Imported Hyalomma ticks in Germany in 2018

Chiţimia-Dobler, Lidia; Schaper, Sabine; Rieß, Ramona; Bitterwolf, Karin; Frangoulidis, Dimitrios; Bestehorn, Malena; Springer, Andrea; Oehme, Rainer; Drehmann, Marco; Lindau, Anne-Kathrin; Mackenstedt, Ute; Strübe, Christina; Dobler, Gerhard

doi:10.1186/s13071-019-3380-4

Cited by 82 publications

(77 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…Such a high infection rate is consistent with the previously reported rate of infection of Hyalomma by Ri. aeschlimanii (>50% and >70%) in Corsica [8,22], in Croatia (64%) [23], and in Germany (50%) [24]. Rickettsia aeschlimanii may be spread through migratory birds from Africa, and it was detected in Hyalomma ticks collected from barn swallows ( Hirundo rustica ) in Corsica [25].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Detection of Spotted-Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected from Domestic and Wild Animals in Corsica, France

et al. 2019

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To obtain a better understanding of the current magnitude of tick-borne rickettsioses in Corsica, we used molecular methods to characterize the occurrence of Rickettsia spp. in ixodid ticks collected from domestic and wild animals. The presence of Rickettsia spp. was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting the gltA gene and by sequencing of gltA and ompA partial genes for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Infection rates were calculated as the maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In total, 1117 ticks belonging to four genera (Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Dermacentor) were collected from cattle, sheep, wild boars, and companion animals during July–August 2017 and July 2018–January 2019. Overall, Rickettsia DNA was detected in 208 of 349 pools of ticks (MLE = 25.6%, 95% CI: 22.6–28.8%). The molecular analysis revealed five different rickettsial species of the spotted-fever group (SFG). We highlighted the exclusive detection of Candidatus Ri. barbariae in R. bursa and of Ri. aeschlimanii in H. marginatum. Rickettsia slovaca was detected in D. marginatus collected from wild boars. This study provides the first evidence of the presence of Ri. monacensis in I. ricinus ticks isolated from a dog in Corsica. In conclusion, our data revealed wide dispersal of SFG Rickettsiae and their arthropod hosts in Corsica, highlighting the need for surveillance of the risk of infection for people living and/or working close to infected or infested animals.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Detection of Spotted-Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected from Domestic and Wild Animals in Corsica, France

et al. 2019

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“…were also found on migrating birds, but to a lesser extent. Occasionally, adults of H. marginatum are found in northern and western European countries [16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23]. In The Netherlands, three adult Hyalomma sp.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Imported Hyalomma Ticks in The Netherlands 2018-2020

Uiterwijk¹,

Ibáñez-Justicia²,

Vossenberg³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Background: Ticks of the genus Hyalomma, which are vectors for several tick-borne diseases, are occasionally found in areas outside their endemic range including northern parts of Europe. The objective of this study was to analyse adult Hyalomma ticks that were recently found in The Netherlands. Methods: Hyalomma ticks were morphologically identified. Cluster analysis based upon sequence data (cox1 barcoding) for molecular identification and pathogen detection was performed. Additionally, a cross-sectional survey among horses was conducted to actively search for Hyalomma ticks in summer 2019. Analysis of temperature was done to assess the possibility of i) introduced engorged nymphs moulting to adults and ii) establishment of populations in The Netherlands. Results: Seventeen adult Hyalomma ticks (one in 2018, eleven in 2019, five in 2020) were found by citizens and reported. Fifteen ticks were detected on horses and two on humans. Twelve were identified as H. marginatum, one as H. rufipes and four, of which only photographic images were available, as Hyalomma sp. No Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus or Babesia/Theileria parasites were detected. One adult tick tested positive for Rickettsia aeschlimannii. In the cross-sectional horse survey, no Hyalomma ticks were found. Analysis of temperatures showed that engorged nymphs arriving on migratory birds in spring were able to moult to adults in 2019 and 2020, and that cumulative daily temperatures in The Netherlands were lower than in areas with established H. marginatum populations. Conclusions: Our results show that Hyalomma ticks are regularly introduced in The Netherlands as nymphs and these are able to develop to the adult stage under the Dutch weather conditions. Vigilant citizens can notify Hyalomma adult ticks, especially when attached to horses. Only one human pathogen, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, was found in one of the ticks. The risk of introduction of tick-borne diseases via Hyalomma ticks on migratory birds is considered to be low.

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“…Incidents of importation of ticks to new areas by animals transported by humans have been repeatedly described in the world literature [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ]. A majority of reports have described importation of ticks by exotic reptiles transported from endemic areas to other regions of the world [ 55 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Importation of Ticks on Companion Animals and the Risk of Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases to Non-Endemic Regions in Europe

Buczek

2020

Animals

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Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.

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Imported Hyalomma ticks in Germany in 2018

Cited by 82 publications

References 63 publications

Molecular Detection of Spotted-Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected from Domestic and Wild Animals in Corsica, France

Molecular Detection of Spotted-Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks Collected from Domestic and Wild Animals in Corsica, France

Imported Hyalomma Ticks in The Netherlands 2018-2020

Importation of Ticks on Companion Animals and the Risk of Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases to Non-Endemic Regions in Europe

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