Tick Hyalomma Research Articles

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus antibody prevalence in Mauritanian livestock (cattle, goats, sheep and camels) is stratified by the animal's age.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is one of the most widespread zoonotic arthropod-borne viruses in many parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. It belongs to the family of Nairoviridae in the genus of Orthonairovirus. The main reservoir and vector are ticks of the genus Hyalomma. Livestock animals (such as cattle, small ruminants and camels) develop a viremias lasting up to two weeks with absence of clinical symptoms, followed by seroconversion. This study was carried out to assess risk factors that affect seroprevalence rates in different species. In total, 928 livestock animal samples (cattle = 201; sheep = 247; goats = 233; camels = 247) from 11 out of 13 regions in Mauritania were assayed for CCHFV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) (including a novel indirect camel-IgG-specific CCHFV ELISA). Inconclusive results were resolved by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). A generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) was used to draw conclusions about the impact of certain factors (age, species, sex and region) which might have influenced the CCHFV antibody status of surveyed animals. In goats and sheep, about 15% of the animals were seropositive, whereas in cattle (69%) and camels (81%), the prevalence rate was significantly higher. On average, cattle and camels were up to twice to four times older than small ruminants. Interestingly, the seroprevalence in all species was directly linked to the age of the animals, i.e. older animals had significantly higher seroprevalence rates than younger animals. The highest CCHFV seroprevalence in Mauritania was found in camels and cattle, followed by small ruminants. The large proportion of positive animals in cattle and camels might be explained by the high ages of the animals. Future CCHFV prevalence studies should at least consider the age of surveyed animals in order to avoid misinterpretations.

In vitro acaricidal activity of green synthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii (Ixodidae), and its toxicity on Swiss albino mice

The green synthesized nanoparticles have been determined as a novel pesticide against arthropod pests. This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro acaricidal activity of green synthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using aqueous extract of Melia azedarach ripened fruits against different developmental stages of the camel tick Hyalomma dromedarii in addition to their toxic effect on laboratory animals. The synthesized NiO NPs were characterized by UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The UV-Vis spectra of the NiO NPs showed an absorption peak at 307nm. FTIR analysis showed the possible functional groups used for capping and stabilization of NiO NPs with strong bands at 3416.2 and 1626.6cm-1. The SEM images of the NiO NPs exhibited a size ranging from 21 to 35nm. The immersion test was used for the in vitro application of the synthesized NiO NPs on the various tick stages (egg, nymph, larva, and adult). Mortality percentages and LC50 values of each tick stage were calculated. The oviposition and hatchability of the engorged females were monitored for the survived tick after treatment. The LC50 values for NiO NPs on embryonated eggs, larvae, and engorged nymphs were 5.00, 7.15, and 1.90mg/mL, respectively. The egg productive index (EPI), egg number, and hatchability (%) were lower in females treated with the NiO NPs than in control ticks. The toxicity of the NiO NPs on laboratory animals was also investigated using Swiss albino mice by oral dose of 500mg/kg/day administration for five consecutive days. The hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes were evaluated. The hematological analysis showed significant increase in the level of white blood cells (WBC) and hemoglobin (Hb). Biochemical analysis showed non-significant decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine amino transferase (ALT). We concluded that NiO NPs have a significant acaricidal activity as demonstrated on eggs, larvae, engorged nymphs, and fully fed females of H. dromedarii. From a toxicological point of view further in vivo investigations are needed to determine the mechanism of toxic effect of NiO NPs.

In vitro inhibition studies of coumarin derivatives on Bos taurus enolase and elucidating their interaction by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and MMGB(PB)SA binding energy calculation

Tropical theileriosis is among the most common vector-borne diseases and caused by Theileria parasites. Theileria annulata is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite and transmitted to especially Bos taurus and Bos indicus by Hyalomma tick vectors. C8 ([4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one); C9 (4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8 dihydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one); C21 (4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-2H-chromen-2 one) were identified as potent Theileria annulata enolase (TaEno) inhibitors in our previous studies. An ideal drug compound must inhibit the target parasite enzyme without inhibiting its homolog in the host. In this study, the inhibitory effect of the compounds previously evaluated on TaEno were tested on the host Bos taurus enolase (BtEno3) by in vitro studies. The interactions of enzyme-coumarin and enzyme-coumarin-substrate by in silico studies were also performed. All of the coumarin derivatives tested showed very low inhibitory effects on B. taurus enolase; 36,87% inhibition at 100 μM concentration for C8, 8,13% inhibition at 100 μM concentration for C9 and 77,69 μM of IC50 value for C21. In addition, these three coumarin derivatives and substrate 2PG were docked into the BtEno3 using molecular docking methods. Molecular interactions between enolase-coumarin and enolase-coumarin-substrate complexes were analyzed using molecular dynamics simulation methods for 100 ns. Estimated free energy of bindings of the substrate 2PG and coumarin derivatives to the BtEno3 were calculated by MM-GB(PB)SA methods. In comparison to the inhibition studies performed on TaEno, C8 and C9 coumarin derivatives remain the possible inhibitor candidates as they inhibit the host enolase at very high concentrations. These two promising compounds will be further analyzed by in vitro and in vivo studies towards developing an alternative drug against tropical theileriosis.

Lumpy skin disease in Kazakhstan

This study describes the registration of the first cases of lumpy skin disease in July 2016 in the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the rural district of Makash, Kurmangazinsky district of Atyrau region, 459 cattle fell ill and 34 died (morbidity 12.9% and mortality 0.96%). To determine the cause of the disease, samples were taken from sick and dead animals, as well as from insects and ticks. LSDV DNA was detected by PCR in all samples from dead animals and ticks (Dermacentor marginatus and Hyalomma asiaticum), in 14.29% of samples from horseflies (Tabanus bromius), and in one of the samples from two Stomoxys calcitrans flies. The reproductive LSD virus was isolated from organs of dead cattle and insects in the culture of LT and MDBK cells. The virus accumulated in cell cultures of LT and MDBK at the level of the third passage with titers in the range of 5.5–5.75 log 10 TCID50/cm3. Sequencing of the GPCR gene allowed us to identify this virus as a lumpy skin disease virus.

Bioactive Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2.

In the current study, an ethyl acetate extract from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2 isolated from the stem parts of the endemic plant Bethencourtia palmensis was screened for its biocontrol properties against plant pathogens (Fusarium moniliforme, Alternaria alternata, and Botrytis cinerea), insect pests (Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi), plant parasites (Meloidogyne javanica), and ticks (Hyalomma lusitanicum). SPH2 gave extracts with strong fungicidal and ixodicidal effects at different fermentation times. The bioguided isolation of these extracts gave compounds 1–3. Mellein (1) showed strong ixodicidal effects and was also fungicidal. This is the first report on the ixodicidal effects of 1. Neoaspergillic acid (2) showed potent antifungal effects. Compound 2 appeared during the exponential phase of the fungal growth while neohydroxyaspergillic acid (3) appeared during the stationary phase, suggesting that 2 is the biosynthetic precursor of 3. The mycotoxin ochratoxin A was not detected under the fermentation conditions used in this work. Therefore, SPH2 could be a potential biotechnological tool for the production of ixodicidal extracts rich in mellein.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of Shibuyunji virus, a novel tick-borne phlebovirus identified in Zambia.

Tick-borne pathogens are an emerging public health threat worldwide. However, information on tick-borne viruses is scanty in sub-Saharan Africa. Here, by RT-PCR, 363 ticks (Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus) in the Namwala and Livingstone districts of Zambia were screened for tick-borne phleboviruses (TBPVs). TBPVs (L gene) were detected in 19 (5.2%) Rhipicephalus ticks in Namwala. All the detected TBPVs were Shibuyunji viruses. Phylogenetically, they were closely related to American dog tick phlebovirus. This study highlights the possible role of Rhipicephalus ticks as the main host of Shibuyunji virus and suggests that these viruses may be present outside the area where they were initially discovered.

Acaricidal Properties of Herbal Extracts against Deltamethrin Resistant Multi-host Cattle Tick Hyalomma anatolicum

Background: Hyalomma ticks are the major ticks prevalent in Gujarat state which are mainly controlled with chemical acaricides. The control strategies are complicated by emergence of resistance against chemical acaricides. Development of resistance against these acaricides has compelled scientists to explore the acaricidal properties of constituents other than chemicals. Methods: Resistance status of Hyalomma anatolicum collected from Gujarat (India) against deltamethrin was assessed by larval packet test, which revealed level I resistance against deltamethrin. The crude ethanolic extracts of leaves of Cymbopogon citratus, Citrus aurantiifolia, Annona squamosa, Carica papaya and Catharanthus roseus were assessed for their acaricidal activity against larvae of deltamethrin resistant H. anatolicum. The efficacy was assessed by measuring per cent larval mortality and determination of LC50 values. Result: Various ethanolic extracts emanated a concentration dependent increase in larval tick mortality. The highest mortality (93.01 ± 0.35%) was observed with the 100mg/ml concentration of ethanolic extract of leaves of C. aurantiifolia. Overall, C. aurantifolia, A. squamosa and C. citratus were found to have significant acaricidal properties with LC95 values of 1.07x102 mg/ml, 6.09x102 mg/ml and 3.62x103 mg/ml respectively. Results of the present study indicated that these plant extracts have potential to be developed as herbal acaricides.

Prevalence of Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma Ticks in Cattle and Associated Risk Factors in Three Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Prevalence of Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma Ticks in Cattle and Associated Risk Factors in Three Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Phenology and phylogeny of Hyalomma spp. ticks infesting one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Tunisian Saharan bioclimatic zone

In this study, we report the results of a survey of Hyalomma ticks infesting one-humped camels in southern Tunisia. Examinations were conducted every second or third month on 406 camels in Tataouine district from April 2018 to October 2019. A total of 1902 ticks belonging to the genus Hyalomma were collected. The ticks were identified as adult H. impeltatum (41.1%; n = 782), H. dromedarii (32.9%; n = 626), H. excavatum (25.9%; n = 493), and H. marginatum for a single specimen. Although the camels were infested by ticks throughout the year, the highest overall infestation prevalence was observed in April 2018 (p < 0.01). The overall infestation intensity varied between 2.7 and 7.4 ticks/animal. There were no statistically significant differences in tick infestation prevalence based on age categories of the camels, and the overall infestation prevalence was between 82.7% and 97.4%. Female camels were significantly more infested with ticks (88.3%) than males (65.5%) (p < 0.01). The infestation prevalence of camels varied significantly according to the region where sampling took place (p < 0.01), but no correlations were found with abiotic factors. The preferred attachment sites for adult Hyalomma ticks were the sternum (38.3%; n = 729/1902), around the anus (36.2%; n = 689/1902), udder (18.4%; n = 350/1902), and inner thigh (6.9%; n = 132/1902). Morphological classification of ticks was corroborated by sequencing the cytochrome c oxidase I (Cox1) and 16S rDNA genes, and these sequences were also used to infer phylogenetic relationships. A single H. dromedarii seemed to be a natural hybrid with H. rufipes. More attention should be devoted by the veterinary services to the infestation of camels by ticks.

Acaricidal Activity of Some Medicinal Plant Extracts against Different Developmental Stages of the Camel Tick Hyalomma dromedarii

Acaricidal Activity of Some Medicinal Plant Extracts against Different Developmental Stages of the Camel Tick Hyalomma dromedarii

Infectious diseases surveillance of the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica victoriae) in Western Spain: health and conservation implications

A survey was conducted between 2004 and 2011 to identify potential pathogens present in the main subpopulation of Iberian ibex subspecies Capra pyrenaica victoriae, located in Gredos Mountain range in Western Spain. Samples were collected from 144 animals and subjected to specific procedures to detect the presence of, or evidence of exposure to, viral, bacterial and parasitic agents. A wide diversity of parasites was found, including 17 species of gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms, nine species of Coccidia and three of Cestoda. Overall, 54% (75/138) of animals were parasitized by ticks (Rhipicephalus bursa, Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis sulcata, and Hyalomma marginatum marginatum). Null detection of Sarcoptes scabiei mites, causal agent of sarcoptic mange, must be highlighted. Serological assays revealed exposure to Babesia ovis (43%, 56/129), Neospora caninum (13%, 14/108), Oestrus spp. (10%, 4/42), Coxiella burnetii (10%, 5/50), Mycobacterium bovis (6%, 3/50), and Toxoplasma gondii (3%, 4/137). We did not detect the presence of antibodies against Chlamydia psittaci, Brucella spp., Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, Visna-Maedi virus and Bluetongue virus. Despite the fact that major pathogens for animal health were not evidenced, the implementation of periodic passive surveillance programs directed to both wildlife and livestock is highly desirable to predict outbreaks that may compromise survival of such wild goat subspecies.

Identification of acinar cells of salivary gland in blood fed female ticks (Hyalomma anatolicusm anatolicum) by light microscopy

Ticks play an important role in human and veterinary medicine particularly due to their ability to transmit protozoan pathogens. This study was undertaken on salivary gland of tick using histological methods to decrease cost and budget to determine the presence of tick-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Ticks have been proved as carrier or vector of pathogenic protozoa by separating salivary gland and using histological methods. This study provides the morphological and histological properties of the salivary glands of semi-engorged Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum females. Unfed ticks solely were placed on cattle’s ear for feeding and females were collected, and placed in glass vials containing 70% ethanol. Collected ticks were studied and identified morphologically. Dorsal exoskeleton removed with a scalpel and salivary glands were separated by suitable forceps. Then Salivary glands were fixed in 10% formalin for further studies by light microscopy. Samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&amp;E) for investigation under light microscope. The histological results show that the glandular tissue in females is combined with a system of ducts and the salivary glands of H. a. anatolicum consisted of three types of acinus (acinus I, II and III). The type I acinus was agranular and showed slight morphological changes during feeding. There were five granular cell types in the type II acinus, and three granular cell types in type III acinus. Data achieved here will help in understanding of the cellular morphology and general histology of these organs in this specie, preparing important information for the creation of scientific bases which will contribute to the development of more specific and efficient methods of control.

Synthesis, characterization and acaricidal activity of green-mediated ZnO nanoparticles against Hyalomma ticks

Emerging acaricide resistance in Hyalomma ticks, transmitting wider range of diseases, require eco-friendly and alternative control options. Current study focused on evaluation of ethanolic extracts and Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) prepared from neem (Azadirachta indica) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) Hyalomma ticks, in vitro. UV-vis. spectrometry revealed wavelength of neem mediated ZnO nanoparticles (N-ZnO NPs) and lemon grass mediated ZnO nanoparticles (L-ZnO NPs) to be 374 nm and 377 nm. The XRD patterns showed Bragg's diffraction peaks at 31.8°, 34.4°, 36.2°, 47.5°, 56.5°, 62.8°, 66.4°, 67.9°, 69.0°, 72.5°, 76.9°, 82.1° and 89.2°. Also, the SEM depicted spherical morphology of green ZnO NPs. The in vitro bioassays included Adult immersion test, Adult packet test, larval immersion test, Larval packet test and Egg immersion test. Probit analysis concluded higher mortality in case of N-ZnO NPs than to that of L-ZnO NPs. The adult tick LC50 of N-ZnO NPs and L-ZnO NPs were 4.76 mg/L, 4.92 mg/L compared to LC90 of 8.87 mg/L and 9.1 mg/L. The study reported green ZnO NPs as effective, safer, and eco-friendly candidature against Hyalomma ticks. In vivo model of this study could be adapted against ticks and tick borne diseases from a broader perspective.

Hyalomma anatolicum resistance against ivermectin and fipronil is associated with indiscriminate use of acaricides in southwestern Balochistan, Pakistan.

Ivermectin and fipronil have been used regularly to control the hard tick Hyalomma anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae) in domestic ruminants for more than a half-decade in Balochistan, Pakistan. Inappropriate and indiscriminate use of these acaricides has resulted in the development of resistances in tick species. In this work, acaricides (ivermectin and fipronil) resistance was evaluated in H. anatolicum through in vitro and in vivo bioassays in a horse farm of Quetta, Balochistan province, Pakistan. A participatory epidemiological survey was conducted to assess potential risk factors associated with the development of acaricide resistance in H. anatolicum. The results of the epidemiological survey revealed that the horse keepers did not follow the manufacturer's instructions for the use of acaricides and applied indiscriminate doses of acaricides. The results of in vitro bioassays (adult immersion test and larval immersion test) showed that fipronil and ivermectin have protective efficacy against H. anatolicum. The results of in vivo bioassay (adult-tick mortality assay) revealed that fipronil had a higher efficacy (78.16%) than ivermectin (49.94%). More than 80% of tick mortality was not achieved in any bioassays, even for the highest acaricide concentration (100ppm), which suggests the development of acaricide resistance against fipronil and ivermectin. This study highlights the urgency to implement a country-wide awareness about resistance monitoring and effective tick control. Graphical abstract.

&lt;p class="Body"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Preliminary Investigation on the Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of &lt;em&gt;Hyalomma marginatum &lt;/em&gt;(Acari: Ixodidae) in Turkey&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The hard tick Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 1844 is the main vector of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Although this disease is a serious public health concern in Turkey, there is still no information about population structure and genetic diversity of this tick species. In this study, the genetic structure of H. marginatum populations collected from nine different locations of Turkey were evaluated using five microsatellite markers. A total of 75 H. marginatum samples were collected from domestic animals and genotyped. We hypothesized that localities which have high CCHF incidence rates (Bayburt, Amasya and Tokat) might be genetically distinct from the localities with low incidence rates. All approaches used in this study (DAPC, STRUCTURE and FST) showed low levels of genetic diversity. Although, no genetic pattern was observed between localities that can be associated with CCHF incidence rates, there was moderate genetic differentiation between Igdir and Tekirdag populations (FST = 0.142) and also between Igdir and Mugla populations (FST = 0.128). DAPC confirmed this finding, as Igdir, Mugla and Tekirdag populations were found to be genetically different when compared to other populations. The mechanisms underlying overall observed low genetic variation and only moderate differentiation between some of these populations should be investigated in further studies in the context of other host-parasite-vector system regulating factors such as antropogenic transports of livestock, environmental conditions and the role of migratory routes of birds.

Study of Prevalence of tick Hyalomma excavatum (Acari: Ixodidae) on Bubalus bubalis in Patan District, Gujarat state, India

The domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) primitively domesticated in Asia for milk and meat purpose but their health is highly compromised due to the infestation by ectoparasites so affected via vector borne disease agents. The present work was carried out to study prevalence of common tick Hyalomma excavatum parasitizing B. Bubalis population in Patan district, Gujarat state, India. The study was carried out from August 2019 to March 2020. In the present study, a total of 1595 B. bubalis (712 males, 883 females) were examined out of which 489 (30.66%) B. bubalis were tick infected while 1106 (69.34%) were free of tick. Infection rate was very high in the females (28.15%) host individuals as compared to males (2.51%). Adult individual hosts showed high rate of infection as compared to sub adults and calves. Maximum infection of H. excavatum was observed around udders and anus in female and male individuals respectively. Present study reveals vital epidemiological information of H. excavatum infection on B. bubalis population in Patan district which will be helpful in designing control and management policy for tick infestation.

Description of microbial diversity associated with ticks Hyalomma dromedarii (Acari: Ixodidae) isolated from camels in Hail region (Saudi Arabia) using massive sequencing of 16S rDNA.

Ticks are blood feeder able to transmit a wide diversity of microbes including pathogens. Therefore, it is of our interest to detect the diversity of microorganisms residing within ticks using massive sequencing of 16S rDNA. In this study, 200 adult ticks were collected from healthy camels in two localities from Hail province (Saudi Arabia). The analysis showed high microbial diversity dominated by the two domains (Archaea and Bacteria) associated with Hyalomma dromedarii from both regions. Proteobacteria (61.3%) and Firmicutes (31.2%) dominated the ticks from the Al Khotha region. While, the microbiome of ticks from the Al Gayed region was dominated by Proteobacteria (81.2%) and Firmicutes (9.2%). Twenty-three families were identified in the DNA-pool from the Al Gayed region, and was dominated by Pseudomonadaceae (45.37%), and Marinobacteraceae (14.39%) families. Francisellaceae (46%), Staphylococcaceae (24.26%) dominated the microbiome of the ticks collected from Al Gayed region. Thus, the genera Pseudomonas, Francisella, Proteus, Marinobacter, Glutamicibacter, Pedobacter, and Staphylococcus are largely distributed in the two identified microbiomes. This study concluded that ticks collected from the studied localities contained a wide range of microbial communities. These data have a great veterinary and medical importance in near future.

Tick-Borne Pathogens Shape the Native Microbiome Within Tick Vectors.

Ticks are blood-feeding arthropods and transmit a variety of medically important viral, bacterial, protozoan pathogens to animals and humans. Ticks also harbor a diverse community of microbes linked to their biological processes, such as hematophagy, and hence affect vector competence. The interactions between bacterial and/or protozoan pathogens and the tick microbiome is a black-box, and therefore we tested the hypothesis that the presence of a protozoan or bacterial pathogen will alter the microbial composition within a tick. Hence, this study was designed to define the microbial composition of two tick species, Hyalomma (H.) anatolicum and Rhipicephalus (R.) microplus. We used a combination of PCR based pathogen (Anaplasma marginale and Theileria species) and symbiont (Wolbachia species) identification followed by metagenomic sequencing and comparison of the microbial communities in PCR positive and negative ticks. A total of 1786 operational taxonomic units was identified representing 25 phyla, 50 classes, and 342 genera. The phylum Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota were the most represented bacteria group. Alpha and beta diversity were not significantly affected in the presence or absence of Theileria sp. and A. marginale as see with H. anatolicum ticks. Interestingly, bacterial communities were significantly reduced in Theileria sp. infected R. microplus ticks, while also exhibiting a significant reduction in microbial richness and evenness. Putting these observations together, we referred to the effect the presence of Theileria sp. has on R. microplus a “pathogen-induced dysbiosis”. We also identify the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of human malaria from the microbiome of both H. anatolicum and R. microplus ticks. These findings support the presence of a “pathogen-induced dysbiosis” within the tick and further validation experiments are required to investigate how they are important in the vector competence of ticks. Understanding the mechanism of “pathogen-induced dysbiosis” on tick microbial composition may aid the discovery of intervention strategies for the control of emerging tick-borne infections.

First report on Bartonella henselae in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Bartonellosis is one of the clinically underdiagnosed emerging bacterial diseases among domestic livestock, particularly in camels. Until now, the natural infection of camels with Bartonella species was not investigated in Tunisia. In the attempt of filling this gap in knowledge, a total of 412 dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) as well as 300 associated ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii (160; 53.4%), H. impeltatum (131; 43.6%) and H. excavatum (9; 3%) were screened for the presence of Bartonella spp. by PCR followed by a sequencing step through the amplification of the rpoB gene. Positive samples were then tested and further characterized by the combined use of the ftsZ and gltA genes. Fifteen camels (3.6%) were found to be positive to Bartonella spp. However, there was no evidence of Bartonella DNA in any of the analyzed ticks. Risk factors' analysis shows that camels derived from arid and semi-arid bioclimatic areas were more infected than those originated from desert area. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis revealed the occurrence of novel B. henselae genotypes closely related to those isolated from humans, cats, and lions. By combining the characteristics of each single gene with those of concatenated sequences, we report here the first molecular detection of B. henselae in the dromedary camel suggesting a possible involvement of camelids as hosts or reservoirs in the transmission cycle of this emerging bacterium in arid and saharan areas.

In-vitro anticandidial efficacy of tick egg wax from Hyalomma marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa and Dermacentor marginatus

Objective: In the previous studies, the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral efficacy of the tick egg wax-coating of certain tick species wereexamined and some significant results were obtained. However, related researches and studied tick species are limited. There are hundredsof tick species, and it is well known that the antimicrobial efficacy of the wax is closely related to the species. The aim of this study was toinvestigate the in-vitro anticandidial efficacy of the egg waxes belonging to three tick species, which have not been studied before and havequite different biological and ecological differences.Methods: In the study, the egg waxes of the tick species, Hyalomma marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa, and Dermacentor marginatus, wereused on Candida albicans ATCC10231, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019, and Candida tropicalis ATCC 750. Antimycotic susceptibility test wascarried out in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations using the M27-A3 microdilution method.Results: It was determined that the wax of Rhipicephalus bursa has inhibitory effect on Candida tropicalis ATCC 750 in a particular concentration,and no significant effects were observed in other trials.Conclusion: Anticandidial effect obtained from the egg wax of R. bursa can be associated with some distinctive biological characteristics, and itwas concluded that the detailed studies with different tick species might yield significant results for the discovery of new generation antifungals.