Molecular detection and identification of piroplasms (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing ticks from northwest Spain. Issue 1 (5th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Remesar, S.; Díaz, P.; Prieto, A.; García‐Dios, D.; Panadero, R.; Fernández, G.; Brianti, E.; Díez‐Baños, P.; Morrondo, P.; López, C. M.
• Is Part Of: Medical and veterinary entomology. Volume 35:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2020-08-05
• Subjects: Babesia microti -- Babesia venatorum -- Theileria sp. OT3 -- questing Ixodes ricinus -- Spain; Entomology -- Periodicals; Veterinary entomology -- Periodicals; Insects as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; 616.968
• DOI: 10.1111/mve.12468
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-283X

Abstract

Abstract: Anaplasma phagocytophilum and some piroplasm species are pathogens mainly transmitted by Ixodes ricinus . Considering that this tick species is predominant in north‐western Spain, individual specimens (652 nymphs, 202 females and 202 males) and 23 larval pools were processed to determine the prevalence of these pathogens in questing I. ricinus from that region. Additionally, Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes frontalis and Ixodes acuminatus were individually analysed. The groESL operon as well as the 16S rRNA and msp2 genes of Anaplasma were analysed. Similarly, piroplasms were identified at the 18S rRNA gene and the ITS1 of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Babesia venatorum (1.5%), A. phagocytophilum (0.7%), Babesia microti (0.3%) and Theileria sp. OT3 (0.2%) were detected in I. ricinus . A single I. frontalis (8.3%) tested positive to A. phagocytophilum . Although a low percentage of I. ricinus were infected with A. phagocytophilum and piroplasms, a potentially human pathogenic variant of A. phagocytophilum was detected, and both Babesia species found were zoonotic. Since the vector of Theileria sp. OT3 remains unknown, further investigations are needed to unravel the role of I. ricinus in the transmission of this piroplasm. Abstract : A low percentage of Ixodes ricinus from northwest Spain were infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and piroplasms. One of the A. phagocytophilum positive samples was similar to a zoonotic pathogenic variant. The Babesia species detected ( Babesia venatorum and Babesia microti ) are considered pathogenic for humans.