scholarly journals Role of Zoo-Housed Animals in the Ecology of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens—A Review

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
Johana Hrnková ◽  
Irena Schneiderová ◽  
Marina Golovchenko ◽  
Libor Grubhoffer ◽  
Natalie Rudenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Exotic Animals ◽  
Host Pathogen ◽  
Medical Importance ◽  
Ecology Of Ticks ◽  
Definite Role

Ticks are ubiquitous ectoparasites, feeding on representatives of all classes of terrestrial vertebrates and transmitting numerous pathogens of high human and veterinary medical importance. Exotic animals kept in zoological gardens, ranches, wildlife parks or farms may play an important role in the ecology of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), as they may serve as hosts for local tick species. Moreover, they can develop diseases of varying severity after being infected by TBPs, and theoretically, can thus serve as reservoirs, thereby further propagating TBPs in local ecosystems. The definite role of these animals in the tick–host-pathogen network remains poorly investigated. This review provides a summary of the information currently available regarding ticks and TBPs in connection to captive local and exotic wildlife, with an emphasis on zoo-housed species.

scholarly journals Importation of Ticks on Companion Animals and the Risk of Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases to Non-Endemic Regions in Europe

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Alicja Buczek ◽  
Weronika Buczek
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Human Mobility ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Geographic Regions

Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.

scholarly journals The Role of Macrophages in the Host’s Defense against Sporothrix schenckii

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 905
Author(s):  
Estela Ruiz-Baca ◽  
Armando Pérez-Torres ◽  
Yolanda Romo-Lozano ◽  
Daniel Cervantes-García ◽  
Carlos A. Alba-Fierro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Macrophage Polarization ◽  
Sporothrix Schenckii ◽  
Macrophage Cell ◽  
Cell Recruitment ◽  
Host Pathogen Interaction ◽  
Interaction Processes ◽  
Host Pathogen ◽  
Molecular Patterns

The role of immune cells associated with sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii is not yet fully clarified. Macrophages through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) can recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of Sporothrix, engulf it, activate respiratory burst, and secrete pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory biological mediators to control infection. It is important to consider that the characteristics associated with S. schenckii and/or the host may influence macrophage polarization (M1/M2), cell recruitment, and the type of immune response (1, 2, and 17). Currently, with the use of new monocyte-macrophage cell lines, it is possible to evaluate different host–pathogen interaction processes, which allows for the proposal of new mechanisms in human sporotrichosis. Therefore, in order to contribute to the understanding of these host–pathogen interactions, the aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the immune responses induced by macrophage-S. schenckii interactions, as well as the PRRs and PAMPs involved during the recognition of S. schenckii that favor the immune evasion by the fungus.

scholarly journals Dangerous Duplicity: The Dual Functions of Casein Kinase 1in Parasite Biology and Host Subversion

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Najma Rachidi ◽  
Uwe Knippschild ◽  
Gerald F. Späth
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Casein Kinase ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Casein Kinase 1 ◽  
Parasite Survival ◽  
Host Pathogen ◽  
Parasite Biology ◽  
Antimicrobial Interventions

Casein Kinase 1 (CK1) family members are serine/threonine protein kinases that are involved in many biological processes and highly conserved in eukaryotes from protozoan to humans. Even though pathogens exploit host CK1 signaling pathways to survive, the role of CK1 in infectious diseases and host/pathogen interaction is less well characterized compared to other diseases, such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. Here we present the current knowledge on CK1 in protozoan parasites highlighting their essential role for parasite survival and their importance for host-pathogen interactions. We also discuss how the dual requirement of CK1 family members for parasite biological processes and host subversion could be exploited to identify novel antimicrobial interventions.

scholarly journals Annotated world checklist of the Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae (1758–2021) (Acari: Trombiculoidea), with notes on nomenclature, taxonomy, and distribution

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4967 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-243
Author(s):  
DAVID H. NIELSEN ◽  
RICHARD G. ROBBINS ◽  
LEOPOLDO M. RUEDA
Keyword(s):  
Scrub Typhus ◽  
Diverse Group ◽  
Orientia Tsutsugamushi ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
The World ◽  
Medical Importance ◽  
Original Species ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Annotated Checklist ◽  
Collection Sites

The superfamily Trombiculoidea is a large and diverse group of acarines that comprises six families; of these, the families Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae are characterized by larvae commonly known as chiggers that are parasites of terrestrial vertebrates, including humans, and some species are of medical importance as vectors of chigger-borne rickettsiosis (scrub typhus), caused by the rickettsia Orientia tsutsugamushi.  This paper presents an annotated checklist of 3,013 generally accepted chigger species, together with their distribution by zoogeographic region, and a non-comprehensive list of synonyms.  A total of 58 new combinations are proposed by transferring species to different genera, treating some subgenera as genera, or updating current generic names. The checklist updates earlier catalogs of the world chigger fauna, but because the literature on chigger taxonomy is voluminous and scattered, similar, regional monographs were utilized in constructing the classificatory foundation.  This list may not contain every species, synonym or taxonomic rearrangement that has been published, but it reflects the most recent arrangement of chigger taxa.  Distribution records are primarily drawn from collection sites listed in the original species descriptions, together with subsequently published geographical records. 

scholarly journals The complex, bidirectional role of extracellular vesicles in infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joni Renee White ◽  
Priscila Dauros-Singorenko ◽  
Jiwon Hong ◽  
Frédérique Vanholsbeeck ◽  
Anthony Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Bacterial Pathogens ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Host Pathogen ◽  
Domains Of Life

Cells from all domains of life release extracellular vesicles (EVs), packages that carry a cargo of molecules that participate in communication, co-ordination of population behaviours, virulence and immune response mechanisms. Mammalian EVs play an increasingly recognised role to fight infection, yet may also be commandeered to disseminate pathogens and enhance infection. EVs released by bacterial pathogens may deliver toxins to host cells, signalling molecules and new DNA to other bacteria, and act as decoys, protecting infecting bacteria from immune killing. In this review, we explore the role of EVs in infection from the perspective of both the pathogen and host, and highlight their importance in the host/pathogen relationship. We highlight proposed strategies for EVs in therapeutics, and call attention to areas where existing knowledge and evidence is lacking.

scholarly journals Distinct Roles of Hemocytes at Different Stages of Infection by Dengue and Zika Viruses in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago H. J. F. Leite ◽  
Álvaro G. A. Ferreira ◽  
Jean-Luc Imler ◽  
João T. Marques
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Cellular Responses ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Phagocytic Function ◽  
Systemic Dissemination ◽  
Latex Beads ◽  
Medical Importance ◽  
Immune Pathways

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are vectors for arboviruses of medical importance such as dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses. Different innate immune pathways contribute to the control of arboviruses in the mosquito vector including RNA interference, Toll and Jak-STAT pathways. However, the role of cellular responses mediated by circulating macrophage-like cells known as hemocytes remains unclear. Here we show that hemocytes are recruited to the midgut of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in response to DENV or ZIKV. Blockade of the phagocytic function of hemocytes using latex beads induced increased accumulation of hemocytes in the midgut and a reduction in virus infection levels in this organ. In contrast, inhibition of phagocytosis by hemocytes led to increased systemic dissemination and replication of DENV and ZIKV. Hence, our work reveals a dual role for hemocytes in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, whereby phagocytosis is not required to control viral infection in the midgut but is essential to restrict systemic dissemination. Further understanding of the mechanism behind this duality could help the design of vector-based strategies to prevent transmission of arboviruses.

Ticks on small mammals from an ecotone region impacted by rural activities in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 427-437
Author(s):  
Rafael Quirino Moreira ◽  
Vanessa Do Nascimento Ramos ◽  
Adriane Suzin ◽  
Diego Garcia Ramirez ◽  
Paulo Ricardo De Oliveira Roth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Riparian Forests ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Cerrado Biome ◽  
Didelphis Albiventris

We evaluated the role of communities of small mammals from three distinct areas in a region of Cerrado mixed with Atlantic Forest remains for maintenance of tick fauna. Thirty-nine marsupials (Gracilinanus agilis, n = 34; Marmosa paraguaiana, n = 4; Didelphis albiventris, n = 1) and 33 rodents (Oecomys cleberi, n = 10; Nectomys squamipes, n = 4; Calomys tener, n = 4; Hylaeamys megacephalus, n = 4; Akodon sp., n = 3; Rattus rattus, n = 3; Cerradomys subflavus, n = 2; Mus musculus, n = 2; Rhipidomys macrurus, n = 1) were captured. Solely G. agilis and the four rodent species (N. squamipes, R. macrurus, C. subflavus and Akodon sp.) were infested. Four tick species were collected (Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma sculptum, Ixodes loricatus and Ornithodoros mimon). A. dubitatum was the most abundant tick species on hosts. Capture success was higher in the dry season, but the infestation was similar in both seasons. Forested habitats, particularly riparian forests, resulted in higher number of hosts and ticks collected (from hosts and from vegetation), compared to pastures and anthropized sites. The association between C. subflavus and I. loricatus and between A. dubitatum and N. squamipes observed here is the first recorded in Cerrado biome. Areas with more patches of forest, including the Atlantic Forest fragments, tend to present a richest community of small mammals and associated ticks.

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