12.2%, and none harbored Anaplasma sp. This work constitutes the first identification in the Canary Islands of pathogenic R. helvetica and the species of unknown pathogenicity R. hoogstraalii in questing ticks. The clinical relevance of the pathogens identified highlights the need for studies with increased sample size and locations, including potential hosts, as well as warning the population about the relevance of ticks as vectors.

Molecular prevalence of Anaplasma marginale in ruminants and Rhipicephalus ticks in northern Pakistan.

Anaplasma marginale is the most prevalent tick-borne haemoparasite of cattle and causes huge economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of A. marginale infection in blood and tick samples collected from livestock animals in the districts located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. A total of 184 blood and 370 tick samples were included in this study. It has never been reported that sheep, goats, and cattle in Tank, Ghulam Khan, Birmil and Miran Shah areas were infected with A. marginale. All samples of blood and ticks were collected through random sampling from March 2021 to January 2022 from cattle, sheep and goats and screened through PCR for anaplasmosis by using primer pairs of Anaplasma spp. Three hundred and seventy ticks were collected from infested hosts (120/184, 64.21%). Among the four morphologically identified tick species, the highest occurrence was recorded for Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n=138, 37.29%), followed by Rhipicephalus microplus (n=131, 35.4%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (n=40, 10.81%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n=31, 8.37%), and Hyalomma marginatum (n=30, 8.1%). The occurrence of female tick was highest (n=160, 43.24%), followed by nymphs (n=140, 37.38%) and males ticks (n=70, 18.9%). Among these ticks, A. marginale was detected in female ticks of R. microplus, and R. sanguineus. Molecular identification of A. marginale was confirmed in 120 out of 184 blood samples and 6 out of 74 tick samples. Overall, occurrence of A. marginale in blood and tick samples was found to be 65.21% and 8.1% respectively. Species-wise occurrence in blood samples of goats were 71.11% followed by sheep 68.31% and cattle 50%. Specie-wise occurrence of A. marginale in tick samples of cattle were 12.5% followed by goats 6.89%. The obtained sequence showed similarity with A. marginale reported from Kenya and USA. We report the first PCR based detection of A. marginale infection in blood samples and in R. sanguineus ticks of goats simultaneously.

Molecular Diagnostic Confirmation and Haemato-Biochemical Changes of Clinical Hepatozoon canis Infection in a Rhipicephalus sanguineus Tick-Infested Dog from Colima, Mexico

Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease caused by Hepatozoon canis (James, 1905) and Hepatozoon americanum (Vincent-Johnson, 1997). The disease has been reported infrequently in Mexico. The aim of this report was to describe haemato-biochemical changes and confirm diagnosis by molecular-based methods of clinical infection by H. canis in a dog. A 9-year-old female, boxer dog, Canis familiaris (Linnaeus, 1758), was taken to a veterinary clinic at Colima, Mexico. The dog showed depression and more than 2 weeks of gradual weight loss without decreased appetite. Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) ticks were found when the dog was physically examined. Blood samples were collected for smear, hematological, and biochemical analyses, and PCR assays. Hematological analysis revealed an apparently non-regenerative normochromic normocytic moderate anemia, mild thrombocytopenia, left shift without neutrophilia, and mild lymphopenia associated with possible stress. Biochemical analysis showed hyperbilirubinemia, hyperamylasemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, increased ALT, and hypocalcemia. Microscopic examination of Diff-Quick-stained blood smears showed capsule-shaped structures consistent with gametocytes of Hepatozoon sp. Clinical history, hematological changes, and molecular assays described in the report confirmed the first case of canine hepatozoonosis caused by H. canis in the Pacific region of Mexico.

Surveillance of ectoparasite of dogs in the State of Tripura

A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 to October 2022, to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs of different sex, breed and age groups in Tripura. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites, determine associated risk factors and identify the most important ectoparasites species of dogs in four districts of Tripura. A total of 528 dogs were screened for ectoparasites and were identified using standard taxonomic keys.Of 528 dogs, 69.69% (368/528) were positive to one or more ectoparasites. Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick was the most prevalent species (54.92%) followed by fleas Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis (41.47%), lice Trichodectis canis (3.03%) and mites demodex spp. and sarcoptes scabies var. canis (8.90%). No significant difference (p>0.05) was seen in the district wise prevalence but during study period significant difference (p

Efficacy of essential oils of Egletes viscosa and Lippia schaueriana on the reproductive biology of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato engorged females

The study analyzed the chemical composition and the acaricide effect of Egletes viscosa Less (macela-da-terra) and Lippia schaueriana Mart. (lipia-da-serra) essential oils (EOs) on Rhipicephalus sanguineus s. l. (Acari: Ixodidae) engorged females. The chemical analysis (GC-MS and GC-FID) identified 27 components in E. viscosa EO and 18 in L. schaueriana EO, which comprise more than 98% of its constituents. The effects of the oils on the reproductive biology of R. sanguineus ticks were assessed by adult immersion test. Both EOs significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the egg production index when the females were exposed to 25 and 50 mg/mL, also affecting the egg viability. During the laying process, the eggs produced by the females exposed to the EO showed several morphological alterations such as dehydrated, darkened, and disaggregated, and these alterations were more severe as the concentrations increased. The mortality percentages were 58.9%, 70.8% and 92.7% when the ticks were exposed to 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/mL of E. viscosa oil, respectively. In the same concentrations, the efficacy of L. schaueriana was 39.3%, 53.4%, and 84.6%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the essential oils of E. viscosa and L. schaueriana have acaricidal effect in females of R. sanguineus s.l ticks.

Severe Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick infestation in a home from rural area of Nanchang in China.

On October 13, 2021, a tick infestation occurred in a home in rural area of Nanchang city, China, and we were asked to inspect the tick infestation. Ticks were collected in the largest number on courtyard door jambs, followed by living room and bedroom door jambs. Ticks were identified morphologically as Rhipicephalus sanguineus adults. The 16S rRNA analysis effectively distinguished the ticks in this study from other Rhipicephalus species, including R. sanguineus south-east, temperate and tropical lineages and identified genetically as R. sanguineus south China lineage. Tick samples were subjected to conventional PCR analysis and detected negative for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. Our findings indicate that there was low transmission risk of tick-borne pathogens to humans in the tick-infested home. Further studies are needed to proactively investigate the tick species in Nanchang, and determine the presence of tick-borne pathogens for assessing their threat to human health in the region.

Detection of Phenuiviridae, Chuviridae Members, and a Novel Quaranjavirus in Hard Ticks From Danube Delta.

Ticks are involved in the transmission of various pathogens and several tick-borne diseases cause significant problems for the health of humans and livestock. The members of the Quaranjavirus genus are mainly associated with argas ticks but recent studies demonstrated the presence of novel quaranjaviruses-like in ixodid ticks. In 2020, 169 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were collected in Southern Romania from small ruminants and analyzed by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Among the viral families that infect Romanian ticks, we have identified sequences from Phenuiviridae (Brown dog tick phlebovirus 1 [BDTPV1] and Brown dog tick phlebovirus 2 [BDTPV2]) and Chuviridae families (Cataloi mivirus [CTMV]), and numerous sequences from a new quaranjavirus-like, tentatively named Cataloi tick quaranjavirus (CTQV). Phylogenetic analyses performed on the five segments show that CTQV is phylogenetically positioned within a clade that encompasses Ixodidae-borne viruses associated with iguanas, small ruminants, seabirds, and penguins distributed across different geographical areas. Furthermore, CTQV is positioned differently depending on the segment considered. This is the first report on the detection of a quaranjavirus-like in Eastern Europe. Further investigations are needed to discern its infectivity and pathogenicity against vertebrates.

Molecular characterisation of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks from domestic dogs in Nigeria.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most widely reported tick in the world. Molecular characterisation is important to verify its taxonomic status in the different parts of the world. In this study, we provide information on the molecular characterisation of R. sanguineus tick of dogs collected from Nigeria. Ticks were collected from 62 of 93 sampled dogs. The collected ticks were subjected to morphological identification with the aid of appropriate entomological keys. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from the most prevalent tick species (R. sanguineus) and was subjected to further molecular characterisation protocols. The partial mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences (∼300 bp) were obtained from representative specimens. Data were statistically analysed using the chi‐square (χ 2) test. Phylogenetic analysis was performed including different lineages of R. sanguineus (sl) from Africa, Asia, Europe and America, and other species belonging to the R. sanguineus ‘tropical lineage’ (R. linnaei) as well as Rhipicephalus turanicus and Ixodes ricinus. Results of this study showed that R. sanguineus was the most abundant ticks of dogs with a prevalence of 61.8% (68/110; 95% CI = 52.5–70.54), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (20.0%) and Haemaphysalis leachi (18.2%). The molecular analysis shows that they are genetically different from the temperate strains but closely related to those from other West African countries. There is a need to establish the vector competence of this common Nigerian dog tick.