CiteULike: neteler's library [417 articles]

Population structure of Aedes albopictus (Skuse): the mosquito which is colonizing Mediterranean countries.

S Urbanelli — 2008-05-29T12:02:44-00:00

Heredity, Vol. 84 ( Pt 3) (March 2000), pp. 331-337.

Multilocus electrophoresis analysis has been used to study the genetic structure of 18 populations of Aedes albopictus newly introduced to Italy, in comparison with two populations in the United States, four in Japan, and four in Indonesia. Allozyme analysis revealed that 15 out of the 18 studied loci were polymorphic among the 28 populations. No significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were found at polymorphic loci. High genetic affinity was observed between the Italian populations and those from the United States and Japan. The analysis of variance in allele frequencies showed that variance among subpopulations accounted for most of the total variance, suggesting that isolation of the Italian populations is not related to distance. Analysis of linkage disequilibrium using Ohta's method shows that the variance in the frequency of allele combinations could be explained by the action of the genetic drift which accompanies the establishment of new populations. The colonization process of Ae. albopictus in Italy is following a trend similar to that previously observed in the U.S. A., probably because both infestations derive from several successive introductions, each with large numbers of individuals.

Spread of the tiger: global risk of invasion by the mosquito Aedes albopictus.

MQ Benedict — 2008-05-27T08:30:45-00:00

Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.), Vol. 7, No. 1. (2007), pp. 76-85.

Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is currently the most invasive mosquito in the world. It is of medical importance due to its aggressive daytime human-biting behavior and ability to vector many viruses, including dengue, LaCrosse, and West Nile. Invasions into new areas of its potential range are often initiated through the transportation of eggs via the international trade in used tires. We use a genetic algorithm, Genetic Algorithm for Rule Set Production (GARP), to determine the ecological niche of Ae. albopictus and predict a global ecological risk map for the continued spread of the species. We combine this analysis with risk due to importation of tires from infested countries and their proximity to countries that have already been invaded to develop a list of countries most at risk for future introductions and establishments. Methods used here have potential for predicting risks of future invasions of vectors or pathogens.

Aedes albopictus in North America: probable introduction in used tires from northern Asia.

WA Hawley — 2008-05-27T08:30:19-00:00

Science (New York, N.Y.), Vol. 236, No. 4805. (29 May 1987), pp. 1114-1116.

North American strains of Aedes albopictus, an Asian mosquito recently introduced into the Western Hemisphere, exhibit photoperiodic sensitivity and cold-hardiness characteristics similar to strains originating from temperate zone Asia. Trade statistics for used tire imports, the most likely mode of introduction, also indicate a north Asian origin. Aedes albopictus, an important vector of dengue and a potential vector of many other arboviral diseases, may therefore have the capability of infesting much of temperate North America.

Aedes albopictus a Roma: monitoraggio nel triennio 1998-2000

Di Luca — 2008-05-27T08:22:49-00:00

Annali dell' Istituto superiore di sanità, Vol. 37, No. 2. (2001), pp. 249-254.

[Aedes albopictus in Italy: an underestimated health problem]

R Romi — 2008-05-27T08:01:12-00:00

Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanità, Vol. 37, No. 2. (2001), pp. 241-247.

Since 1990, Ae. albopictus has spread in 9 regions and 30 provinces of the country. This species was introduced in Italy in shipments of scrap tires form the USA. In Italy, Ae. albopictus is the major biting pest throughout much of its range and, although there is no evidence that this mosquito is the vector of human disease in the country, the species might be involved in the transmission of some arboviruses which have been reported in the Mediterranean Basin. Aim of this paper is to provide an update on the distribution of Ae. albopictus in Italy and to renew the interest in a problem frequently underestimated. Public health implications after a ten-year presence of the species are also discussed.

Seasonal patterns of oviposition and egg hatching rate of Aedes albopictus in Rome.

L Toma — 2008-05-27T07:34:48-00:00

Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, Vol. 19, No. 1. (March 2003), pp. 19-22.

Since its introduction in Italy in 1990, Aedes albopictus has spread quickly across the northern and central regions of the country. The Italian populations of the species probably originated from temperate areas and are able to survive the cold season through the production of diapausing eggs. In 1997, Ae. albopictus was detected in Rome, where it seems to have found ideal environmental conditions for proliferating and extending its season of activity. In 2000, we carried out a study to evaluate the length of the season favorable to the species in Rome and the factors that might induce production of diapausing eggs. Adults of the species were reported to be active from February-March to December, peaking in August-September. Female Ae. albopictus produced different numbers of summer eggs throughout the study. The peak of egg hatching occurred at the 35th week of the year (end of August). Starting from the 36th week, when the photoperiod dropped below 14:10 h light:dark, a rapid decrease in summer egg production was recorded; the minimum value (17%) was reached during the 1st week of October. A new rise in egg hatching was recorded in October-November, probably because of a polymorphism in the diapause response of the population of Ae. albopictus and to the persistence of mild temperatures up to the end of November. Eggs completely ceased to hatch in mid-December.

The surface temperature-vegetation index space for land cover and land-cover change analysis

EF Lambin — 2008-05-19T15:06:33-00:00

International Journal of Remote Sensing, Vol. 17, No. 3. (1996), pp. 463-487.

Most previous applications of coarse scale remote sensing data for land-cover mapping and land-cover change analysis were based on multi-temporal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data. Recent empirical studies have documented that the combination of measurements of thermal infrared radiation (e.g., land brightness temperature, Ts) and vegetation indices (VI) improves the mapping and monitoring of land cover at broad scales. We investigate the biophysical justification for such a combination, using 10 years of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) global area coverage ( GAC) data over the African continent. First, we review recent findings on the biophysical interpretation of the TS-VI space. Second, we analyse the seasonal time trajectories of different biomes in the TS-NDVI space. Third, we measure the relative role of multi-temporal NDVI and Ts data in the discrimination of land cover classes for land-cover mapping. Fourth, we analyse trajectories of land-cover change in the TS-NDVI space for study sites in three different environments. We illustrate the usefulness of the ratio between T<sub>s</sub> and VI as an index to perform measurements in the Tj-NDVI space.

The wikification of GIS and its consequences: Or Angelina Jolie's new tattoo and the future of GIS

Daniel Sui — 2008-05-19T15:15:14-00:00

Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, Vol. 32, No. 1. (January 2008), pp. 1-5.

A simple interpretation of the surface temperature/vegetation index space for assessment of surface moisture status

Inge Sandholt — 2008-05-19T15:02:54-00:00

Remote Sensing of Environment, Vol. 79, No. 2-3. (February 2002), pp. 213-224.

A simplified land surface dryness index (Temperature-Vegetation Dryness Index, TVDI) based on an empirical parameterisation of the relationship between surface temperature (Ts) and vegetation index (NDVI) is suggested. The index is related to soil moisture and, in comparison to existing interpretations of the Ts/NDVI space, the index is conceptually and computationally straightforward. It is based on satellite derived information only, and the potential for operational application of the index is therefore large. The spatial pattern and temporal evolution in TVDI has been analysed using 37 NOAA-AVHRR images from 1990 covering part of the Ferlo region of northern, semiarid Senegal in West Africa. The spatial pattern in TVDI has been compared with simulations of soil moisture from a distributed hydrological model based on the MIKE SHE code. The spatial variation in TVDI reflects the variation in moisture on a finer scale than can be derived from the hydrological model in this case.

Spatiotemporal variability of land surface moisture based on vegetation and temperature characteristics in Northern Shaanxi Loess Plateau, China

Zhengguo Li — 2008-05-19T09:39:38-00:00

Journal of Arid Environments, Vol. 72, No. 6. (June 2008), pp. 974-985.

Vegetation coverage and surface temperature are important parameters in describing the characteristics of land cover, which in combination can provide information on vegetation and soil moisture conditions at the surface. This paper aims to estimate spatial and temporal patterns of soil moisture in the Loess Plateau, China. Using Terra/MODIS images for each 10-day period in 2004 covering the semi-arid North Shaanxi Loess Plateau, a simplified land surface dryness index (Temperature-Vegetation Dryness Index, TVDI) developed by Sandholt [Sandholt, I., Rasmussena, K, Andersenb, J., 2002. A simple interpretation of the surface temperature/vegetation index space for assessment of surface moisture status. Remote Sensing of Environment 79, 213-224.] was used to determine the relationship between surface temperature and vegetation index. From the analysis, it can be inferred that the trend in seasonal change of TVDI is high values in the dry season (spring or summer) and low values in the rainy season (autumn or winter). Moreover, the land surface moisture of each watershed had its seasonal characteristics. The relationship between TVDI and land cover types indicated that water-retention in forest and shrub areas was better than cropland and rangeland in relatively wet conditions, and rangeland was better than forest and shrub areas in dry conditions.

Predicting the emergence of human hantavirus disease using a combination of viral dynamics and rodent demographic patterns.

F Sauvage — 2008-03-18T11:44:46-00:00

Epidemiol Infect, Vol. 135, No. 1. (January 2007), pp. 46-56.

The paper proposes a model explaining the spatial variation in incidence of nephropathia epidemica in Europe. We take into account the rodent dynamic features and the replicative dynamics of the virus in animals, high in the acute phase of newly infected animals and low in the subsequent chronic phase. The model revealed that only vole populations with multi-annual fluctuations allow for simultaneously high numbers of infected rodents and high proportions of those rodents in the acute excretion phase during the culminating phase of population build-up. This leads to a brief peak in exceptionally high concentrations of virus in the environment, and thereby, to human exposure. Such a mechanism suggests that a slight ecological disturbance in animal-parasite systems could result in the emergence of human diseases. Thus, the potential risk for public health due to several zoonotic diseases may be greater than previously believed, based solely on the distribution of human cases.

Wildlife as source of zoonotic infections.

H Kruse — 2008-05-09T20:47:13-00:00

Emerging infectious diseases, Vol. 10, No. 12. (December 2004), pp. 2067-2072.

Zoonoses with a wildlife reservoir represent a major public health problem, affecting all continents. Hundreds of pathogens and many different transmission modes are involved, and many factors influence the epidemiology of the various zoonoses. The importance and recognition of wildlife as a reservoir of zoonoses are increasing. Cost-effective prevention and control of these zoonoses necessitate an interdisciplinary and holistic approach and international cooperation. Surveillance, laboratory capability, research, training and education, and communication are key elements.

Spatial epidemiology: an emerging (or re-emerging) discipline

Richard Ostfeld — 2008-05-09T20:21:42-00:00

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Vol. 20, No. 6. (June 2005), pp. 328-336.

Spatial epidemiology is the study of spatial variation in disease risk or incidence. Several ecological processes can result in strong spatial patterns of such risk or incidence: for example, pathogen dispersal might be highly localized, vectors or reservoirs for pathogens might be spatially restricted, or susceptible hosts might be clumped. Here, we briefly describe approaches to spatial epidemiology that are spatially implicit, such as metapopulation models of disease transmission, and then focus on research in spatial epidemiology that is spatially explicit, such as the creation of risk maps for particular geographical areas. Although the spatial dynamics of infectious diseases are the subject of intensive study, the impacts of landscape structure on epidemiological processes have so far been neglected. The few studies that demonstrate how landscape composition (types of elements) and configuration (spatial positions of those elements) influence disease risk or incidence suggest that a true integration of landscape ecology with epidemiology will be fruitful.

Extending Genomics to Natural Communities and Ecosystems

Thomas Whitham — 2008-05-03T20:41:38-00:00

Science, Vol. 320, No. 5875. (25 April 2008), pp. 492-495.

An important step in the integration of ecology and genomics is the progression from molecular studies of relatively simple model systems to complex field systems. The recent availability of sequenced genomes from key plants is leading to a new understanding of the molecular drivers of community composition and ecosystem processes. As genome sequences accumulate for species that form intimate associations in nature, a detailed view may emerge as to how these associations cause changes among species at the nucleotide level. This advance could dramatically alter views about the structure and evolution of communities and ecosystems. 10.1126/science.1153918

Searching for mechanisms of synchrony in spatially structured gamebird populations

Isabella Cattadori — 2008-04-30T12:37:01-00:00

Journal of Animal Ecology, Vol. 69, No. 4. (2000), pp. 620-638.

1. Time series data on five species of gamebird from the Dolomitic Alps were used to examine the relative importance of dispersal and common stochastic events in causing synchrony between spatially structured populations. 2. Cross-correlation analysis of detrended time series was used to describe the spatial pattern of fluctuations in abundance, while standardized time series were used to describe both fluctuations and the trend in abundance. There were large variations in synchrony both within and between species and only weak negative relationships with distance. 3. Species in neighbouring habitats were more likely to be in synchrony than species separated by several habitats. Species with similar density-dependent structure were more likely to be in synchrony. 4. In order to estimate the relative importance of dispersal and environmental stochasticity, we modelled the spatial dynamics of each species using two different approaches. First, we used estimating functions and bootstrapping of time series data to calculate the relative importance of dispersal and stochastic effects for each species. Second, we estimated the intensity of environmental stochasticity from climatic records during the breeding season and then modelled the dispersal rate and dispersal distance for each species. The two models exhibited similar results for rock ptarmigan, black grouse, hazel grouse and rock partridge, while contrasting patterns were observed for capercaillie. 5. The results suggest that environmental stochasticity plays the dominant role in synchronizing the fluctuations of these galliform species, although there will also be some dispersal between populations.

Global trends in emerging infectious diseases

Kate Jones — 2008-02-21T13:23:19-00:00

Nature, Vol. 451, No. 7181., pp. 990-993.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus expansion to higher altitudes correlated with climate warming.

Vlasta Danielová — 2008-04-28T15:35:33-00:00

International journal of medical microbiology : IJMM (21 April 2008)

Since 2002, the expansion of Ixodes ricinus ticks and tick-borne infection agents have been studied in the Krkonose Mts., Czech Republic. Tick-borne encephalitis virus was detected by means of RT-PCR. In 2003, it was detected in 2 out of 491 ticks at 620 and 710-720m a.s.l., respectively, and in 3 out of 939 ticks at 600m a.s.l. at the same locality in 2004. In 2005, tick-borne encephalitis virus was detected in 5 out of 295 ticks at 900-1100m a.s.l., which is above the formerly known altitudinal limit of I. ricinus distribution. The reason for that could be found in the changing climate. Based on the meteorological data collected in the Krkonose Mts., 1961-2005, there was a significant increase in the mean annual temperature (1.3-1.4 degrees C) over that period, namely by 2-3.5 degrees C in May through August. Thus, with respect to the average vertical temperature gradient in summer of about 0.6 degrees C/100m, 2 degrees C correspond to 300-350m in altitude, and accordingly 3.5 degrees C correspond to a shift in altitude of approximately 550-600m, that being in accordance with environmental conditions of the former I. ricinus altitudinal limit confirmed in the Krkonose Mts. 20 years ago.

Habitat factors influencing distributions of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley.

JS Manangan — 2008-04-19T06:03:05-00:00

Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.), Vol. 7, No. 4. (2007), pp. 563-573.

Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME), caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, are two emerging tick-borne zoonoses of concern. Factors influencing geographic distributions of these pathogens are not fully understood, especially at varying spatial extents (regional versus landscape) and resolutions (counties versus smaller land units). We used logistic regression to compare influences of physical environment, land cover composition, and landscape heterogeneity on distributions of A. phagocytophilum and E. chaffeensis at multiple spatial extents. Pathogen presence or absence was determined from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) serum samples collected from 1981 to 2005. Ecological predictor variables were derived from spatial datasets that represented deer density, elevation, land cover, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), hydrology, and soil moisture. We used three strategies (a priori, exploratory, and spatial extent) to develop models. Best fitting models were applied within a geographic information system to create predictive probability surfaces for each bacterium. Ecological predictor variables generally resulted in better fitting models for E. chaffeensis than A. phagocytophilum (90.5% and 68% sensitivity, respectively), possibly as a result of differences in the natural histories of tick vectors. Although alternative model development strategies produced different models, in all cases bacteria presence or absence was affected by a combination of soil moisture or flooding variables (thought to affect primarily tick vectors) and forest cover or NDVI variables (thought to affect primarily mammalian hosts). This research demonstrates the potential for modeling the distributions of microscopic tick-borne pathogens using coarse regional datasets and emphasizes the importance of forest cover and flooding as environmental constraints, as well as the importance of considering ecological variables at multiple spatial extents.

Enhanced spatial models for predicting the geographic distributions of tick-borne pathogens

Michael Wimberly — 2008-04-17T06:06:36-00:00

International Journal of Health Geographics, Vol. 7 (15 April 2008), 15.

Tick-borne encephalitis in Southwestern Germany

R Kaiser — 2008-04-16T08:45:00-00:00

Infection, Vol. 24, No. 5. (1996), pp. 398-399.

Summary In Baden-Württemberg in 1994 and 1995 approximately 390 persons fell ill after infection with the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus. Detailed clinical data were available from 300 patients for further analysis. TBE mostly manifested as meningitis (50%) or meningoencephalitis (38%) and more rarely as encephalomyelitis and/or radiculitis (12%). Four patients with encephalomyelitis died.

Direct and indirect effects of masting on rodent populations and tree seed survival

Jaclyn Schnurr — 2008-04-15T09:51:53-00:00

Oikos, Vol. 96, No. 3. (2002), pp. 402-410.

Many plant species are thought to benefit from mast seeding as a result of increased seed survival through predator satiation. However, in communities with many different masting species, lack of synchrony in seed production among species may decrease seed survival by maintaining seed predator populations through the intermast cycle. Similarly, masting by different plant species may have different effects on the seed predator community. We conducted a three-year study in a northeastern USA temperate deciduous forest to determine if production of large seed crops by several tree species was synchronous, and if they had similar effects on all small mammal species. We found that red oak mast crops resulted in increased densities of Peromyscus leucopus and P. maniculatus, but had no effect on Clethrionomys gapperi abundance. Conversely, C. gapperi populations, but not Peromyscus populations, appeared to increase in response to a large red maple seed crop. Differences in small mammal abundance resulted in changes in species-specific seed survival: in the year of abundant C. gapperi, experimentally placed red oak acorns had significantly higher survival than in the year of high Peromyscus abundance. Red oak acorn removal was positively correlated with Peromyscus abundance, while red maple seed removal was significantly higher with increased C. gapperi abundance. Thus, species-specific seed production had differential effects on subsequent small mammal abundance, which in turn affected seed survival. We suggest that at the level of the community, even short-term lack of synchrony in production of large seed crops can cause variation in postdispersal seed survival, through differential effects on the community of small mammal seed predators.

Anaplasmosis in Cattle in Italy

A Torina — 2008-04-14T14:52:43-00:00

Veterinary Research Communications, Vol. 31, No. 0. (2007), pp. 73-78.

Torina, A. and Caracappa, S., 2007. Anaplasmosis in cattle in Italy. Veterinary Research Communications, 31(Suppl. 1), 73–78

Influence of some climatic factors on Ixodes ricinus ticks studied along altitudinal gradients in two geographic regions in Switzerland.

Lise Gern — 2008-04-10T08:01:37-00:00

International journal of medical microbiology : IJMM (14 March 2008)

In the context of climate change, the seasonal activity of questing Ixodes ricinus and their infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) were examined in relation to some climatic data along altitudinal gradients in Switzerland. The first study took place in an Alpine area (Valais) from 750 to 1020m above sea level. The other gradient was located on a mountain in the foothills of the Jura chain (Neuchâtel) from 620 to 1070m above sea level. In the Alpine area, the highest questing tick density was observed at the highest altitude. At the lowest altitudes (750 and 880m), very high saturation deficits, >10mmHg, were present during most of the tick activity season and they seem to have impaired the thriving of tick populations. The second study in Neuchâtel (2003-2005) was a follow-up of a previous study (1999-2001) in which it was observed that tick density decreased with increasing altitude. During the follow-up study, substantial differences in questing tick density and phenology of ticks were observed: At high elevations, questing tick densities were 2.25 and 3.5 times higher for nymphs and adults, respectively, than during 1999-2001. As observed during 1999-2001, questing tick density decreased with increasing altitude in this site in 2003-2005. Tick questing density remained higher at the lowest altitude. Increased temperatures during summer months, more favorable for ticks, reaching values similar to those registered in the first study at the lowest elevations are probably responsible for the higher tick questing density at high altitudes. B. burgdorferi s.l. infection prevalence in ticks decreased with increasing altitudes along both altitudinal gradients. Long-lasting high saturation deficit values may limit the development of tick populations as too high a moisture stress has a negative effect on tick survival. This factor may have a permanent impact, as it is probably the case at the lowest altitudes in the Alpine area or a more transient effect like in the Neuchâtel gradient.

Ixodes ricinus density and infection prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato along a North-facing altitudinal gradient in the Rhône Valley (Switzerland).

C Burri — 2008-01-11T09:28:45-00:00

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis, Vol. 7, No. 1. (2007), pp. 50-58.

Questing Ixodes ricinus ticks were sampled monthly along a north-facing altitudinal gradient in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, from March 2004 to February 2005. Tick density and infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were monitored. Ticks were collected by flagging vegetation at three different altitudes (750 m, 880 m, and 1020 m above sea level). Ticks were examined for Borrelia by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by reverse line blot. At the three altitudes, questing tick activity was not observed under 10 degrees C and was reduced when saturation deficit was higher than 5 mm Hg, most questing tick activity was occurred between 2 mm Hg and 7 mm Hg. Tick density and peak tick density were highest at 1020 m. High saturation deficits at the lowest altitudes appear to impair the tick population. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi infection in nymphs and adults decreased with altitude. The prevalence of infection was higher in adult ticks (47%) than in nymphs (29%). Four B. burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies were detected: B. afzelii (40%), B. garinii (22%), B. valaisiana (12%) and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (6%). Mixed infections were detected in 13% of infected ticks.

Citizens as sensors: the world of volunteered geography

Michael Goodchild — 2007-12-31T19:27:37-00:00

GeoJournal, Vol. 69, No. 4. (2007), pp. 211-221.

In recent months there has been an explosion of interest in using the Web to create, assemble, and disseminate geographic information provided voluntarily by individuals. Sites such as Wikimapia and OpenStreetMap are empowering citizens to create a global patchwork of geographic information, while Google Earth and other virtual globes are encouraging volunteers to develop interesting applications using their own data. I review this phenomenon, and examine associated issues: what drives people to do this, how accurate are the results, will they threaten individual privacy, and how can they augment more conventional sources? I compare this new phenomenon to more traditional citizen science and the role of the amateur in geographic observation.

MODIS tasseled cap transformation and its utility

Xiaoyang Zhang — 2008-03-28T09:36:38-00:00

Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2002. IGARSS '02. 2002 IEEE International, Vol. 2 (2002), pp. 1063-1065 vol.2.

A time series of globally distributed spectral MODIS NBARs (Nadir Bidirectional-reflectance-distribution-function Adjusted surface Reflectance) was used to determine initial tasseled cap coefficients. An assessment of an annual time series of tasseled cap features indicated their utility for detecting vegetation phenological cycles. The comparison analysis showed that the temporal pattern of NBAR greenness was closely correlated with the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), while NBAR brightness matched MODIS global broadband albedos. Thresholded global NBAR wetnesses appear to relate to MODIS snow and ice presence as determined by the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI).

Human ehrlichiosis in central Europe.

S Lotric-Furlan — 2008-03-09T18:11:28-00:00

Wien Klin Wochenschr, Vol. 110, No. 24. (23 December 1998), pp. 894-897.

Ehrlichioses are tick-transmitted diseases associated with illnesses of animals for decades, but recently recognised to be emerging human diseases. In the last ten years increasing number of cases of human infections caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis and granulo-cytic ehrlichia were described in the United States. Several reports also indicate the presence of infection with the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) agent in Europe. The first confirmed acute human disease caused by HGE agent was reported from Slovenia. Until 1997, five patients have been discovered in a prospective study on the etiology of febrile illnesses occurring within six weeks following a tick bite, conducted at the Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia. The diagnosis of acute HGE was established by seroconversion to the HGE agent and/or molecular identification of ehrlichial organisms. None of the patients had detectable morulae on blood smear examination. Clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were similar to those reported from the United States, although the disease course was relatively mild in the Slovenian cases. All patients recovered rapidly and without sequelae, although only three patients received antibiotic therapy (of whom only two were treated with doxycycline). Many ehrlichiosis cases could go undetected due to a lack of physician awareness, lack of public knowledge, or limited investigation. HGE should now be also included in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses occurring after a tick bite in Europe.

A survey of mosquitoes breeding in used tires in Spain for the detection of imported potential vector species.

D Roiz — 2008-03-18T11:05:44-00:00

J Vector Ecol, Vol. 32, No. 1. (June 2007), pp. 10-15.

The used tire trade has facilitated the introduction, spread, and establishment of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, and other mosquito species in several countries of America, Africa, Oceania, and Europe. A strategy for detecting these imported mosquito vectors was developed in Spain during 2003-2004 by EVITAR (multidisciplinary network for the study of viruses transmitted by arthropods and rodents). A survey in 45 locations found no invasive species. Eight autochthonous species of mosquitoes were detected in used tires, including Culex pipiens, Cx. hortensis, Cx. modestus, Anopheles atroparvus, An. claviger, Culiseta longiareolata, Cs. annulata, and Aedes caspius. Dominant species were Cx. pipiens and Cs. longiareolata. Aedes caspius was found in only once, near its natural breeding habitat. Considering the recent discovery of an established population of Ae. albopictus in Catalonia, the increasing commerce of used tires in Spain for recycling, storage, and recapping might greatly contribute to the rapid spread of this species across the Iberian Peninsula.

Reflections on an evaluation of the Dutch infectious diseases surveillance information system

BHB van Benthem — 2008-03-17T10:28:49-00:00

Eurosurveillance, Vol. 13, No. 11. (March 2008)

The Netherlands’ Infectious diseases Surveillance Information System (ISIS) was developed 12 years ago as an early warning system for the country. The initial objective was to establish a surveillance system that gathered the test results of all micro-organisms from all medical microbiology laboratories (MMLs) in the Netherlands on a daily basis in order to create an early warning system. This paper analyses the most important results of a recent evaluation of the system. The evaluation was based on an analysis of early warning signals to detect outbreaks, number of visits to the ISIS website, and interviews with stakeholders, documentation on the ISIS system, and analyses of the ISIS MML database. While the daily collection of data on all micro-organisms for early warning has been achieved, the connection of all 85 MMLs in the Netherlands to the central ISIS MML database has not been achieved – only 18 MMLs have been connected. This has resulted in a low coverage and non-representative selection of MMLs for the Netherlands and therefore national outbreaks were missed. Data were used to determine trends in antimicrobial resistance over time. The ISIS system was not found suitable for early warning since outbreaks were detected via other systems. However, with some adaptations the ISIS system could be suitable for the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, the discontinuation of this network would cause the loss of the most important data system for antimicrobial resistance in the Netherlands, since there is no other national system that gathers data on this topic. This evaluation resulted in a restart of the network.

Online GIS services for mapping and sharing disease information

Sheng Gao — 2008-02-26T01:53:02-00:00

International Journal of Health Geographics, Vol. 7 (25 February 2008), 8.

Vorkommen und Verhütung vektorassoziierter Erkrankungen des Menschen in Deutschland unter Berücksichtigung zoonotischer Aspekte

M Faulde — 2008-01-29T16:09:49-00:00

Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz, Vol. 44, No. 2. (5 February 2001), pp. 116-136.

Zusammenfassung Derzeit sind in Deutschland 24 von Arthropoden oder Nagetieren übertragene Infektionserkrankungen endemisch, von denen 13 durch Schildzecken, fünf durch Ratten und Mäuse, drei durch Stechmücken und eine durch Kleiderläuse übertragen werden. Das Auftreten weiterer neun Infektionserkrankungen kann vermutet werden, von denen vier durch Schildzecken, vier durch Stechmücken und eine durch Flöhe übertragen werden. Von den durch heimische Arthropoden übertragenen Infektionserregern werden 72% (13 von 18) durch Schildzecken übertragen. Die bei weitem häufigste von Vektoren übertragene Erkrankung in Deutschland ist die Lyme-Borreliose mit einer angenommenen jährlichen Inzidenzrate von 20.000 bis 60.000 Fällen, weshalb Schildzecken im Vergleich mit anderen Vektorenfamilien qualitativ und quantitativ das größte Gefährdungspotential darstellen. Das Auftreten sowie die Ausbreitung neuer humanpathogener Infektionserreger ist in Mitteleuropa grundsätzlich immer möglich. Bei kürzlich durchgeführten serologischen Studien konnten bei Menschen erstmals anti-Ehrlichia- und anti-Babesia-Antikörper nachgewiesen werden. Dies deutet darauf hin, dass auch in Deutschland bislang nicht nachgewiesene Infektionserreger vorkommen und die Gefährdung durch von Zecken übertragene Infektionserkrankungen vermutlich erheblich unterschätzt wird. Zugleich breiten sich in Europa die FSME, das Mittelmeerfleckfieber, das West-Nil-Fieber sowie das Mäusefleckfieber weiter aus. Verfügbare Schutzmaßnahmen zur Verhinderung von vektorassoziierten Infektionserkrankungen basieren hauptsächlich auf persönlichen Schutz- und Schädlingsbekämpfungsmaßnahmen, die im Folgenden näher vorgestellt werden. Die im weltweiten Vergleich geringen und schlecht koordinierten Anstrengungen auf medizinisch-zoologischem Fachgebiet in Deutschland müssen dem internationalen Niveau sowie der globalen Situation angepasst werden. Abstract Overall, 24 known or potentially human-pathogenic vector-borne disease agents are transmitted in Germany, 13 of them by hard ticks, 5 by commensal rodents (rats and mice), 3 by mosquitoes, and one by body lice, respectively. Regarding vector-borne disease agents that are suspected to be present or hypothetically are transmissible in Germany, additionally 4 disease agents are vectored by hard ticks, 4 by mosquitoes, and one by fleas, and possibly sandflies, respectively. Among vector-borne diseases proven to be endemic in Germany, tick-borne diseases prevail significantly, both in the number of disease agents transmitted as well as in the resulting annual case-load of human diseases. Lyme-borreliosis is by far the most frequent vector-borne disease showing an estimated incidence between 20.000 and 60.000 cases annually. Serologic studies conducted recently for the determination of anti-Ehrlichia- and anti-Babesia-antibodies in human populations indicate that these newly detected disease agents are present and thus the burden of tick-borne diseases may be underestimated in Germany. Currently, Central European tick-borne encephalitis, Mediterranean spotted fever, West Nile fever, and Murine typhus are reportedly spreading across Europe. Available measures for disease prevention mainly base on different principles of personal protection and vector control further discussed herein. Strong efforts in the field of medical entomology must be taken in Germany to improve the health support required to deal with the global disease threat and reach an international standard in this area.

Socio-economic factors in the differential upsurge of tick-borne encephalitis in central and Eastern Europe

Dana Sumilo — 2008-01-29T15:29:30-00:00

Reviews in Medical Virology, Vol. 9999, No. 9999. (2008), n/a.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), the most serious widespread vector-borne disease of humans in Europe, increased from 2- to 30-fold in many Central and Eastern European countries from 1992 to 1993, coinciding with independence from Soviet rule. Unemployment and low income have been shown in Latvia to be statistically associated with high-risk behaviour involving harvest of wild foods from tick-infested forests, and also with not being vaccinated against TBE. Archival data for 1970--2005 record major changes in the agricultural and industrial sectors, and consequent changes in the abiotic and biotic environment and socio-economic conditions, which could have increased the abundance of infected ticks and the contact of humans with those ticks. For example, abandoned agricultural fields became suitable for rodent transmission hosts; use of pesticides and emissions of atmospheric industrial pollutants plummeted; wildlife hosts for ticks increased; tick populations appear to have responded; unemployment and inequality increased in all countries. These factors, by acting synergistically but differentially between and within each country, can explain the marked spatio-temporal heterogeneities in TBE epidemiology better than can climate change alone, which is too uniform across wide areas. Different degrees of socio-economic upheaval caused by political transition in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia and the Czech Republic can apparently explain the marked variation in TBE upsurge. Causal linkage between national socio-economic conditions and epidemiology is strongly indicated by striking correlations across eight countries between the degree of upsurge of TBE and both poverty and household expenditure on food (R2 = 0.533 and 0.716, respectively).

Multisensor image fusion in remote sensing: concepts, methods and applications

C Pohl — 2008-01-24T08:21:29-00:00

International Journal of Remote Sensing, Vol. 19, No. 5., pp. 823-854.

With the availability of multisensor, multitemporal, multiresolution and multifrequency image data from operational Earth observation satellites the fusion of digital image data has become a valuable tool in remote sensing image evaluation. Digital image fusion is a relatively new research field at the leading edge of available technology. It forms a rapidly developing area of research in remote sensing. This review paper describes and explains mainly pixel based image fusion of Earth observation satellite data as a contribution to multisensor integration oriented data processing.

Model Selection and Multi-Model Inference

Kenneth Burnham — 2005-04-10T19:56:09-00:00

(12 July 2002)

The second edition of this book is unique in that it focuses on methods for making formal statistical inference from all the models in an a priori set (Multi-Model Inference). A philosophy is presented for model-based data analysis and a general strategy outlined for the analysis of empirical data. The book invites increased attention on a priori science hypotheses and modeling. Kullback-Leibler Information represents a fundamental quantity in science and is Hirotugu Akaike's basis for model selection. The maximized log-likelihood function can be bias-corrected as an estimator of expected, relative Kullback-Leibler information. This leads to Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and various extensions. These methods are relatively simple and easy to use in practice, but based on deep statistical theory. The information theoretic approaches provide a unified and rigorous theory, an extension of likelihood theory, an important application of information theory, and are objective and practical to employ across a very wide class of empirical problems. The book presents several new ways to incorporate model selection uncertainty into parameter estimates and estimates of precision. An array of challenging examples is given to illustrate various technical issues. This is an applied book written primarily for biologists and statisticians wanting to make inferences from multiple models and is suitable as a graduate text or as a reference for professional analysts.

Environmental conditions and Puumala virus transmission in Belgium

Catherine Linard — 2007-12-14T10:49:42-00:00

International Journal of Health Geographics, Vol. 6 (14 December 2007), 55.

Climate and land use changes, biodiversity and agri-environmental measures in the Belluno province, Italy

Carlo Giupponi — 2008-01-17T08:55:27-00:00

Environmental Science & Policy, Vol. 9, No. 2. (April 2006), pp. 163-173.

This paper presents a synthesis of the results of the ACCELERATES project (Assessing Climate Change Effects on Land Use and Ecosystems from Regional Analysis to the European Scale), obtained in the case study of the Belluno province (north-east Italy), a context chosen as representative of the Alpine area. Selected results of the analysis of the relationships between future scenarios of change, farming systems, land use and biodiversity are presented. An initial historical analysis of the dynamics of land use with respect to the agricultural, socio-economic and demographic dynamics identified the main drivers of change and the positive and negative factors for conservation of the rural land and of biodiversity. In a subsequent stage the scenarios of future climate and land use changes were used to analyse the future for the species selected as indicators of biodiversity in the studied area. The results obtained provided useful information for the identification of suitable agri-environmental policies at the local scale. Maintenance of the livestock production systems typical of mountain agriculture is shown to be the key factor for contrasting land abandonment and the consequent expansion of woodlands, with negative effects in terms of simplification of landscape and impacts on species of naturalistic interest.

Global Data for Ecology and Epidemiology: A Novel Algorithm for Temporal Fourier Processing MODIS Data.

JP Scharlemann — 2008-01-16T16:23:08-00:00

PLoS ONE, Vol. 3, No. 1. (2008)

BACKGROUND: Remotely-sensed environmental data from earth-orbiting satellites are increasingly used to model the distribution and abundance of both plant and animal species, especially those of economic or conservation importance. Time series of data from the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors on-board NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites offer the potential to capture environmental thermal and vegetation seasonality, through temporal Fourier analysis, more accurately than was previously possible using the NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensor data. MODIS data are composited over 8- or 16-day time intervals that pose unique problems for temporal Fourier analysis. Applying standard techniques to MODIS data can introduce errors of up to 30% in the estimation of the amplitudes and phases of the Fourier harmonics. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We present a novel spline-based algorithm that overcomes the processing problems of composited MODIS data. The algorithm is tested on artificial data generated using randomly selected values of both amplitudes and phases, and provides an accurate estimate of the input variables under all conditions. The algorithm was then applied to produce layers that capture the seasonality in MODIS data for the period from 2001 to 2005. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Global temporal Fourier processed images of 1 km MODIS data for Middle Infrared Reflectance, day- and night-time Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) are presented for ecological and epidemiological applications. The finer spatial and temporal resolution, combined with the greater geolocational and spectral accuracy of the MODIS instruments, compared with previous multi-temporal data sets, mean that these data may be used with greater confidence in species' distribution modelling.

Habitat Factors Associated with Bank Voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) and Concomitant Hantavirus in Northern Sweden

Gert Olsson — 2008-01-16T14:12:48-00:00

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 5, No. 4. (2005), pp. 315-323.

Puumala virus (PUUV), genus hantavirus, causes nephropathia epidemica, a mild form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in humans. In this study, bank voles, the natural reservoir of PUUV, were captured at locations of previous human PUUV exposure and paired controls within a region of high incidence in northern Sweden. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of environmental factors on the abundance of bank voles and the occurrence of PUUV. The total number of voles and the number of PUUV-infected voles did not differ between locations of previous human PUUV exposure and paired controls. The number of bank voles expressing antibodies to PUUV infection increased linearly with total bank vole abundance implying density independent transmission. Using principal component and partial correlation analysis, we found that particular environmental characteristics associated with old-growth moist forests (i.e., those dominated by Alectoria spp., Picea abies, fallen wood, and Vaccinium myrtillus) were also associated with increased abundance of bank vole and hence the number of PUUV-infected bank voles, whereas there were no correlations with factors associated with dry environments (i.e., Pinus sylvestris and V. vitis-idea). This suggests that circulation and persistence of PUUV within bank vole populations was influenced by habitat factors. Future modeling of risk of exposure to hantavirus and transmission of PUUV within vole populations should include the influence of these factors. Vector-Borne Zoonotic Dis. 5, 315-323.

Emerging infectious diseases in wildlife.

ES Williams — 2007-12-17T21:39:14-00:00

Rev Sci Tech, Vol. 21, No. 1. (April 2002), pp. 139-157.

The processes which give rise to emerging infectious diseases of wildlife can be categorised as follows: ecosystem alterations of anthropogenic or natural origin; movement of pathogens or vectors, via human or natural agency; and changes in microbes or in the recognition of emerging pathogens due to advances in the techniques of epidemiology. These are simplistic divisions because factors influencing the emergence of diseases of wild animals generally fall into more than one category. Mycoplasmosis among passerines is related to habitat changes and artificial feeding resulting in increased bird densities and subsequent disease transmission. The origin of this strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum is not known. Hantavirus infections in rodents have emerged due to human-induced landscape alterations and/or climatic changes influencing population dynamics of hantavirus reservoir hosts, with disease consequences for humans. Movement of pathogens or vectors is a very important process by which diseases of wildlife expand geographic range. Although the origin of caliciviruses of rabbits and hares is somewhat obscure, their movement by humans, either deliberately or accidentally, has greatly expanded the distribution of these viruses. Rabies is an ancient disease, but geographic expansion has occurred by both natural and anthropogenic movements of wild animals. Human movement of amphibians may explain the distribution of the highly pathogenic chytrid fungus around the world. Newly recognised paramyxoviruses may reflect both changes in these pathogens and the development of techniques of identification and classification. Many more such examples of emerging diseases will arise in the future, given the extensive alterations in landscapes world-wide and movements of animals, vectors and pathogens. Those who study and diagnose diseases of wildlife must be alert for emerging diseases so that the impact of such diseases on wild animals, domestic animals and humans can be minimised.

Wildlife, environment and (re)-emerging zoonoses, with special reference to sylvatic tick-borne zoonoses in North-Western Italy.

D De Meneghi — 2008-01-11T09:34:43-00:00

Ann Ist Super Sanita, Vol. 42, No. 4. (2006), pp. 405-409.

Over the last century, changes in land-use, modification of agriculture-livestock production systems, disruption of wildlife habitats, increase of human activities, higher frequency of international and intercontinental travels, wider circulation of animals and animal products have contributed to alter the distribution, presence and density of hosts and vectors. As a result, the number of emerging and reemerging diseases, including zoonoses, have greatly increased. Some infectious pathogens, originated in wild animals and/or maintained in sylvatic environments, have become increasingly important worldwide for their impact on wildlife, human health, livestock and agricultural production systems. In this paper, a synthesis of the information available on selected zoonoses of wildlife origin is given, with special reference to sylvatic tick-borne zoonoses in North-western Italy.

Human babesiosis in Germany: Just overlooked or truly new

Anke Hildebrandt — 2008-01-11T14:07:52-00:00

International Journal of Medical Microbiology, Vol. In Press, Corrected Proof

Tick-borne infections are among the more important vector-borne infections in the northern hemisphere. However, many facts pertaining to the epidemiology and pathogenesis of such diseases in Europe remain unclear. Human babesiosis in particular may have previously been overlooked in many parts of the world due to a lack of medical awareness and microbiological detection methods. Recently, the first two cases of human babesiosis were reported in Germany, occurring in vicinities where the presence of Babesia spp. in enzootic cycles was obvious for decades but where the risk of acquiring Babesia spp. either from ticks or from human blood products was not known before. It is important to note, though, that as with other tick-borne diseases, Babesia infections may arise in geographic areas where they have not been recorded in the past. Better molecular detection methods and strain typing of parasites are necessary to investigate the epidemiological distribution of zoonotic Babesia spp. in Europe and to clarify whether their virulence or transmissibility is strain-dependent. Therefore, further seroepidemiological and molecular epidemiological studies are urgently needed to learn more about the distribution and medical relevance of these pathogens in various parts of Europe in general and in Germany in particular.

Globalisation of Lyme borreliosis

Stephen Barthold — 2008-01-11T13:58:28-00:00

The Lancet, Vol. 348, No. 9042. (14 December 1996), pp. 1603-1604.

Globalization and infectious diseases: A review of the linkages

Lee Saker — 2008-01-11T13:55:00-00:00

(2004)

Trends in the daily intensity of precipitation in Italy from 1951 to 1996

Michele Brunetti — 2008-01-11T10:33:53-00:00

International Journal of Climatology, Vol. 21, No. 3. (2001), pp. 299-316.

An analysis of 67 sites of daily precipitation records over the 1951-1996 period for Italy is presented. Seasonal and yearly total precipitation (TP), number of wet days (WDs) and precipitation intensity (PI) are investigated, and the trends both for the single station records, and for some different area average series are studied. PI is analysed by attributing precipitation to ten class-intervals, removing the influence of variations in the number of WDs to yield changes in the underlying shape of the WD amount distribution. The results show that the trend for the number of WDs in the year is significantly negative throughout Italy, stronger in the north than in the south: this trend is mainly a result of the winter. Moreover, they show that there is a tendency toward an increase in PI. This increase is globally less strong and significant than the decrease in the number of WDs. It is not concentrated in one specific season, but changes from area to area, and is generally weak in winter, due to a significant decrease of winter TP. In northern Italy, the increase in PI is mainly owing to a strong increase in the heaviest events, while in central-southern Italy, it depends on a larger part of the distribution of WD amounts. The analysis of the evolution of the class-interval contributions shows that the positive trend of the heaviest events starts in the 1970s, as does the negative trend of lightest events. Copyright © 2001 Royal Meteorological Society.

Atmospheric circulation and precipitation in Italy for the last 50 years

Michele Brunetti — 2008-01-11T10:32:37-00:00

International Journal of Climatology, Vol. 22, No. 12. (2002), pp. 1455-1471.

Daily precipitation series from 75 Italian stations, for the period 1951-95, are clustered into six regions and the average is calculated for each area. For each average series, the seasonal and annual total precipitation and the number of wet days are calculated. The relationship between precipitation and atmospheric circulation is examined using correlation analysis. Atmospheric circulation is represented by five indexes: the well known North Atlantic oscillation index, a blocking frequency index, a Mediterranean oscillation index based on the 500 hPa geopotential record for Algiers, a Western European zonal circulation index (WEZCI) constructed from Madrid + Barcelona and Trondheim + Lund surface pressure records, and a new Mediterranean circulation index (MCI) constructed from Marseille and Jerusalem surface pressure records. All the indexes are calculated using monthly series; then seasonal and yearly averages are obtained. The indexes that show the most interesting correlation with total precipitation and number of wet days are WEZCI and MCI. Trend analysis of the index series gives evidence of a signal connected to a strong increase in winter air pressure in the Mediterranean area starting around 1980. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus foci in Slovakia.

M Labuda — 2007-09-19T19:10:17-00:00

Int J Med Microbiol, Vol. 291 Suppl 33 (June 2002), pp. 43-47.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus as a typical arbovirus relies on two types of hosts for its survival: ticks act both as virus vectors and reservoir hosts, and vertebrates amplify the virus infection by acting as a source of infection for feeding ticks. Longitudinal monitoring of TBE virus in ticks and vertebrate hosts including humans over a period of 40 years resulted in the identification of the areas of Slovakia where TBE virus is endemic. These are concentrated to the western, southern, and eastern parts of the country. Even with recently identified foci there is no evidence that the size and location of the natural TBE foci have changed significantly during the last decades. Numbers of diagnosed hospitalised cases of TBE in Slovakia vary from less than 20 to almost 100 cases annually with 54-89 cases in recent years. A part of these cases (33 cases during the last 5 years) are alimentary infections after drinking of raw goat and sheep milk.

LAND USE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN THE ALPS

C Chemini — 2007-12-18T09:53:55-00:00

Journal of Mountain Ecology, Vol. 7 (2003), pp. 1-7.

Human activities are changing the Planet, inducing high rates of extinction and a worldwide depletion of biological diversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem level. Biodiversity not only has an ethical and cultural value, but also plays a role in ecosystem function and, thus, ecosystem services, which are essential to civilization, economic production, and human wellbeing. The functional role of biodiversity is still poorly known; a minimum level of biodiversity is required for sustainable preservation of ecosystem functions, and as an insurance for future environmental changes. A large part of the biodiversity of the Alps is linked to an interaction between the natural environment and traditional human practices. At present, the change in land-use, with both intensification and abandonment, and other environmental and socioeconomic processes at different scales (urbanization, tourism, pol- lution, global change, etc.) are important forces of environmental change. Mowing and livestock grazing are prima- ry factors inhibiting woody plant succession in many areas of the Alps. Abandonment and fragmentation has result- ed in an expansion of ecotones and edge, with increase in tick-hosts and possibly changes in host-parasite interac- tions resulting from species concentration. The abandonment of mountain fields and meadows with a consequent expansion of shrubs and forests has caused a decrease of several grassland species, such as rock partridge Alectoris graeca; some arthropod communities of grassland have also been affected. Many forest species should find new opportunities, but in several cases the forests have become too dense for some species, such as for capercaille Tetrao urogallus. In the low altitude belts, a high species diversity co-occurs with human disturbance. Biodiversity studies require an interdisciplinary approach by the life sciences, and an interface to socioeconomic sciences. Preservation of species and landscape diversity cannot prescind from a dialogue between different actors and interests.

Anaplasmataceae in wild rodents and roe deer from Trento Province (northern Italy).

T Beninati — 2007-12-27T11:11:41-00:00

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, Vol. 25, No. 10. (October 2006), pp. 677-678.

In recent decades, a number of intracellular bacterial strains within the family Anaplasmataceae have been identified around the globe. These bacteria include Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis and Anaplasma marginale, which causes disease in ruminants. Bacteria from this family often have a wide range of hosts, infecting both vertebrates and invertebrates. A. phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular pathogen that parasitises the granulocytes of humans and animals, such as domesticated dogs, sheep, cows and horses, as well as wildlife species, such as deer and rodents [1]. Various strains of A. phagocytophilum have been identified, but only some are considered human pathogens [2]. ...

Anaplasma phagocytophilum - the most widespread tick-borne infection in animals in Europe.

S Stuen — 2007-12-27T11:19:32-00:00

Vet Res Commun, Vol. 31 Suppl 1 (August 2007), pp. 79-84.

The bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum (formerly Ehrlichia phagocytophila) may cause infection in several animal species including human. The disease in domestic ruminants is also called tick-borne fever (TBF), and has been known for at least 200 years. In Europe, clinical manifestations due to A. phagocytophilum have been recorded in sheep, goat, cattle, horse, dog, cat, roe deer, reindeer and human. However, seropositive and PCR-positive mammalian have been detected in several other species. Investigations indicate that the infection is prevalent in Ixodes ricinus areas in most countries in Europe. A. phagocytophilum infection may cause high fever, cytoplasmatic inclusions in phagocytes and severe neutropenia, but is seldom fatal unless complicated by other infections. Complications may include abortions, and impaired spermatogenesis for several months. However, the most important aspect of the infection at least in sheep is its implication as a predisposing factor for other infections. Factors such as climate, management, other infections, individual conditions etc. are important for the outcome of the infection. A. phagocytophilum may cause persistent infection in several species. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences several variants exist. Different variants may exist within the same herd and even simultaneously in the same animal. Variants may behave differently and interact in the mammalian host.

A serologic survey for some bacterial and viral zoonoses in game animals in the Czech Republic

Z Hubalek — 2008-01-06T18:26:42-00:00

J Wildl Dis, Vol. 29, No. 4. (1 October 1993), pp. 604-607.

Between 1986 and 1991, sera were collected from 33 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 24 red deer (Cervus elaphus), four fallow deer (Dama dama), two mouflon (Ovis musimon), 34 wild boars (Sus scrofa), and 48 hares (Lepus europaeus) shot in two areas of the Czech Republic. Collectively, the sera contained antibodies to Coxiella burnetii (prevalence of 12%), Francisella tularensis (4%), Brucella spp. (2%), Central European tick-borne encephalitis virus (8%), Tahyna (California serogroup) virus (36%), and Calovo (= Batai) virus (23%). We propose that these mammals may play a role in maintaining natural foci of Q-fever, Tahyna fever and Calovo virus infection.