Search Results (422)

Babesia vogeli is considered endemic in urban settings of Brazil, whereas Hepatozoon canis remains insufficiently documented in several regions, including the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro. This study investigated the frequency, spatial distribution, and determinants of infection by piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. in dogs from distinct environments. A total of 372 blood samples from pet dogs were collected between June and October 2023 in Maricá (Area 1; n = 105) and in the Administrative Regions of Barra da Tijuca, Guaratiba, and Jacarepaguá (Area 2; n = 267). Molecular screening was performed using 18S rRNA gene-based PCR assays, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic inference. Conventional PCR was used for piroplasmids, while both conventional and nested PCR were applied for Hepatozoon detection. Overall, 30 dog samples (8.1%) tested positive. Piroplasmids were detected in 3.5% of dogs, with a higher occurrence in Area 1, whereas Hepatozoon spp. infection was identified in 5.4% of samples, with co-positivity with piroplasmids being rare. All piroplasmid sequences corresponded to B. vogeli, while H. canis was confirmed in thirteen dogs. The absence of owner-reported tick-borne disease history was the main factor associated with hemoparasite positivity. These findings provide the first molecular epidemiological evidence of H. canis circulation in different areas of Rio de Janeiro and highlight the need for integrated diagnostics, surveillance, and targeted actions to improve control. Full article

Among the 24 tick species documented in Slovakia, Ixodes ricinus is the most widespread and abundant. In some sites, 2–5 epidemiologically important tick species co-occur. Such sites represent hotspots for studying the co-circulation of tick-borne pathogens. Sympatric occurrence of five exophilic species (I. ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, D. marginatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and H. inermis) was confirmed in the environs of the Žemberovce village (Levice region, south-western Slovakia). Here, the seasonal activity and abundance of questing ticks and the tick infestation of game and sheep were investigated. Questing ticks, spleens of game, and ticks removed from game and sheep were examined for the presence of tick-borne pathogens (Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., and Borrelia miyamotoi) by molecular methods. Among the questing ticks, I. ricinus prevailed. Presence of Babesia crassa, B. microti, Rickettsia helvetica, R. raoultii, A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and B. miyamotoi was detected. Dermacentor marginatus, I. ricinus and H. concinna were collected from sheep. They were infected with A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis, R. slovaca, and R. raoultii. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in all examined red deer and roe deer and in 55.6% of wild boar. All cervids were positive for Theileria spp. Infestation of game with all five tick species, with a predominance of I. ricinus, was confirmed. In these ticks, A. phagocytophilum, R. helvetica, R. raoultii, Babesia sp. hc-hlj212, B. crassa, B. microti, Babesia spp. and B. miyamotoi were detected. This study confirmed the presence of B. crassa in Slovakia for the first time. The investigated area, with the co-occurrence of five exophilic tick species and a wide spectrum of tick-borne pathogens, represents an epidemiologically important hotspot with the risk of infections of humans and domestic animals. Full article

Tick-borne diseases are an increasing public health concern in Europe, driven by climate change, landscape transformation, and expanding human activity. Urban green spaces provide suitable habitats for ticks and increase human exposure to tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), yet habitat-specific patterns in urban and suburban environments remain poorly characterized. This study examined tick distribution and TBPs prevalence across 11 urban and suburban sites in Kaunas County, Lithuania. A total of 1539 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected and screened by real-time PCR for Borrelia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp., with further species identification by sequencing. Borrelia spp. were most prevalent (24.43%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (7.60%), N. mikurensis (6.63%), A. phagocytophilum (3.64%), and Babesia spp. (2.53%). Tick density, pathogen prevalence, and species diversity varied among habitats, with higher values in forested and ecotonal areas, but notable infection rates were also observed in managed urban sites. Co-infections occurred in 18.8% of infected ticks. Our findings demonstrate that the circulation of TBPs in urban and suburban landscapes is shaped by local habitat features, host communities, and management intensity, highlighting the need for habitat-specific risk assessment in urban planning and public health. Full article

Tick-borne protozoa (TBP), including Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., cause substantial health and productivity losses in cattle. In Thailand, most epidemiological studies have focused on dairy herds, while beef cattle remain underinvestigated. This study assessed TBP infections in beef cattle and their ticks at the Thai–Myanmar border. Blood samples were collected from 158 beef cattle, including local animals from Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhlaburi districts and cross-border cattle imported from Myanmar. Engorged ticks, predominantly Rhipicephalus microplus, were removed and identified morphologically. DNA was extracted from blood and tick samples, and PCR assays were performed to detect Babesia and Theileria species. Overall, 51.3% of cattle were positive for Babesia or Theileria DNA. Babesia bigemina (10.8%) and Babesia bovis (8.2%) were the most frequently detected species. Infection prevalence was higher in local cattle from Thong Pha Phum (56.0%) and Sangkhlaburi (54.6%) than in cross-border cattle (39.5%). In contrast, ticks collected from cross-border cattle showed a significantly higher prevalence of TBP DNA (40.0%) compared with ticks from Thong Pha Phum (12.8%) and Sangkhlaburi (8.7%). These findings provide important epidemiological evidence of TBP circulation at the Thai–Myanmar border and highlight the influence of cattle movement and tick exposure on pathogen distribution and spread in this region. Full article

Canine babesiosis is a vector-borne disease of dogs with a worldwide distribution, presenting varying clinical signs depending on the host, parasite strain and climatic factors. Beyond companionship, dog meat serves as delicacy and is also used for zootherapy in some African communities. In this study, we collated and analyzed molecular biology-based diagnostic data on Babesia species of dogs in Africa in order to elucidate the epidemiological factors of the disease on the continent. Four Babesia species—B. rossi, B. vogeli, B. gibsoni and B. canis—were detected in Africa based on the results from 40 studies that involved the screening of 9435 dog blood samples from 83 study locations. Babesia rossi was the most commonly reported (aggregate detection rate = 7.7%) and was detected in samples from all the African regions except northern Africa. Babesia vogeli was the second most commonly reported (aggregate detection = 4.8%) and was detected in all of the African sub-regions. There were few reports of B. gibsoni (0.6%) in the southern and western African regions, and a single case of B. canis in an untraveled Nigerian dog. So far, there were no reports of Babesia coco, Babesia conradae or Babesia vulpes (Babesia annae, Babesia microti-like) in any of the African countries that have been confirmed by a molecular method. This study presents a synopsis of canine babesiosis in Africa, and provides an overview of common clinical signs, etiologies and risk factors that will serve as a quick guide to veterinarians to achieve timely tentative diagnosis. Full article

A 2-year-old female Labrador Retriever, with a body condition score of 6/9, underwent ovariohysterectomy 24 h prior at another center and was urgently referred for a possible exploratory laparotomy. The dog presented with lethargy, abdominal pain, and a haematoma with active bleeding in the surgical wound, indicating a possible haemoabdomen. An abdominal-Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (A-FAST) revealed fluid in all four quadrants (abdominal fluid score-AFS 4/4) without abdominal distension, corresponding to an effusion with a packed cell volume of 15% and 4 g/dL of protein. Haematological analysis showed a slight decrease in haematocrit (HCT) and red blood cells, with neutrophilia, while the rest of the blood tests were within normal limits. Physical examination parameters were mostly normal, except for cardiac auscultation where tachycardia, irregular rhythm, and pulse deficit were noted, with normal blood pressure. The electrocardiogram (ECG) indicated both monomorphic and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with isolated episodes of sinus tachycardia. Treatment included the administration of metamizole, methadone, and maintenance fluid therapy, along with compressive abdominal bandaging. Lidocaine and continuous infusion of fentanyl therapy were initiated. The dog’s HCT, platelets, temperature, and blood pressure remained in the normal range. During the first 8 h, both the ECG and A-FAST showed no relevant changes. From the 9th hour onward, there was a predominance of sinus rhythm, the free fluid decreased to AFS 1/4, allowing for the gradual suspension of lidocaine. Tests for Leishmania, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, and Dirofilaria were negative. The evolution remained favorable, and the dog was discharged after 72 h, showing a good outcome in the cardiology follow-up 5 days later. Full article

Ixodes ricinus is the most common and, epidemiologically speaking, the most important tick species in Slovakia, transmitting a wide range of zoonotic pathogens. The goal of the present study was to monitor selected tick-borne infectious agents in an urban environment in northern Slovakia where the conditions for their occurrence and survival are typically unfavourable. Ticks were collected by the flagging method during the period from March to November 2024 in the city of Žilina in five urban locations characterized by high human activity and suitable conditions for tick–host interactions. A total of 264 ticks of Ixodes ricinus were collected (67 females, 85 males, and 112 nymphs). A molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Borrelia spp. in 34.5% of samples, while the most frequently detected species was Borrelia afzelii. The other detected species included zoonotic piroplasms Babesia microti and Babesia venatorum (1.5%), as well as the bacteria Anaplasma spp. (2.65%) and Rickettsia spp. (0.4%). In four ticks (1.5%), the presence of coinfection caused by multiple pathogens was detected. These results confirm that urban ecosystems located in the northern regions of Slovakia also provide significant reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens and impose a potential risk for public health. Full article

Babesia divergens, a zoonotic tick-borne pathogen, causes bovine and human babesiosis in Europe. The Elongation Factor 1 alpha (EF-1α) protein is important in many cellular processes and has emerged as a possible target for subunit vaccine development against parasitic infections, and its intergenic region (IG) is an important tool for genetic manipulation of Babesia parasites. While the EF-1α locus of B. divergens has been described, structural variation between isolates was poorly defined. In order to fill this gap, we performed a comparative analysis of the EF-1α-IG in B. divergens human (Rouen 87 and Spanish sample) and bovine (Türkiye) host isolates. Our findings revealed both conserved and variable elements, particularly in TA nucleotide repeat numbers and IG sequence length. The Spanish isolate exhibited the highest TA repeat expansion, whereas the Rouen 87 strain had the shortest IG. Given the known role of repeat-rich promoter elements in gene regulation, these differences may influence EF-1α transcription. Additionally, these findings provide insights into the evolutionary divergence of B. divergens and its host adaptation mechanisms. This study establishes a foundation for future gene editing and transfection strategies, where selecting intergenic sequences with varying TA repeats could optimize transfection efficiency and explain phenotypic differences between isolates from different hosts or regions. Full article

Free-ranging animals may serve as sentinels for the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens within a given habitat. Between 2020 and 2022, ticks were collected from domestic animals and vegetation on a family-operated agrotouristic farm in Western Slovakia. A total of 391 ticks were obtained (163 host-feeding and 228 questing). Ixodes ricinus predominated (94.9%), followed by Dermacentor reticulatus (4.9%) and Haemaphysalis concinna (one specimen). All ticks were screened for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., and Rickettsia spp. by using PCR-based methods and subsequent sequencing. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 15.9% of I. ricinus. Six species were identified, with Borrelia afzelii dominating. Borrelia miyamotoi was detected in 1.62% of questing I. ricinus. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified in 20.49% of I. ricinus, mainly in host-feeding specimens. Babesia spp. were detected in I. ricinus (2.7%), represented by Babesia microti, Babesia venatorum, and Babesia capreoli. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 5.39% of I. ricinus and 31.58% of D. reticulatus. They comprised Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, and Rickettsia raoultii. Co-infections involving two or three pathogens were observed in several ticks. Our results underscore the considerable diversity of tick-borne pathogens in a rural area where humans and domestic animals are in close contact to wildlife. Full article

Bovine babesiosis is a widespread tick-borne parasitic disease that compromises calf health and productivity, causing substantial economic losses. This study evaluated the potential of molecular and hematobiochemical biomarkers for the detection of babesiosis in Holstein calves by analyzing the expression dynamics of selected immune and antioxidant genes and their association with blood-based indicators. Blood samples were collected from 243 fattening calves, classified as healthy (n = 180) or naturally infected (n = 63). Transcriptional levels of immune-related genes (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1) and antioxidant genes (SOD3, CAT, GPX, and GST) were measured alongside hematological, biochemical, immunological, and oxidative stress assessments. Infected calves exhibited significant upregulation (p < 0.05) of immune and pro-inflammatory genes, indicating strong immune activation, while antioxidant gene expression was markedly downregulated, reflecting impaired redox balance. These molecular changes were accompanied by hematobiochemical alterations, including elevated liver and kidney markers, serum lipids, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress indices. Conversely, reductions were observed in glucose, serum proteins, thyroid hormones, essential minerals, total antioxidant capacity, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes. The coordinated assessment of immune and antioxidant gene expression with hematobiochemical profiles provides a robust biomarker-based approach for the early detection and monitoring of bovine babesiosis. These integrated molecular and blood-based indicators may support effective diagnosis, disease management, and control strategies in livestock production systems. Full article

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a significant global threat to both canine and public health, largely attributable to the extensive geographic distribution of ticks and their ability to harbor diverse pathogens. To evaluate regional risk, this study examined the developmental biology of a prevalent tick species in Xinjiang, China, and performed molecular surveillance for key pathogens in both tick vectors and canine hosts. Observations of reproductive biology revealed that Riphicephalus turanicus ticks could complete their development from egg to adult in approximately 50 days on laboratory rabbits, indicating a rapid lifecycle and high reproductive potential. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based screening of 379 canine blood samples detected infection rates of 14.25% for Anaplasma spp., 2.64% for Hepatozoon spp., 21.64% for Rickettsia spp., and 21.90% for Babesia spp. Concurrently, screening of 184 tick samples revealed detection rates of 15.22% for Anaplasma ovis, 8.15% for Hepatozoon spp., and 21.74% for Rickettsia spp. Statistical analysis identified significant regional variation in pathogen prevalence across the surveyed locations. The BLASTn (BLAST: Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) alignment revealed high sequence identity (99.30–100%) with known strains of Babesia, Rickettsia, and Anaplasma circulating in Asia and Europe. confirming the presence of these pathogens in the local ecosystem and evolutionary linkage to global lineages. Collectively, these findings provide valuable epidemiological insight into the endemic nature of TBDs in Xinjiang and emphasize the importance of integrated tick management and sustained disease surveillance programs. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate tick species that may harbour severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) and Babesia microti in the provinces of Henan, Anhui, and Zhejiang, as well as in Shanghai in the central and eastern parts of China. Between March and September 2023, 721 pools of ticks were collected belonging to three genera and five species: Haemaphysalis longicornis (n = 612; 84.9%), Haemaphysalis fusca (n = 94; 13.0%), Rhipicephalus microplus (n = 10; 1.4%), Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 3; 0.4%), and Haemaphysalis wellingtoni (n = 2; 0.3%). The SFTSV-positive pool rate was 20.0%, 13.0%, 5.8%, and 4.1% in Xinyang, Henan; Songjiang, Shanghai; Lu’an, Anhui; and Zhoushan, Zhejiang, respectively. SFTSV was detected in all five tick species collected. Among the SFTSV-positive pools, H. longicornis constituted the highest proportion (83.9%, 78/93), whereas pools containing R. microplus and H. wellingtoni each represented the lowest proportion (1.1%, 1/93). Babesia microti was assayed only in these SFTSV-positive tick pools, and co-infection was found in both H. longicornis and H. wellingtoni, though it was most frequent in H. longicornis. Full article

Tick-borne co-infections are an increasingly recognized and clinically important aspect of Lyme borreliosis, particularly in regions where Ixodes ticks transmit a wide range of bacterial, protozoan, and viral pathogens. In addition to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, these ticks frequently harbor microorganisms such as Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia miyamotoi, Bartonella spp., and several tick-borne viruses. Co-infections may increase disease severity, prolong symptom duration, and contribute to atypical or overlapping clinical presentations, thereby complicating diagnosis and management. Growing evidence from epidemiological studies, clinical case series, and experimental in vivo and in vitro models indicates that pathogen–pathogen and pathogen–host interactions can modulate immune responses and influence disease progression. Diagnostic challenges arise from non-specific clinical features and limitations of current laboratory methods. From a therapeutic perspective, although standard antibiotic regimens for Lyme disease are effective against some bacterial co-infections, they do not provide coverage for protozoan or viral agents, necessitating pathogen-specific and, in some cases, combination treatment strategies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, clinical impact, diagnostic limitations, and treatment approaches for tick-borne co-infections associated with Lyme disease, and highlights critical evidence gaps and future research directions to improve patient outcomes. Full article

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are caused by pathogens transmitted by several invertebrates, posing a significant threat to both animal and human health worldwide. In recent years, the geographical distribution of CVBDs has changed in many countries, driven by climate change, increased pet travel, movements of goods, and anthropization of wildlife habitats. This study investigated the exposure to major CVBDs in 423 owned dogs from Italy and Greece. Individual serum samples were analyzed using serological methods. The SNAP^® 4Dx IDEXX test was used to detect Dirofilaria immitis circulating antigens and antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi. Additionally, an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect antibodies against Rickettsia conorii and Babesia canis. Overall, 171 (40.4%) dogs were positive for at least one pathogen. Antibodies against R. conorii, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., B. canis and B. burgdorferi were detected in 118 (27.9%), 28 (6.6%), 29 (6.8%), 5 (1.2%) and 3 (0.7%) dogs, respectively. Dirofilaria immitis antigens were found in 7 dogs (1.6%). A Binomial Logistic Regression was performed and revealed a statistically significant association between age (dogs > 7 years old) (p = 0.005; OR = 1.903; 95% CI = 1.215–2.2981) and presence of at least one clinical sign (p = 0.028; OR = 4.082; 95% CI = 1.168–14.262) and positivity to at least one vector-borne pathogen. These findings confirm that dogs in both Italy and Greece are exposed to a range of vector-borne pathogens and highlight the importance of continuous epidemiological surveillance in European regions. Full article