Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are nucleotide sequences that are known to assume regulatory roles previously thought to be reserved for proteins. Their functions include the regulation of protein activity and localization and the organization of subcellular structures. Sequencing studies have now identified thousands of ncRNAs encoded within the prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, leading to advances in several fields including parasitology. ncRNAs play major roles in several aspects of vector-host-pathogen interactions. Arthropod vector ncRNAs are secreted through extracellular vesicles into vertebrate hosts to counteract host defense systems and ensure arthropod survival. Conversely, hosts can use specific ncRNAs as one of several strategies to overcome arthropod vector invasion. In addition, pathogens transmitted through vector saliva into vertebrate hosts also possess ncRNAs thought to contribute to their pathogenicity. Recent studies have addressed ncRNAs in vectors or vertebrate hosts, with relatively few studies investigating the role of ncRNAs derived from pathogens and their involvement in establishing infections, especially in the context of vector-borne diseases. This Review summarizes recent data focusing on pathogen-derived ncRNAs and their role in modulating the cellular responses that favor pathogen survival in the vertebrate host and the arthropod vector, as well as host ncRNAs that interact with vector-borne pathogens.

• Klíčová slova
• Host–pathogen interactions, Non-coding RNAs, Vector-borne infection,
• MeSH
• členovci - vektory MeSH
• eukaryotické buňky MeSH
• infekce přenášené vektorem * MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu genetika   MeSH
• nekódující RNA * genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• nekódující RNA * MeSH

Despite the global distribution of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) sensu lato (s.l.), limited information exists about their identity from the Arabian Peninsula. Ticks from free roaming urban dogs and dromedary camels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were morphologically identified, confirmed with scanning electron microscopy and characterised at mitochondrial DNA (cox1, 12S rDNA and 16S rDNA). A total of 186 ticks were collected from 65 free roaming dogs (n = 73) and 84 dromedary camels (n = 113). Morphologically, 5.9% (11/186) were R. sanguineus s.l. and Hyalomma spp. (93.5%, 174/186). From within R. sanguineus s.l., the presence of Rhipicephalus cf. camicasi Morel, Mouchet et Rodhain, 1976 (1 dog, 2 camels) and Rhipicephalus turanicus Pomerantsev, 1936 (1 camel) is reported. The examined R. cf. camicasi form a sister group to R. sanguineus s.l. tropical lineage at all DNA markers. Dogs were parasitised by Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 (n = 59), Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze et Schlottke, 1930 (n = 1), Hyalomma excavatum Koch, 1844 (n = 2), Hyalomma turanicum Pomerantsev, 1946 (n = 1) and Hyalomma rufipes Koch,1844 (n = 1). DNA from dog blood (n = 53) from Riyadh confirmed a low prevalence of canine vector-borne pathogens that does not exceed 5.7% for Babesia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis using multiplexed tandem PCR (MT-PCR) and diagnostic PCR. Low prevalence of R. sanguineus s.l. on dogs likely contributed to the low level of canine vector-borne pathogens in Saudi Arabia. We demonstrate that dogs in the central Arabian Peninsula are more commonly parasitised by Hyalomma spp. than R. sanguineus s.l.

• Klíčová slova
• SEM, brown dog tick, molecular identity, morphology, mtDNA, real-time PCR,
• MeSH
• arachnida jako vektory klasifikace   mikrobiologie   parazitologie   MeSH
• Ixodidae klasifikace   mikrobiologie   parazitologie   MeSH
• nemoci přenášené vektory epidemiologie   mikrobiologie   parazitologie   veterinární   MeSH
• nemoci psů epidemiologie   mikrobiologie   parazitologie   MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• psi MeSH
• Rhipicephalus sanguineus mikrobiologie   parazitologie   MeSH
• velbloudi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• psi MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Saudská Arábie epidemiologie   MeSH

BACKGROUND: Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are a major threat to humans, livestock and companion animals worldwide. The combined effect of climatic, socioeconomic and host composition changes favours the spread of the vectors, together with the expansion of invasive carnivores contributing to the spread of the pathogens. In Europe, the most widespread invasive species of carnivores are raccoons (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides). This study focused on the detection of four major groups of VBPs namely Babesia, Hepatozoon, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Bartonella in invasive and native carnivores in the Czech Republic, with the emphasis on the role of invasive carnivores in the eco-epidemiology of said VBPs. METHODS: Spleen samples of 84 carnivores of eight species (Canis aureus, Canis lupus, Lynx lynx, P. lotor, Martes foina, Lutra lutra, Mustela erminea and N. procyonoides) were screened by combined nested PCR and sequencing for the above-mentioned VBPs targeting 18S rRNA and cytB in hemoprotozoa, groEL in A. phagocytophilum, and using multilocus genotyping in Bartonella spp. The species determination is supported by phylogenetic analysis inferred by the maximum likelihood method. RESULTS: Out of 84 samples, 44% tested positive for at least one pathogen. Five different species of VBPs were detected in P. lotor, namely Bartonella canis, Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon martis, A. phagocytophilum and Bartonella sp. related to Bartonella washoensis. All C. lupus tested positive for H. canis and one for B. canis. Three VBPs (Hepatozoon silvestris, A. phagocytophilum and Bartonella taylorii) were detected in L. lynx for the first time. Babesia vulpes and yet undescribed species of Babesia, not previously detected in Europe, were found in N. procyonoides. CONCLUSIONS: Wild carnivores in the Czech Republic are hosts of several VBPs with potential veterinary and public health risks. Among the studied carnivore species, the invasive raccoon is the most competent host. Raccoons are the only species in our study where all the major groups of studied pathogens were detected. None of the detected pathogen species were previously detected in these carnivores in North America, suggesting that raccoons adapted to local VBPs rather than introduced new ones. Babesia vulpes and one new, probably imported species of Babesia, were found in raccoon dogs.

• Klíčová slova
• Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia, Bartonella, Carnivores, Hepatozoon, Invasive species, Vector-borne pathogens,
• MeSH
• Babesia * genetika   MeSH
• Carnivora * MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Lynx * MeSH
• mývalové MeSH
• psík mývalovitý MeSH
• vydry * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

Trained immunity is defined as an enhanced state of the innate system which leads to an improved immune response against related or non-related pathogens. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, a live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis strain, is currently one of the main inductors of trained immunity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of heat-inactivated M. bovis (HIMB) against Plasmodium berghei and Borrelia burgdorferi and characterize the immunological mechanisms involved. BALB/c and C3H/HeN mice were randomly assigned in similar number to either immunized group receiving two oral doses of HIMB with a 4-week interval, or control group treated with PBS. All the BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally infected with P. berghei while the C3H/HeN mice were subcutaneously infected with B. burgdorferi. Pathogen burden was significantly reduced in both immunized groups when compared to controls. The number of macrophages significantly decreased in the liver or in the spleen of the mice that had been immunized prior to the challenge with P. berghei or B. burgdorferi, respectively. Furthermore, the immunized groups showed an apparent upregulation of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-1α in the liver (P. berghei challenge) or a significant increase in IL-1α producing cells in the spleen (B. burgdorferi challenge). Our findings suggest that oral immunization with heat-inactivated mycobacteria limits pathogen burden through stimulation of the innate immune response in two vector-borne diseases in mice.

• Klíčová slova
• Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycobacterium bovis, Plasmodium berghei, Trained immunity, Vector-borne disease,
• MeSH
• adjuvancia imunologická * aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• BCG vakcína * imunologie   aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• Borrelia burgdorferi imunologie   MeSH
• cytokiny MeSH
• inaktivované vakcíny imunologie   aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• interferon gama imunologie   MeSH
• interleukin-1alfa imunologie   MeSH
• játra imunologie   MeSH
• lymeská nemoc * prevence a kontrola   imunologie   MeSH
• makrofágy imunologie   MeSH
• malárie * prevence a kontrola   imunologie   MeSH
• Mycobacterium bovis * imunologie   MeSH
• myši inbrední BALB C MeSH
• myši inbrední C3H MeSH
• myši MeSH
• Plasmodium berghei imunologie   MeSH
• protilátky bakteriální krev   MeSH
• slezina imunologie   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• TNF-alfa imunologie   MeSH
• vysoká teplota MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• adjuvancia imunologická * MeSH
• BCG vakcína * MeSH
• cytokiny MeSH
• inaktivované vakcíny MeSH
• interferon gama MeSH
• interleukin-1alfa MeSH
• protilátky bakteriální MeSH
• TNF-alfa MeSH

Blood-sucking arthropods belonging to the order Diptera, encompassing mosquitoes, sandflies, midges, blackflies, horseflies and tsetseflies serve as vectors for a myriad of pathogens, inflicting substantial harm on both human and animal health globally. The analysis and visualisation of global hotspots and trends pertaining to vector-borne diseases, stemming from these six categories of arthropods, constituted a reliable reference for further delving into the research on Diptera insect vectors. To achieve this, we mined literature information from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), encompassing all publications related to these six arthropod groups, and leveraged VOSviewer software for bibliometric analysis and visualisation. This resulted in the construction of comprehensive relationship networks encompassing keywords, countries, institutions and authors. A comprehensive analysis encompassed 41,393 research publications, segmented into 34,363 studies on mosquitoes, 1,668 on sandflies, 3,665 on midges, 241 on blackflies, 336 on horseflies and 1,120 on tsetseflies. The bibliometric analysis, coupled with visual characterisation, offered a multifaceted synthesis of the gathered data from diverse angles. The scientometric analysis quantitatively assessed and identified the contributions of keywords, countries, institutions and authors pertaining to the research of each vector. The resulting visualisation knowledge maps elucidate collaborative network relationships within the respective vector research domains. This research endeavour stems from numerous driving forces, and a comprehensive grasp of its future trajectories and research hotspots can empower scientists with historical perspectives and forward-looking insights, fostering the formulation of innovative and impactful research ideas for the years ahead.

• Klíčová slova
• blackfly, horsefly, midge, mosquito, sandfly, tsetsefly,
• MeSH
• bibliometrie * MeSH
• Diptera * MeSH
• hmyz - vektory * parazitologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci přenášené vektory * epidemiologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Ticks and the pathogens they transmit constitute a growing burden for human and animal health worldwide. Vector competence is a component of vectorial capacity and depends on genetic determinants affecting the ability of a vector to transmit a pathogen. These determinants affect traits such as tick-host-pathogen and susceptibility to pathogen infection. Therefore, the elucidation of the mechanisms involved in tick-pathogen interactions that affect vector competence is essential for the identification of molecular drivers for tick-borne diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of tick-pathogen molecular interactions for bacteria, viruses, and protozoa affecting human and animal health. Additionally, the impact of tick microbiome on these interactions was considered. Results show that different pathogens evolved similar strategies such as manipulation of the immune response to infect vectors and facilitate multiplication and transmission. Furthermore, some of these strategies may be used by pathogens to infect both tick and mammalian hosts. Identification of interactions that promote tick survival, spread, and pathogen transmission provides the opportunity to disrupt these interactions and lead to a reduction in tick burden and the prevalence of tick-borne diseases. Targeting some of the similar mechanisms used by the pathogens for infection and transmission by ticks may assist in development of preventative strategies against multiple tick-borne diseases.

• Klíčová slova
• Anaplasma, Babesia, Borrelia, flavivirus, immunology, microbiome, tick, vaccine,
• MeSH
• arachnida jako vektory mikrobiologie   parazitologie   virologie   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu * MeSH
• klíšťata mikrobiologie   parazitologie   fyziologie   virologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci přenášené klíšťaty epidemiologie   MeSH
• přenos infekční nemoci * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Vector-borne diseases (VBD) challenge our understanding of emerging diseases. Recently, arthropod vectors have been involved in emerging anaphylactic diseases. In particular, the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody response to the carbohydrate Galα1-3Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R (α-gal) following a tick bite was associated with allergies to red meat, cetuximab, and gelatin. By contrast, an anti-α-gal IgM antibody response was shown to protect against mosquito-borne malaria. Herein, we highlight the interplay between the gut microbiota, vectors, transmitted pathogens, and the regulation of the immune response as a model to understand the protective or allergic effect of α-gal. Establishing the source of α-gal in arthropod vectors and the immune response to vector bites and transmitted pathogens will be essential for diagnosing, treating, and ultimately preventing these emerging anaphylactic and other vector-borne diseases.

• Klíčová slova
• alpha-gal, malaria, tick, vaccine, vector-borne diseases,
• MeSH
• alergie imunologie   MeSH
• členovci - vektory imunologie   MeSH
• imunoglobulin E imunologie   MeSH
• infekce přenášené vektorem * MeSH
• interakce hostitele a parazita imunologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• proteiny členovců imunologie   MeSH
• Th2 buňky imunologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• imunoglobulin E MeSH
• proteiny členovců MeSH

Owing to the complex nature of vector-borne diseases (VBDs), whereby monitoring of human case patients does not suffice, public health authorities experience challenges in surveillance and control of VBDs. Knowledge on the presence and distribution of vectors and the pathogens that they transmit is vital to the risk assessment process to permit effective early warning, surveillance, and control of VBDs. Upon accepting this reality, public health authorities face an ever-increasing range of possible surveillance targets and an associated prioritization process. Here, we propose a comprehensive approach that integrates three surveillance strategies: population-based surveillance, disease-based surveillance, and context-based surveillance for EU member states to tailor the best surveillance strategy for control of VBDs in their geographic region. By classifying the surveillance structure into five different contexts, we hope to provide guidance in optimizing surveillance efforts. Contextual surveillance strategies for VBDs entail combining organization and data collection approaches that result in disease intelligence rather than a preset static structure.

• Klíčová slova
• disease burden, emerging diseases, one health, surveillance, threat, vector-borne diseases,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

• Klíčová slova
• Microbiota, probiotics, vaccine, vector-borne diseases, α-Gal,
• MeSH
• Bacteria imunologie   MeSH
• disacharidy imunologie   MeSH
• infekce přenášené vektorem * MeSH
• infekční nemoci imunologie   terapie   přenos   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární evoluce MeSH
• přenos infekční nemoci prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• probiotika terapeutické užití   MeSH
• protilátky imunologie   MeSH
• vakcíny imunologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• úvodníky MeSH
• Názvy látek
• disacharidy MeSH
• galactosyl-(1-3)galactose MeSH Prohlížeč
• protilátky MeSH
• vakcíny MeSH

Ixodes ricinus ticks are vectors of numerous human and animal pathogens. They are host generalists able to feed on more than 300 vertebrate species. The prevalence of tick-borne pathogens is influenced by host-vector-pathogen interactions that results in spatial distribution of infection risk. Broad-range polymerase chain reaction electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) was used to analyze 435 I. ricinus nymphs from four localities in the south of the Czech Republic for the species identification of tick-borne pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes were the most common pathogen detected in the ticks; 21% of ticks were positive for a single genospecies and 2% were co-infected with two genospecies. Other tick-borne pathogens detected included Rickettsia helvetica (3.9%), R. monacensis (0.2%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (2.8%), Babesia venatorum (0.9%), and Ba. microti (0.5%). The vertebrate host of the ticks was determined using PCR followed by reverse line blot hybridization from the tick's blood-meal remnants. The host was identified for 61% of ticks. DNA of two hosts was detected in 16% of samples with successful host identification. The majority of ticks had fed on artiodactyls (50.7%) followed by rodents (28.6%) and birds (7.8%). Other host species were wild boar, deer, squirrels, field mice and voles.

• Klíčová slova
• Anaplasma, Babesia, Borrelia, Ixodes ricinus, Lyme borreliosis, PCR-ESI/MS, Rickettsia, host, tick,
• MeSH
• Anaplasma phagocytophilum genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• Artiodactyla MeSH
• Arvicolinae MeSH
• Babesia klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• Borrelia burgdorferi genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• infestace klíšťaty * MeSH
• klíště mikrobiologie   parazitologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• ptáci MeSH
• Rickettsia klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• Sciuridae MeSH
• Sus scrofa MeSH
• vysoká zvěř MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH