Occurrence of ticks in the subcutaneous tissue of red foxes, Vulpes vulpes in Czech Republic and Romania

D’Amico, Gianluca; Juránková, Jana; Tabaran, F.; Frgelecová, Lucia; Forejtek, P; Matei, Ioana Adriana; Ionică, Angela Monica; Hodžić, Adnan; Modrý, David; Mihalca, Andrei Daniel

doi:10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.12.004

Cited by 17 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Accordingly, we found three of the previously mentioned longirostral species (I. ricinus, I. hexagonus and I. canisuga) in the subcutaneous tissue. Likewise, previously published data from USA and Czech Republic/Romania show regional differences of tick species in the subcutaneous tissue depending on the prevailing tick fauna [18,20,21]. Fig.…”

Section: Body Partsupporting

confidence: 71%

“…Foxes are important hosts for a variety of endo-and ectoparasites and thereby reservoirs for animal pathogens and zoonoses [28]. The observed prevalence of subcutaneous ticks (88.1%) in the present study is higher than in Poland (38%) [20] and Czech Republic/Romania (15.4%) [18]. Moreover, the prevalence of subcutaneous ticks is higher in comparison with external tick prevalence in red foxes from Italy (7.4%) [29] and Romania (53.9%) [30], but coincides to studies from Spain (51.1-84.6%) [31][32][33] and Germany (76.5-82.6%) [7,34].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 54%

“…These findings are in line with published records of subcutaneous ticks, where Ixodes ticks dominated over Dermacentor spp. which were found only occasionally [18,20]. The deep embedment (as in longirostra) was previously discussed to be favorable for the subcutaneous location of ticks [18].…”

Section: Body Partmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…The localization of subcutaneous ticks at different body regions of the red fox has not been analyzed yet; therefore, we documented the localization of each tick in order to determine the abundance of these ticks in the subcutaneous tissue. Precise species identification of subcutaneous ticks based on morphological criteria is possible only to a limited extent due to the advanced degradation process in subcutaneous tissue, as seen in previous studies [18]. Hence, this study aims to use molecular biology techniques to identify subcutaneous ticks to species level.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Interestingly, in some cases ticks can also be found in the subcutaneous tissue in a variety of hosts including red foxes. The presence of subcutaneous ticks such as I. ricinus, I. hexagonus, I. crenulatus and D. reticulatus was noted in red foxes in several case studies from the UK, Poland, Austria, Romania, Slovakia and Czech Republic [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. In the USA, the native tick species Amblyomma americanum was likewise discovered in the subcutaneous tissue of red foxes [21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Under the skin: Ixodes ticks in the subcutaneous tissue of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Germany

et al. 2020

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Background: Ixodes spp. are vectors of zoonotic pathogens. All three active life stages (larvae, nymphs, adults) need to feed on a host in order to develop. Usually ticks parasitize attached to the external surface of their hosts' skin. Interestingly, in some cases ticks can also be found in the subcutaneous tissue in a variety of hosts, such as red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and dogs. Methods:The visceral side of 126 red fox-furs from Germany was examined visually searching for ticks. The localization of ticks was recorded and assigned to ten specific body parts. Morphological identification of ticks was performed according to standardized taxonomic protocols. Ticks which could not be further identified were examined genetically via conventional PCR targeting the 16S rRNA and cox1 gene. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used for histopathological examination.Results: In 111 out of 126 (88.1%) examined coats, at least one tick was found in the subcutaneous tissue. A total of 1203 ticks were removed from the subcutaneous tissue. Well-preserved ticks could be identified based on morphological criteria, but most ticks were in a progressed state of decomposition. Here, morphological species identification was not successful. Also, PCR methods did not lead to a successful species identification. The following species and development stages were found by morphological identification: Ixodes ricinus (female, n = 289; male, n = 8; nymph, n = 1), I. hexagonus (female, n = 2), I. canisuga (female, n = 1). Male I. ricinus were found individually or copulating in pairs with females. Subcutaneous ticks were localized at three predominant affected body parts: ears, axillar and inguinal region. Histological examination of subcutaneous ticks revealed a granulomatous panniculitis. Conclusions:To the authors' knowledge, this is the first finding of highly prevalent subcutaneous ticks in red foxes from Germany. Subcutaneous location of ticks seems to be very common in red foxes and the rule rather than the exception. Deep embedment of longirostra and long feeding times of females seem to put the subcutaneous location in favor. Most foxes were infested in the inguinal area, where the skin is thin and less hairy.

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Section: Body Partsupporting

confidence: 71%