Beauveria bassiana is widely studied as an alternative to chemical acaricides in controlling the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. Although its biocontrol efficiency has been proved in laboratory and field scales, there is a need to a better understanding of host interaction process at molecular level related to biocontrol activity. In this work, applying a proteomic technique multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT), the differential secretome of B. bassiana induced by the host R. microplus cuticle was evaluated. The use of the host cuticle in a culture medium, mimicking an infection condition, is an established experimental model that triggers the secretion of inducible enzymes. From a total of 236 proteins, 50 proteins were identified exclusively in infection condition, assigned to different aspects of infection like host adhesion, cuticle penetration and fungal defense, and stress. Other 32 proteins were considered up- or down-regulated. In order to get a meaningful global view of the secretome, several bioinformatic analyses were performed. Regarding molecular function classification, the highest number of proteins in the differential secretome was assigned in to hydrolase activity, enzyme class of all cuticle-degrading enzymes like lipases and proteases. These activities were also further validated through enzymatic assays. The results presented here reveal dozens of specific proteins and different processes potentially implicated in cattle tick infection improving the understanding of molecular basis of biocontrol of B. bassiana against R. microplus.

• MeSH
• Beauveria enzymologie   genetika   MeSH
• biologická kontrola škůdců MeSH
• biologická ochrana MeSH
• fungální proteiny genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu MeSH
• nemoci skotu parazitologie   MeSH
• proteasy genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• proteomika MeSH
• Rhipicephalus mikrobiologie   MeSH
• skot parazitologie   MeSH
• výpočetní biologie MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• skot parazitologie   MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Ticks cause massive damage to livestock and vaccines are one sustainable substitute for the acaricides currently heavily used to control infestations. To guide antigen discovery for a vaccine that targets the gamut of parasitic strategies mediated by tick saliva and enables immunological memory, we exploited a transcriptome constructed from salivary glands from all stages of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks feeding on genetically tick-resistant and susceptible bovines. RESULTS: Different levels of host anti-tick immunity affected gene expression in tick salivary glands; we thus selected four proteins encoded by genes weakly expressed in ticks attempting to feed on resistant hosts or otherwise abundantly expressed in ticks fed on susceptible hosts; these sialoproteins mediate four functions of parasitism deployed by male ticks and that do not induce antibodies in naturally infected, susceptible bovines. We then evaluated in tick-susceptible heifers an alum-adjuvanted vaccine formulated with recombinant proteins. Parasite performance (i.e. weight and numbers of females finishing their parasitic cycle) and titres of antigen-specific antibodies were significantly reduced or increased, respectively, in vaccinated versus control heifers, conferring an efficacy of 73.2%; two of the antigens were strong immunogens, rich in predicted T-cell epitopes and challenge infestations boosted antibody responses against them. CONCLUSION: Mining sialotranscriptomes guided by the immunity of tick-resistant hosts selected important targets and infestations boosted immune memory against salivary antigens.

• MeSH
• antigeny biosyntéza   MeSH
• infestace klíšťaty parazitologie   MeSH
• objevování léků MeSH
• proteiny členovců biosyntéza   MeSH
• Rhipicephalus fyziologie   MeSH
• slinné proteiny a peptidy biosyntéza   MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese * MeSH
• vakcíny izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Ehrlichia species are the etiological agents of emerging and life-threatening tick-borne human zoonoses that inflict serious and fatal infections in companion animals and livestock. The aim of this paper was to phylogeneticaly characterise a new species of Ehrlichia isolated from Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus from Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: The agent was isolated from the hemolymph of Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus engorged females that had been collected from naturally infested cattle in a farm in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This agent was then established and cultured in IDE8 tick cells. The molecular and phylogenetic analysis was based on 16S rRNA, groEL, dsb, gltA and gp36 genes. We used the maximum likelihood method to construct the phylogenetic trees. RESULTS: The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA, groEL, dsb and gltA showed that the Ehrlichia spp isolated in this study falls in a clade separated from any previously reported Ehrlichia spp. The molecular analysis of the ortholog of gp36, the major immunoreactive glycoproteins in E. canis and ortholog of the E. chaffeensis gp47, showed a unique tandem repeat of 9 amino acids (VPAASGDAQ) when compared with those reported for E. canis, E. chaffeensis and the related mucin-like protein in E. ruminantium. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA, groEL, dsb and gltA genes we concluded that this tick-derived microorganism isolated in Brazil is a new species, named E. mineirensis (UFMG-EV), with predicted novel antigenic properties in the gp36 ortholog glycoprotein. Further studies on this new Ehrlichia spp should address questions about its transmissibility by ticks and its pathogenicity for mammalian hosts.

• MeSH
• bakteriologické techniky MeSH
• členovci - vektory mikrobiologie   MeSH
• druhová specificita MeSH
• Ehrlichia klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• glykoproteiny genetika   izolace a purifikace   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
• regulace genové exprese u bakterií fyziologie   MeSH
• Rhipicephalus mikrobiologie   MeSH
• RNA ribozomální 16S genetika   MeSH
• sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
• zoonózy MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND: Hematophagous mosquitos and ticks avoid host hemostatic system through expression of enzyme inhibitors targeting proteolytic reactions of the coagulation and complement cascades. While most inhibitors characterized to date were found in the salivary glands, relatively few others have been identified in the midgut. Among those, Boophilin is a 2-Kunitz multifunctional inhibitor targeting thrombin, elastase, and kallikrein. However, the kinetics of Boophilin interaction with these enzymes, how it modulates platelet function, and whether it inhibits thrombosis in vivo have not been determined. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Boophilin was expressed in HEK293 cells and purified to homogeneity. Using amidolytic assays and surface plasmon resonance experiments, we have demonstrated that Boophilin behaves as a classical, non-competitive inhibitor of thrombin with respect to small chromogenic substrates by a mechanism dependent on both exosite-1 and catalytic site. Inhibition is accompanied by blockade of platelet aggregation, fibrin formation, and clot-bound thrombin in vitro. Notably, we also identified Boophilin as a non-competitive inhibitor of FXIa, preventing FIX activation. In addition, Boophilin inhibits kallikrein activity and the reciprocal activation, indicating that it targets the contact pathway. Furthermore, Boophilin abrogates cathepsin G- and plasmin-induced platelet aggregation and partially affects elastase-mediated cleavage of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI). Finally, Boophilin inhibits carotid artery occlusion in vivo triggered by FeCl3, and promotes bleeding according to the mice tail transection method. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Through inhibition of several enzymes involved in proteolytic cascades and cell activation, Boophilin plays a major role in keeping the midgut microenvironment at low hemostatic and inflammatory tonus. This response allows ticks to successfully digest a blood meal which is critical for metabolism and egg development. Boophilin is the first tick midgut FXIa anticoagulant also found to inhibit thrombosis.

• MeSH
• agregace trombocytů účinky léků   MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• exprese genu MeSH
• faktor XIa antagonisté a inhibitory   MeSH
• fibrinolytika izolace a purifikace   metabolismus   MeSH
• gastrointestinální trakt chemie   MeSH
• inhibitory proteas izolace a purifikace   metabolismus   MeSH
• kalikreiny antagonisté a inhibitory   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• rekombinantní proteiny genetika   izolace a purifikace   metabolismus   MeSH
• Rhipicephalus chemie   MeSH
• trombin antagonisté a inhibitory   MeSH
• trombóza chemicky indukované   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The autochthonous tick Boophilus decoloratus, and the invasive species Bo. microplus, the tick most threatening the livestock industry in Africa, show complex interactions in their interspecific rivalry. This study was conducted to specify the conditions under which the two competitors can co-exist in equilibrium, and to provide insight into their climate-dependant parapatric distribution in Tanzania. A model of the Lotka-Volterra type was used, taking into account population dispersal and interactions of various kinds. If the model allowed for immunity-mediated competition on cattle, reproductive interference, and an external mortality factor, it explained fairly well the field observation that the borderline between these ticks loosely follows the 22-23°C isotherm and the 58 mm isohyet (i.e. ~700 mm of annual rainfall total). Simulations fully compatible with the pattern of real co-existing populations of Bo. decoloratus and Bo. microplus, characterized by a pronounced population density trough and mutual exclusion of the two ticks on cattle in an intermediary zone between their distributional ranges, were, however, achieved only if the model also implemented a hypothetical factor responsible for some mortality upon encounter of one tick with the other, interpretable as an interaction through a shared pathogen(s). This study also demonstrated the importance of non-cattle hosts, enabling the autochthon to avoid competition with Bo. microplus, for the behaviour of the modelled system. The simulations indicate that a substantial reduction of wildlife habitats and consequently of Bo. decoloratus refugia, may accelerate the replacement of Bo. decoloratus with Bo. microplus much faster than climatic changes might do.

• MeSH
• biologické modely MeSH
• hustota populace MeSH
• kompetitivní chování MeSH
• počítačová simulace MeSH
• populační dynamika MeSH
• Rhipicephalus fyziologie   MeSH
• skot MeSH
• zavlečené druhy MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• skot MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• validační studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Tanzanie MeSH

• MeSH
• biologická kontrola škůdců * MeSH
• infestace klíšťaty parazitologie   veterinární   MeSH
• klíšťata fyziologie   MeSH
• nemoci skotu parazitologie   MeSH
• predátorské chování MeSH
• ptáci fyziologie   MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• skot MeSH
• vole ptačí parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• skot MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Argentina MeSH

Ixodes ricinus is one the most abundant tick species in Europe and these ticks transmit pathogens causing human and animal diseases. The cattle ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp., affect cattle production in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Development of vaccines directed against tick proteins may reduce tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. However, a limiting step in tick vaccine development has been the identification of tick protective antigens. Herein, the tick iron metabolism pathway was targeted in an effort to identify new tick protective antigens. Recombinant I. ricinus (IrFER2) and Rhipicephalus microplus (RmFER2) ferritin 2 proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and used to immunize rabbits and cattle, respectively. Vaccination with IrFER2 reduced I. ricinus tick numbers, weight and fertility in rabbits with an overall vaccine efficacy (E) of 98%. Control of cattle tick, R. microplus and Rhipicephalus annulatus infestations was obtained in vaccinated cattle with overall E of 64% and 72%, respectively. Notably, the efficacy of the RmFER2 vaccine was similar to that obtained with Bm86 against R. microplus. These collective results demonstrated the feasibility of using ferritin 2 to develop vaccines for the control of tick infestations.

• MeSH
• Escherichia coli genetika   MeSH
• ferritiny antagonisté a inhibitory   imunologie   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• hmyzí proteiny antagonisté a inhibitory   imunologie   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• infestace klíšťaty prevence a kontrola   veterinární   MeSH
• klíště imunologie   MeSH
• králíci parazitologie   MeSH
• nemoci skotu parazitologie   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• Rhipicephalus imunologie   MeSH
• skot MeSH
• syntetické vakcíny imunologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• králíci parazitologie   MeSH
• skot MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Culture-independent metagenomic methodologies have enabled detection and identification of microorganisms in various biological systems and often revealed complex and unknown microbiomes. In many organisms, the microbiome outnumbers the host cells and greatly affects the host biology and fitness. Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites with a wide host range. They vector a number of human and animal pathogens and also directly cause major economic losses in livestock. Although several reports on a tick midgut microbiota show a diverse bacterial community, in most cases the size of the bacterial population has not been determined. In this study, the microbiome was quantified in the midgut and ovaries of the ticks Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus microplus before, during, and after blood feeding. Although the size of bacterial community in the midgut fluctuated with blood feeding, it was overall extremely low in comparison to that of other hematophagous arthropods. In addition, the tick ovarian microbiome of both tick species exceeded the midgut 16S rDNA copy numbers by several orders of magnitude. This indicates that the ratio of a tick midgut/ovary microbiome represents an exception to the general biology of other metazoans. In addition to the very low abundance, the tick midgut diversity in I. ricinus was variable and that is in contrast to that found in the tick ovary. The ovary of I. ricinus had a very low bacterial diversity and a very high and stable bacterial abundance with the dominant endosymbiont, Midichloria sp. The elucidation of this aspect of tick biology highlights a unique tissue-specific microbial-invertebrate host interaction.

• MeSH
• Ixodidae * MeSH
• klíště * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikrobiota * MeSH
• ovarium MeSH
• Rhipicephalus * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Arthropods are dangerous vectors of agents of deadly diseases, which may hit as epidemics or pandemics in the increasing world population of humans and animals. Among them, ticks transmit more pathogen species than any other group of blood-feeding arthropods worldwide. Thus, the effective and eco-friendly control of tick vectors in a constantly changing environment is a crucial challenge. A number of novel routes have been attempted to prevent and control tick-borne diseases, including the development of (i) vaccines against viruses vectored by ticks; (ii) pheromone-based control tools, with special reference to the "lure and kill" techniques; (iii) biological control programmes relying on ticks' natural enemies and pathogens; and (iv) the integrated pest management practices aimed at reducing tick interactions with livestock. However, the extensive employment of acaricides and tick repellents still remains the two most effective and ready-to-use strategies. Unfortunately, the first one is limited by the rapid development of resistance in ticks, as well as by serious environmental concerns. On the other hand, the exploitation of plants as sources of effective tick repellents is often promising. Here, we reviewed current knowledge concerning the effectiveness of plant extracts as acaricides or repellents against tick vectors of public health importance, with special reference to Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, Amblyomma cajennense, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. Eighty-three plant species from 35 botanical families were selected. The most frequent botanical families exploited as sources of acaricides and repellents against ticks were Asteraceae (15 % of the selected studies), Fabaceae (9 %), Lamiaceae (10 %), Meliaceae (5 %), Solanaceae (6 %) and Verbenaceae (5 %). Regression equation analyses showed that the literature grew by approximately 20 % per year (period: 2005-2015). Lastly, in the final section, insights for future research are discussed. We focused on some caveats for future data collection and analysis. Current critical points mainly deal with (a) not uniform methods used, which prevent proper comparison of the results; (b) inaccurate tested concentrations, frequently 100 % concentration corresponded to the gross extract, where the exact amounts of extracted substances are unknown; and (c) not homogeneous size of tested tick instars and species. Overall, the knowledge summarized in this review may be helpful for comparative screening among extensive numbers of plant-borne preparations, in order to develop newer and safer tick control tools.

• MeSH
• akaricidy farmakologie   MeSH
• Asteraceae chemie   MeSH
• dobytek MeSH
• Fabaceae chemie   MeSH
• hluchavkovité chemie   MeSH
• infekce přenášené vektorem MeSH
• klíště účinky léků   MeSH
• kontrola klíšťat metody   MeSH
• nemoci přenášené klíšťaty prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• Rhipicephalus sanguineus účinky léků   MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty farmakologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

V roce 2010 byl v Číně popsán nový virus s epidemickým potenciálem; virus SFTSV (Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus), patřící mezi fleboviry čeledi Bunyaviridae. Je rozšířen v Číně, Severní i Jižní Koreji, Japonsku a nově byl zjištěn také ve Vietnamu. Virus způsobuje syndrom vysoké horečky s trombocytopenií (SFTS, Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome). Kromě horečky se projevuje gastrointestinálními a hemoragickými příznaky, trombocytopenií, leukocytopenií, zvýšenými hladinami sérových enzymů (AST, ALT, LDH, kreatinkinázy aj.) a lokalizovanou lymfadenopatií. Velmi vzácně se onemocnění může projevit také reaktivní plazmocytózou, která může připomínat mnohočetný myelom. Smrtnost je udávána v rozmezí 5,3–32,6 %. Virus je na člověka přenášen klíšťaty (Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma testudinarium, Rhipicephalus microplus aj.). Bylo rovněž popsáno několik případů přímého mezilidského přenosu při kontaktu nechráněné kůže s krví a jinými tělními tekutinami nakaženého a nozokomiální přenos. Rezervoárem nákazy jsou obratlovci, divoká zvěř i užitková zvířata. Nejvyšší séroprevalence viru byla zjištěna u koz nebo dobytka. Vakcinace ani specifická terapie nejsou dostupné. Prevence v endemických oblastech v současné době spočívá v ochraně před klíšťaty, včasné diagnostice a symptomatické léčbě.

In 2010, new virus with epidemic potential was described in China. SFTSV (Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus) belongs to genus Phlebovirus, family Bunyaviridae. The virus was reported in China, North and South Korea, Japan and newly also in Vietnam. It causes Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS); fever, gastrointestinal and hemorrhagic symptoms, thrombocytopenia, leukocytopenia, elevated serum enzyme levels and localized lymphadenopathy. Very rarely, might be accompanied with reactive plasmocytosis, which might imitate multiple myeloma. Estimated case fatality rate varies between 5.3–32.6 %. Virus is transmitted on humans by ticks (e.g. Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma testudinarium and Rhipicephalus microplus). Another transmission mode is direct contact of uncovered skin with blood and other body fluids of infected person. Nosocomial transmission also occurred. Reservoir of the infection are vertebrates, both wild and domestic animals. The highest seroprevalence was detected in goats and cattle generally. Neither vaccination, nor specific therapy is available. The non-specific preventive measures are avoiding tick bites in endemic regions, early diagnosis and treatment.

• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci přenášené klíšťaty * diagnóza   epidemiologie   terapie   MeSH
• Phlebovirus patogenita   MeSH
• těžká forma horečky s trombocytopenickým syndromem * diagnóza   epidemiologie   terapie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• přehledy MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Čína MeSH
• Japonsko MeSH
• Korea MeSH