Prevalence of Babesia spp. pathogens in the ticks Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus in the UK.

The research focuses on studying the prevalence of various Babesia pathogens in two types of ticks found in the UK, namely Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus. The study suggests that while B. canis is not widely prevalent in the region, there is a need to spread awareness about equine piroplasmosis due to the presence of B. caballi in D. reticulatus ticks.

Research Objective

• The primary objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of Babesia pathogens in Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus ticks in the UK. Babesia pathogens cause a disease in domestic animals and humans known as babesiosis which is similar to malaria. The research was aimed towards developing a better understanding of changes in the prevalence of both novel and endemic Babesia species.

Methodology

• Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were collected from six sites in west Wales and southern England. These locations were known to harbor populations of this species.
• DNA was extracted from 879 individual ticks and was subjected to PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and sequence analysis to identity Babesia pathogens.
• For Ixodes ricinus ticks, nymphs were collected from 24 cattle farms in south-west England. The nymphs were subsequently divided into 6 groups of 30 for DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing.

Findings

• Seven Babesia species were detected in 7.5% of the ticks, including different percentages for B. caballi, B. bovis, B. microti, B. bigemina, B. capreoli, and one isolate of B. canis.
• Two of the field sites that had grazing equines present had ticks that were positive for B. caballi.
• Samples from seven out of the 24 farms tested positive for Babesia. Babesia divergens was identified from five farms and most of the remaining positive samples were Babesia venatorum, demonstrating that these pathogens are widespread in livestock habitats.
• The data suggests that while B. canis is not yet widely prevalent in established D. reticulatus populations in the UK, B. caballi appears more widely established.

Significance

• The findings of the study highlight the need to raise awareness of the risk of equine piroplasmosis,especially in areas with endemic D. reticulatus foci. This disease is caused by B. caballi which appears to be more widely established in these ticks.
• By examining the prevalence of different Babesia species the research offers valuable insights that could guide disease control strategies and public health initiatives.