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Article: Survey of Ticks and Tick-Borne Rickettsial and Protozoan Pathogens in Eswatini.

Ledger, Kimberly J / Beati, Lorenza / Wisely, Samantha M

2021 Volume 10, Issue 8

Abstract: Ticks are widespread parasites of vertebrates and major vectors of pathogens to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In southern Africa, numerous tick species transmit diseases of economic and health importance. This study aimed to describe the ... ...

Abstract	Ticks are widespread parasites of vertebrates and major vectors of pathogens to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In southern Africa, numerous tick species transmit diseases of economic and health importance. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in multiple land-use types and the possible role of ticks in the transmission of pathogen species. Using molecular techniques, we screened 1716 ticks for infection by rickettsial bacteria and protozoans. To characterize pathogen identity, we sequenced multiple loci from positive samples and analyzed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. Across the seven tick species collected as nymphs or adults, we detected
Language	English
Publishing date	2021-08-17
Publishing country	Switzerland
Document type	Journal Article
ZDB-ID	2695572-6
ISSN	2076-0817
ISSN	2076-0817
DOI	10.3390/pathogens10081043
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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Article ; Online: Assessing methods for detecting Alexandrium catenella (Dinophyceae) and paralytic shellfish toxins in Southeast Alaska.

Cornett, Juliana C / Cates, Rebecca J / Ledger, Kimberly J / Pinger, Cody W / Hart, Courtney E / Laboda, Katherine R / Larson, Wesley A / Hollarsmith, Jordan A

Integrated environmental assessment and management

2024

Abstract: Blooms of Alexandrium catenella threaten to disrupt subsistence, recreational, and commercial shellfish harvest in Alaska, as the paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) produced pose a serious public health risk and can lead to costly shutdowns for shellfish ... ...

Abstract	Blooms of Alexandrium catenella threaten to disrupt subsistence, recreational, and commercial shellfish harvest in Alaska, as the paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) produced pose a serious public health risk and can lead to costly shutdowns for shellfish farmers. Current methods of PST detection in the region range from monitoring programs utilizing net tows to detect A. catenella to direct shellfish tissue testing via mouse bioassay (MBA) for commercial aquaculture harvest, as well as various optional testing methods for subsistence and recreational harvesters. The efficacy and feasibility of these methods vary, and they have not been directly compared in Southeast Alaska. In this study, we sought to assess and compare A. catenella and PST early detection methods to determine which can provide the most effective and accurate warning of A. catenella blooms or PST events. We found microscope counts to be variable and prone to missing lower numbers of A. catenella, which may be indicative of bloom formation. However, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) significantly correlated with microscope counts and was able to effectively detect even low numbers of A. catenella on all sampling days. Paralytic shellfish toxin concentrations measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and MBA significantly correlated with each other, qPCR, and some microscope counts. These results show that qPCR is an effective tool for both monitoring A. catenella and serving as a proxy for PSTs. Further work is needed to refine qPCR protocols in this system to provide bloom warnings on an actionable timescale for the aquaculture industry and other shellfish harvesters. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-14. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Language	English
Publishing date	2024-05-07
Publishing country	United States
Document type	Journal Article
ZDB-ID	2234931-5
ISSN	1551-3793 ; 1551-3777
ISSN (online)	1551-3793
ISSN	1551-3777
DOI	10.1002/ieam.4944
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Article: Survey of Ticks and Tick-Borne Rickettsial and Protozoan Pathogens in Eswatini

Ledger, Kimberly J. / Beati, Lorenza / Wisely, Samantha M.

Pathogens. 2021 Aug. 17, v. 10, no. 8

2021

Abstract	Ticks are widespread parasites of vertebrates and major vectors of pathogens to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In southern Africa, numerous tick species transmit diseases of economic and health importance. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in multiple land-use types and the possible role of ticks in the transmission of pathogen species. Using molecular techniques, we screened 1716 ticks for infection by rickettsial bacteria and protozoans. To characterize pathogen identity, we sequenced multiple loci from positive samples and analyzed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. Across the seven tick species collected as nymphs or adults, we detected Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Theileira species. We found that some tick species and tick-borne pathogens differed according to land use. For example, we found a higher density of Haemaphysalis elliptica and higher prevalence of Rickettsia in H. elliptica collected from savanna grasses used for livestock grazing near human settlements than savanna grasses in conservation areas. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive surveillance to achieve a full understanding of the diversity and ecology of the tick-borne pathogens that can infect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.
Keywords	Anaplasma ; Babesia ; Ehrlichia ; Haemaphysalis ; Hepatozoon ; Protozoa ; Rickettsia ; humans ; livestock ; monitoring ; pathogens ; phylogeny ; savannas ; surveys ; ticks ; wildlife ; Eswatini
Language	English
Dates of publication	2021-0817
Publishing place	Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Document type	Article
ZDB-ID	2695572-6
ISSN	2076-0817
ISSN	2076-0817
DOI	10.3390/pathogens10081043
Database	NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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Article ; Online: Entomological risk of African tick-bite fever (Rickettsia africae infection) in Eswatini.

Ledger, Kimberly J / Innocent, Hanna / Lukhele, Sifiso M / Dorleans, Rayann / Wisely, Samantha M

PLoS neglected tropical diseases

2022 Volume 16, Issue 5, Page(s) e0010437

Abstract: Background: Rickettsia africae is a tick-borne bacterium that causes African tick-bite fever (ATBF) in humans. In southern Africa, the tick Amblyomma hebraeum serves as the primary vector and reservoir for R. africae and transmits the bacterium during ... ...

Abstract	Background: Rickettsia africae is a tick-borne bacterium that causes African tick-bite fever (ATBF) in humans. In southern Africa, the tick Amblyomma hebraeum serves as the primary vector and reservoir for R. africae and transmits the bacterium during any life stage. Previous research has shown that even when malaria has been dramatically reduced, unexplained acute febrile illnesses persist and may be explained by the serological evidence of rickettsiae in humans. Methodology/principal findings: We collected 12,711 questing Amblyomma larvae across multiple land use types in a savanna landscape in Eswatini. Our results show that host-seeking Amblyomma larvae are abundant across both space and time, with no significant difference in density by land use or season. We investigated the entomological risk (density of infected larvae) of ATBF from A. hebraeum larvae by testing over 1,600 individual larvae for the presence of R. africae using a novel multiplex qPCR assay. We found an infection prevalence of 64.9% (95% CI: 62.1-67.6%) with no land use type significantly impacting prevalence during the dry season of 2018. The mean density of infected larvae was 57.3 individuals per 100m2 (95% CI: 49-65 individuals per 100m2). Conclusions: Collectively, our results demonstrate R. africae infected A. hebraeum larvae, the most common tick species and life stage to bite humans in southern Africa, are ubiquitous in the savanna landscape of this region. Increased awareness of rickettsial diseases is warranted for policymakers, scientists, clinicians, and patients. Early detection of disease via increased clinician awareness and rapid diagnostics will improve patient outcomes for travelers and residents of this region.
MeSH term(s)	Amblyomma ; Animals ; Eswatini ; Humans ; Rickettsia/genetics ; Rickettsia Infections/microbiology ; Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis ; Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology ; Ticks/microbiology
Language	English
Publishing date	2022-05-16
Publishing country	United States
Document type	Journal Article ; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
ZDB-ID	2429704-5
ISSN	1935-2735 ; 1935-2735
ISSN (online)	1935-2735
ISSN	1935-2735
DOI	10.1371/journal.pntd.0010437
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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Article: Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Recreational Greenspaces in North Central Florida, USA.

Bhosale, Chanakya R / Wilson, Kristen N / Ledger, Kimberly J / White, Zoe S / Dorleans, Rayann / De Jesus, Carrie E / Wisely, Samantha M

Microorganisms

2023 Volume 11, Issue 3

Abstract: Tick-borne infections are an increasing medical and veterinary concern in the southeastern United States, but there is limited understanding of how recreational greenspaces influence the hazard of pathogen transmission. This study aimed to estimate the ... ...

Abstract	Tick-borne infections are an increasing medical and veterinary concern in the southeastern United States, but there is limited understanding of how recreational greenspaces influence the hazard of pathogen transmission. This study aimed to estimate the potential human and companion animal encounter risk with different questing tick species, and the bacterial or protozoal agents they carry in recreational greenspaces. We collected ticks bimonthly along trails and designated recreational areas in 17 publicly accessible greenspaces, in and around Gainesville, Florida, USA. We collected
Language	English
Publishing date	2023-03-15
Publishing country	Switzerland
Document type	Journal Article
ZDB-ID	2720891-6
ISSN	2076-2607
ISSN	2076-2607
DOI	10.3390/microorganisms11030756
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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Article: Trypanosoma cruzi

Torhorst, Carson W / Ledger, Kimberly J / White, Zoe S / Milleson, Michael P / Corral, Catalina C / Beatty, Norman L / Wisely, Samantha M

International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife

2023 Volume 21, Page(s) 237–245

Abstract: In Latin America, synanthropic mammalian reservoirs ... ...

Abstract	In Latin America, synanthropic mammalian reservoirs maintain
Language	English
Publishing date	2023-06-25
Publishing country	England
Document type	Journal Article
ZDB-ID	2715239-X
ISSN	2213-2244
ISSN	2213-2244
DOI	10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.06.009
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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Article ; Online: Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mammals in Florida: New insight into the transmission of T. cruzi in the southeastern United States

Torhorst, Carson W. / Ledger, Kimberly J. / White, Zoe S. / Milleson, Michael P. / Corral, Catalina C. / Beatty, Norman L. / Wisely, Samantha M.

International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife. 2023 Aug., v. 21 p.237-245

2023

Abstract: In Latin America, synanthropic mammalian reservoirs maintain Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, where they facilitate the transmission of the parasite to humans and other reservoir hosts in peridomestic settings. In the United States, raccoons ( ... ...

Abstract	In Latin America, synanthropic mammalian reservoirs maintain Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, where they facilitate the transmission of the parasite to humans and other reservoir hosts in peridomestic settings. In the United States, raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are known synanthropic T. cruzi reservoir hosts; however, the role these species have in the peridomestic transmission cycle in the US is not well understood. This study aimed to identify the suite of mammalian reservoirs of T. cruzi in Florida. We also compared infection prevalence in raccoon populations sampled from within and outside of the estimated distribution of the common T. cruzi vector in Florida to gain insight into how the arthropod vector distribution impacts the distribution of infected reservoirs in the state. Finally, to investigate the impact of peridomestic landscapes on parasite prevalence, we compared the prevalence of T. cruzi-infected raccoons and opossums across five paired peridomestic and sylvatic sites. We live-trapped and collected peripheral blood samples from 135 raccoons, 112 opossums, 18 nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), and nine species of rodents in north central Florida. Using quantitative PCR methods, we found that raccoons (42.2%, 95% CI [34.2–50.7%]) and opossums (50.9%, 95% CI [41.8–60.0%]) were infected with T. cruzi and the prevalence across habitats was similar for both raccoons (peridomestic: n = 77, 44.2%, 95% CI [33.6–55.3%], sylvatic: n = 58, 39.7%, 95% CI [28.1–52.5%]) and opossums (peridomestic: n = 66, 48.5%, 95% CI [36.8–60.3%], sylvatic: n = 46, 54.3%, 95% CI [40.2–67.8%]). Raccoons sampled outside the estimated distribution of Triatoma sanguisuga were not infected with T. cruzi (n = 73, 0.0%, 95% CI [0.0–5.0%]). Our study did not indicate that peridomestic habitats in Florida maintained a higher infection prevalence than their sylvatic counterparts; however, we did find a difference in prevalence within vs. outside the estimated vector distribution in Florida.
Keywords	Dasypus novemcinctus ; Didelphis virginiana ; Procyon lotor ; Triatoma sanguisuga ; Trypanosoma cruzi ; arthropods ; blood ; mammals ; parasites ; parasitology ; quantitative polymerase chain reaction ; synanthropes ; wildlife ; Florida ; Latin America ; Virginia ; Chagas disease ; Host ecology ; One Health ; Wildlife disease
Language	English
Dates of publication	2023-08
Size	p. 237-245.
Publishing place	Elsevier Ltd
Document type	Article ; Online
ZDB-ID	2715239-X
ISSN	2213-2244
ISSN	2213-2244
DOI	10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.06.009
Database	NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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Article ; Online: Multi-scale patterns of tick occupancy and abundance across an agricultural landscape in southern Africa.

Ledger, Kimberly J / Keenan, Ryan M / Sayler, Katherine A / Wisely, Samantha M

PloS one

2019 Volume 14, Issue 9, Page(s) e0222879

Abstract: Land use influences the prevalence and distribution of ticks due to the intimate relationship of ticks with their environment. This relationship occurs because land use alters two essential tick requirements: vertebrate hosts for blood meals and a ... ...

Abstract	Land use influences the prevalence and distribution of ticks due to the intimate relationship of ticks with their environment. This relationship occurs because land use alters two essential tick requirements: vertebrate hosts for blood meals and a suitable microclimate when off-host. Given the risks to human and animal health associated with pathogens transmitted by ticks, there is an ongoing need to understand the impact of environmental drivers on tick distributions. Here, we assessed how landscape features, neighborhood effects, and edges influenced tick occupancy and abundance across an agricultural landscape in southern Africa. We found that Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus simus increased in abundance closer to protected savanna, while Haemaphysalis elliptica increased in abundance closer to human habitation. The composition of the landscape surrounding savanna patches also differentially influenced the occupancy of each tick species; H. elliptica was more likely to be found in savanna patches surrounded by subsistence agriculture while R. appendiculatus and R. simus were more likely to be found in savanna surrounded by sugarcane monocultures. At the local scale we found that R. appendiculatus and R. simus avoided savanna edges. The availability of hosts and variation in vegetation structure between commercial agriculture, subsistence agriculture, and savanna likely drove the distribution of ticks at the landscape scale. Understanding how anthropogenic land use influences where ticks occur is useful for land use planning and for assessing public and animal health risks associated with ticks and tick-borne diseases.
MeSH term(s)	Africa, Southern/epidemiology ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; Rhipicephalus/immunology ; Rhipicephalus/physiology ; Seasons ; Tick Infestations/epidemiology ; Tick Infestations/immunology ; Tick Infestations/parasitology ; Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology ; Tick-Borne Diseases/immunology ; Tick-Borne Diseases/parasitology
Language	English
Publishing date	2019-09-20
Publishing country	United States
Document type	Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
ISSN	1932-6203
ISSN (online)	1932-6203
DOI	10.1371/journal.pone.0222879
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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Article: Variation in cross‐sectional horn shape within and among rhinoceros beetle species

McCullough, Erin L / Ledger, Kimberly J / Moore, Talia Y

Biological journal of the Linnean Society. 2015 Aug., v. 115, no. 4

2015

Abstract: Sexual selection has equipped male rhinoceros beetles with large horns on their head and prothorax to aid in battle over access to females. Horns are used to pry and dislodge opponents from resource sites that attract females, so an optimal horn should ... ...

Abstract	Sexual selection has equipped male rhinoceros beetles with large horns on their head and prothorax to aid in battle over access to females. Horns are used to pry and dislodge opponents from resource sites that attract females, so an optimal horn should be able both to withstand the high stresses imposed during fights, and to resist deflection in response to these loads. We examined the cross‐sectional morphology of horns using micro‐computed tomography scanning to determine how horn structure changes with horn length to withstand the different fighting loads. Specifically, we measured the second moment of area of horns within and among rhinoceros beetle species to assess whether changes in cross‐sectional morphology accompany changes in body size in order to maintain high strength and stiffness during fights. We find that the second moment of area of horns increases with body size both intra‐specifically and inter‐specifically, and that these relationships closely fit those predicted if horns have been selected to be strong and stiff fighting structures. Our results therefore support the hypothesis that rhinoceros beetle horns are structurally adapted for combat.
Keywords	Xyloryctes jamaicensis ; body size ; females ; head ; horns ; males ; micro-computed tomography ; sexual selection
Language	English
Dates of publication	2015-08
Size	p. 810-817.
Publishing place	Published for the Linnean Society of London by Blackwell [etc.]
Document type	Article
ZDB-ID	1461865-5
ISSN	1095-8312 ; 0024-4066
ISSN (online)	1095-8312
ISSN	0024-4066
DOI	10.1111/bij.12557
Database	NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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Article: Variation in cross‐sectional horn shape within and among rhinoceros beetle species

McCullough, Erin L. / Ledger, Kimberly J. / Moore, Talia Y.

Biological journal of the Linnean Society

Volume v. 115,, Issue no. 4

Abstract	Sexual selection has equipped male rhinoceros beetles with large horns on their head and prothorax to aid in battle over access to females. Horns are used to pry and dislodge opponents from resource sites that attract females, so an optimal horn should be able both to withstand the high stresses imposed during fights, and to resist deflection in response to these loads. We examined the cross‐sectional morphology of horns using micro‐computed tomography scanning to determine how horn structure changes with horn length to withstand the different fighting loads. Specifically, we measured the second moment of area of horns within and among rhinoceros beetle species to assess whether changes in cross‐sectional morphology accompany changes in body size in order to maintain high strength and stiffness during fights. We find that the second moment of area of horns increases with body size both intra‐specifically and inter‐specifically, and that these relationships closely fit those predicted if horns have been selected to be strong and stiff fighting structures. Our results therefore support the hypothesis that rhinoceros beetle horns are structurally adapted for combat.
Keywords	micro-computed tomography ; sexual selection ; horns ; males ; body size ; head ; females
Language	English
Document type	Article
ISSN	0024-4066
Database	AGRIS - International Information System for the Agricultural Sciences and Technology

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