Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases最新文献

{"title":"Species abundance and density of malaria vectors in Western Thailand and implications for disease transmission","authors":"Thanyalak Fansiri,&nbsp;Boonsong Jaichapor,&nbsp;Arissara Pongsiri,&nbsp;Preeraya Singkhaimuk,&nbsp;Patcharee Khongtak,&nbsp;Wachiraphan Chittham,&nbsp;Nattaphol Pathawong,&nbsp;Duangkamon Pintong,&nbsp;Bussayagorn Sujarit,&nbsp;Alongkot Ponlawat","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100170","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100170","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Understanding the dynamics of malaria vectors and their interactions with environmental factors is crucial for effective malaria control. This study investigated the abundance, species composition, seasonal variations, and malaria infection status of female mosquitoes in malaria transmission and non-transmission areas in Western Thailand. Additionally, the susceptibility of malaria vectors to pyrethroid insecticides was assessed. Entomological field surveys were conducted during the hot, wet, and cold seasons in both malaria transmission areas (TA) and non-transmission areas (NTA). The abundance and species composition of malaria vectors were compared between TA and NTA. The availability of larval habitats and the impact of seasonality on vector abundance were analyzed. Infection with <em>Plasmodium</em> spp. in primary malaria vectors was determined using molecular techniques. Furthermore, the susceptibility of malaria vectors to pyrethroids was evaluated using the World Health Organization (WHO) susceptibility test. A total of 9799 female mosquitoes belonging to 54 species and 11 genera were collected using various trapping methods. The number of malaria vectors was significantly higher in TA compared to NTA (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). <em>Anopheles minimus</em> and <em>An. aconitus</em> were the predominant species in TA, comprising over 50% and 30% of the total mosquitoes collected, respectively. Seasonality had a significant effect on the availability of larval habitats in both areas (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) but did not impact the abundance of adult vectors (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). The primary malaria vectors tested were not infected with <em>Plasmodium</em> spp. The WHO susceptibility test revealed high susceptibility of malaria vectors to pyrethroids, with mortality rates of 99–100% at discriminating concentrations. The higher abundance of malaria vectors in the transmission areas underscores the need for targeted control measures in these regions. The susceptibility of malaria vectors to pyrethroids suggests the continued effectiveness of this class of insecticides for vector control interventions. Other factors influencing malaria transmission risk in the study areas are discussed. These findings contribute to our understanding of malaria vectors and can inform evidence-based strategies for malaria control and elimination efforts in Western Thailand.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100170"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X24000013/pdfft?md5=a79733d1a2b9c6832c3ef524962366fe&pid=1-s2.0-S2667114X24000013-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139907623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Meta-analysis of tick-borne and other pathogens: Co-infection or co-detection? That is the question","authors":"Stefania Porcelli,&nbsp;Pierre Lucien Deshuillers,&nbsp;Sara Moutailler,&nbsp;Anne-Claire Lagrée","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100219","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100219","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This literature-based review aims to distinguish studies describing co-infection with tick-borne pathogens from those describing co-detection or co-exposure scenarios. The review analyzed 426 papers and identified only 20 with direct evidence of co-infection in humans and animals, highlighting the need for accurate terminology and proposing definitions for co-infection, co-exposure and co-detection. Current diagnostic methods - including serology and molecular techniques - have limitations in accurately identifying real co-infections, often leading to misinterpretation. The review highlights the importance of developing laboratory models to better understand tick-borne pathogen interactions, and advocates improved diagnostic strategies for tick screening by testing their RNA for co-infections. Moreover, the establishment of additional animal models for pathogen co-infection will help develop our understanding of selection pressures for various traits of tick-borne pathogens (such as virulence and transmissibility) over time. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the complexity of tick-borne pathogen co-infections and calls for precise diagnostic terms to improve the clarity and effectiveness of future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100219"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142432534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The first record of the invasive mosquito species Aedes albopictus in Yemen","authors":"Alia Zayed ,&nbsp;Yasser Baheshm ,&nbsp;Mohammed Al Amoudi ,&nbsp;Salim Bin Shabiz ,&nbsp;Matthew Jensen Montgomery","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The invasive mosquito <em>Aedes albopictus</em> is regarded as a public health threat due to its ability to transmit pathogens such as dengue and chikungunya viruses, its wide range of hosts, and its ecological plasticity. <em>Aedes albopictus</em> has already invaded parts of the Middle East region and further expansion is expected. Twenty-two sites in three districts of Yemen (Al Ghaydha, Hawf, and Sayhout) were screened for the presence of mosquitoes. We surveyed water bodies and containers, and deployed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Biogents Sentinel (BG) traps, spray catches, and aspiration for adult collection. <em>Aedes albopictus</em> was recorded for the first time in Yemen in September 2023, during routine surveillance in Al Mahrah Governorate. Adults and immature stages of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> were identified in Hawf, a city 17 m above sea level in the easternmost part of the Governorate of Al Mahrah, which is located less than 8 km from the border with Oman. Our findings showed that <em>Ae. albopictus</em> adults were coexisting with both <em>Ae</em><em>des</em> <em>aegypti</em> and <em>Anopheles stephensi</em> in the same location and occupying the same containers with <em>Ae. aegypti</em> with a ratio of 1:2. This is the first report on the presence of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> in Yemen. The proximity, ongoing human activity and transportation exchanges between Al Mahrah and Oman may have played a role in the introduction of this species. Intensive efforts should be undertaken to monitor and manage <em>Ae. albopictus</em> spread in the country, in addition to coordinating cross-border surveillance with Oman. The presence of both <em>Aedes</em> spp. vectors together highlights the need for surveillance for associated diseases and consideration of countermeasures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100233"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142698306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cats as a sentinel species for human infectious diseases – toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis, and COVID-19","authors":"Diana Selyemová ,&nbsp;Daniela Antolová ,&nbsp;Barbara Mangová ,&nbsp;Júlia Jarošová ,&nbsp;Martina Ličková ,&nbsp;Sabína Fumačová Havlíková ,&nbsp;Monika Sláviková ,&nbsp;Veronika Rusňáková Tarageľová ,&nbsp;Markéta Derdáková","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100196","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100196","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, serological screening for <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, <em>Trichinella</em> spp., and SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats was conducted, aiming to identify their exposure to the mentioned pathogens and to assess the risk of potential human infection. In total, serum samples from 481 (310 owned and 171 shelter cats) were collected in Bratislava from September 2020 to September 2021, a period that included the initial outbreak wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed a 37.4% (135/441) seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> with a slightly lower seropositivity in shelter cats (35.9%; 61/170) than in owned cats (38.4%; 104/271), but this difference was not statistically significant. Overall, the seroprevalence of <em>Trichinella</em> spp. was 2.0% (9/441), with animals from shelters being positive but not significantly more often (2.9%; 5/170) than owned cats (1.5%; 4/271). SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 2.7% (13/481) of cat sera (2.9% in shelter cats; 2.6% in owned cats). Among ten samples positive by virus neutralisation assay, two were positive for the B.1 variant. The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in buccal and rectal swabs (<em>n</em> = 239) was not detected. The seroprevalence of almost 40% for <em>T. gondii</em> in cats suggests a non-negligible risk of human infection. The study confirmed the possibility of <em>Trichinella</em> spp. infection in cats, and thus the possibility of infection spreading between the sylvatic and synanthropic cycle <em>via</em> this animal species. The presented results also showed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely to circulate in cat populations in Slovakia, not only in cats that may have been in contact with infected persons, but also in shelter cats.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100196"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X2400027X/pdfft?md5=f68cfe2bf7150607835a9d609f78689e&pid=1-s2.0-S2667114X2400027X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141540306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The bio-larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis is effective against Aedes koreicus, either dissolved in water or delivered through eco-compatible chitosan-based hydrogels","authors":"Agata Negri ,&nbsp;Giulia Pezzali ,&nbsp;Simone Pitton ,&nbsp;Marco Piazzoni ,&nbsp;Laura Soresinetti ,&nbsp;Giovanni Naro ,&nbsp;Paolo Gabrieli ,&nbsp;Giorgia Bettoni ,&nbsp;Claudio Bandi ,&nbsp;Silvia Caccia ,&nbsp;Sara Epis","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100197","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Mosquito control, which is not always easily accomplished, is further complicated by the spread of invasive species. This is the case of <em>Aedes koreicus</em>, a mosquito native to East Asia, whose presence has been recorded in several European countries, including Italy. This mosquito found suitable ecological conditions in central Europe in general, and in northern Italy in particular, as shown by the ongoing expansion of its distribution. While basic knowledge on feeding habits of <em>Ae. koreicus</em> have already been acquired, information on its vectorial competence is scarce. Therefore, active monitoring on the presence of this mosquito, and the pre-planning of future control actions, are of paramount importance. Currently, there are no specific guidelines for controlling this mosquito, both in its native regions and in invaded countries. Here we present the first study on the efficacy of a bioinsecticide based on <em>Bacillus thuringiensis</em> on <em>Ae. koreicus</em> larvae, with a comparison with results obtained on the tiger mosquito <em>Aedes albopictus</em>. Our results proved that this bioinsecticide is effective on <em>Ae. koreicus</em>, both dissolved in water and incorporated into MosChito raft, a hydrogel-based matrix that has recently been developed for the delivery of insecticides to other mosquito species and suitable for safe and eco-compatible applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100197"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X24000281/pdfft?md5=463c8eb7321b0c09b3499924164b969f&pid=1-s2.0-S2667114X24000281-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141540307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The influence of forest habitat type on Ixodes ricinus infections with Rickettsia spp. in south-western Poland","authors":"Dagmara Dyczko ,&nbsp;Paweł Błażej ,&nbsp;Dorota Kiewra","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the prevalence of <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. in <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> tick populations in different forest habitat types (broadleaf forest, mixed broadleaf and coniferous forest, and coniferous forest) in south-western Poland. During the survey periods from April to June 2018 and 2019 a total of 494 <em>I. ricinus</em> ticks, including 374 nymphs, 60 females and 60 males, were tested for <em>Rickettsia</em> infections by nested PCR targeting the <em>glt</em>A gene. The overall infection rate was 42.3%; however, we observed statistically significant year-to-year variation. Infection rates varied between tick developmental stages and were significantly influenced by forest habitat type. As assessed by a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), the highest infection rates were observed in mixed broadleaf and coniferous forests, while coniferous forests had a significant negative effect on infection prevalence. DNA sequencing of selected samples confirmed the predominance of <em>Rickettsia helvetica</em> (91.2%) and less frequent <em>Rickettsia monacensis</em> (8.8%). This study suggests that the forest habitat types can influence <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. infection in tick populations; however, a comprehensive understanding of all factors influencing the level of infection requires future study.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100200"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X24000311/pdfft?md5=7cf100e1101ba28566b3e3ec272391be&pid=1-s2.0-S2667114X24000311-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141694118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Xenodiagnosis in the wild: A methodology to investigate infectiousness for tick-borne bacteria in a songbird reservoir","authors":"Jens Zarka ,&nbsp;Dieter Heylen ,&nbsp;Hein Sprong ,&nbsp;Manoj Fonville ,&nbsp;Joris Elst ,&nbsp;Erik Matthysen","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A crucial factor to predict the persistence and spread of infections in natural systems is the capacity of reservoir hosts to maintain the infection and transmit it to others. This is known to greatly vary within and between species and through time, although the latter part of the variation is often less well understood in the wild. <em>Borrelia garinii</em> is one of the causal agents of Lyme disease in humans and is transmitted among avian hosts by the hard tick <em>Ixodes ricinus</em>. Great tits are known to be a reservoir in Europe for <em>B. garinii</em>. For tick-borne pathogens like <em>B. garinii</em>, infectiousness or host-to-vector transmission can be measured using xenodiagnosis where pathogen-free vectors are fed on a host, and the blood-fed vectors are subsequently tested for the pathogen. Here we describe and evaluate a methodology to quantify infectiousness for tick-borne pathogens in individual wild great tits (<em>Parus major</em>), involving captures and recaptures of targeted individuals. The methodology can potentially be applied to other species where recapturing is sufficiently guaranteed. We successfully recaptured most of the infested great tits two to three days after initial infestation (i.e. just before ticks have fully fed) with sufficient numbers of <em>I. ricinus</em> larval ticks, which were subsequently screened for <em>B. garinii</em> using a newly developed <em>B. garinii-</em>specific real-time PCR assay. Higher larval tick numbers were recovered from birds during the breeding seasons than during the winter months. Our novel <em>B. garinii-</em>qPCR performed well, and greatly reduced the amount of Sanger sequencing needed. Preliminary results suggest both seasonal and individual variation in infectiousness; heterogeneity that needs to be unravelled to further understand the contribution of resident birds to the epidemiology of <em>B. garinii</em>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100210"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X24000414/pdfft?md5=2633ee90699dfa10b6a57f48c4cc0f3a&pid=1-s2.0-S2667114X24000414-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142238474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in goats and sheep from the Northeast Region of Brazil destined for human consumption","authors":"Thais Ferreira Feitosa ,&nbsp;Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela ,&nbsp;Samira Pereira Batista ,&nbsp;Samara Santos Silva ,&nbsp;Rinaldo Aparecido Mota ,&nbsp;Frank Katzer ,&nbsp;Paul M. Bartley","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100163","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study aimed to genotype isolates of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> obtained from samples of brain, diaphragm and heart of goats and sheep intended for human consumption in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. Tissue samples from 14 animals, goats (<em>n</em> = 5) and lambs (<em>n</em> = 9), were sourced from public slaughterhouses in seven cities and bio-assayed in mice. The brains of the mice were utilized for DNA extraction. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using 10 markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, c22-8, PK1, GRA6, L358, c-29-2 and Apico). A total of 10 isolates were fully genotyped (i.e. at all loci), three from goats and seven from sheep, revealing five distinct genotypes: #13 (<em>n</em> = 4); #48 (<em>n</em> = 3); #57 (<em>n</em> = 1); #273 (<em>n</em> = 1); and one new genotype that had not been previously described. Genotype #13 is frequently found in the Northeast of Brazil and represents a clonal lineage circulating in this region and was the most prevalent genotype identified (<em>n</em> = 4). Moreover, in the present study genotypes #13, #48, #57, and #273 were documented for the first time in sheep from Brazil, and the novel genotype was isolated from a goat. Our findings align with previous studies on <em>T. gondii</em> from Brazil, where new genotypes are continuously being identified, highlighting a high level of genetic diversity of <em>T. gondii</em> isolates in the country.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100163"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X23000511/pdfft?md5=721a523467199e7c63de02821a6c0f9d&pid=1-s2.0-S2667114X23000511-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138582223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic characterisation of Cryptosporidium parvum in dairy cattle and calves during the early stages of a calving season","authors":"Paul M. Bartley,&nbsp;Johan H. Standar,&nbsp;Frank Katzer","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100160","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100160","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em> is a causative agent of cryptosporidiosis, an infectious gastroenteritis in neonatal ruminants, which can be fatal in severe cases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infections in dairy cattle/calves during the early stages of a calving season and the species/genotypes of the <em>Cryptosporidium</em> present. Faecal samples collected from pre- and post-partum dams (<em>n</em> = 224) as well as calves from age ∼1 day onwards (<em>n</em> = 312) were examined. Oocysts were concentrated, DNA extracted and tested by <em>Cryptosporidium</em> 18S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing, while genotypes of <em>C. parvum</em> were determined by <em>gp60</em> and VNTR analysis. Results showed that 31.3% and 30.4% of pre- and post-partum dams tested positive for <em>Cryptosporidium</em>, respectively. In the adults, <em>C. parvum</em> (<em>n</em> = 52), <em>C. bovis</em> (<em>n</em> = 4) and <em>C. andersoni</em> (<em>n</em> = 19) were identified, while in the calves 248 out of 312 (79.5%) were PCR-positive for <em>C. parvum</em>. The proportion of positive calf samples was significantly higher (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001) than the proportion of positive adult cattle during the first seven weeks of the calving season. In adult cattle, three distinct <em>gp60</em> genotypes were identified, a predominant genotype IIaA15G2R1 (<em>n</em> = 36) and genotypes IIaA15R1 (<em>n</em> = 2) and IIaA14G2R1 (<em>n</em> = 1). In the calves, only genotype IIaA15G2R1 was detected (<em>n</em> = 125). Although <em>C. parvum</em> was observed in adult cattle two weeks after the start of the calving season, the predominant genotypes were not detected until Week 4 in both adults and calves, meaning it is still unclear whether adult cattle are the initial source of <em>C. parvum</em> infections on the farm. Historically calves on this dairy farm demonstrated the IIaA19G2R1 genotype, which, has now clearly been replaced with the IIaA15G2R1 genotype that is now found in both adults and calves. During the study season, significantly higher levels of neonatal calf mortality were observed compared to the seasons before (<em>P</em> = 0.046) and after (<em>P</em> = 0.0002). This study has shown comparable levels of <em>C. parvum</em> infection in both pre- and post-partum dams but higher levels of infection in neonatal calves.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X23000481/pdfft?md5=51dcc37fe18e29113a43a029725e4aa9&pid=1-s2.0-S2667114X23000481-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138582157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The potential for use of haematological and anti-IgE humoral responses as phenotypic markers for tick resistance in cattle","authors":"Collins Ngetich ,&nbsp;Lucy Kamau ,&nbsp;Jemimah Simbauni ,&nbsp;Charles Mwendia ,&nbsp;Milton Owido ,&nbsp;Irene Kiio ,&nbsp;Oswald Matika ,&nbsp;Sarah Foster ,&nbsp;Michael Birkett ,&nbsp;Appolinaire Djikeng ,&nbsp;Kellie Anne Watson ,&nbsp;Naftaly Githaka","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100159","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100159","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Approximately 80% of the global cattle population is at risk of infestation and infection by ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs). The economic losses from animal mortality, reduced production, vector control costs and animal treatment are very substantial, hence there is an urgent need to develop and deploy alternative vector control strategies. Breeding for host tick resistance has the potential for sustainable large-scale TTBD control especially in cattle. The gold standard method for phenotyping tick resistance in cattle is by counting ticks on the body but is very laborious and subjective. Better methods for phenotyping tick resistance more objectively, faster and at scale, are essential for selecting host genetic resistance to ticks. This study investigated the correlation between haematological cellular profiles and immunological responses (immunoglobulin E, IgE) and full body tick counts in herds of <em>Bos indicus</em> and <em>Bos taurus</em> following artificial tick challenge with <em>Rhipicephalus decoloratus</em> larvae. Fifty-four Friesian and Ayrshire (<em>Bos taurus</em>) and 52 East African Zebu (<em>Bos indicus</em>) calves were each infested with ∼2500 larvae. Near-replete adult female ticks (≥ 4.5 mm) were counted daily from Day 20–25. Blood and serum samples were obtained from each animal on Days 0 and 23 for cellular blood and IgE titre analysis, respectively. The indicine cattle were refractory to <em>R. decoloratus</em> infestation in comparison with the taurine breed (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001). Repeated measurements of blood components pre-infestation revealed a significant (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) association with tick count in IgE and red blood cells, haematocrit, and haemoglobin post-infestation. There was also a strong positive correlation between the tick counts and red blood cell numbers, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and IgE concentration (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001) following tick challenge. The application of this approach to phenotype host resistance needs to be assessed using higher cattle numbers and with different tick species or genera.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100159"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X2300047X/pdfft?md5=f89de976c1dec522eb62bf499e222328&pid=1-s2.0-S2667114X2300047X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138656518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}