Exposure of Humans to Attacks by Deer Keds and Consequences of Their Bites—A Case Report with Environmental Background

Maślanko, Weronika; Bartosik, Katarzyna; Raszewska-Famielec, Magdalena; Szwaj, Ewelina; Asman, Marek

doi:10.3390/insects11120859

Cited by 14 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Louse flies infest hosts directly after pupation, and the emerged insects cover areas with a radius of 50 m [ 46 ]. Winged flies are responsible for the majority of non-specific host infestations, including in humans [ 23 ], companion animals [ 13 ], and livestock [ 19 ]. The host-seeking flights of L. fortisetosa may pose a threat for forest workers and hunters [ 23 , 47 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Molecular Detection of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Deer Keds (Lipoptena fortisetosa)

et al. 2021

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Deer keds are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites of birds and mammals. Cervids serve as specific hosts for these insects. However, ked infestations have been observed in non-specific hosts, including humans, companion animals, and livestock. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a weakly studied ectoparasite, but there is evidence to indicate that it continues to spread across Europe. The existing knowledge on deer keds’ impact on wildlife is superficial, and their veterinary importance is enigmatic. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a species with vectorial capacity, but potential pathogen transmission has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of selected pathogens in L. fortisetosa collected from cervids and host-seeking individuals in the environment. Out of 500 acquired samples, 307 (61.4%) had genetic material from at least one tested pathogen. Our research suggests that L. fortisetosa may be a potential vector of several pathogens, including A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Borellia spp., Coxiella-like endosymbionts, Francisiella tularensis, Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., and Theileria spp.; however, further, more extensive investigations are required to confirm this. The results of the study indicate that keds can be used as biological markers for investigating the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the population of free-ranging cervids.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Deer keds were also found to attack cattle and horses [ 19 , 20 ]. Louse fly attacks and bites have also been reported in humans [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. A single host can be infested by up to 16,000 insects [ 24 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Detection of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Deer Keds (Lipoptena fortisetosa)

et al. 2021

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“…Human infestations by Lipoptena adults in their habitats are increasingly being reported. Their bites cause dermatitis in humans [ 3 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. In animals, the parasitism of these flies induces clinical symptoms related to anemia and skin mechanical damage [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Two New Haplotypes of Bartonella sp. Isolated from Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in SE Poland

Bartosik

Maślanko

Buczek

et al. 2021

Insects

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Insects of the genus Lipoptena are parasitic arthropods with a broad host range. Due to the type of parasitism (hematophagy), their potential role as vectors of pathogens, i.e., Bartonella sp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi is considered. As the range of their occurrence has been changing dynamically in recent years and infestations of humans have increasingly been reported, these organisms are now the subject of numerous studies. Our research aimed to present the molecular characteristics of Bartonella sp. detected in Lipoptena fortisetosa parasitizing wild cervids in south-eastern Poland. Adults of Lipoptena spp. were collected from carcasses of roe deer and red deer between spring and autumn in 2013. The PCR method was used to detect Bartonella sp. in the insects. We report two new haplotypes of the rpoB gene of Bartonella sp. isolated from L. fortisetosa feeding on wild cervids in south-eastern Poland and the presence of this invasive ectoparasitic species in the studied area since 2013. Phylogenetic analyses of newly obtained Bartonella sp. haplotypes confirmed their unique position on the constructed tree and network topology. The rpoB gene sequences found belonging to lineage B support the view that this phylogenetic lineage represents a novel Bartonella species.

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“…The habitats of adult blackflies, i.e., mainly forest areas and meadows near rivers and streams, may also be colonized by other blood-sucking arthropods that cause skin inflammation in humans, e.g., deer keds (Lipoptena cervi) [84][85][86] and Ixodes ricinus ticks [87][88][89]. Therefore, correct identification of skin lesions in patients is essential for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in clinical practice.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk of Attacks by Blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) and Occurrence of Severe Skin Symptoms in Bitten Patients along the Eastern Border of the European Union

Sitarz

Buczek

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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The components of blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) saliva secreted during feeding on humans and animals induce various pathological reactions manifested by skin lesions and systemic symptoms. In this study, we describe 43 cases of severe skin lesions induced by blackfly bites and analyze their potential causes. Based on the results of a survey of 418 patients, we identified periods with risk of blackfly attacks and their environmental determinants in the eastern part of the European Union. Especially strong inflammatory reactions after blackfly bites were reported in patients with concomitant cardiovascular diseases (mainly with venous insufficiency), metabolic diseases, and bacterial infections. Enhanced symptoms of simuliosis were also observed in other patients attacked by these insects only once or repeatedly. The greatest number of blackfly attacks in the study area is recorded from May to July, with a peak in June (38.73%) in the afternoon (37.10%) and evening (33.03%), when patients are in fields, forests, or their households. The case analysis indicates interactions of various factors in the development of severe inflammatory reactions in patients bitten by blackflies. Therefore, it is recommended that subjects exposed to the presence of blackflies during their work or rest should limit the length of their stay in a vulnerable environment during the highest seasonal and daily activity of these insects. It is also necessary to take measures to reduce the number of blackflies and popularize methods for prophylaxis of their attacks.

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Exposure of Humans to Attacks by Deer Keds and Consequences of Their Bites—A Case Report with Environmental Background

Cited by 14 publications

References 33 publications

Molecular Detection of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Deer Keds (Lipoptena fortisetosa)

Molecular Detection of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Deer Keds (Lipoptena fortisetosa)

Two New Haplotypes of Bartonella sp. Isolated from Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in SE Poland

Risk of Attacks by Blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) and Occurrence of Severe Skin Symptoms in Bitten Patients along the Eastern Border of the European Union

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