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Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022Blood-feeding arthropods, particularly ticks and mosquitoes are considered the most important vectors of arthropod-borne diseases affecting humans and animals. While... (Review)
Review
Blood-feeding arthropods, particularly ticks and mosquitoes are considered the most important vectors of arthropod-borne diseases affecting humans and animals. While feeding on blood meals, arthropods are exposed to high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) since heme and other blood components can induce oxidative stress. Different ROS have important roles in interactions among the pathogens, vectors, and hosts. ROS influence various metabolic processes of the arthropods and some have detrimental effects. In this review, we investigate the various roles of ROS in these arthropods, including their innate immunity and the homeostasis of their microbiomes, that is, how ROS are utilized to maintain the balance between the natural microbiota and potential pathogens. We elucidate the mechanism of how ROS are utilized to fight off invading pathogens and how the arthropod-borne pathogens use the arthropods' antioxidant mechanism to defend against these ROS attacks and their possible impact on their vector potentials or their ability to acquire and transmit pathogens. In addition, we describe the possible roles of ROS in chemical insecticide/acaricide activity and/or in the development of resistance. Overall, this underscores the importance of the antioxidant system as a potential target for the control of arthropod and arthropod-borne pathogens.
PubMed: 35883744
DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071254 -
Microorganisms Jan 2023Identifying the species that act as hosts, vectors, and vehicles of vector-borne pathogens is vital for revealing the transmission cycles, dispersal mechanisms, and... (Review)
Review
Identifying the species that act as hosts, vectors, and vehicles of vector-borne pathogens is vital for revealing the transmission cycles, dispersal mechanisms, and establishment of vector-borne pathogens in nature. Ticks are common vectors for pathogens causing human and animal diseases, and they transmit a greater variety of pathogenic agents than any other arthropod vector group. Ticks depend on the movements by their vertebrate hosts for their dispersal, and tick species with long feeding periods are more likely to be transported over long distances. Wild birds are commonly parasitized by ticks, and their migration patterns enable the long-distance range expansion of ticks. The African-Palearctic migration system is one of the world's largest migrations systems. African-Western Palearctic birds create natural links between the African, European, and Asian continents when they migrate biannually between breeding grounds in the Palearctic and wintering grounds in Africa and thereby connect different biomes. Climate is an important geographical determinant of ticks, and with global warming, the distribution range and abundance of ticks in the Western Palearctic may increase. The introduction of exotic ticks and their microorganisms into the Western Palearctic via avian vehicles might therefore pose a greater risk for the public and animal health in the future.
PubMed: 36677450
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010158 -
EcoHealth Dec 2019Spotted fever group and related rickettsia (SFGR) are a neglected group of pathogens that belong to the genus Rickettsia. SFGR are zoonotic and are transmitted by... (Review)
Review
Spotted fever group and related rickettsia (SFGR) are a neglected group of pathogens that belong to the genus Rickettsia. SFGR are zoonotic and are transmitted by arthropod vectors, primarily ticks, fleas and mites to accidental hosts. These emerging and re-emerging infections are widely distributed throughout the world. Land-use change and increasing human-wildlife conflict compound the risk of SFGR infection to local people in endemic areas and travelers to these regions. In this article, we discuss the rickettsial organisms causing spotted fever and related diseases, their arthropod vectors in Asia and the impact of land-use change on their spread.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Asia; Ecosystem; Humans; Rickettsia; Rickettsia Infections; Siphonaptera; Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 30993545
DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01409-3 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2022The emergence of vector-borne pathogens in novel geographic areas is regulated by the migration of their arthropod vectors. Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and the...
BACKGROUND
The emergence of vector-borne pathogens in novel geographic areas is regulated by the migration of their arthropod vectors. Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and the pathogens they vector, including the causative agents of Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis, continue to grow in their population sizes and to expand in geographic range. Migration of this vector over the previous decades has been implicated as the cause of the re-emergence of the most prevalent infectious diseases in North America.
METHODS
We systematically collected ticks from across New York State (hereafter referred to as New York) from 2004 to 2017 as part of routine tick-borne pathogen surveillance in the state. This time frame corresponds with an increase in range and incidence of tick-borne diseases within New York. We randomly sampled ticks from this collection to explore the evolutionary history and population dynamics of I. scapularis. We sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of each tick to characterize their current and historical spatial genetic structure and population growth using phylogeographic methods.
RESULTS
We sequenced whole mitochondrial genomes from 277 ticks collected across New York between 2004 and 2017. We found evidence of population genetic structure at a broad geographic scale due to differences in the relative abundance, but not the composition, of haplotypes among sampled ticks. Ticks were often most closely related to ticks from the same and nearby collection sites. The data indicate that both short- and long-range migration events shape the population dynamics of blacklegged ticks in New York.
CONCLUSIONS
We detailed the population dynamics of the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in New York during a time frame in which tick-borne diseases were increasing in range and incidence. Migration of ticks occurred at both coarse and fine scales in the recent past despite evidence of limits to gene flow. Past and current tick population dynamics have implications for further range expansion as habitat suitability for ticks changes due to global climate change. Analyses of mitochondrial genome sequencing data will expound upon previously identified drivers of tick presence and abundance as well as identify additional drivers. These data provide a foundation on which to generate testable hypotheses on the drivers of tick population dynamics occurring at finer scales.
Topics: Animals; Arachnid Vectors; Arthropod Vectors; Ixodes; Phylogeography; Tick-Borne Diseases
PubMed: 35765050
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05304-9 -
Viruses Nov 2021Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is an insect-transmitted viral disease of wild and domestic ruminants. It was first described following a 1955 epizootic in North... (Review)
Review
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is an insect-transmitted viral disease of wild and domestic ruminants. It was first described following a 1955 epizootic in North American white-tailed deer (), a species which is highly susceptible to the causative agent of EHD, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). EHDV has been detected globally across tropical and temperate regions, largely corresponding to the presence of spp. biting midges which transmit the virus between ruminant hosts. It regularly causes high morbidity and mortality in wild and captive deer populations in endemic areas during epizootics. Although cattle historically have been less susceptible to EHDV, reports of clinical disease in cattle have increased in the past two decades. There is a pressing need to identify new methods to prevent and mitigate outbreaks and reduce the considerable impacts of EHDV on livestock and wildlife. This review discusses recent research advancements towards the control of EHDV, including the development of new investigative tools and progress in basic and applied research focused on virus detection, disease mitigation, and vector control. The potential impacts and implications of these advancements on EHD management are also discussed.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Ceratopogonidae; Deer; Disease Outbreaks; Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Epizootic; Insect Control; Insect Vectors; Reoviridae Infections; Serogroup
PubMed: 34835074
DOI: 10.3390/v13112268 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2023West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are two arthropod-borne viruses that circulate in mainland France. Assessing vector competence has only been conducted so...
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are two arthropod-borne viruses that circulate in mainland France. Assessing vector competence has only been conducted so far with mosquitoes from southern France while an increasingly active circulation of WNV and USUV has been reported in the last years. The main vectors are mosquitoes of the Culex genus and the common mosquito Culex pipiens. Here, we measure the vector competence of five mosquito species (Aedes rusticus, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles plumbeus, Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata) present in northeastern France. Field-collected populations were exposed to artificial infectious blood meal containing WNV or USUV and examined at different days post-infection. We show that (i) Cx. pipiens transmitted WNV and USUV, (ii) Ae. rusticus only WNV, and (iii) unexpectedly, Ae. albopictus transmitted both WNV and USUV. Less surprising, An. plumbeus was not competent for both viruses. Combined with data on distribution and population dynamics, these assessments of vector competence will help in developing a risk map and implementing appropriate prevention and control measures.
Topics: Animals; West Nile virus; Flavivirus; Culex; Aedes; France; Mosquito Vectors; West Nile Fever
PubMed: 37276229
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011144 -
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases... Jul 2019African swine fever virus (ASFV) continues to threaten global animal health and agricultural biosecurity. Mitigating the establishment of ASFV in the United States... (Review)
Review
African swine fever virus (ASFV) continues to threaten global animal health and agricultural biosecurity. Mitigating the establishment of ASFV in the United States (U.S.) is contingent on (1) the identification of arthropod vectors and vertebrate hosts that are capable of viral maintenance and transmission in the U.S. and (2) knowledge of vector-host associations that may permit transmission. We aggregated data on vector competence, host competence and tick-host associations by systematic review of published articles and collection records to identify species that may support the invasion of ASFV in the U.S. Three species of competent soft ticks occur in the U.S., , , and , however, vector competence for the majority of soft ticks in the U.S. remains unknown. Three species of competent vertebrate hosts currently occur in the U.S.: domestic pigs (), feral hogs (), and common warthogs (). Hierarchical hazard categories based on vector competence, tick-host contact rates, and vector abundance were used to semiquantitatively rank U.S. soft tick species by their relative risk for contributing to ASFV transmission to identify which soft tick species are a priority for future studies. High-risk vector and host species identified in this study can be used to focus ASFV risk assessments in the U.S., guide targeted surveillance and control strategies, and proactively prepare for an ASFV incursion event. Results indicate , , and demonstrate the highest relative risk for contributing to ASFV transmission in the U.S., however, many gaps in knowledge exist preventing the full evaluation of at least 30 soft tick species in the U.S. Further study is required to identify soft tick vectors that interact with feral swine populations, elucidate vector competence, and further understand the biology of soft tick species.
Topics: African Swine Fever; African Swine Fever Virus; Animals; Arachnid Vectors; Argasidae; Ornithodoros; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases; United States
PubMed: 30785371
DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2387 -
Pathogens and Disease Apr 2021Tick-borne illnesses pose a serious concern to human and veterinary health and their prevalence is on the rise. The interactions between ticks and the pathogens they... (Review)
Review
Tick-borne illnesses pose a serious concern to human and veterinary health and their prevalence is on the rise. The interactions between ticks and the pathogens they carry are largely undefined. However, the genus Anaplasma, a group of tick-borne bacteria, has been instrumental in uncovering novel paradigms in tick biology. The emergence of sophisticated technologies and the convergence of entomology with microbiology, immunology, metabolism and systems biology has brought tick-Anaplasma interactions to the forefront of vector biology with broader implications for the infectious disease community. Here, we discuss the use of Anaplasma as an instrument for the elucidation of novel principles in arthropod-microbe interactions. We offer an outlook of the primary areas of study, outstanding questions and future research directions.
Topics: Anaplasma; Anaplasmosis; Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Computational Biology; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Ixodes; Mice
PubMed: 33792663
DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab022 -
Molecular Microbiology Nov 2021Ticks are regarded as one of the most ancient, unique, and highly evolved ectoparasites. They can parasitize diverse vertebrates and transmit a number of widespread... (Review)
Review
Ticks are regarded as one of the most ancient, unique, and highly evolved ectoparasites. They can parasitize diverse vertebrates and transmit a number of widespread infections. Once acquired from infected hosts, many tick-borne pathogens, like Borrelia burgdorferi, are confined within the tick gut lumen and are surrounded by discrete gut barriers. Such barriers include the peritrophic membrane (PM) and the dityrosine network (DTN), which are in close contact with resident microbiota and invading pathogens, influencing their survival within the vector. Herein, we review our current state of knowledge about tick-microbe interactions involving the PM and DTN structures. As a model, we will focus on Ixodes ticks, their microbiome, and the pathogen of Lyme disease. We will address the most salient findings on the structural and physiological roles of these Ixodes gut barriers on microbial interactions, with a comparison to analogous functions in other model vectors, such as mosquitoes. We will distill how this information could be leveraged towards a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of gut biology and tick-microbial interactions, which could contribute to potential therapeutic strategies in response to ticks and tick-borne infections.
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gastrointestinal Tract; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Ixodes; Lyme Disease
PubMed: 34570926
DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14822 -
WMJ : Official Publication of the State... Mar 2020The black-legged tick, , is now recognized as the deadliest tick vector in the United States. The Upper Midwest, particularly Wisconsin and Minnesota, are endemic to a... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The black-legged tick, , is now recognized as the deadliest tick vector in the United States. The Upper Midwest, particularly Wisconsin and Minnesota, are endemic to a diversity of tick-transmitted infectious diseases. Although , the agent of Lyme disease, still accounts for the majority of diagnosed infections, is known to transmit other bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the array of pathogenic microorganisms carried by ticks in the Upper Midwest.
METHODS
A literature review was conducted to collect and analyze current information about lifestyle, transmission, microorganisms carried by the arthropod vector, and the diseases that occur as a result of infections with these microorganisms in the Upper Midwest.
RESULTS
Diagnosis of co-infection from tick-borne zoonosis in humans has increased over the last 2 decades. Since I scapularis can transmit multiple pathogens, it is clinically important because different diagnostic testing and treatment strategies may need to be implemented for a patient with -borne infection(s).
CONCLUSIONS
This review has concentrated on -transmitted diseases affecting the Upper Midwest and has explored the ecology of the vector and its role in pathogen transmission.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Arachnid Vectors; Humans; Ixodes; Midwestern United States; Tick Infestations; Tick-Borne Diseases
PubMed: 32348066
DOI: No ID Found