Etude des agents pathogènes dans les populations animales de zones humides en Corse et implications en termes de santé animale et humaine

Corsica is a French Mediterranean island marked by strong human and animal activities within different biotopes. Among these biotopes, the most outstanding are the wetlands. Within the Corsican territory, seven categories of wetlands have been counted, ranging from temporary wetlands such as ponds and temporary estuaries to large permanent areas such as coastal lagoons. These areas are key areas for human (agricultural, tourist, recreational) and animal (agriculture, watering, resting) activities. Due to their characteristics, these habitats are important in public health by their role in the proliferation and circulation of pathogens and their vectors. In the context of Corsica, the sanitary importance of wetlands is all the more important due to the insular context in the Mediterranean, which makes these areas points of resting for animal migrations such as avifauna. This favorable context for the research of pathogens in groups of animals and their vectors in Corsica wetlands was the target in our study. It focused on three groups of animals. The first one is the wild mammals where we focused on the wild boar. The second group is that of the animals of the corsican breeding. The third and last group is the avifauna. During our study, a total of 601 ticks were collected. They are composed of 4 different genera: Dermacentor spp. (D. marginatus), Hyalomma spp. (Hy. marginatum and Hy. scupense), Ixodes spp. (I. acuminatus/ventalloi, I. arboricola/lividus, I. frontalis, and I. ricinus), and Rhipicephalus spp. (Rh(Bo). annulatus, Rh. bursa, and Rh sanguineus s.l.). Among these genera, infestation preferences were observed, as for the genus Dermacentor for wild boar, the genus Rhipicephalus for cattle and the genus Ixodes for avifauna. In addition to the ticks collected, 37 loose flies of the species Ornithomya biloba were collected from migratory avifauna. This is their first identification on the Corsican territory. Using a high throughput real-time micro-fluidic PCR tool (BioMarkTM dynamic arrays, Fluidigm Corporation, USA), a total of 34 species and 11 genera of bacteria, parasites and viruses were searched for in the three target animal groups. In addition, Usutu and West Nile viruses were tested in avian samples. A total of six pathogen genera were detected in ectoparasites and animals: three bacterial genera (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia), two parasite genera (Babesia, Trypanosoma) and one viral genus (Flavivirus). Among these different genera, some species have been identified for the first time in Corsica as it is the case for: Rickettsia helvetica in avifauna ticks, Ehrlichia chaffeensis in sampled ticks and birds and Anaplasma capra in sheep farms. The presence of some pathogens was also confirmed in wetlands such as bacteria of the genera Rickettsia in wild boar and cattle ticks, Anaplasma in sheep and cattle farms, Babesia in wild boar and cattle ticks as well as in wild boar populations, Trypanosoma in cattle populations and West Nile virus in avifauna.La Corse est une île méditerranéenne française marquée par de fortes activités humaines et animales au sein de différents biotopes. Parmi ces biotopes, les plus marquants sont les zones humides. Au sein du territoire Corse, sept catégories de zones humides ont été dénombrées, allant de zones humides temporaires, telles les mares et les estuaires temporaires, à des zones permanentes de grande taille, telles les lagunes littorales. Ces zones sont des zones clef des activités humaines (agricoles, touristiques, récréatives), animales (agriculture, abreuvages, repos, migration) et favorables à la prolifération et à la circulation d’agents pathogènes et de leurs vecteurs. C’est dans ce contexte que nous avons mis en place cette étude, basée sur la recherche d’agents pathogènes dans différents groupes d’animaux et leurs vecteurs dans les zones humides de Corse. Elle s’est focalisée sur trois groupes d’animaux. Le premier est celui des mammifères sauvages, ayant pour modèle le sanglier. Le deuxième groupe est celui des animaux d’élevages Corse. Le troisième est celui de l’avifaune. Lors de notre étude, 601 tiques ont été collectées, réparties dans 4 genres différents : Dermacentor spp. (D. marginatus), Hyalomma spp. (Hy. marginatum et Hy. scupense), Ixodes spp. (I. acuminatus/ventalloi, I. arboricola/lividus, I. frontalis et I. ricinus) et Rhipicephalus spp. (Rh (Bo). annulatus, Rh. bursa et Rh sanguineus s.l.). Parmi ces genres, des préférences d’infestations ont été observées, comme cela a été le cas pour le genre Dermacentor pour le sanglier, le genre Rhipicephalus pour les bovins et le genre Ixodes pour l’avifaune. En complément des tiques collectées, 37 mouches plates de l’espèce Ornithomya biloba ont été collectées sur l’avifaune migratrice. Il s’agit de leur première identification sur le territoire Corse. Par le biais d’un outil de PCR micro-fluidique en temps réel à haut débit (BioMarkTM dynamic arrays, Fluidigm Corporation, USA), 34 espèces et 11 genres de bactéries, parasites et virus ont été recherchés dans les trois groupes d’animaux cibles. En complément, les virus Usutu et West Nile virus l’ont été dans les échantillons de l’avifaune. Six genres d’agents pathogènes ont été détectés dans les ectoparasites et dans les animaux : trois genres bactériens (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia), deux genres de parasites (Babesia, Trypanosoma) et un genre viral (Flavivirus). Parmi ces différents genres, certaines espèces ont été identifiées pour la première fois en Corse comme c’est le cas pour : Rickettsia helvetica dans les tiques de l’avifaune, Ehrlichia chaffeensis dans les tiques et oiseaux échantillonnés et Anaplasma capra dans des élevages d’ovins. La présence de certains agents pathogènes a également été confirmée dans des zones humides telles que des bactéries des genres Rickettsia dans des tiques de sangliers et bovins, Anaplasma dans des élevages d’ovins et bovins, Babesia dans les tiques de sangliers et bovins ainsi que dans les populations de sangliers, Trypanosoma dans les populations de bovins et le West Nile virus dans l’avifaune

Distribution of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Animals and Their Ticks in the Countries of the Mediterranean Basin between 2000 and 2021: A Systematic Review

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) include a wide range of bacteria, parasites and viruses that cause a large spectrum of animal, human and zoonotic tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The object of this review was to establish an inventory and an analysis of TBPs found in domestic animals in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin. This geographic area occupies a central position between several continents and is an area of movement for animals, humans and pathogens of interest and their vectors, which is important in terms of animal and human health. In this systematic review, we included a total of 271 publications produced between 2000–2021 concerning TBPs in domestic animals. Among this literature, we found a total of 90 pathogen species (known as TBPs) reported in the 20 countries of the area; these were detected in tick species from domestic animals and were also directly detected in domestic animals. In all, 31 tick species were recorded and 12 domestic animal species, the latter comprising nine livestock and three pet species. More than 50% of the publications were from Western Europe. Island data were extracted and assessed, as islands of the Mediterranean Basin were represented in 16% of the publications and 77.8% of the TBPs reported. Our results show the importance of islands in the monitoring of TBPs, despite the low percentage of publications

Study of pathogens in wetland animal populations in Corsica and implications in terms of animal and human health

La Corse est une île méditerranéenne française marquée par de fortes activités humaines et animales au sein de différents biotopes. Parmi ces biotopes, les plus marquants sont les zones humides. Au sein du territoire Corse, sept catégories de zones humides ont été dénombrées, allant de zones humides temporaires, telles les mares et les estuaires temporaires, à des zones permanentes de grande taille, telles les lagunes littorales. Ces zones sont des zones clef des activités humaines (agricoles, touristiques, récréatives), animales (agriculture, abreuvages, repos, migration) et favorables à la prolifération et à la circulation d’agents pathogènes et de leurs vecteurs. C’est dans ce contexte que nous avons mis en place cette étude, basée sur la recherche d’agents pathogènes dans différents groupes d’animaux et leurs vecteurs dans les zones humides de Corse. Elle s’est focalisée sur trois groupes d’animaux. Le premier est celui des mammifères sauvages, ayant pour modèle le sanglier. Le deuxième groupe est celui des animaux d’élevages Corse. Le troisième est celui de l’avifaune. Lors de notre étude, 601 tiques ont été collectées, réparties dans 4 genres différents : Dermacentor spp. (D. marginatus), Hyalomma spp. (Hy. marginatum et Hy. scupense), Ixodes spp. (I. acuminatus/ventalloi, I. arboricola/lividus, I. frontalis et I. ricinus) et Rhipicephalus spp. (Rh (Bo). annulatus, Rh. bursa et Rh sanguineus s.l.). Parmi ces genres, des préférences d’infestations ont été observées, comme cela a été le cas pour le genre Dermacentor pour le sanglier, le genre Rhipicephalus pour les bovins et le genre Ixodes pour l’avifaune. En complément des tiques collectées, 37 mouches plates de l’espèce Ornithomya biloba ont été collectées sur l’avifaune migratrice. Il s’agit de leur première identification sur le territoire Corse. Par le biais d’un outil de PCR micro-fluidique en temps réel à haut débit (BioMarkTM dynamic arrays, Fluidigm Corporation, USA), 34 espèces et 11 genres de bactéries, parasites et virus ont été recherchés dans les trois groupes d’animaux cibles. En complément, les virus Usutu et West Nile virus l’ont été dans les échantillons de l’avifaune. Six genres d’agents pathogènes ont été détectés dans les ectoparasites et dans les animaux : trois genres bactériens (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia), deux genres de parasites (Babesia, Trypanosoma) et un genre viral (Flavivirus). Parmi ces différents genres, certaines espèces ont été identifiées pour la première fois en Corse comme c’est le cas pour : Rickettsia helvetica dans les tiques de l’avifaune, Ehrlichia chaffeensis dans les tiques et oiseaux échantillonnés et Anaplasma capra dans des élevages d’ovins. La présence de certains agents pathogènes a également été confirmée dans des zones humides telles que des bactéries des genres Rickettsia dans des tiques de sangliers et bovins, Anaplasma dans des élevages d’ovins et bovins, Babesia dans les tiques de sangliers et bovins ainsi que dans les populations de sangliers, Trypanosoma dans les populations de bovins et le West Nile virus dans l’avifaune.Corsica is a French Mediterranean island marked by strong human and animal activities within different biotopes. Among these biotopes, the most outstanding are the wetlands. Within the Corsican territory, seven categories of wetlands have been counted, ranging from temporary wetlands such as ponds and temporary estuaries to large permanent areas such as coastal lagoons. These areas are key areas for human (agricultural, tourist, recreational) and animal (agriculture, watering, resting) activities. Due to their characteristics, these habitats are important in public health by their role in the proliferation and circulation of pathogens and their vectors. In the context of Corsica, the sanitary importance of wetlands is all the more important due to the insular context in the Mediterranean, which makes these areas points of resting for animal migrations such as avifauna. This favorable context for the research of pathogens in groups of animals and their vectors in Corsica wetlands was the target in our study. It focused on three groups of animals. The first one is the wild mammals where we focused on the wild boar. The second group is that of the animals of the corsican breeding. The third and last group is the avifauna. During our study, a total of 601 ticks were collected. They are composed of 4 different genera: Dermacentor spp. (D. marginatus), Hyalomma spp. (Hy. marginatum and Hy. scupense), Ixodes spp. (I. acuminatus/ventalloi, I. arboricola/lividus, I. frontalis, and I. ricinus), and Rhipicephalus spp. (Rh(Bo). annulatus, Rh. bursa, and Rh sanguineus s.l.). Among these genera, infestation preferences were observed, as for the genus Dermacentor for wild boar, the genus Rhipicephalus for cattle and the genus Ixodes for avifauna. In addition to the ticks collected, 37 loose flies of the species Ornithomya biloba were collected from migratory avifauna. This is their first identification on the Corsican territory. Using a high throughput real-time micro-fluidic PCR tool (BioMarkTM dynamic arrays, Fluidigm Corporation, USA), a total of 34 species and 11 genera of bacteria, parasites and viruses were searched for in the three target animal groups. In addition, Usutu and West Nile viruses were tested in avian samples. A total of six pathogen genera were detected in ectoparasites and animals: three bacterial genera (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia), two parasite genera (Babesia, Trypanosoma) and one viral genus (Flavivirus). Among these different genera, some species have been identified for the first time in Corsica as it is the case for: Rickettsia helvetica in avifauna ticks, Ehrlichia chaffeensis in sampled ticks and birds and Anaplasma capra in sheep farms. The presence of some pathogens was also confirmed in wetlands such as bacteria of the genera Rickettsia in wild boar and cattle ticks, Anaplasma in sheep and cattle farms, Babesia in wild boar and cattle ticks as well as in wild boar populations, Trypanosoma in cattle populations and West Nile virus in avifauna

A Systematic Review of the Distribution of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Wild Animals and Their Ticks in the Mediterranean Rim between 2000 and 2021

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) can be divided into three groups: bacteria, parasites, and viruses. They are transmitted by a wide range of tick species and cause a variety of human, animal, and zoonotic diseases. A total of 148 publications were found on tick-borne pathogens in wild animals, reporting on 85 species of pathogens from 35 tick species and 17 wild animal hosts between 2000 and February 2021. The main TBPs reported were of bacterial origin, including Anaplasma spp. and Rickettsia spp. A total of 72.2% of the TBPs came from infected ticks collected from wild animals. The main tick genus positive for TBPs was Ixodes. This genus was mainly reported in Western Europe, which was the focus of most of the publications (66.9%). It was followed by the Hyalomma genus, which was mainly reported in other areas of the Mediterranean Rim. These TBPs and TBP-positive tick genera were reported to have come from a total of 17 wild animal hosts. The main hosts reported were game mammals such as red deer and wild boars, but small vertebrates such as birds and rodents were also found to be infected. Of the 148 publications, 12.8% investigated publications on Mediterranean islands, and 36.8% of all the TBPs were reported in seven tick genera and 11 wild animal hosts there. The main TBP-positive wild animals and tick genera reported on these islands were birds and Hyalomma spp. Despite the small percentage of publications focusing on ticks, they reveal the importance of islands when monitoring TBPs in wild animals. This is especially true for wild birds, which may disseminate their ticks and TBPs along their migration path

A Capsule-Based Model for Immature Hard Tick Stages Infestation on Laboratory Mice

International audienceTicks are obligatory blood feeding parasites at all stages of development (except eggs) and are recognized as vectors of various pathogens. The use of mouse models in tick research is critical for understanding their biology and tick-host-pathogen interactions. Here we demonstrate a non-laborious technique for the feeding of immature stages of hard ticks on laboratory mice. The benefit of the method is its simplicity, short duration, and the ability to monitor or collect ticks at different time points of an experiment. In addition, the technique allows attachment of two individual capsules on the same mouse, which is beneficial for a variety of experiments where two different groups of ticks are required to feed on the same animal. The non-irritating and flexible capsule is made from easily accessible materials and minimizes the discomfort of the experimental animals. Furthermore, euthanasia is not necessary, mice recover completely after the experiment and are available for re-use

Molecular Detection of Zoonotic and Non-Zoonotic Pathogens from Wild Boars and Their Ticks in the Corsican Wetlands

Corsica is the main French island in the Mediterranean Sea and has high levels of human and animal population movement. Among the local animal species, the wild boar is highly prevalent in the Corsican landscape and in the island’s traditions. Wild boars are the most commonly hunted animals on this island, and can be responsible for the transmission and circulation of pathogens and their vectors. In this study, wild boar samples and ticks were collected in 17 municipalities near wetlands on the Corsican coast. A total of 158 hunted wild boars were sampled (523 samples). Of these samples, 113 were ticks: 96.4% were Dermacentor marginatus, and the remainder were Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupense and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Of the wild boar samples, only three blood samples were found to be positive for Babesia spp. Of the tick samples, 90 were found to be positive for tick-borne pathogens (rickettsial species). These results confirm the importance of the wild boar as a host for ticks carrying diseases such as rickettsiosis near wetlands and recreational sites. Our findings also show that the wild boar is a potential carrier of babesiosis in Corsica, a pathogen detected for the first time in wild boars on the island

Detecting zoonotic and non‐zoonotic pathogens in livestock and their ticks in Corsican wetlands

Abstract Background Corsica is a large French island in the Mediterranean Sea with high human and animal migration rates, especially near wetlands where these migrations are particularly frequent. Among the livestock populations, cattle and sheep are widely present all across the entire Mediterranean region. Trade can be responsible for the circulation of numerous pathogens and their vectors, thereby representing a health and economic threat for the livestock industry. Objectives The objective of our study was to investigate the presence of pathogens in cattle and sheep farms in the wetlands of Corsica using a high‐throughput screening technique. Methods In our study, blood samples and ticks were collected from cattle and sheep in 20 municipalities near Corsican wetlands to screen for the presence of various types of pathogens. The samples were processed using a high‐throughput screening technique based on real‐time microfluidic PCR: 45 pathogens were screened in 47 samples simultaneously. Results A total of 372 cattle and 74 sheep were sampled, and 444 ticks were collected from cattle. Out of the eight tick species detected, the main one was Rhipicephalus bursa (38.7% of the ticks collected). From cattle blood samples, one species and two genera were found: Anaplasma marginale, Trypanosoma sp. and Babesia sp. in respectively 61.5%, 58.3% and 12.2% of the cattle blood samples. From sheep blood samples, 74.3% were positive for Anaplasma sp, 2.7% for Anaplasma ovis and 1.4% for Anaplasma capra. This is the first report of A. ovis DNA in blood samples from sheep in Corsica. Out of 444 the tick samples, 114 were positive: 77.2% for Rickettsia aeschlimannii, 20.2% for Rickettsia sp., 3.5% for Babesia sp. and 1.8% for Anaplasma sp. Among them, 2.7% were co‐infected with R. aeschlimannii and Babesia sp. Conclusions Our results confirm the extent of possible circulation of different pathogens near Corsican wetlands, not only in ticks collected from livestock but also directly in cattle and sheep, with two (Trypanosoma sp. and Babesia sp.) being detected for the first time in cattle, one for the first time in sheep (A. ovis) and one for the first time in Corsica (A. capra

Cholinergic axons regulate type I acini in salivary glands of Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes scapularis ticks

International audienceRegulatory factors controlling tick salivary glands (SGs) are direct upstream neural signaling pathways arising from the tick's central nervous system. Here we investigated the cholinergic signaling pathway in the SG of two hard tick species. We reconstructed the organization of the cholinergic gene locus, and then used in situ hybridization to localize mRNA encoding choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in specific neural cells in the Ixodes synganglion. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that cholinergic axonal projections exclusively reached type i acini in the SG of both Ixodes species. In type I acini, the rich network of cholinergic axons terminate within the basolateral infoldings of the lamellate cells. We also characterized two types (A and B) of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), which were expressed in Ixodes SG. We pharmacologically assessed mAChR-A to monitor intracellular calcium mobilization upon receptor activation. In vivo injection of vesamicol-a VAChT blocker-at the cholinergic synapse, suppressed forced water uptake by desiccated ticks, while injection of atropine, an mAChR-A antagonist, did not show any effect on water volume uptake. This study has uncovered a novel neurotransmitter signaling pathway in Ixodes SG, and suggests its role in water uptake by type I acini in desiccated ticks

Assessment of cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with wide QRS and non-specific intraventricular conduction delay: rationale and design of the multicentre randomised NICD-CRT study

International audienceIntroduction Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) was initially developed to treat patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, many patients with heart failure have a widened QRS but neither left-BBB nor right-BBB; this is called non-specific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD). It is unclear whether CRT is effective in this subgroup of patients.Methods and analysis The NICD-CRT study is a prospective, double-blind, randomised (1:1), parallel-arm, multicentre trial comparing the effects of CRT in patients with heart failure, a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <35%) and NICD, who have been implanted with a device (CRT-pacemaker or CRT-defibrillator) that has or has not been activated. Enrolment began on 15 July 2015 and should finish within 3 years; 40 patients have already been randomised and 11 centres have agreed to participate. The primary end point is the comparison of the proportion of patients improved, unchanged or worsened over the subsequent 12 months. 100 patients per group are required to demonstrate a difference between groups with a statistical power of 90%, a type I error of 0.05% (two-sided) and a loss to follow-up of 10%. This trial will add substantially to the modest amount of existing data on CRT in patients with NICD and should reduce uncertainty for guidelines and clinical practice when added to the pool of current information.Ethics and dissemination Local ethics committee authorisations have been obtained since May 2015. We will publish findings from this study in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and present results at national and international conferences

0198: Brugada syndrome in women

IntroductionBrugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited arrhythmia syndrome with increased risk of syncope and sudden death. Disease manifestation is clearly predominant in males and the studied population mainly consisted in men. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of BrS in women.MethodsBrS women were recruited from 12 french tertiary centers. Clinical data, investigation of family history, 12-lead ECG and results for pharmacological challenge were collected. Average follow-up was 79±52 months.Results202 women were recruited (mean age 46±16 years). Circumstances of diagnoses were: familial screening (n=94, 47%), systematic ECG (n= 61, 30%) and symptoms (n=47, 23%). 69 patients (34%) were symptomatic: resuscitated sudden cardiac death (SCD) in 11 women (5%), 42 syncope (21%), 8 supraventricular tachycardia (4%), 21 palpitations (10%), 24 lipothymia (12%) and 7 pain (3%). 20 women (10%) have a history of familial SCD. Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) was implanted in 44/202 patients (22%). At baseline, mean HR was 71±12bpm, PR 174±32mm, QRS 99±17mm and QTc 419±29mm. 59 women (29%) have a spontaneous type- 1 ECG. Mean ST elevation were 3.3±1.1mm. During follow-up, 7/202 patients (3.5%) have an arrhythmic event: resuscitated SCD (n=1), syncope (n=3), ventricular arrhythmia (n=1) and appropriate ICD shock (n=2). Among them, 5 women were symptomatic (syncope) and 2 were asymptomatic. Asymptomatic women don’t have a spontaneous type-1 ECG at baseline whereas 3/5 symptomatic women have a type-1 ECG at baseline. We compared our results to the men of the FINGER BrS Registry (n=745). The number of ICD implanted patients was higher in FINGER cohort (22 vs 47%). Men of the FINGER cohort presented more arrhythmic events than women of this study (5.7 vs 3.5%).ConclusionWomen seem to represent a lower-risk group than men. A spontaneous type-1 ECG at baseline doesn’t seem to be a risk factor for arrhythmic event in women