Presence of Babesia odocoilei and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto in a Tick and Dual Parasitism of Amblyomma inornatum and Ixodes scapularis on a Bird in Canada

• Published in: Healthcare (Basel) 2019-03, Vol.7 (1), p.46
• Main Authors: Scott, John D, Clark, Kerry L, Durden, Lance A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 18S rRNA gene; Arachnids; Babesia; babesiosis; birds; Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; ectoparasite; Females; Identification; Lyme disease; Microorganisms; Pathogens; Taxonomy; tick-borne pathogens; ticks; Vertebrates; Zoonoses
• ISSN: 2227-9032; 2227-9032
• DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7010046

Wild birds transport ticks into Canada that harbor a diversity of zoonotic pathogens. However, medical practitioners often question how these zoonotic pathogens are present in their locality. In this study, we provide the first report of an tick cofeeding with a blacklegged tick, , which parasitized a Veery, -a neotropical songbird. Using the flagellin ( ) gene of the Lyme disease bacterium, sensu lato, and the 18S rRNA gene of the piroplasm, a malaria-like microorganism, we detected sensu stricto and , respectively, in an nymph. After the molt, these ticks can bite humans. Furthermore, this is the first-ever documentation of in a tick parasitizing a bird. Our findings substantiate the fact that migratory songbirds transport neotropical ticks long distances, and import them into Canada during northward spring migration. Health care practitioners need to be aware that migratory songbirds transport pathogen-laden ticks into Canada annually, and pose an unforeseen health risk to Canadians.