Infection rates, species diversity, and distribution of zoonotic Babesia parasites in ticks: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

Karshima, Solomon Ngutor; Karshima, Magdalene Nguvan; Ahmed, Musa Isiyaku

doi:10.1007/s00436-021-07359-6

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 162 publications

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“…For example, the primer sets used in the included studies varied, and the sensitivity of different primer sets was unclear [ 74 ]. Finally, similar with other meta-analyses on tick-borne infections [ 11 , 75 , 76 ], publication bias exists in the present study, which may distort the estimates of prevalence, so results should be interpreted with caution.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

“…Furthermore, whether the instar of ticks influences the detection of Babesia in animals or ticks is unclear. Recently, several studies have systematically reviewed the prevalence of zoonotic Babesia species in humans, animals and ticks [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. However, the prevalence of different zoonotic Babesia species, diverse detecting methods (nucleic acid testing or serological testing) for human or animal infection, and different infesting status of ticks (questing or infesting) were synthesized together in previous systematic reviews.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Nucleic Acid Prevalence of Zoonotic Babesia in Humans, Animals and Questing Ticks, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Yao

Tian

et al. 2023

TropicalMed

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Background: Zoonotic Babesia infections are an emerging public health threat globally. The geographical distribution, animal reservoirs and tick vectors vary greatly across Babesia species, and estimations of prevalence reported in works within the literature are also quite different. Better prevalence estimates and identification of moderators are needed to understand the global transmission risk of different zoonotic Babesia species, and to provide crucial background information for the diagnosis, treatment and control of zoonotic babesiosis. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global nucleic acid prevalence of different zoonotic Babesia species in humans, animals and ticks. Relevant publications were obtained from several electronic databases and grey literature up to December 2021. Articles were included if they were published in English or Chinese and reported the nucleic acid prevalence of zoonotic Babesia species in humans, animals or ticks. The pooled estimates of prevalence were determined using a random effect model. Heterogeneity was investigated using subgroup analyses and random effect meta-regression models. Results: Of 3205 unique studies, 28 were included by the systematic review of zoonotic Babesia for humans, 79 for animals and 104 for ticks. The results showed overall pooled estimates of nucleic acid prevalence for the following: B. microti—1.93% (0.32–4.69%) in humans; B. microti—7.80% (5.25–10.77%), B. divergens—2.12% (0.73–4.08%) and B. venatorum—1.42% (0.30–3.16%) in animals; and B. microti—2.30% (1.59–3.13%), B. divergens—0.16% (0.05–0.32%), and B. venatorum—0.39% (0.26–0.54%) in questing ticks. The type of population, animal reservoir or tick vector, detecting method and continent were moderators possibly associated with heterogeneity, yet the remaining heterogeneity that was not explained was still substantial (all QE p values < 0.05). Conclusions: B. microti is the most prevalent and widely distributed zoonotic Babesia species globally. The wide range of suitable animal reservoirs and potential transmission vectors and high prevalence in animals and ticks may contribute to the worldwide distribution of B. microti. Other zoonotic Babesia species were relatively less prevalent and were reported in quite limited areas.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nucleic Acid Prevalence of Zoonotic Babesia in Humans, Animals and Questing Ticks, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Yao

Tian

et al. 2023

TropicalMed

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“…These co-infections can substantially challenge diagnostic approaches. For instance, conventional molecular diagnostic assays like end-point PCR often target a single pathogen, which might lead to underestimation of co-infection rates [ 48 ]. In this context, the utilization of a microfluidic real-time PCR system for the diagnosis of TBPs in the present study is particularly noteworthy.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microfluidic PCR and network analysis reveals complex tick-borne pathogen interactions in the tropics

Díaz-Corona,

Roblejo-Arias,

Piloto-Sardiñas

et al. 2024

Parasites Vectors

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Background Ixodid ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., are important vectors of various disease-causing agents in dogs and humans in Cuba. However, our understading of interactions among tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in infected dogs or the vector R. sanguineus s.l. remains limited. This study integrates microfluidic-based high-throughput real-time PCR data, Yule's Q statistic, and network analysis to elucidate pathogen-pathogen interactions in dogs and ticks in tropical western Cuba. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 46 client-owned dogs was conducted. Blood samples were collected from these dogs, and ticks infesting the same dogs were morphologically and molecularly identified. Nucleic acids were extracted from both canine blood and tick samples. Microfluidic-based high-throughput real-time PCR was employed to detect 25 bacterial species, 10 parasite species, 6 bacterial genera, and 4 parasite taxa, as well as to confirm the identity of the collected ticks. Validation was performed through end-point PCR assays and DNA sequencing analysis. Yule's Q statistic and network analysis were used to analyse the associations between different TBP species based on binary presence-absence data. Results The study revealed a high prevalence of TBPs in both dogs and R. sanguineus s.l., the only tick species found on the dogs. Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis were among the most common pathogens detected. Co-infections were observed, notably between E. canis and H. canis. Significant correlations were found between the presence of Anaplasma platys and H. canis in both dogs and ticks. A complex co-occurrence network among haemoparasite species was identified, highlighting potential facilitative and inhibitory roles. Notably, H. canis was found as a highly interconnected node, exhibiting significant positive associations with various taxa, including A. platys, and E. canis, suggesting facilitative interactions among these pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis showed genetic diversity in the detected TBPs. Conclusions Overall, this research enhances our understanding of TBPs in Cuba, providing insights into their prevalence, associations, and genetic diversity, with implications for disease surveillance and management. Graphical abstract

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“…These repercussions reverberate across commerce, economies, and even human health, posing formidable challenges to agricultural productivity and economic stability (Omeragic et al, 2022;Chakraborty et al, 2023). Babesiosis, caused by the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, is particularly notorious for its ability to cause anemia, reduce milk production, and compromise the overall well-being of infected cattle (Karshima et al, 2022).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Babesia spp. prevalence in various domestic animals across Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Tariq,

Badshah,

Khan

et al. 2024

Braz. J. Biol.

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Parasitic diseases, notably babesiosis, exert a substantial impact on the global cattle industry, posing challenges to commerce, economies, and human health. This study, conducted in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, aimed to assess the prevalence of Babesia spp. across various livestock species using microscopic and PCR methods. A total of 180 blood samples (60 from each district) were systematically collected from apparently healthy animals, with 36 samples obtained from each domestic animal species, including camel, cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep, noting that 12 samples were collected from each district for each animal species. Overall prevalence was determined to be 32.8% (59/180), with varying rates among species: 25.0% in cattle, 41.66% in buffalo, 30.55% in goats, 33.3% in sheep, and 33.3% in camels. Microscopic examination revealed slightly varied infection rates among large and small domestic animals (22.2%), while PCR results indicated a 32.8% overall infection rate in both large and small domestic animals, with no statistical significance. District-wise analysis showed regional variations, with Muzaffargarh recording a prevalence rate of 23.33% through microscopic examination, while Lodhran and Bahawalpur recorded 21.67%. PCR results revealed higher rates (38.33%, 26.67%, and 33.33%, respectively), underlining the importance of employing PCR for accurate detection. Examining ruminant types, large ruminants exhibited a 32.4% infection rate, while small domestic animals showed 33.3%, with no significant difference (p=0.897). District-wise prevalence showcased significant variation, with Muzaffargarh demonstrating a 25% prevalence, Lodhran 22%, and Bahawalpur 22%, through microscopic examination. PCR results displayed 38.33%, 27%, and 33.3%, respectively, with no statistical significance. Detailed analysis of individual districts highlighted variations in infection rates among camels, cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep. The binomial test indicated significant differences through microscopic analysis (P=0.011) but non-significant variations through PCR (P=0.065), emphasizing the precision of PCR. Regional variations in prevalence, notably with Punjab exhibiting the highest frequency (33.87%) and KPK the lowest (13.24%), suggest potential influences from varying veterinary practices and environmental factors. This study underscores the pivotal role of PCR alongside microscopy for accurate babesiosis diagnosis. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of babesiosis prevalence, emphasizing the necessity of advanced molecular techniques for informed control measures.

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Infection rates, species diversity, and distribution of zoonotic Babesia parasites in ticks: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

Cited by 7 publications

References 162 publications

Nucleic Acid Prevalence of Zoonotic Babesia in Humans, Animals and Questing Ticks, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nucleic Acid Prevalence of Zoonotic Babesia in Humans, Animals and Questing Ticks, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Microfluidic PCR and network analysis reveals complex tick-borne pathogen interactions in the tropics

Assessment of Babesia spp. prevalence in various domestic animals across Southern Punjab, Pakistan

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