The first authenticated record of the pangolin tick Amblyomma javanense (Acari: Ixodidae) in Singapore, with notes on its biology and conservation

Kwak, Mackenzie L.; Hsu, Chia-Da; Douay, Guillaume; Ahmad, Ali Anwar

doi:10.1007/s10493-018-0310-7

Cited by 20 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 17 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…[51]. Recently, several studies reported Amblyomma javanense detected from pangolins in Singapore [52] and China [53], and Amblyomma compressum ticks on pangolins from Congo [54]. Our study is the first to observe Am.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 57%

Morphological, molecular and MALDI-TOF MS identification of ticks and tick-associated pathogens in Vietnam

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been reported as a promising and reliable tool for arthropod identification, including the identification of alcohol-preserved ticks based on extracted leg protein spectra. In this study, the legs of 361 ticks collected in Vietnam, including 251 Rhiphicephalus sanguineus s.l, 99 Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, two Amblyomma varanensis, seven Dermacentor auratus, one Dermacentor compactus, and one Amblyomma sp. were submitted for MALDI-TOF MS analyses. Spectral analysis showed intra-species reproducibility and inter-species specificity and the spectra of 329 (91%) specimens were of excellent quality. The blind test of 310 spectra remaining after updating the database with 19 spectra revealed that all were correctly identified with log score values (LSV) ranging from 1.7 to 2.396 with a mean of 1.982 ± 0.142 and a median of 1.971. The DNA of several microorganisms including Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia rustica, Babesia vogeli, Theileria sinensis, and Theileria orientalis were detected in 25 ticks. Co-infection by A. phagocytophilum and T. sinensis was found in one Rh. (B) microplus.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 57%

Morphological, molecular and MALDI-TOF MS identification of ticks and tick-associated pathogens in Vietnam

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Additionally, H. flava , A. testudinarium , H. longicornis , and D. taiwanensis have been recorded in wild Japanese black bears ( U. t. japanicus ) [ 17 , 23 ]. A. javanense ticks are commonly found in reptiles and mammals, especially in pangolins [ 64 ]. Phylogenetic analysis and data of tick species in other animals in the same area would be helpful in investigating the distribution and sources of A. javanense in the country.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hematological and plasma profiles and ticks and tick-borne pathogens in wild Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus)

Tsai,

Wechtaisong,

Lee

et al. 2024

Parasites Vectors

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background The endangered Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) is the largest native carnivorous mammal in Taiwan. Diseases, poor management, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction are serious threats to the survival of bear populations. However, studies on the impact of diseases on bear populations are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of free-ranging Formosan black bears and investigate the occurrence of ectoparasites, blood parasites, and vector-borne pathogens. Methods Formosan black bears were captured in Yushan National Park (YNP) and Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area (DSY) in Taiwan. Blood samples were collected from each bear for hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry using a hematology analyzer. Parasites and pathogens were detected using a thin blood smear with Wright–Giemsa staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Additionally, macroscopic ectoparasites were collected from bears to detect blood parasites and other pathogens. Moreover, the relationships between the bear variables (sex, age, and occurrence of parasites or pathogens), ectoparasites, and infectious agents were also analyzed. Results In all, 21 wild bears (14 in YNP and 7 in DSY) were captured and released during the satellite tracking studies. Hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry indicated significant differences in white blood cells (WBC), segments, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels between foot snare and culvert-captured bears. Additionally, there were significant differences in total plasma protein (TPP), creatinine, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ levels between male and female bears. Moreover, pathogen-infected bears had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; 30 min and 1 h) and globulin levels than uninfected bears. In total, 240 ticks were collected from 13 bears, among which eight adult tick species were identified, including Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Amblyomma testudinarium, Ixodes ovatus, Dermacentor taiwanensis, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes acutitarsus, Amblyomma javanense, and nymphs belonging to Haemaphysalis spp. PCR revealed that 13 (61.90%) and 8 (38.10%) bears harbored Hepatozoon ursi and Babesia DNA, respectively. Among the ticks examined, 157 (65.41%) and 128 (53.33%) samples were positive for H. ursi and Babesia, respectively. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of wild Formosan black bears and investigate ectoparasite infestation and Hepatozoon and Babesia spp. infection. In conclusion, these findings may serve as a reference for monitoring the health and population of locally endangered bears. Graphical Abstract

show abstract

“…Amblyomma javanense (A. javanense) is commonly associated with pangolins, but is also found in other reptiles and mammals (24) According to previous reports, a total of 12 species of mammals and 4 species of reptiles were infected with A. javanense, the 12 species of mammals are Sunda pangolin, Chinese pangolin, Indian pangolin, Palawan pangolin, wild boar, bat, hyena, 'bear', sambar deer, Indian crested porcupine, mouse deer and human; 4 species of reptiles are water monitor, 'python', long-tailed skink and hill turtle (18,24,25). According to the research by Mihalca and Hassan., A. javanense was the most common tick parasitic on pangolins and may also be a common endangered species on Asian pangolins (18,26,27).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to the research by Mihalca and Hassan., A. javanense was the most common tick parasitic on pangolins and may also be a common endangered species on Asian pangolins (18,26,27). In 1981, Nandi reported that the ticks captured from Indian pangolins were A. javanense in 1981, and Kwak also reported the same tick caught on Sunda Pangolin from Singapore in 2018 (24,27). A. javanense was found in Malayan pangolins and wild boars from Thailand in 2000 (25), and A. javanense was successfully identi ed on Chinese pangolin through species DNA barcode in 2019 (28).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of Amblyomma Javanense and Detection of Tick-Borne Ehrlichia Spp. In Confiscated Malayan Pangolins

Zhai

Wu²,

Chen

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundDue to habitat destruction and illegal hunting and trade, the number of pangolins has been sharply reduced. To prevent their extinction, relevant departments are combined and active action have been taken. A total of 21 confiscated Malayan pangolins were rescued in 2019, but died continuously for unknown reasons. This study aimed to investigate the reasons for the death of these pangolin and rescue them.MethodsRecused Malayan pangolins were checked for clinical symptoms. Ticks on the surface of pangolins were collected and identified using morphological and molecular biological methods. Dead pangolins were autopsied for the gross lesion and tissues were collected for microscopic lesion using HE staining. Viral and protozoa pathogens’ detection were carried on ticks firstly and further confirmed in dead pangolin pathological tissues using PCR.ResultsWhen rescued, pangolins were in bad situation. More than 90% (19/21) of the rescued pangolins had ticks on their body surfaces. A total of 303 ticks were removed and identified as Amblyomma javanense (A. javanense) according to their morphology and the sequences of PCR product of 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Autopsy of the dead pangolins showed multiorgan damage, especially congestion and hemorrhage in lung, heart and kidney. Histopathological analysis revealed marked presence of inflammation in tissues. Pathogens’ nucleic acid detection showed ticks were only positive for Ehrlichia spp, with 56.7% positive rate of collected ticks (127/224), which was further confirmed in tissues from dead pangolins. Sick pangolins reduced clinical symptoms after medical treatment of intramuscular injection with doxycycline and kept alive before transfer.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia spp. from A. javanense might be one of the reasons for the confiscated pangolins’ death. More attention should be payed to tick-elimination work and the diagnoses and treatment of tick-borne diseases in the follow-up rescue operation.

show abstract

The first authenticated record of the pangolin tick Amblyomma javanense (Acari: Ixodidae) in Singapore, with notes on its biology and conservation

Cited by 20 publications

References 17 publications

Morphological, molecular and MALDI-TOF MS identification of ticks and tick-associated pathogens in Vietnam

Morphological, molecular and MALDI-TOF MS identification of ticks and tick-associated pathogens in Vietnam

Hematological and plasma profiles and ticks and tick-borne pathogens in wild Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus)

Identification of Amblyomma Javanense and Detection of Tick-Borne Ehrlichia Spp. In Confiscated Malayan Pangolins

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About