Epidemiological Characteristics of Spotted Fever in Israel over 26 Years

Aharonowitz, Gali; Koton, Silvia; Segal, Samuel; Anis, Emilia; Green, Manfred S.

doi:10.1086/313432

Cited by 24 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 9 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Rhipicephalus sanguineus and probably Rhipicephalus turanicus are the vectors of R. conorii, which is endemic in Israel. 6,7 Israel's central position in Asia between Africa and Europe makes it an ideal location for examining the possibility of the introduction of different rickettsial species between these geographical regions. Ticks can be transferred from one continent to another by birds and animal migrations and therefore the importance of determining the geographical distribution of the different rickettsial species in this region.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rickettsia africae and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae in Ticks in Israel

Waner¹,

Keysary²,

Eremeeva³

et al. 2014

The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. DNA of several spotted fever group rickettsiae was found in ticks in Israel. The findings include evidence for the existence of Rickettsia africae and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae in ticks in Israel. The DNA of R. africae was detected in a Hyalomma detritum tick from a wild boar and DNA of C. Rickettsia barbariae was detected in Rhipicephalus turanicus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus collected from vegetation. The DNA of Rickettsia massiliae was found in Rh. sanguineus and Haemaphysalis erinacei, whereas DNA of Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae was detected in a Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus. Clinicians should be aware that diseases caused by a variety of rickettsiae previously thought to be present only in other countries outside of the Middle East may infect residents of Israel who have not necessarily traveled overseas. Furthermore, this study reveals again that the epidemiology of the spotted fever group rickettsiae may not only involve Rickettsia conorii but may include other rickettsiae.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rickettsia africae and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae in Ticks in Israel

Waner¹,

Keysary²,

Eremeeva³

et al. 2014

The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…SFGR include at least 15 species described as the causative agents of rickettsioses mostly transmitted to humans by ticks of the genera Dermacentor, Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma (17). Israel is a region endemic for Israeli spotted fever caused by Rickettsia conorii israelensis, where fatal cases have been reported (18,19). SFGR, such as R. felis, R. sibirica mongolitimonae, R. africae, R. massiliae, and R. aeschlimannii, were also found in various tick species in Israel, including in Hyalomma species (20)(21)(22).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Francisella-Like Endosymbionts and Rickettsia Species in Local and Imported Hyalomma Ticks

Azagi

Klement

Perlman

et al. 2017

Appl Environ Microbiol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Hyalomma ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are hosts for Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLE) and may serve as vectors of zoonotic disease agents. This study aimed to provide an initial characterization of the interaction between Hyalomma and FLE and to determine the prevalence of pathogenic Rickettsia in these ticks. Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma aegyptium, and Hyalomma excavatum ticks, identified morphologically and molecularly, were collected from different hosts and locations representing the distribution of the genus Hyalomma in Israel, as well as from migratory birds. A high prevalence of FLE was found in all Hyalomma species (90.6%), as well as efficient maternal transmission of FLE (91.8%), and the localization of FLE in Malpighian tubules, ovaries, and salivary glands in H. marginatum. Furthermore, we demonstrated strong cophylogeny between FLE and their host species. Contrary to FLE, the prevalence of Rickettsia ranged from 2.4% to 81.3% and was significantly different between Hyalomma species, with a higher prevalence in ticks collected from migratory birds. Using ompA gene sequences, most of the Rickettsia spp. were similar to Rickettsia aeschlimannii, while a few were similar to Rickettsia africae of the spotted fever group (SFG). Given their zoonotic importance, 249 ticks were tested for Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infection, and all were negative. The results imply that Hyalomma and FLE have obligatory symbiotic interactions, indicating a potential SFG Rickettsia zoonosis risk. A further understanding of the possible influence of FLE on Hyalomma development, as well as on its infection with Rickettsia pathogens, may lead to novel ways to control tick-borne zoonoses.IMPORTANCE This study shows that Francisella-like endosymbionts were ubiquitous in Hyalomma, were maternally transmitted, and cospeciated with their hosts. These findings imply that the interaction between FLE and Hyalomma is of an obligatory nature. It provides an example of an integrative taxonomy approach to simply differentiate among species infesting the same host and to identify nymphal and larval stages to be used in further studies. In addition, it shows the potential of imported Hyalomma ticks to serve as a vector for spotted fever group rickettsiae. The information gathered in this study can be further implemented in the development of symbiont-based disease control strategies for the benefit of human health.

show abstract

“…The incidence ranged from 0.7 to 10.3/100,000 (20-370 annual cases) from 1971 through 1980; it has declined steadily since 1980, reaching a nadir of 0.29/100,000 (20 cases) in 2004. The highest annual incidence reported was among children <10 years of age (10.5/100,000), and the lowest among persons >65 years (2/100,000) (12). A strong seasonal pattern exists, with the highest incidence occurring between June and October (12).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…The highest annual incidence reported was among children <10 years of age (10.5/100,000), and the lowest among persons >65 years (2/100,000) (12). A strong seasonal pattern exists, with the highest incidence occurring between June and October (12). The case-fatality rate in Israel from 1971 through 1998 ranged from 0% to 3.5%, with an average rate of 0.7% (12).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%