Search Results (432)

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

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), first reported in 1957 in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India, has spread significantly over the past two decades, reaching both northern and southern states, with reports of monkey deaths. Haemaphysalis spp. ticks are the primary vectors, transmitting the disease to monkeys, humans, and other mammals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity of Ixodidae ticks, including the KFD vector, in domestic animals across selected localities of the Western Ghats. A total of 2877 domestic animals were surveyed, revealing an overall tick prevalence of 44.91% (CI: 43.10–46.73), with sheep showing the highest prevalence at 47.92% (CI: 40.96–54.95). The most abundant tick species was Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, with a mean of 2.53 ± 0.66 ticks per host, which also represented the most proportionally dominant species, accounting for 39.63% of the total ticks collected. The highest mean intensity was recorded for Haemaphysalis intermedia (7.35 ± 2.03 ticks per infested animal). Regionally, Rh. (Bo.) microplus was found in 96.15% of buffaloes examined in Tamil Nadu, Haemaphysalis bispinosa in 85.19% of cattle in Maharashtra, and in 98.46% of goats in Goa. Ha. intermedia was common in 99.11% of sheep examined in Karnataka, while Ha. bispinosa was observed in 90.82% of goats in Kerala. The proportional representation of the KFD vector Haemaphysalis spinigera was 0.97%, with a mean intensity of 2.34 ± 0.04 ticks per infested animal and an overall mean abundance of 0.06 ± 0.01 ticks per host. Adult Ha. spinigera were recorded from cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and dogs; however, no nymphs were detected. This study also reports the first documented occurrence of Ixodes ceylonensis in domestic animals. These findings suggest a notable presence of tick infestations in the region and emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and targeted control measures to better understand and manage potential KFD transmission risks in the Western Ghats. Full article

Ixodiphagus hookeri (Howard, 1907) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a hyperparasitic wasp that parasitizes hard ticks, has been documented in various parts of Europe; however, data on its presence in southeastern regions has been lacking. This study provides the first molecular evidence of I. hookeri in ticks from the coastal areas of the Balkan Peninsula, specifically Croatia and Bulgaria. A total of 1043 questing ticks were collected between 2011 and 2013 across 15 locations. Molecular screening revealed I. hookeri DNA in Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs from inland Croatia (overall prevalence: 18.72%) and in Haemaphysalis concinna (Koch, 1844) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs and larvae from coastal Bulgaria (prevalence: 17.2%). All I. hookeri-positive samples were co-infected with Wolbachia spp. (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae). This detection marks the southernmost record of I. hookeri in Central Europe, expanding its known range to the Balkan Peninsula and supporting its relevance as a potential natural enemy in integrated tick management strategies. Full article

Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, both members of the Anaplasmataceae family, are pathogens that can cause diseases in animals and humans. Ixodid ticks are the primary vectors for both species. While urban green spaces offer various ecological and social benefits, there is increasing evidence suggesting potential public health risks, particularly increased exposure to vector-borne diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and co-occurrence of A. phagocytophilum and N. mikurensis in ticks from urban environments in Lithuania. A total of 3599 Ixodes ricinus and 29 Dermacentor reticulatus were collected from 31 urban and 21 peri-urban areas. Ticks were examined for pathogens using duplex real-time PCR. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 4.47% of tested ticks, while N. mikurensis in 6.17%. Co-infection was found in 0.42% of I. ricinus specimens. Phylogenetic analysis of the groEl gene revealed low genetic variability of N. mikurensis and the circulation of two ecotypes (I and II) of A. phagocytophilum. Additionally, Ehrlichia muris was identified in I. ricinus ticks. This study is the first report of N. mikurensis detection in ticks from Lithuania. Our findings highlight the potential risk posed by tick-borne pathogens in urban and peri-urban areas of the country. Full article

Highly pathogenic henipaviruses (Nipah and Hendra viruses) and parahenipaviruses (Langya virus) have demonstrated significant zoonotic potential. We aimed to identify Henipavirus or Parahenipavirus species in rodents and shrews in South Korea to underline the potential zoonotic transmission risk. Kidney and lung tissues from 285 rodents and shrews were screened for Henipavirus and Parahenipavirus using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) targeting the Gamak virus and Daeryong virus (DARV) sequences. Based on the qRT-PCR results, 75 out of the 285 individuals tested positive, with the highest viral loads in the kidneys of Apodemus agrarius, Crocidura lasiura, and Crocidura shantungensis. A kidney sample from C. shantungensis that exhibited the lowest Ct value was further analyzed using PCR, Sanger sequencing, and metagenomic analysis, yielding a near-complete genome of a novel Parahenipavirus, designated Parahenipavirus_GH (PHNV-GH), which is phylogenetically related to DARV and Jingmen virus but exhibits distinct genomic features. Ixodes granulatus ticks were also identified on the host shrew. The identification of PHNV-GH in southern South Korea expands the known geographical distribution range of parahenipaviruses and highlights the ongoing risk of zoonotic transmission. Given the uncertain transmission dynamics and pathogenic potential of parahenipaviruses, comprehensive environmental surveillance and characterization of emerging parahenipaviruses are essential for preventing future outbreaks. Full article

Ticks carry a range of pathogens, the best known of which causes Lyme disease, prevalent in the northeastern United States. Emerging diseases do not yet consist of a wide range of Lyme diseases, raising the question of how long it takes for a newly introduced tick-borne disease to establish itself. The aim of this study was to address this question, with the agent of Lyme disease used as the test case. A prior process-based model of the Ixodes scapularis (Say 1821) life cycle and the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi (Burgdorfer 1982) between this tick and its various hosts was used to predict the dynamics of disease introduction into a new area. The importance of temperature, infection probabilities, and tick host populations, relative to that of other factors, was established by a global sensitivity analysis using Latin hypercube sampling. The results of those samples were analyzed to determine the time to near-equilibrium. Eight locations in New Hampshire were chosen for high/low temperature, high/low mouse, and high/low deer values. Mammal abundance was estimated by relating the known mammal density from previous studies to a MaxEnt analysis output. The time required to reach Borrelia endemicity in the ticks of New Hampshire ranged from 8 to 20 years in regions where the tick population is viable, with a strong dependency on susceptible tick host populations. Full article

The Kaliningrad Oblast, located in the westernmost part of Russia and bordering European Union countries, is a popular tourist destination. However, limited research has been conducted on the bacteria found in ticks in this region. We, therefore, investigated the prevalence of certain bacteria, including Borrelia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia, as well as the genospecies of the spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) in Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus tick species. To accomplish this, we employed commercial qPCR for pathogen screening. We identified specific genospecies by sequencing the gltA and ompA gene fragments. In I. ricinus ticks, we found Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in 35.6% of samples. We also found Rickettsia helvetica in 17.5% of ticks. Additionally, we detected Borrelia miyamotoi in 1.7% and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 2.6%, while Ehrlichia chaffeensis/Ehrlichia muris were present in 0.6%. In D. reticulatus ticks, we detected only Rickettsia conorii subsp. raoultii DNA, with a prevalence of 6.1%. These findings demonstrate a substantial risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections from early spring through late autumn, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring for these pathogens in the region. 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

Hard ticks are vectors of a wide range of pathogens, with tick-borne bacteria being among the most frequently detected. This study presents a first approach to the identification of human-biting ticks in the Basque Country (northern Iberian Peninsula), where previous research has mainly focused on ticks from vegetation and domestic and wild animals. The aim of this study was (i) to identify tick species collected in hospitals and health centres and (ii) to determine the presence and identify of pathogenic bacteria that they may carry using PCR, RLB and sequencing methods. A total of 181 ticks were collected and grouped in pools of one, two or three specimens, resulting in 157 samples. Morphological and molecular identification of collected ticks revealed that most specimens belonged to Ixodes ricinus (88.5%). Additionally, Rhipicephalus bursa, Haemaphysalis punctata, Dermacentor reticulatus and Dermacentor marginatus were also identified. A total of 25 samples (15.9%) tested positive for DNA from the targeted pathogens. The most prevalent vector-borne bacteria were Borrelia spp. (6.4%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (5.1%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (2.5%) and Coxiella spp. (1.9%). Species identified included B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. miyamotoi, B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi s. s., R. monacensis, “Candidatus R. rioja”, R. helvetica and R. massiliae. This study highlights the usefulness of combining molecular diagnostics with passive surveillance of human-attached ticks as an effective tool for regional monitoring of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Full article

Ticks carry numerous pathogens that, if transmitted, can cause disease in humans and animals. Research on pathogens transmitted from ticks to humans is essential for improving public health strategies against tick-borne diseases (TBDs). In this study, Ixodes ricinus ticks found on humans were collected and examined between 2019 and 2024. This study is about the molecular characteristics of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in the region of northern Serbia, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Coxiella burnetii. We identified B. burgdorferi s.l. as the most prevalent in ticks (20.45%). Molecular analysis identified two genospecies, B. afzelii and B. burgdorferi s.s., indicating genetic diversity among Borrelia spirochetes. A. phagocytophilum was detected in ticks with a prevalence of (1.62%), while C. burnetii was not found in any of the ticks. Our findings highlight the necessity of monitoring tick pathogens in ticks removed from humans. Serbia is an endemic region for some tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease. Regular surveillance of tick populations, with molecular identification of pathogens, offers insight into transmission dynamics, allowing for monitoring and public health interventions to be created if needed due to increased risk. Full article

The increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases in Europe necessitates the development of accurate and high-throughput molecular tools for detecting pathogens in tick populations. In this study, we present a novel flaB gene-based profiling method for the detection and identification of Borrelia and Borreliella species in Ixodes ricinus ticks, combining newly designed primers with next-generation sequencing (NGS). The method was evaluated alongside conventional nested PCR targeting the flaB gene, as well as microbial profiling based on the V4 region of the rrs gene, using tick DNA extracted from 1088 specimens pooled into 94 samples. Our results demonstrate that the flaB gene-based profiling approach was the highest-performing out of the three methods, detecting Borreliaceae DNA in 83 DNA pools, compared to 58 and 56 pools using nested PCR and V4 rrs profiling, respectively. A total of 23 distinct flaB sequence variants were identified, corresponding to five Borreliaceae species: Borreliella afzelii, Bl. garinii, Bl. valaisiana, Bl. burgdorferi, and Borrelia miyamotoi. Additionally, the method enabled putative strain-level discrimination within species. Our results highlight the value of flaB gene-based profiling as a robust tool for ecological and epidemiological studies of Borreliaceae diversity in ticks. 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

I. ricinus and D. reticulatus are among the most important vectors of pathogens causing tick-borne diseases in humans and animals. This study investigated their seasonal activity in Eastern Poland, a region with one of the highest incidence rates of tick-borne diseases nationwide. Additionally, we examined tick habitat preferences and the impact of abiotic factors on their activity patterns. To this end, we conducted systematic monitoring of tick activity between 2017 and 2019 in two ecologically distinct habitats: a mixed forest and a meadow. Using Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) and Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs), we analyzed the collected data. Our findings indicate that I. ricinus reaches peak activity in late spring, within a temperature range of 9.5–16.5 °C and relative humidity between 45.3% and 84.5%. In contrast, D. reticulatus demonstrated a broader thermal tolerance, remaining active at temperatures ranging from 1.0 °C to 32.6 °C and relative air humidity of 33.8–89.0%. Both temperature and humidity were found to be significant factors influencing tick activity. Moreover, I. ricinus and D. reticulatus exhibited distinct seasonal activity patterns throughout the year. Full article

Ticks are key vectors of zoonotic pathogens, and their expanding distribution in Europe heightens public health concerns. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, while tick distribution is well documented, molecular data on tick-borne pathogens remain limited. This study aimed to illustrate the presence and diversity of these pathogens, focusing on areas with high human activity. Ticks (n = 556) were collected in April 2022 from eight diverse locations, including urban parks, private properties, and rural sites. PCR-based screening was employed to detect Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia, Francisella, Piroplasmida, Rickettsia, and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), with subsequent sequencing to confirm results. Further characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was achieved via reverse line blotting (RLB) hybridization and sequencing. Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent species, followed by Dermacentor marginatus and D. reticulatus. Our analysis revealed an overall infection rate of 22.1% in questing ticks, with Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. predominating. Notably, seven Borrelia species were identified in I. ricinus, alongside Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia helvetica, and R. monacensis, with co-infections mainly observed in peri-urban areas. This study provides the first molecular evidence of multiple tick-borne pathogens in the region, underscoring the need for further surveillance and risk assessment of tick-borne diseases in the region. Full article

Rapid environmental changes driven by human activities are contributing to a significant decline in global biodiversity, with avian species being particularly affected due to their migratory behavior. As highly mobile hosts, birds facilitate the geographic dispersal of ectoparasites, including ticks, which serve as vectors for numerous zoonotic pathogens. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Faunistic Observatory of the Asinara National Park between 2021 and 2023, aimed to investigate the potential role of migratory birds in tick dispersal and the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA. Birds were captured using mist nets during pre-breeding (April–May) and post-breeding (October–November) migration periods. Ticks were systematically collected and identified at the species level, and molecular analyses were performed using real-time and conventional PCR to detect the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA. Results showed a distinct seasonal variation in tick species composition. In autumn, Ixodes ricinus was predominant (99%), whereas Hyalomma species were more frequently observed in spring (78%). Molecular screening revealed Borrelia spp. DNA in 26.1% of the collected ticks, with Borrelia garinii being the most prevalent species. These findings underscore the ecological significance of migratory birds in the dissemination of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, highlighting their potential role in shaping disease transmission dynamics across different geographic regions. This study provides valuable insights into the seasonal fluctuations in tick populations associated with migratory avifauna and the epidemiological risks posed by these interactions. Continued surveillance of migratory birds as vectors of zoonotic pathogens is essential for informing public health strategies and mitigating the risks of emerging infectious diseases, but further investigation is needed to clarify the actual role of migratory birds in the transmission of Borrelia spp. Full article