Introduction and objective. Expansion into new areas and the great epidemiological significance of the D. reticulatus tick in Europe prompts investigations of its ethology. Therefore, the locomotor activity of D. reticulatus adult stages in an optimal habitat during the spring and autumn activity periods was analysed. Materials and method. Marked D. reticulatus adults were placed at the central point of each experimental plot. At regular time intervals, specimens attached to the cloth used in the flagging method were collected, and the distance covered by the ticks was measured. In each collection round, the temperature and humidity level in the habitat was also measured. Results. Within 7 weeks, adult D. reticulatus ticks can cover an average distance of 60.71±44 cm. The locomotor activity of adult stages is greater during the spring than the autumn activity period. Questing, females cover a greater distance (66.35±100 cm) than male ticks (54.85±45 cm). Adult stages are characterised by greater aggressiveness 24 hours after being released, i.e. 30% of females and 19% of males attempt to attach to host skin. The locomotor activity in adult ticks depends on the humidity of the habitat (Z=-1.198; p=0.050). The temperature does not affect tick walking. Conclusions. Given the low rates of horizontal locomotion of adult D. reticulatus ticks, the prevalence of the species in nature is determined by the presence of their hosts and humidity conditions ensuring their further development and survival. The dependence of D. reticulatus locomotor activity and aggressiveness on the humidity level implies an increased risk of host attacks in locations and periods that offer favourable humidity conditions for this species.
Rickettsiae from the spotted fever group, i.e. the etiological agents of tick-borne lymphadenopathy/Dermacentor-borne necrotic erythema and lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA /DEBONEL) syndrome, are associated with ticks, including Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus. The expansion of these ticks into new areas increases the risk of infection of their hosts with tick-borne pathogens. The study summarises the importance of 2 species from the genus Dermacentor, i.e. D. marginatus and D. reticulatus, in the spread of spotted fever group rickettsiae in various regions of Europe. The study also focuses on the determinants of the presence of vectors and transmission of rickettsiae, as well as the effects of human infections with these pathogens. The climate changes observed nowadays affect vectors and increase the incidence and spread of tick-borne diseases worldwide. Due to the existing risk of exposure to an increasing number of people, knowledge about the course of these serious diseases and their etiological factors should be disseminated among healthcare professionals as well as in society. There is a great challenge for epidemiological services to provide access to medical and veterinary facilities in order to diagnose and treat rickettsioses. Therefore, the development of a strategy for tick control and the popularisation of knowledge concerning prophylaxis of tick-borne diseases is indispensable.
It was proved that transmission of some pathogens may occur between infected and uninfected ticks co-feeding on a host in the absence of systemic infection. The effect was studied of co-feeding of two different tick species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus on the course of the non-parasitic stage. Species chosen for the experiment may share their habitats and co-infest animals in nature. In the course of the study the process of egg maturation, oviposition and larval hatching were investigated. In order to estimate if co-feeding influence can counteract host immunity, three subsequent infestations of rabbits were analyzed. Mono-specific groups values of such a parameters as egg amount, number of eggs per 1 mg of female engorgement weight, female oviposition weight loss, hatching success were higher in inter-specific groups were compared. The results indicate that co-feeding with other tick species may partially reduce the influence of host resistance in subsequent infestation.
A unique phenomenon of oral-anal contact between ticks observed in two tick species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus.
Introduction. An increase in the number of elderly people and hence in dementia is the consequence of extended lifespans worldwide. Difficulties in organising and financing care for elderly patients as well as considerable treatment costs have become major issues for contemporary healthcare systems because of a large number of people affected by dementia. Aim. This research aimed at attempting to specify the risk of dementia in elderly people under institutional longterm care. Material and Methods. The research cohort was comprised of 300 elderly patients who were staying in long-term care institutions all over Poland. The investigation employed the NOSGER scale (Nurses' Observation Scale for Geriatric Patients), which allows both professional and non-professional carers of the elderly to evaluate physical, mental, and social state of their patients quickly and easily. Results. An overall evaluation of the elderly averaged out at 74.76±20.80. Investigated patients functioned best in the domain of distracting activities (7.83±2.58) and memory (10.38±3.81). Mood (12.18±4.39) and activities of daily living (13.19±5.31) averaged out at slightly lower levels. Finally, greatest deficits were discovered in the domain of social behaviour (14.42±5.16) and instrumental activities of daily living (16.74±4.82). Conclusions. Research findings show that the group of geriatric patients staying in long-term care institutions faces low risk of dementia changes. Within the domains that are significant for changes of this type (memory, mood, disruptive behaviour) patients functioned at a relatively good level. Greatest deficits were only found in the domain of physical functioning, which was related to restricting their functional ability caused by already existing ailments and age-related constraints.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.