Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne disease emerging in North America, caused by the zoonotic variant Ap-ha (human active) of the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This research aimed to understand the reservoir competency of small mammals for Ap-ha in the province of Québec, Canada. To achieve this aim, wild small mammals were sampled from June to August in 2022 and 2023 and tested for Ap and its variants (Ap-ha, Ap-v1) using qPCR targeting the msp2 and 16S genes. In total, 547 small mammals from nine different taxa were live captured across two years. Nearly half (48.2 %) of small mammals carried at least one Ixodes scapularis tick larva and 29.3 % carried at least one I. scapularis nymph. The odds of Ap infection were three times higher in eastern chipmunks (OR = 2.98, p < 0.05) and five times lower in red squirrels (OR = 0.21, p < 0.01) when compared to Peromyscus spp. mice. When infected, Peromyscus mice and eastern chipmunks transmitted the infection on average to 6.8 % (CI95: 24.9–48.7) and 52.9 % (CI95: 16.7–89.1) of feeding larvae, respectively. An Ap variant could be identified in 90 % (109/121) of infected small mammals, all of which were the Ap-ha strain. In conclusion, eastern chipmunks and Peromyscus mice should be considered as reservoir hosts contributing to the transmission and emergence of anaplasmosis in Canada. This study also confirms the circulation of the Ap-ha variant within host and tick communities in Southeastern Canada.
{"title":"Various small mammal hosts are involved in the transmission cycle of zoonotic Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Southeastern Canada","authors":"Raphaëlle Audet-Legault , Cécile Aenishaenslin , Geneviève Baron , Heather Coatsworth , Marion Desmarchelier , Vanessa Gabriele-Rivet , Patrick A․ Leighton , Jérôme Pelletier , Jean-Philippe Rocheleau , Catherine Bouchard","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102551","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102551","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne disease emerging in North America, caused by the zoonotic variant Ap-ha (human active) of the bacterium <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum.</em> This research aimed to understand the reservoir competency of small mammals for Ap-ha in the province of Québec, Canada. To achieve this aim, wild small mammals were sampled from June to August in 2022 and 2023 and tested for Ap and its variants (Ap-ha, Ap-v1) using qPCR targeting the <em>msp2</em> and 16S genes. In total, 547 small mammals from nine different taxa were live captured across two years<em>.</em> Nearly half (48.2 %) of small mammals carried at least one <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> tick larva and 29.3 % carried at least one <em>I. scapularis</em> nymph. The odds of Ap infection were three times higher in eastern chipmunks (OR = 2.98, <em>p</em> < 0.05) and five times lower in red squirrels (OR = 0.21, <em>p</em> < 0.01) when compared to <em>Peromyscus</em> spp. mice. When infected, <em>Peromyscus</em> mice and eastern chipmunks transmitted the infection on average to 6.8 % (CI95: 24.9–48.7) and 52.9 % (CI95: 16.7–89.1) of feeding larvae, respectively. An Ap variant could be identified in 90 % (109/121) of infected small mammals, all of which were the Ap-ha strain. In conclusion, eastern chipmunks and <em>Peromyscus</em> mice should be considered as reservoir hosts contributing to the transmission and emergence of anaplasmosis in Canada. This study also confirms the circulation of the Ap-ha variant within host and tick communities in Southeastern Canada.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 6","pages":"Article 102551"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145160093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-24DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102552
Naledi P. Sekgobela , Ilse Vorster , Milana Troskie , Melvyn Quan , David E. Zimmerman , Ayesha Hassim , Luis Neves , Raksha V. Bhoora
Black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinoceroses in Southern Africa face multiple threats, including poaching, habitat loss, and translocation stress. Infections with Theileria bicornis (in both rhino species) and Babesia bicornis (confirmed only in black rhinos) add further health risks, with stressors such as translocation potentially increasing susceptibility. Effective management requires sensitive molecular diagnostic assays for accurate detection and surveillance. To address this, we developed a multiplex qPCR assay (MqTbBb) using species-specific TaqMan™ minor groove binder (MGB) probes for the simultaneous detection of T. bicornis and B. bicornis. The assay targets 18S rRNA gene regions, amplifying an 87 bp fragment for T. bicornis and a 51 bp fragment for B. bicornis, with efficiencies of 100 % and 98 %, respectively. Probit analysis determined a 95 % Limit of detection of 1.00 × 10⁻⁶ % and 6.27 × 10⁻⁶ % equivalent parasitized erythrocytes for T. bicornis and B. bicornis, respectively. No cross-reactivity was observed with other related protozoa tested. A total of 223 field samples from rhinos (101 black and 122 white) in Mpumalanga province were screened using both the MqTbBb and Reverse Line Blot (RLB) hybridization assays. The MqTbBb detected T. bicornis in 57 % of black and 99 % of white rhinos, with co-infections in 40 % of black rhinos. RLB detected T. bicornis in 96 % of black and 95 % of white rhinos, with a Babesia catch-all probe signal in 75 % and 32 %, respectively. B. bicornis was not detected by RLB and was never detected as a single infection by qPCR. These findings highlight high T. bicornis prevalence and rare B. bicornis infections (co-infections). The MqTbBb assay strengthens detection, surveillance, and conservation efforts.
{"title":"Advancing disease surveillance in rhinoceroses: A multiplex real-time PCR assay for detecting Theileria bicornis and Babesia bicornis","authors":"Naledi P. Sekgobela , Ilse Vorster , Milana Troskie , Melvyn Quan , David E. Zimmerman , Ayesha Hassim , Luis Neves , Raksha V. Bhoora","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102552","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102552","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Black (<em>Diceros bicornis</em>) and white (<em>Ceratotherium simum</em>) rhinoceroses in Southern Africa face multiple threats, including poaching, habitat loss, and translocation stress. Infections with <em>Theileria bicornis</em> (in both rhino species) and <em>Babesia bicornis</em> (confirmed only in black rhinos) add further health risks, with stressors such as translocation potentially increasing susceptibility. Effective management requires sensitive molecular diagnostic assays for accurate detection and surveillance. To address this, we developed a multiplex qPCR assay (MqTbBb) using species-specific TaqMan™ minor groove binder (MGB) probes for the simultaneous detection of <em>T. bicornis</em> and <em>B. bicornis</em>. The assay targets 18S rRNA gene regions, amplifying an 87 bp fragment for <em>T. bicornis</em> and a 51 bp fragment for <em>B. bicornis</em>, with efficiencies of 100 % and 98 %, respectively. Probit analysis determined a 95 % Limit of detection of 1.00 × 10⁻⁶ % and 6.27 × 10⁻⁶ % equivalent parasitized erythrocytes for <em>T. bicornis</em> and <em>B. bicornis</em>, respectively. No cross-reactivity was observed with other related protozoa tested. A total of 223 field samples from rhinos (101 black and 122 white) in Mpumalanga province were screened using both the MqTbBb and Reverse Line Blot (RLB) hybridization assays. The MqTbBb detected <em>T. bicornis</em> in 57 % of black and 99 % of white rhinos, with co-infections in 40 % of black rhinos. RLB detected <em>T. bicornis</em> in 96 % of black and 95 % of white rhinos, with a <em>Babesia</em> catch-all probe signal in 75 % and 32 %, respectively. <em>B. bicornis</em> was not detected by RLB and was never detected as a single infection by qPCR. These findings highlight high <em>T. bicornis</em> prevalence and rare <em>B. bicornis</em> infections (co-infections). The MqTbBb assay strengthens detection, surveillance, and conservation efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 6","pages":"Article 102552"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145120410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cattle tick fever, caused by the protozoa Babesia bovis and B. bigemina and the rickettsial bacterium Anaplasma marginale, represents a significant constraint to livestock productivity worldwide. Taurine cattle are considered more susceptible to these hemoparasites than zebuine breeds. Chemokines and Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) play key roles in immune processes such as chemotaxis and inflammation, primarily through interactions with respective receptors. This study assessed the relationship between the expression of four chemokine-related genes (ccr3, cxcl12, cxcl8, and cxcr1) and one TLR (tlr10) with the infection levels of B. bovis, B. bigemina, and A. marginale in 24 naturally infected calves from two genetic groups (Angus [n = 13; 100% taurine] and Ultrablack [n = 11; 82% Angus, 18% zebuine]). Blood samples were collected every 30 days over six time points (Nov 2021–Apr 2022). DNA was used to quantify hemoparasite loads by qPCR (log DNA copy number, CNlog), while RNA was used for RT-qPCR-based gene expression analysis. A mixed model was used to assess associations between gene expression and infection levels, controlling for evaluation, sex, genetic group, and their interactions. All genes, except cxcl12, showed significant associations with at least one hemoparasite. Higher B. bovis and B. bigemina CNlog values were linked to reduced expression of most genes, whereas A. marginale infection was associated with increased gene expression. These findings highlight distinct immune modulation strategies by hemoparasites and underscore the need for species-specific interventions. Further studies are required to explore the mechanisms by which these mediators influence susceptibility or resistance in cattle.
{"title":"Expression patterns of chemokine mediators and TLR10 in natural bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis infections","authors":"Mayne Barboza Sarti , Geovana Menegão de Souza , Camila Fagionato Agostinho , Gustavo Henrique Carvalho Borges , Flávia Fernanda Carneiro Santana , Luciana Morita Katiki , Anibal Eugênio Vercesi Filho , Ana Gonçalves Domingos , Rodrigo Giglioti","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102546","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102546","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cattle tick fever, caused by the protozoa <em>Babesia bovis</em> and <em>B. bigemina</em> and the rickettsial bacterium <em>Anaplasma marginale</em>, represents a significant constraint to livestock productivity worldwide. Taurine cattle are considered more susceptible to these hemoparasites than zebuine breeds. Chemokines and Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) play key roles in immune processes such as chemotaxis and inflammation, primarily through interactions with respective receptors. This study assessed the relationship between the expression of four chemokine-related genes (<em>ccr3, cxcl12, cxcl8,</em> and <em>cxcr1</em>) and one TLR (<em>tlr10</em>) with the infection levels of <em>B. bovis, B. bigemina</em>, and <em>A. marginale</em> in 24 naturally infected calves from two genetic groups (Angus [<em>n</em> = 13; 100% taurine] and Ultrablack [<em>n</em> = 11; 82% Angus, 18% zebuine]). Blood samples were collected every 30 days over six time points (Nov 2021–Apr 2022). DNA was used to quantify hemoparasite loads by qPCR (log DNA copy number, CNlog), while RNA was used for RT-qPCR-based gene expression analysis. A mixed model was used to assess associations between gene expression and infection levels, controlling for evaluation, sex, genetic group, and their interactions. All genes, except <em>cxcl12</em>, showed significant associations with at least one hemoparasite. Higher <em>B. bovis</em> and <em>B. bigemina</em> CNlog values were linked to reduced expression of most genes, whereas <em>A. marginale</em> infection was associated with increased gene expression. These findings highlight distinct immune modulation strategies by hemoparasites and underscore the need for species-specific interventions. Further studies are required to explore the mechanisms by which these mediators influence susceptibility or resistance in cattle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 6","pages":"Article 102546"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145103187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102550
Lorenza Beati , Matteo Montagna , Jean Tsao , Thierry de Meeûs
Mate choice influences levels of inbreeding and genetic diversity in natural populations. Positive assortative mating (PAM), for instance, has been described in Ixodes ricinus L., but this behavior has yet to be investigated in the closely related Ixodes scapularis Say, 1821. By analyzing nine microsatellite loci of 30 females and 30 males removed in copula from hunter-harvested deer specimens at the Savannah River Site (South Carolina) during the hunting season of fall 2010, we found a weak but significant assortative pairing signature in a population that, otherwise, appeared genetically homogeneous. This indicated that in spite of a low average relative relatedness between members of the same pair, the difference between observed and all other possible male-female pairs was highly significant. The results suggested that our non-coding microsatellite loci were drafted by genes coding for PAM, through genetic hitchhiking. To explain our data, such genes would need to be homogeneously distributed in the genome and span from a few genes with major effects on PAM to many genes with moderate or weak effects on PAM.
{"title":"Assortative mating in Ixodes scapularis Say, 1821 (Acari: Ixodidae)","authors":"Lorenza Beati , Matteo Montagna , Jean Tsao , Thierry de Meeûs","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102550","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102550","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mate choice influences levels of inbreeding and genetic diversity in natural populations. Positive assortative mating (PAM), for instance, has been described in <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> L., but this behavior has yet to be investigated in the closely related <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> Say, 1821<em>.</em> By analyzing nine microsatellite loci of 30 females and 30 males removed <em>in copula</em> from hunter-harvested deer specimens at the Savannah River Site (South Carolina) during the hunting season of fall 2010, we found a weak but significant assortative pairing signature in a population that, otherwise, appeared genetically homogeneous. This indicated that in spite of a low average relative relatedness between members of the same pair, the difference between observed and all other possible male-female pairs was highly significant. The results suggested that our non-coding microsatellite loci were drafted by genes coding for PAM, through genetic hitchhiking. To explain our data, such genes would need to be homogeneously distributed in the genome and span from a few genes with major effects on PAM to many genes with moderate or weak effects on PAM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 6","pages":"Article 102550"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145103194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102542
Alexander Davidson , Frederick J. Angulo , Julie Davis , Kate Halsby , Gordon Brestrich , Jennifer C. Moïsi , James H. Stark
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common vector-borne disease in Europe. At least 29 European Economic Area (EEA) countries publish online LB surveillance reports. However, countries have different criteria for what is notifiable for LB surveillance, limiting comparability. EEA countries began reporting Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) cases, a disseminated LB manifestation, to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in 2018, using a uniform case definition. This analysis compared LNB data from ECDC and national surveillance reports to evaluate their utility in monitoring LB in Europe. LNB surveillance data from 2018 to 2023 were downloaded from ECDC. Nationally reported online LB surveillance data from EEA countries were identified and reviewed. Countries that reported LNB cases in national surveillance and to ECDC were included and case data were compared. Of 31 EEA countries during 2018 to 2023, 11 (35 %) differentiated LNB cases in their national published LB surveillance; eight of these also reported to ECDC. The number of LNB cases published in national reports in these eight countries did not exactly match the number of LNB cases reported to ECDC but overall disease trends were similar. Comparing the LNB cases from eight countries in ECDC and national surveillance demonstrates that both capture evolving LNB disease trends despite some differences in the number of cases reported to each. To allow for more robust comparisons of LB burden and trends across Europe, harmonizing case definitions and reporting mechanisms for LB would provide great value.
{"title":"Comparison of the number of Lyme neuroborreliosis cases in European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data and national public surveillance reports, 2018–2023","authors":"Alexander Davidson , Frederick J. Angulo , Julie Davis , Kate Halsby , Gordon Brestrich , Jennifer C. Moïsi , James H. Stark","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102542","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102542","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common vector-borne disease in Europe. At least 29 European Economic Area (EEA) countries publish online LB surveillance reports. However, countries have different criteria for what is notifiable for LB surveillance, limiting comparability. EEA countries began reporting Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) cases, a disseminated LB manifestation, to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in 2018, using a uniform case definition. This analysis compared LNB data from ECDC and national surveillance reports to evaluate their utility in monitoring LB in Europe. LNB surveillance data from 2018 to 2023 were downloaded from ECDC. Nationally reported online LB surveillance data from EEA countries were identified and reviewed. Countries that reported LNB cases in national surveillance and to ECDC were included and case data were compared. Of 31 EEA countries during 2018 to 2023, 11 (35 %) differentiated LNB cases in their national published LB surveillance; eight of these also reported to ECDC. The number of LNB cases published in national reports in these eight countries did not exactly match the number of LNB cases reported to ECDC but overall disease trends were similar. Comparing the LNB cases from eight countries in ECDC and national surveillance demonstrates that both capture evolving LNB disease trends despite some differences in the number of cases reported to each. To allow for more robust comparisons of LB burden and trends across Europe, harmonizing case definitions and reporting mechanisms for LB would provide great value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 6","pages":"Article 102542"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145108878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102543
Aamir M. Osman , Igor S. Silito , Ahmed A. Hassan-Kadle , Mohamed A. Shair , Abdalla M. Ibrahim , Maria Carolina A. Serpa , Thállitha S.W.J. Vieira , Marcelo B. Labruna , Rafael F.C. Vieira
Rickettsia spp. are Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria, with Rickettsia africae being transmitted by Amblyomma ticks and posing a zoonotic risk. The status of diseases like rickettsiosis is largely unknown in Somalia. Our study investigates rickettsial exposure in livestock across two different regions in the country. A cross-sectional study collected 372 (190 goats, 133 cattle, 49 sheep) serum samples from the Benadir and Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia. Indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) were used to detect anti-R. africae and anti-Rickettsia rhipicephali antibodies, with sera diluted in two-fold increments starting at 1:64. Out of 372 samples, 188/372 (50.5 %) (endpoint titer: 64–2048) were seropositive for rickettsial antigens, with R. africae alone detected in 78/372 (21.0 %) and R. rhipicephali alone in 38/372 (10.2 %). Co-reactivity to both rickettsial antigens occurred in 72/372 (19.4 %) of samples. Cattle showed the highest seroreactivity at 90.2 %, mainly for R. africae, followed by sheep at 28.6 %, and goats at 28.4 %. Cattle and sheep were more likely to be seropositive than goats (OR: 24.5 and 1.1, respectively). This study provides the first serological evidence of Rickettsia spp. in ruminants from Somalia. Our findings suggest heightened susceptibility in cattle, posing health risks to humans, especially if cattle are considered sentinels for human exposure to R. africae.
{"title":"Rickettsial exposure in ruminants from Somalia","authors":"Aamir M. Osman , Igor S. Silito , Ahmed A. Hassan-Kadle , Mohamed A. Shair , Abdalla M. Ibrahim , Maria Carolina A. Serpa , Thállitha S.W.J. Vieira , Marcelo B. Labruna , Rafael F.C. Vieira","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102543","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102543","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rickettsia</em> spp. are Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria, with <em>Rickettsia africae</em> being transmitted by <em>Amblyomma</em> ticks and posing a zoonotic risk. The status of diseases like rickettsiosis is largely unknown in Somalia. Our study investigates rickettsial exposure in livestock across two different regions in the country. A cross-sectional study collected 372 (190 goats, 133 cattle, 49 sheep) serum samples from the Benadir and Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia. Indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) were used to detect anti-<em>R. africae</em> and anti-<em>Rickettsia rhipicephali</em> antibodies, with sera diluted in two-fold increments starting at 1:64. Out of 372 samples, 188/372 (50.5 %) (endpoint titer: 64–2048) were seropositive for rickettsial antigens, with <em>R. africae</em> alone detected in 78/372 (21.0 %) and <em>R. rhipicephali</em> alone in 38/372 (10.2 %). Co-reactivity to both rickettsial antigens occurred in 72/372 (19.4 %) of samples. Cattle showed the highest seroreactivity at 90.2 %, mainly for <em>R. africae</em>, followed by sheep at 28.6 %, and goats at 28.4 %. Cattle and sheep were more likely to be seropositive than goats (OR: 24.5 and 1.1, respectively). This study provides the first serological evidence of <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. in ruminants from Somalia. Our findings suggest heightened susceptibility in cattle, posing health risks to humans, especially if cattle are considered sentinels for human exposure to <em>R. africae.</em></div></div>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 5","pages":"Article 102543"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144996380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102544
Gergő Keve , Tekla Varga , Márton Hoitsy , Kata Wermer , Sándor Hornok
The aim of this study was to assess the viability of an opportunistic population of Hyalomma rufipes, as evidence of reproduction had been documented in the southern part of Central Europe, specifically Hungary, in 2022. To assess the current situation, tick collections targeting various mammalian species were organized with the assistance of local veterinarians between September 2022 and May 2024. Over the study period, 1502 ticks were collected; however, none belonged to the Hyalomma genus. Dermacentor reticulatus dominated in our sample population (n = 963), followed by Ixodes ricinus (n = 436). Other species found in the area were: Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 45), Dermacentor marginatus (n = 38), Ixodes hexagonus (n = 13), Alloceraea inermis (n = 6), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (n = 1). Two Hyalomma marginatum males were received from veterinarians between 2022 and 2024, although these were collected far from our study area. Our results suggests that the H. rufipes population recorded in 2022 did not persist.
{"title":"An assessment of the possible recent establishment of Hyalomma rufipes in Hungary","authors":"Gergő Keve , Tekla Varga , Márton Hoitsy , Kata Wermer , Sándor Hornok","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to assess the viability of an opportunistic population of <em>Hyalomma rufipes</em>, as evidence of reproduction had been documented in the southern part of Central Europe, specifically Hungary, in 2022. To assess the current situation, tick collections targeting various mammalian species were organized with the assistance of local veterinarians between September 2022 and May 2024. Over the study period, 1502 ticks were collected; however, none belonged to the <em>Hyalomma</em> genus. <em>Dermacentor reticulatus</em> dominated in our sample population (<em>n</em> = 963), followed by <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> (<em>n</em> = 436). Other species found in the area were: <em>Haemaphysalis concinna</em> (<em>n</em> = 45)<em>, Dermacentor marginatus</em> (<em>n</em> = 38)<em>, Ixodes hexagonus</em> (<em>n</em> = 13), <em>Alloceraea inermis</em> (<em>n</em> = 6), and <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> s.s. (<em>n</em> = 1). Two <em>Hyalomma marginatum</em> males were received from veterinarians between 2022 and 2024, although these were collected far from our study area. Our results suggests that the <em>H. rufipes</em> population recorded in 2022 did not persist.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 5","pages":"Article 102544"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145004177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102545
M. Martinot , T. Lemmet , A. Barthel , P. Suntharasarma , M. Mohseni-Zadeh , G. Gregorowicz , P. Boyer , Y. Hansmann , V. Gerber
Tularemia is a bacterial zoonosis endemic to the Northern Hemisphere, transmitted through various modes and presenting with diverse clinical manifestations. In recent years, the number of notifications (tularemia is a reportable disease in France) have increased and the spectrum of clinical forms have changed. We conducted a retrospective study of tularemia incidence diagnosed in 2024 at two major hospitals in Alsace, a small region of Northeastern France. This study included 10 cases (7 men and 3 women; mean age = 52 years) reported in 2024. Clinical forms comprised six ulceroglandular or glandular cases, two oropharyngeal forms, and two pleuropulmonary forms including a fatal case in a 73-year-old immunocompromised patient.. Three patients reported recent tick bites, while two others had frequent tick exposure. In 9 of the 10 cases, tularemia was not initially suspected by primary care physicians, leading to delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and complications. Nationwide, 150 cases were reported in 2024, including 33 from the Northeastern region, of which 10 were our cases. Compared to other regions of France, cases in Alsace showed a higher proportion associated with tick-related transmission. Our findings reveal a peak in tularemia incidence in Alsace in 2024. Primary care physicians often failed to recognize tularemia, resulting in delayed treatment and complications—even in cases with typical glandular forms. Tularemia is an increasing zoonosis that may be under recognized among general practitioners. There is a need for increased awareness and education among healthcare providers and the public.
{"title":"Unusual increase in tularemia incidence in Alsace, Northeastern France in 2024","authors":"M. Martinot , T. Lemmet , A. Barthel , P. Suntharasarma , M. Mohseni-Zadeh , G. Gregorowicz , P. Boyer , Y. Hansmann , V. Gerber","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tularemia is a bacterial zoonosis endemic to the Northern Hemisphere, transmitted through various modes and presenting with diverse clinical manifestations. In recent years, the number of notifications (tularemia is a reportable disease in France) have increased and the spectrum of clinical forms have changed. We conducted a retrospective study of tularemia incidence diagnosed in 2024 at two major hospitals in Alsace, a small region of Northeastern France. This study included 10 cases (7 men and 3 women; mean age = 52 years) reported in 2024. Clinical forms comprised six ulceroglandular or glandular cases, two oropharyngeal forms, and two pleuropulmonary forms including a fatal case in a 73-year-old immunocompromised patient.. Three patients reported recent tick bites, while two others had frequent tick exposure. In 9 of the 10 cases, tularemia was not initially suspected by primary care physicians, leading to delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and complications. Nationwide, 150 cases were reported in 2024, including 33 from the Northeastern region, of which 10 were our cases. Compared to other regions of France, cases in Alsace showed a higher proportion associated with tick-related transmission. Our findings reveal a peak in tularemia incidence in Alsace in 2024. Primary care physicians often failed to recognize tularemia, resulting in delayed treatment and complications—even in cases with typical glandular forms. Tularemia is an increasing zoonosis that may be under recognized among general practitioners. There is a need for increased awareness and education among healthcare providers and the public.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 5","pages":"Article 102545"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144931931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-09DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102534
Khalid Boussaine, Philippine Chartier, Alison Cartereau, Daniel Auguin, Emiliane Taillebois, Steeve H Thany
ACh is known to be an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of several arthropod species. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are involved in rapid neurotransmission and are the target of compounds used as acaricides. In the present review, we discuss recent data on the study of the functional properties of tick neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes present in the synganglion. Several nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits have been characterized in tick species. We show that despite difficulties expressing functional receptors in heterologous systems, recent advances using the microtransplantation of tick synganglion membranes in Xenopus oocytes, and electrophysiological recordings of native neurons help to understand the pharmacological properties of tick nicotinic receptors. In addition, molecular modeling studies provide new criteria in the study of ligand-receptor interactions.
{"title":"New insight into the tick neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: from molecular to pharmacological studies.","authors":"Khalid Boussaine, Philippine Chartier, Alison Cartereau, Daniel Auguin, Emiliane Taillebois, Steeve H Thany","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ACh is known to be an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of several arthropod species. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are involved in rapid neurotransmission and are the target of compounds used as acaricides. In the present review, we discuss recent data on the study of the functional properties of tick neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes present in the synganglion. Several nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits have been characterized in tick species. We show that despite difficulties expressing functional receptors in heterologous systems, recent advances using the microtransplantation of tick synganglion membranes in Xenopus oocytes, and electrophysiological recordings of native neurons help to understand the pharmacological properties of tick nicotinic receptors. In addition, molecular modeling studies provide new criteria in the study of ligand-receptor interactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 5","pages":"102534"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144823037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102541
Sara L. Gandy , Faye V. Brown , Nicola J. Jones , Sarah M. Biddlecombe , Georgia Kirby , Colin J. Johnston , Kayleigh M. Hansford , Alexander G.C. Vaux , Ternenge T. Apaa , Nicholas Johnson , Jolyon M. Medlock
Large ungulate grazers can manage habitats via conservation grazing, a practice using livestock to control vegetation growth, which has many ecological benefits but has the potential to provide additional hosts for ticks and consequently have an impact on tick-borne disease risk. Cattle and sheep are suspected to be transmission hosts for several tick-transmitted pathogens, so the presence of livestock could increase disease hazard. However, some ungulate species do not transmit other pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), so conservation grazing could reduce prevalence of these pathogens, and thus environmental disease hazard, by diverting ticks from feeding on transmission hosts. To better understand these dynamics, we used a paired experiment in the New Forest in southern England. Questing ticks were collected at 20 sites between 2021 and 2023. Ten sites were inside “inclosures” (New Forest term for fenced woodlands to exclude livestock) and the remaining ten were not fenced, which permitted livestock grazing. Grazing led to significantly shorter ground vegetation and fewer questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs. We tested 2974 nymphs for multiple pathogens and determined there were no significant differences in nymphal infection prevalence or density of infected nymphs for B. burgdorferi s.l. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum between sites. However, we found that the density of infected nymphs for Borrelia garinii and Borrelia valaisiana was lower where there was grazing. In this study, we show that conservation grazing by ponies and cattle could lower tick density, probably by affecting the vegetation understory, and could potentially lower disease hazard for some genospecies of B. burgdorferi s.l. but not A. phagocytophilum.
{"title":"The role of large ungulate grazers on Ixodes ricinus and tick-borne pathogens in the New Forest - a case study for future rewilded landscapes","authors":"Sara L. Gandy , Faye V. Brown , Nicola J. Jones , Sarah M. Biddlecombe , Georgia Kirby , Colin J. Johnston , Kayleigh M. Hansford , Alexander G.C. Vaux , Ternenge T. Apaa , Nicholas Johnson , Jolyon M. Medlock","doi":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Large ungulate grazers can manage habitats via conservation grazing, a practice using livestock to control vegetation growth, which has many ecological benefits but has the potential to provide additional hosts for ticks and consequently have an impact on tick-borne disease risk. Cattle and sheep are suspected to be transmission hosts for several tick-transmitted pathogens, so the presence of livestock could increase disease hazard. However, some ungulate species do not transmit other pathogens such as <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> sensu lato (s.l.), so conservation grazing could reduce prevalence of these pathogens, and thus environmental disease hazard, by diverting ticks from feeding on transmission hosts. To better understand these dynamics, we used a paired experiment in the New Forest in southern England. Questing ticks were collected at 20 sites between 2021 and 2023. Ten sites were inside “inclosures” (New Forest term for fenced woodlands to exclude livestock) and the remaining ten were not fenced, which permitted livestock grazing. Grazing led to significantly shorter ground vegetation and fewer questing <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> nymphs. We tested 2974 nymphs for multiple pathogens and determined there were no significant differences in nymphal infection prevalence or density of infected nymphs for <em>B. burgdorferi</em> s.l. and <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em> between sites<em>.</em> However, we found that the density of infected nymphs for <em>Borrelia garinii</em> and <em>Borrelia valaisiana</em> was lower where there was grazing. In this study, we show that conservation grazing by ponies and cattle could lower tick density, probably by affecting the vegetation understory, and could potentially lower disease hazard for some genospecies of <em>B. burgdorferi</em> s.l. but not <em>A. phagocytophilum</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49320,"journal":{"name":"Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases","volume":"16 5","pages":"Article 102541"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144912776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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