<i>Hyalomma</i>
 ticks on northward migrating birds in southern Spain: Implications for the risk of entry of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus to Great Britain

England, Marion; Phipps, Paul; Medlock, Jolyon M.; Atkinson, Peter M.; Atkinson, B; Hewson, Roger; Gale, P.

doi:10.1111/jvec.12204

Cited by 27 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Thus, we tested the ticks for CCHFV and SFGR. While no virus was detected, as was the case in similar surveys (27,44,46), Rickettsia was prevalent in H. rufipes and H. marginatum complex ticks from birds (34.6% and 81.3%, respectively). The sequenced SFGR samples were identified as R. aeschlimannii, a prevalent tick-borne SFGR in the African continent, previously detected in ticks from migratory birds arriving to Europe (49,50).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 84%

“…These two species were considered part of the Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) marginatum Koch complex until recent years (2), and perhaps the low divergence reflects recent species separation. The RFLP analysis was also useful for the identification of immature stages of Hyalomma ticks, which is a limiting factor for the identification of ticks collected from migratory birds (3,4,27,44). The main species found on migratory birds were H. rufipes and H. marginatum.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Francisella-Like Endosymbionts and Rickettsia Species in Local and Imported Hyalomma Ticks

Azagi

Klement

Perlman

et al. 2017

Appl Environ Microbiol

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Hyalomma ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are hosts for Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLE) and may serve as vectors of zoonotic disease agents. This study aimed to provide an initial characterization of the interaction between Hyalomma and FLE and to determine the prevalence of pathogenic Rickettsia in these ticks. Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma aegyptium, and Hyalomma excavatum ticks, identified morphologically and molecularly, were collected from different hosts and locations representing the distribution of the genus Hyalomma in Israel, as well as from migratory birds. A high prevalence of FLE was found in all Hyalomma species (90.6%), as well as efficient maternal transmission of FLE (91.8%), and the localization of FLE in Malpighian tubules, ovaries, and salivary glands in H. marginatum. Furthermore, we demonstrated strong cophylogeny between FLE and their host species. Contrary to FLE, the prevalence of Rickettsia ranged from 2.4% to 81.3% and was significantly different between Hyalomma species, with a higher prevalence in ticks collected from migratory birds. Using ompA gene sequences, most of the Rickettsia spp. were similar to Rickettsia aeschlimannii, while a few were similar to Rickettsia africae of the spotted fever group (SFG). Given their zoonotic importance, 249 ticks were tested for Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infection, and all were negative. The results imply that Hyalomma and FLE have obligatory symbiotic interactions, indicating a potential SFG Rickettsia zoonosis risk. A further understanding of the possible influence of FLE on Hyalomma development, as well as on its infection with Rickettsia pathogens, may lead to novel ways to control tick-borne zoonoses.IMPORTANCE This study shows that Francisella-like endosymbionts were ubiquitous in Hyalomma, were maternally transmitted, and cospeciated with their hosts. These findings imply that the interaction between FLE and Hyalomma is of an obligatory nature. It provides an example of an integrative taxonomy approach to simply differentiate among species infesting the same host and to identify nymphal and larval stages to be used in further studies. In addition, it shows the potential of imported Hyalomma ticks to serve as a vector for spotted fever group rickettsiae. The information gathered in this study can be further implemented in the development of symbiont-based disease control strategies for the benefit of human health.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 84%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Francisella-Like Endosymbionts and Rickettsia Species in Local and Imported Hyalomma Ticks

Azagi

Klement

Perlman

et al. 2017

Appl Environ Microbiol

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“…A number of studies have reported Hyalomma spp. on birds migrating north through Europe (147,148). Further studies have confirmed that such ticks can be infected with zoonotic pathogens (149), such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus.…”

Section: Risks From Exotic Ticksmentioning

confidence: 95%

Emerging Threats to Animals in the United Kingdom by Arthropod-Borne Diseases

et al. 2020

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Worldwide, arthropod-borne disease transmission represents one of the greatest threats to public and animal health. For the British Isles, an island group on the northwestern coast of continental Europe consisting of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland, physical separation offers a barrier to the introduction of many of the pathogens that affect animals on the rest of the continent. Added to this are strict biosecurity rules at ports of entry and the depauperate vector biodiversity found on the islands. Nevertheless, there are some indigenous arthropod-borne pathogens that cause sporadic outbreaks, such as the tick-borne louping ill virus, found almost exclusively in the British Isles, and a range of piroplasmid infections that are poorly characterized. These provide an ongoing source of infection whose emergence can be unpredictable. In addition, the risk remains for future introductions of both exotic vectors and the pathogens they harbor, and can transmit. Current factors that are driving the increases of both disease transmission and the risk of emergence include marked changes to the climate in the British Isles that have increased summer and winter temperatures, and extended the period over which arthropods are active. There have also been dramatic increases in the distribution of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile and Usutu viruses in mainland Europe that are making the introduction of these pathogens through bird migration increasingly feasible. In addition, the establishment of midge-borne bluetongue virus in the near continent has increased the risk of wind-borne introduction of infected midges and the inadvertent importation of infected cattle. Arguably the greatest risk is associated with the continual increase in the movement of people, pets and trade into the UK. This, in particular, is driving the introduction of invasive arthropod species that either bring disease-causing pathogens, or are known competent vectors, that increase the risk of disease transmission if introduced. The following review documents the current pathogen threats to animals transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and midges. This includes both indigenous and exotic pathogens to the UK. In the case of exotic pathogens, the pathway and risk of introduction are also discussed.

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“…In relation to the training regarding an outbreak scenario, we delivered a research-led workshop (totalling 3 hours, practical element 1 hour long) which consisted of the development of an intervention programme for an outbreak due to the emerging pathogen Category A Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus [10]. We selected this virus as it is threatening countries in Western Europe [11], including the UK [12]. This research-led training was based on a successful novel teaching experience created by our team [13] and was aimed to assure the relevance that biomedical scientists have as key health professionals in any first response team in the aftermath of a biological incident or an outbreak of infection.…”

Section: Changes Undertaken In the "Medical Microbiology" Modulementioning

confidence: 99%

Curriculum Modifications for Teaching Parasitology and Infectious Diseases in a Biomedical Science Degree

Pena-Fernandez¹,

Ioannou²,

Lobo-Bedmar³

et al. 2017

ICERI Proceedings

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Recent outbreaks threatening public health involving contaminated water or food with different microorganisms such as Escherichia coli or Cyclospora spp. in Europe as well as the 2014-16 Ebola crisis in West Africa have highlighted the relevance of teaching parasitology and infectious diseases to future biomedical scientists. The BSc Biomedical Science (BMS) programme at De Montfort University (DMU, Leicester, UK) is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS). However, the dedicated time to study these topics was very little, limited to two 15 credit modules focused on general and basic medical microbiology. A series of important modifications have been undertaken since 2016 to ensure that our graduates receive comprehensive knowledge in parasitology/infectious diseases following the subject-specific threshold standards described by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA, 2015). New lectures in these topics (virus, fungi, helminths, infectious diseases) were incorporated in our Basic Microbiology level 4 module after expanding this to 30 credits in the academic course 2016/17. Highly specialised training related with emerging parasites (e.g. Cyclospora, microsporidia) and haemorrhagic fever virus (e.g. Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus) was introduced in our level 6 Medical Microbiology module (15 credits), based on a successful novel teaching experience created by first responders to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Validated feedback questionnaires to assess the training were collected as well as final module level feedback (MLF) for each module through Blackboard. Students have highlighted high levels of engagement in both modules, specifically in the training provided in Medical Microbiology (n=121). Thus, some students have highlighted in the MLF that the case studies (e.g. related with free-living amoebas and Cyclospora spp.) "improved my understanding" and were "engaging". The specific questionnaire highlighted that 77.5% of final year students enjoyed the novel workshop created to respond to an outbreak of infection affecting the UK following evidence-based public health methodology. However, the module that showed most improvement in student satisfaction was Basic Microbiology (n=196), which showed a significant increase from 20% in the 2015/16 academic year to 64% in the current academic session. The MLF for Basic Microbiology also reported the following results: 95% (41% definitely agree, 54% agree) of students highlighted that this first year module provided them with opportunities to apply what they learnt; and 94% considered that the feedback provided was clear and fair. Although these results should be considered as preliminary, we consider that the initial changes undertaken in the BMS programme at DMU to date could improve students' understanding of emerging diseases, specifically about how to study and prevent emerging infectious diseases to protect public health. Future proposed improvements include the development of a complete elearning package for students and academics for ...

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Hyalomma ticks on northward migrating birds in southern Spain: Implications for the risk of entry of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus to Great Britain

Cited by 27 publications

References 24 publications

Francisella-Like Endosymbionts and Rickettsia Species in Local and Imported Hyalomma Ticks

Francisella-Like Endosymbionts and Rickettsia Species in Local and Imported Hyalomma Ticks

Emerging Threats to Animals in the United Kingdom by Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Curriculum Modifications for Teaching Parasitology and Infectious Diseases in a Biomedical Science Degree

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