An undescribed relapsing fever group Borrelia species was detected in a male Haemaphysalis semermis tick infesting a rural cat in an indigenous population in Pahang National Park, Peninsular Malaysia. The 16 S rRNA gene sequence revealed close similarity of this variant to several undescribed Borrelia species and Borrelia theileri, with genetic distances ranging from 0.58 to 0.72%. Furthermore, the flaB, gyrB, and the concatenated 16 S rRNA + flaB + gyrB sequence analyses demonstrated that this variant is distinctly separated from multiple undescribed Borrelia species, Borrelia miyamotoi, and B. theileri, with genetic distances ranging from 3.41 to 7.00%. This study not only reports the first Borrelia found in H. semermis but also suggests that it forms a distinct clade within the relapsing fever group in Peninsular Malaysia.
Ticks are the second most important hematophagous ectoparasites after mosquitoes and serve as vectors for various pathogens, transmitting them to wild and domestic animals, as well as humans. Argas persicus are the soft ticks that are known to parasitize domestic poultry. Hard ticks are known to be the reservoir of Toxoplasma (T.) gondii but limited such information is available for soft ticks. This study reports the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of T. gondii infecting Argas (A.) persicus ticks (N = 70), collected from four domestic poultry breeds in the Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, between June and August 2023. The results showed that 26 out of 70 (37 %) A. persicus samples tested positive for the ITS-1 gene of T. gondii. These findings were confirmed by the DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis of amplified amplicons. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Pakistani isolates were genetically diverse and clustered with isolates that were reported from birds and mammals from Pakistan, Tunisia, Malaysia, Brazil and Iraq. Risk factor analysis indicated that the prevalence of T. gondii was not associated with any specific poultry breed, sampling period, or the body temperature of the fowl hosts. Similarly parasite prevalence was not found associated with tick sex or their developmental stage but parasite infection rate varied with the feeding status of the ticks; highest T. gondii infection rate was observed in fully fed Argas persicus. In conclusion, this is the first report from Pakistan highlighting a high prevalence of T. gondii in A. persicus infesting domestic poultry suggesting a potential zoonotic risk to humans through the consumption of infected poultry. This data is confirming that in addition to oral ingestion of oocysts, T. gondii can be mechanically transmitted through soft ticks.
Re-examination of the holotype of Dermacentor atrosignatus Neumann, 1906 (Acari: Ixodidae) stored in the Natural History Museum (London, UK) revealed that this taxon is identical with D. auratus Supino, 1897 and should be treated as a junior synonym of the latter species. A correct name for the distinct species previously identified as D. atrosignatus Neumann, 1906 sensu Wassef & Hoogstraal, 1984 should be D. tricuspis (Schulze, 1933) n. comb., n. stat. Adults of D. tricuspis are redescribed here. Re-examination of extensive holdings of Oriental Dermacentor Koch, 1844 ticks stored in the United States National Tick Collection revealed that a morphologically distinct new species of this genus, namely D. falsosteini D. Apanaskevich, M. Apanaskevich & Nooma n. sp. should be recognized. Adults of D. tricuspis and D. falsosteini n. sp. can be distinguished from other species of Oriental Dermacentor and each other by the colour pattern of the conscutum and scutum, the pattern of punctations on the pseudoscutum and scutum, the shape of female genital structures and spurs on coxa I. Dermacentor tricuspis is recorded from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand where the adults were mostly collected from various species of wild pigs (Artiodactyla: Suidae) and vegetation; few adults were available from other mammals (Artiodactyla: Bovidae; Carnivora: Canidae, Felidae, Ursidae; Pholidota: Manidae), as well as humans and reptiles (Squamata: Elapidae, Varanidae). One male was reared from a nymph collected on a rodent (Rodentia: Muridae). Dermacentor falsosteini n. sp. is found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand where the adults were collected from bearded pig, Sus barbatus Müller, wild boar, S. scrofa Linnaeus, unidentified wild pig, Sus sp. (Artiodactyla: Suidae), Malayan tapir, Tapirus indicus Desmarest (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae), human and vegetation.
Two ticks were collected from a reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) caught in Tumpat District, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. The ticks were first identified as Ambylomma sp. through morphological comparison with identification keys. Determination of the tick species was made through PCR and sequencing. However, BLAST analysis revealed 85-88% sequence nucleotide identity with Amblyomma nitidum and Amblyomma geoemydae. Additionally, the morphological features of the ticks collected in this study did not match either A. nitidum or A. geoemydae. Further examination of the ticks confirmed the species as Amblyomma cordiferum. This is the first record of A. cordiferum DNA sequence with morphological support of colour illustrations for adult A. cordiferum. This is also the most recent record of this host association in Peninsular Malaysia. Information from this report can serve as a reference for species identification using the described morphology or molecular sequences.
Field surveys of ectoparasites on rodents and scandents were conducted in four localities of wildlife reserves in Peninsular Malaysia from October 2008 to November 2009. A total of 16 animals comprising 5 species of hosts were caught and examined for ectoparasites. The hosts examined were Maxomys rajah, Maxomys whiteheadi, Leopoldamys sabanus, Lariscus insignis and Tupaia glis. Of these hosts, 9 genera, consisting of 14 species of ectoparasites were extracted. Three species of ticks (Ixodidae), 7 species of mesostigmatid mites (Laelaptidae), 3 species of chiggers (Trombiculidae) and 1 species of listrophorid mites (Listrophoriidae) were identified. The infestation rate of ectoparasites observed ranged from 12.5% to 62.5%. Among the ectoparasites found, Ixodes granulatus and Leptotrombidium deliense are of known medical importance.
Aural tick usually menisfests as intolerable otalgia. The severity of pain makes the patient to seek early treatment. Other uncommon symptoms include inner ear dyfunctions such as vertigo and tinnitus. The diagnosis is established by clinical examinaion either by otoscopic evidence of the tick itself, or its fecal remnant. We report a case of patient with acute labyrinthitis features with concurent otoscopic findings of tick fecal material.
Ticks exert a significant economic impact on the livestock industry, particularly in Asian regions. Presently, chemical acaricides constitute the primary method employed to combat tick infestations in livestock, but their use carries adverse environmental consequences. Overreliance on acaricides has contaminated milk and meat products with chemical residues while fostering tick resistance to these agents due to improper and intensive application. Various alternative methods have been explored, including using vaccines to manage tick populations. However, the efficacy of these treatments varies and is often limited when applied separately. Among these alternatives, entomopathogenic fungi like Metarhizium anisopliae appear to be a promising candidate for tick population control. This fungus can be used independently and in conjunction with other products. This review article explores the current and future prospects of M. anisopliae, where the existing gaps and future directives for using this fungus to control hard ticks in Asian countries are highlighted.
The parasites which occurred most frequently in 175 owned or stray dogs in Sabah were Ancylostoma spp. present in 68% of the animals. Dirofilaria immitis occurred in 70% of the adult dogs but neither D. immitis nor Spirocerca lupi were present in puppies under four months of age. The latter attained a prevalence of 30% in the adults. In contrast Toxocara canis occurred in 81% of the puppies but infrequently in older dogs. Dipylidium caninum was moderately prevalent (15 to 25%) in dogs of all ages. Ticks were the most common arthropod parasite being present on 26% of the dogs and were mainly Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Demodectic and sarcoptic mange were confirmed and fleas and lice were also recovered.
A parasitological survey of 16 pangolins, confiscated from the Department of Wildlife and Nature Park Peninsular Malaysia (DWNP) at Kelantan and Pulau Pinang, Malaysia was conducted in 2011. Amblyomma javanense (family: Ixodidae) was the only ectoparasite found on the pangolins. The prevalence, intensity and life cycle of A. javanense were observed together with the respective pangolins' age and sex. It was found that 68.8% of the pangolins were infected, and significant difference, χ(2)(1, N=16)=4.02, p=0.05 were observed with males higher in infestation (88.9%) as compared to the females (42.9%). However, the mean intensity was higher on females (72) as compared to males (31.6). In addition, significant difference, χ(2) (2, N=16)=6.73, p=0.05 was recorded between adults and juveniles with juveniles found to be 100% infected as compared to adult (63.6%). Nevertheless, the mean intensity was slightly higher on adults (47) than juveniles (35). Adult ticks were found in higher numbers as compared to the nymph and larvae with number of male ticks higher (236) as compared to the females (53). Similarly, a high significant difference χ(2)(2, N=469)=203.47, p=0.05 was recorded in the composition of the tick's life stages with a higher number of adult ticks (61.6%) followed by nymph (30.3%) and larvae (8.1%). As such, the results of this study revealed a picture of the A. javanense life cycle which is related to the age and gender of the Malayan Pangolin.
To shed light on the importance of tick-borne diseases, especially in farm animals that often contact with farm workers, this study aimed to identify ticks and tick-borne pathogens in ruminants in Malaysia. Accordingly, specimen collection was conducted across Peninsular Malaysia yielded a total of 1241 ticks collected from 674 farm ruminants. Among these, four tick species were identified, with Rhipicephalus microplus being the most prevalent, constituting 99.03 % of the total tick population. Analysis of 130 tick pools revealed three positives for Borrelia. BLAST analyses of the flaB and 16S rRNA genes revealed high similarities to Borrelia theileri, ranging from 98.78 to 100 % for flaB and 99.23-99.45 % for 16S rRNA. These results align with the phylogenetic trees, where sequences from both genes clustered together with B. theileri, further supporting this identification. No Rickettsia and Bartonella bacteria were detected. This study represents the first occurrence of B. theileri in R. microplus in Malaysia.
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arachnids that feed on both humans and animals. Despite the extensive research on detection of bacteria in ixodid ticks in Malaysia, there remains limited knowledge about the detection of protozoa in these ectoparasites, especially in those that feed on farm ruminants. In this study, 1,241 ticks belonging to four species (Rhipicephalus microplus, R. haemaphysaloides, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and H. wellingtoni) were collected from 674 farm ruminants across Peninsular Malaysia. The ticks were pooled and subjected to DNA extraction, followed by protozoal screening using 18S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 130 tick pools tested, 15 were positive for Babesia (11.54%) and ten for Theileria (7.69%). No Hepatozoon protozoa were detected. All positive pools consisted solely of R. microplus ticks, with no protozoa found in the other three tick species. BLAST analyses revealed that the Babesia sequences were identical to Babesia bigemina, while the Theileria sequences closely resembled Theileria orientalis and Theileria sinensis. This paper presents the first nationwide screening of Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Theileria in ticks infesting farm ruminants from Peninsular Malaysia.
The presence of a tick in the ear is an uncommon problem encountered by the department of otorhinolaryngology. A tick infestation in the ear can be a traumatising experience for the patient. Here, we report a case of a woman who presented with left facial weakness due to the presence of a tick in the external auditory canal.
Accidental entry of insects and other arthropods is a common aetiology of aural foreign bodies (FB) presenting to accident and emergency departments. A retrospective study revealed that the FB in almost half (148) of 348 cases of aural FB investigated at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital was an arthropod. The most common arthropod encountered was the cockroach, followed by a cattle tick. The high prevalence of tick infestation of the human ear canal (i.e. human otoacariasis) currently appears to be unique to the Malaysian state of Kelantan. The presentation of patients with intra-aural ticks, the methods used to remove the ticks, the complications encountered, and recommendations for an appropriate course of action in such cases are discussed.
Five new species of Guimaraesiella Eichler, 1949 are described and illustrated from hosts in the Eurylaimidae and Calyptomenidae. They are Guimaraesiella corydoni n. sp. from Corydon sumatranus laoensis Meyer de Schauensee, 1929 ; Guimaraesiella latirostris n. sp. from Eurylaimus ochromalus Raffles, 1822 ; Guimaraesiella cyanophoba n. sp. from Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchus malaccensis Salvadori, 1874 and C. m. siamensis Meyer de Schauensee and Ripley, 1940 ; Guimaraesiella altunai n. sp. from Calyptomena viridis caudacuta Swainson, 1838 ; and Guimaraesiella forcipata n. sp. from Eurylaimus steerii steerii Sharpe, 1876 . These represent the first species of Guimaraesiella described from the Calyptomenidae and Eurylaimidae, as well as the first species of this genus described from the Old World suboscines.
Ticks are important ectoparasites which transmit many disease pathogen to animals; these are labelled tick borne diseases (TBD). Tick induced damage to skin and hides has not received attention. Skin and hides are important for the leather product industry, particularly in Pakistan. Due to economic importance and financial loss by ticks in leather industry, the present study was designed to investigate skin and hides damage due to ticks at microscopic level. Naturally tick infested tissue samples of hides and skin were collected from slaughter houses. Primary lesions at tick feeding sites showed epidermal edema with adjacent dermal edema. Histopathological examination revealed degeneration of epidermal layer down to the basal layer. Epidermal and sub dermal layers often displayed focal necrosis infiltrated with neutrophils and mononuclear cells at tick bite sites. Hyperplasia of keratinocytes was also seen at sites of ruptured epidermis. Quality of leather depends upon the grain (Outer) surface skin/hides. Ticks infestation damages the outer surface, due to bites, inflammatory responses, and secondary bacterial infections that often become established at feeding sites. Control of ticks should be given consideration to reduce infestation induced losses in the leather industry in Pakistan.
Livestock constitute habitual hosts and carriers for several infectious pathogens which may represent a serious public health concern affecting the readiness of military forces and lead to wide economic losses. The present report aimed to investigate the prevalence of some haemopathogens infecting military livestock, particularly, dromedaries, sheep and horses using Giemsa-stained blood smears. A total of 300 animals (100 from each species) were selected, clinically examined and sampled. Trypanosoma spp. (22.0%), Anaplasma spp. (17.0%) and Babesia spp. (1.0%) were identified in camels' blood. Six dromedaries were found to be co-infected by Trypanosoma and Anaplasma organisms (6.0%). Camels of female gender, infested by ticks and showing clinical signs were statistically more infected by Trypanosoma spp., compared to those of male gender, free of ticks and apparently healthy (P= 0.027, 0.000 and 0.004, respectively). Babesia spp. infection (1.0%) was identified, for the first time in Tunisia, in one adult female camel that presented abortion and anemia. Anaplasma spp. was the only haemopathogen identified in examined sheep (6.0%) and horses (17.0%). Horses infested by Hippobosca equina flies and sheep infested by Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks were more infected by Anaplasma spp. than other non-infested animals (P=0.046 and 0.042, respectively). Hyalomma dromedarii, H. impeltatum and H. excavatum were the most prevalent diagnosed ticks removed from camels with an intensity of infestation of 1.2 ticks per animal. However, in sheep, only R. turanicus was identified. H. equina and Tabanus spp. were the potential hematophagous flies found in dromedaries and horses herds. This useful data must be taken into consideration during animal treatment and vectors' control programs in Tunisian military farms which help to limit the diffusion of vector-borne diseases, keep our livestock healthy and reduce economic losses.
The Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) and thin blood smears were conducted to establish the prevalence of Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs presented for treatment by pet owners at five private and one government veterinary clinic. Results showed that 15% of the dogs were positive for the parasite via IFAT, but none using blood smears. However, infected dogs did not show severe clinical symptoms of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME).
The present work aimed to identify camel ticks Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma marginatum using direct sequence of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and the detection of their natural infection rate with Rickettsia and Borrelia using the PCR/ hybridization method for amplification of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene. The phylogenetic analysis showed 99% similarity between Hyalomma dromedarii and its reference with accession # L34306.1, as well as between Hyalomma marginatum and its reference with accession # KT391060.1 obtained from GenBank data base. The prevalence of H. dromedarii and H. marginatum was about 99% and 1%, respectively. The intraspecific variation among H. dromedarii ranged between 0.2-6.6%. The interspecific variation between H. dromedarii and H. marginatum was 18.3%. PCR/hybridization of the sampled H. dromedarii detected about 31%, 37% and 18% natural infection with Rickettsia, Borrelia and co-infection with both pathogens, respectively. In contrast, none of Rickettsia or Borrelia was detected in H. marginatum. The present study emphasizes the accuracy of the identification of camel ticks based on molecular techniques. The ability of H. dromedarii to spread more than one disease is an important issue from the epidemiological standpoint. Future epidemiological research should be carried out in Saudi Arabia to monitor the distribution of tick species and suggest effective control strategies.