RESUMO
This study describes the first detection of Ixodes ventalloi in Slovakia. Two engorged females of I. ventalloi were collected from Dunnocks (Prunella modularis) captured in eastern Slovakia. The identification of females was based on morphological and molecular 16S rRNA gene features. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a classification of the females into distinct genogroups. Moreover, comparative morphological analysis highlighted variations between the two females, particularly in the curvature of the auriculae, the shape of coxa I, and the internal spur. These findings suggest the potential for varied phenotypes of I. ventalloi correlated with their genogroups. Nonetheless, I. ventalloi population establishment within Slovakia necessitates further investigation through flagging or drag sampling.
Assuntos
Ixodes , Filogenia , RNA Ribossômico 16S , Animais , Eslováquia , Ixodes/classificação , Ixodes/anatomia & histologia , Ixodes/genética , Ixodes/fisiologia , Feminino , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Infestações por Carrapato/parasitologia , Infestações por Carrapato/veterinária , Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Galliformes/parasitologia , DNA Ribossômico/genética , Análise por ConglomeradosRESUMO
The present study reports on serosurvey on the tick-borne encephalitis virus European subtype (TBEV; genus Flavivirus), and the tick-borne Kemerovo (KEMV) and Tribec (TRBV) orbivirus (genus Orbivirus) infections in tick-infested and non-infested birds. No virus RNA was detected in the blood clots. Birds were infested mostly by Ixodes ricinus, but Haemaphysalis concinna and I. frontalis were observed too. TBEV, KEMV and TRBV neutralising antibodies (NAb) were detected in the screening microtitration neutralisation test (µVNT). Seropositive samples were further examined in simultaneous µVNT to distinguish TBEV infection from WNV and USUV. KEMV and TRBV infections were also further examined by µVNT against each other. The demonstrated results point to increased TBEV and TRBV seroprevalence in birds over the past several years. This is the first study on KEMV infection in the Slovak bird population, and seropositive juvenile birds suggest its occurrence in a new geographic area. The results indicate the significance of tick infestation rates, seropositivity and specific NAb titre. The reservoir role of birds for TBEV, KEMV and TRBV remains unclear. However, targeted monitoring of birds and vectors is an effective measure of surveillance of arbovirus introduction into new geographic areas.