Tick Parasitism Research Articles

The first discovery of severe fever with thrombocytopenia virus in the center of metropolitan Beijing, China

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia virus (SFTSV), an emerging tick-borne bandavirus, poses a significant public health threat in rural China. Since 2021, an increase of local cases has been noted in the rural-urban fringe of Beijing. This study aimed to assess the formation of natural foci in urban areas by conducting a field survey of ticks and hedgehogs from the second to fifth ring roads of Beijing. Our survey revealed a diverse tick population in city parks, including the major SFTSV vector, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parthenogenetic H. longicornis, known for its role in the rapid spread of SFTSV, was identified in key locations such as Beihai Park and Taoranting Park, near the Forbidden City. Notably, high SFTSV seroprevalence and RNA prevalence were found in hedgehogs and parasitic ticks in the center of Beijing. Phylogenetic analyses of SFTSV RNA and mitochondrial sequences of parthenogenetic H. longicornis ticks revealed the existence of diverse lineages of SFTSV and H. longicornis ticks within Beijing, suggesting multiple invasion events happened. These findings reveal the circulation of SFTSV in central Beijing, highlighting the need for urgent attention and enhanced surveillance measures.

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.

Molecular characterization of Hyalomma scupense and its vector-borne pathogen Theileria annulata in Ksar El Boukhari (Medea, Algeria)

This study analyzed the molecular and phylogenetic profiles of Theileria annulata, the causative agent of tropical theileriosis in cattle, and its tick vector Hyalomma scupense in Algeria. Forty H. scupense ticks were collected in Medea, with 5 testing positive for Theileria spp. based on partial COXIII gene sequences. Positive ticks were further analyzed using COX1 and 12S rRNA genes. Two novel H. scupense 12S rRNA haplotypes and one novel COX1 haplotype were identified. One T. annulata haplotype previously reported in Algerian cattle was detected. This represents the first molecular characterization of T. annulata from H. scupense ticks in Algeria, providing insights into the genetic diversity of the parasite vector in this region. Overall, the study reveals new haplotypes for both the tick vector and parasite, furthering our understanding of their molecular profiles and phylogenetics in Algeria.

Distribution and diversity of ticks determined by environmental factors in Ningxia, China

Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, and represent an increasing threat for human and animal health. Considering the complex natural environments of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, we expect the diverse tick species in this region. Here, we conduct a field survey on parasitic and host-seeking ticks. A total of 10,419 ticks were collected, which belonged to nine species of four genera. There were significant differences in terms of vegetation index, altitude, and seven climatic factors among the four tick genera —Hyalomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, except between Haemaphysalis and Ixodes, where no significant differences were observed in these factors. The ecological niche modelling revealed that the suitable habitats for Hyalomma asiaticum was in the northwest Ningxia, with annual ground surface temperature as the most important factor. The suitable area for Dermacentor nuttalli was in the southwest and eastern regions of Ningxia with elevation as the highest contribution. D. silvarum was best suited to the southern Ningxia also with elevation as the most important factor. The four tick species including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Hae. qinghaiensis, Hae. japonica, and Ixodes persulcatus were best suited to the southernmost Ningxia with annual precipitation as the main factors for Hae. longicornis and elevation for the other three ticks. The results of predicted potential distribution of different tick species provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the region. Furthermore, the subsequent impacts of the Greening Program to regain forests and grasslands from former agricultural lands in Ningxia on tick population dynamics deserve further investigation.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Pathogens, Research Focus, and Implications for Public Health.

Sub-Saharan Africa, with its hot and humid climate, is a conducive zone for tick proliferation. These vectors pose a major challenge to both animal and human health in the region. However, despite the relevance of emerging diseases and evidence of tick-borne disease emergence, very few studies have been dedicated to investigating zoonotic pathogens transmitted by ticks in this area. To raise awareness of the risks of tick-borne zoonotic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, and to define a direction for future research, this systematic review considers the trends of research on tick-borne bacteria, parasites, and viruses from 2012 to 2023, aiming to highlight the circulation of these pathogens in ticks, cattle, sheep, goats, and humans. For this purpose, three international databases were screened to select 159 papers fitting designed inclusion criteria and used for qualitative analyses. Analysis of these studies revealed a high diversity of tick-borne pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa, with a total of 37 bacterial species, 27 parasite species, and 14 viruses identified. Among these, 27% were zoonotic pathogens, yet only 11 studies investigated their presence in humans. Furthermore, there is growing interest in the investigation of bacteria and parasites in both ticks and ruminants. However, research into viruses is limited and has only received notable interest from 2021 onwards. While studies on the detection of bacteria, including those of medical interest, have focused on ticks, little consideration has been given to these vectors in studies of parasites circulation. Regarding the limited focus on zoonotic pathogens transmitted by ticks, particularly in humans, despite documented cases of emerging zoonoses and the notable 27% proportion reported, further efforts should be made to fill these gaps. Future studies should prioritize the investigation of zoonotic pathogens, especially viruses, which represent the primary emerging threats, by adopting a One Health approach. This will enhance the understanding of their circulation and impact on both human and animal health. In addition, more attention should be given to the risk factors/drivers associated to their emergence as well as the perception of the population at risk of infection from these zoonotic pathogens.

Monitoring questing winter tick abundance on traditional moose hunting lands

AbstractAn important symbolic and subsistence animal for many Native American Tribes, the moose (Alces alces; mos in Algonquin, Penobscot language) has been under consistent threat in the northeastern United States because of winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) parasitism over the past several decades, causing declines in moose populations throughout the region. This decline has raised concern for Tribes and agencies that are invested in moose. Given this concern, it is increasingly important to effectively monitor and develop strategies to manage winter ticks to address consistent population declines of moose due to winter ticks. The Penobscot Nation developed a novel strategy to sample questing winter ticks (i.e., ticks that are actively seeking hosts) using a plot‐based sampling protocol that may be suitable for heterogeneous habitats. We deployed this protocol in the northeastern United States in 2022 during the tick questing period (Sep–Dec) on Penobscot Nation sovereign trust lands, the White Mountain National Forest and Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, and western‐central Massachusetts, USA. We analyzed the data using occupancy and N‐mixture models. Detection probability peaked during mid‐October and tick occupancy and abundance were greatest at sites with intermediate understory vegetation height. The sampling protocol was successful at sampling ticks in Massachusetts, where abundances were expected to be low, indicating that it may be useful for studies planning to monitor winter tick distribution and abundance in areas with sub‐optimal moose habitat and where winter tick abundance is expected to be low. This approach may also benefit managers or researchers intending to monitor many species of hard ticks, and where imperfect detection is expected.

Variation in prevalence and intensity of macroparasites in moose and their interactions with winter tick load in eastern Canada

Wild animals are infected with a large diversity and abundance of parasites that can affect their behavior, growth, body condition, and ultimately their survival. Although the adverse effects of parasites and the mechanisms involved in the interactions between a host and its parasites are generally well studied, much less is known about the additive or synergistic effects of multiple parasite species on a host. Moose populations in eastern Canada are infected by several species of endoparasites. In the last decades, the intensity of infestations by winter ticks, an ectoparasite, on moose have increased as a result of increased moose densities and favorable weather conditions that benefit winter tick survival. We aimed to document the diversity, intensity, prevalence, and distribution of different parasite species of moose in southern Quebec, Canada. We then evaluated the potential interaction between winter tick and endoparasites of moose, and we evaluated the effect of the simultaneous presence of ticks and endoparasites on moose body condition. To do so, we collected organs to identify and count endoparasite species, estimate winter tick abundance, and measure subcutaneous fat thickness from 174 hunted moose in fall 2019 in 8 regions of Quebec. Our results showed that the prevalence and intensity of winter tick and gastrointestinal parasites differed among regions, as well as the prevalence of the heart parasite Taenia krabbei and the intensity of lung parasite Echinoccocus granulosus. Moose body condition, however, was not influenced by the simultaneous presence of winter tick and endoparasites. The documentation of the interactive effects of multiple parasite species on a host is fundamental given that future environmental conditions in temperate climate will favor the reproduction, development, and survival of several parasite species, which could affect parasite diversity and abundance in the environment and modify host–parasite dynamics.

Effectiveness of modern antiparasitic animal collars

Despite the successes achieved in the prevention and control of parasitic diseases in companion animals, the issue of developing and implementing innovative, highly effective antiparasitic agents in veterinary practice is still relevant today. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of modern antiparasitic collars for dogs and cats in the prevention and treatment of ectoparasitic infections. The antiparasitic agents used in the experiments were ‘Flea and tick collar Comfort for cats’, ‘Antiparasitic collar TM Healthy Pet, Oberig’, ‘Flea and tick collar Comfort for dogs’, and ‘Antiparasitic collar TM Compliment, Oberig’. The active ingredient in the collars tested is diazinon. The experimental studies were conducted under current methodological recommendations and practical guidelines. The study of shelter pets and stray animals revealed their infestation with lice, fleas, and parasitic ticks of varying intensity. Experimentally, a high insecticidal effect of the products ‘Flea and tick collar Comfort for cats’ and ‘Antiparasitic collar TM Healthy Pet, Oberig’ was established, ‘Flea and tick collar Comfort for dogs’, ‘Antiparasitic collar TM Compliment, Oberig’ against fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis), chewing lice (Felicola subrostratus), sucking lice (Linognathus setosus), ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor spp., Rhipicephalus spp.) The effectiveness of the drugs is 100%. It has been experimentally proven that the studied collars with the active ingredient diazinon can be used for preventive and therapeutic purposes for companion animals in case of infestation with fleas, chewing lice, sucking lice, and ticks

Control of Rhipicephalus microplus on taurine cattle with fluralaner in a subtropical region

BackgroundIn Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, a region with a subtropical climate, Rhipicephalus microplus is present in taurine cattle raised for beef and milk. In addition, ticks resistant to multiple acaricides are present in this region. Recently, fluralaner (isoxazoline) was launched on the market. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the effects of fluralaner for the control of R. microplus on taurine cattle. In addition, occurrence of myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae after tick parasitism and weight gain of cattle during the experimental period were evaluated.MethodsThirty naturally infested cattle were divided into two experimental groups: T01, treated with fluralaner (2.5 mg/kg) pour-on; T02, control. T01 received fluralaner on Days 0 (early summer in January), 42 and 84 (early autumn), whereas T02, a control group, received palliative treatment with a spray formulation when the group mean was ≥ 30 ticks. Counts of R. microplus females and calculation of the efficacy of fluralaner were performed on Days 3, 7, 14, 28, 35, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98, 112 and 126. The occurrence of myiasis was assessed throughout the study period. In addition, the weight, weight gain and daily weight gain of the animals were evaluated.ResultsIn the 12 evaluations performed, the parasitic load of T01 was near zero. Fluralaner showed 99.5% efficacy on the 3rd day after the first treatment and 100% efficacy from Day 7 to Day 126. Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae (n = 6; p = 0.0251) were found only in the control group (T02). At the end of the study, the animals subjected to treatments with fluralaner gained 32.8 kg more than the animals in the control group.ConclusionsApplication of fluralaner in summer and autumn, with 42-day intervals between treatments, was effective to control R. microplus on taurine cattle, which also gained more weight than control cattle. Additionally, no cases of myasis were documented in animals treated with fluralaner.Graphical

Tick-tock, racing the clock: parasitism is associated with decreased sprint performance in the Eastern fence lizard

Abstract Host–parasite relationships are important components of ecological systems that influence the evolution of both hosts and parasites. High levels of ectoparasitic infections can disrupt host homeostasis, causing adverse effects on health and performance. However, the effects of natural ectoparasite levels on host physiology are less understood, with most research designs implementing experimental or hormonal manipulations of hosts. In this study, we examined the interplay between tick parasitism and host characteristics on body condition and locomotor performance in Eastern fence lizards in natural settings. We found a higher frequency of tick infections in male lizards relative to females, with larger males being more likely to experience tick infection. Infected lizards had reduced locomotor performance, max sprint speed and 2-m run speed. Together this suggests an energetic trade-off between increased immune function and reduced locomotor performance, which is consistent with the immunocompetence–handicap hypothesis. Higher numbers of ticks on adult male lizards may be explained by age as well as the immunosuppressive effects of testosterone. Tick infection did not appear to reduce overall body condition of lizard hosts. Our findings shed light on the interplay between ectoparasitic infection, host characteristics, and locomotor performance under natural conditions. Such insights are crucial for understanding host–parasite dynamics and determining the trade-offs for hosts within ecological contexts.

Distribution characteristics and influencing factors of Haemaphysalis longicornis around goat sheds in Jinan city, East China.

As one of the most important disease vectors worldwide, ticks can transmit a number of pathogenic organisms to humans and domestic animals and cause a variety of important natural focal diseases and zoonoses. Domestic livestock play a vital role in the dispersal of ticks from the field environment to the human settlement, contributing to the prevalence of tick-borne diseases. Identification of the tick control region could contribute a vital role in strategic planning and cost-effective tick control measures. However, little is known about the spatial distribution characteristics of ticks around livestock sheds, which will lead to abusage and overuse of insecticides. Therefore, this study aimed to explore spatial distribution characteristics and correlation factors of ticks around goat sheds. A total of 3898 ticks were collected from eight goat sheds from April to June in Jinan city. All the sampled ticks belonged to the same species, namely Haemaphysalis longicornis, and 88.8% of them were nymphs. A significant positive correlation was noted between free-living ticks and parasitic ticks (r = 0.411, P < 0.001). However, there was a significant negative correlation between number of free-living ticks and distance from the goat sheds (r = -0.622, P < 0.001). Within 20m from the goat sheds, 2211 ticks were collected respectively, representing 56.7% of the total free-living ticks. At a distance of 30m, 57.6% decline in the tick density was found with a significant difference (q = 5.534, P < 0.001). In conclusion, focusing control efforts near the goat sheds should be recommend for tick prevention and control.

Revealing the Diversity of the Mycobiome in Different Phases of Ticks: ITS Gene-Based Analysis

Ticks are obligate ectoparasites and vectors of a variety of pathogens in humans and animals. Certain tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) have been identified as the cause of zoonoses, posing potentially significant threats to the human health and livestock industries. Fungi are one of the major TBPs that can affect ticks and cause disease in humans. At present, there are few studies on the diversity of fungal microbial communities carried by Ixodes. Therefore, profiling tick-borne fungi will contribute to understanding the tick-fungal interaction. This study evaluated the community profile and differences in the fungal microbiome in Ixodidae collected on parasitic ticks or nonparasitic ticks in Wuwei, Gansu Province, China. The Shannon index, Simpson index, and Richness index were used to evaluate the diversity of mycobiome. Principle coordinates analysis (PCoA) was conducted to determine patterns of diversity in mycobiome. Using correlation analysis to determine the correlation of mycobiome. The results show that the high-throughput sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer gene generated 3,634,943 raw reads and 7,482 amplicon sequence variants. The dominant tick species in this region was Dermacentor nuttalli (Ixodidae). The mycobiome belonged to four classes—Dothideomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Ustilaginomycetes, and Tremellomycetes—and more than 261 genera, the most abundant genera were Cladosporium, Purpureocillium, Aureobasidium, Tranzscheliella, and Sporormiella. Alpha diversity indicated that the abundance and evenness of mycobiome were marginally higher in nonparasitic ticks than in parasitic ticks. PCoA showed that the community structures of parasitic ticks vary from nonparasitic ticks, samples from nonparasitic ticks tended to cluster more closely than those from the parasitic ticks. Correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant positive correlation or negative correlation between the mycobiome. Our results indicate that the mycobiome carried by Dermacentor nuttalli had rich diversity, and there was a significant difference in mycobiome between parasitic ticks and nonparasitic ticks. These findings may conducive to understand the complex interaction between ticks and commensal fungi and provide help for the further exploration of the behavioral characteristics of ticks and formulation of effective biological control measures.

Factors associated with the confirmation and death for Brazilian spotted fever in an important endemic area of the State of São Paulo, 2007-2021.

We evaluated the predictive factors for case confirmation and death from Brazilian spotted fever in an endemic area of Southeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted. All suspected cases reported between 2007 and 2021 were analyzed using two logistic regression models. 60 cases were confirmed. Male sex, age group of 40-59 years, tick parasitism, presence of capybaras or horses, exanthema and hospitalization were positively associated with confirmation. Death was associated with a longer period between first symptom-hospitalization and shorter treatment. Complete clinical evaluation and information on risk exposure are key to early suspicion, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of deaths.

Updated Investigation on Blood-Borne Parasitic Illnesses and Tick Infestation in Daulatpur, Khulna, Bangladesh: Incidence and Determinants

Updated Investigation on Blood-Borne Parasitic Illnesses and Tick Infestation in Daulatpur, Khulna, Bangladesh: Incidence and Determinants

Differential microbial composition in parasitic vs. questing ticks based on 16S next-generation sequencing.

As tick-borne diseases rise to become the second most prevalent arthropod-transmitted disease globally, the increasing investigations focus on ticks correspondingly. Factors contributed to this increase include anthropogenic influences, changes in vertebrate faunal composition, social-recreational shifts, and climatic variation. Employing the 16S gene sequence method in next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows comprehensive pathogen identification in samples, facilitating the development of refined approaches to tick research omnidirectionally. In our survey, we compared the microbial richness and biological diversity of ticks in Wuwei City, Gansu province, differentiating between questing ticks found in grass and parasitic ticks collected from sheep based on 16S NGS method. The results show Rickettsia, Coxiella, and Francisella were detected in all 50 Dermacentor nuttalli samples, suggesting that the co-infection may be linked to specific symbiotic bacteria in ticks. Our findings reveal significant differences in the composition and diversity of microorganisms, with the Friedmanniella and Bordetella genera existing more prevalent in parasitic ticks than in questing ticks (p < 0.05). Additionally, the network analysis demonstrates that the interactions among bacterial genera can be either promotive or inhibitive in ticks exhibiting different lifestyles with the correlation index |r| > 0.6. For instance, Francisella restrains the development of 10 other bacteria in parasitic ticks, whereas Phyllobacterium and Arthrobacter enhance colonization across all tick species. By leveraging NGS techniques, our study reveals a high degree of species and phylogenetic diversity within the tick microbiome. It further highlights the potential to investigate the interplay between bacterial genera in both parasitic and questing ticks residing in identical habitat environments.

Microbial carriage of Dermanyssus gallinae ticks

The effectiveness of the development of the poultry industry depends on the veterinary well-being of farms, in particular, in relation to invasive diseases. One of the most widespread ectoparasites among poultry farms is the gamasic mite Dermanyssus gallinae. As a result of tick parasitism, the egg and meat productivity of chickens decreases, often the death of young birds. Dermanyssus ticks are hematophagous and can be carriers of pathogens of infectious diseases of chickens, including zooanthroponosis. The research method was used to investigate the presence of specific pathogens carried by Dermanyssus gallinae. In laboratory conditions, inoculation was carried out from the homogenate of ticks isolated from chickens and objects of poultry premises on nutrient media (blood agar, yolk-salt agar, Saburo, Simmons, Endo, Ploskirev, bismuth-sulfite agar). As a result of bacteriological studies of Dermanyssus gallinae isolated from different substrates, microorganisms belonging to three species and four genera were isolated – Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli. Dermanyssus ticks isolated from chickens were carriers of only two genera and one species of microorganisms – Staphylococcus spp. (37.5 %) and Euterococcus facalis (31.3 %). Moreover, monoisolates (77.8 %) were most often isolated from ticks, the majority of which were Staphylococcus spp. (44.5 %), less – Enterococcus faecalis (33.3 %). Bacterial associations were rarely identified (22.2 %). Dermanyssus ticks, isolated from the objects of the poultry house environment, turned out to be carriers of a larger spectrum of microorganisms, where Staphylococcus spp. were more often isolated (100 %) and Escherichia coli (43.8 %), less often – Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.5 %) and Enterococcus faecalis (18.8 %). The isolates were dominated by associations of microorganisms (62.5 %). The monoisolate was represented only by Staphylococcus spp. (37.5 %). The data obtained by us regarding the isolated microorganisms further expand the vector role of D. gallinae, proving their danger for poultry enterprises producing food products. In general, dermanyssiosis can seriously affect the health of chickens both because of ectoparasites – hematophages, and because of the ability to transmit pathogens.

The ecological and etiological investigation of ticks and rodents in China: results from an ongoing surveillance study in Zhejiang Province

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the population density of vector ticks and reservoir hosts rodents, and to investigate the relevant pathogen infection in Zhejiang Province, China.MethodsIn this surveillance study, the data of ticks density were collected with the tick picking method on animal body surface and the drag-flag method, while the rodent density with the night trapping method. The samples of ticks were examined for the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), and blood serum and organs from rodents were subjected for SFTSV, hantavirus, Leptospira, Orientia tsutsugamushi (O. tsutsugamushi) and Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) screening in the laboratory.ResultsFrom 2017 to 2022 in Zhejiang Province, 16,230 parasitic ticks were found in 1848 positive animals, with the density of parasitic ticks of 1.29 ticks per host animal, and a total of 5,201 questing ticks were captured from 1,140,910 meters of vegetation distance with the questing tick density of 0.46 ticks/flag·100 m. Haemaphysalis longicornis (H. longicornis) was the major species. A total of 2,187,739 mousetraps were distributed and 12,705 rodents were trapped, with the density of 0.58 per 100 trap-nights. Rattus norvegicus was the major species. For SFTSV screening, two groups nymphal ticks of H. longicornis were tested to be positive. For the rodents samples, the Leptospira had a positive rate of 12.28% (197/1604), the hantavirus was 1.00% (16/1604), and the O. tsutsugamushi was 0.15% (2/1332). No positive results were found with SFTSV and Y. pestis in the rodents samples.ConclusionFindings from this study indicated that the ticks and rodents were widely distributed in Zhejiang Province. Particularly, the positive detection of SFTSV, Leptospira, hantavirus and O. tsutsugamushi in ticks or rodents from this area suggested that more attention should be paid to the possibilities of relevant vector-borne diseases occurrence.

A Lotka-Volterra Non-linear Differential Equation Model for Evaluating Tick Parasitism in Canine Populations

A Lotka-Volterra Non-linear Differential Equation Model for Evaluating Tick Parasitism in Canine Populations

First record of Babesia and Theileria parasites in ticks from Kassena-Nankana, Ghana.

Ticks are efficient vectors for transmitting pathogens that negatively affect livestock production and pose a risk to public health. In this study, Babesia and Theileria species were identified in ticks collected from cattle, sheep and goats from the Kassena-Nankana Districts of Ghana between February and December 2020. A total of 1550 ticks were collected, morphologically identified, pooled and screened for pathogens using primers that amplify a 560 bp fragment of the ssrRNA gene and Sanger sequencing. Amblyomma variegatum (62.98%) was the predominant tick species. From the 491 tick pools screened, 12/15 (2.44%) positive pools were successfully sequenced. The pathogen DNA identified were Theileria ovis in eight (15.38%) pools of Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Theileria velifera in two (0.78%) pools of A. variegatum and Babesia occultans and Babesia sp. Xinjiang in one (1.72%) pool each of Hyalomma truncatum. It was further observed that T. ovis occurred in ticks collected from only sheep (p < 0.001) which were females (p = 0.023) and < =1 year old (p = 0.040). This study reports the first identification of these pathogens in ticks within Kassena-Nankana. With the constant trade of livestock, there is a need for effective tick control measures to prevent infection spread.

Measures of parasitism of the hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting goats Capra aegagrus in Basrah province, Iraq, with remarks on ecology

Measures of parasitism of the hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting goats Capra aegagrus in Basrah province, Iraq, with remarks on ecology