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Ixodes ricinus, a hematophagous arthropod species with great medical importance in the northern hemisphere, is characterized by an ability to survive prolonged periods of starvation, a wide host spectrum, and high vector competence. The aim of the present study was to determine the quantitative parameters of questing I. ricinus ticks collected in eastern Poland during the spring peak of their activity. The study consisted in the determination of quantitative parameters characterizing I. ricinus females and males, i.e., fresh body mass, reduced body mass, lipid-free body mass, water mass, and lipid mass and calculation of the lipid index. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean values of the lipid index in females collected during the first and last ten days of May, which indicates the progressive utilization of reserve materials in the activity period. Higher activity of I. ricinus female ticks was observed during the last ten days of May despite the less favorable weather conditions, indicating their strong determination in host-seeking behaviors accompanying a decline in the lipid content and the use of the “now or never” strategy.
Joanna Kulisz; Katarzyna Bartosik; Zbigniew Zając; Aneta Woźniak; Szymon Kolasa. Quantitative Parameters of the Body Composition Influencing Host Seeking Behavior of Ixodes ricinus Adults. Pathogens 2021, 10, 706 .
AMA StyleJoanna Kulisz, Katarzyna Bartosik, Zbigniew Zając, Aneta Woźniak, Szymon Kolasa. Quantitative Parameters of the Body Composition Influencing Host Seeking Behavior of Ixodes ricinus Adults. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (6):706.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanna Kulisz; Katarzyna Bartosik; Zbigniew Zając; Aneta Woźniak; Szymon Kolasa. 2021. "Quantitative Parameters of the Body Composition Influencing Host Seeking Behavior of Ixodes ricinus Adults." Pathogens 10, no. 6: 706.
Insects of the genus Lipoptena are parasitic arthropods with a broad host range. Due to the type of parasitism (hematophagy), their potential role as vectors of pathogens, i.e., Bartonella sp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi is considered. As the range of their occurrence has been changing dynamically in recent years and infestations of humans have increasingly been reported, these organisms are now the subject of numerous studies. Our research aimed to present the molecular characteristics of Bartonella sp. detected in Lipoptena fortisetosa parasitizing wild cervids in south-eastern Poland. Adults of Lipoptena spp. were collected from carcasses of roe deer and red deer between spring and autumn in 2013. The PCR method was used to detect Bartonella sp. in the insects. We report two new haplotypes of the rpoB gene of Bartonella sp. isolated from L. fortisetosa feeding on wild cervids in south-eastern Poland and the presence of this invasive ectoparasitic species in the studied area since 2013. Phylogenetic analyses of newly obtained Bartonella sp. haplotypes confirmed their unique position on the constructed tree and network topology. The rpoB gene sequences found belonging to lineage B support the view that this phylogenetic lineage represents a novel Bartonella species.
Katarzyna Bartosik; Weronika Maślanko; Alicja Buczek; Marek Asman; Joanna Witecka; Ewelina Szwaj; Paweł Błaszkiewicz; Magdalena Świsłocka. Two New Haplotypes of Bartonella sp. Isolated from Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in SE Poland. Insects 2021, 12, 485 .
AMA StyleKatarzyna Bartosik, Weronika Maślanko, Alicja Buczek, Marek Asman, Joanna Witecka, Ewelina Szwaj, Paweł Błaszkiewicz, Magdalena Świsłocka. Two New Haplotypes of Bartonella sp. Isolated from Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in SE Poland. Insects. 2021; 12 (6):485.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Bartosik; Weronika Maślanko; Alicja Buczek; Marek Asman; Joanna Witecka; Ewelina Szwaj; Paweł Błaszkiewicz; Magdalena Świsłocka. 2021. "Two New Haplotypes of Bartonella sp. Isolated from Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in SE Poland." Insects 12, no. 6: 485.
Purpose The aim of the study was to examine Demodex survival in makeup cosmetics, i.e., powder cream, mascara, and lipstick, and to determine whether cosmetics shared with others can be a source of D. folliculorum infection. Methods Live D. folliculorum adults were placed in cosmetic samples and their motility was observed under a microscope. The mites were fully or partially immersed in the powder cream and lipstick, and only partially immersed in the mascara. Partial immersion means that only the opisthosoma was covered by the cosmetic, whereas the gnathosoma and podosoma had no contact with the cosmetic. Cessation of motility was regarded as a sign of death. Results In the control (mites placed on a microscope slide with no cosmetics), the survival time was 41.2 h. D. folliculorum that were immersed fully or partially in the lipstick substrate were viable for 38.5 h and 148 h, respectively. The survival time of the mites at full and partial immersion in the powder cream was 0.78 h and 2.16 h, respectively. The average survival time in the mascara was 21 h. Conclusions Makeup cosmetics used by different individuals at short intervals (from several hours to several days) can be a source of transmission of Demodex sp. mites.
Aleksandra Sędzikowska; Katarzyna Bartosik; Renata Przydatek-Tyrajska; Monika Dybicz. Shared Makeup Cosmetics as a Route of Demodex folliculorum Infections. Acta Parasitologica 2021, 66, 631 -637.
AMA StyleAleksandra Sędzikowska, Katarzyna Bartosik, Renata Przydatek-Tyrajska, Monika Dybicz. Shared Makeup Cosmetics as a Route of Demodex folliculorum Infections. Acta Parasitologica. 2021; 66 (2):631-637.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAleksandra Sędzikowska; Katarzyna Bartosik; Renata Przydatek-Tyrajska; Monika Dybicz. 2021. "Shared Makeup Cosmetics as a Route of Demodex folliculorum Infections." Acta Parasitologica 66, no. 2: 631-637.
Rickettsiae from the spotted fever group, i.e. the etiological agents of tick-borne lymphadenopathy/Dermacentor-borne necrotic erythema and lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA /DEBONEL) syndrome, are associated with ticks, including Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor reticulatus. The expansion of these ticks into new areas increases the risk of infection of their hosts with tick-borne pathogens. The study summarises the importance of 2 species from the genus Dermacentor, i.e. D. marginatus and D. reticulatus, in the spread of spotted fever group rickettsiae in various regions of Europe. The study also focuses on the determinants of the presence of vectors and transmission of rickettsiae, as well as the effects of human infections with these pathogens. The climate changes observed nowadays affect vectors and increase the incidence and spread of tick-borne diseases worldwide. Due to the existing risk of exposure to an increasing number of people, knowledge about the course of these serious diseases and their etiological factors should be disseminated among healthcare professionals as well as in society. There is a great challenge for epidemiological services to provide access to medical and veterinary facilities in order to diagnose and treat rickettsioses. Therefore, the development of a strategy for tick control and the popularisation of knowledge concerning prophylaxis of tick-borne diseases is indispensable.
Weronika Buczek; Agnieszka Koman-Iżko; Alicja M Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Dorota Kulina; Dariusz Ciura. Spotted fever group rickettsiae transmitted by Dermacentor ticks and determinants of their spread in Europe. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2020, 27, 505 -511.
AMA StyleWeronika Buczek, Agnieszka Koman-Iżko, Alicja M Buczek, Katarzyna Bartosik, Dorota Kulina, Dariusz Ciura. Spotted fever group rickettsiae transmitted by Dermacentor ticks and determinants of their spread in Europe. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2020; 27 (4):505-511.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWeronika Buczek; Agnieszka Koman-Iżko; Alicja M Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Dorota Kulina; Dariusz Ciura. 2020. "Spotted fever group rickettsiae transmitted by Dermacentor ticks and determinants of their spread in Europe." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 27, no. 4: 505-511.
Insects of the genus Lipoptena, e.g., Lipoptena cervi and Lipoptena fortisetosa, are hematophagic ectoparasites mainly attacking deer, roe deer, moose, horses, and cattle. Humans may also be incidental hosts for these insects. The species are vectors of numerous pathogens, including Bartonella schoenbuchensis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Due to the short time of feeding on humans, usually painless bites, and an initially small trace at the site of the bite, the symptoms reported by the patient may not be associated with deer ked infestation and infection with pathogens transmitted by these arthropods. The aim of the study was to describe the consequences of L. cervi bites in humans with detailed documentation of the development of skin lesions. The knowledge about skin lesions arising after deer ked bites may be useful in clinical practice for monitoring patients for the presence of pathogens transmitted by the parasites.
Weronika Maślanko; Katarzyna Bartosik; Magdalena Raszewska-Famielec; Ewelina Szwaj; Marek Asman. Exposure of Humans to Attacks by Deer Keds and Consequences of Their Bites—A Case Report with Environmental Background. Insects 2020, 11, 859 .
AMA StyleWeronika Maślanko, Katarzyna Bartosik, Magdalena Raszewska-Famielec, Ewelina Szwaj, Marek Asman. Exposure of Humans to Attacks by Deer Keds and Consequences of Their Bites—A Case Report with Environmental Background. Insects. 2020; 11 (12):859.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWeronika Maślanko; Katarzyna Bartosik; Magdalena Raszewska-Famielec; Ewelina Szwaj; Marek Asman. 2020. "Exposure of Humans to Attacks by Deer Keds and Consequences of Their Bites—A Case Report with Environmental Background." Insects 11, no. 12: 859.
The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of ocular demodicosis and ocular surface conditions in patients selected for cataract surgery. Eyelashes from 73 patients selected for cataract surgery were evaluated at × 40 and × 100 magnification using light microscopy. The anterior segment was assessed with the slit lamp. Additionally, Schirmer I and break up time (BUT) tests were carried out before surgery and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. A specially designed questionnaire containing e.g. information about chronic skin and eye diseases, previous ophthalmic surgeries, and patient's hygiene habits was used to assess the demographic variables. A majority of patients were at the age of 70–79 years, and there were more females (83%) in the study group. Demodex folliculorum was found in 48% of the patients. There was a correlation between the number of parasites and the presence of blepharitis, discharge at eyelid margins, and conjunctival hyperemia. Schirmer I and BUT test results were lower in patients with Demodex infestation before and after cataract surgery. The higher number of mites was correlated with lower Schirmer I test results postoperatively. The presence of Demodex mites influences the conjunctiva and lid margins leading to inflammation. The higher number of Demodex mites disturbs the tear film over time after cataract surgery.
Katarzyna Nowomiejska; Piotr Lukasik; Agnieszka Brzozowska; Mario Damiano Toro; Aleksandra Sedzikowska; Katarzyna Bartosik; Robert Rejdak. Prevalence of Ocular Demodicosis and Ocular Surface Conditions in Patients Selected for Cataract Surgery. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2020, 9, 3069 .
AMA StyleKatarzyna Nowomiejska, Piotr Lukasik, Agnieszka Brzozowska, Mario Damiano Toro, Aleksandra Sedzikowska, Katarzyna Bartosik, Robert Rejdak. Prevalence of Ocular Demodicosis and Ocular Surface Conditions in Patients Selected for Cataract Surgery. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020; 9 (10):3069.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Nowomiejska; Piotr Lukasik; Agnieszka Brzozowska; Mario Damiano Toro; Aleksandra Sedzikowska; Katarzyna Bartosik; Robert Rejdak. 2020. "Prevalence of Ocular Demodicosis and Ocular Surface Conditions in Patients Selected for Cataract Surgery." Journal of Clinical Medicine 9, no. 10: 3069.
Background: Scabies (caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) and pediculosis (caused by Pediculus humanus) are infectious diseases common in educational institutions and long-term care centres. The aim of the study was to assess the scale of the phenomenon in confinement conditions favouring the spread of these parasitoses. Methods: Data on the prevalence of scabies (2001–2015) and pediculosis (2008–2015) in Polish prisoners were provided by the Central Board of Prison Service. The information for the period between 2010 and 2015 in the Lublin Province was obtained from the District Inspectorate of the Prison Service in Lublin. Correlations between the prevalence of scabies and pediculosis and the number of prisoners were analysed, as well as correlations between the number of passes granted to prisoners and the prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in incarcerated individuals. Results: The prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in Polish prisoners has been estimated at 2.3% and 1.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Pediculosis and scabies are still current issues in Polish prisons. Convicts returning from passes and new prisoners should be carefully examined and monitored for the presence of S. scabiei var. hominis and P. humanus invasion. Education of prisoners could be a promising tool in prevention of scabies and pediculosis in correctional settings.
Katarzyna Bartosik; Andrzej Tytuła; Zbigniew Zając; Weronika Buczek; Anita Jasztal-Kniażuk; Paweł Szczepan Błaszkiewicz; Adam Borzęcki. Scabies and Pediculosis in Penitentiary Institutions in Poland—A Study of Ectoparasitoses in Confinement Conditions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6086 .
AMA StyleKatarzyna Bartosik, Andrzej Tytuła, Zbigniew Zając, Weronika Buczek, Anita Jasztal-Kniażuk, Paweł Szczepan Błaszkiewicz, Adam Borzęcki. Scabies and Pediculosis in Penitentiary Institutions in Poland—A Study of Ectoparasitoses in Confinement Conditions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (17):6086.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Bartosik; Andrzej Tytuła; Zbigniew Zając; Weronika Buczek; Anita Jasztal-Kniażuk; Paweł Szczepan Błaszkiewicz; Adam Borzęcki. 2020. "Scabies and Pediculosis in Penitentiary Institutions in Poland—A Study of Ectoparasitoses in Confinement Conditions." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 17: 6086.
Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, one of the most important vectors and reservoirs of tick-borne diseases in Europe, are widespread in the temperate climate zone and in some localities in the subtropical climate zone of the western Palaearctic region. These ticks occur in a large area characterised by a varied climate type, vegetation, and availability of potential hosts. Hence, they exhibit high ecological plasticity and adaptability to periodically adverse conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of D. reticulatus adults to overwinter in the natural habitat. Specimens marked with a permanent oil marker on the festoons were placed in their natural habitats for the winter. Concurrently, tick survival in laboratory conditions at a temperature of 5 °C and 18 °C was assessed as a control. The groups were compared with each other by determination of the weight of fat bodies. In the field conditions, 67.9% females and 60.0% males survived the winter. There was no significant difference in the survival of ticks in the laboratory. A significantly lower fat body weight was found in the group of ticks overwintering in the field conditions and exhibiting questing activity between spring and late autumn during the following year. On the population scale, adult D. reticulatus ticks are able to survive the winter in temperate climate conditions at a level ensuring a further increase in their population size. In adverse weather conditions, ticks enter diapause, thus maximally reducing the utilisation of the content of their fat bodies. This facilitates long-term survival in the environment.
Zbigniew Zając; Katarzyna Bartosik; Joanna Kulisz; Aneta Woźniak. Ability of Adult Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks to Overwinter in the Temperate Climate Zone. Biology 2020, 9, 145 .
AMA StyleZbigniew Zając, Katarzyna Bartosik, Joanna Kulisz, Aneta Woźniak. Ability of Adult Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks to Overwinter in the Temperate Climate Zone. Biology. 2020; 9 (7):145.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZbigniew Zając; Katarzyna Bartosik; Joanna Kulisz; Aneta Woźniak. 2020. "Ability of Adult Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks to Overwinter in the Temperate Climate Zone." Biology 9, no. 7: 145.
Colonization of skin by Demodex mites developing as a single facial lesion with a limited range is diagnosed relatively rarely. The presence of this type of skin lesions may hinder and thus delay the diagnostic process and application of appropriate treatment. The persistent cosmetic defect on the face is extremely onerous/embarrassing to the patient and impedes normal functioning. Describe a case of atypical presentation of primary facial demodicosis and its successful treatment. We present a case of a 38‐year‐old patient who consulted an aesthetic medicine doctor about a skin lesion, that is, erythematous‐papular lesion with single pustules persisting for more than half a year around the right eye corner and below the lower eyelid. Previous topical antibiotic treatment has proved ineffective. Diagnosis was targeted at detection of Demodex spp. invasion, which yielded a positive result. Targeted therapy with 1% topical ivermectin was implemented. Complete resolution of the skin lesions was observed after 8.5 weeks of the treatment with no further recurrence. In the case of limited scaly erythematous‐papular skin lesions with single pustules, Demodex mites should be considered as an etiological factor or one of the factors in the case of a mixed‐etiology lesion. A delayed diagnosis of visible lesions on facial skin has a negative impact on patient's well‐being and normal functioning. As diagnosis of primary demodicosis is underestimated, knowledge about this dermatosis and its clinical manifestations should be disseminated among cosmetologists and doctors of various specialties.
Renata Przydatek‐Tyrajska; Aleksandra Sędzikowska; Katarzyna Bartosik. Primary facial demodicosis as a health problem and aesthetic challenge: A case report. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2020, 20, 420 -424.
AMA StyleRenata Przydatek‐Tyrajska, Aleksandra Sędzikowska, Katarzyna Bartosik. Primary facial demodicosis as a health problem and aesthetic challenge: A case report. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020; 20 (2):420-424.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Przydatek‐Tyrajska; Aleksandra Sędzikowska; Katarzyna Bartosik. 2020. "Primary facial demodicosis as a health problem and aesthetic challenge: A case report." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 20, no. 2: 420-424.
Background: The territorial expansion and increased population size of haematophagous arthropods (i.e., the castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and the deer ked Lipoptena cervi (Diptera: Hippoboscidae)) has enhanced the risk of human infestations in Europe. The aim of our study was to present skin lesions induced by tick and deer ked bites in patients from recreational forest regions in southeastern Poland and pay attention to features of skin changes that may be useful in differential diagnosis. Methods: We compare the skin lesions after I. ricinus and L. cervi bite and draw attention to the biological and ecological traits of both ectoparasites, which may be diagnostically relevant for determination of the cause of skin symptoms reported by patients. Results: I. ricinus bites lead to development of erythematous-infiltrative poorly demarcated lesions with a centrally located bite mark, which usually disappears within one to several days. In turn, L. cervi bites leave irregularly shaped scattered erythematous papules. The papules may persist for up to one year and are accompanied by itching. Conclusions: Correct assessment of the clinical picture and its association with an arthropod bite (e.g., tick or deer ked) is highly important for further diagnostic procedures (i.e., differentiation of skin lesions developing in tick-borne diseases and, consequently, correct choice of pharmacological therapy). I. ricinus and L. cervi differ in their developmental cycles and rhythms of activity, which indicates that both species should be considered potential causative agents in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions when the patient has been bitten by an arthropod in autumn and winter months.
Weronika Buczek; Alicja M. Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Alicja Buczek; Alicja Buczek. Comparison of Skin Lesions Caused by Ixodes ricinus Ticks and Lipoptena cervi Deer Keds Infesting Humans in the Natural Environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 3316 .
AMA StyleWeronika Buczek, Alicja M. Buczek, Katarzyna Bartosik, Alicja Buczek, Alicja Buczek. Comparison of Skin Lesions Caused by Ixodes ricinus Ticks and Lipoptena cervi Deer Keds Infesting Humans in the Natural Environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (9):3316.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWeronika Buczek; Alicja M. Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Alicja Buczek; Alicja Buczek. 2020. "Comparison of Skin Lesions Caused by Ixodes ricinus Ticks and Lipoptena cervi Deer Keds Infesting Humans in the Natural Environment." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 9: 3316.
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites of humans and animals. These arthropods employ different strategies in their host-seeking activity; most often, it is the “nest”- and “pasture-questing” behaviour. Some species, e.g., Dermacentor reticulatus, exhibit both types of activity depending on their developmental stage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the host-seeking activity of adult D. reticulatus ticks in the eastern part of Poland. To this end, ticks were collected with the flagging method during their seasonal activity in three different types of habitat. Active specimens were marked with a permanent marker and then released. This was repeated consistently at 7-day intervals using a different colour of the marker each time, which allowed tracking the questing activity of the specimens. Most frequently, repetitive tick activity (repeated up to seven times) was noted in a locality surrounded by urban developments. In an agriculturally unused open meadow habitat, 69.9% of D. reticulatus ticks were found to undertake questing activity only once. D. reticulatus females proved to be more aggressive and determined to find a host than the males of this species. Adult D. reticulatus ticks are able to stay in the habitat for a long time and undertake multiple host-seeking activities. The greatest threat of attacks on animals, including domestic animals, and sporadically humans, by these ticks occurs in meadow habitats, which are preferred by this species.
Zbigniew Zając; Katarzyna Bartosik; Aneta Woźniak. Monitoring Dermacentor reticulatus Host-Seeking Activity in Natural Conditions. Insects 2020, 11, 264 .
AMA StyleZbigniew Zając, Katarzyna Bartosik, Aneta Woźniak. Monitoring Dermacentor reticulatus Host-Seeking Activity in Natural Conditions. Insects. 2020; 11 (5):264.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZbigniew Zając; Katarzyna Bartosik; Aneta Woźniak. 2020. "Monitoring Dermacentor reticulatus Host-Seeking Activity in Natural Conditions." Insects 11, no. 5: 264.
This opinion piece highlights the role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and their role in the circulation and dissemination of pathogens in Europe. Birds with different lifestyles, i.e., non-migrants residing in a specific area, or short-, medium-, and long-distance migrants, migrating within one or several distant geographical regions are carriers of a number of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. During seasonal migrations, birds that cover long distances over a short time and stay temporarily in different habitats can introduce tick and pathogen species in areas where they have never occurred. An increase in the geographical range of ticks as well as the global climate changes affecting the pathogens, vectors, and their hosts increase the incidence and the spread of emerging tick-borne diseases worldwide. Tick infestations of birds varied between regions depends on the rhythms of tick seasonal activity and the bird migration rhythms determined by for example, climatic and environmental factors. In areas north of latitude ca. 58°N, immature Ixodes ricinus ticks are collected from birds most frequently, whereas ticks from the Hyalomma marginatum group dominate in areas below 42°N. We concluded that the prognosis of hazards posed by tick-borne pathogens should take into account changes in the migration of birds, hosts of many epidemiologically important tick species.
Alicja M. Buczek; Weronika Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik. The Potential Role of Migratory Birds in the Rapid Spread of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in the Changing Climatic and Environmental Conditions in Europe. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 2117 .
AMA StyleAlicja M. Buczek, Weronika Buczek, Katarzyna Bartosik. The Potential Role of Migratory Birds in the Rapid Spread of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in the Changing Climatic and Environmental Conditions in Europe. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (6):2117.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja M. Buczek; Weronika Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik. 2020. "The Potential Role of Migratory Birds in the Rapid Spread of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in the Changing Climatic and Environmental Conditions in Europe." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 6: 2117.
This study presents for the first time a case of Hyalomma excavatum hyperparasitism and an analysis of this phenomenon in terms of its potential role in the biology of ticks and epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. Two partially engorged H. excavatum females, one fully engorged female, and 5 males were collected from a naïve rabbit and placed together in a rearing chamber at a temperature of 25°C and 75% humidity. 3-4 days after tick detachment from the host's skin, one partially engorged H. excavatum female was observed attached to the idiosoma of the fully engorged conspecific female. This study and observations of other authors confirm that partially engorged ixodid ticks can re-infest the host, and even co-feeding fully engorged ticks in order to collect the blood meal that is indispensable for important physiological processes. However, inefficient feeding of a partially engorged female on another conspecific female may reduce its reproductive performance and disturb the development of eggs and larvae. It seems that parasitism of a tick on another conspecific specimen, when at least one of them is infected by a microorganism, may be a yet poorly explored route of transmission of pathogens or symbionts between the ticks. Initiation of feeding by a hungry or partially engorged tick on a fully engorged specimen is an attempt to obtain food in the drastic conditions of the absence of a target host. Tick hyperparasitism with concurrent pathogen transmission can contribute to the genospecific diversity of pathogens in vectors and hosts.
Alicja Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Alicja Magdalena Buczek; Weronika Buczek; Michał Stanko. Conspecific hyperparasitism in the Hyalomma excavatum tick and considerations on the biological and epidemiological implications of this phenomenon. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2019, 26, 548 -554.
AMA StyleAlicja Buczek, Katarzyna Bartosik, Alicja Magdalena Buczek, Weronika Buczek, Michał Stanko. Conspecific hyperparasitism in the Hyalomma excavatum tick and considerations on the biological and epidemiological implications of this phenomenon. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2019; 26 (4):548-554.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Alicja Magdalena Buczek; Weronika Buczek; Michał Stanko. 2019. "Conspecific hyperparasitism in the Hyalomma excavatum tick and considerations on the biological and epidemiological implications of this phenomenon." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 26, no. 4: 548-554.
The increasing application of toxic plant substances to deter and fight ticks proves the need for investigations focused on the elucidation of their impact on the developmental stages and populations of these arthropods. We examined the course of embryogenesis and egg hatch in Hyalomma marginatum ticks under the effect of cytotoxic plant substances. The investigations demonstrated that the length of embryonic development of egg batches treated with 20 μL of a 0.1875% colchicine solution did not differ significantly from that in the control group. Colchicine caused the high mortality of eggs (16.3%) and embryos (9.7%), disturbances in larval hatch (8.1%), and lower numbers of normal larval hatches (65.6%). In 0.2% of the larvae, colchicine induced anomalies in the idiosoma (67.6%) and gnathosoma (22.5%) as well as composite anomalies (8.5%). The study demonstrates that cytotoxic compounds with an effect similar to that of colchicine can reduce tick populations and cause teratological changes, which were observed in the specimens found during field studies. Since there are no data on the toxic effects of active plant substances on other organisms and the risk of development of tick resistance, a strategy for the use of such compounds in tick control and the management of plant products should be developed.
Alicja M. Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Weronika Buczek; Dorota Kulina. Abnormal Development of Hyalomma Marginatum Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Induced by Plant Cytotoxic Substances. Toxins 2019, 11, 445 .
AMA StyleAlicja M. Buczek, Katarzyna Bartosik, Weronika Buczek, Dorota Kulina. Abnormal Development of Hyalomma Marginatum Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Induced by Plant Cytotoxic Substances. Toxins. 2019; 11 (8):445.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja M. Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Weronika Buczek; Dorota Kulina. 2019. "Abnormal Development of Hyalomma Marginatum Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Induced by Plant Cytotoxic Substances." Toxins 11, no. 8: 445.
Introduction: The three-host Dermacentor reticulatus tick transmits many pathogens, which are introduced into the host with saliva during feeding. Material and methods: The aim of present study was to analyse the behaviour of males of this species on the host in homogeneous sex groups...
Katarzyna Bartosik; Alicja Buczek; Weronika Buczek; Alicja M Buczek; Dorota Kulina; Agnieszka Koman-Iżko. Host feeding behaviour of Dermacentor reticulatus males in relation to the transmission of pathogens. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2019, 26, 227 -230.
AMA StyleKatarzyna Bartosik, Alicja Buczek, Weronika Buczek, Alicja M Buczek, Dorota Kulina, Agnieszka Koman-Iżko. Host feeding behaviour of Dermacentor reticulatus males in relation to the transmission of pathogens. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2019; 26 (2):227-230.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Bartosik; Alicja Buczek; Weronika Buczek; Alicja M Buczek; Dorota Kulina; Agnieszka Koman-Iżko. 2019. "Host feeding behaviour of Dermacentor reticulatus males in relation to the transmission of pathogens." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 26, no. 2: 227-230.
Two pyrethroids, deltamethrin (D) and alphacypermethrin (AC), have been used as commercial products for tick control worldwide. However, the effects of sublethal doses of these compounds on various tick species and their developmental stages have not been fully explored yet, although such knowledge could contribute to a more effective application of both pyrethroids and simultaneous reduction of their costs and undesirable side effects, including the harmful impact on other organisms and environmental contamination. This study investigates the effect of sublethal concentrations of D and AC applied to engorged females on the fecundity, development of eggs and larvae, and the number of offspring in the Ixodes ricinus (L.) tick, which is the most important vector of tick-borne diseases of humans in Europe. After detachment from rabbit’s skin, fully engorged I. ricinus females were treated with 20 μl of pyrethroid solutions at five concentrations from 0.01562 to 0.25% and kept at 28 °C and 75% relative humidity. The impact of the pyrethroids on maturation and development of eggs as well as development of larvae was assessed based on parameters of the preoviposition and oviposition periods and the course of embryogenesis and egg hatch. The investigations have shown that both tested acaricides reduce the reproductive rate in I. ricinus females by inhibition of egg development and disturb embryonic development and larval hatch. Females did not lay eggs at concentrations higher than 0.0625% AC and 0.125% D. The lower concentrations of both pyrethroids disturbed or inhibited the embryogenesis and egg hatch in I. ricinus.
Alicja Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Weronika Buczek; Paweł Kuczyński. The effect of sublethal concentrations of deltamethrin and alphacypermethrin on the fecundity and development of Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) eggs and larvae. Experimental and Applied Acarology 2019, 78, 203 -221.
AMA StyleAlicja Buczek, Katarzyna Bartosik, Weronika Buczek, Paweł Kuczyński. The effect of sublethal concentrations of deltamethrin and alphacypermethrin on the fecundity and development of Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) eggs and larvae. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 2019; 78 (2):203-221.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Weronika Buczek; Paweł Kuczyński. 2019. "The effect of sublethal concentrations of deltamethrin and alphacypermethrin on the fecundity and development of Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) eggs and larvae." Experimental and Applied Acarology 78, no. 2: 203-221.
Alicja Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Weronika Buczek; Dorota Kulina; Joanna Kulisz; Krzysztof Tomasiewicz. A unique phenomenon of oral-anal contact between ticks observed in two tick species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2018, 25, 686 -689.
AMA StyleAlicja Buczek, Katarzyna Bartosik, Weronika Buczek, Dorota Kulina, Joanna Kulisz, Krzysztof Tomasiewicz. A unique phenomenon of oral-anal contact between ticks observed in two tick species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2018; 25 (4):686-689.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Weronika Buczek; Dorota Kulina; Joanna Kulisz; Krzysztof Tomasiewicz. 2018. "A unique phenomenon of oral-anal contact between ticks observed in two tick species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 25, no. 4: 686-689.
Alicja Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Dorota Kulina; Magdalena Raszewska-Famielec; Adam Borzęcki. Skin lesions in humans bitten by European pigeon tick Argas reflexus (Fab.) (Ixodida: Argasidae) massively occurring in the Upper Silesian conurbation of south-west Poland. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2018, 25, 234 -240.
AMA StyleAlicja Buczek, Katarzyna Bartosik, Dorota Kulina, Magdalena Raszewska-Famielec, Adam Borzęcki. Skin lesions in humans bitten by European pigeon tick Argas reflexus (Fab.) (Ixodida: Argasidae) massively occurring in the Upper Silesian conurbation of south-west Poland. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2018; 25 (2):234-240.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Buczek; Katarzyna Bartosik; Dorota Kulina; Magdalena Raszewska-Famielec; Adam Borzęcki. 2018. "Skin lesions in humans bitten by European pigeon tick Argas reflexus (Fab.) (Ixodida: Argasidae) massively occurring in the Upper Silesian conurbation of south-west Poland." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 25, no. 2: 234-240.
[b] Abstract Introduction and objective[/b]. Expansion into new areas and the great epidemiological significance of the D. reticulatus tick in Europe prompts investigations of its ethology. Therefore, the locomotor activity of D. reticulatus adult stages in an optimal habitat during the spring...
Alicja Buczek; Zbigniew Zając; Aneta Woźniak; Dorota Kulina; Katarzyna Bartosik. Locomotor activity of adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in natural conditions. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2017, 24, 271 -275.
AMA StyleAlicja Buczek, Zbigniew Zając, Aneta Woźniak, Dorota Kulina, Katarzyna Bartosik. Locomotor activity of adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in natural conditions. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2017; 24 (2):271-275.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicja Buczek; Zbigniew Zając; Aneta Woźniak; Dorota Kulina; Katarzyna Bartosik. 2017. "Locomotor activity of adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in natural conditions." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 24, no. 2: 271-275.
It was proved that transmission of some pathogens may occur between infected and uninfected ticks co-feeding on a host in the absence of systemic infection. The effect was studied of co-feeding of two different tick species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus on the course of the non-parasitic stage. Species chosen for the experiment may share their habitats and co-infest animals in nature. In the course of the study the process of egg maturation, oviposition and larval hatching were investigated. In order to estimate if co-feeding influence can counteract host immunity, three subsequent infestations of rabbits were analyzed. Mono-specific groups values of such a parameters as egg amount, number of eggs per 1 mg of female engorgement weight, female oviposition weight loss, hatching success were higher in inter-specific groups were compared. The results indicate that co-feeding with other tick species may partially reduce the influence of host resistance in subsequent infestation.
Katarzyna Bartosik; Alicja Buczek; Adam Borzęcki; Dorota Kulina. Study of the non-parasitic stage in Ixodes ricinus after co-feeding with Dermacentor reticulatus in three infestations. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2017, 24, 90 -95.
AMA StyleKatarzyna Bartosik, Alicja Buczek, Adam Borzęcki, Dorota Kulina. Study of the non-parasitic stage in Ixodes ricinus after co-feeding with Dermacentor reticulatus in three infestations. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2017; 24 (1):90-95.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Bartosik; Alicja Buczek; Adam Borzęcki; Dorota Kulina. 2017. "Study of the non-parasitic stage in Ixodes ricinus after co-feeding with Dermacentor reticulatus in three infestations." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 24, no. 1: 90-95.