Molecular screening of Amblyomma species (Acari: Ixodidae) imported from African countries to Egypt, with the first report of Amblyomma latum from the ball python, Python regius (Squamata: Pythonidae)

Abouelhassan, Eman M.; Kamel, Mahmoud; Chiţimia-Dobler, Lidia; Bakkes, Deon K.; Okely, Mohammed

doi:10.1007/s10493-023-00829-9

Cited by 1 publication

(6 citation statements)

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“…All the collected specimens were identified as A. lepidum using morphological characteristics and sequence data for the 12S and 16S rRNA genes, which are reliable genetic markers for species identification (Abouelhassan et al 2019 ). Although these ticks have been reported in several studies from Egypt (Adham et al 2009 ; Hassan et al 2017 ; Okely et al 2021 ; Abouelhassan et al 2023 ), this is the first report of morphological variations and abnormalities for this species. Morphological abnormalities were observed in only one specimen from a total of 57 A. lepidum specimens recorded during this study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 60%

“…As a continuation of the collection trips to monitor Amblyomma ticks in Egypt (Abouelhassan et al 2023 ), we examined dromedary camels monthly in 2023 in Giza governorate (Supplementary file 1 ), imported from three African countries: Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Six hundred (600) dromedary camels were inspected: 200 camels imported from Somalia, 200 from Ethiopia, and 200 from Sudan at the camel market in Giza governorate.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…All Amblyomma tick specimens were removed from camels using fine forceps and stored in vials containing 70% alcohol and 20% glycerol for transportation to the Okely’s Tick Collection (Department of Entomology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt) for morphological identification. Specimens were individually examined under a Labomed CZM4 Stereo Microscope (Labomed, Fremont, CA, USA) to identify them to species level based on morphological characteristics and taxonomic keys (Hoogstraal 1956 ; Walker et al 2003 ; Okely et al 2021 ; Abouelhassan et al 2023 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Occurrence records for A. lepidum were compiled from VectorMap ( www.vectormap.org ; 530 records), the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF; www.gbif.org ; 7 records), and data from Egyptian tick surveillance programs conducted by Mohammed Okely (M.O.) during the years 2019 to 2023 and documented in previous literature (Okely et al 2021 ; Abouelhassan et al 2023 ), including one record from Egypt. These 538 records were merged and underwent rigorous cleaning to minimize biases and overpredictions in current and future model estimations (Okely et al 2020 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This species was introduced from Sudan and East Africa with imported cattle into Egypt but has not been established yet (Hoogstraal 1952 ; Liebish et al 1989 ; Okely et al 2022b ). Recently, several studies collected A. lepidum from Egypt, but only male specimens were recorded (Youssef et al 2015 ; Hassan et al 2017 ; Okely et al 2021 ; Abouelhassan et al 2023 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Molecular identification and morphological variations of Amblyomma lepidum imported to Egypt, with notes about its potential distribution under climate change

Abouelhassan,

GadAllah,

Kamel

et al. 2024

Parasitol Res

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The tick Amblyomma lepidum is an ectoparasite of veterinary importance due to its role in transmitting livestock diseases in Africa, including heartwater. This study was conducted in 2023 to monitor Amblyomma spp. infestation in dromedary camels imported from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan to Egypt. This study inspected 200 camels at the Giza governorate’s camel market that had been imported from Somalia, 200 from Ethiopia, and 200 from Sudan for tick infestation. Specimens were identified using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the 12S and 16S rRNA genes. Clusters were calculated using an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram to group the specimens according to their morphometric characteristics. The morphometric analysis compared the body shape of ticks collected from different countries by analyzing dorsal features. Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA) were performed to obtain body shape variation among specimens from different countries. Results indicated that camels were infested by 57 males Amblyomma lepidum, and no female specimens were observed; among these specimens, one may have a morphological abnormality. The results suggest that A. lepidum specimens collected from camels imported to Egypt from African countries exhibit locally adapted morphology with variations among specimens, particularly variations in body size. This adaptation suggests minimal potential for genetic divergence. Ecological niche modeling was used to predict the areas in Africa with suitable climates for A. lepidum. The study confirmed that East African countries might have the most favorable climatic conditions for A. lepidum to thrive. Interestingly, the amount of rain during the wettest quarter (Bio16) had the strongest influence on the tick’s potential distribution, with suitability decreasing sharply as rainfall increased. Future predictions indicate that the climatic habitat suitability for A. lepidum will decrease under changing climate conditions. However, historical, current, and future predictions indicate no suitable climatic habitats for A. lepidum in Egypt. These findings demand continuous surveillance of A. lepidum in camel populations and the development of targeted strategies to manage tick infestations and prevent the spread of heartwater disease.

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