scholarly journals Risk factors associated with tick infestations on equids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with notes on Rickettsia massiliae detection

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abid Ali ◽  
Hafsa Zahid ◽  
Ismail Zeb ◽  
Muhammad Tufail ◽  
Sulaiman Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ◽  
Rickettsia Massiliae ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background Studies on ticks infesting equids are lacking in various parts of the world, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of ticks infesting equids, associated risk factors and rickettsial detection in ticks from equids in KP. Methods Inspection of 404 equid hosts from November 2018 to October 2019 resulted in the collection of 550 ticks. Data on tick-associated risk factors were collected from equid owners by means of a questionnaire. After morphological identification, partial DNA sequences of the tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were used for taxonomic confirmation of species. Partial sequences of the gltA and ompA genes were used for Rickettsia detection in ticks. Results A total of 550 tick specimens were collected on 324 (80.2%) of the equids inspected, of which 161 were horses (50%), 145 (45%) were donkeys and 18 were mules (5%). The ticks were identified as belonging to the following five species: Rhipicephalus microplus (341 specimens, 62% of the total ticks), Rh. haemaphysaloides (126, 23%), Rh. turanicus (39, 7%), Rh. sanguineus (s.l.) (33, 6%) and Hyalomma anatolicum (11, 2%). The most prevalent tick life stage was adult females (279, 51%) followed by adult males (186, 34%) and nymphs (85, 15%). Higher tick infestations were observed on male equids (relative risk [RR] 0.7432, P < 0.0005) and adult equids (RR 1.268, P < 0.0020). Ticks were frequently attached to the axial region of horses (55, 21%), sternum of donkeys (44, 21%) and belly of mules (19, 23%) (P < 0.04). Temporal patterns of tick infestation in association with temperature and humidity were highly significant (P < 0.05). Risk factors, such as animal housing (P < 0.0003), living management (P < 0.006), grazing type (P < 0.01) and location in hilly areas (P < 0.02), significantly enhanced the chances for tick infestation. Tick species analyzed in this study were phylogenetically related to species from Afghanistan, China, South Africa and Taiwan. Partial sequences of the gltA and ompA genes obtained from Rh. microplus and Rh. haemaphysaloides were 100% identical to the spotted fever group pathogen Rickettsia massiliae. Conclusions Equids exposed to significant risk factors were infected by one or more of at least five tick species in KP, Pakistan, and some of the ticks harbored the human pathogen R. massiliae. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Distribution of Ixodid Tick Species and Associated Risk Factors in Temporal Zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahid Hussain Farooqi ◽  
Muhammad Ijaz ◽  
Muhammad Hassan Saleem ◽  
Muhammad Imran Rashid ◽  
Muhammad Oneeb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Ixodid Tick ◽  
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ◽  
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

scholarly journals Infestation and Identification of Ixodid Tick in Cattle: The Case of Arbegona District, Southern Ethiopia

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelalu Kemal ◽  
Nateneal Tamerat ◽  
Temesgen Tuluka
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Ixodid Tick ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
High Burden ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Relative Prevalence

The study was conducted from October 2014 to June 2015 to estimate tick prevalence and identify major tick genera infesting cattle and the associated risk factors in Arbegona district, southern Ethiopia. A total of 2024 adult ticks were collected from main body parts of animals and eight species of ticks which belong to three genera were identified. Questionnaire survey was employed concerning the general case on the tick infestation problems on the cattle. From 384 cattle examined, 291 (75.7%) were found to be infested with one or more types of tick species. The relative prevalence of each genera was Amblyomma (34.9%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) (26.6%), Hyalomma (19.2%), and Rhipicephalus (19%). The prevalence of tick infestation in good (65.5%), medium (74%), and poor body condition animal (100%) was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). There was also significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence in old (98.4%) than adult (78.8%) and young (59.8%) age groups of animals. In the survey, 87.5% of respondents believe that there was tick infestation problem in their locality. This study showed there was high burden and prevalence of ticks that still play major roles in reducing productivity and cause health problems of cattle in the area which call for urgent attention.

scholarly journals Seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of hepatitis B and C virus infections among pregnant women attending maternity wards at two hospitals in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255189
Author(s):  
Muhammad Israr ◽  
Fawad Ali ◽  
Arif Nawaz ◽  
Muhammad Idrees ◽  
Aishma Khattak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ◽  
History Of ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Mothers

Background & aim Hepatitis B and C infections are global issues that are associated with a massive financial burden in developing countries where vertical transmission is the major mode and remains high. This cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among 375 pregnant women attending antenatal care health facilities at Bacha Khan Medical Complex (BKMC) Shahmansoor and District Head Quarter (DHQ) Hospital Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methodology From a total of 375 pregnant women selected using systematic random sampling from both hospitals, 10 ml of blood samples were collected and alienated serum was examined for indicators identification through the Immuno-Chromatographic Test (ICT) and 3rd Generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic data and possible risk factors. The data was analyzed via SPSS 23.0 statistical software. A chi-square analysis was performed to determine the association between variables. P-value < 0.05 was set statistically significant. Results The overall frequency of HBV and HCV among 375 pregnant women involved in the study was 3.7% and 2.1% respectively. None of the pregnant women were co-infected with HBV and HCV. Dental extraction (P = 0.001) and blood transfusion (P = 0.0005) were significantly allied with HBV infection while surgical procedure (P = 0.0001) was significantly associated with HCV infection. Moreover the sociodemographic characteristics: residential status (P = 0.017) and educational level (P = 0.048) were found significant risk factors of HBsAg and maternal age (P = 0.033) of anti-HCV, respectively. Conclusion & recommendation HBV and HCV infections are intermediary endemic in the study area. A higher prevalence of HBV was detected among pregnant mothers with a history of dental extraction, history of blood transfusion, resident to the urban area and low educational level. The age and surgical procedures were the potential risk factors found significantly associated with HCV positivity among pregnant mothers in our setup. Future negotiations to control vertical transmission should include routine antenatal screening for these infections early in pregnancy and the requirement of efficient preventive tools including the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine in combination with hepatitis B immune globulins to the neonate.

scholarly journals Molecular and serological detection of Ehrlichia canis in naturally exposed dogs in Iran: an analysis on associated risk factors

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadi Maazi ◽  
Abdolali Malmasi ◽  
Parviz Shayan ◽  
Seyed Mahdi Nassiri ◽  
Taghi Zahraei Salehi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Ehrlichia Canis ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Serological Detection ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
First Time ◽  
The 16S Rrna Gene

The general aim of this study, which was conducted for the first time in Iran, was to evaluate the seroprevalence and geographical distribution of Ehrlichia canis in a dog population in Iran, followed by molecular confirmation using PCR and sequencing. Blood samples were collected from 240 dogs in different areas of Alborz and Tehran Provinces and initially analyzed using the immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test to detect anti-Ehrlichia canis IgG antibodies. Subsequently, nested PCR was performed based on a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of E. canis on serologically positive samples. The results showed that 40/240 dogs (16.6%) presented anti-Ehrlichia canis IgG antibodies and that nine of the blood samples from the 40 seropositive dogs (22.5%) contained E. canis DNA, which was confirmed by sequencing. The seroprevalence of E. canis tended to be higher in purebred, one to three-year-old male dogs living in the Plain zone, in rural areas; however, this difference was not statistically significant.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma Ticks in Cattle and Associated Risk Factors in Three Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shoaib ◽  
Imran Rashid ◽  
Haroon Akbar ◽  
Ali Ahmad Sheikh ◽  
Shahid Hussain Farooqi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

scholarly journals Molecular detection and risk factors for Anaplasma platys infection in dogs from Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelfattah Selim ◽  
Hamdan Almohammed ◽  
Abdelhamed Abdelhady ◽  
Abdulaziz Alouffi ◽  
Fahdah Ayed Alshammari
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Anaplasma Platys ◽  
German Shepherd ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Abstract Background Anaplasma platys is a tick-borne bacterium which infects blood platelets of dogs, causing canine cyclic thrombocytopenia. The disease is distributed worldwide, particularly in the tropics and subtropics, but information on the epidemiology of A. platys infection in dogs is fragmentary in many countries, including Egypt. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with A. platys infection in dogs from Egypt. Methods A conventional PCR targeting a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of A. platys was used to screen 500 dogs from five North Egyptian governorates. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed for one of the positive samples. Results The overall prevalence of A. platys in the studied dogs was 6.4%. Females of the German shepherd breed without veterinary care had higher odds for A. platys positivity. High tick infestation and lack of anti-tick treatment were also identified as risk factors for A. platys infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequence obtained herein was closely related to sequences from Egypt, South Africa and Uruguay. Conclusions This is the first large-scale epidemiological study of A. platys in Egypt, where female German shepherd dogs without veterinary care, as well as dogs with high tick infestation and without anti-tick treatment are at a higher risk of infection. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Equine Glanders in Selected Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (04) ◽  
pp. 504-508
Author(s):  
Awais-Ur-Rehman Sial
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Control Plan ◽  
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ◽  
The North ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Glanders is highly contagious and zoonotic bacterial disease of equines caused by Burkholderia mallei. Since many decades, glanders is endemic in eastern parts (Punjab) of Pakistan and has no information of disease in the north-western region (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – KPK). Therefore, present study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in two draft equine populated districts (Charsada and Peshawar) of KPK. A total of 393 equine samples originating from different localities of study area were investigated for anti-B. mallei antibodies (glanders) using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ID Vet, Grabels France). The overall seroprevalence was found to be 3.1% (95% CI: 1.6-5.3) which remained insignificantly (χ2 0.421, P=0.516) between the two districts. In Charsada, prevalence estimates varied significantly (χ2 11.986, P=0.017) among 5 localities and found insignificant (χ2 1.287, P=0.732) in different sampling areas of Peshawar district. Donkeys were more seropositive (4.1%; 4/195) than horses (2.1%; 8/194) which did not differ statistically (χ2 1.397, P=0.237) and all mules were tested negative. Prevalence slight increased with age of animals (>10 years) and with poor body conditions. Donkeys were more test positive (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 0.61-6.94) than horses and similarly animals managed on communal feeding (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 0.23-14.5) and water troughs (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.21-13.04) had more chances of contracting glanders. Multivariable model indicated donkeys (OR: 4.58, 95% CI: 1.0, 20.9) and equines above 10 years of age (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 0.7-13.3) were more likely to test positive for glanders. In conclusion, present study provides prevalence estimates of equine glanders in KPK regions, which appears to be an area of endemicity. Future large-scale investigations are seriously warranted in other equine populated districts before implementing an effective control plan for glanders

scholarly journals Morphological Identification of Ticks and Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Bare-Nosed Wombats (Vombatus Ursinus)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Beard ◽  
Hayley J Stannard ◽  
Julie M Old
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Gene Diversity ◽  
Host Record ◽  
Sarcoptic Mange ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Microbial Composition

Abstract Background Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrate hosts and transmit the widest range of pathogenic organisms of any arthropod vector. Seven tick species are known to feed on bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus), in addition to the highly prevalent Sarcoptes scabiei mite which causes fatal sarcoptic mange in most bare-nosed wombat populations. Little is known about the pathogens carried by most wombat ticks or how they impact wombats affected by sarcoptic mange.Methods Wombat ticks were sourced from wildlife hospitals and sanctuaries across Australia and identified to species level using taxonomic keys. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from a subsample, and following the amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 hypervariable region, next generation sequencing (NGS) on the Illumina MiSeq platform was used to assess the microbial composition.Results A total of 447 tick specimens were collected from 47 bare-nosed wombats between January 2019 and January 2020. Five species of ticks were identified comprising Bothriocroton auruginans (n = 420), Haemaphysalis bancrofti (n = 10), H. longicornis (n = 1), Ixodes tasmani (n = 12), and I. holocyclus (n = 4). Tick infestations ranged from 1 to 73 ticks per wombat. B. auruginans was the most prevalent tick species comprising 94% of the total number of samples and was present on 97.9% (46/47) of wombat hosts. NGS results revealed the 16S rRNA gene diversity profile was predominantly Proteobacteria (55.1%) followed by Firmicutes (21.9%) and Actinobacteria (18.4%). A species of Coxiella sharing closest sequence identity to C. burnetii (99.07%), was detected in 72% of B. auruginans and a Rickettsiella endosymbiont dominated the bacterial profile for I. tasmani.Conclusions A new host record for H. longicornis is bare-nosed wombats. One adult male and two engorged adult female specimens were found on an adult male wombat from Coolagolite in NSW and more specimens should be collected to confirm this host record. The most prevalent tick found on bare-nosed wombats is B. auruginans confirming previous records. Analysis of alpha-diversity showed high variability across both sample locations and instars, similar to previous studies. The detection of various Proteobacteria in this study highlights the high bacterial diversity in native Australian ticks.

scholarly journals A new Rickettsia honei-related genotype, two novel soft tick haplotypes and first records of three mite species associated with bats in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 2106-2118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Ullah ◽  
Jenő Kontschán ◽  
Nóra Takács ◽  
Michiel Wijnveld ◽  
Anna-margarita Schötta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Soft Tick ◽  
Rickettsia Species ◽  
Southern Asia

Bats are well adapted to inhabit human settlements and are suitable reservoirs of a high number of vector-borne pathogens with veterinary-medical importance. Owing to these eco-epidemiological traits, the importance of studying bat ectoparasites is increasingly recognized. However, relevant molecular-phylogenetic data are missing from several countries of southern Asia, including Pakistan. In this study 11 ectoparasites, collected from bats in northern Pakistan, were analyzed morphologically and/or molecularly, phylogenetically from a taxonomic point of view. In addition, soft ticks were screened for pathogen DNA. Three mesostigmatid mite species were identified: Steatonyssus occidentalis evansi Micherdziński, 1980 and Ancystropus taprobanius Turk, 1950 from Rousettus leschenaultii (Desmarest 1820) and two specimens of Spinturnix americanus (Banks 1902) from Pipistrellus cf. javanicus (Gray 1838). Six soft tick (Carios vespertilionis Latreille, 1802) larvae were also removed from Scotophilus kuhlii Leach, 1821. Morpho-metric comparison revealed minor differences in comparison with C. vespertilionis larvae from Europe (i.e., narrower scutum and longer 4th posterolateral setae, while scutal length and shape index were not significantly different in this context). When molecularly analyzed, C. vespertilionis larvae from Pakistan showed the highest, 94.1% cox1 sequence identity with a sample from Kenya, while in their 16S rRNA gene these had the highest, 96.2–96.4% identity with samples from Europe and central Asia (northwestern China). These findings were confirmed in phylogenetic analyses. A further soft tick larva, collected from R. leschenaultii and therefore provisionally called Argas sp. "rousetti", yielded sequences with only 86.2% and 91% similarities in its cox1 and 16S rRNA genes, respectively, to the genetically closest species, A. boueti. Both Argas species belonged to the phylogenetic group of the subgenus Chiropterargas. Molecular screening of two C. vespertilionis larvae for a broad range of tick-borne pathogens yielded negative results. However, the larva of Argas sp. "rousetti" showed the presence of a spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia sp., which (based on four genetic markers) was closely related to two Rickettsia species reported from southeastern Asia (i.e., R. honei and Rickettsia sp. IG-1), but differed more significantly from other rickettsiae. In conclusion, the three mite species identified here are new records for their host species and for Pakistan. The present findings support that despite the observed genetic differences, C. vespertilionis in southern Asia (Pakistan) and Europe belong to the same species and share common ancestry with C. vespertilionis in east Africa (Kenya). The soft tick species, Argas sp. "rousetti" is most likely a not yet described species within the subgenus Chiropterargas Hoogstraal, 1955, because it was clearly separated from A. boueti Roubaud & Colas-Belcour, 1933 and A. confusus Hoogstraal, 1955 in the phylogenetic analysis (also taking into account that other known species of the subgenus are unlikely to occur in Pakistan). The novel Rickettsia genotype from Argas sp. "rousetti", represents the first molecular identification of a Rickettsia sp. phylogenetically close to R. honei, and the first Rickettsia sp. from any bat-associated soft tick species in southern Asia.

Genetic characterization of spotted fever group rickettsiae in questing ixodid ticks collected in Israel and environmental risk factors for their infection

Parasitology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 144 (8) ◽  
pp. 1088-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
JESSICA ROSE ◽  
YAARIT NACHUM-BIALA ◽  
KOSTA Y. MUMCUOGLU ◽  
MOH A. ALKHAMIS ◽  
ADI BEN-NUN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Rickettsia Conorii ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Gis Analysis ◽  
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae ◽  
Rickettsia Massiliae

SUMMARYThis study aimed to genetically characterize spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) in questing ixodid ticks from Israel and to identify risk factors associated with SFGR-positive ticks using molecular techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis. 1039 ticks from the genusRhipicephaluswere collected during 2014. 109/1039 (10·49%) carried SFGR-DNA of eitherRickettsia massiliae(95), ‘CandidatusRickettsia barbariae’ (8) orRickettsia conorii(6). Higher prevalence of SFGR was found inRhipicephalus turanicus(18·00%) compared withRhipicephalus sanguineussensu lato (3·22%).Rickettsia massiliaewas the most commonly detected species and the most widely disseminated throughout Israel (87·15% of allRickettsia-positive ticks). GIS analysis revealed that Central and Northern coastal regions are at high risk for SFGR. The presence of ticks was significantly associated with normalized difference vegetation index and temperature variation over the course of the year. The presence of rickettsiae was significantly associated with brown type soils, higher land surface temperature and higher precipitation. The latter parameters may contribute to infection of the tick with SFGR. Health care professionals should be aware of the possible exposure of local communities and travellers toR. massillae. Molecular and geographical information can help professionals to identify areas that are susceptible to SFGR-infected ticks.

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