Identification of Coxiella burnetii molecular markers in ticks harboring at forest zones in Saint-Petersburg

2021 ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
Yuliya Aleksandrovna Panferova ◽  
Regina Ravilevna Baimova ◽  
Elena Aleksandrovna Syuzyumova ◽  
Valeriya Igorevna Lomonosova ◽  
Gelena Anatolievna Lunina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Markers ◽  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Saint Petersburg ◽  
Arthropod Vectors ◽  
The North ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
North Eurasia

The prevalence of Q fever agent, Coxiella burnetii in blood-sucking ixodid ticks in the forest zones of St-Petersburg was investigated. Molecular markers of pathogen were determined in approximately 5 % of vectors, which could suggest of infection foci subsistence close to megalopolis. Data on Coxiella infection rates of arthropod vectors across the North Eurasia were analyzed.

Information about the fauna of ixodid ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) in the north of the Aktobe region

2021 ◽  
pp. 94-107
Author(s):  
Zh.U. Katuova ◽  
Z.Z. Sayakova ◽  
A.Zh. Zhaymakhova ◽  
T.T. Koylybayev ◽  
R.A. Utemisova
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
The North ◽  
Current State ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Natural Foci ◽  
The Many ◽  
Intensive Development

The territory of the Aktobe region is unfavorable for some zoonotic infectious diseases, which are carried by blood-sucking arthropods. Feeding on the blood of obviously sick wild animals in natural foci, bloodsuckers can attack livestock and people and thereby contribute to the transfer of infectious agents to human settlements. Ixodid ticks are one of the many bloodsuckers capable of preserving and transmitting pathogens of especially dangerous infections to susceptible animals and humans. In the conditions of intensive development of transport communications on the territory of the Aktobe region, ixodids, as carriers of infectious agents, may present serious dangers. Despite many years of research, the tick fauna of the Aktobe region has not been completely studied. In 2018-2020, we conducted studies of ixodids in the north of the Aktobe region to clarify the current state of their fauna. Studies of ticks were carried out in inhibited areas of fi ve districts of the region in natural biotopes, with wild and agricultural animals according to the generally accepted method. As a result of studies in the north of the Aktobe region, the habitat of 5 species of ticks belonging to three genera were revealed: Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus. Key words: fauna, ixodid ticks, vectors, range, Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus

scholarly journals Draft Genome Sequence of Coxiella burnetii Historical Strain Leningrad-2, Isolated from Blood of a Patient with Acute Q Fever in Saint Petersburg, Russia

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Freylikhman ◽  
Artem Kiselev ◽  
Sergey Kazakov ◽  
Alexey Sergushichev ◽  
Yulia Panferova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase I ◽  
Genome Sequence ◽  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
Draft Genome Sequence ◽  
Saint Petersburg ◽  
Acute Q Fever

ABSTRACT This is the announcement of a draft genome sequence of Coxiella burnetii strain Leningrad-2, phase I. The strain, which is mildly virulent in infected guinea pigs, was isolated in 1957 from the blood of a patient with acute Q fever in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia.

Displaced tick-parasite interactions at the host interface

Parasitology ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 116 (S1) ◽  
pp. S65-S72 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Nuttall
Keyword(s):  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Vertebrate Host ◽  
Feeding Site ◽  
Reciprocal Interactions ◽  
Arthropod Vectors ◽  
Bioactive Proteins ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Antiviral Activities ◽  
Vector Borne

SummaryReciprocal interactions of parasites transmitted by blood-sucking arthropod vectors have been studied primarily at the parasite–host and parasite–vector interface. The third component of this parasite triangle, the vector–host interface, has been largely ignored. Now there is growing realization that reciprocal interactions between arthropod vectors and their vertebrate hosts play a pivotal role in the survival of arthropod-borne viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The vector–host interface is the site where the haematophagous arthropod feeds. To obtain a blood meal, the vector must overcome the host's inflammatory, haemostatic, and immune responses. This problem is greatest for ixodid ticks which may imbibe as much as 15 ml blood whilst continuously attached to their host for 10 days or more. To feed successfully, the interface between tick and host becomes a battle between the host's mechanisms for combating the tick and the tick's armoury of bioactive proteins and other chemicals which it secretes, via saliva, into the feeding lesion formed in the host's skin. Parasites entering this battlefield encounter a privileged site in their vertebrate host that has been profoundly modified by the pharmacological activities of their vector's saliva. For example, ticks suppress natural killer cells and interferons, both of which have potent antiviral activities. Not surprisingly, vector-borne parasites exploit the immunomodulated feeding site to promote their transmission and infection. Certain tick-borne viruses are so successful at this that they are transmitted from one infected tick, through the vertebrate host to a co-feeding uninfected tick, without a detectable viraemia (virus circulating in the host's blood), and with no untoward effect on the host. When such viruses do have an adverse effect on the host, they may impede their vectors' feeding. Thus important interactions between ticks and tick-borne parasites are displaced to the interface with their vertebrate host - the skin site of blood-feeding and infection.

scholarly journals Atelerix algirus, the North African Hedgehog: Suitable Wild Host for Infected Ticks and Fleas and Reservoir of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Tunisia

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 953
Author(s):  
Ghofrane Balti ◽  
Clemence Galon ◽  
Moufida Derghal ◽  
Hejer Souguir ◽  
Souheila Guerbouj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Arthropod Vectors ◽  
The North ◽  
Wild Host ◽  
Rickettsia Massiliae ◽  
Vector Borne

Small wild mammals are an important element in the emergence and transmission of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs). Among these species, hedgehogs have been found to be a reservoir of VBPs and host of arthropod vectors. Surveillance of VBPs in wildlife and their arthropods are crucial in a one health context. We conducted an exploratory study to screen Atelerix algirus hedgehogs and their infesting ticks and fleas for VBPs using a high throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system. Tested biopsies from hedgehogs were found to be naturally infected by Theileria youngi, Hepatozoon sp., Ehrlichia ewingii, Coxiella burnetii, and Candidatus Ehrlichia shimanensis. Similarly, Haemaphysalis erinacei and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick species were infected by Ehrlichia ewingii, Rickettsia spp., Rickettsia massiliae, Borrelia sp., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia lusitaniae and Anaplasma sp. Archaeopsylla erinacei fleas were infected by Rickettsia asembonensis, Coxiella burnetii, and Rickettsia massiliae. Co-infections by two and three pathogens were detected in hedgehogs and infesting ticks and fleas. The microfluidic real-time PCR system enabled us not only to detect new and unexpected pathogens, but also to identify co-infections in hedgehogs, ticks, and fleas. We suggest that hedgehogs may play a reservoir role for VBPs in Tunisia and contribute to maintaining enzootic pathogen cycles via arthropod vectors.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genetic markers in blood-sucking ticks in suburban park zones in Saint Petersburg

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-179
Author(s):  
Yu. A. Panferova ◽  
A. N. Vaganova ◽  
O. A. Freylikhman ◽  
K. A. Tretyakov ◽  
S. G. Medvedev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Ixodid Tick ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Vector System ◽  
Ixodes Persulcatus ◽  
Northern Coast ◽  
The North ◽  
Blood Sucking

Tick-borne bacterial and viral infections are widespread in middle latitudes of the Northern hemisphere. Natural foci of such infections coincide with geographic areas inhabited by ixodid ticks. Ixodid tick-borne borreliosis is a pressing issue for some territories of Russia, especially for the North-Western Federal District and St. Petersburg megalopolis as well as adjacent areas of the Leningrad District, where people may become infected after tick bite in recreational zones in suburban park areas. Currently, very few publications regarding prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in St. Petersburg area are available. In our study, questing ticks flagged in park zone (northern coast of Finnish Gulf, Kurortny District) were examined with PCR for carriage of pathogenic B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex. In addition, samples positive for Borrelia DNA signal were further genotyped with species-specific primers against rpoBgene fragment. It was found that Ixodes persulcatus dominated in this area. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex comprised 9.33%. Genospecies B. afzelii and less frequently B. garinii were detected. A mixt-infection with two Borel-lia species was detected in one sample. Interestingly, all Borrelia-infected ticks belonged to I. persulcatus suggesting a closer association for certain species in «pathogen-vector» system. Our findings are essential in investigating distribution of ixodid borreliosis foci in St. Petersburg and suburbs, obtaining new data regarding epidemiology, diagnostics, treatment and prevention of this infection. It is noteworthy than prevalence of pathogenic Borrelia spp. vs. tick-borne encephalitis virus in vectors was higher thereby accounting for its higher morbidity. Comparing our data with those published elsewhere by European researchers allows to note that prevalence of pathogenic Borrelia spp. in ticks varies broadly in diverse geographic regions. It is necessary to take into consideration that prevalence of Borrelia markers achieves ~10% in ticks given frequent attendance of park areas near St. Petersburg that point at risk of developing bor-reliosis in recreational zones.

scholarly journals Molecular Evidence of Q Fever Agent Coxiella Burnetii in Ixodid Ticks Collected from Stray Dogs in Belgrade (Serbia)

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danica Bogunović ◽  
Nataša Stević ◽  
Karim Sidi-Boumedine ◽  
Dušan Mišić ◽  
Snežana Tomanović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Stray Dogs ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Total Prevalence ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Dog Tick

Abstract Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, a gram-negative coccobacillus, which has been detected in a wide range of animal species, mostly domestic ruminants, but also in wild mammals, pets, birds, reptiles, arthropods (especially ticks), as well as in humans. Although the exposure to domestic animals in rural areas is regarded as the most common cause of the disease in humans, recent studies have shown that the role of pets in the epidemiology of Q fever has been increasingly growing. Although the primary route of infection is inhalation, it is presumed that among animals the infection circulates through ticks and that they are responsible for heterospecifi c transmission, as well as spatial dispersion among vertebrates. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and prevalence of C. burnetii in ticks removed from stray dogs, as well as to examine the distribution of tick species parasitizing dogs on the territory of Belgrade city. A PCR protocol targeting IS1111 repetitive transposon-like region of C. burnetii was used for the detection of C. burnetii DNA in ticks and the results were confi rmed by sequence analysis. In total, 316 ticks were collected from 51 stray dogs - 40 females (78.43%) and 11 males (21.57%). Three species of ticks were identifi ed: Rhipicephalus s anguineus (72.15%), Ixodes ricinus (27.53%) and Dermacentor reticulatus (0.32%). Out of 316 examined ticks, C. burnetii DNA was detected only in the brown dog tick R. sanguineus, with a total prevalence of 10.53% (24/228) . The high prevalence of C. burnetii in R. sanguineus, which is primarily a dog tick, indicates the importance of dogs in the epidemiology of Q fever in the territory of Belgrade.

scholarly journals Spiroplasma Infection among Ixodid Ticks Exhibits Species Dependence and Suggests a Vertical Pattern of Transmission

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 333
Author(s):  
Shohei Ogata ◽  
Wessam Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed ◽  
Kodai Kusakisako ◽  
May June Thu ◽  
Yongjin Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rdna ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Frequent Event ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Members of the genus Spiroplasma are Gram-positive bacteria without cell walls. Some Spiroplasma species can cause disease in arthropods such as bees, whereas others provide their host with resistance to pathogens. Ticks also harbour Spiroplasma, but their role has not been elucidated yet. Here, the infection status and genetic diversity of Spiroplasma in ticks were investigated using samples collected from different geographic regions in Japan. A total of 712 ticks were tested for Spiroplasma infection by PCR targeting 16S rDNA, and Spiroplasma species were genetically characterized based on 16S rDNA, ITS, dnaA, and rpoB gene sequences. A total of 109 samples originating from eight tick species were positive for Spiroplasma infection, with infection rates ranging from 0% to 84% depending on the species. A linear mixed model indicated that tick species was the primary factor associated with Spiroplasma infection. Moreover, certain Spiroplasma alleles that are highly adapted to specific tick species may explain the high infection rates in Ixodes ovatus and Haemaphysalis kitaokai. A comparison of the alleles obtained suggests that horizontal transmission between tick species may not be a frequent event. These findings provide clues to understand the transmission cycle of Spiroplasma species in wild tick populations and their roles in host ticks.

scholarly journals Validation of a Novel Commercial ELISA Test for the Detection of Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1075
Author(s):  
Salvatore Ledda ◽  
Cinzia Santucciu ◽  
Valentina Chisu ◽  
Giovanna Masala
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Clinical Diagnostics ◽  
Complex Life Cycle ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative pathogen with a complex life cycle and a high impact on public and animal health all over the world. The symptoms are indistinguishable from those belonging to other diseases, and the disease could be symptomless. For these reasons, reliable laboratory tests are essential for an accurate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to validate a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, named the Chorus Q Fever Phase II IgG and IgM Kit (DIESSE, Diagnostica Senese S.p.A), which is performed by an instrument named Chorus, a new device in medical diagnostics. This diagnostic test is employed for the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii Phase II antigens in acute disease. Our validation protocol was performed according to the Italian Accreditation Body (ACCREDIA) (Regulation UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 and 17043:2010), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health), and Statement for Reporting Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD). Operator performance was evaluated along with the analytical specificity and sensitivity (ASp and ASe) and diagnostic accuracy of the kit, with parameters such as diagnostic specificity and sensitivity (DSp and DSe) and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), in addition to the repeatability. According to the evaluated parameters, the diagnostic ELISA test was shown to be suitable for validation and commercialization as a screening method in human sera and a valid support for clinical diagnostics.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document