Bacterial pathogens’ screening in Brazilian chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), with the first report of 'Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi'-like in avian-associated chiggers

Chiggers are larval ectoparasites of the Trombiculidae that can transmit pathogens to their hosts. In this study, chiggers collected from birds in Brazil were morphologically identified as Blankaartia sinnamaryi, Eutrombicula batatas, Eutrombicula daemoni, Eutrombicula goeldii, Eutrombicula tinami, and Parasecia gilbertoi. For these specimens, a beginning attempt at molecular identification were also provided, as well as, were genetically screened to detect bacterial pathogens. The species B. sinnamaryi and E. tinami were positive for Rickettsia felis-like and ‘Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi’-like, respectively. For the other agents (Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp. and Orientia tsutsugamushi), the tests were negative. This is the first report of ‘Ca. R. colombianensi’-like and the second record of R. felis-like in chigger collected on birds from Brazil.

Seroprevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with Ehrlichia canis in dogs referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in central-western Brazil / Soroprevalência e alterações hematológicas associadas com Ehrlichia canis em cães encaminhados a um hospital veterinário-escola no centro-oeste do Brasil

Ticks are significant parasites of dogs in the tropics, where tick-borne pathogens are highly prevalent, especially in areas where tick control measures are frequently neglected. This study investigated the seroprevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with Ehrlichia canis in dogs referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Central-western Brazil. Out of 264 dogs tested for anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies by an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), 59.1% (156/264) were positive. Seropositivity was significantly associated to anemia and thrombocytopenia, alone or in combination, and to leukopenia. Conversely, there were no differences in terms of seroprevalence according to sex, breed and age. This study demonstrated that dogs referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Central-western Brazil are highly exposed to E. canis and that seropositive dogs are more likely to present hematological abnormalities, particularly anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. To our knowledge, this is the first study on detection of anti-E. canis antibodies by means of IFA among dogs in the state of Goiás. These findings highlighted the need for increasing awareness among dog owners regarding tick control measures in Central-western Brazil, ultimately to reduce the risk of exposure to E. canis and other tick-borne pathogens.

Carrapatos são importantes parasitos de cães nos trópicos, onde patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos são altamente prevalentes, especialmente em áreas onde as medidas de controle de carrapatos são frequentemente negligenciadas. O estudo investigou a soroprevalência e as anormalidades hematológicas associadas à Ehrlichia canis em cães encaminhados para um hospital veterinário-escola no Centro-oeste do Brasil. Dos 264 cães testados para anticorpos anti-Ehrlichia canis por meio da reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), 59.1% (156/264) foram positivos. A soropositividade foi associada significativamente à anemia e trombocitopenia, isoladamente ou em combinação, e à leucopenia. Por outro lado, não houve diferenças quanto à soroprevalência segundo sexo, raça e idade. Este estudo demonstrou que cães encaminhados a um hospital veterinário-escola na região Centro-oeste do Brasil são altamente expostos à E. canis, e que cães soropositivos têm maior probabilidade de apresentar alterações hematológicas, principalmente anemia, trombocitopenia e leucopenia. Para o nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo sobre a detecção de anticorpos anti-E. canis por meio da RIFI em cães do estado de Goiás. Essas descobertas destacam a necessidade de aumentar a conscientização entre os proprietários de cães em relação às medidas de controle do carrapato no Centro-oeste do Brasil, em última análise, para reduzir o risco de exposição ao E. canis e outros patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos.

Detección de " Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae" en Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto (Acari: Ixodidae) en Rapa Nui-Isla de Pascua / Detection of " Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae" in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto (Acari: Ixodidae) from Rapa Nui-Easter Island

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las rickettsiosis son enfermedades emergentes transmitidas por vectores artrópodos cuyos agentes etiológicos corresponden a bacterias patógenas del género Rickettsia y Orientia . Bacterias de este género han sido descritas en el norte y sur de Chile. OBJETIVO: Determinar presencia de Rickettsia spp. en garrapatas colectadas a partir de perros domésticos en Rapa Nui-Isla de Pascua, Región de Valparaíso. MÉTODOS: Fueron muestreados 20 perros callejeros durante octubre del año 2018. Se colectaron ocho garrapatas adultas desde siete animales (prevalencia: 35%); luego de su identificación taxonómica fueron sometidas a amplificación y secuenciación del gen ADNm 16S para garrapata y gltA (citrato sintetasa) para Rickettsia . RESULTADOS: Todos los ejemplares de garrapatas adultas correspondieron genéticamente a Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto lo cual fue confirmado mediante un análisis filogenético. En dos garrapatas (25%) se encontraron secuencias idénticas de gltA compatibles con " Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae", que formaron un clado monofilético con aislados obtenidos en Brasil, Chile y Perú. CONCLUSIÓN: Se documenta la presencia de " Ca. R. andeanae" s. s. en Rapa Nui-Isla de Pascua, asociado por primera vez a garrapatas del complejo R. sanguineus en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Rickettsioses are vector-borne emerging diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genera Rickettsia and Orientia . Bacteria of these genera have been described in northern and southern Chile, respectively. AIM: To determine the presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected from domestic dog in Rapa Nui-Easter Island, Valparaíso Region. METHODS: 20 stray dogs were sampled during October 2018. Overall, eight adult ticks were collected from seven animals (prevalence: 35%); after morphological identification, were submitted to DNA extraction and amplification and sequencing of the tick mitochondrial 16S DNA gene. The screening for Rickettsia was performed targeting the gltA (citrate synthetase) gene. RESULTS: A phylogenetic analysis confirmed the identity of the ticks as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto. In two ticks (25%), we retrieved identical sequences of gltA compatible with " Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae", which formed a monophyletic group with conspecific isolates obtained in Brazil, Chile and Peru. CONCLUSION: This study proves the presence of " Ca . R. andeanae" in R. sanguineus s. s. at Rapa Nui-Easter Island, which also corresponds to the first report of this Rickettsia spp. in R. sanguineus complex for Chile.

Implications of domestic dogs in the epidemiology of Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest and Rangelia vitalii in Southeastern Brazil / Implicações dos cães domésticos na epidemiologia da Rickettsia parkeri cepa Mata Atlântica e da Rangelia vitalii no Sudeste do Brasil

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of diseases transmitted by Amblyomma ovale in 61 dogs monitored for three years through collections of ticks and blood, interviews, telemetry and camera traps in three areas of Serra do Mar State Park, Brazil. Blood samples were used to investigate infection by Rangelia vitalii by real-time TaqMan PCR and Rickettsia parkeri by IIFA. The collected ticks were submitted to conventional PCR to investigate the presence of R. parkeri . These data were compared with the monitoring results and interviews with the owners. Dogs considered as companion presented a risk of infection by R. parkeri strain Mata Atlantica 5.4 times higher than those not considered as companion (p = 0.009). Dogs that had at least one A. ovale collected during the campaigns had a 10 times higher risk of infection by R. parkeri strain Mata Atlantica than those who did not (p = 0.009). One dog positive for R. vitalii by real-time TaqMan PCR was parasitized by A. ovale frequently during monitoring. Sequenced ompaA - positive DNA samples had 100% identity of R. parkeri strain Mata Atlantica clone As106. From the findings, it is urgent to control domestic dogs around rainforests to reduce zoonoses transmission.

Resumo A ocorrência de doenças transmitidas por Amblyomma ovale em 61 cães monitorados por três anos através de coletas de carrapatos, sangue, entrevistas, telemetria e armadilhas fotográficas foi avaliada em três áreas do Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - SP. Amostras de sangue foram utilizadas para investigação de Rangelia vitalii através de PCR TaqMan em tempo real e Rickettsia parkeri através da RIFI. Carrapatos coletados foram submetidos à PCR convencional para investigação de R. parkeri . Estes dados foram comparados considerando os resultados do monitoramento e entrevistas. Cães de companhia apresentaram risco de infecção pela R. parkeri cepa Mata Atlântica 5,4 vezes maior que os não considerados como de companhia (p = 0,009). Cães que tiveram pelo menos um A. ovale coletado apresentaram risco de infecção por R. parkeri cepa Mata Atlântica 10 vezes maior do que aqueles que não tiveram (p = 0,009). Um cão positivo para R. vitalii através de PCR TaqMan em tempo real foi parasitado por A. ovale durante o monitoramento. Amostras positivas para o gene ompaA possuíam 100% de identidade do clone As106 de R. parkeri cepa de Mata Atlântica. Assim, é urgente o controle de cães na Mata Atlântica para redução dos riscos de zoonoses.

Ornithodoros cerradoensis n. sp. (Acari: Argasidae), a member of the Ornithodoros talaje (Guérin-Méneville, 1849) group, parasite of rodents in the Brazilian Savannah

Ornithodoros cerradoensis n. sp. is described from field-collected and laboratory reared nymphs, males, females, and larvae parasitizing the rodents Cavia aperea and Thrichomys sp. in the Brazilian Savannah. This new species is morphologically and genetically related with the Ornithodoros talaje group and can be separated from other Neotropical species using the following combination of characters: larva with 18 pairs of setae on dorsum (seven anterolateral, four central and seven posterolateral), hypostome with median dentition 2/2; adults provided with large mammillae; dorsal disks surrounded by bulked marginal ridges delimiting barely pebbled areas; three disks in the anterolateral file, and median disk not merging with the posteromedian file. Feeding assays in the laboratory demonstrated that (1) larvae of O. cerradoensis are slow-feeders (∼6 days), (2) first nymphal instar (N1) molts to second instar (N2) without feeding, and (3) N2 and third nymphal instar (N3) engorge rapidly (minutes). With the exception of Ornithodoros hasei nymphs that depict flattened bodies, O. cerradoensis N1, N2, and N3 highly resemble homologous instars of other species in O. talaje sensu lato, therefore are not suitable for morphological comparisons within the group. In addition to morphological signature of larvae and adults that separate this new species; results of cross-mating attempts between O. cerradoensis and Ornithodoros guaporensis a morphologically and phylogenetically closely related species that also parasitizes rodents in the Brazilian Savannah; a Principal Component Analysis using larval characters; and a phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial markers, support O. cerradoensis as an independent lineage within the Ornithodorinae.

Molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens in small mammals from Brazilian Amazonia / Levantamento molecular de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em pequenos mamíferos da Amazônia brasileira

Abstract Small non-volant mammals (marsupials and small rodents) were captured at three different timepoints from 23 forest fragments across three municipalities (Alta Floresta, Sinop and Cláudia) covering the Amazonian biome of the Mato Grosso State in Midwestern Brazil. The animal tissues (liver and spleen) and blood were screened using molecular tools for the detection of Babesia, Coxiella, Cytauxzoon, Hepatozoon, Theileria, and Anaplasmataceae agents. A total of 230 specimens (78 rodents and 152 marsupials) were trapped. Hepatozoon and Piroplasmorida agents were detected in the common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis). In turn, all samples (blood, liver, or spleen) collected from the small mammals were negative for the genus Coxiella and the family Anaplasmataceae, as detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phylogenetic analyses inferred from partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene highlighted the occurrence of new Hepatozoon and Piroplasmorida haplotypes. Future studies determining the role of common opossum (D. marsupialis) in the epidemiological cycles of Hepatozoon and Babesia under natural conditions in the Amazonian biome are necessary.

Resumo Pequenos mamíferos não voadores (marsupiais e pequenos roedores) foram capturados em três diferentes períodos, ao longo de 23 fragmentos florestais de três municípios (Alta Floresta, Sinop e Cláudia), localizados no bioma amazônico do Estado de Mato Grosso, no centro-oeste do Brasil. Os tecidos dos animais (fígado e baço) e sangue foram selecionados e submetidos a ensaios moleculares para a detecção do DNA de Babesia, Coxiella, Cytauxzoon, Hepatozoon, Theileria e agentes Anaplasmataceae. Um total de 230 espécimes (78 roedores e 152 marsupiais) foram capturados. Hepatozoon e agentes Piroplasmorida foram detectados em gambás (Didelphis marsupialis). Ao contrário, todas as amostras (sangue, fígado ou baço) coletadas dos pequenos mamíferos foram negativas para o gênero Coxiella e a família Anaplasmataceae, conforme detectado pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Análises filogenéticas inferidas pelas sequências parciais do gene 18S rRNA evidenciaram a ocorrência de novos haplótipos de Hepatozoon e Piroplasmorida. Futuros estudos determinando a importância do gambá-comun (D. marsupialis) nos ciclos epidemiológicos de Hepatozoon e Babesia em condições naturais, no bioma amazônico, são necessários.

Molecular detection of Rickettsia genus in chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) collected on small mammals in southeastern brazilian / Detecção molecular do gênero Rickettsia em ácaros trombiculídeos (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) coletados em pequenos mamíferos do sudeste brasileiro

Abstract Chiggers are ectoparasites of vertebrates and may cause trombiculiasis or transmit pathogens to their hosts. Specimens collected from rodents and marsupials were morphologically identified as Herpetacarus hertigi, Eutrombicula tinami, Kymocta sp., Quadraseta brasiliensis, Quadraseta falconensis, Quadraseta flochi, Quadraseta mackenziei, Quadraseta pazca, Quadraseta trapezoides, Quadraseta sp., Serratacarus sp., and Trombewingia bakeri. These mites were submitted individually to molecular analyses for the detection of bacteria of the genus Coxiella, Hepatozoon and Rickettsia. Samples were positive to Rickettsia only. Obtained sequences for the gltA (350 pb) and ompA (488 pb) genes were identical to "Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi", a species previously detected in ticks. In addition, molecular identification of mites based on 18S rDNA sequences are provided for H. hertigi, Kymocta sp., Q. brasiliensis, Q. pazca, Q. trapezoides, Quadraseta sp., and T. bakeri for the first time. This is the first report of the detection of a Rickettsia sp. in chigger mites collected on rodents in Brazil.

Resumo Os trombiculídeos são ectoparasitas de vertebrados e podem causar trombiculíase ou transmitir patógenos ao hospedeiro. Exemplares coletados em roedores e marsupiais foram identificados morfologicamente como Herpetacarus hertigi, Eutrombicula tinami, Kymocta sp., Quadraseta brasiliensis, Quadraseta falconensis, Quadraseta flochi, Quadraseta mackenziei, Quadraseta pazca, Quadraseta trapezoides, Quadraseta sp., Serratacarus sp. e Trombewingia bakeri. Estes ácaros foram submetidos individualmente à análise molecular para detecção de bactérias dos gêneros Coxiella, Hepatozoon e Rickettsia. Amostras foram positivas somente para Rickettsia. Sequências obtidas para os genes gltA (350 pb) e ompA (488 pb) foram idênticas à "Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi", uma espécie anteriormente detectada em carrapatos. Além disso, foram fornecidas sequências de DNA 18S para identificação molecular de H. hertigi, Kymocta sp., Q. brasiliensis, Q. pazca, Q. trapezoides, Quadraseta sp. e T. bakeri. Este é o primeiro registro da detecção de Rickettsia em ácaros trombiculídeos coletados em roedores do Brasil.

Leptus (Leptus) simonettae Haitlinger, 2000 (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae) parasitizing a soft tick (Ixodida: Argasidae) in Brazil

Leptus Latreille is the most diverse genus of Erythraeidae Robineau-Desvoidy, with 275 species (based on larval stage) worldwide described. Their larval stage parasitizes different species of arthropods. Until date, 12 species of Leptus have been registered for Brazil. In this study, we identified for the first time a larva of Leptus parasitizing an adult Ornithodoros soft tick in Brazil. This is the first record of a mite parasitizing an argasid tick, and increases the known number of Leptus in Brazil to 13.

Molecular detection of Rickettsia genus in chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) collected on small mammals in southeastern brazilian / Detecção molecular do gênero Rickettsia em ácaros trombiculídeos (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) coletados em pequenos mamíferos do sudeste brasileiro

Chiggers are ectoparasites of vertebrates and may cause trombiculiasis or transmit pathogens to their hosts. Specimens collected from rodents and marsupials were morphologically identified as Herpetacarus hertigi, Eutrombicula tinami, Kymocta sp., Quadraseta brasiliensis, Quadraseta falconensis, Quadraseta flochi, Quadraseta mackenziei, Quadraseta pazca, Quadraseta trapezoides, Quadraseta sp., Serratacarus sp., and Trombewingia bakeri. These mites were submitted individually to molecular analyses for the detection of bacteria of the genus Coxiella, Hepatozoon and Rickettsia. Samples were positive to Rickettsia only. Obtained sequences for the gltA (350 pb) and ompA (488 pb) genes were identical to "Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi", a species previously detected in ticks. In addition, molecular identification of mites based on 18S rDNA sequences are provided for H. hertigi, Kymocta sp., Q. brasiliensis, Q. pazca, Q. trapezoides, Quadraseta sp., and T. bakeri for the first time. This is the first report of the detection of a Rickettsia sp. in chigger mites collected on rodents in Brazil.

Ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae, Ixodidae) of Brazil: updated species checklist and taxonomic keys

Ticks are ectoparasites of great medical and veterinary significance in the neotropical region. In Brazil, they are responsible for enormous economic losses to the livestock industry and also for considerable morbidity and mortality in companion animals and humans. Therefore, recognizing the identity of a given species is important, not only from a biodiversity perspective, but also from the medical and veterinary standpoints. The Brazilian tick fauna is one of the most diverse and well-studied in the neotropical region. In the past few years, several new species were discovered and/or recorded for the first time in this country. The main objectives of this study were to provide an updated list of tick species occurring in Brazil and taxonomic keys for their identification. The updated list of Brazilian ticks includes 70 species, 47 in the family Ixodidae and 23 in the family Argasidae. The genera Amblyomma (32 spp.) and Ornithodoros (18 spp.) are the most representative. Updated taxonomic keys for the identification of ticks of Brazil are provided. Finally, the medico-veterinary significance of ticks occurring in this country is briefly discussed.

A new species of Amblyomma (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with monkeys and passerines of the Atlantic rainforest biome, Southeastern Brazil

Recent studies have reported several larvae of an unidentified Amblyomma species on passerine birds in Atlantic rainforest fragments in southeastern Brazil. These larvae yielded a unique 16S rRNA haplotype designated as Amblyomma sp. haplotype Nazaré, which showed nucleotide identity levels of 91% to Amblyomma parkeri Fonseca & Aragão, 1952 and 88% to Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844). Herein, we describe Amblyomma sp. haplotype Nazaré as a new species, Amblyomma romarioi n. sp. Martins, Luz & Labruna, through a formal description of the male and female adult stages. Amblyomma romarioi is morphologically and genetically most closely related to A. parkeri, A. longirostre and Amblyomma geayi Neumann, 1899. Among males, the rectangular basis capituli and rounded coxa I spurs separates A. romarioi from A. parkeri, A. longirostre, and A. geayi, which have basis capituli triangular or slightly hexagonal, and pointed coxa I spurs. Among females, the V-shaped genital aperture and coxa I rounded spurs of A. romarioi contrasts to the U-shaped genital aperture and coxa I pointed spurs in A. parkeri, A. longirostre, and A. geayi. Larvae of A. romarioi have been collected on 24 species of passerines. The few records of nymphs and adults were on the black-fronted titi monkey Callicebus nigrifrons (Spix, 1823). The current distribution of A. romarioi is restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, southeastern Brazil, in areas with altitude between 363 and 1600?m, within the distribution of C. nigrifrons. We discuss ecological features of Amblyomma romarioi, comparatively to A. parkeri, A. longirostre and A. geayi. The present study increases the Brazilian tick fauna to 74 species.

Molecular detection of Rickettsia genus in chigger mites (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) collected on small mammals in southeastern brazilian / Detecção molecular do gênero Rickettsia em ácaros trombiculídeos (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) coletados em pequenos mamíferos do sudeste brasileiro

Chiggers are ectoparasites of vertebrates and may cause trombiculiasis or transmit pathogens to their hosts. Specimens collected from rodents and marsupials were morphologically identified as Herpetacarus hertigi, Eutrombicula tinami, Kymocta sp., Quadraseta brasiliensis, Quadraseta falconensis, Quadraseta flochi, Quadraseta mackenziei, Quadraseta pazca, Quadraseta trapezoides, Quadraseta sp., Serratacarus sp., and Trombewingia bakeri. These mites were submitted individually to molecular analyses for the detection of bacteria of the genus Coxiella, Hepatozoon and Rickettsia. Samples were positive to Rickettsia only. Obtained sequences for the gltA (350 pb) and ompA (488 pb) genes were identical to "Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi", a species previously detected in ticks. In addition, molecular identification of mites based on 18S rDNA sequences are provided for H. hertigi, Kymocta sp., Q. brasiliensis, Q. pazca, Q. trapezoides, Quadraseta sp., and T. bakeri for the first time. This is the first report of the detection of a Rickettsia sp. in chigger mites collected on rodents in Brazil.

Ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae, Ixodidae) of Brazil: updated species checklist and taxonomic keys

Ticks are ectoparasites of great medical and veterinary significance in the neotropical region. In Brazil, they are responsible for enormous economic losses to the livestock industry and also for considerable morbidity and mortality in companion animals and humans. Therefore, recognizing the identity of a given species is important, not only from a biodiversity perspective, but also from the medical and veterinary standpoints. The Brazilian tick fauna is one of the most diverse and well-studied in the neotropical region. In the past few years, several new species were discovered and/or recorded for the first time in this country. The main objectives of this study were to provide an updated list of tick species occurring in Brazil and taxonomic keys for their identification. The updated list of Brazilian ticks includes 70 species, 47 in the family Ixodidae and 23 in the family Argasidae. The genera Amblyomma (32 spp.) and Ornithodoros (18 spp.) are the most representative. Updated taxonomic keys for the identification of ticks of Brazil are provided. Finally, the medico-veterinary significance of ticks occurring in this country is briefly discussed.

A new species of Amblyomma (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with monkeys and passerines of the Atlantic rainforest biome, Southeastern Brazil

Recent studies have reported several larvae of an unidentified Amblyomma species on passerine birds in Atlantic rainforest fragments in southeastern Brazil. These larvae yielded a unique 16S rRNA haplotype designated as Amblyomma sp. haplotype Nazaré, which showed nucleotide identity levels of 91% to Amblyomma parkeri Fonseca & Aragão, 1952 and 88% to Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844). Herein, we describe Amblyomma sp. haplotype Nazaré as a new species, Amblyomma romarioi n. sp. Martins, Luz & Labruna, through a formal description of the male and female adult stages. Amblyomma romarioi is morphologically and genetically most closely related to A. parkeri, A. longirostre and Amblyomma geayi Neumann, 1899. Among males, the rectangular basis capituli and rounded coxa I spurs separates A. romarioi from A. parkeri, A. longirostre, and A. geayi, which have basis capituli triangular or slightly hexagonal, and pointed coxa I spurs. Among females, the V-shaped genital aperture and coxa I rounded spurs of A. romarioi contrasts to the U-shaped genital aperture and coxa I pointed spurs in A. parkeri, A. longirostre, and A. geayi. Larvae of A. romarioi have been collected on 24 species of passerines. The few records of nymphs and adults were on the black-fronted titi monkey Callicebus nigrifrons (Spix, 1823). The current distribution of A. romarioi is restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, southeastern Brazil, in areas with altitude between 363 and 1600?m, within the distribution of C. nigrifrons. We discuss ecological features of Amblyomma romarioi, comparatively to A. parkeri, A. longirostre and A. geayi. The present study increases the Brazilian tick fauna to 74 species.

Blankaartia sinnamaryi (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) parasitizing birds in southeastern Brazil, with notes on Rickettsia detection / Blankaartia sinnamaryi (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) parasitando aves no sudeste do Brasil, e notas sobre a detecção de Rickettsia

Abstract The larvae of the family Trombiculidae are ectoparasites of vertebrates, including birds. The bite of some species can cause deep lesions and severe skin reactions in the host, these can lead to dermatitis, popularly known as trombiculiasis. A morphological study of chiggers collected on birds from the state of Minas Gerais in Southeastern Brazil discovered Blankaartia sinnamaryi-infestation on Passeriformes birds. Molecular studies of the disclosed the 18S rDNA sequences of the mite, and the detection of a Rickettsia sp. in this chigger mite species.

Resumo As larvas da família Trombiculidae são ectoparasitas de vertebrados, incluindo aves. A picada de algumas espécies pode causam lesões profundas e reações cutâneas graves no hospedeiro, estas podem levar a dermatites, popularmente conhecidas como trombiculíases. Por meio de um estudo morfológico dos espécimes coletados parasitando aves do estado de Minas Gerais, Sudeste do Brasil relatou a infestação por Blankaartia sinnamaryi em aves Passeriformes. Além disso, nós fornecemos sequências de rDNA 18S desses ácaros e a detecção de uma espécie de Rickettsia sp. nesta espécie de trombiculídeo.

First record of Ornithodoros faccinii (Acari: Argasidae) on toads of genus Rhinella (Anura: Bufonidae) in Brazil / Primeiro registro de Ornithodoros faccinii (Acari: Argasidae) em sapos do gênero Rhinella no Brasil

Abstract Although a group of soft ticks (Argasidae) associated with amphibians was recently discovered in Brazilian rainforests, parasitism by these ticks on cold-blooded animals remains less common than on mammal and bird species. In this study, we identified ticks that were collected from toads that had been caught in December 2016 and January 2017, at Itinguçú waterfall (22°54'05" S; 43°53'30" W) in the municipality of Itaguaí, state of Rio de Janeiro. Tick specimens were identified using a morphological and molecular approach. In total, twelve larvae of Ornithodoros ticks were collected from three individuals of Rhinella ornata and were identified as Ornithodoros faccinii. Our results include a longer 16S rRNA mitochondrial sequence for O. faccinii that supports its phylogenetic relatedness to Ornithodoros saraivai, and we report this tick species parasitizing Rhinella toads for the first time in Brazil.

Resumo Embora um grupo de carrapatos moles (Argasidae) associado a anfíbios tenha sido recentemente descoberto nas florestas brasileiras, o parasitismo por esses carrapatos em animais de sangue frio permanece menos comum do que nas espécies de mamíferos e aves. Neste estudo, identificamos carrapatos que foram coletados de sapos capturados em dezembro de 2016 e janeiro de 2017, na cachoeira de Itinguçú (22°54'05" S; 43°53'30" W) no município de Itaguaí, estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os espécimes de carrapatos foram identificados usando uma abordagem morfológica e molecular. No total, doze larvas de carrapatos Ornithodoros foram coletadas de três indivíduos de Rhinella ornata e foram identificadas como Ornithodoros faccinii. Nossos resultados incluem uma maior seqüência mitocondrial 16S rRNA para O. faccinii que suporta sua relação filogenética com Ornithodoros saraivai e relatamos esta espécie de carrapato parasitando sapos Rhinella pela primeira vez no Brasil.

First molecular detection of Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest in Amblyomma ovale ticks from Espírito Santo state, Brazil / Primeira detecção molecular da Rickettsia sp. cepa Mata Atlântica em carrapatos Amblyomma ovale do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil

Abstract Espírito Santo state (southeastern Brazil) is considered an endemic area for spotted fever group rickettsioses. In February 2017, we received in our laboratory seven unfed Amblyomma ovale adult ticks collected by a farmer from his clothes and body (not attached) during a working day in the rural area of Ibiraçu municipality, Espírito Santo state. By polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses, targeting gltA and ompA rickettsial genes, the DNA of Rickettsia was detected in 6/7 (85.7%) A. ovale. In all cases, DNA sequencing of PCR products revealed that consensus sequences of both genes were 100% identical to gltA and ompA corresponding sequences of Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest retrieved from GenBank. This study reports the first molecular detection of Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest in A. ovale ticks from Espírito Santo state. Our findings indicate a new Brazilian state in the southeast region at risk of human infection with this tick-borne emerging rickettsial agent.

Resumo O estado do Espírito Santo (Sudeste do Brasil) é considerado área endêmica para riquetsioses do Grupo Febre Maculosa. Em fevereiro de 2017, recebemos em nosso laboratório sete carrapatos adultos Amblyomma ovale não ingurgitados, coletados por um fazendeiro nas suas roupas e corpo (não fixadas) durante um dia de trabalho, em área rural do municipio de Ibiraçu, estado do Espírito Santo. Por meio de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), amplificando os genes riquetsiais gltA e ompA , foi detectado ADN de Rickettsia em 6/7 (85,7%) dos A. ovale . O sequenciamento dos produtos de PCR indicou que as sequências consenso de ambos genes foram 100% idênticos às sequências correspondentes dos genes gltA e ompA da Rickettsia sp. cepa Mata Atlântica recuperadas do GenBank. Este estudo relata a primeira detecção molecular da Rickettsia sp. cepa Mata Atlântica em carrapatos A. ovale do estado do Espírito Santo. Nossos resultados apontam um novo estado brasileiro da região Sudeste com risco de infecção humana por este agente rickettsial emergente transmitido por carrapatos.

Ticks and tick-associated spotted fever group Rickettsia from birds in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon / Garrapatas y su infección por Rickettsia del grupo de la fiebre manchada en aves del sudoeste de la Amazonía Brasileña / Carrapatos e sua infeção por Rickettsia do grupo da febre maculosa em aves do sudoeste da Amazonia Brasileira

Abstract Background: South American birds are known to play a significant role in life cycles of various hard ticks, particularly within Amblyomma genus. However, the tick fauna from the Amazon region has been poorly studied, being limited to very few studies. Objective: To report tick infestations on wild birds captured in a region of the Amazon forest, Acre state, Brazil, and to evaluate rickettsial infection in these ticks. Methods: Wild birds were captured by mist-nets and examined for the presence of ticks, which were all collected and identified to species level by taxonomic keys and/or molecular methods. In addition, part of these ticks was individually tested by PCR targeting portions of three rickettsial genes (gltA, ompA, ompB). Results: Among 1,322 captured birds, 79 individuals (6.0%) were infested by one of the following ticks species: Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899 (72 nymphs), Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844; seven larvae, 13 nymphs), Amblyomma humerale Koch 1844 (four nymphs), Amblyomma geayi Neumann, 1899 (two larvae, two nymphs), and 421 larvae of Amblyomma spp Rickettsia sp strain NOD was detected in 3/26 A. nodosum, and Rickettsia amblyommatis in 5/8 A. longirostre and 1/2 A. geayi ticks tested. Conclusion: This is the first study about ticks parasitizing wild birds in Acre state, adding new host-parasite relationships, new tick species records (A. humerale and A. nodosum) and two rickettsial agents (R amblyommatis and Rickettsia sp strain NOD) for the first time in Acre.

Resumen Antecedentes: En América del Sur, las aves actúan como importantes hospedadores dentro del ciclo biológico de garrapatas del género Amblyomma, que por su parte, se encuentran naturalmente infectadas con rickettsias patógenas. Aunque la diversidad de aves en esta región es alta, el conocimiento de la fauna de garrapatas asociadas es aún escaso. Objetivo: Reportar la fauna de garrapatas asociadas a aves presentes en la Amazonía, estado de Acre, Brasil, y evaluar en éstas infección por Rickettsia. Métodos: Las aves fueron capturadas con redes de niebla y examinadas en busca de garrapatas, las que a su vez fueron identificadas por medio de claves taxonómicas y métodos moleculares. Parte de estas garrapatas fueron individualmente sometidas a PCR convencional en busca de fragmentos de tres genes rickettsiales (gltA, ompA, ompB). Resultados: De un total de 1.322 aves capturadas, 79 (6,0%) se encontraron parasitadas con alguna de las siguientes especies de garrapatas: Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899 (72 ninfas), Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844; siete larvas, 13 ninfas), Amblyomma humerale Koch 1844 (cuatro ninfas), Amblyomma geayi Neumann, 1899 (dos larvas, dos ninfas) y 421 larvas de Amblyomma spp Rickettsia sp cepa NOD fue detectada en 3/26 A. nodosum y Rickettsia amblyommatis en 5/8 A. longirostre, así como también en 1/2 A. geayi analizadas. Conclusión: Este es el primer estudio sobre garrapatas parásitas de aves desarrollado en el estado de Acre. Además, se reportan nuevas relaciones parásito-hospedador, nuevos registros para dos especies de garrapatas (A. humerale y A. nodosum) y dos rickettsias (R. amblyommatis y Rickettsia sp cepa NOD) por primera vez en Acre.

Resumo Antecedentes: Aves sul-americanas são conhecidas por desempenhar um papel significativo no ciclo de vida de várias espécies de ixodídeos, particularmente dentro do gênero Amblyomma. No entanto, a ixodofauna da região amazônica tem sido pouco estudada, sendo limitada apenas a alguns estudos. Objetivo: Relatar as infestações de carrapatos em aves silvestres capturadas na região de floresta amazônica, Acre, Brasil, e avaliar as infecções por riquétsias. Métodos: As aves silvestres foram capturadas por redes de neblina e examinadas para a presença de carrapatos, que foram coletados e identificados até espécies, utilizando chaves taxonômicas e/ou métodos moleculares. Além disso, uma parte desses carrapatos foram testados individualmente pela PCR para a pesquisa de fragmentos de três genes de riquétsias (gltA, ompA, ompB). Resultados: Entre as 1.322 aves capturadas, 79 indivíduos (6,0%) estavam infestados pelas seguintes espécies de carrapatos: Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899 (72 ninfas), Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844; sete larvas, 13 ninfas), Amblyomma humerale Koch 1844 (quatro ninfas), Amblyomma geayi Neumann, 1899 (duas larvas, duas ninfas) e 421 larvas de Amblyomma spp Rickettsia sp cepa NOD foi detectada em 3/26 A. nodosum e Rickettsia amblyommatis em 5/8 A. longirostre e 1/2 A. geayi dos carrapatos testados. Conclusão: Este é o primeiro estudo de carrapatos parasitando aves silvestres no estado do Acre, demostrando novas relações parasita-hospedeiro e registros inéditos de espécies de carrapatos (A. humerale e A. nodosum) e riquétsias (R. amblyommatis e Rickettsia sp strain NOD) para o Acre.

A new species of the genus Eutrombicula Ewing, 1938 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) and new records for the species Eutrombicula batatas (Linnaeus, 1758) in Brazil

The genus Eutrombicula consists of more than 80 known species worldwide. Species of this genus parasitize amphibians. reptiles, birds and mammals. In the present study, we describe Eutrombicula daemoni n. sp. collected on the social flycatcher. Myiozetetes similis (Passeriformes) from southeast region of Brazil and partial sequence of the 18S gene was obtained for this mite species. In addition, we provide new locality records and hosts for Eutrombicula batatas (L.) in Brazil.