Tick Research Articles

A glimpse into the world of microRNAs and their putative roles in hard ticks.

Ticks are important blood feeding ectoparasites that transmit pathogens to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Hard ticks can feed for several days to weeks, nevertheless they often go undetected. This phenomenon can be explained by a tick's ability to release analgesics, immunosuppressives, anticoagulants, and vasodilators within their saliva. Several studies have identified extracellular vesicles (EVs) as carriers of some of these effector molecules. Further, EVs, and their contents, enhance pathogen transmission, modulate immune responses, and delay wound healing. EVs are double lipid-membrane vesicles that transport intracellular cargo, including microRNAs (miRNAs) to recipient cells. miRNAs are involved in regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. Interestingly, tick-derived miRNAs have been shown to enhance pathogen transmission and affect vital biological processes such as oviposition, blood digestion, and molting. miRNAs have been found within tick salivary EVs. This review focuses on current knowledge of miRNA loading into EVs and homologies reported in ticks. We also describe findings in tick miRNA profiles, including miRNAs packed within tick salivary EVs. Although no functional studies have been done to investigate the role of EV-derived miRNAs in tick feeding, we discuss the functional characterization of miRNAs in tick biology and pathogen transmission. Lastly, we propose the possible uses of tick miRNAs to develop management tools for tick control and to prevent pathogen transmission. The identification and functional characterization of conserved and tick-specific salivary miRNAs targeting important molecular and immunological pathways within the host could lead to the discovery of new therapeutics for the treatment of tick-borne and non-tick-borne human diseases.

Relating Wildlife Camera Trap Data to Tick Abundance: Testing the Relationship in Different Habitats.

The increase in acarological risk of tick bites is significantly driven by profound changes in landscape, which alter the density and distribution of wildlife that support tick populations. As a result of habitat shifts and land abandonment, which create environments conducive to tick proliferation, the risk of disease transmission to humans and animals is increasing. In this context, it is important to explore tick ecology by applying a comprehensive methodology. In this study, we examined the relationship between wildlife temporal occupancy and tick abundance in two distinct regions: an alpine hunting district and a natural park in the Apennines. For each sampling point, we calculated wildlife temporal occupancy from camera trap pictures and estimated ticks' abundance from dragging transects in the area immediately surrounding camera traps. In modelling the relationship between those two variables, we included abiotic factors such as saturation deficit, normalized difference vegetation index, and altitude. Results show the importance of altitude and wildlife temporal occupancy (itself related to different habitat and land management characteristics) on the ecology of questing ticks. If employed in management decisions for natural environments, such information is useful to modulate the acarological risk and thus the risk of tick-borne pathogens' transmission.

Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Popular Recreational Areas in Tallinn, Estonia: The Underestimated Risk of Tick-Borne Diseases.

This study reveals a significant presence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in urban recreational areas of Tallinn, Estonia. During the period of May-June 2018, 815 Ixodes ticks were collected from an area of 11,200 m2 using the flagging method. Tick density reached up to 18.8 ticks per 100 m2, indicating a high concentration of ticks in these urban green spaces. Pathogen analysis demonstrated that 34% of the collected ticks were infected with at least one pathogen. Specifically, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, was detected in 17.4% of the ticks; Rickettsia spp. was detected in 13.5%; Neoehrlichia mikurensis was detected in 5.5%; Borrelia miyamotoi was detected in 2.6%; and Anaplasma phagocytophilum and tick-borne encephalitis virus were detected in 0.5% each. These findings indicate that the prevalence and abundance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in these urban environments are comparable to or even exceed those observed in natural endemic areas. Given the increasing incidence of Lyme borreliosis in Central and Northern Europe, the risk of tick bites and subsequent infection in urban recreational sites should not be underestimated. Public health measures, including enhanced awareness and precautionary information, are essential to mitigate the risk of tick-borne diseases in these urban settings.

Lyme neuroborreliosis in adults - epidemiology data and clinical findings

<p><strong>Introduction. </strong>Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) can manifest during the early and late stages of Lyme disease (LD). The aim of this study is to determine epidemiology and clinical findings in patients with LNB. <br /><strong>Methods.</strong> The research was conducted in Banja Luka at the University Clinical Center of Republic of Srpska (UCC RS) during a four-year period from 10/2017 to 10/2021. The research included 51 patients admitted to the hospital with some neurological symptoms that could lead to the LNB diagnosis. Patients had lumbar puncture with cytochemical analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), ELISA anti-Borrelia IgM/IgG in serum and CSF, Immunoblot anti-Borrelia IgM/IgG in serum, and other documentation about epidemiology and clinical findings in LNB.  <br /><strong>Results.</strong> A statistically significant (p=0.017) higher proportion of female patients was observed. Most patients were between 50 and 60 years old. Most of them were retirees (31.37%), farmers, medical technicians followed with forestry workers, students etc. Most of examinees did not have information on previous tick bite (64.71%). The largest number (72.55%) did not have data on previous skin changes. The largest number of neurological symptoms at admission related to the feeling of tingling and weakness in the extremities, headache, dizziness and some ophthalmological symptoms. Patients also suffered from consciousness and speech disorder, anxiety, paresis n.VII. The largest number of examinees had some neurological symptoms up to three months prior the admission to the hospital.  <br /><strong>Conclusion. </strong>Symptoms of LNB can be quite non-specific or possibly even mimic other neurological diseases. Involvement <br />of peripheral nervous system is dominant in adult patients. It is necessary to work on early diagnosis of LD and it is mandatory to report it to the national epidemiological service. </p>

Evaluation of effectiveness and safety of Subolesin anti-tick vaccine in Ugandan multi-site field trial

Vaccines are the most effective and sustainable intervention to control ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBD). Using a personalized vaccine design based on regional tick genotypes, a Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Subolesin protective antigen was used in a field trial evaluating tick vaccine efficacy, effectiveness, and safety in cattle infested with multiple tick species in different Ugandan agro-ecological zones. Vaccination with SUB was safe with a protective capacity against anemia and infection, and reduced the number of infested cattle, tick fitness (feeding and reproduction) with vaccine effectiveness against multiple tick species between 93.2% at 167-196 days post-vaccination (dpv) and 61.4% at 251–327 dpv. Total integrated vaccine efficacy/effectiveness was estimated as 98.8%. The Subolesin-based vaccine is protective against multiple cattle tick infestations under field conditions in Uganda. These results support registration and commercialization of the vaccine to reduce tick populations and associated risks for human and animal TBD and chemical acaracides in Uganda.

A Case Report: Treatment of Anaplasmosis and Ectoparasitic Infestation in Mixed-Breed Golden Retriever Dog

Anaplasmosis is a disease in dogs caused by intracellular gram-negative bacteria belonging to the Anaplasmataceae family. A 6-month-old mixed-breed golden retriever was examined at the Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University, with complaints of itching, tick infestation, weakness, and decreased appetite. The clinical examination revealed pale mucous membranes in the mouth and eye conjunctiva, as well as an infestation of Rhipicephalus ticks on the skin. Routine hematological examination indicated the presence of anemia and thrombocytopenia. Blood smear examination confirmed the presence of Anaplasma sp. Treatment was provided in a causative and supportive manner. Causative therapy involved the administration of doxycycline at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight orally for twenty-eight days, ivermectin at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight injected subcutaneously every two weeks for four weeks. Supportive therapy included the daily administration of Fufang E'jiao Jiang ®(Dong E Ejiao Co, Ltd., Shandong, China) at 2 ml/day and Sangobion® (PT. Merck Tbk, Jakarta, Indonesia) at one tablet per day for fourteen days. Treatment with doxycycline, ivermectin, Fufang E'jiao Jiang® (Dong E Ejiao Co, Ltd., Shandong, China), and Sangobion® (PT. Merck Tbk, Jakarta, Indonesia) resulted in a positive outcome for the dog, with improved activity, hair growth, good appetite, and the absence of ticks.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards ticks and tick-borne diseases—A survey among Lyme borreliosis cases in Bavaria in 2019

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease (TBD) in Germany. In Bavaria, the average annual incidence of reported cases was 34.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants between 2013 and 2020, although case numbers were presumed to be substantially higher. Since no vaccine against LB is currently available, prevention focuses on individual protection measures. This study aims to address knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among LB cases, a population group at increased exposure to ticks, tick bites and repeated infections.We invited Bavarian LB cases reported between weeks 23 and 35 in 2019 to participate in a questionnaire study. Questions included socio-demographic characteristics, experiences with TBDs, potential tick exposures, details of the recent episode of LB, and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding TBDs and protection measures.Among the 377 participants, 300 were adults/adolescents, 77 were children (<14 years). Two third resided in rural areas. Although mostly well informed, a significant proportion of participants did not know or were misinformed about availability of repellents (48.5 %), risk of LB in their district (24.9 %), ticks not falling from trees (22.1 %) and non-availability of vaccination against LB (20.9 %). Even though a majority perceived checking for ticks after spending time outdoors, wearing long clothes, wearing closed shoes and tucking pants in socks as effective protection measures against tick bites, a much lower proportion applied those measures frequently (proportions perceived vs. applied: 99.2 % vs. 72.1%; 93.8 % vs. 40.2 %, 88.8 % vs. 51.1 % and 85.4 % vs. 16.8 %, respectively).Identified lack of knowledge or misconception regarding risk factors, availability of protection measures and tick behaviour may hamper application of recommended protection measures. There appeared to be a discrepancy between perceived effectiveness and frequency of application of protection measures. Addressing identified gaps in education campaigns, specifically targeting people living in rural areas, and utilising physician-patient interactions for education are promising entry points to increase awareness and prevent TBDs. Moreover, motivators and barriers for the application of preventive behaviour should be subject of future studies.

Seropositivity to tick-borne pathogens in nature management workers in the Netherlands

The incidence of tick-borne infections other than Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis is rising in Europe, including the Netherlands. Nature management workers, being highly exposed to ticks, serve as valuable sentinels for seroprevalence studies on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). This study assessed nature management workers’ seropositivity to TBPs including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia divergens, B. microti, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia conorii and R. typhi in the Netherlands. In addition, the study examined coexposure to multiple TBPs and identified risk factors for B. burgdorferi s.l.- and A. phagocytophilum-seropositivity.The study included 525 nature management workers who donated serum and completed a questionnaire. Sera were analysed for exposure to A. phagocytophilum, B. divergens, B. microti, R. conorii and R. typhi using immunofluorescence assays. For B. burgdorferi s.l. antibody detection, the recommended two-tier testing strategy was used. Risk factor analysis was performed using logistic regression modelling.Seropositivity was 30.9 % for B. burgdorferi s.l.; 16.4 % for A. phagocytophilum; 6.5 % for R. conorii; 2.3 % for R. typhi; 4.2 % for B. divergens; and 0.4 % for B. microti. Almost half (49.3 %) of the participants demonstrated seropositivity for one or more pathogens. Risk factors for B. burgdorferi s.l.-seropositivity included being male, increasing age and tick bite frequency. For A. phagocytophilum-seropositivity, increasing age and working in North Holland province were significant risk factors.This study illustrates the exposure to TBPs in the Netherlands, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and international collaborations to better understand and address the growing threat of TBPs in regions with demonstrated environmental TBP circulation.

PSII-6 Tick infestation and its implications on health and welfare of cattle under pastoral system in Nigeria

Abstract The pastoral system is a predominant form of cattle production in Nigeria, characterized by extensive grazing on communal lands. However, this system is challenged by various factors, including tick infestation, which significantly affects cattle health and welfare hence this investigation which aims to provide an in-depth understanding of tick infestation in the context of Nigerian pastoral systems, emphasizing its impact on cattle health and welfare. The country harbors a diverse array of tick species that affect cattle. These ticks belong to different genera, including Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, and Hyalomma, among others. Each species has unique characteristics, life cycles, and host preferences, contributing to the complexity of tick infestation dynamics in pastoral settings. Tick infestation has numerous detrimental effects on cattle health. The direct effects include blood loss, anemia, skin damage due to feeding, and the transmission of pathogens that cause diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and theileriosis. Indirectly, tick infestation can lead to reduced productivity, weight loss, and increased susceptibility to other diseases. The welfare of cattle in Nigerian pastoral systems is significantly impacted by tick infestation. Infested cattle often exhibit signs of distress, including restlessness, reduced grazing activity, and altered behavior. Furthermore, the discomfort caused by tick bites can lead to chronic stress, compromising the overall welfare of the animals. Effective tick control is crucial for mitigating the impact of infestation on cattle health and welfare. Strategies such as acaricide application, pasture management, genetic selection for tick resistance cattle, and vaccination against tick-borne diseases are commonly used. Tick infestation presents a significant challenge to cattle production under the pastoral system in Nigeria. It not only impacts cattle health but also compromises their welfare. Addressing the issue of tick infestation requires a multifaceted approach that integrates effective control strategies with sustainable management practices. Further research is needed to develop tailored interventions that account for the unique characteristics of Nigerian pastoral systems, ultimately ensuring the well-being and productivity of cattle in these settings.

Identifying New Areas of Endemicity and Risk Factors for Rickettsia conorii subsp. conorii Infection: Serosurvey in Rural Areas of Romania.

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia conorii subsp. conorii, primarily prevalent in Mediterranean and Southern Europe. We aimed to evaluate MSF seroprevalence and risk factors in non-endemic rural areas of Romania. We conducted a serosurvey in five counties not under MSF surveillance by testing 459 serum samples from adult volunteers for specific IgG antibodies using ELISA. Participants answered a questionnaire regarding demographics and MSF risk factors. The median age of the participants was 60 years and 329 (71.7%) were female. Overall, 64 (13.9%) samples tested positive for IgG anti-R. conorii, with rates ranging from 7.1% in Sibiu to 22.4% in Hunedoara. The median age of the positive individuals was 68 years, with a significantly higher seropositivity rate of 54.7% among those over 65 years (p = 0.01). Among those positive, 53 (82.8%) owned different household animals; 24 (37.5%) had daily contact with dogs, and 27 (42.2%) with livestock; 17 (26.6%) noted tick infestations of animals, and 23 (35.9%) reported tick bites. This study revealed an important seroprevalence of MSF in Romanian areas considered non-endemic, indicating an expansion of its geographical range, probably due to climate change, and emphasizing the importance of enhanced surveillance and diagnostic capabilities nationwide.

Molecular detection of Anaplasma bovis, Candidatus Anaplasma boleense and Rickettsia spp. in ticks infesting small ruminants

Anaplasma spp. and Rickettsia spp. are intracellular vector-borne pathogens and harbored by a wide range of ticks and vertebrate hosts. Aim of this study was to molecularly characterize Anaplasma spp. and Rickettsia spp. in different ticks collected from livestock hosts in nine districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. In total, 862 ticks were collected from cattle, goats and sheep. Highest tick’s infestation was observed on cattle 56.14% (32/57), followed by goats 45.45% (40/88), and sheep 42.05% (45/107). Rhipicephalus microplus (305/862, 35.38%) was predominant species, followed by Haemaphysalis sulcata (243/862, 28.19%), Hyalomma anatolicum (133/862, 15.42%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (120/862, 13.92%), and Hyalomma kumari (61/862, 7.07%). A subset of 135 ticks were screened for Anaplasma spp. and Rickettsia spp. based on the amplification of partial 16 S rDNA and outer-membrane protein A (ompA) fragments, respectively. In total, 16 ticks (11.85%) were positive for Anaplasma spp. and Rickettsia spp. Obtained 16 S rDNA sequences for Anaplasma spp. detected in Ha. bispinosa and Ha. sulcata showed 99.98% identity with Anaplasma bovis, while other detected in Rh. microplus showed 99.84% identity with Candidatus Anaplasma boleense. Similarly, detected ompA sequence in Ha. sulcata showed 100% identity with Rickettsia sp. and 97.93% with Rickettsia slovaca, and another sequence detected in Rh. microplus showed 100% identity with Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii. In phylogenetic trees, these sequences clustered with corresponding species from Pakistan, China, Turkey, South Korea, South Africa, and Herzegovina. This is the first study reporting detection of A. bovis in Ha. bispinosa and Ha. sulcata, Ca. A. boleense in Rh. microplus collected from goats, and R. slovaca-like in Ha. sulcata. Our results enforce the need for regular surveillance of Rickettsiales in hard ticks infesting livestock in the region.

Detection of RNA Markers of West Nile Virus in Zoological and Entomological Material from Various Regions of the European Part of Russia in 2021–2023

Relevance. In epidemiological surveillance of West Nile fever (WNF), infection of West Nile virus (WNV) in zoological and entomological material is an important indicator of the activity of the natural focus, which can be used to predict the development of the epidemiological situation, adjust the scope and timing of prophylactic and anti-epidemic measures. It is noteworthy that there were no positive findings or single detections of WNV markers in zoological and entomological material in most subjects of the European part of the Russia. Aims. To obtain estimated data on the intensity of the epizootic process of WNF in the territory of the European part of Russia. Materials and methods. Collection of zoological and entomological material of WNV in 2021-2023 was conducted in the territories of 32 entities of the Russian Federation in accordance with the current regulatory and methodological documents. Field material was analyzed by RT-PCR using the AmpliSense WNV-FL test system, and genotyping of samples positive for WNV RNA was performed using the Ampligen-WNV-genotype-1/2/4 test system. Results and Discussion. During the period 2021–2023, in the course of this study vertebrates were captured: 774 birds, 1126 small mammals, and 22 frogs; and arthropods were collected: 142600 bloodsucking mosquitoes, 33 bloodsuckers, 3070 midges, 14049 ixodid ticks, and 71 argas ticks. WNV RNA was detected in 9 out of 1922 studied vertebrate animals and in 112 out of 8047 pools of blood-sucking arthropods. The infection rate of blood-sucking mosquitoes was 0.07%, ixodid ticks – 0.09%, birds – 0.9%, frogs – 9.1%, which indicates that these animal groups are widely involved in the epizootic process. Markers of WNV in field material were detected in 14 entities. In 6 of them positive findings were obtained for the first time. WNV RNA of 1 genotype was detected in pools from the Central Federal District, 2 genotypes - in all surveyed districts, 4 genotypes - from the Southern Federal District. Conclusions. Active reconnaissance studies led to the expansion of our ideas about the existence of WNF foci in the European part of Russia. In populations of birds and blood-sucking arthropods in this area, WNV is steadily circulating. WNV-infected birds were found in the Southern Federal District and the Central Federal District, mosquitoes – in all surveyed federal districts, amphibians and ticks – only in the Southern Federal District

Solvatochromic Dyes Track a Homeopathic Preparation through Water-Stream Systems in a Program to Control Tick Infestation at a Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center in Brazil.

In 2021, the area of CRAS (Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Selvagens - Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center), located in a state park in Campo Grande City, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, was suffering from a tick infestation affecting wild animals that inhabit the area and humans that visited its trails. Following a formal technical-scientific cooperation agreement between IMASUL, an institute for the environment in Mato Grosso do Sul state, and SIGO Homeopatia, a formulated homeopathic complex (Formula Parques Urbanos, FPU) was designed and prepared specifically to treat the animals. This environmental intervention used specially designed slow-release water biodegradable devices. Tracking the FPU signal in water was necessary to monitor and manage the intervention. Our aims were (1) to evaluate, among six previously standardized solvatochromic dyes, which would serve as a marker for the homeopathic complex under study; and (2) to evaluate whether the chosen solvatochromic dye could map the propagation of the homeopathic complex activity throughout the stream system from water samples harvested at different locations over time. Water samples were harvested from each point at different times, filtered, frozen, and sent to the laboratory, where they were prepared at 1cH potency for analysis using 30% ethanol as the vehicle. Solvatochromic dyes were used to analyze the samples since they alter their absorbance when in contact with homeopathic potencies. Of the six dyes tested, Coumarin 7 was found to be the most suitable for tracking the FPU complex. A static and average unidirectional magnetic field of 2,400 Gauss (240 mT), generated by a neodymium magnet, was applied to the samples immediately before reading. There were significant differences in the delta absorbance of dyes when adding treated/potentized water samples, making it possible to map the propagation of the FPU signal throughout the park over time. The signals were identifiable at the same point 1 minute and 32 days after the insertion of the device into the water. These signals were also identifiable after 75 minutes and 8 days at a point far from the insertion place. Coumarin 7 was the best marker for the homeopathic complex (FPU) used to treat the wild animals living in the park. The microplates/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader method and the application of a magnetic field to samples were shown to be effective in tracing homeopathic signals by changes in dye absorbance (p ≤ 0.02) in a real-life situation, with large volumes of water, involving many environmental variables, and over large distances.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus: An Emerging Threat in Europe with a Focus on Epidemiology in Spain.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne disease transmitted by ticks of the genus Hyalomma and caused by a virus of the Nairoviridae family. In humans, the virus can generate different clinical presentations that can range from asymptomatic to mild illness or produce an hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of approximately 30%. The virus pathogenicity and the lack of effective treatment or vaccine for its prevention make it an agent of concern from a public health point of view. The main transmission route is tick bites, so people most exposed to this risk are more likely to become infected. Another risk group are veterinarians and livestock farmers who are in contact with the blood and other fluids of animals that are mostly asymptomatic. Finally, due to its first phase with a non-characteristic symptomatology, there exists a risk of nosocomial infection. It is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and those Asian countries south of the 50th parallel north, the geographical limit of the main vector. Recently, autochthonous cases have been observed in areas of Europe where the virus was not previously present. Human cases have been detected in Greece, Bulgaria, and Spain. Spain is one of the most affected countries, with a total of 17 autochthonous cases detected since 2013. In other countries, such as France, the virus is present in ticks and animals but has not spread to humans. A high-quality epidemiological surveillance system in these countries is essential to avoid the expansion of this virus to new areas and to limit the impact of current cases.

The prevalence of pathogens in ticks collected from humans in Belgium, 2021, versus 2017

BackgroundTicks carry a variety of microorganisms, some of which are pathogenic to humans. The human risk of tick-borne diseases depends on, among others, the prevalence of pathogens in ticks biting humans. To follow-up on this prevalence over time, a Belgian study from 2017 was repeated in 2021.MethodsDuring the tick season 2021, citizens were invited to have ticks removed from their skin, send them and fill in a short questionnaire on an existing citizen science platform for the notification of tick bites (TekenNet). Ticks were morphologically identified to species and life stage level and screened using multiplex qPCR targeting, among others, Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia miyamotoi, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Babesia spp., Rickettsia helvetica and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The same methodology as in 2017 was used.ResultsIn 2021, the same tick species as in 2017 were identified in similar proportions; of 1094 ticks, 98.7% were Ixodes ricinus, 0.8% Ixodes hexagonus and 0.5% Dermacentor reticulatus. A total of 928 nymphs and adults could be screened for the presence of pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) was detected in 9.9% (95% CI 8.2–12.0%), which is significantly lower than the prevalence of 13.9% (95% CI 12.2–15.7%) in 2017 (P = 0.004). The prevalences of A. phagocytophilum (4.7%; 95% CI 3.5–6.3%) and R. helvetica (13.3%; 95% CI 11.2–15.6%) in 2021 were significantly higher compared to 2017 (1.8%; 95% CI 1.3–2.7% and 6.8%; 95% CI 5.6–8.2% respectively) (P < 0.001 for both). For the other pathogens tested, no statistical differences compared to 2017 were found, with prevalences ranging between 1.5 and 2.9% in 2021. Rickettsia raoultii was again found in D. reticulatus ticks (n = 3/5 in 2021). Similar to 2017, no TBEV was detected in the ticks. Co-infections were found in 5.1% of ticks. When combining co-infection occurrence in 2017 and 2021, a positive correlation was observed between B. burgdorferi (s.l.) and N. mikurensis and B. burgdorferi (s.l.) and B. miyamotoi (P < 0.001 for both).ConclusionsAlthough the 2021 prevalences fell within expectations, differences were found compared to 2017. Further research to understand the explanations behind these differences is needed.Graphical

Ectozoans of dogs and cats

The purpose of the study is to analyze the species composition and distribution of ectoparasites of dogs and cats on the territory of the Russian Federation. Research objectives: to study the epizootic situation regarding ectoparasites of dogs and cats on the territory of the Russian Federation. Ectoparasites of dogs and cats are widespread in the Russian Federation and pose the greatest danger as carriers of pathogens of infectious and invasive diseases. Depending on the region, the species composition and abundance of ectoparasites varies significantly. Thus, in Moscow, aphanipterosis (46–62%), otodectosis in cats (34–38%) and demodicosis in dogs (39%) were more often recorded. When examining dogs in Tyumen with diseases of the skin and hair, skin diseases of parasitic etiology were recorded in 33.86% of all examined animals. Aphanipteriosis was detected more often – 28.55%, otodectosis – 21.9%, flea allergic dermatitis – 14.65%, cheyletiosis – 13.2%, demodicosis – 12.6%, sarcoptic mange – 9.1%. A study of dogs and cats in Novosibirsk identified 6 types of parasites: Ctenocephalides canis, Otodectes cynotis, Demodex canis, Notoedres cati, Sarcoptes canis and Cheyletiella jascuri. Among cats and dogs. the most common were: aphanipterosis 4.8%, otodectosis 1.9%, demodicosis 0.23%, notoedrosis 0.14%, sarcoptic mange 0.09% and cheyletiellosis 0.3%. In the Nizhny Novgorod region, dogs and cats were diagnosed with infestation of two types of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, C. canis), one type of lice-eater (Trichodectes canis), in addition, the following were found on the animals’ bodies: dog louse (Linognathus setosus), ixodid ticks Dermacentor reticulates, D. marginatus and I. ricinus. Thus, aphanipterosis (4.78–62.0%) and demodicosis (2.52–39.0%) are more often recorded in dogs; trichodectosis (0.64–4.2%) and ixodid ticks (9.75%) are less common. –18.0%), sarcoptic mange (1.0–9.1%), otodectosis (0.17–1.94%), and in cats – otodectosis (34–63%), notoedrosis (0.31–8.9%) and cheyletiellosis (0.27%).

Not bitten by Ixodes ticks or bitten without symptoms, why still to worry?

The purpose of the current study was to analyse the risks of Lyme borreliosis (LB) among 1,070 forestry workers, the influence of responsible behaviour (use of repellents, skin self-inspection) on Borrelia screening result status, and the occurrence of immediate and mid-term symptoms after tick bites and LB positive serological screening test. The questionnaire was conducted as well as blood tests for LB disease by one-stage serological screening procedure using ELISA for specific B. burgdorferi IgM and IgG antibodies (EuroImmun AG company, Germany). While 39.6% of foresters were LB positive among bitten foresters, as many as 27.0% were LB positive among those, who did not recall any tick attacks at all. Individuals with known history of tick bites had significantly higher odds (1.770×) of being LB positive (p < 0.05), while the use of repellents or skin self-inspection after visiting woods had no influence on LB results. The odds of skin discolouration after tick bites was significantly lower (0.682×) in case of LB positive test compared to LB negative test (p < 0.05), which can be explained by the fact that foresters could be unaware about erythema migrans appearance and timing, considering tick bite and developed later rash as completely separate events. Moreover, 69.1% of the bitten foresters with LB positive result developed no secondary symptoms (excluding those related to the skin), and the most frequent clinical symptoms were arthralgia (24.9%), followed by myalgia (7.6%), headache (5.7%), and damage to facial nerve (2.7%), which are non-specific and can be present in other illnesses. Therefore, the recommendations proposed would be the regular laboratory testing for LB of sensitive and at-risk population, who visits endemic woody areas, irrespective of all other factors involved.

Identification and prevalence of ixodid ticks of cattle in case of Aleltu district, Oromia regional state, northern Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, ticks are the major threat to cattle productivity and production, leading to considerable economic losses. The current study was designed to estimate the prevalence of ixodid tick infestation, identify species, assess major risk factors associated with tick infestation and assess public awareness. A cross-sectional and questionnaire-based study was conducted from January 2022 to June 2022 in the Aleltu district. The study animals were selected using a simple random sampling method. Of the 400 cattle examined, 303 (75.8%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. Six species of ticks were identified that belonged to three genera: Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus, and the subgenus Rhipicephalus (Boophilus). The most common tick species identified in terms of their prevalence and dominance were Rh. (Bo) decoloratus, Rh. evertsi, Am. variegatum, Hy. rufipes, Rh. bergeoni and Rh. praetextatus. In the present study, Rh. (Bo) decoloratus was the most prevalent (56.8%) in the study area. Among the risk factors considered, the prevalence of tick species had a statistically significant (p<0.05) association with the age, production systems and body condition of animals. Out of 110 people interviewed, 107 (97.3%) believed there was a tick infestation in their village, and almost all farmers 103(93.6%) in the study area were unaware that ticks serve as vectors. The present study provides preliminary information on the prevalence of tick infestation and the composition of ticks in the Aleltu district. Ticks are a major problem for the cattle in the study area. Therefore, the problem observed in the study area alarms the district and calls for a comprehensive control strategy.

Control strategies for emerging infectious diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever management.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a significant public health concern transmitted by ticks. This study seeks to thoroughly grasp the epidemiology and transmission patterns of CCHF, which is caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV), a member of the Nairovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family. The study investigates the global distribution and endemicity of CCHF, its mortality rates, modes of transmission (including tick bites, contact with infected animal blood, and limited person-to-person transmission), and factors influencing its prevalence across different regions. Genetic diversity within CCHFV and its impact on transmission dynamics are explored, along with efforts to control the disease through tick prevention, antiviral treatment, and the development of vaccines and diagnostics. CCHFV exhibits widespread distribution, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, with an overall mortality rate of approximately 30% and a case fatality rate ranging from 10% to 40%. Transmission occurs primarily through tick bites and contact with infected animal blood, with limited person-to-person transmission. Livestock workers, slaughterhouse employees, and animal herders in endemic areas are most affected by their frequent interaction with sick animals and ticks. Genetic diversity within CCHFV contributes to variations in transmission dynamics, complicating control efforts. Antiviral ribavirin shows efficacy in treating CCHF infection. This study underscores the importance of further research to understand the enzootic environment, transmission routes, and genetic diversity of CCHFV for effective control measures, including the development of vaccines, treatment options, and diagnostics.

Tick Infestation of the Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca, Linnaeus, 1758) from Western Regions of Algeria

Abstract The Spur-thighed tortoise has a large geographic distribution and can be infested by several tick species, mainly Hyalomma aegyptium. This tick has recently been confirmed as a natural carrier of numerous pathogenic, including zoonotic agents. The purpose of this study was to estimate the level of hard tick infestation in Mediterranean tortoises living in some regions of the west of Algeria (Oran, Mostaganem, and Tiaret) during the spring and summer of the year 2019. Among 39 turtles collected from the different study regions, 22 tested positive, which represents an infestation rate of 56.41 %. A total of 224 adult ticks and one nymph were collected, which can display a tick infestation intensity of 10.23 %. All of these ticks belong to a single species, which is Hyalomma aegyptium. In terms of abundance, this study showed 5.78 ticks/tortoise. Regarding sex, we have collected 198 male and 26 female ticks with a sex ratio of 7.62. The preferred attachment sites of Hyalomma aegyptium ticks were the inguinal, the limbs, and to a lesser degree, the neck. A few rare cases have been collected from the carapace. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of the intensity of H. aegyptium infestation on the tortoise’s health status and to assess the potential transmission of zoonotic pathogens.