Search

Piroplasmosis, caused by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., poses significant constraints for livestock production and upgradation in Bangladesh. Besides examining blood smears, few molecular reports are available from some selected areas in the country. Therefore, the actual scenario of piroplasmosis in Bangladesh is deficient. This study aimed to screen the piroplasms in different livestock species by molecular tools. A total of 276 blood samples were collected from cattle (Bos indicus), gayals (Bos frontalis) and goats (Capra hircus) in five geographies of Bangladesh. After that, screening was conducted through a polymerase chain reaction, and species were confirmed by sequencing. The prevalence of Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. naoakii, B. ovis, Theileria annulata and T. orientalis was 49.28%, 0.72%, 1.09%, 32.26%, 6.52% and 46.01%, respectively. The highest prevalence (79/109; 72.48%) of co-infections was observed with B. bigemina and T. orientalis. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences of B. bigemina (BbigRAP-1a), B. bovis (BboSBP-4), B. naoakii (AMA-1), B. ovis (ssu rRNA) and T. annulata (Tams-1) were included in one clade in the respective phylograms. In contrast, T. orientalis (MPSP) sequences were separated into two clades, corresponding to Types 5 and 7. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular report on piroplasms in gayals and goats in Bangladesh.

Resumen: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar los valores de hematocrito y temperatura corporal en bovinos positivos y negativos a Babesia spp de dos establecimientos ganaderos. Fueron evaluados 79 animales de la especie bovina, sin distinción de sexo y raza, mayores a 2 años de edad; de los cuales 24 presentaron un diagnóstico positivo a Babesia spp por el método de frotis sanguíneo y tinción con Giemsa y 55 presentaron un diagnóstico negativo. Para ello se obtuvieron muestras de sangre, que fueron remitidas refrigeradas en tubos estériles con anticoagulante ácido etilendiaminotetraacético (EDTA) para la observación de los hemoparásitos y médición del valor hematocrito al laboratorio de Parasitología de la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción. Obteniéndose los siguientes resultados: las medias del hematocrito se encontraron dentro del intervalo de referencia tanto en positivos como en negativos, no habiendo diferencias significativas al comparar ambos grupos (p= 0,27), resultando el valor hematocrito mayor en positivos que en negativos. Por su parte, las medias de la temperatura se encontraron sobre el intervalo de referencia tanto en positivos como en negativos, habiendo diferencias significativas al comparar ambos grupos (p= 0,04), resultando la temperatura mayor en negativos que en positivos. Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematocrit and body temperature values of bovines that tested positive and negative to Babesia spp from two livestock establishments. For this purpose, the blood of 79 bovines with no distinction of sex or breed, older than 2 years of age was evaluated by the blood smear and Giemsa staining; 24 of which resulted positive to Babesia spp and 55 resulted negative. Once the blood samples were obtained, they were sent refrigerated in sterile tubes with anticoagulant EDTA for the hemoparasites observation and hematocrit medition in the Parasitology laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, from the Universidad Nacional de Asuncion. The following results were obtained: the hematocrit means were found within the reference interval in both positive and negative subjects, with no significant differences being found when comparing both groups (p= 0,27), with the hematocrit value resulting higher in positives than in negatives. On the other hand, the temperature means were found above the reference interval in both positive and negative subjects, with significant differences being found when comparing both groups (p= 0,04), with the temperature resulting higher in negatives than in positives.

Three species of white-toothed shrews of the order Eulipotyphla are present in central Europe: the bicoloured (Crocidura leucodon), greater (Crocidura russula) and lesser (Crocidura suaveolens) white-toothed shrews. Their precise distribution in Germany is ill-defined and little is known about them as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens (Leptospira spp., Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Ana-plasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Bartonella spp.). We investigated 372 Crocidura spp. from Germany (n = 341), Austria (n = 18), Luxembourg (n = 2) and Slovakia (n = 11). European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) were added to compare the presence of pathogens in co-occurring insectivores. Crocidura russula were distributed mainly in western and C. suaveolens mainly in north-eastern Germany. Crocidura leucodon occurred in overlapping ranges with the other shrews. Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in 28/227 C. russula and 2/78 C. leucodon samples. Further characterization revealed that Leptospira kirschneri had a sequence type (ST) 100. Neoehrlichia mikurensis DNA was detected in spleen tissue from 2/213 C. russula samples. Hedgehogs carried DNA from L. kirschneri (ST 100), L. interrogans (ST 24), A. phagocytophilum and two Bartonella species. This study improves the knowledge of the current distribution of Crocidura shrews and identifies C. russula as carrier of Leptospira kirschneri. However, shrews seem to play little-to-no role in the circulation of the arthropod-borne pathogens investigated.

Background and Aim: The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (critically endangered) due to high levels of illegal trafficking for its products. Thailand is one of the habitats of this species, and it has become the main hub for its illegal trafficking. Rehabilitating these captive pangolins and reintroducing them back to the wild are challenging due to the limited knowledge on their diet, management, and diseases. Hemoparasites, including Babesia spp., can cause important protozoal infections in both domestic and wild animals, resulting in the failure of rehabilitation and conservation programs. However, Babesia spp. has not been reported in pangolins. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Babesia spp. in the Sunda pangolin of Thailand. Materials and Methods: A total of 128 confiscated Sunda pangolins from across different regions in Thailand were investigated. These pangolins had been admitted to a regional Wildlife Quarantine Center for rehabilitation before release in the forest. Routine physical examinations were conducted on the animals. We collected blood samples from each pangolin for hematological analysis and to detect Babesia spp. using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial 18s rRNA gene. Results: Babesia-specific PCR detected 53 animals (41.4%) that were positive for Babesia spp. Blood smears were obtained from the positive samples and investigated under a light microscope to observe for trophozoites of Babesia spp. Examination of 40 PCR-positive and -negative samples found no significant differences between the hematological parameters of Babesia-positive and Babesia-negative samples. Eight PCR-positive samples were randomly selected and their DNA was sequenced. Seven and one of sequences match uncharacterized Babesia spp. with 100% and 99.2% similarity, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that our samples form a unique monophyletic clade along with other Babesia spp. detected in the wild. This clade is clearly separated from other Babesia spp. from small carnivores, ruminants, and rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of infection of Sunda pangolins in Thailand by Babesia spp. These pangolins originated from different regions and had not lived together before blood collection. Thus, we suggest that the uncharacterized Babesia spp. found in this study constitute a new group of pangolin-specific Babesia spp. The prevalence of the uncharacterized Babesia spp. was not correlated to pangolin health. Further studies are required to characterize the genomes and phenotypes, including the morphology and pathogenicity of these protozoa. Such information will be helpful for the conservation and health management of the Sunda pangolin.

O cancro é uma das principais causas de morbilidade e mortalidade em animais de companhia. Em felinos domésticos, as neoplasias do sistema hematopoiético são as que apresentam uma maior expressão, e destas, o linfoma é o que possui um maior número de casos reportados. As neoplasias mamárias são consideradas como o terceiro tipo de tumores mais frequente em gatos. Vários estudos identificaram diferentes agentes infeciosos e parasitários como estando envolvidos na carcinogénese de diferentes tumores em oncologia humana e veterinária. No entanto, a informação relacionada com a função biológica dos agentes de transmissão vetorial na carcinogénese de tumores em felinos é escassa. Para além disso, a imunodepressão devida ao tumor e aos tratamentos oncológicos poderá permitir a multiplicação dos agentes infeciosos e originar a manifestação/agravamento de sinais clínicos associados a estes agentes, que poderão ser interpretados como sendo devidos aos tumores ou aos seus tratamentos. Neste estudo, pretendemos avaliar a prevalência de agentes de transmissão vetorial dos géneros Babesia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Mycoplasma e Leishmania em felinos com linfomas e tumores mamários. No presente estudo foram analisados 61 felinos, dos quais 31 animais diagnosticados com linfoma através de citologia e/ou histopatologia, e 30 gatos com diagnóstico histopatológico de tumor mamário , provenientes da região centro de Portugal. A presença de ADN dos agentes de transmissão vetorial no sangue total destes animais foi analisada através de PCR convencional. Todos os felinos incluídos no estudo testaram negativo para os seis géneros testados. De acordo com os nossos resultados, a prevalência de agentes de transmissão vetorial na população de gatos com linfoma e tumores mamários estudada é baixa. Serão necessários outros estudos, com diferentes populações e com outros tumores, para confirmar os nossos resultados. No entanto, estes agentes deverão ser considerados em doentes oncológicos com sinais clínicos compatíveis com infeção por agentes de transmissão vetorial, principalmente considerando a imunodepressão associada à doença oncológica e aos seus tratamentos. Para além disso, os animais com doenças oncológicas e infetados por agentes de transmissão vetorial deverão ser estudados no sentido de avaliar a possível implicação destes agentes na carcinogénese de doenças oncológicas. Cancer is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in companion animals. The neoplasias of the hematopoietic system are the most frequent tumors reported in domestic cats, and among these, lymphoma is the most common. Mammary tumors are considered to be third most frequent type of tumor in domestic felines. Several studies have identified different infectious and parasitic agents as being involved in the carcinogenesis of different tumors in human and veterinary oncology. Nevertheless, the available information related to the biological role of vector-borne infections/diseases in feline carcinogenesis is scarce. Moreover, immunodepression associated with tumor and cancer treatments may allow the proliferation of infectious agents and lead to the manifestation/aggravation of clinical signs associated with these agents, which may be interpreted as being due to the tumors or their treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vector-borne agents of genera Babesia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Mycoplasma and Leishmania in cats with lymphomas and mammary tumors. In the present study, 61 cats from the central region of Portugal diagnosed with lymphoma (n=31) by cytology and/or histopathology and with histopathological diagnosis of mammary tumor (n=30) were analyzed. The presence of vector-borne agents DNA in the total blood of these animals was investigated by conventional PCR. All felines included in the study tested negative for the six selected genera. According to these results, the prevalence of vector-borne agents amongst the analyzed feline population with lymphoma and mammary tumors is low. Further studies, with different populations and with other tumors are needed to confirm these results. However, these agents should be considered in oncology patients with clinical signs compatible with infections by vector-borne agents, especially considering the immunodepression associated with oncologic diseases and its treatments. Furthermore, animals with oncologic diseases infected with vector-borne agents should be further studied in order to evaluate the possible implications of these agents in tumor carcinogenesis.

Equine piroplasmosis is a disease transmitted by ticks infected by the protozoa Babesia caballi known as Babesiosis or Teileriosis. Clinical manifestations range from fever, anemia, apathy, to acute conditions where the animal becomes a reservoir of this microorganism causing reproductive losses in mares. The aim of this study was to identify the DNA sequences of pathogens and diagnose equine piroplasmosis by conventional PCR technique. 2 mL of blood were collected from 50 equine females of the Brasileiro de Hipismo (HB), Undefined Breed (SRD) and Quarter Horse breeds, of different ages, belonging to stud farms in the Northeast region of Brazil. The animals were divided into 2 groups, 9 animals in the donor group and 41 animals in the recipient group. The blood was sent to the molecular biology laboratory to be used in the detection of Babesia spp. Of the 50 equine females tested, none were positive for the protozoan Babesia spp. Result of good sanitary management and control of ectoparasites in donor and recipient mares. La piroplasmosis equina es una enfermedad transmitida por garrapatas infectadas por los protozoos Babesia caballi y Theileria equi, conocida como Babesiosis o Theileriose. Las manifestaciones clínicas van desde fiebre, anemia, apatía, hasta condiciones agudas donde el animal se convierte en reservorio de este microorganismo provocando pérdidas reproductivas en las yeguas. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las secuencias de ADN de los patógenos y diagnosticar la piroplasmosis equina mediante la técnica de PCR convencional. Se recolectaron 2 mL de sangre de 50 hembras equinas de las razas BH, SRD y cuarto de milla, de diferentes edades, pertenecientes a ganaderías ubicadas en el noreste de Brasil. Los animales se dividieron en 2 grupos, 9 animales en el grupo donante y 41 animales en el grupo receptor, y la sangre se envió al laboratorio de biología molecular para ser utilizada en la detección de babesia spp. De las 50 hembras equinas analizadas, ninguna resultó positiva para el protozoo Babesia spp. Resultado de un buen manejo sanitario y control de ectoparásitos de yeguas donantes y receptoras. A piroplasmose equina é uma doença transmitida por carrapatos infectados pelos protozoários Babesia caballi e Theileria equi, conhecida, respectivamente, como Babesiose ou Theileriose. As manifestações clínicas variam desde febre, anemia, apatia, até quadros agudos que podem resultar em morte ou perdas reprodutivas em éguas. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as sequências de DNA de Babesia caballi através da técnica de PCR convencional e diagnosticar a ocorrência de piroplasmose equina. Foram coletados 2 mL de sangue de 50 fêmeas equinas das raças Brasileiro de Hipismo (BH), Sem Raça Definida (SRD) e Quarto de Milha (QM), de idades variadas, pertencentes à Haras localizados no nordeste do Brasil. Os animais foram divididos em 2 grupos, sendo 9 animais do grupo das doadoras e 41 animais no grupo das receptoras, o sangue foi enviado ao laboratório de biologia molecular para ser utilizado para detecção de Babesia spp. Das 50 fêmeas equinas testadas nenhuma foi positiva para o protozoário Babesia spp. Resultado do bom manejo sanitário e controle de ectoparasitas de éguas doadoras e receptoras de embriões.

Babesiosis is a disease caused by tickborne hemoprotozoan apicomplexan parasites of the genus Babesia that negatively impacts public health and food security worldwide. Development of effective and sustainable vaccines against babesiosis is currently hindered in part by the absence of definitive host correlates of protection. Despite that, studies in Babesia microti and Babesia bovis, major causative agents of human and bovine babesiosis, respectively, suggest that early activation of innate immune responses is crucial for vertebrates to survive acute infection. Trained immunity (TI) is defined as the development of memory in vertebrate innate immune cells, allowing more efficient responses to subsequent specific and non-specific challenges. Considering that Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a widely used anti-tuberculosis attenuated vaccine, induces strong TI pro-inflammatory responses, we hypothesize that BCG TI may protect vertebrates against acute babesiosis. This premise is supported by early investigations demonstrating that BCG inoculation protects mice against experimental B. microti infection and recent observations that BCG vaccination decreases the severity of malaria in children infected with Plasmodium falciparum, a Babesia-related parasite. We also discuss the potential use of TI in conjunction with recombinant BCG vaccines expressing Babesia immunogens. In conclusion, by concentrating on human and bovine babesiosis, herein we intend to raise awareness of BCG TI as a strategy to efficiently control Babesia infection.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:32:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-10-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento do Ensino, Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul The order Piroplasmida encompasses tick-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical importance positioned in two main families: Babesiidae and Theileriidae. Even though previous studies carried out in Brazil recorded the occurrence of piroplasmid species circulating in small mammals, 18S RNA gene sequences were only partially sequenced, preventing the assessment of their phylogenetic positioning. The current study aimed to detect and characterize, using morphological, molecular, and bioinformatic approaches, piroplasmids from wild mammals and associated ticks sampled in Central-Western Brazil. Out of 67 Didelphis albiventris sampled, 22 (16.4%) were positive for piroplasmids by PCR. In contrast, none of the 48 small rodents and 14 capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) was PCR-positive. Four Amblyomma dubitatum ticks—one from Rattus rattus, one from H. hydrochaeris, and two from D. albiventris—out of 114 Amblyomma spp. DNA samples were positive for piroplasmids by PCR. The phylogenetic inference performed using the near-complete 18S rRNA gene positioned the putative novel piroplasmid species detected in D. albiventris and associated A. dubitatum ticks near to Babesia sensu lato clade (Western group—cluster III) and distant from the Australian marsupial-associated piroplasms. Phylogenetic inferences based on two additional molecular markers, namely hsp-70 and cox-1, supported the near-complete 18S rRNA gene phylogenetic inference. Finally, the partial 18S rRNA gene sequences detected in ticks from rodents (R. rattus and H. hydrochaeris) showed 97.2–99.4% identity with the Piroplasmida previously detected in a capybara from Brazil, raising evidence that a still uncharacterized piroplasmid species has been identified in the capybara, the largest rodent species from South America. Graduate Program of Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences FCAV/UNESP) Department of Pathology Reproduction and One Health - Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV – UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAV) University of Brasília Laboratory of Parasitic Biology Dom Bosco Catholic University Graduate Program of Natural Resources Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul Wild Animals Section Veterinary Hospital of the College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAV) University of Brasília Graduate Program of Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences FCAV/UNESP) Department of Pathology Reproduction and One Health - Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV – UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural CAPES: 001 FAPESP: 2018/02753-0 FAPESP: 2020/12037-0 CNPq: 302420 / 2017-7 CNPq: 308768/2017-5 Fundação de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento do Ensino, Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul: 59 / 300.187 / 2016

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease with global impact caused by parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa, genus Babesia. Typically, acute bovine babesiosis (BB) is characterized by fever, anemia, hemoglobinuria, and high mortality. Surviving animals remain persistently infected and become reservoirs for parasite transmission. Bovids in China can be infected by one or more Babesia species endemic to the country, including B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. orientalis, B. ovata, B. major, B. motasi, B. U sp. Kashi and B. venatorum. The latter may pose a zoonotic risk. Occurrence of this wide diversity of Babesia species in China may be due to a combination of favorable ecological factors, such as the presence of multiple tick vectors, including Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma, the coexistence of susceptible bovid species, such as domestic cattle, yaks, and water buffalo, and the lack of efficient measures of tick control. BB is currently widespread in several regions of the country and a limiting factor for cattle production. While some areas appear to have enzootic stability, others have considerable cattle mortality. Research is needed to devise solutions to the challenges posed by uncontrolled BB. Critical research gaps include risk assessment for cattle residing in endemic areas, understanding factors involved in endemic stability, evaluation of parasite diversity and pathogenicity of regional Babesia species, and estimation of whether and how BB should be controlled in China. Research should allow the design of comprehensive interventions to improve cattle production, diminish the risk of human infections, and increase the availability of affordable animal protein for human consumption in China and worldwide. In this review, we describe the current state of BB with reference to the diversity of hosts, vectors, and parasite species in China. We also discuss the unique risks and knowledge gaps that should be taken into consideration for future Babesia research and control strategies.

Wildlife interaction with humans increases the risk of potentially infected ticks seeking an opportunistic blood meal and consequently leading to zoonotic transmission. In the United States, human babesiosis is a tick-borne zoonosis most commonly caused by the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite, Babesia microti. The presence of Babesia microti and other species of Babesia within Texas has not been well characterized, and the molecular prevalence of these pathogens within wildlife species is largely unknown. Small (e.g. rodents) and medium sized mammalian species (e.g. racoons) represent potential reservoirs for specific species of Babesia, though this relationship has not been thoroughly evaluated within Texas. This study aimed to characterize the molecular prevalence of Babesia species within small and medium sized mammals at two sites in East Texas with an emphasis on detection of pathogen presence in these two contrasting wild mammal groups at these sites. To that end, a total of 480 wild mammals representing eight genera were trapped, sampled, and screened for Babesia species using the TickPath layerplex qPCR assay. Two sites were selected for animal collection, including The Big Thicket National Preserve and Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area. Molecular analysis revealed the prevalence of various Babesia and Hepathozoon species at 0.09% each, and Sarcocystis at 0.06% . Continued molecular prevalence surveys of tick-borne pathogens in Texas wild mammals will be needed to provide novel information as to which species of Babesia are most prevalent and identify specific wildlife species as pathogen reservoirs., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Babesia microti was identified for the first time in Texas and only within raccoons. • 3 Hepatozoon spp. were found within Texas wild mammals. • Co-infections of Babesia microti, Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. were detected in sampled mammals.

Background and Aim: Canine babesiosis is a vector-borne disease transmitted by ticks of the Ixodidae family. The effects of infection in dogs can range from the subclinical to the severe lethal form. This study aimed to make an original contribution to the knowledge of circulating species of Babesia spp. in dogs in the region of Algiers as well as mechanisms and risk factors for their transmission. Materials and Methods: An epidemiological study was carried out on 189 blood samples taken from dogs from April 2015 to January 2016. The samples taken underwent parasitological by Giemsa-stained blood smear and serological analyzes by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The ticks were looked on all the dogs taken. Results: Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed the presence of two groups of parasites of the genus Babesia: Large Babesia (3/25, 12%) and small Babesia (22/25, 88%). The IFAT at a dilution of 1/32 showed an overall seroprevalence with Babesia canis of 17.98% (95% confidence interval 11.53-22.46). The distribution of the antibody titers for the positive samples showed that of the 34 positive sera with a titer ≥1/32, 28 sera remained positive at a dilution of 1/64 (14.81%), 22 at a dilution of 1/128 (11.64%) and 15 sera remained positive at a dilution of 1/256 (7.93%). Although seroprevalence varied according to canine population (20% and 19.49% in pet dogs and canine pound dogs, respectively, and 6.66-0% in farm dogs and hunting dogs, respectively), statistical analysis showed no significant differences between populations. The antibody titers obtained after several dilutions showed that 22 canine pound dog sera remained positive at a dilution of 1/128 compared to pet dogs and farm dogs which ceased to be positive at the dilution of 1/64. The comparison between the two diagnostic methods showed a strong agreement between the parasitological examination by blood smear and the serological method by IFAT. However, IFAT was much more sensitive. The analysis of risk factors, which may influence B. canis seroprevalence, has shown the influence of age, tick presence, and season. Finally, of the 242 ticks collected from a total of 59 dogs, only one tick species was identified, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Conclusion: This study indicates a frequent circulation of species of Babesia in the dog in the Algiers region and R. sanguineus was the only tick identified.

Haematologic abnormalities possibly associated with exposure to vector-borne pathogens are rarely reported in clinically healthy outdoor dogs. Therefore, we analysed changes in the complete blood count (CBC) of clinically healthy outdoor dogs seroreactive to Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp., with or without microfilariosis. Stray, shelter and hunting dogs, 81 in total, that were polymerase chain reaction negative for Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. were divided into groups according to their seroreactive status and results of a modified Knott’s test: seronegative to both Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. SN (N=26); seroreactive to A. phagocythophilum SR-A (N=12); seroreactive to B. canis, B. gibsoni and/or B. vogeli SR-B (N=25); and seroreactive to both of the pathogens SR-AB (N=8). These four groups were negative to microfilariosis, unlike the fifth group, seroreactive to either or to both of the pathogens and with microfilariosis SR-M (N=10). The frequencies of CBC alterations among all analysed dogs were: 0.35 – leucocytosis, 0.44 – granulocytosis, 0.28 – anaemia, 0.74 – microcytosis, 0.37 – increased mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and 0.33 – thrombocytopenia. The frequency of alterations did not differ across the groups. An exception was the SR-M group wherein increased MCHC peaked with a frequency of 0.80, while in the other four groups, the frequency ranged between 0.10 and 0.50. Clinically healthy outdoor dogs have multiple CBC abnormalities, consistent with stress and low-level chronic inflammation, but not associated with a previous exposure to Anaplasma spp. or Babesia spp. The presence of microfilaria increases haemolysis in vitro. Klinički zdravi psi koji borave na otvorenom i koji su izloženi patogenima koje prenose vektori mogu imati hematološke premećaje vezane za dejstvo tih patogena. Ipak, hematološke pretrage se retko izvode na toj populaciji pasa. Stoga je cilj našeg rada bio da utvrdimo promene u krvnoj slici zdravih pasa lutalica, pasa smeštenih u azilima i lovačkih pasa, seroreaktivnih na uzročnike bolesti iz rodova Anaplasma i Babesia, sa ili bez mikrofilarioze. U ovom radu je ispitana krvna slika 81 psa. U studiju su uključeni psi kod kojih lančanom reakcijom polimerizacije nije pokazano prisustvo DNK Anaplasma spp. i Babesia spp. Psi su prema serološkom statusu raspoređeni u sledeće grupe: seronegativni na Anaplasma spp. i Babesia spp. SN (N=26), seroreaktivni na A. phagocytophilum SR-A (N=12), seroreaktivni na B. canis, B. gibsoni i/ili B. vogeli SR-B (N=25) i seroreaktivni na oba navedena patogena SR-AB (N=8). Ove četiri grupe su bile negativne na mikrofilariozu, dok je peta grupa, seroreaktivna na neki ili oba patogena imala i mikrofilarije SR-M (N=10). Učestalost promena kompletne krvne slike među svim ispitivanim psima je bila sledeća: 0,35 za leukocitozu, 0,44 za granulocitozu, 0,28 za anemiju, 0,74 za mikrocitozu, 0,37 za povećanu prosečnu koncentraciju hemoglobina u eritrocitima i 0,33 za trombocitopeniju. Grupe se nisu razlikovale u pogledu učestalosti navedenih promena. Izuzetak je grupa SR-M u kojoj je učestalost povećanja vrednosti za prosečnu koncentraciju hemoglobina u eritrocitima iznosila 0,80. U ostale četiri grupe ta učestalost je iznosila između 0,10 i 0,50. Zaključak je da ispitivani psi imaju višestruke poremećaje krvne slike koji najverovatnije odražavaju stres i nizak stepen hronične inflamacije, ali ne i vezu sa prethodnim kontaktom sa Anaplasma spp. i Babesia spp. Prisustvo mikrofilarija izaziva hemolizu in vitro.

This study aimed to identify ticks infesting dogs admitted to the Potchefstroom Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and to detect tick-borne pathogens they are harbouring. A total of 592 ticks were collected from 61 stray dogs admitted to PAWS originating from several suburbs in and near Potchefstroom, South Africa. The dog ticks were identified as Haemaphysalis elliptica (39%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (61%) by both morphological and DNA analyses. Of these ticks, H. elliptica consisted of 67.5% (156/231) and 32.5% (75/231) female and male ticks, respectively, whilst R. sanguineus consisted of 48.5% (175/361) and 51.5% (186/361) female and male ticks, respectively. Microscopic examination of blood smears from engorged female ticks indicated overall occurrences of 0.5% (1/204) for Babesia spp. from R. sanguineus, 1% (2/204) of Anaplasma spp. from H. elliptica, and 22% (45/204) of Rickettsia spp. from both H. elliptica and R. sanguineus. Using pooled samples molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens indicated overall occurrences of 1% (1/104) for A. phagocytophilum in H. elliptica, 9.6% (10/104) of Rickettsia spp. in H. elliptica and R. sanguineus, 5.8% (6/104) of Ehrlichia canis in H. elliptica and R. sanguineus, and 13.5% (14/104) of Coxiella spp. in both H. elliptica and R. sanguineus. Additionally, PCR detected 6.5% (2/31) of Coxiella spp. DNA from H. elliptica eggs. Our data indicate that urban stray dogs admitted at PAWS are infested by H. elliptica and R. sanguineus ticks which are harbouring several pathogenic organisms known to cause tick-borne diseases.

The first case of human babesiosis was reported in the literature in 1957. The clinical disease has sporadically occurred as rare case reports in North America and Europe in the subsequent decades. Since the new millennium, especially in the last decade, many more cases have apparently appeared not only in these regions but also in Asia, South America, and Africa. More than 20,000 cases of human babesiosis have been reported in North America alone. In several cross-sectional surveys, exposure to Babesia spp. has been demonstrated within urban and rural human populations with clinical babesiosis reported in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent humans. This review serves to highlight the widespread distribution of these tick-borne pathogens in humans, their tick vectors in readily accessible environments such as parks and recreational areas, and their phylogenetic relationships.

Birds often are carriers of hard and/or soft ticks harboring pathogens of humans and veterinary concern. Migratory avian species, which cover long distance by their flight, may deeply influence the ticks’ distribution worldwide; in particular, they can introduce in a given geographic area new tick species and related tick-borne pathogens. Studies about the detection of tick-borne agents in birds are not numerous, whereas more attention has been turned to the presence of these microorganisms in ticks carried by birds. The present review focused on the role of avian populations in the epidemiology of rickettsioses and babesioses, which represent two severe problems for the health of humans and other mammals.

Parasitos da ordem Piroplasmorida causam doenças em animais silvestres e de companhia. Devido a isso, nessa tese estão incluídos três artigos científicos acerca do tema, com destaque para a espécie Rangelia vitalii e para espécies do gênero Babesia. O primeiro trabalho teve por objetivo relatar detecção molecular de parasitismo por R. vitalii em uma população uruguaia de Cerdocyon thous. Amostras de sangue e/ou baço de C. thous e Lycalopex gymnocercus encontrados atropelados nas principais vias do Uruguai foram submetidos à Reação em Cadeir de Polimerase (PCR) amplificando um gragmento de 551 pb do gene rRNA 18S para R. vitalii. Foram analisados 62 canídeos, sendo 38 C. thous e 24 L. gymnocercus. Cinco C. thous (13,16%) foram positivos para R. vitalii, com 99,5% a 100% de similaridade entre cada sequência, e nenhum dos L. gymnocercus amostrados foram positivos. Quando comparadas às amostras de R.vitalii disponíveis no GenBank, uma similaridade de 98,9% a 100% foi revelada. Os resultados da análise molecular sugerem que R. vitalii está circulando na população de raposas comedoras de caranguejo no Uruguai; no entanto, sua relevância veterinária para essas raposas permanece desconhecida. O segundo estudo objetivou detectar e quantificar a carga parasitária de R. vitalii em diferentes orgãos de canídeos domésticos e silvestres a fim de elucidar as distintas apresentações da infecção nestas espécies. Fragmentos de 22 órgãos coletados de cães domésticos (n=7) e silvestres (n=8) foram utilizados para quantificação histológica e molecular, através de PCR em tempo real do gene hsp70. Na histologia os vacúolos parasitóforos foram detectados nos tecidos de todos os cães que morreram com rangeliose, e em somente dois C. thous. A carga parasitária foi significativamente maior em cães domésticos nos tecidos do sistema digestivo, cardiorrespiratório, endócrino, genitourinário e músculo esquelético. No sistema hematopoiético, C. thous apresentou carga parasitária significativamente menor em linfonodos e tonsilas do que cães, enquanto no baço, medula óssea e sangue as detecções foram similares. No sistema nervoso central a detecção foi semelhante. Tanto em cães como em C. thous, o agente possivelmente se mantém de forma assexuada (merogonia). No entanto, C. thous provavelmente desenvolva uma fase esquizogônica limitada e/ou de curta duração, o que conferiria ao mesmo o possível caráter de reservatório do agente, em contrapartida com o cão, um provável hospedeiro acidental. O terceiro artigo é sobre espécies do gênero Babesia em procionídeos, e tem como objetivo de detectar e caracterizar filogeneticamente o parasitismo por piroplasmídeos em P. cancrivorus de vida-livre do Sul do Brasil. Amostras de baço e/ou pool de órgãos de quatro P. cancrivorus atropelados em estradas do sul do Brasil (#1 a #4), além de uma amostra de sangue de P. cancrivorus de vida livre (#5), foram submetidas a PCR para os genes 18S rRNA, hsp70 e cox1. Paralelamente à coleta de sangue, foi realizado esfregaço sanguíneo de ponta de orelha e cauda para análise citológica em busca de hemoparasitos. Duas amostras de P. cancrivorus foram positivas para o gene 18S rRNA, e uma dessas amostras foi positiva, também, para os genes hsp70 e cox1. À análise filogenética, uma dessas apresentou alta similariadade (99,75%) com Babesia sp. obtida em P. cancrivorus do Uruguai, pertencente ao clado das Babesia sensu stricto, enquanto a outra amostra se enquadrou no clado I, do grupo de Babesia microti-like, agrupando-se monofileticamente com as sequências de B. microti isoladas de Procyon lotor. Pelo conhecimento dos autores, essa é a primeira detecção de parasitismo por Babesia sp. em P. cancrivorus no Brasil; no entanto, análises filogenética mais amplas são necessárias em relação a B.microti- like a fim de elucidado se a espécie pertence a um genótipo zoonótico. Piroplasmida parasites cause a wide range of diseases in wild and domestic animals. The thesis presented herein includes three scientific papers regarding this subject, with an emphasis on Rangelia vitalii and Babesia sp. The first manuscripts aimed to detect R. vitalii parasitism in the Uruguayan wild fox population. DNA extracted from the blood and/or spleen samples of road-killed C. thous and L. gymnocercus found in northern Uruguay were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a 551-bp fragment of the Rangelia 18S rRNA gene. A total of 62 wild canids, including 38 C. thous and 24 L. gymnocercus, were analyzed. Five crab-eating fox samples (13.2%) were positive for R. vitalii, with 99.5–100% identity between the sequences. All samples from pampas fox tested negative for R. vitalii. When compared with the R. vitalii sequences available in GenBank, a similarity of 98.9– 100% was revealed. Molecular analysis results suggest that R. vitalii is circulating in the crabeating fox population in Uruguay; however, its veterinary relevance for these foxes remains unknown.The second study aimed to detect and quantify the parasitic load of R. vitalii in different organs of domestic and wild canids in order to elucidate differences in clinical and pathological presentations of rangeliosis in these species. Fragments of 22 organs were collected from domestic (n = 7) and wild (n = 8) canids and later used for histological and molecular quantification, which was performed through real-time hsp70 PCR. Histologically, parasitophorous vacuoles were detected in tissues of all dogs that died due to rangeliosis, and only in two Cerdocyon thous. The parasitic load was significantly higher in domestic dogs in tissues of the digestive, cardiorespiratory, endocrine, genitourinary systems, and skeletal muscle. Regarding the hematopoietic system, C. thous had a significantly lower parasitic load in the lymph nodes and tonsils compared to dogs, while in the spleen, bone marrow, and blood the parasitic load was similar, as in the central nervous system. In domestic and wild canids (C. thous), the agent possibly maintains a prolonged asexual phase (merogony), but it probably develops a limited and/or short schizogonic phase in the C. thous, which would characterize the host as a reservoir, in contrast to the dog, a probable accidental host. In the third investigation, aimed to detect and phylogenetically characterize the parasitism by piroplasmids in free-living P. cancrivorus from Southern Brazil. Samples of spleen and/or organ pool of four P. cancrivorus killed by motor vehicle collision on highways of Rio Grande do Sul state, Southern Brazil (# 1 to # 4), in addition to a blood sample of free-living P. cancrivorus (# 5), were subjected to PCR for the 18S rRNA, hsp70 and cox1 genes. During clinical evaluation of P. cancrivorus #5, a sample of peripheral blood (tip of the ear and tail) was collected and a blood smear was made for cytological analysis in search of hemoparasites. Two samples of P. cancrivorus were positive for the 18S rRNA gene, and one of these samples was also positive for the hsp70 and cox1 genes. On phylogenetic analysis, one of these showed high similarity (99.75%) with Babesia sp. obtained previously from P. cancrivorus in Uruguay, belonging to the Babesia sensu stricto clade, while the other sample fell into clade I, Babesia microti –like group, grouping monophyletically with the B. microti sequences isolated from Procyon lotor. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first detection of parasitism by Babesia sp. in P. cancrivorus in Brazil; however, more wide phylogenetic analyses are necessary for B. microti-like, in order to elucidate whether the species belongs to a zoonotic genotype.

The causative agents of Babesiosis are intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genus Babesia. Babesia parasites are present around the world, affecting several mammals including humans, pets and livestock, hence its medical and veterinary relevance. Babesia spp. detection in its invertebrate host is a main point in understanding the biology of the parasite to acquire more knowledge on the host–Babesia–vector interactions, as increasing knowledge of the Babesia lifecycle and babesiosis epidemiology can help prevent babesiosis outbreaks in susceptible mammals. The aim of the present review is to highlight the newest findings in this field, based on a bibliographic compilation of research studies recently carried out for the detection of the main Babesia species found in tick vectors affecting mammalian hosts, including the different tick stages such as adult ticks, larvae, nymphs and eggs, as well as the detection method implemented: microscopic tools for parasite identification and molecular tools for parasite DNA detection by conventional PCR, nested-PCR, PCR-RFLP, PCR-RLB hybridization, real time-PCR, LAMP and RAP assays. Although molecular identification of Babesia parasites has been achieved in several tick species and tissue samples, it is still necessary to carry out transmission experiments through biological models to confirm the vectorial capacity of various tick species.

Introducción: múltiples son las entidades transmitidas por garrapatas, una de ellas es la babesiosis, entidad producida por especies de hemoparásitos que producen en el huésped humano hemolisis secundaria a la invasión parasitaria. Otra de las entidades es la ehrlichiosis, caracterizada por la infección de microorganismos intracelulares cuyos síntomas hacen parte del espectro de un cuadro febril. Caso clínico: paciente procedente de área rural, con historia de exposición a ixodoideos (garrapatas) de forma permanente. Ingresa cursando signos de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, síntomas constitucionales y fiebre de predominio vespertino. Hepatomegalia y adenomegalias en región supraclavicular. Con impresión clínica de cuadro febril prolongado y anemia hemolítica, se solicita extendido de sangre periférica para hemoparásitos. Reporte positivo para dos especies: Babesia spp. y Ehrlichia spp., fueron visualizadas por tinción de Giemsa-Whright. Se realizó tratamiento con doxiciclina, clindamicina y quinina, con buena evolución clínica. No se presentaron complicaciones. Conclusiones: este es el primer caso de coinfección conocido de la región Caribe colombiana. El diagnóstico se sospechó debido a la importancia dada a los antecedentes epidemiológicos, a la historia de exposición a ixódidos y a la clínica de síndrome febril persistente. Este, se realizó bajo técnica de microscopía por tinción de Wrihgt-Giemsa y el resultado, tras el tratamiento antibiótico conjugado, fue exitoso. Rev.Cienc.Biomed. 2012;3(2): 339-345

Ticks have a great importance in human and veterinary medicine but general knowledge about tick fauna in different hosts in Serbia is lacking. Since research on ticks that parasitize foxes has not been done systematically, the goal of this study was to research the tick fauna in Red Fox population and identify the most important tick-borne pathogens that can be transmitted to other mammals, including humans. For the purpose of this study 129 red foxes and 113 ticks parasitizing on them were collected. A total of six tick species was identified. The most abundant species was Ixodes ricinus (69%), followed by I. hexagonus (11.5%), I. canisuga (5.3%), I. kaiseri (5.3%), Dermacentor reticulatus (4.4%) and Haemaphysalis concinna (4.4%). Spleen samples from 129 collected red foxes were individually tested for presence of following tick-borne pathogens: Anaplasmataceae, Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and Bartonella spp. DNA of pathogenic microorganisms was detected in spleen samples of 94 out of 129 animals (72.9%). DNA of Hepatozoon spp. was detected in 79 analyzed animals (61.2%). H. canis was identified after sequencing and analyzing the data. DNA of Babesia spp. was detected in 38 analyzed animals (29.5%). Presence of two Babesia species was confirmed: B. vulpes in 37 samples (28.7%) and B. canis in one sample (0.8%). Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. complex revealed presence of the pathogen in 7 samples (5.4%) from 5 localities. The obtained sequences from sequencing of 5S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region confirmed presence of three B. burgdorferi s. l. species: B. burgdorferi s. s., B. lusitaniae and B. garinii. Finally Candidatus Neoerlichia sp. (FU98) was confirmed in 6 Red Fox individuals. Крпељи имају велики значај у хуманој и ветеринарској медицини, али генерално недостају информације о фауни крпеља код различитих домаћинима у Србији. Будући да истраживање на крпељима који паразитирају на лисицама није рађено систематски, циљ ове студије је био да истражити фауну крпеља у популацији лисице, и да идентификује најважније патогене који преносе крпељи, а који се се могу пренети на друге сисаре, укључујући и људе. За потребе ове студије прикупљено је 129 лисица и 113 крпеља који паразитирају на њима. Идентификовано је укупно шест врста крпеља. Ixodes ricinus (69%), је била најбројнија врста, и прате је I. hexagonus (11.5%), I. canisuga (5.3%), I. kaiseri (5.3%), Dermacentor reticulatus (4.4%) и Haemaphysalis concinna (4.4%). Прикупљени узорци слезине од 129 лисица појединачно су тестирани на присуство следећих патогена који преносе крпељи: Anaplasmataceae, Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis и Bartonella spp. ДНК патогених микроорганизама је детектована у узорцима слезине код 94 од 129 анализираних животиња (72.9%). ДНК пореклом од Hepatozoon spp. jе детектована у 79 анализираних животиња (61.2%). H. canis је идентификован након секвенцирања и анализирања података. ДНК Babesia spp. је детектована код 38 анализираних животиња (29.5%). Потврђено је присуство две врсте Babesia: B. vulpes код 37 узорака (28.7%), и B. canis у једном узорку (0.8%). Присуство Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. комплекса је откривено код 7 узорака (5.4%) на 5 локалитета. Секвенцирањем добијених секвенци 5S-23S rRNA интергенског региона потврђено је присуство три B. burgdorferi s. l. врсте: B. burgdorferi s. s., B. lusitaniae и B. garinii. Коначно, Candidatus Neoerlichia sp. (FU98) је потврђена код 6 јединки лисица.

Arthropod-borne hemoparasites represent a serious health problem in livestock, causing significant production losses. Currently, the evidence of Anaplasma spp., Theileria spp., Babesia spp., and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in Algeria remains limited to a few scattered geographical regions. In this work, our objectives were to study the prevalence of these vector-borne pathogens and to search other agents not yet described in Algeria as well as the identification of statistical associations with various risk factors in cattle in the northeast of Algeria. Among the 205 cattle blood samples tested by PCR analysis, 42.4% positive results were obtained for at least one pathogen. The overall rates of Anaplasma spp., Theileria/Babesia spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in the cattle sampled were respectively 30.7%, 18.5%, and 2.9%; co-infections with multiple species was also detected. Anaplasma spp. and Theileria/Babesia spp. were detected at a higher rate in cattle under 3 years old, according to univariate analysis. Anaplasma spp. DNA was detected more frequently in our sample in cattle living in semi extensive farming. Our study provides additional data about Anaplasma spp., Theileria/Babesia spp. and reveals for the first time that Mycoplasma wenyonii and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma hemobos are present in cattle in Northeast Algeria.

Deux chiens présentés à la clinique des animaux de compagnie de l’Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II ont été diagnostiqués avec une babésiose. Les chiens ont manifesté de façon aiguë de la fièvre, un abattement et de l’anorexie. D’autres signes cliniques ont été observés incluant vomissement et ictère. Les modifications hémato-biochimiques détectées incluaient une monocytose, une lymphopénie et une thrombocytopénie pour le premier cas, une discrète anémie et une élévation importante de l’activité sérique des phosphatases alcalines pour le deuxième cas. Des inclusions intra-érythrocytaires de piroplasmes ont été détectées à l’examen microscopique des frottis sanguins chez les deux chiens. Babésiose, Babesia spp., chien, maladies transmises par les tiques, Maroc.

Ticks and tick borne diseases (TBDs) undermine livestock production with considerable economic losses to livestock producers in endemic areas worldwide. Despite the impact of ticks and TBDs in livestock production, there is a paucity of information on ticks and diseases they transmit in Botswana. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine (i) the seroprevalence of selected tick borne (TB) pathogens and (ii) the diversity and abundance of ixodid ticks among 301 cattle foraging around two protected areas in northern Botswana, differing by the presence or absence of a physical barrier (fence) separating wildlife and livestock. Competitive inhibition enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (cELISA) was used to test for Anaplasma spp. infection and Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) was used to test for Theileria parva, Babesia bovis, and B. bigemina. Ticks were identified morphologically at either genus or species level. Seroprevalence of cattle was found to be 90% for Anaplasma spp., followed by 38.6% for Babesia spp. and 2.4% for T. parva. Except for Babesia spp., comparisons of the seroprevalence of the selected haemoparasites between the two wildlife-livestock interface areas were not significantly different. The overall prevalence of ticks was found to be 73.4% with Amblyomma variegatum being the most abundant (53.1%) followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (31.7%) and R. (B.) decoloratus (7.7%). Except for Babesia spp., comparisons of the seroprevalence of the selected haemoparasites between the two study areas were not significantly different while comparisons of the burden of tick infestation between the study sites revealed significant difference for A. variegatum and R. evertsi evertsi with both tick infestations higher where there is no barrier. Our work provided baseline data on TBD pathogens and tick infestation in cattle populations exposed to different levels of contact with adjacent buffalo populations. The presence of a veterinary fence did not significantly influence the seroprevalence of the selected TBD pathogens (except for Babesia spp.) but seemed to reduce tick burdens in cattle. Findings from this study can be used for guiding future epidemiological study designs to improve our understanding of ticks and TBDs dynamics in northern Botswana.

Ticks and tick borne diseases (TBDs) undermine livestock production with considerable economic losses to livestock producers in endemic areas worldwide. Despite the impact of ticks and TBDs in livestock production, there is a paucity of information on ticks and diseases they transmit in Botswana. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine (i) the seroprevalence of selected tick borne (TB) pathogens and (ii) the diversity and abundance of ixodid ticks among 301 cattle foraging around two protected areas in northern Botswana, differing by the presence or absence of a physical barrier (fence) separating wildlife and livestock. Competitive inhibition enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (cELISA) was used to test for Anaplasma spp. infection and Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) was used to test for Theileria parva, Babesia bovis, and B. bigemina. Ticks were identified morphologically at either genus or species level. Seroprevalence of cattle was found to be 90% for Anaplasma spp., followed by 38.6% for Babesia spp. and 2.4% for T. parva. Except for Babesia spp., comparisons of the seroprevalence of the selected haemoparasites between the two wildlife-livestock interface areas were not significantly different. The overall prevalence of ticks was found to be 73.4% with Amblyomma variegatum being the most abundant (53.1%) followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (31.7%) and R. (B.) decoloratus (7.7%). Except for Babesia spp., comparisons of the seroprevalence of the selected haemoparasites between the two study areas were not significantly different while comparisons of the burden of tick infestation between the study sites revealed significant difference for A. variegatum and R. evertsi evertsi with both tick infestations higher where there is no barrier. Our work provided baseline data on TBD pathogens and tick infestation in cattle populations exposed to different levels of contact with adjacent buffalo populations. The presence of a veterinary fence did not significantly influence the seroprevalence of the selected TBD pathogens (except for Babesia spp.) but seemed to reduce tick burdens in cattle. Findings from this study can be used for guiding future epidemiological study designs to improve our understanding of ticks and TBDs dynamics in northern Botswana.

The aim of this study was to determine the potential risk of human exposure to tick-borne infection in a recreation areas in a spa town located in northern Poland. Questing Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were collected in the spring of 2018. Tick-borne microorganisms were detected by PCR. Species were identified based on RFLP and the sequencing of DNA. In total, 38.3% of the ticks (34.6% of I. ricinus and 48.6% of D. reticulatus) were infected. The prevalence was 14.9% for Borrelia spp., 10.6% for Babesia spp. and 17.7% for Rickettsia spp. No Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected. Spirochaetes B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi s.s. were detected only in I. ricinus ticks (20.2%). The differences in the infection rates of Babesia spp. between I. ricinus (7.7%) and D. reticulatus (18.9%) were not significant. DNA of B. canis and B. venatorum were identified in both tick species. B. microti were detected in D. reticulatus ticks. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was significantly higher in D. reticulatus (37.8%) than that in I. ricinus (10.6%). R. raoultii was identified only in D. reticulatus and R. helvetica in I. ricinus. Co-infections of at least two pathogens were recognized in 13% of positive ticks.

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a medium-sized canid species native to Europe. This species is characterized by rapid large-scale expansion. A similar trend is also observed in Serbia, where the species is now distributed in more than a half of the territory. Although jackals prefer habitats in human-dominated landscapes, these animals have not been studied well enough from an eco-epidemiological point of view, and little is known about their potential for carrying zoonotic pathogens. In a study conducted during a three-year period (01/2010-02/2013), a total of 216 hunted or road-killed golden jackals were collected from 10 localities in Serbia. Ticks, when present, were removed, and after necropsy, spleen samples were collected from each animal. All tick and spleen samples were tested for the DNA of bacterial and protozoan tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia species, Bartonella species, Rickettsia species, Anaplasma species, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella species and Babesia species) by multiplex real-time PCR, conventional PCR and sequencing analyses. The DNA of Babesia canis was detected in nine out of 216 (4.2%) spleen samples, and two samples (0.9%) tested positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In 118 ticks collected from jackals, the DNA of two Babesia species (Ba. canis and Ba. microti), three Borrelia species (Bo. garinii, Bo. valaisiana, and Bo. lusitaniae) and A. marginale was detected. From the aspect of public health surveillance, the potential role of the golden jackal in the maintenance of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Serbia must be considered, and further eco-epidemiological studies should be performed to determine the precise role of this animal species in zoonotic disease transmission cycles.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:36:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-03-20 Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been increasingly recognized in cats living in areas endemic for the disease. Co-infection with Leishmania infantum and other infectious agents is well established in dogs. However, for cats, data on co-infections with L. infantum and other infectious agents are still sparse. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens, Mycoplasma spp., feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) in cats from an area endemic for VL in southeastern Brazil. Results: Of the 90 cats, eight (8.9%) were infected with Mycoplasma spp., five (5.5%) were FIV- positive and one (1.1%) was FeLV-positive. Co-infection with L. infantum and at least one other infectious agent was found in 9/50 (18.0%; CI: 8.6-31.4%) cats. In Group 1 (cats infected naturally by L. infantum), 4/50 (8.0%) cats were positive for FIV, 4/50 (8%) for Mycoplasma spp. and 1/50 (2.0%) was co-infected with FeLV and Mycoplasma spp. In Group 2 (cats non-infected with L. infantum), 2/40 (5.0%) cats were infected with Mycoplasma spp. and 1/40 (2.5%) was co-infected with FIV and Mycoplasma spp. All cats were negative for Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. and Anaplasma platys. Conclusion: A low prevalence of co-infection in Leishmania-infected and non-infected cats was found. Co-infections with Leishmania and vector-borne diseases in cats are not common in this area endemic for VL in Brazil. São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba Department of Veterinary Medicine Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba

Babesiosis is a disease caused by tickborne hemoprotozoan apicomplexan parasites of the genus Babesia that negatively impacts public health and food security worldwide. Development of effective and sustainable vaccines against babesiosis is currently hindered in part by the absence of definitive host correlates of protection. Despite that, studies in Babesia microti and Babesia bovis, major causative agents of human and bovine babesiosis, respectively, suggest that early activation of innate immune responses is crucial for vertebrates to survive acute infection. Trained immunity (TI) is defined as the development of memory in vertebrate innate immune cells, allowing more efficient responses to subsequent specific and non-specific challenges. Considering that Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a widely used anti-tuberculosis attenuated vaccine, induces strong TI pro-inflammatory responses, we hypothesize that BCG TI may protect vertebrates against acute babesiosis. This premise is supported by early investigations demonstrating that BCG inoculation protects mice against experimental B. microti infection and recent observations that BCG vaccination decreases the severity of malaria in children infected with Plasmodium falciparum, a Babesia-related parasite. We also discuss the potential use of TI in conjunction with recombinant BCG vaccines expressing Babesia immunogens. In conclusion, by concentrating on human and bovine babesiosis, herein we intend to raise awareness of BCG TI as a strategy to efficiently control Babesia infection.