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Marcelo B. Labruna - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ticks and tick-borne Rickettsia in El Salvador
    Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2021
    Co-Authors: Luis Romero, Francisco B. Costa, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    From May to November 2013, ticks were collected from wild and domestic hosts that were sampled by convenience in different localities of El Salvador. Among 48 localities, in total 1181 ticks were collected from 200 vertebrate animals, comprising 13 species of wild hosts (amphibian, reptiles, mammals) and five species of domestic mammals, plus four samples from humans and four samples from the environment. Through morphological analysis (corroborated by molecular analyses in a few cases), the following ten tick species were identified: Amblyomma dissimile , Amblyomma mixtum , Amblyomma ovale , Amblyomma cf. parvum , Amblyomma sabanerae , Amblyomma scutatum , Dermacentor dissimilis , Dermacentor nitens , Rhipicephalus microplus , and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Among a sample of 211 tick specimens tested for rickettsial infection by molecular methods, we identified: ‘ Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi’ in 10% of the A. dissimile ticks and 11% of the A. scutatum ticks; Rickettsia Amblyommatis in 77% of the A. mixtum ticks, 50% of the A. cf.  parvum ticks, 8% of the D. nitens ticks, and 11% of the Amblyomma spp. nymphs; and Rickettsia bellii in 3% of the A. dissimile ticks and 17% of the A. ovale ticks. The tick fauna of El Salvador is currently represented by 12 reported species.

  • Phylogenetic evidence for the existence of multiple strains of Rickettsia parkeri in the New World
    Applied and environmental microbiology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Fernanda A. Nieri-bastos, Christopher D Paddock, Arlei Marcili, Rita De Sousa, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    The bacterium Rickettsia parkeri has been reported to infect ticks of the "Amblyomma maculatum species complex" in the New World, where it causes spotted fever illness in humans. In South America, three additional rickettsial strains, namely, Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum, have been isolated from the ticks Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma nodosum, and Amblyomma parvitarsum, respectively. These three strains are phylogenetically closely related to R. parkeri, Rickettsia africae, and Rickettsia sibirica Herein, we performed a robust phylogenetic analysis encompassing 5 genes (gltA, ompA, virB4, dnaA, and dnaK) and 3 intergenic spacers (mppE-pur, rrl-rrf-ITS, and rpmE-tRNAfMet) from 41 rickettsial isolates, including different isolates of R. parkeri, R. africae, R. sibirica, Rickettsia conorii, and strains Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum. In our phylogenetic analyses, all New World isolates grouped in a major clade distinct from the Old World Rickettsia species (R. conorii, R. sibirica, and R. africae). This New World clade was subdivided into the following 4 clades: the R. parkerisensu stricto clade, comprising the type strain Maculatum 20 and all other isolates of R. parkeri from North and South America, associated with ticks of the A. maculatum species complex; the strain NOD clade, comprising two South American isolates from A. nodosum ticks; the Parvitarsum clade, comprising two South American isolates from A. parvitarsum ticks; and the strain Atlantic rainforest clade, comprising six South American isolates from the A. ovale species complex (A. ovale or Amblyomma aureolatum). Under such evidences, we propose that strains Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum are South American strains of R. parkeriIMPORTANCE Since the description of Rickettsia parkeri infecting ticks of the "Amblyomma maculatum species complex" and humans in the New World, three novel phylogenetic close-related rickettsial isolates were reported in South America. Herein, we provide genetic evidence that these novel isolates, namely, strains Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum, are South American strains of R. parkeri. Interestingly, each of these R. parkeri strains seems to be primarily associated with a tick species group, namely, R. parkerisensu stricto with the "Amblyomma maculatum species group," R. parkeri strain NOD with Amblyomma nodosum, R. parkeri strain Parvitarsum with Amblyomma parvitarsum, and R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest with the "Amblyomma ovale species group." Such rickettsial strain-tick species specificity suggests a coevolution of each tick-strain association. Finally, because R. parkerisensu stricto and R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest are human pathogens, the potential of R. parkeri strains NOD and Parvitarsum to be human pathogens cannot be discarded.

  • diversity of ticks in the wildlife screening center of sao paulo city brazil
    Ciencia Rural, 2017
    Co-Authors: Thiago F. Martins, Felipe Da Silva Krawczak, Liliane Milanelo, Haroldo Ryoiti Furuya, Lilian Sayuri Fitorra, Fabio Toledo Das Dores, Valeria Da Silva Pedro, Alicia Giollo Hippolito, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    The Wildlife Screening Center (CETAS) of the Tiete Ecological Park (PET), situated at the municipality of Sao Paulo, receives, treats and rehabilitates wild animals that have been dislodged from their natural environment due to different reasons. This study analyzed the ixodid fauna, and the rickettsial infection in these ticks, collected on wild animals received at the PET’s CETAS. During the period from March 2003 to November 2016, 936 ticks were collected from 96 wild animals (16 bird and 18 mammal species) that were sent to CETAS. The following 12 ixodid species were identified: Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parkeri, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma varium, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes loricatus and Rhipicephalus microplus. From 67 tick specimens tested by the Real Time PCR for rickettsiae, none were positive. The present research records for the first time in Brazil the following association between the tick stages and hosts that have never been reported before: Amblyomma sculptum nymphs on Caprimulgus parvulus, Asio clamator, Buteo brachyurus, Coragyps atratus, Amazona aestiva and Aramus guarauna, Amblyomma dubitatum nymphs on Alouatta guariba and Sphiggurus villosus, Amblyomma aureolatum adults on Bradypus variegatus, Amblyomma longirostre larvae and nymphs on A. clamator, and nymphs on Megascops choliba and Pyroderus scutatus, besides Amblyomma parkeri nymphs on Penelope obscura and Callicebus nigrifrons, and adult on Nasua nasua.

  • ticks acari ixodidae from the state of rondonia western amazon brazil
    Systematic & Applied Acarology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Marcelo B. Labruna, Luis Marcelo Aranha Camargo, Flavio A Terrassini, Fernando Ferreira, Teresinha Tizu Sato Schumaker, Erney P Camargo
    Abstract:

    From 2000 to 2005, we made several scientific expeditions to determine the ixodid tick fauna of the Brazilian state of Rondonia. Ticks were collected from vegetation, from wild and domestic animal hosts, and from humans. A total of 7,441 ixodid ticks were collected, representing 6 genera and the following 22 species: Ixodes fuscipes Koch, 1844, Ixodes luciae Senevet, 1940, Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787), Amblyomma calcaratum Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma humerale Koch, 1844, Amblyomma incisum Neumann, 1906, Amblyomma latepunctatum Tonelli-Rondelli, 1939, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844), Amblyomma naponense (Packard, 1869), Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum Koch, 1844, Amblyomma ovale Koch, 1844, Amblyomma pacae Aragao, 1911, Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844, Amblyomma scalpturatum Neumann, 1906, Amblyomma tigrinum Koch, 1844, Amblyomma varium Koch, 1844, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946, Dermacentor nitens Neumann, 1897, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini, 1887), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806). We report for the first time the following tick species from the state of Rondonia: I. fuscipes , I. luciae , A. calcaratum , A. nodosum , A. pacae , A. tigrinum , D. nitens , B. microplus , and R. sanguineus . Except for B. microplus , D. nitens , and R. sanguineus , all tick species found in the present study were from areas of typical Amazon forest, which is still very abundant in many parts of the state. A few Amblyomma spp. were also found in a savanna habitat in the southern part of the state. Human infestations were mostly due to adult A. ovale and A. oblongoguttatum and immature Amblyomma spp.

  • bacteria of the genus rickettsia in ticks acari ixodidae collected from birds in costa rica
    Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 2015
    Co-Authors: Maria Ogrzewalska, Thiago F. Martins, Ivan Literak, Miroslav Capek, Oldřich Sychra, Victor Alvarez Calderon, Bernardo Calvo Rodriguez, Carlos Roberto Prudencio, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    The aim of this study was to document the presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks parasitizing wild birds in Costa Rica. Birds were trapped at seven locations in Costa Rica during 2004, 2009, and 2010; then visually examined for the presence of ticks. Ticks were identified, and part of them was tested individually for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting fragments of the rickettsial genes gltA and ompA. PCR products were DNA-sequenced and analyzed in BLAST to determine similarities with previously reported rickettsial agents. A total of 1878 birds were examined, from which 163 birds (9%) were infested with 388 ticks of the genera Amblyomma and Ixodes. The following Amblyomma (in decreasing order of abundance) were found in immature stages (larvae and nymphs): Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma sabanerae, Amblyomma varium, Amblyomma maculatum, and Amblyomma ovale. Ixodes ticks were represented by Ixodes minor and two unclassified species, designated here as Ixodes sp. genotype I, and Ixodes sp. genotype II. Twelve of 24 tested A. longirostre ticks were found to be infected with ‘Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii’, and 2 of 4 A. sabanerae were found to be infected with Rickettsia bellii. Eight of 10 larval Ixodes minor were infected with an endosymbiont (a novel Rickettsia sp. agent) genetically related to the Ixodes scapularis endosymbiont. No rickettsial DNA was found in A. calcaratum, A. coelebs, A. maculatum, A. ovale, A. varium, Ixodes sp. I, and Ixodes sp. II. We report the occurrence of I. minor in Costa Rica for the first time and a number of new bird host–tick associations. Moreover, ‘Candidatus R. amblyommii’ and R. bellii were found in A. longirostre and A. sabanerae, respectively, in Costa Rica for the first time.

Thiago F. Martins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Retrospective and new records of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) from the state of Maranhão, an Amazon-Cerrado transition area of Brazil.
    Veterinary parasitology regional studies and reports, 2020
    Co-Authors: Francisco B. Costa, Thiago F. Martins, Maria Ogrzewalska, Maria Carolina De Azevedo Serpa, Sebastián Muñoz-leal, Hermes Ribeiro Luz, Darci Moraes Barros-battesti, Eric Takashi Kamakura De Carvalho Mesquita, Andrea Costa, Rita De Maria Seabra Nogueira
    Abstract:

    The Brazilian state of Maranhao is located in a transition area of the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, where there is a rich fauna of vertebrates. This study aimed to update the list of the ticks occurring in Maranhao, through a compilation of literature records and examination of three tick collections, plus the addition of unpublished collections of ticks from road-killed animals during recent years. Our results indicate that the tick fauna of Maranhao includes 26 species: seven in the family Argasidae (Antricola guglielmonei, Argas miniatus, Ornithodoros cavernicolous, Ornithodoros hasei, Ornithodoros mimon, Ornithodoros rietcorreai and Ornithodoros rudis); and 19 in the family Ixodidae (Amblyomma auricularium-provisional, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma naponense, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma triste, Dermacentor nitens, Ixodes luciae, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato). Eleven of the above species are reported for the first time in Maranhao. We consider previous reports of Ornithodoros talaje and Amblyomma pseudoconcolor in Maranhao as misidentification with O. hasei and A. auricularium, respectively. Until 1958, only 11 tick species were reported in Maranhao, with no additional reports until 2009. During 2010-2019, 15 additional species were reported. We also highlight the importance of ticks for public and veterinary health in Maranhao.

  • Ectoparasites of small mammals in a fragmented area of the southern Amazonia: interaction networks and correlations with seasonality and host sex
    Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Ravena F. B. Mendonça, Thiago F. Martins, Ana C. Colle, Leodil C. Freitas, Maurício C. Horta, Glauber M. B. Oliveira, Richard C. Pacheco, Lúcia A. F. Mateus, Rogério V. Rossi
    Abstract:

    The present work aimed to analyze the ectoparasite-host interaction network and possible differences of this interaction related to two seasonal periods and host sex. During November 2016 and July 2017, non-flying small mammals were captured in 17 forest fragments located in the southern portion of the Amazon biome. We captured 96 individuals belonging to 10 host species that were parasitized with a total of 3668 ectoparasites. Overall, we identified 24 ectoparasite taxa belonging to the mite and insect groups Ixodida (ticks), Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes, Trombidiformes (mites), Phthiraptera (lice), and Siphonaptera (fleas). The interaction network between all ectoparasites and hosts showed significant deviation from random, with moderately high specialization index ( H2′  = 0.80). There was seasonal difference in prevalence for Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius) sensu stricto (s.s), Amblyomma coelebs Neumann and larvae of Amblyomma . This difference was also found in the mean intensity of infestation of Amblyomm a larvae and the mite Tur aragaoi (Fonseca). Only mean intensity of infestation differed in relation to host sex for the species Marmosa constantiae Thomas. Our results demonstrate that specificity between ectoparasites and small mammals in this region is moderately high and that the pattern of aggregation of some ectoparasite taxa differed between two seasons, as well as between sexes in M. constantiae .

  • A new species of Amblyomma (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with monkeys and passerines of the Atlantic rainforest biome, Southeastern Brazil.
    Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 2019
    Co-Authors: Thiago F. Martins, Valeria C Onofrio, Sebastián Muñoz-leal, Hermes Ribeiro Luz, Liliane Milanelo, Diego G. Ramirez, Sandro Marques, Thais C. Sanches, Igor Da Cunha Lima Acosta, Hector R. Benatti
    Abstract:

    Recent studies have reported several larvae of an unidentified Amblyomma species on passerine birds in Atlantic rainforest fragments in southeastern Brazil. These larvae yielded a unique 16S rRNA haplotype designated as Amblyomma sp. haplotype Nazare, which showed nucleotide identity levels of 91% to Amblyomma parkeri Fonseca & Aragao, 1952 and 88% to Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844). Herein, we describe Amblyomma sp. haplotype Nazare as a new species, Amblyomma romarioi n. sp. Martins, Luz & Labruna, through a formal description of the male and female adult stages. Amblyomma romarioi is morphologically and genetically most closely related to A. parkeri, A. longirostre and Amblyomma geayi Neumann, 1899. Among males, the rectangular basis capituli and rounded coxa I spurs separates A. romarioi from A. parkeri, A. longirostre, and A. geayi, which have basis capituli triangular or slightly hexagonal, and pointed coxa I spurs. Among females, the V-shaped genital aperture and coxa I rounded spurs of A. romarioi contrasts to the U-shaped genital aperture and coxa I pointed spurs in A. parkeri, A. longirostre, and A. geayi. Larvae of A. romarioi have been collected on 24 species of passerines. The few records of nymphs and adults were on the black-fronted titi monkey Callicebus nigrifrons (Spix, 1823). The current distribution of A. romarioi is restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, southeastern Brazil, in areas with altitude between 363 and 1600 m, within the distribution of C. nigrifrons. We discuss ecological features of Amblyomma romarioi, comparatively to A. parkeri, A. longirostre and A. geayi. The present study increases the Brazilian tick fauna to 74 species.

  • ticks and serosurvey of anti rickettsia spp antibodies in wild boars sus scrofa hunting dogs and hunters of brazil
    PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2019
    Co-Authors: Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Thiago F. Martins, Felipe Da Silva Krawczak, Fernanda Pistori Machado, Igor A D Paploski, Pedro Irineu Teiderjunior, Maria Carolina De Azevedo Serpa, Amalia R M Barbieri, Renato V W Bach, Ivan Roque Barrosfilho
    Abstract:

    Background Rickettsia bacteria are responsible for diseases in humans and animals around the world, however few details are available regarding its ecology and circulation among wild animals and human populations at high transmission risk in Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of ticks and Rickettsia spp. in wild boars, corresponding hunting dogs and hunters. Methods Serum samples and ticks were collected from 80 free-range wild boars, 170 hunting dogs and 34 hunters from southern and central-western Brazil, from the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, respectively, between 2016 and 2018. Serum samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescent-antibody assay (IFA) to detect IgG antibodies against Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia rhipicephali and Rickettsia Amblyommatis. Tick species were identified by morphological taxonomic keys, as previously described. A total of 164 ticks including A. sculptum, A. brasiliense and A. aureolatum were tested in PCR assays for Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. Results A total of 58/80 (72.5%) wild boars, 24/170 (14.1%) hunting dogs and 5/34 (14.7%) hunters were positive (titers ≥ 64) to at least one Rickettsia species. A total of 669/1,584 (42.2%) ticks from wild boars were identified as Amblyomma sculptum, 910/1,584 (57.4%) as Amblyomma brasiliense, 4/1,584(0.24%) larvae of Amblyomma spp. and 1/1,584 (0.06%) nymph as Amblyolmma dubitatum. All 9 ticks found on hunting dogs were identified as Amblyomma aureolatum and all 22 ticks on hunters as A. sculptum. No tested tick was positive by standard PCR to SFG Rickettsia spp. Conclusions The present study was the concomitant report of wild boar, hunting dog and hunter exposure to SFG rickettsiae agents, performed in two different Brazilian biomes. Wild boar hunting may increase the risk of human exposure and consequently tick-borne disease Wild boars may be carrying and spreading capybara ticks from their original habitats to other ecosystems. Further studies can be required to explore the ability of wild boars to infecting ticks and be part of transmission cycle of Rickettsia spp.

  • ticks acari argasidae and ixodidae infesting amphibians and reptiles in northeastern brazil
    Systematic & Applied Acarology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Edna Paulino De Alcantara, Thiago F. Martins, Richard C. Pacheco, Cristiana Ferreirasilva, Robson W Avila, Sebastian Munozleal, Drausio Honorio Morais
    Abstract:

    Ticks collected on 21 different species of amphibians and reptiles captured during 2001 to 2017 in the northeast Brazil were identified. Overall, 227 individuals (185 larvae, 32 nymphs, 7 adults females and 3 males) identified as follow: Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma sp. larvae, Ornithodoros mimon, Ornithodoros rietcorreai , and an Ornithodoros sp. Herein, we present 25 new tick-host associations, thus contributing to the knowledge on tick-fauna associated to amphibians and reptiles from Brazilian northeast.

Maria Ogrzewalska - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Retrospective and new records of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) from the state of Maranhão, an Amazon-Cerrado transition area of Brazil.
    Veterinary parasitology regional studies and reports, 2020
    Co-Authors: Francisco B. Costa, Thiago F. Martins, Maria Ogrzewalska, Maria Carolina De Azevedo Serpa, Sebastián Muñoz-leal, Hermes Ribeiro Luz, Darci Moraes Barros-battesti, Eric Takashi Kamakura De Carvalho Mesquita, Andrea Costa, Rita De Maria Seabra Nogueira
    Abstract:

    The Brazilian state of Maranhao is located in a transition area of the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, where there is a rich fauna of vertebrates. This study aimed to update the list of the ticks occurring in Maranhao, through a compilation of literature records and examination of three tick collections, plus the addition of unpublished collections of ticks from road-killed animals during recent years. Our results indicate that the tick fauna of Maranhao includes 26 species: seven in the family Argasidae (Antricola guglielmonei, Argas miniatus, Ornithodoros cavernicolous, Ornithodoros hasei, Ornithodoros mimon, Ornithodoros rietcorreai and Ornithodoros rudis); and 19 in the family Ixodidae (Amblyomma auricularium-provisional, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma naponense, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma triste, Dermacentor nitens, Ixodes luciae, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato). Eleven of the above species are reported for the first time in Maranhao. We consider previous reports of Ornithodoros talaje and Amblyomma pseudoconcolor in Maranhao as misidentification with O. hasei and A. auricularium, respectively. Until 1958, only 11 tick species were reported in Maranhao, with no additional reports until 2009. During 2010-2019, 15 additional species were reported. We also highlight the importance of ticks for public and veterinary health in Maranhao.

  • bacteria of the genus rickettsia in ticks acari ixodidae collected from birds in costa rica
    Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 2015
    Co-Authors: Maria Ogrzewalska, Thiago F. Martins, Ivan Literak, Miroslav Capek, Oldřich Sychra, Victor Alvarez Calderon, Bernardo Calvo Rodriguez, Carlos Roberto Prudencio, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    The aim of this study was to document the presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks parasitizing wild birds in Costa Rica. Birds were trapped at seven locations in Costa Rica during 2004, 2009, and 2010; then visually examined for the presence of ticks. Ticks were identified, and part of them was tested individually for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting fragments of the rickettsial genes gltA and ompA. PCR products were DNA-sequenced and analyzed in BLAST to determine similarities with previously reported rickettsial agents. A total of 1878 birds were examined, from which 163 birds (9%) were infested with 388 ticks of the genera Amblyomma and Ixodes. The following Amblyomma (in decreasing order of abundance) were found in immature stages (larvae and nymphs): Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma sabanerae, Amblyomma varium, Amblyomma maculatum, and Amblyomma ovale. Ixodes ticks were represented by Ixodes minor and two unclassified species, designated here as Ixodes sp. genotype I, and Ixodes sp. genotype II. Twelve of 24 tested A. longirostre ticks were found to be infected with ‘Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii’, and 2 of 4 A. sabanerae were found to be infected with Rickettsia bellii. Eight of 10 larval Ixodes minor were infected with an endosymbiont (a novel Rickettsia sp. agent) genetically related to the Ixodes scapularis endosymbiont. No rickettsial DNA was found in A. calcaratum, A. coelebs, A. maculatum, A. ovale, A. varium, Ixodes sp. I, and Ixodes sp. II. We report the occurrence of I. minor in Costa Rica for the first time and a number of new bird host–tick associations. Moreover, ‘Candidatus R. amblyommii’ and R. bellii were found in A. longirostre and A. sabanerae, respectively, in Costa Rica for the first time.

  • ticks acari ixodidae infesting wild birds in the atlantic forest in northeastern brazil with notes on rickettsial infection in ticks
    Parasitology Research, 2011
    Co-Authors: Maria Ogrzewalska, Alexandre Uezu, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    A total of 232 individuals representing 46 species of birds were mist-netted and screened for ticks in a region of the Atlantic Forest, State of Bahia, Brazil. Thirty-eight (16.4%) of these birds representing 17 species were found infested by immature stages of Amblyomma ticks, namely, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844) (15 larvae and seven nymphs), Amblyomma nodosum (Neumann, 1899) (nine nymphs), Amblyomma calcaratum (Neumann, 1899) (five nymphs), Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) (seven larvae), and Amblyomma parkeri (Fonseca and Aragao, 1952) (four larvae). Overall, 21 larvae and five nymphs collected from birds could not be identified to species and were morphologically identified as Amblyomma spp. Among 13 A. longirostre larvae and two A. parkeri larvae, two individuals of A. longirostre (15.4%) were found infected by Rickettsia amblyommii. This study provides some bird species found infested by A. longirostre, A. parkeri, A. calcaratum, A. nodosum, or A. cajennense for the first time and expands the distribution of R. amblyommii-infected A. longirostre ticks.

  • ticks acari ixodidae infesting wild birds in the eastern amazon northern brazil with notes on rickettsial infection in ticks
    Parasitology Research, 2010
    Co-Authors: Maria Ogrzewalska, Alexandre Uezu, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    The aim of the study was to report tick infestations on wild birds in a region of the eastern Brazilian Amazon and evaluate the rickettsial infection of these ticks. Wild birds captured by mist nets were examined for the presence of ticks, which were collected and identified to species by morphology or molecular methods. In addition, part of these ticks was individually tested by polymerase chain reaction targeting portions of the rickettsial genes gltA and ompA. Among 331 captured birds, representing 56 species, 133 individuals (40.2%) from 34 species were found infested by 443 ticks, being Amblyomma longirostre (Koch) the most common (103 larvae, 12 nymphs), followed by Amblyomma humerale Koch (15 larvae, 3 nymphs), Amblyomma geayi Neumann (seven larvae, one nymph), Amblyomma calcaratum Neumann (one larva, four nymphs), Amblyomma coelebs Neumann (two larvae), and Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley (one larva, two nymphs). Other 285 larvae and 7 nymphs collected from birds could not be identified to species and were morphologically identified as Amblyomma spp. The species A. humerale and A. geayi are recorded for first time parasitizing birds in the Neotropical region. Among 67 A. longirostre and 7 A. geayi, 38 (56.7%) and 4 (57.1%), respectively, were found infected by Rickettsia amblyommii. In spite of R. amblyommii being not currently recognized as human or animal pathogen, there has been serological evidence for human and canine infection by this agent in the USA and in the Brazilian western Amazon.

  • ticks acari ixodidae infesting birds in an atlantic rain forest region of brazil
    Journal of Medical Entomology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Maria Ogrzewalska, Richard C. Pacheco, Fernando Ferreira, Alexandre Uezu, Leonardo Jose Richtzenhain, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    Brazil has the third richest bird diversity of the world; however, there are few data concerning ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) parazitizing birds. The aim of the study was to report tick infestations on wild birds from an Atlantic rain forest region of Brazil. During 2 yr, ticks were collected from birds and from the environment in 12 forest sites. A total of 1,725 birds were captured representing 80 species from 24 families. In total, 223 (13%) birds were found infested by immature stages of Amblyomma ticks: 1,800 larvae and 539 nymphs. The prevalence of ticks was higher among birds from the families Thamnophilidae, Conopophagidae, and Momotidae. The most common tick parasitizing birds was Amblyomma nodosum Koch. Other tick species, Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, Amblyomma cajennense (F.), Amblyomma ovale Koch, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch), Amblyomma calcaratum Neumann, and Amblyomma naponense (Packard), were found sporadically. Among free-living ticks collected in the environment, A. cajennense was the most common, followed by A. coelebs, A. naponense, Amblyomma brasilense Aragao, and Hemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley.

Richard C. Pacheco - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ectoparasites of small mammals in a fragmented area of the southern Amazonia: interaction networks and correlations with seasonality and host sex
    Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Ravena F. B. Mendonça, Thiago F. Martins, Ana C. Colle, Leodil C. Freitas, Maurício C. Horta, Glauber M. B. Oliveira, Richard C. Pacheco, Lúcia A. F. Mateus, Rogério V. Rossi
    Abstract:

    The present work aimed to analyze the ectoparasite-host interaction network and possible differences of this interaction related to two seasonal periods and host sex. During November 2016 and July 2017, non-flying small mammals were captured in 17 forest fragments located in the southern portion of the Amazon biome. We captured 96 individuals belonging to 10 host species that were parasitized with a total of 3668 ectoparasites. Overall, we identified 24 ectoparasite taxa belonging to the mite and insect groups Ixodida (ticks), Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes, Trombidiformes (mites), Phthiraptera (lice), and Siphonaptera (fleas). The interaction network between all ectoparasites and hosts showed significant deviation from random, with moderately high specialization index ( H2′  = 0.80). There was seasonal difference in prevalence for Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius) sensu stricto (s.s), Amblyomma coelebs Neumann and larvae of Amblyomma . This difference was also found in the mean intensity of infestation of Amblyomm a larvae and the mite Tur aragaoi (Fonseca). Only mean intensity of infestation differed in relation to host sex for the species Marmosa constantiae Thomas. Our results demonstrate that specificity between ectoparasites and small mammals in this region is moderately high and that the pattern of aggregation of some ectoparasite taxa differed between two seasons, as well as between sexes in M. constantiae .

  • ticks acari argasidae and ixodidae infesting amphibians and reptiles in northeastern brazil
    Systematic & Applied Acarology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Edna Paulino De Alcantara, Thiago F. Martins, Richard C. Pacheco, Cristiana Ferreirasilva, Robson W Avila, Sebastian Munozleal, Drausio Honorio Morais
    Abstract:

    Ticks collected on 21 different species of amphibians and reptiles captured during 2001 to 2017 in the northeast Brazil were identified. Overall, 227 individuals (185 larvae, 32 nymphs, 7 adults females and 3 males) identified as follow: Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma sp. larvae, Ornithodoros mimon, Ornithodoros rietcorreai , and an Ornithodoros sp. Herein, we present 25 new tick-host associations, thus contributing to the knowledge on tick-fauna associated to amphibians and reptiles from Brazilian northeast.

  • rickettsial infection in ticks acari ixodidae collected on birds in southern brazil
    Journal of Medical Entomology, 2012
    Co-Authors: Richard C. Pacheco, Darci Moraes Barrosbattesti, Arlei Marcili, Fernanda A Nieribastos, Leonardo Jose Richtzenhain, Marcia Arzua, Jonas Moraesfilho, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to evaluate rickettsial infection in ticks from wild birds of the Semidecidual and Atlantic Rainforest remnants of three municipalities of the State of Parana, southern Brazil. Overall, 53 larvae and nymphs collected from birds were checked for the presence of Rickettsia DNA by molecular tests. Five tick species were tested: Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas), Amblyomma calcaratum Neumann, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch), Amblyomma ovale Koch, and Amblyomma parkeri Fonseca and Aragao. A. longirostre ticks were infected with the spotted fever group agents Rickettsia amblyommii strain AL (32.3% infection rate) and Rickettsia parkeri strain NOD (5.9% infection rate). A new rickettsial genotype was detected in the tick A. parkeri (50% infection rate), which had never been reported to be infected by rickettsiae. Through phylogenetic analysis, this new genotype, here designated as strain ApPR, grouped in a cluster composed by different strains of Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia sibirica...

  • ticks acari ixodidae infesting birds in an atlantic rain forest region of brazil
    Journal of Medical Entomology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Maria Ogrzewalska, Richard C. Pacheco, Fernando Ferreira, Alexandre Uezu, Leonardo Jose Richtzenhain, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    Brazil has the third richest bird diversity of the world; however, there are few data concerning ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) parazitizing birds. The aim of the study was to report tick infestations on wild birds from an Atlantic rain forest region of Brazil. During 2 yr, ticks were collected from birds and from the environment in 12 forest sites. A total of 1,725 birds were captured representing 80 species from 24 families. In total, 223 (13%) birds were found infested by immature stages of Amblyomma ticks: 1,800 larvae and 539 nymphs. The prevalence of ticks was higher among birds from the families Thamnophilidae, Conopophagidae, and Momotidae. The most common tick parasitizing birds was Amblyomma nodosum Koch. Other tick species, Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, Amblyomma cajennense (F.), Amblyomma ovale Koch, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch), Amblyomma calcaratum Neumann, and Amblyomma naponense (Packard), were found sporadically. Among free-living ticks collected in the environment, A. cajennense was the most common, followed by A. coelebs, A. naponense, Amblyomma brasilense Aragao, and Hemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley.

  • ticks acari ixodidae infesting birds in an atlantic rain forest region of brazil
    Journal of Medical Entomology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Maria Ogrzewalska, Richard C. Pacheco, Fernando Ferreira, Alexandre Uezu, Leonardo Jose Richtzenhain, Marcelo B. Labruna
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT Brazil has the third richest bird diversity of the world; however, there are few data concerning ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) parazitizing birds. The aim of the study was to report tick infestations on wild birds from an Atlantic rain forest region of Brazil. During 2 yr, ticks were collected from birds and from the environment in 12 forest sites. A total of 1,725 birds were captured representing 80 species from 24 families. In total, 223 (13%) birds were found infested by immature stages of Amblyomma ticks: 1,800 larvae and 539 nymphs. The prevalence of ticks was higher among birds from the families Thamnophilidae, Conopophagidae, and Momotidae. The most common tick parasitizing birds was Amblyomma nodosum Koch. Other tick species, Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, Amblyomma cajennense (F.), Amblyomma ovale Koch, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch), Amblyomma calcaratum Neumann, and Amblyomma naponense (Packard), were found sporadically. Among freeliving ticks collected in the environment, A. cajennense was the mo...

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  • Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Amblyomma ovale, comparative analyses and phylogenetic considerations
    Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Juan E. Uribe, Santiago Nava, Evelina L. Tarragona, Katherine R. Murphy, Lyda R. Castro
    Abstract:

    In this study, we sequenced two complete mitochondrial genomes of Amblyomma ovale , a tick of public health importance. Sequencing two distinct individuals, the resulting mitochondrial genomes were 14,756 and 14,760 bp in length and maintained the same gene order previously reported in Amblyomma . These were combined with RNA-seq derived mitochondrial sequences from three additional species, Amblyomma aureolatum , Amblyomma maculatum , and Amblyomma moreliae , to carry out mitogenome comparative and evolutionary analyses against all previously published tick mitochondrial genomes. We described a derivative genome rearrangement that isolates Ixodes from the remaining Ixodidae and consists of both a reverse translocation as well as an event of Tandem Duplication Random Loss. Genetic distance analyses indicated that cox2 , nd1 , nd5 , and 16S are good candidates for future population studies in A. ovale . The phylogenetic analyses corroborated the utility of complete mitochondrial genomes as phylogenetic markers within the group. This study further supplements the genome information available for Amblyomma and facilitates future evolutionary and population genetic studies within the genus.

  • Amblyomma yucumense Krawczak, Martins & Labruna, 2015 (Acari: Ixodidae) in Argentina
    Systematic and Applied Acarology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Daniela Lamattina, José M. Venzal, Evelina Luisa Tarragona, A. J. Mangold, Santiago Nava
    Abstract:

    Amblyomma yucumense was recently described from specimens collected in the Turvo State Park, southern Brazil. In search of this tick species, free-living ticks were collected at the Mocona Provincial Park and the Yaboti Biosphere Reserve in Misiones province, Argentina. A total of 594 ticks were collected, of which 448 were Amblyomma brasiliense, 90 Amblyomma incisum , one Amblyomma ovale , 48 Haemaphysalis juxtakochi and seven A. yucumense. The latter was confirmed by the presence of certain morphological characters and the analysis of sequences of a 410-bp fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA performed to representative specimens. The sequences showed 100% identity with that of A. yucumense from Turvo State Park in Brazil. Amblyomma yucumense , Amblyomma dubitatum and Amblyomma coelebs phylogenetically group together and are morphologically similar, though they seem to have distinct ecological preferences. Amblyomma coelebs has only been found in northern Misiones province, while the most numerous records of A. dubitatum come from the central area of the province. Until now, the distribution of A. yucumense in Argentina is restricted to Mocona and Yaboti. The findings in this study expand A. brasiliense , A. incisum , A. ovale and H. juxtakochi distribution ranges to the south, and we report for the first time the presence of A. yucumense in Argentina.

  • Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of Nepal: First record of Amblyomma varanense (Supino), with an update of species list.
    Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 2018
    Co-Authors: Shyam K. Pun, Santiago Nava, Alberto A. Guglielmone, Evelina Luisa Tarragona, Mahendra Maharjan
    Abstract:

    Males and females specimens of Amblyomma were collected from Orthriophis hodgsoni (Squamata: Colubridae) caught during routine herpetological work in Kathmandu. Morphological characteristics led to the diagnosis of A. varanense, constituting the second Nepalese species for the genus after the collection of Amblyomma gervaisi, also from a colubrid snake, almost 100 years ago. Amblyomma varanense is the 55th species found in the country, and preceded for the collection of 21 species of Haemaphysalis, 14 Ixodes, 6 Rhipicephalus, 6 Hyalomma, 4 Dermacentor, 1 Amblyomma, 1 Anomalohimalaya and 1 species of Nosomma. Eleven and 19 species have been found on humans and domestic mammals, respectively, evidencing the medical and economic importance of Nepalese Ixodidae.

  • Bacteria of the genera Ehrlichia and Rickettsia in ticks of the family Ixodidae with medical importance in Argentina
    Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Patrick S. Sebastian, Evelina L. Tarragona, María N. Saracho Bottero, Atilio J. Mangold, Ute Mackenstedt, Santiago Nava
    Abstract:

    The aim of this study was to get an overview about the occurrence of bacteria from the genus Ehrlichia and Rickettsia in ixodid ticks with medical importance in Argentina. Therefore, in 2013 and 2014, free-living ticks were collected in different provinces of northern Argentina. These ticks were determined as Amblyomma sculptum , Amblyomma neumanni , Amblyomma parvum , Amblyomma triste , Amblyomma ovale , Amblyomma tonelliae and Haemaphysalis juxtakochi . All samples were tested to determine the infection with Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. by PCR assays. Rickettsial DNA was detected in all tested tick species, with the exception of A . tonelliae . ‘ Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii’, ‘ Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae’, and Rickettsia parkeri were found in A . neumanni , A . parvum , and A . triste , respectively. Another rickettsial species, Rickettsia bellii , was found in A . sculptum , A . ovale and H . juxtakochi . None of the tested ticks showed infection with Ehrlichia . The results of the study demonstrate that Rickettsia species belonging to the spotted fever group are associated with various species of Amblyomma throughout a wide area of northern Argentina, where cases of Amblyomma ticks biting humans are common.

  • Ticks infesting humans in Northern Misiones, Argentina.
    Medicina, 2016
    Co-Authors: Daniela Lamattina, Santiago Nava
    Abstract:

    This work presents records of ticks infesting humans in northern Misiones Province, Argentina. Also, notes on potential transmission of tick-borne pathogens are included. A total of 282 ticks attached to researchers were collected and identified by their morphological characters. Eight tick species were found: Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma incisum, Amblyomma ovale, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus microplus. Some of these species as A. dubitatum, A. ovale and R. sanguineus have been found infected with spotted fever group rickettsiae pathogenic to humans in Brazil and Argentina. The potential role as vectors of humans pathogens of the ticks found attached to humans in this study is discussed.