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Tick cell lines are important tools for research on ticks and the pathogens they transmit. Here, we report the establishment of ten new cell lines from European ticks of the genera Argas, Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus originating from Germany and Spain. For each cell line, the method used to generate the primary culture, a morphological description of the cells and species confirmation by sequencing of the partial 16S rRNA gene are presented. Further molecular analysis of the two new Ixodes ricinus cell lines and three existing cell lines of the same species revealed genetic variation between cell lines derived from ticks collected in the same or nearby locations. Collectively, these new cell lines will support research into a wide range of viral, bacterial and protozoal tick-borne diseases prevalent in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The pigeon tick Argas reflexus is a temporary parasite of pigeons. It bites during night hours and lies briefly on its prey, as long as it takes the blood meal. When pigeons are not accessible, ticks look for other hosts, invading nearby flats and biting humans. Case presentation We present the case of a woman aged 46 years who experienced severe anaphylaxis during the night which required emergency medical treatment, tracheal intubation and hospitalization in intensive care unit. Kounis syndrome was documented by transient ST depression and elevation of troponin. The allergological work up ruled out hypersensitivity to drugs, latex and foods containing alpha-gal, which is a cause of anaphylaxis. Basal serum tryptase was in normal range (8.63 ng/ml). When questioned about the presence of ticks, the patient brought into view various specimens of ticks that were recognized by an entomologist as Argas reflexus. Conclusions An in vitro diagnosis of allergy to Argas reflexus is currently not feasible because, though the major allergen Arg r 1 has been isolated, allergen extracts are not commercially available. Therefore, the diagnosis of anaphylaxis from Argas reflexus, when other causes of anaphylaxis are excluded, must rely only on history and clinical findings, as well as on the presence of pigeons and/or pigeon ticks in the immediate domestic environment.

Tick cell lines are important tools for research on ticks and the pathogens they transmit. Here, we report the establishment of ten new cell lines from European ticks of the genera Argas, Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus originating from Germany and Spain. For each cell line, the method used to generate the primary culture, a morphological description of the cells and species confirmation by sequencing of the partial 16S rRNA gene are presented. Further molecular analysis of the two new Ixodes ricinus cell lines and three existing cell lines of the same species revealed genetic variation between cell lines derived from ticks collected in the same or nearby locations. Collectively, these new cell lines will support research into a wide range of viral, bacterial and protozoal tick-borne diseases prevalent in Europe.

Ticks are arthropods belonging to the class of arachnids and the subclass of mites. Despite their small body size, they are among the largest representatives of mites. They are external parasites of terrestrial vertebrates, from reptiles to mammals. They live in all environments, from moist habitats to deserts. There are more than 800 species of ticks worldwide, with 19 species found living permanently in Poland. Ticks attack from hiding, are bloodthirsty and efficient in their search for a host. Tick bodies are round or oval and dorsoventrally flattened in the case of a hungry individual, becoming convex as it feeds. In addition, they are very resistant to drought and cold, hiding effectively and waiting for the weather to improve. Ticks are divided into two families. The first are the proper ticks (Ixodidae), so-called hard ticks, which most often attack humans and animals. Their favorite habitat can be any patch of greenery. The second family are the so-called soft ticks (Argasiade), most often found on birds and only occasionally on humans. Their habitats consist of the breeding areas of birds, especially dovecotes, as well as attics, living quarters, residential and farm buildings. Being a vector that transmits pathogens of dangerous diseases from one organism to another, ticks pose a major threat to human and animal health. Gaining knowledge and learning about their habits can help implement appropriate measures to minimize the risk of the unpleasant consequences of encountering and being attacked by this parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pigeon tick Argas reflexus is a temporary parasite of pigeons. It bites during night hours and lies briefly on its prey, as long as it takes the blood meal. When pigeons are not accessible, ticks look for other hosts, invading nearby flats and biting humans. Case presentation: We present the case of a woman aged 46 years who experienced severe anaphylaxis during the night which required emergency medical treatment, tracheal intubation and hospitalization in intensive care unit. Kounis syndrome was documented by transient ST depression and elevation of troponin. The allergological work up ruled out hypersensitivity to drugs, latex and foods containing alpha-gal, which is a cause of anaphylaxis. Basal serum tryptase was in normal range (8.63 ng/ml). When questioned about the presence of ticks, the patient brought into view various specimens of ticks that were recognized by an entomologist as Argas reflexus. Conclusions: An in vitro diagnosis of allergy to Argas reflexus is currently not feasible because, though the major allergen Arg r 1 has been isolated, allergen extracts are not commercially available. Therefore, the diagnosis of anaphylaxis from Argas reflexus, when other causes of anaphylaxis are excluded, must rely only on history and clinical findings, as well as on the presence of pigeons and/or pigeon ticks in the immediate domestic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective. The great number of pigeon populations in many European cities promotes the spread of the European pigeon tick (Argas reflexus), the bites of which cause local and systemic reactions. The aim was to study the occurrence of A. reflexus in several cities of Upper Silesia, and skin lesions caused by A. reflexus tick bites in humans. Materials and method. The results of investigations carried out in 1995–2002 in five cities located in the Upper Silesian conurbation are presented. Specimens of A. reflexus were collected for one hour in attics and lofts inhabited by these ticks. A history of skin lesions caused by bites was taken from residents who had been infested by A. reflexus. The development of skin lesions was monitored for three months in two individuals who had been bitten several times by these arthropods. Results. In the localities, 987 A. reflexus specimens were collected, including 334 females, 269 males, and 384 various nymphal stages. Within one hour, 38–109 ticks specimens were collected at the study sites. Cases of attacks by unengorged A. reflexus were reported in all the habitats located in the residential buildings; the ticks were also found in residents’ flats and in staircases. Residents who had been repeatedly attacked by European pigeon ticks developed a strong inflammatory reaction to the components of tick saliva, and had purple papules with necrosis in the centre of the lesion. The tick bite areas exhibited scars and hyperpigmentation. Conclusions. Individuals attacked by A. reflexus several times are at risk of development of severe persistent local reactions to bites. Pigeon ticks, trophically associated with pigeons present abundantly in the Upper Silesian conurbation and other European urban habitats, pose a serious threat to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argas reflexus is considered obligate blood feeder that may cause skin redness and local swelling. For histopathological evaluation of biting site, pigeons were used as natural host species in this study. Adult ticks were collected from Urmia, North-west of Iran and kept in a desiccator before their use in the experiment. Sixteen Pigeons were infested experimentally and were divided into 4 groups, euthanized after 30 min, 4, 24 and 48h for evaluation of histopathological changes in biting sites. Early histopathologic lesions due to time of infestation included edema, hemorrhagic foci, vascular congestion, necrosis and mild to severe inflammatory reaction in dermis. In late lesions, presence of micro abscess foci in dermis was prominent. This study well documented the different pathological changes of skin of pigeons with Argas reflexus. However, further study should be performed to evaluate allergic immune responses and pathological changes in other animal species including human.

Background & objectives: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus is a tick-borne memberof the genus Nairovirus, family Bunyaviridae. CCHFV has been isolated from at least 31 differenttick species. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, or by direct contact withCCHFV-infected patients or the products of infected livestock. This study was undertaken to studythe genetic relationship and distribution of CCHFV in the tick population of Hamadan province ofIran.Method: In this study, RT-PCR has been used for detection of the CCHFV genome.Results: This genome was detected in 19.2% of the ticks collected from livestock of differentregions of the Hamadan province in western Iran. The infected species belonged to Hyalommadetritum, H. anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Argas reflexus. With one exception, geneticanalysis of the virus genome isolates showed high sequence identity to each other. Even thoughthey clustered in the same group with the strain circulating in Iran, they had a closer relationshipto the Matin strain.Interpretation & conclusion: Vector control programs should be applied for reducing populationdensity of potential tick vectors in this province. Further surveys are indicated in this region toprovide a better view of the distribution and epidemiology of the virus.

Knowledge about soft ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae) in Sardinia is incomplete and distribution data need to be updated. This work studies soft ticks on the island focusing on two species, Argas reflexus and Ornithodoros maritimus, both recently recorded. A total number of 12 specimens of these species of interest were collected between 2004 and 2015. This study reports for the first time the presence of O. maritimus in a coastal area in Italy, and more generally in a coastal area rather than small islands near the coastline, confirming the presence of this species on the island 20 years after its last recording. Moreover we confirm the presence of A. reflexus on the island, in the town of Cagliari and, for the first time, in the town of Quartu Sant'Elena. At the present state of knowledge, in Sardinia, Ornithodoros erraticus, which was actively looked for within the surveillance for African swine fever, an endemic disease since 1978 on the island, is not present. The presence of another species reported only once in Sardinia, Argas vespertilionis, needs further confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pigeon tick Argus reflexus is avian ectoparasite that typically feeds on pigeons. When devoid of a natural host, the ticks can also attack humans. In Upper Silesia, southern Poland, people living in the vicinity of the birds' nesting sites are frequently bitten by A. reflexus. The bites can provoke serious allergic reactions, including fatal anaphylactic shock. In the present study, residents of 9 apartments invaded by pigeon ticks were invited to undergo medical examination, skin prick tests (SPT) and determination of specific IgE to A. reflexus. The test allergens were prepared of ticks collected on-site. Out of 18 residents living in the infested apartments, 15 accepted the invitation. In this group, 8 persons complained of tick-related health problems, positive SPT to A. reflexus were found in all of them, and specific IgE was detectable in 3 persons (range: 0.38-0.84 kUA/l; CAP class 1–2). Final clinical diagnoses were established of generalised urticaria with asthma in I person, generalised urticaria in another I, and local allergic reactions to tick bites in the remaining 6. Among 7 symptom-free residents, all test results were negative. Besides the study group, the paper also describes the case of a person who developed hypersensitivity to A. reflexus as a child, after a few Visits to an abandoned dovecote. 30 years later, positive SPT (++) and specific IgE (0.78 kUA/I; CAP class 2) were still present despite no further re-exposures. The article also discusses available pest control measures against A. reflexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Local and systemic reactions can occur after bites of Argas reflexus (Argas), a soft tick parasitizing pigeons. Objective: Risk assessment of IgE-mediated sensitizations and systemic reactions after Argas bites. Methods: Case histories, skin prick tests (SPTs) with a whole-body extract of Argas containing major allergen Arg r 1, and common inhalants and specific IgE measurements were obtained from 148 subjects who had had Argas bites and 20 volunteers as a control group. Results: Systemic reactions (urticaria, angioedema, dyspnea, cardiovascular dysregulation, unconsciousness) were reported in 12 of 148 (8%); 146 of 148 (99%) had local reactions. Atopy was found in 37 of 146 (25%) with local reactions and 3 of 12 (25%) with systemic reactions. SPT to Argas was positive in 24 of 148 (16%) with a high proportion of atopics 10 of 24 (42%); specific IgE to Argas was detectable in 12 of 135 (8% of 148) with moderate concordance to systemic reactions. No positive SPT or specific IgE results to Argas were obtained in the control group. Immunoblotting of 23 sera revealed an IgE-binding protein in 19 of 23 sera (82%) at 22 kd, indicating a major allergen of Argas. Conclusion: Severe anaphylactic reactions were infrequently (approximately 8%) found after bites of the soft tick Argas reflexus. Atopy is a risk factor for skin sensitizations to Argas, but not for systemic reactions after bites by Argas. Using a whole-body extract of Argas, diagnosis through SPT and specific IgE is hampered by false-negative and irrelevant positive results, particularly in atopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Feral pigeons live in almost every large city in the world. The feeding of pigeons by humans, deliberately or accidentally, allows the build-up of large populations that can cause a variety of problems, primarily the fouling of buildings and monuments by their droppings. Excreta of wild birds are a well-known source of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause infection in man. The most important ectoparasites of feral pigeons are the red blood mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, and the pigeon tick, Argas reflexus, both of which can migrate into human living space when they lose their natural hosts. The bites of the red blood mite are irritating but harmless, whereas the pigeon tick can cause severe health problems to predisposed persons. After repeated bites from A. reflexus, people can develop IgE-mediated (type I) allergy, which in extreme situations may lead to life-threatening symptoms of anaphylactic shock. So far, one fatality due to A. reflexus deriving from feral pigeons has been reported. In the case of parasitic infestations of humans, the source must be removed by excluding pigeons from further breeding and by disinfection of the environment of pigeon-breeding sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaphylactic reactions caused by bites of the European pigeon tick Argas reflexus are repeatedly reported. This soft-backed tick is a parasite of wild pigeons colonizing urban buildings and houses. Occasionally the ticks can bite human beings, inducing anaphylactic reactions in sensitized patients. Objective: Our aim was to characterize the major allergen implicated in a series of anaphylactic reactions caused by Argas bites and to produce the allergen as recombinant protein for diagnostic purposes. Methods: Protein extracts were prepared from whole A reflexus bodies, and IgE immunoblots were performed with sera from 13 patients who had an anaphylactic reaction with pigeon tick bites. A cDNA expression library was constructed from whole ticks and screened with a polyclonal rabbit antiserum raised against the major allergen. Results: The cDNA coding for the dominant allergen Arg r 1 could be isolated. It encodes a protein belonging to the lipocalin family. Allergenicity of the recombinant Arg r 1 was confirmed by immunoblot, ELISA, and intradermal skin tests. Conclusion: The dominant allergen of A reflexus has been isolated and the corresponding cDNA cloned. The recombinant protein, a lipocalin, was expressed in Escherichia coli and was shown to be immunoreactive in vitro and in vivo. Recombinant Arg r 1 was used as a diagnostic tool in a series of anaphylactic reactions caused by pigeon tick bites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The authors report three cases of anaphylactic reactions occuring after pigeon tick bite (Argas reflexus). The diagnosis is based on the clinical history – history of a bite generally occurring at night, presence of pigeons in the immediate environment and parasites in the room – and is confirmed by serum IgE assay specific for Argas reflexus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The European tick, Argas reflexus, is an urban pest parasitizing urban pigeons and may cause a wide range of allergic reactions. Methods: Specific IgE to A. reflexus, SDS-PAGE and IgE immunoblotting, performed with tick extract, were carried out in the sera of 6 patients who reported allergic reactions after tick bite. Results: Specific IgE to A. reflexus (RAST class ranging from 1 to 3) were detected in the sera of 6 patients who reported allergic reactions (urticaria and angioedema in 2 and anaphylaxis in the other 4 patients) after tick bite. IgE reactivity to two bands of 22 and 40 kDa were identified in the patient sera. Conclusions: Allergy to A. reflexus has to be considered in allergic patients living in buildings where pigeons have their nests. The powerful sensitizing property of tick allergen is underlined by the observation that none of our patients was atopic. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaphylaxis is a serious systemic allergic reaction with rapid onset and potentially life-threatening. We report in detail a case of severe nocturnal anaphylaxis due to pigeon tick bite showing the diagnostic value of the extract and the recombinant allergen in the diagnostic procedures (basophil activation test, IgE immunoblot, and experimental ImmunoCAP). Apart from the presented case, we describe that during the last 10 years, we have collected 28 cases of allergy to Argas reflexus from several European countries. We suspect that this allergy is underdiagnosed because of the lack of diagnostic reagents. Because of the growing number of pigeons in Middle and Southern Europe cities, some cases of idiopathic anaphylaxis could potentially be caused by A. reflexus in those countries. The identification of pigeon ticks as a trigger of anaphylaxis would greatly improve medical care and advice for these patients as the parasite can be exterminated by eradication measures to avoid further incidents., (© 2017 EAACI and John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.)

Presents the case of patients who experienced severe systemic reactions after a bite of Argas reflexus or the European pigeon tick. Populations of the species; Risk of allergic reactions to tick bites caused by the proteins secreted by the tick's salivary glands; Symptoms of the allergy.

The pigeon tick Argas reflexus is a pathogen-transmitting soft tick that typically feeds on pigeons, but can also attack humans causing local and systemic reactions. Chemical control is made difficult due to environmental contamination and resistance development. As a result, there is much interest in increasing the role of other strategies like biological control. In this study, the efficacy of three strains (V245, 685 and 715C) of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae for biological control of three life stages of pigeon tick A. reflexus including eggs, larvae, engorged and unfed adults was investigated under laboratory conditions. Five concentrations of different strains of M. anisopliae ranging from 10(3) to 10(7) conidia/ml were used. All fungal strains significantly decreased hatchability of A. reflexus eggs. Strain V245 was the most effective strain on the mortality of larval stage with nearly 100% mortality at the lowest concentration (10(3) conidia/ml) at 10 days post-inoculation. The mortality rate of both engorged and unfed adult ticks were also increased significantly exposed to different conidial concentrations compared to the control groups (P < 0.05) making this fungus a potential biological control agent of pigeon tick reducing the use of chemical acaricides.