scholarly journals Experimental Infection of Ticks: An Essential Tool for the Analysis of Babesia Species Biology and Transmission

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1403
Author(s):  
Sarah I. Bonnet ◽  
Clémence Nadal
Keyword(s):  
Control Measures ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Experimental Systems ◽  
Babesia Divergens ◽  
Veterinary Importance ◽  
Tick Transmission ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Babesia Spp ◽  
Made In

Babesiosis is one of the most important tick-borne diseases in veterinary health, impacting mainly cattle, equidae, and canidae, and limiting the development of livestock industries worldwide. In humans, babesiosis is considered to be an emerging disease mostly due to Babesia divergens in Europe and Babesia microti in America. Despite this importance, our knowledge of Babesia sp. transmission by ticks is incomplete. The complexity of vectorial systems involving the vector, vertebrate host, and pathogen, as well as the complex feeding biology of ticks, may be part of the reason for the existing gaps in our knowledge. Indeed, this complexity renders the implementation of experimental systems that are as close as possible to natural conditions and allowing the study of tick-host-parasite interactions, quite difficult. However, it is unlikely that the development of more effective and sustainable control measures against babesiosis will emerge unless significant progress can be made in understanding this tripartite relationship. The various methods used to date to achieve tick transmission of Babesia spp. of medical and veterinary importance under experimental conditions are reviewed and discussed here.

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.

Coinfection of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) Nymphs With Babesia spp. (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) and Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in Wisconsin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
T E Zembsch ◽  
X Lee ◽  
G M Bron ◽  
L C Bartholomay ◽  
S M Paskewitz
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Tick Bites ◽  
The Family ◽  
Babesia Spp

Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes Lyme disease, is endemic and widespread in Wisconsin. Research in the northeastern United States has revealed a positive association between Babesia microti, the main pathogen that causes babesiosis in humans, and Bo. burgdorferi in humans and in ticks. This study was conducted to examine associations between the disease agents in the Upper midwestern United States. Ixodes scapularis Say nymphs (N = 2,858) collected between 2015 and 2017 from nine locations in Wisconsin were tested for Babesia spp. and Borrelia spp. using real-time PCR. Two species of Babesia were detected; Ba. microti and Babesia odocoilei (a parasite of members of the family Cervidae). Prevalence of infection at the nine locations ranged from 0 to 13% for Ba. microti, 11 to 31% for Bo. burgdorferi sensu stricto, and 5.7 to 26% for Ba. odocoilei. Coinfection of nymphs with Bo. burgdorferi and Ba. odocoilei was detected in eight of the nine locations and significant positive associations were observed in two of the eight locations. The prevalence of nymphal coinfection with both and Bo. burgdorferi and Ba. microti ranged from 0.81 to 6.5%. These two pathogens were significantly positively associated in one of the five locations where both pathogens were detected. In the other four locations, the observed prevalence of coinfection was higher than expected in all but one site-year. Clinics and healthcare providers should be aware of the association between Ba. microti and Bo. burgdorferi pathogens when treating patients who report tick bites.

scholarly journals Inhibitory effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics on Babesia divergens and Babesia microti, blood parasites of veterinary and zoonotic importance

2018 ◽  
Vol Volume 11 ◽  
pp. 1605-1615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abdo Rizk ◽  
Mahmoud AbouLaila ◽  
Shimaa Abd El-Sayed ◽  
Azirwan Guswanto ◽  
Naoaki Yokoyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics ◽  
Babesia Divergens

scholarly journals Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma gel as an angiogenesis-inducing agent in canineadvancement skin flaps

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 474-478
Author(s):  
Grazielle A.S. Aleixo ◽  
Maria C.O.C. Coelho ◽  
Telga L.A. Almeida ◽  
Márcia F. Pereira ◽  
Miriam N. Teixeira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Vessel ◽  
Skin Color ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Skin Flap ◽  
Skin Flaps ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Prp Gel ◽  
Made In

ABSTRACT: This work aimed to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on advancement skin flaps in dogs regarding improvement of vascularization, with focus on increasing its viable area, since there are reports that it is a potential angiogenesis stimulator. The experimental group was composed of eight adult bitches, in which two advancement skin flaps were made in the ventral abdominal region. No product was applied in the control flap (CF), while PRP was used in the contralateral flap, called treated flap (TF). The areas were clinically evaluated every two days until the 7th postoperative day regarding skin color and presence of necrosis. At 10 days, both flaps were removed and submitted to histological examination and blood vessel morphometry. The vessels counted in each group were statistically analyzed by the F-test at 1% probability. Results showed no significant difference in macroscopic changes in the wound, or CF and TF vascularization, thus suggesting that PRP gel did not improve advancement skin flap angiogenesis in bitches under the experimental conditions in which this research was developed.

scholarly journals The beneficial effect of oxidation on the lubricating properties of oil

1933 ◽  
Vol 139 (838) ◽  
pp. 447-459 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Lubricating Oil ◽  
Engine Fuel ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Oil Film ◽  
Mineral Oils ◽  
Continuous Rotation ◽  
Made In ◽  
Lubricating Properties

Journal bearing friction experiments have been made generally at relatively low temperatures and otherwise in conditions tending to prevent oxidation of the lubricating oil. Thus Beauchamp Tower’s experiments led Reynolds to the conclusion that fluid friction alone prevails in an oil film maintained by continuous rotation of the journal and that boundary conditions do not become sensible. The more recent experiments by Stanton, undertaken after the Physical Society discussion of 1919, were made to verify the conclusion, and confirmed that especially for mineral oils, “the conditions were in all cases those of perfect lubrication ( i. e ., complete fluid lubrication), no approximation to the hypothetical ones of boundary lubrication being observed,” “the conditions of lubrication of a cylindrical journal being of the Reynolds’ type right up to the seizing pressure. Stanton’s experimental conditions were such that oxidation effects were not obtained. The feed to the journal bearing was always by fresh, not circulated, oil and the temperature of the oil film was maintained at 51·6° C., i. e ., at least 50° lower than required to induce oxidation in a mineral oil particularly susceptible to the effect. The possibility that oxidation might lead to boundary conditions becoming a factor in the measurements was not considered. Oxidation of the oil used to lubricate internalcombustion engines cannot be avoided in the usual conditions of operation, and an investigation of the effect on lubricating value was begun, in connection with experiments made in association with Professor Callendar, on the oxidation of the lighter oils used as engine fuel. The results of lubrication experiments made directly on engines were difficult to interpret. The friction measured is mainly that due to the reciprocating motion of the pistons in the cylinders and oxidation being uncontrolled, the resulting accumulation of semisolid products leads to secondary friction effects greater in magnitude than the primary effect attributable to the fluid alone. The conditions of journal bearing lubrication, on the other hand, can be controlled and friction measured with fair accuracy and it appeared therefore that the investigation could be continued most effectively by using journal bearing testing machines. Machines adapted to be run at the relatively high temperature required for the oxidation of mineral oils had been designed at the N. P. L. by Mr. C. Jakeman in association with whom the experiments were continued, by permission of the authorities concerned.

Non-linear phenomena in host—parasite interactions

Parasitology ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 99 (S1) ◽  
pp. S59-S79 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Anderson ◽  
R. M. May ◽  
S. Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Control Measure ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Developmental Cycle ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Control Effort ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARYThe paper examines non-linear dynamical phenomena in host—parasite interactions by reference to a series of different problems ranging from the impact on transmission of control measures based on vaccination and chemotherapy, to the effects of immunological responses targeted at different stages in a parasite's life-cycle. Throughout, simple mathematical models are employed to aid in interpretation. Analyses reveal that the influence of a defined control measure on the prevalence or intensity of infection, whether vaccination or drug treatment, is non-linearly related to the magnitude of control effort (as defined by the proportion of individuals vaccinated or treated with a drug). Consideration of the relative merits of gametocyte and sporozoite vaccines against malarial parasites suggests that very high levels of cohort immunization will be required to block transmission in endemic areas, with the former type of vaccine being more effective in reducing transmission for a defined level of coverage and the latter being better with respect to a reduction in morbidity. The inclusion of genetic elements in analyses of the transmission of helminth parasites reveals complex non-linear patterns of change in the abundance of different parasite genotypes under selection pressures imposed by either the host immunological defences or the application of chemotherapeutic agents. When resistance genes are present in parasite populations, the degree to which abundance can be suppressed by chemotherapy depends critically on the frequency and intensity of application, with intermediate values of the former being optimal. A more detailed consideration of the impact of immunological defences on parasite population growth within an individual host, by reference to the erythrocytic cycle of malaria, suggests that the effectiveness of a given immunological response is inversely related to the life-expectancy of the target stage in the parasite's developmental cycle.

ROLE OF THE THYROID GLAND IN REGULATION OF METABOLIC RATE IN AN AIR-BREATHING SILUROID FISH, HETEROPNEUSTES FOSSILIS (BLOCH)

1976 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. N. PANDEY ◽  
J. S. D. MUNSHI
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Thyroid Gland ◽  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Heteropneustes Fossilis ◽  
Cyclic Activity ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Probable Role ◽  
Made In

SUMMARY Studies on cyclic activity of the thyroid and seasonal variations in oxygen consumption (V̇o2) under experimental conditions in which surfacing was either allowed or prevented were made in H. fossilis to try to establish a relationship between these measures and to ascertain the possible role of the thyroid in the regulation of metabolic rate. A good correlation was found between the activity of the thyroid and V̇o2 in this species. This finding was further confirmed by the administration of l-thyroxine or thiouracil to this fish. The thyroxine-and thiouracil-treated animals showed significantly higher (P < 0·05) and lower (P < 0·01) rates of V̇o2 respectively, thus indicating the probable role of the thyroid in the regulation of metabolic rate.

scholarly journals Malaria and red cell genetic defects

Blood ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 1213-1221 ◽  
Author(s):  
RL Nagel ◽  
EF Jr Roth
Keyword(s):  
Culture System ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Red Cell ◽  
Metabolic Products ◽  
Recombinant Technology ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Made In

Abstract The study of inherited RBC resistance to malaria has increased our knowledge of the biochemistry and physiology of the host-parasite interaction and suggested potential sites for therapeutic intervention. Discovery by Jensen and Trager of the in vitro culture system for P falciparum has facilitated research in this area. Known RBC defects may affect invasion, growth, or merozoite liberation (Fig 1). Significant advances made in understanding mechanisms underlying protection against malaria should not obscure the fact that the data are far from complete. More knowledge is needed about the influence of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton on invasion and growth of parasites as well as the potential role of phospholipids, erythrocyte enzymes other than G6PD, or other metabolic products. Application of DNA analysis and recombinant technology may have an increasing impact on study of the interaction of RBC defects with malarial parasites.

scholarly journals The Discovery of Zoonotic Protozoans in Fleas Parasitizing on Pets as a Potential Infection Threat

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 817-822
Author(s):  
Olga Pawełczyk ◽  
Marek Asman ◽  
Krzysztof Solarz
Keyword(s):  
Companion Animals ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Ctenocephalides Canis ◽  
Cat Fleas ◽  
Veterinary Importance ◽  
Pathogenic Agents

Abstract Purpose Fleas are insects with a high medical and veterinary importance. They may participate in spreading of many pathogenic agents, but still there is limited information about their possible reservoir or vector role for protozoans. The main aim of this study was an attempt of detection zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia microti and Toxoplasma gondii in fleas Ctenocephalides felis felis and Ctenocephalides canis. Methods In 2013–2017, 155 fleas were captured from domestic dogs and cats in veterinary clinics, animal shelters and pet grooming salons in Upper Silesia Region in Poland. Then, the DNA was extracted from each Ctenocephalides flea by using the ammonia method. Samples were screened for the presence of B. microti and T. gondii using PCR and nested PCR methods. Results B. microti was reported in 6.6% of C. felis felis and 9.1% of C. canis, whereas the prevalence of coinfection with B. microti and T. gondii was 1.9% in cat fleas and 2.3% in dog fleas. Conclusion This study shows the first cases of B. microti occurrence and B. microti and T. gondii coinfection in Ctenocephalides fleas. The estimation of prevalence of examined protozoans may be useful considering the possibility of infection among companion animals, as well as during presentation of the potential risk of infection in humans. In order to clarify the role of C. felis felis and C. canis in transmission of B. microti and T. gondii, the another studies with in vitro cultures and laboratory animals are needed.

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.

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