The effect of Babesia microti on feeding and survival in its tick vector, Ixodes trianguliceps

Parasitology ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. E. Randolph
Keyword(s):  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Tick Vector ◽  
Feeding Success ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Vertebrate Hosts ◽  
Ixodes Trianguliceps ◽  
Patent Infection

SUMMARYEvidence is presented that Babesia microti may promote its transmission amongst rodents by enhancing the feeding success and survival of its tick vector, Ixodes trianguliceps. Both the mean engorged weight of larval ticks and the percentage moult of larvae to nymphs increased as larvae fed on naive hosts later in the parasitaemic cycle up to a point a few days beyond the loss of a patent infection. This increased feeding success and survival was not dependent on the level of infection by B. microti. Two possible, host-mediated mechanisms for the observed parasite–vector interactions are suggested, the anti-haemostatic effects induced by babesiosis and the interaction of the immunosuppressive effects of Babesia and the development of immunity to ixodid ticks by their vertebrate hosts.

Babesiosis

2000 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary J. Homer ◽  
Irma Aguilar-Delfin ◽  
Sam R. Telford ◽  
Peter J. Krause ◽  
David H. Persing
Keyword(s):  
Disease Process ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Disease Manifestation ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Immunological Responses ◽  
Babesia Divergens ◽  
Vertebrate Hosts

SUMMARY Babesiosis is an emerging, tick-transmitted, zoonotic disease caused by hematotropic parasites of the genus Babesia. Babesial parasites (and those of the closely related genus Theileria) are some of the most ubiquitous and widespread blood parasites in the world, second only to the trypanosomes, and consequently have considerable worldwide economic, medical, and veterinary impact. The parasites are intraerythrocytic and are commonly called piroplasms due to the pear-shaped forms found within infected red blood cells. The piroplasms are transmitted by ixodid ticks and are capable of infecting a wide variety of vertebrate hosts which are competent in maintaining the transmission cycle. Studies involving animal hosts other than humans have contributed significantly to our understanding of the disease process, including possible pathogenic mechanisms of the parasite and immunological responses of the host. To date, there are several species of Babesia that can infect humans, Babesia microti being the most prevalent. Infections with Babesia species generally follow regional distributions; cases in the United States are caused primarily by B. microti, whereas cases in Europe are usually caused by Babesia divergens. The spectrum of disease manifestation is broad, ranging from a silent infection to a fulminant, malaria-like disease, resulting in severe hemolysis and occasionally in death. Recent advances have resulted in the development of several diagnostic tests which have increased the level of sensitivity in detection, thereby facilitating diagnosis, expediting appropriate patient management, and resulting in a more accurate epidemiological description.

scholarly journals Global Distribution of Babesia Species in Questing Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Published Literature

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 230
Author(s):  
ThankGod E. Onyiche ◽  
Cristian Răileanu ◽  
Susanne Fischer ◽  
Cornelia Silaghi
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Babesia Species ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Questing Ticks ◽  
Veterinary Importance

Babesiosis caused by the Babesia species is a parasitic tick-borne disease. It threatens many mammalian species and is transmitted through infected ixodid ticks. To date, the global occurrence and distribution are poorly understood in questing ticks. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the distribution of the pathogen. A deep search for four electronic databases of the published literature investigating the prevalence of Babesia spp. in questing ticks was undertaken and obtained data analyzed. Our results indicate that in 104 eligible studies dating from 1985 to 2020, altogether 137,364 ticks were screened with 3069 positives with an estimated global pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of 2.10%. In total, 19 different Babesia species of both human and veterinary importance were detected in 23 tick species, with Babesia microti and Ixodesricinus being the most widely reported Babesia and tick species, respectively. Regardless of species, adult ticks with 2.60% had the highest infection rates, while larvae had the least with 0.60%. Similarly, female ticks with 4.90% were infected compared to males with 3.80%. Nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 2.80% had the highest prevalence among the molecular techniques employed. In conclusion, results obtained indicate that Babesia species are present in diverse questing tick species at a low prevalence, of which some are competent vectors.

scholarly journals The Global Emergence of Human Babesiosis

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1447
Author(s):  
Abhinav Kumar ◽  
Jane O'Bryan ◽  
Peter J. Krause
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Babesia Species ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Endemic Disease ◽  
Predominant Species ◽  
Human Babesiosis

Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa that are primarily transmitted by hard-bodied (Ixodid) ticks and rarely through blood transfusion, perinatally, and organ transplantation. More than 100 Babesia species infect a wide spectrum of wild and domestic animals worldwide and six have been identified as human pathogens. Babesia microti is the predominant species that infects humans, is found throughout the world, and causes endemic disease in the United States and China. Babesia venatorum and Babesia crassa-like agent also cause endemic disease in China. Babesia divergens is the predominant species in Europe where fulminant cases have been reported sporadically. The number of B. microti infections has been increasing globally in recent decades. In the United States, more than 2000 cases are reported each year, although the actual number is thought to be much higher. In this review of the epidemiology of human babesiosis, we discuss epidemiologic tools used to monitor disease location and frequency; demographics and modes of transmission; the location of human babesiosis; the causative Babesia species in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia; the primary clinical characteristics associated with each of these infections; and the increasing global health burden of this disease.

scholarly journals Prevalence and diversity of piroplasms and ticks in young raccoons and an association of Babesia sensu stricto infections with splenomegaly

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla Buck Garrett ◽  
Renee Schott ◽  
Lea Peshock ◽  
Michael J. Yabsley
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Dermacentor Variabilis ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Alternative Route ◽  
The Usa ◽  
History Of

AbstractPiroplasms are intraerythrocytic parasites that are often transmitted by ixodid ticks, but vertical transmission is an alternative route for some species. In the USA, raccoons (Procyon lotor) are hosts for two known species, a Babesia microti-like sp. and Babesia lotori (in Babesia sensu stricto group). To better understand the natural history of Babesia in raccoons, we tested young raccoons from Minnesota and Colorado for Babesia spp., examined them for ticks, and assessing for splenomegaly as a sign of clinical disease. Raccoons from both states were infected with B. microti-like sp. and Babesia sensu stricto spp. Infections of B. microti-like were common, even in 1-week-old raccoons, suggesting vertical transmission. Babesia sensu stricto infections were more common in older raccoons. Raccoons infected with Babesia sensu stricto had significantly higher spleen:body weight ratios compared with uninfected or B. microti-like sp.-infected raccoons. Ticks were only found on raccoons from Minnesota. The most common and abundant tick was Ixodes texanus but Ixodes scapularis and Dermacentor variabilis were also found on raccoons. We report piroplasm infections and infestations with several tick species in very young raccoons. Young raccoons infected with Babesia sensu stricto spp. had higher spleen:body weight ratios, suggesting a disease risk.

Experimental infection of pups with Ancylostoma caninum larvae from an abnormal host, the chicken

1985 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mittra ◽  
N. K. Sasmal
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Infection ◽  
Definitive Host ◽  
Worm Burden ◽  
The Other ◽  
Sharp Decline ◽  
Ancylostoma Caninum ◽  
Artificial Gastric Juice ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Head Neck ◽  
Patent Infection

ABSTRACTThe migration and distribution of Ancylostoma caninum larvae in the tissues of chickens, infected orally with 1,000 larvae, were studied. Larval yield at necropsy from different organs after digestion with artificial gastric juice revealed a 62·9% recovery four hours after inoculation, followed by a sharp decline to 5·4% at 72 hours. Larvae were found in the heart within four hours, the lungs within eight hours and the liver within 12 to 18 hours but no larvae were recovered from the spleen, kidney or brain. Migration in the muscles of head, neck, thorax and abdomen was detected at 12 hours and was maximal at 36 hours. The establishment of patent infection in the definitive host was studied by feeding infected chicks to hookworm-free pups (one chick/pup) 48 hours, 7 days and 14 days after infection. The mean worm burden at necropsy was highest (15) in the pups fed with chicks 48 hours after infection and was three and nil in the other groups respectively.

scholarly journals Relative Importance of Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes trianguliceps as Vectors for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti in Field Vole (Microtus agrestis) Populations

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (23) ◽  
pp. 7118-7125 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. J. Bown ◽  
X. Lambin ◽  
G. R. Telford ◽  
N. H. Ogden ◽  
S. Telfer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Microtus Agrestis ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Ixodes Trianguliceps ◽  
Larval Burden

ABSTRACT The importance of Ixodes ricinus in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens is well recognized in the United Kingdom and across Europe. However, the role of coexisting Ixodes species, such as the widely distributed species Ixodes trianguliceps, as alternative vectors for these pathogens has received little attention. This study aimed to assess the relative importance of I. ricinus and I. trianguliceps in the transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti among United Kingdom field voles (Microtus agrestis), which serve as reservoir hosts for both pathogens. While all instars of I. trianguliceps feed exclusively on small mammals, I. ricinus adults feed primarily on larger hosts such as deer. The abundance of both tick species and pathogen infection prevalence in field voles were monitored at sites surrounded with fencing that excluded deer and at sites where deer were free to roam. As expected, fencing significantly reduced the larval burden of I. ricinus on field voles and the abundance of questing nymphs, but the larval burden of I. trianguliceps was not significantly affected. The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and B. microti infections was not significantly affected by the presence of fencing, suggesting that I. trianguliceps is their principal vector. The prevalence of nymphal and adult ticks on field voles was also unaffected, indicating that relatively few non-larval I. ricinus ticks feed upon field voles. This study provides compelling evidence for the importance of I. trianguliceps in maintaining these enzootic tick-borne infections, while highlighting the potential for such infections to escape into alternative hosts via I. ricinus.

Density dependence of feeding success in haematophagous ectoparasites

Parasitology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 134 (10) ◽  
pp. 1379-1386 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. R. KRASNOV ◽  
A. HOVHANYAN ◽  
I. S. KHOKHLOVA ◽  
A. A. DEGEN
Keyword(s):  
Density Dependence ◽  
Intraspecific Competition ◽  
Interference Competition ◽  
Host Defence ◽  
Defence System ◽  
Feeding Success ◽  
Alternative Hypotheses ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Host Defence System

SUMMARYWe studied the effect of density on feeding success of 2 fleas, Xenopsylla conformis and Xenopsylla ramesis, when exploiting rodents Meriones crassus and Gerbillus dasyurus. We tested 2 alternative hypotheses: (i) that intraspecific interference competition occurs and, thus, feeding success of a flea decreases with an increase in density and (ii) that facilitation via suppression of a host defence system occurs and thus, feeding success of a flea increases with an increase in density. The mean size of a bloodmeal and the proportion of highly engorged individuals in X. conformis feeding on both hosts were affected by density. When on G. dasyurus, both the size of a bloodmeal and the proportion of highly engorged individuals were lower at low (5–15 fleas per host) than at high (25–50 fleas per host) densities. The opposite was true when this flea fed on M. crassus. The mean bloodmeal size and proportions of highly engorged X. ramesis parasitizing either host were not affected by flea density. This study showed that the density dependence of feeding success of a flea (a) varied both between fleas and within-fleas between hosts and (b) indicated either intraspecific competition or facilitation via the host in a particular flea-host association.

The blood picture resulting from Nuttallia (= Babesia) rodhaini and Nuttallia (= Babesia) microti infections in rats and mice

Parasitology ◽  
1969 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 991-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Nowell
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Prepatent Period ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Blood Picture ◽  
Host Animal ◽  
Inoculum Dose ◽  
The University ◽  
Rats And Mice ◽  
Patent Infection

The parasitaemia and associated blood picture following infections of Nuttallia rodhaini in rats and mice, and N. microti in rats are described. After inoculation of the blood stages of these parasites, it is evident that only further blood stages occur in the host animal. Infections with both piroplasms follow a similar course, there being a prepatent period followed by a patent infection which reaches a peak and then disappears. The prepatent period is an artifact due to the rarity of the parasites in the peripheral blood. The patent infection of N. rodhaini in rats and mice rapidly reaches a peak of up to 90% R.B.C. infected. That of N. microti develops more slowly and rarely reaches 20%. Rats show age resistance to both piroplasmoses but none is shown by mice aged up to 1 year against N. rodhaini infection. Increase of the parasite inoculum dose decreases the prepatent period and also the time from infection to the peak. In rats there is a corresponding increase of the peak but in mice this remains constant. N. microti infections in rats are enhanced by splenectomy, the peak being higher but the time from infection to the peak not altering. The parasitaemia produced by both piroplasms results in a temporary anaemia and reticulocytosis. The anaemia is not prolonged which does not suggest autoimmune reactions. Both piroplasms preferentially invade reticulocytes as compared with mature erythrocytes although this is apparently reversed at the onset of reticulocytosis.An explanation of the mechanism of the parasitaemia of the piroplasms in rats and mice is suggested.This paper is a report of work carried out in part for a thesis submitted for the degree of Ph.D. in the University of London. The work was aided by an S.R.C. research studentship. I would like to thank Dr F. E. G. Cox for his supervision and also for performing the splenectomies.

scholarly journals Cross-Immunity and Community Structure of a Multiple-Strain Pathogen in the Tick Vector

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (22) ◽  
pp. 7740-7752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Durand ◽  
Maxime Jacquet ◽  
Lye Paillard ◽  
Olivier Rais ◽  
Lise Gern ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sequencing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Arthropod Vector ◽  
Tick Vector ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Vertebrate Hosts ◽  
Cross Immunity ◽  
Multiple Strains ◽  
Pathogen Strains

ABSTRACTMany vector-borne pathogens consist of multiple strains that circulate in both the vertebrate host and the arthropod vector. Characterization of the community of pathogen strains in the arthropod vector is therefore important for understanding the epidemiology of mixed vector-borne infections.Borrelia afzeliiandB. gariniiare two species of tick-borne bacteria that cause Lyme disease in humans. These two sympatric pathogens use the same tick,Ixodes ricinus, but are adapted to different classes of vertebrate hosts. BothBorreliaspecies consist of multiple strains that are classified using the highly polymorphicospCgene. Vertebrate cross-immunity against the OspC antigen is predicted to structure the community of multiple-strainBorreliapathogens.Borreliaisolates were cultured from field-collectedI. ricinusticks over a period spanning 11 years. TheBorreliaspecies of each isolate was identified using a reverse line blot (RLB) assay. Deep sequencing was used to characterize theospCcommunities of 190B. afzeliiisolates and 193B. gariniiisolates. Infections with multipleospCstrains were common in ticks, but vertebrate cross-immunity did not influence the strain structure in the tick vector. The pattern of genetic variation at theospClocus suggested that vertebrate cross-immunity exerts strong selection against intermediately divergentospCalleles. Deep sequencing found that more than 50% of our isolates contained exoticospCalleles derived from otherBorreliaspecies. Two alternative explanations for these exoticospCalleles are cryptic coinfections that were not detected by the RLB assay or horizontal transfer of theospCgene betweenBorreliaspecies.

scholarly journals Giardia and Other Parasites of Small Mammals in Grand Teton National Park

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 91-93
Author(s):  
William O'Dell ◽  
Raychel Watkins ◽  
Suzanne Moshier ◽  
Aelita Pinter
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
National Park ◽  
Intestinal Parasite ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Tick Vector ◽  
Campylobacter Spp

The objectives of this study are to document effects of parasitism on vole populations, and to determine the potential of small mammals of Grand Teton National Park to serve as reservoirs of human parasites. Specific goals for this year were: 1. to continue surveying small mammals for Babesia microti; 2. to collect and identify ticks found with these animals; 3. to determine if Ixodes eastoni is a tick vector of B. microti; 4. to determine the incidence of Campylobacter spp. in these small mammals; and 5. to continue documentation of the occurrence of Giardia as an intestinal parasite of the montane vole.

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