Search Results (143)

Background: Bovine babesiosis, caused by the tick-borne apicomplexan parasite Babesia spp., is an economically significant disease that threatens the cattle industry worldwide. Babesia bovis is the most pathogenic species, leading to high morbidity and mortality in infected animals. One promising approach to vaccination against bovine babesiosis involves the use of multiple protective antigens, offering advantages over traditional live-attenuated vaccines. Tools such as immunobioinformatics and reverse vaccinology have facilitated the identification of novel antigens. Enolase, a “moonlighting” enzyme of the glycolytic pathway with demonstrated vaccine potential in other pathogens, has not yet been studied in B. bovis. Methods: In this study, the enolase gene from two B. bovis isolates was successfully identified and sequenced. The gene, consisting of 1366 base pairs, encodes a predicted protein of 438 amino acids. Its expression in intraerythrocytic parasites was confirmed by RT-PCR. Two peptides containing predicted B-cell epitopes were synthesized and used to immunize rabbits. Hyperimmune sera were then analyzed by ELISA, confocal microscopy, Western blot, and an in vitro neutralization assay. Results: The hyperimmune sera showed high antibody titers, reaching up to 1:256,000. Specific antibodies recognized intraerythrocytic merozoites by confocal microscopy and bound to a ~47 kDa protein in erythrocytic cultures of B. bovis as detected by Western blot. In the neutralization assay, antibodies raised against peptide 1 had no observable effect, whereas those targeting peptide 2 significantly reduced parasitemia by 71.99%. Conclusions: These results suggest that B. bovis enolase contains B-cell epitopes capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies and may play a role in parasite–host interactions. Enolase is therefore a promising candidate for further exploration as a vaccine antigen. Nonetheless, additional experimental studies are needed to fully elucidate its biological function and validate its vaccine potential. Full article

This study aimed to assess the emergence and/or re-emergence of Tick-borne Diseases (TBD) in Portugal by linking the hemoparasite burden in companion animals to vector-borne disease dynamics through a One Health approach. Between 2015 and 2024, 1169 clinically suspected animals with hemoparasite infections, treated at the Hospital Veterinário de Santarém (HVS), underwent serological confirmation for Rickettsia conorii, Babesia canis, Ehrlichia spp., and Haemobartonella spp. A total of 3791 serological tests (3.2 tests per animal) were performed and 437 animals tested positive for at least one of the four hemoparasites under investigation. From 2020 to 2024, tests nearly tripled from 894 to 2883, raising positive cases and prevalence from 29.5% to 39.9%, especially for rickettsiosis and hemobartonellosis, indicating an increased circulation of their vectors. A national vector surveillance initiative identified Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor sp. as primary tick vectors in Portugal for the hemoparasites mentioned above and for other agents like arbovirus, such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). This study found that the vectors responsible for transmitting hemoparasitosis, given the high number of serologically positive cases detected in the HVS, represent an increasing risk for TBD. These findings highlight the relevance of companion animal monitoring as an early-warning component within a One Health surveillance approach. Full article

Wild boars (Sus scrofa) and their associated ticks represent important reservoirs and vectors for a variety of zoonotic pathogens, particularly Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. The aim of this review is to highlight the diagnostic methods employed throughout the past two decades to detect these pathogens in wild boars and their associated ticks, focusing especially on PCR methods (conventional and real-time), on sample origin (host or vector), and on specific primers. This review compiles data from studies conducted between 2005 and 2024, providing a comparative overview of targeted genes, such as groEL, msp2, and 16S rRNA for Anaplasma, and 18S rRNA for Babesia. Despite the prevalence of molecular diagnostic techniques, serological methods like ELISA have not been applied to wild boar or tick samples in this context. The review also analyzes geographical trends, with a higher research output noted in Central and Eastern Europe, Japan, and the United States. The performance of the methods is discussed based on reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, pathogen prevalence, and technical variables. By synthesizing these findings, the review identifies methodological gaps and offers a reference framework for improving diagnostic accuracy in wildlife disease surveillance. Full article

In Thailand, domestic cats are frequently exposed to vectors that transmit a variety of pathogens. In this study, the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) and their association with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were investigated in 187 domestic cats from animal hospitals across five northeastern provinces. Twelve pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, were screened using PCR assays. FIV was identified in 2.67% of the cats, while FeLV exhibited a notably higher prevalence of 29.95%. Among the bacterial pathogens, Bartonella henselae was the most frequently detected (94.65%), followed by Rickettsia felis (34.22%). Protozoan infections such as Babesia canis (8.02%) and Cytauxzoon felis (3.21%) were less prevalent. Co-infections were common, with numerous cats hosting multiple pathogens. Correlation analysis revealed moderate associations between FIV and Babesia microti (r = 0.43), Babesia canis (r = 0.35), and Mycoplasma spp. (r = 0.33), indicating potential co-infection or predisposition. Although significant differences in the total white blood cell counts were not observed, leukopenia was more commonly found in FeLV/FIV-positive cats. These findings indicate that a high burden of infection and co-infection exists in the feline population, supporting the need for expanded pathogen screening and enhanced vector control strategies. Full article

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) has experienced significant population growth as well as geographic expansion across Europe over the past 15 years, leading to increased concerns regarding its role in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Among these, Babesia spp. and Anaplasma spp. are of particular importance due to their impact on both wildlife and domestic animals. This study systematically reviews the prevalence and distribution of Babesia and Anaplasma spp. in wild boars and associated tick vectors across multiple European countries, synthesizing data from literature published between 2010 and 2024. A comprehensive search of Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases was conducted using predefined keywords related to babesiosis, anaplasmosis, wild boars, Europe, and tick-borne diseases. A total of 281 studies were initially retrieved, of which 19 met the inclusion criteria following relevance assessment. Data extraction focused on pathogen identification, diagnostic methods, sample type, host species, and prevalence rates. Molecular detection methods, primarily PCR and sequencing, were the most used diagnostic tools. Results indicate substantial regional variations in the prevalence of Babesia and Anaplasma spp. A. phagocytophilum was detected in wild boar populations across multiple countries, with the highest prevalence rates observed in Slovakia (28.2%) and Poland (20.34%). Conversely, lower prevalence rates were recorded in France (2%) and Portugal (3.1%). Babesia spp. showed higher prevalence rates in Italy (6.2%), while its detection in other regions such as Romania and Spain was minimal or absent. Notably, spleen and multi-organ samples (spleen/liver/kidney) exhibited higher positivity rates compared to blood samples, suggesting an organotropic localization of these pathogens. The findings underscore the role of wild boars as reservoirs for tick-borne pathogens and highlight their potential to contribute to the epidemiological cycle of these infections. The increasing distribution of wild boars, coupled with climate-driven shifts in tick populations, may further facilitate pathogen transmission. Future studies should focus on integrating molecular, serological, and ecological approaches to improve surveillance and risk assessment. Standardized methodologies across different regions will be essential in enhancing comparative epidemiological insights and informing targeted disease management strategies. Full article

Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and babesiosis, caused by Babesia divergens and Babesia venatorum, are both transmitted by the ixodid tick Ixodes ricinus. Although these diseases coexist in Spain and other European regions, no studies have been carried out to assess the impact on the health of patients exposed to both causative pathogens. This retrospective study, conducted in Asturias in northwestern Spain between 2015 and 2017, analyzed the possible complications arising from exposure to these pathogens. To this end, the epidemiological, clinical and analytical features of two groups of a cohort of 120 LB patients exposed to one or two of the pathogens were compared. The cohort comprised 73 patients who had only been infected with Bo. burgdorferi s.l. (Bb group) and 47 patients who were seropositive for Ba. divergens/venatorum in addition to being infected with Bo. burgdorferi s.l. (BbBdv group). The results showed that LB patients who had also been exposed to infection with Babesia spp. (BbBdv group) had significantly more cardiorespiratory symptoms, in particular dyspnea and first- and second-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks, compared to those who had been infected with Bo. burgdorferi s.l. alone (Bb group). No relevant differences in other symptoms, epidemiological factors or analytical tests were observed between the two groups. Full article

Tick-borne piroplasmids are apicomplexan protozoa that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, with significant implications for animal and human health. This study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of piroplasmids in wild mammals, unconventional pets, and associated ticks in Goiás state, midwestern Brazil. Between April 2023 and January 2024, 105 blood samples, 22 tissue samples, and 300 ticks were collected from 21 mammalian species housed in wildlife screening centers, zoos, and veterinary clinics. Molecular screening targeting the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasmids detected a 25.7% (27/105) overall positivity, with gray brockets (Subulo gouazoubira) and South American tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) showing the highest infection rates. Three tick samples tested positive, including two Amblyomma sculptum nymphs and a male of Amblyomma dubitatum collected from a tapir and capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Cytauxzoon brasiliensis was reported, for the first time, in cougars (Puma concolor) from Goiás state, midwestern Brazil, indicating the role of this feline as a host of this parasite. Babesia goianiaensis was confirmed in a capybara, and Theileria terrestris in tapirs. Phylogenetic analyses clustered gray brockets-associated Theileria sequences with Theileria sp. previously detected in Neotropical deer from Brazil and Theileria cervi. While the phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit III separated Theileria genotypes detected in S. gouazoubira from T. cervi, hsp70-based phylogenetic inferences clustered the genotypes detected in Tapirus terrestris with Theileria terrestris, suggesting host-specific evolutionary lineages. These findings contribute to the understanding of Piroplasmida diversity and circulation in South American wild mammals, emphasizing the need for enhanced molecular surveillance to elucidate transmission dynamics, assess potential health risks, and contribute to the establishment of wildlife conservation and One Health strategies. Full article

Piroplasmids (Babesia spp., Rangelia spp., Theileria spp., Cytauxzoon spp.) are tick-borne apicomplexan protozoa that infect, depending on the species, erythrocytes and leucocytes in a wide variety of mammals and birds. The genera Bartonella and Borrelia include vector-borne bacteria that can infect and cause disease in both animals and humans. Detection of hemotropic bacteria and piroplasmids in wild animals is often challenging due to low bacteremia or parasitemia. Digital (d)PCR has proven to be an effective modality for the detection and quantification of DNA of hemotropic pathogens with low parasitemia. This study compared dPCR results from 366 biological samples from seven different Brazilian wild animal groups (5 Xenarthra species, 5 deer species, 3 felid species, 1 canid species, 3 rodent species, 1 bat species, 1 tapir species, and 12 bird species) to two other molecular diagnostic techniques: quantitative real-time (qPCR) and nested (nPCR). For this study, DNA extracted from wild animal blood and spleen samples were subjected to a multiplex dPCR assay for piroplasmids, Bartonella spp., and Borrelia spp. For comparison, the same primers and probes for each agent were used in qPCR assays. Additionally, an nPCR based on the 18S rRNA gene for piroplasmids was performed. The proportions of positive results obtained using dPCR were 85.5% for piroplasmids, 33.6% for Bartonella spp., and 16.7% for Borrelia spp. For all tested agents, dPCR proved to be the technique with the highest sensitivity, making it a useful tool for screening vector-borne agents in biological samples from wild animals with low parasitemia. Full article

Colpodella species are free-living predatory protists that prey on algae, ciliates and bodonids using myzocytosis. Colpodella species have been reported in human and animal infections. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting 18S rRNA genes of Cryptosporidium and piroplasms have identified Colpodella species in arthropods, host blood and feces, demonstrating the phylogenetic closeness of Colpodella species to the apicomplexa. However, in human, animal and arthropod hosts, the life cycle stages of Colpodella are unknown. In this literature review, we provide an overview of the widespread occurrence of Colpodella species in ticks, and pathogenicity in humans and animals. We discuss methods for culture and microscopy that can aid diagnosis. Phylogenetic tree analysis of Colpodella species identified using 18S rRNA demonstrates that the Colpodella species identified in different geographic regions represent different species and strains that may impact virulence and zoonotic transmission. There is a pressing need to culture Colpodella species, and to stain cells for morphological identification. This will aid molecular investigations aimed at identifying molecular markers of Colpodella spp. facilitating transmission, survival and pathogenesis in hosts, and will determine which species and strains to prioritize for the risk of zoonotic infections to humans and for infections in animals. Full article

Babesia odocoilei is an emerging zoonotic protozoan parasite primarily associated with cervids, with growing recognition among non-cervid hosts and in terms of potential public health implications. While this species has been documented in North America and parts of Europe, data on its presence in Romania remain scarce. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia spp. in ticks collected from Romania, providing new information on the existing species and their distribution, as well as their potential epidemiologic significance. A total of 41 Ixodidae ticks were collected from 184 wild boars across six counties from Western and Central Romania. Ticks were identified using morphological assessments, and DNA was extracted from the samples using a standardized protocol. The presence of Babesia spp. was assessed using real-time PCR with primers and a Taq Man probe targeting 116 bp fragments of 18S rRNA genes. Molecular analysis was used to detect Babesia spp. DNA from a single tick sample (1/41, 2.43%), identified as Dermacentor marginatus, from Timiș County. The resulting amplicons were sequenced and compared with reference sequences in GenBank for species confirmation. This finding represents the first molecular identification of B. odocoilei in questing ticks from Romania. The expanding host range and geographic distribution of B. odocoilei raise concerns regarding its zoonotic potential. The presence of this pathogen in Dermacentor marginatus ticks suggests a broader vector competence than previously recognized, and future research should focus on host reservoirs, vector competence, and potential zoonotic transmission, with an emphasis on public health implications, including potential implications for veterinary diagnostics, vector control policies, and public health awareness regarding emerging tick-borne pathogens. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of various concentrations of PVP-40 on the in vitro cryopreservation and recovery of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. We also assessed a reduced dose of attenuated Babesia strains to determine its efficacy in preventing clinical disease. A microaerophilic stationary phase blood culture system was used to recover Babesia parasites that were cryopreserved in solutions with various PVP-40 concentrations and Babesia parasites in 20% PVP-40 were used to vaccinate naïve cattle. The animals were vaccinated intramuscularly with frozen parasites cryopreserved in 20% PVP-40, with a dose of either 1 × 10⁸ or 1 × 10⁷ erythrocytes infected with both attenuated B. bigemina and B. bovis produced from blood cultures. The control group received uninfected erythrocytes. During the vaccination, clinical parameters such as rectal temperature and hematocrit levels were unaffected. The animals were relocated to a farm in a Babesia hyperendemic area to test the efficacy of these live vaccines in controlling disease onset. Some vaccinated animals showed mild disease. In the vaccinated groups, parasites were detected in blood smears for only one day during the challenge. In contrast, the control group experienced fever for three consecutive days, a decline in hematocrit levels, and significant health deterioration. In this group, parasites were detected in smears for four consecutive days. All the animals in the control group required treatment to manage their high parasitemia and prevent mortality. In this study, we demonstrated that increasing the concentration of PVP-40 to cryopreserve parasites improved the recovery and proliferation of Babesia spp. in blood culture, and we also showed that when animals were vaccinated with cryopreserved, in vitro cultured, attenuated Babesia parasites in 20% PVP-40, they were effectively protected from severe clinical babesiosis. Full article

Vector-borne diseases play a significant role in veterinary health, impacting both wild and domestic animals and posing a major constraint on the development of animal husbandry worldwide. The current study aimed to highlight some of the factors involved in the appearance and dissemination of these emerging and re-emerging diseases, as well as the prevalence rate of certain species of pathogens, in cattle throughout Europe. Considering the complexity of vector–host systems, ticks can be mentioned as the first and most common vector involved in the transmission of pathogens in cattle. The highest prevalence was reported for two vector species: Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis punctata. Another factor that contributes to the rapid identification of these diseases is the employed diagnostic method; thus, the most frequently employed techniques in Europe are: PCR, ELISA, and phylogenetic analysis of sequences. The prevalence of tick-borne infections in cattle is continuously increasing. The most frequent associations are Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. Overall, this study highlights a rising occurrence and prevalence of vector-borne diseases in European cattle, underscoring the need for thorough monitoring of farms and vector hotspots—ideally within a “One Health” framework. Full article

In Italy, the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens is still poorly characterized. This prospective study was conducted at the IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital in Negrar di Valpolicella (Verona), northeastern Italy, from 2018 to 2022. Ticks from asymptomatic individuals visiting the hospital after a recent tick bite were characterized using microscopy and tested for pathogens using molecular tests. A total of 317 ticks collected from 280 subjects were analyzed, with most identified as Ixodes species (95.6%), followed by Rhipicephalus spp. (0.6%) and Dermacentor spp. (0.3%). Molecular analysis was performed on 257 single ticks and 23 pooled samples. Overall, 15.4% tested positive for at least one pathogen. The most frequently detected pathogen was Borrelia spp. (n = 22, 7.8%), including B. afzeli (n = 8), B. miyamotoi (n = 6), B. valaisiana (n = 2), B. garinii (n = 2), Borrelia spp. (n = 2), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (n = 1), and B. spielmanii (n = 1). Rickettsia spp. was detected in 20 samples (7.1%), comprising R. helvetica (n = 11), R. monacensis (n = 7), and Rickettsia spp. (n = 2). Other pathogens included Anaplasma phagocytophilum (n = 5, 1.8%), Babesia venatorum (n = 2, 0.7%), and tick-borne encephalitis virus (n = 1, 0.4%). This study calls for enhanced surveillance in the province of Verona to clarify these pathogens’ clinical impact. Full article

Background: Climate warming and anthropogenic environmental changes impact the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). This study investigated the occurrence of ticks and the risk of TBPs infection in urban and rural recreational areas in Eastern Poland at record-high temperatures in winter. Methods: Ticks were collected from vegetation using the flagging method. Various types of polymerase chain reactions were applied to detect Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp. in the studied ticks. Results: 268 ticks were sampled in the four urban/suburban and one rural sites, including 78 Ixodes ricinus specimens and 190 Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. Of the ticks, 49.19% were infected by at least one TBP, including 41.03% of I. ricinus and 63.04% of D. reticulatus specimens. Co-infections with TBPs that involved only I. ricinus were recorded in 6.41% of these ticks. Conclusions: The study indicates that hosts are exposed to tick attacks and TBPs infection in Central Europe at high temperatures in winter. The high activity of ticks may increase the incidence of tick-borne diseases in humans and companion animals. The record’s importance indicates that practical preventive measures against TBPs should be taken due to weather conditions rather than the season. Full article

Bats and their ectoparasites play a crucial role in understanding the ecology and transmission of vector-borne pathogens, yet these dynamics remain poorly studied in Portugal. This study aimed to investigate the molecular occurrence of vector-borne bacteria (Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp.) and protozoa (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) in ectoparasites of cave-dwelling bats. Bats were sampled from two caves in Portugal, and their ectoparasites included wing mites (Spinturnix myoti), ticks (Ixodes simplex), and bat flies (Penicillidia conspicua and Nycteribia schmidlii). Molecular analyses revealed the presence of Bartonella spp. in S. myoti and N. schmidlii. Phylogenetic inference based on the gltA gene positioned the detected genotypes close to those previously reported in bats and Nycteribiidae flies in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Notably, no DNA from Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia spp., or piroplasmids was detected. The prevalence of S. myoti was high, with all examined bats being infested, showing notable differences in ectoparasite diversity concerning sex and cave-specific location. These findings suggest that host behavior, environmental conditions, and ectoparasite lifecycles play critical roles in shaping pathogen transmission dynamics. This study advances the understanding of bat ectoparasite–pathogen interactions in a region with limited data and highlights the need for continued research to assess the zoonotic potential and ecological impacts of the Bartonella genotypes detected herein. Full article