Surveillance and Molecular Identification of Borrelia Species in Ticks Collected at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, Republic of Korea, 2018–2019

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung-Ho Lee ◽  
Sung-Tae Chong ◽  
Heung-Chul Kim ◽  
Terry A Klein ◽  
Kyungmin Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Republic Of Korea ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Contributing Factors

Abstract Tick-borne pathogens are contributing factors for the increased incidence of vector-borne diseases throughout the world, including Lyme borreliosis, one of the most prevalent spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group. The present study focused on the detection of Borrelia species from hard ticks collected at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, Republic of Korea (ROK), using molecular and genotypic analyses. Tick-borne disease surveillance was conducted from January to December, 2018–2019. A total of 24,281 ticks (2 genera and 5 species) were collected from road-killed Korean Water deer (KWD) and by tick drag. Haemaphysalis longicornis (92.0%) was the most commonly collected species, followed by Haemaphysalis flava (4.9%), Ixodes nipponensis (3.1%), Haemaphysalis phasiana (0.07%), and Haemaphysalis japonica (<0.01%). The ospA gene sequences of Borrelia afzelii were detected in 12/529 pools of I. nipponensis. Three and one pools were positive for B. afzelii and Borrelia miyamotoi, respectively, using the 16s rRNA gene. None of the pools of Haemaphysalis ticks collected from KWD or by tick drag were positive for Borrelia species. I. nipponensis was collected throughout the year from KWD and from February to November by tick drag, suggesting that they were active throughout the year, and expanding the risk period for acquiring Lyme borreliosis and Borrelia relapsing fever in the ROK. This study assessed disease risk factors associated with the prevalence of Lyme disease in ticks collected from KWD and by tick drag using molecular analysis. These results provide an understanding and awareness into the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Borrelia species in the ROK.

Tick surveillance of migratory birds during 2010–2011 on Hong and Heuksan Islands, Jeollanam Province, Republic of Korea 

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung-Tae Chong ◽  
Heung Chul Kim ◽  
Jong-Gil Park ◽  
Chang-Yong Choi ◽  
Chang-Uk Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
National Park ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Republic Of Korea ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽  
Haemaphysalis Concinna ◽  
Park Service ◽  
The Republic

Migratory birds were captured, examined, banded and then released in accordance with a bird banding protocol of the Bird Research Center, National Park Research Institute, Korea National Park Service, from January-December 2010–2011 on Hong and Heuksan Islands, Jeollanam (Jeonnam) Province, in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Concurrently, ticks were collected from captured birds as part of a tick-borne disease surveillance program. A total of 381 ticks belonging to three genera and eight species – Ixodes turdus (297 ticks), Ixodes nipponensis (16), Haemaphysalis flava (46), Haemaphysalis longicornis (9), Haemaphysalis formosensis (5), Haemaphysalis ornithophila (6), Haemaphysalis concinna (1), and Amblyomma testudinarium (1)—were collected from 32 bird species belonging to 3 families. This is the first host report of A. testudinarium (1 nymph) collected from White’s Thrush, Zoothera aurea (Aves: Passeriformes: Turdidae), in the ROK. Most ticks were collected from birds during the months of April (44.1%) and November (54.2%).

scholarly journals Tick surveillance in two southeastern provinces, including three metropolitan areas, of the Republic of Korea during 2014 

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaree L. Johnson ◽  
Heung-chul Kim ◽  
Jordan M. Coburn ◽  
Sung-tae Chong ◽  
Nicholas W. Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
Republic Of Korea ◽  
Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽  
Haemaphysalis Flava ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Amblyomma Testudinarium

Tick-borne disease surveillance was conducted from March–October 2014 in two southeastern provinces, including three metropolitan areas, in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Three general habitats were surveyed: Grasses (grasses and herbaceous and crawling vegetation), Forests (pine, larch, deciduous, and mixed), and Forests+Grasses. A total of 40,048 ticks (1,480 adults; 24,201 nymphs; 14,367 larvae) belonging to three genera and six species were collected. Haemaphysalis longicornis (84.25%; 33,741) was the most commonly collected tick, followed by Haemaphysalis flava (14.52%; 5,816), Ixodes nipponensis (1.09%; 436), Amblyomma testudinarium (0.07%; 27), Haemaphysalis phasiana (0.06%; 23), and Ixodes turdus (0.01%; 5). Overall, adult ticks accounted for only 3.70% of all ticks collected, while nymphs and larvae accounted for 60.43% and 35.87%, respectively. The proportion of H. longicornis nymphs was highest beginning in March (99.51%), slowly declined through July (82.01%) and then rapidly declined to a low in October (6.45%). Large increases in the proportion of H. longicornis larvae were observed in August (42.05%), September (84.19%) and October (93.55%) following increased numbers of adults collected in June (4.20%), July (17.99%) and August (9.79%). Haemaphysalis flava adults and nymphs were commonly collected from April–May and October, while larvae were first collected from July, with peak numbers collected in August and low numbers collected during September–October. The proportion of I. nipponensis adults was highest in March (75.34%), declined to a low in July (0%), and then increased in September (60.00%) and October (90.32%). Larvae were collected only in August–September and accounted for 64.29% and 20.00% of all I. nipponensis collected during those months. Similar proportions of males and females of H. flava (51.47% and 48.53%, respectively) were collected from all habitats, while significantly more I. nipponensis males (62.20%) were collected than females (37.80%). Conversely, the proportion of H. longicornis females (80.00%) collected was significantly higher than for males (20.00%). Overall, the mean number of ticks collected/hr of collection for all habitats was 156.06/hr of collection. Similar numbers were collected/hr for Forests (172.61) and Grasses (168.64), while lower numbers were collected/hr for Forests+Grasses (128.12). 

Morphological abnormalities in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from the Republic of Korea

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1994-2002
Author(s):  
Sung-Tae Chong ◽  
Heung-Chul Kim ◽  
Sang-Jae Suh ◽  
Terry A. Klein ◽  
Richard G. Robbins
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Republic Of Korea ◽  
Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽  
Herbaceous Vegetation ◽  
Us Army ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
The Republic ◽  
First Time ◽  
Forest Habitats

Tick-borne disease surveillance was conducted by tick drag among uncut grasses/herbaceous vegetation and mixed forest habitats from 2018–2020 at US Army Garrison Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, the Republic of Korea (ROK). While identifying ticks collected in the spring of 2020, teratological anomalies were observed in nymphs of Haemaphysalis longicornis (in one specimen, partial twinning of the posterior idiosoma, resulting in 2 anuses; in a second, asymmetry of the idiosoma) and Ixodes nipponensis (7 legs). These teratological observations in H. longicornis and I. nipponensis are reported for the first time in the ROK.

scholarly journals Molecular Detection and Phylogeny of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Dogs in the Republic of Korea

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 613
Author(s):  
A-Tai Truong ◽  
Jinhyeong Noh ◽  
Yeojin Park ◽  
Hyun-Ji Seo ◽  
Keun-Ho Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Republic Of Korea ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽  
Babesia Gibsoni ◽  
The Republic ◽  
And Control

Ticks are important vectors of various pathogens that result in clinical illnesses in humans and domestic and wild animals. Information regarding tick infestations and pathogens transmitted by ticks is important for the identification and prevention of disease. This study was a large-scale investigation of ticks collected from dogs and their associated environments in the Republic of Korea (ROK). It included detecting six prevalent tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma spp., A. platys, Borrelia spp., Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis, and E. chaffeensis). A total of 2293 ticks (1110 pools) were collected. Haemaphysalis longicornis (98.60%) was the most frequently collected tick species, followed by Ixodes nipponensis (0.96%) and H. flava (0.44%). Anaplasma spp. (24/1110 tick pools; 2.16%) and Borrelia spp. (4/1110 tick pools; 0.36%) were detected. The phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA genes revealed that the Anaplasma spp. detected in this study were closely associated with A. phagocytophilum reported in humans and rodents in the ROK. Borrelia spp. showed phylogenetic relationships with B. theileri and B. miyamotoi in ticks and humans in Mali and Russia. These results demonstrate the importance of tick-borne disease surveillance and control in dogs in the ROK.

scholarly journals Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Horses in the Republic of Korea

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1069
Author(s):  
Hyun-Ji Seo ◽  
A-Tai Truong ◽  
Keun-Ho Kim ◽  
Ji-Yeon Lim ◽  
Subin Min ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Republic Of Korea ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Medical Importance ◽  
The Republic

The horse industry has grown rapidly as a leisure industry in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in parallel with an increased demand for equestrian activities. As a result, there has been an increase in horse breeding and equestrian population and potential exposure to ticks and their associated pathogens. To provide a better understanding of the potential disease risks of veterinary and medical importance, a study was conducted to determine the geographical distribution and diversity of ticks collected from horses and vegetation associated with horse racetracks/ranches throughout the ROK. This included a survey of five associated common pathogens, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Borrelia spp., Babesia caballi, and Theileria equi. A total 9220 ticks were collected from horses and associated pastures. Ticks were identified to species, stage of development, and sex. Two species of ticks, Haemaphysalis longicornis (99.9%) and Ixodes nipponensis (0.1%) were identified. Two of the target pathogens, A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp., were detected in 5/1409 tick pools (0.35%) and 4/1409 pools (0.28%) of H. longicornis, respectively, both of which are zoonotic pathogens of medical importance. The results of 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis of A. phagocytophilum showed a close relationship to strains distributed in China, USA, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Poland. Borrelia spp. showed a close relationship, based on 16S rRNA gene, to the strains reported from the USA (B. burgdorferi and B. americana) and Japan (B. tanukii and B. garinii). These results provide information about the potential risks of veterinary and medical importance and the development of mitigation strategies for disease prevention.

scholarly journals Borrelia miyamotoi: egy újabb, humán patogén, kullancs által terjesztett, visszatérő lázat okozó baktérium

2017 ◽  
Vol 158 (29) ◽  
pp. 1124-1130
Author(s):  
Sándor Szekeres ◽  
András Lakos ◽  
Gábor Földvári
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Emerging Pathogen ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract: Borrelia miyamotoi is a recently described relapsing fever spirochete transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. This pathogen is different from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (the Lyme borreliosis spirochetes) in its epidemiology, ecology and also genetics. Over 50 patients have been described worldwide with Borrelia miyamotoi disease, and three immunocompromised patients were reported with neurological symptoms. Our knowledge about Borrelia miyamotoi infection in ticks and its distribution in different habitats and also the mechanism of the infection is limited. The most common symptom is fever; thus it can be easily confused with other tick-borne diseases. Due to the intensive research in recent years, Borrelia miyamotoi infection in ticks and hosts has been reported from different regions and also the number of patients is increasing, thus this bacterium is considered as an emerging pathogen. In this literature review we would like to summarize the available knowledge about this spirochete. Orv Hetil. 2017, 158(29): 1124–1130.

scholarly journals Climate change impacts on ticks and tick-borne infections

Biologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Nuttall
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
The Usa

AbstractEvidence climate change is impacting ticks and tick-borne infections is generally lacking. This is primarily because, in most parts of the world, there are no long-term and replicated data on the distribution and abundance of tick populations, and the prevalence and incidence of tick-borne infections. Notable exceptions exist, as in Canada where the northeastern advance of Ixodes scapularis and Lyme borreliosis in the USA prompted the establishment of tick and associated disease surveillance. As a result, the past 30 years recorded the encroachment and spread of I. scapularis and Lyme borreliosis across much of Canada concomitant with a 2-3 °C increase in land surface temperature. A similar northerly advance of I. ricinus [and associated Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)] has been recorded in northern Europe together with expansion of this species’ range to higher altitudes in Central Europe and the Greater Alpine Region, again concomitant with rising temperatures. Changes in tick species composition are being recorded, with increases in more heat tolerant phenotypes (such as Rhipicephalus microplus in Africa), while exotic species, such as Haemaphysalis longicornis and Hyalomma marginatum, are becoming established in the USA and Southern Europe, respectively. In the next 50 years these trends are likely to continue, whereas, at the southern extremities of temperate species’ ranges, diseases such as Lyme borreliosis and TBE may become less prevalent. Where socioeconomic conditions link livestock with livelihoods, as in Pakistan and much of Africa, a One Health approach is needed to tackling ticks and tick-borne infections under the increasing challenges presented by climate change.

scholarly journals Molecular Identification of Borrelia afzelii from Ticks Parasitizing Domestic and Wild Animals in South Korea

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 649
Author(s):  
Min-Goo Seo ◽  
Oh-Deog Kwon ◽  
Dongmi Kwak
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Wild Boar ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Continuous Evaluation ◽  
Korean Water Deer ◽  
Potential Public Health

Lyme borreliosis is one of the most prevalent tick-borne infectious zoonotic diseases caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group. The present study assessed the risk factors and prevalence of Lyme borreliosis in ticks parasitizing domestic and wild animals. A total of 589 ticks (329 tick pools) collected from animals were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis, (85.7%), H. flava (10.0%), and Ixodes nipponensis (4.3%) using morphological and molecular methods in South Korea. In this study, the 5S–23S gene sequences of B. afzelii (6/329, 1.8%) were detected in ticks taken from mammals, including ticks from horses (2/147 pools, 1.4%), wild boar (1/19 pools, 5.3%), native Korean goats (NKG, 2/34 pools, 5.9%), and Korean water deer (1/129 pools, 0.8%). Unfortunately, ospA, pyrG, and flagellin genes were not able to be amplified in the present study. To our knowledge, our results are the first inclusive data available for B. afzelii circulation in several tick species taken from NKG, horses, and wild boar in South Korea. We believe that the current findings extend our knowledge of the distribution and possible vector spectrum of Borrelia spp. We recommend continuous evaluation of the potential public health threat posed by Borrelia infected ticks.

scholarly journals The importance of dogs in eco-epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis: a review

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 135-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bhide ◽  
M. Travnicek ◽  
J. Curlik ◽  
A. Stefancikova
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Characteristic Feature ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Disease Prevalence ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Game Animals

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is endemic in most of the regions in Europe. Pathogen circulates in nature involving ticks vector (mainly Ixodes ricinus in Europe) and wide spectrum of reservoir animals like rodents, game animals, birds as well as pets. Considering the close association of a dog and humans, and their similar activities in nature, it is necessary to evaluate the significance of a dog as an important animal in ecology and epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis. Antibody profile in Lyme disease is the most characteristic feature in dogs that helps to evaluate the changes in disease prevalence in particular area and helps to assess the risk factors for human. The article reviews overall eco-epidemiological importance of dogs in Lyme disease surveillance.

scholarly journals Surveillance of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Suburban Natural Habitats of Central Maryland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew T Milholland ◽  
Lars Eisen ◽  
Robyn M Nadolny ◽  
Andrias Hojgaard ◽  
Erika T Machtinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Questing Ticks ◽  
Tick Vectors

Abstract Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are increasing in the eastern United States and there is a lack of research on integrated strategies to control tick vectors. Here we present results of a study on tick-borne pathogens detected from tick vectors and rodent reservoirs from an ongoing 5-yr tick suppression study in the Lyme disease-endemic state of Maryland, where human-biting tick species, including Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae) (the primary vector of Lyme disease spirochetes), are abundant. During the 2017 tick season, we collected 207 questing ticks and 602 ticks recovered from 327 mice (Peromyscus spp. (Rodentia: Cricetidae)), together with blood and ear tissue from the mice, at seven suburban parks in Howard County. Ticks were selectively tested for the presence of the causative agents of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato [s.l.]), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), babesiosis (Babesia microti), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and ‘Panola Mountain’ Ehrlichia) and spotted fever group rickettsiosis (Rickettsia spp.). Peromyscus ear tissue and blood samples were tested for Bo. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s), A. phagocytophilum, Ba. microti, and Borrelia miyamotoi. We found 13.6% (15/110) of questing I. scapularis nymphs to be Bo. burgdorferi s.l. positive and 1.8% (2/110) were A. phagocytophilum positive among all sites. Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. was found in 71.1% (54/76) of I. scapularis nymphs removed from mice and 58.8% (194/330) of captured mice. Results from study on tick abundance and pathogen infection status in questing ticks, rodent reservoirs, and ticks feeding on Peromyscus spp. will aid efficacy evaluation of the integrated tick management measures being implemented.

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