Molecular detection of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus in hard ticks from South Khorasan, east of Iran

Background & objectives: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a deadly viral infection reported from more than 30 countries. It is considered a zoonosis? and tick bites are the main route of transmission in nature. So far, the virus has been identified in 31 species of hard (Ixodidae) and soft (Argasidae) ticks. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of CCHF virus infection in hard ticks from South-Khorasan province, east of Iran. Methods: In this study, 684 livestock including 302 sheep, 344 goats, 16 cows and 22 camels were sampled from Birjand, Qaen, Khusf, Darmian and Sarbisheh counties. Genus and species of the ticks were diagnosed under stereomicroscope according to valid morphological keys. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was used to detect the CCHF virus genome based on S segment in 100 ticks. Results: RT-PCR detected CCHF virus genome in 7 out of 100 ticks. Positive ticks belonged to Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus genera. CCHF virus infected species were Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Hyalomma detritium and Hyalomma asiaticum. All the infected ticks were isolated from goat and sheep and were from Birjand county. Interpretation & conclusion: Our results suggest that Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus may be the main vectors of CCHF virus in the study area.

Prevalence of rickettsias in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected in domestic animals of the northern region of Caldas department, Colombia / Prevalencia de rickettsias en garrapatas (Acari: Ixodidae) colectadas en animales domésticos del norte del departamento de Caldas, Colombia

ABSTRACT The northern region of the Caldas department in Colombia is considered an endemic area for murine typhus. Recent studies in patients with acute febrile disease demonstrated infection with the spotted fever group's rickettsiae due to an increase in the IgG titer by indirect immunofluorescence in paired sera obtained from these patients. The objective of the current research was to identify the species of ticks present in domestic animals in the northern region of Caldas and establish the presence of rickettsial genomic material in the collected ticks. Ticks were obtained from bovines, horses, and dogs in seven municipalities in the north of Caldas. Ticks were stored in 90 % ethanol until processing and were identified using taxonomic keys, DNA was extracted using commercial techniques, and the gltA gene was amplified by conventional chain reaction polymerase (PCR). Seven hundred thirteen ticks were obtained from 593 domestic animals. The highest infestation occurred in cattle, followed by canines and horses. Ticks found corresponded to the species Riphicephalus microplus, Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma sp., and Riphicephalus sanguineus s.l. In none of the tick samples, Rickettsia-specific gltA gene DNA was found. It can be inferred that the ticks obtained are not a source of rickettsial infection for people in this department region, despite finding different species associated with the transmission of this disease.

RESUMEN La región norte del departamento de Caldas, Colombia es considerada como una zona endémica de tifo murino. Estudios recientes realizados en pacientes con enfermedad febril aguda, demostraron la infección con rickettsias, del grupo de las fiebres manchadas, debido al aumento en el título de IgG, por inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI), en sueros pareados, obtenidos de dichos pacientes. El objetivo de la investigación fue el de identificar las especies de garrapatas presentes en animales domésticos, de la región norte de Caldas y establecer la presencia de material genómico de rickettsias, en las garrapatas recolectadas. En siete municipios, se recolectaron garrapatas de bovinos, de equinos y de caninos. Las garrapatas, se almacenaron en etanol al 90 %, hasta su identificación taxonómica. Se extrajo el ADN, utilizando técnicas comerciales y se amplificó por reacción de cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) convencional el gen gltA. Se obtuvieron 713 garrapatas de 593 animales domésticos. La más alta infestación se presentó en bovinos, seguido de los caninos y equinos. Las garrapatas encontradas correspondieron a las especies Riphicephalus microplus, Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma sp. y Riphicephalus sanguineus s.l. En ninguna de las muestras, se comprobó la presencia de ADN del gen gltA específico de Rickettsia. Se puede inferir que las garrapatas obtenidas no serían una fuente de infección rickettsial para las personas, en esta región del departamento; sin embargo, su presencia es un factor de riesgo para la adquisición de rickettsiosis asociadas con las fiebres manchadas.

Distribution of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting domestic ruminants in mountainous areas of Golestan province, Iran

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the prevalence of ticks on cattle in the mountainous areas of Golestan province and their geographical distribution.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In total, 498 animals from 25 herds were selected to search for ticks in 2009-2010. Tick collection was carried out during four seasons, twice per season over a period of 12 month from March 2009 through February 2010 in two districts, Azadshahr and Ramian. Meteorological data were obtained from Iran Meteorological Organization. The geographical points recorded using a Garmin eTrex®H GPS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 255 ticks were collected from a total of 219 ruminants including 44 sheep, 63 goats, 99 cows and 13 camels in two districts of the mountainous area of Golestan province, including Azadshahr and Ramian. Five species of ixodid ticks were identified: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (66.5%), Rhipicephalus bursa (4.6%), Hyalomma marginatum (19.9%), Hyalomma anatolicum (6%) and Hyalomma asiaticum (4%). The densities of infestations were calculated for sheep, goats, cows and camels 0.9, 0.79, 0.16 and 0.43 respectively. Seasonal activity of each ixodid tick infesting domestic ruminants was determined. The distribution maps showed ixodid ticks on domestic ruminants, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were dominant species in the area.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Such research provides necessary information for human and animal health service mangers to have a better understanding of prevention and control of vector borne diseases especially during the outbreaks.</p>

Distribution of ticks (Acari：Ixodidae) infesting domestic ruminants in mountainous areas of Golestan province, Iran

Objective: To determine the prevalence of ticks on cattle in the mountainous areas of Golestan province and their geographical distribution.Methods:collection was carried out during four seasons, twice per season over a period of 12 month from March 2009 through February 2010 in two districts, Azadshahr and Ramian. Meteorological data were obtained from Iran Meteorological Organization. The geographical points recorded using a Garmin eTrex?H GPS.Results:In total, 498 animals from 25 herds were selected to search for ticks in 2009-2010. Tick 63 goats, 99 cows and 13 camels in two districts of the mountainous area of Golestan province, including Azadshahr and Ramian. Five species of ixodid ticks were identified: Rhipicephalussanguineus A total of 255 ticks were collected from a total of 219 ruminants including 44 sheep, anatolicum (6%) and Hyalomma asiaticum (4%). The densities of infestations were calculated for sheep, goats, cows and camels 0.9, 0.79, 0.16 and 0.43 respectively. Seasonal activity of each ixodid tick infesting domestic ruminants was determined. The distribution maps showed ixodid ticks on domestic ruminants, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were dominant species in the area.Conclusions:Such research provides necessary information for human and animal health (66.5%), Rhipicephalus bursa (4.6%), Hyalomma marginatum (19.9%), Hyalomma service mangers to have a better understanding of prevention and control of vector borne diseases especially during the outbreaks.

First survey of hard ticks (Acari:Ixodidae) on cattle, sheep and goats in Boeen Zahra and Takistan counties, Iran

Objective: To carry out the distribution survey of hard ticks of livestock in Boeen Zahra and Takistan counties of Qazvin province from April 2010 to September 2010. Methods:Nearly about 2 638 sheep, 461 goats and 318 cattle of 38 herds in different geographical areas were searched for tick infestation. Results:The species compositions collected from the livestock of Boeen Zahra and Takistan were Haemaphysalis concinna (0.63%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (12.66%), Hyalomma anatolicum (3.80%), Hyalomma asiaticum (3.16%), Hyalomma detritum (5.70%), Hyalomma dromedarii (28.48%), Hyalomma marginatum (13.29%), Hyalomma schulzei (1.89%), Rhipicephalus bursa (3.16%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (3.16%), and for Takistan’s livestock were Hyalomma dromedarii (9.86%), Hyalomma marginatum (13.29%), Hyalomma schulzei (1.89%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (3.16%), respectively. Hard ticks compositions in different topographic areas were different. Hyalomma species had the most prevalence in the areas. Conclusions:The veterinary and public health investigation of the above species should be taken.