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ABSTRACT: Investigations into the effect of the intensity of invasion on tick-questing behaviour were conducted on 3 groups of rabbits: 1) 10 females and 5 males, 2) 20 females and 10 males, 3) 40 females and 20 males in the case of I. ricinus, whereas in the case of D. reticulatus, another three groups were used: 1) 10 females and 15 males, 2) 20 females and 15 males, 3) 40 females and 15 males. Given the different invasion intensities, no significant difference was found in the time of attachment to the host (p=0.3773) or in the feeding period (p=0.1051) for Ixodes ricinus females. In turn, body weight of engorged females exhibited highly significant differences (p=0.0021) between the groups, particularly in the least (0.3551±0.0739 mg) (p=0.0027) and most numerous groups (0.2752±0.0964 g) (p=0.0017). In the case of D. reticulatus, the length of the skin attachment period did not show statistically significant differences (p=0.4036) between the groups consisting of different numbers of ticks. However, invasion intensity had a statistically significant effect of the length of the feeding period (p=0.0037). In the least numerous female group, the length of the feeding period was significantly lower than in the groups composed of 20 (p=0.0091) and 40 (p=0.0042) specimens. No significant differences in the length of the feeding period (p=1.0000) were found between the most numerous groups of 20 and 40 females. The body weight in engorged females of this species exhibited highly significant differences (p=0.0006) in the most numerous group (0.2511±0.1135), and in the other groups (0.3559±0.0654 and 0.3554±0.0380 mg, respectively, in the invasion of 20 and 10 females). Both the investigated species showed highly significant differences in the attachment period in the groups with 20 (p=0.0017) and 40 (p<0.0001) females, and in the feeding period in all the experimental groups: (p=0.0001), (p<0.0001) and (p=0.0088), respectively. Furthermore, decreased feeding success and 12.5% female death were reported from the most numerous group of I. ricinus females. The differences between the feeding course in I. ricinus and D. reticulatus may be explained by the presence of various interactions in the parasite-host system at the different intensities of invasion by the 2 tick species.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 12/2012; 19(4):651-5. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Abstract A total of 468 adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (298 females and 170 males) collected by flagging in the forests of Lubelskie province, eastern Poland, were analyzed by PCR and nested-PCR for the presence of Babesia microti DNA. In all, 21 ticks (4.5%) were found to be infected with B. microti. The infection rate in females (5.0%) was slightly greater than in males (3.5%). Detection of B. microti for the first time in adult D. reticulatus ticks suggests that this species should be considered as a potential vector of B. microti in Europe.
Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.) 05/2012; 12(10):841-3. · 2.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Investigations of the abundance and seasonal activity of adult D. reticulatus in relation to the eff ect of climatic conditions (temperature, humidity) and the photoperiod on host-seeking behaviour were conducted in eastern Poland (51°25'N) in 1999-2000. D. reticulatus host-seeking activity was observed between the end of March at 5°C temperature and 89% humidity, and the beginning of December at 6°C temperature and 92% humidity. The peak autumn activity found between September – November was more than 2-fold higher than the spring peak, which occurred between April – May. The activity of females, males, and the total number of adult ticks was correlated with the temperature (p<0.01) and photoperiod (p<0.01); additionally, no dependency was found between adult tick activity and humidity of the environment (p>0.05). Females predominated throughout almost the entire activity period, but the ratios between females and males varied in the particular seasons. Males predominated only after the activity of adult ticks ceased between June – second decade of August, which was related to the reproductive processes. The investigations demonstrated that the activity dynamics in D. reticulatus from eastern Poland is similar to that in the southern European population, but different from that in the north-eastern Polish, Russian and West European populations. This indicates a need to monitor the threats of diseases transmitted by D. reticulatus within different regions of its range of geographic distribution.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 12/2011; 18(2):340-4. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Epidemiological studies of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) conducted in the Swietokrzyskie province (south- eastern Poland) in 1996-2006 demonstrated an increase in the number of registered TBE cases in the last 6 years of the study. The highest risk of TBE virus infections occurs in the summer-autumn period (seasonality factors 96.55% and 248.28%), i.e. in periods of the highest Ixodes ricinus activity in this region. An increased number of registered TBE cases were noted in the regions which provide ticks with favourable habitats and, simultaneously, where the TBE diagnosis and treatment for the inhabitants are more efficient. The increasing tendency in TBE incidence observed even in the non-endemic regions of the Swietokrzyskie province indicates the necessity of education in tick-borne disease prophylaxis and the need to elevate the level of public health care. Differences in the density and activity of various developmental Ixodes ricinus stages were observed in 4 localities in diverse biotopes located at different altitudes a.s.l. This justifies the necessity of environmental monitoring of the threats posed by ticks in various habitats, especially in those frequently visited by humans.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 06/2011; 18(1):119-26. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Yhe aim of the study was the investigation of the dynamics of LB prevalence in central Europe over a 12-year period and estimation of its dependence on the environmental factors and on the level of medical services. Epidemiological studies of LB were conducted in the years 1996-2007 in 9 regions of the Świętokrzyskie province in south-eastern Poland (Central Europe). On the basis of patient registry, the incidence, prevalence in various months of the year, the mean number of cases in various seasons and the seasonality factors (SF) of LB were calculated. Between 2000-2007, an increased borreliosis incidence was observed in the study area. During the entire study period, the highest incidence (25.93 and 30.66) was observed in the regions with the highest density of Ixodes ricinus ticks - vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes, and where the inhabitants are offered the best available LB diagnosis and treatment due to a sufficient number of doctors (r = 0.74) and all medical personnel (doctors, nurses and diagnosticians) (r = 0.89). The highest LB incidence was present in the summer and autumn seasons (SF = 113.25 and 155.18%) in the areas with the highest density of nymphs and adult I. ricinus ticks (> =19/1 h of sampling). Improved standards of public medical care as well as environmental monitoring of tick threat may contribute to a decrease in prevalence of LB and to its better detection.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 06/2011; 18(1):131-7. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The investigations were conducted in the Lublin province (south-eastern Poland) in areas of high agricultural and recreational value. Among the 418 patients admitted to medical clinics due to arthropod bites in the years 2003-2005, 184 people (44%) had been bitten by ticks. As shown by the research, high-risk groups include people whose stay in tick habitats is connected with their occupational work (54.5%) as well as recreation and tourism (45.5%). As many as 78.7% of the patients were attacked by Ixodes ricinus ticks in forests, and much fewer (31.3%) in other habitats located in urban and rural areas. In one case, a Dermacentor reticulatus female was attached to the skin. Ticks were most commonly located on the upper (28.8%) and lower (27.2%) extremities, and on the abdomen (15.8%). Local skin reactions (57.6%) with predominance of erythema were the most prevalent. Combined local and systemic symptoms were reported less frequently (20.1%). The general symptoms were headache (10.8% of patients), fever (5.4%), lymphadenitis (5.9%) and arthralgia (4.3%). No lesions produced by tick bites were reported in 22.3% of the patients. Field studies conducted in 2003-2004 demonstrated that I. ricinus is a common species in the southern part of the Lublin province, where the density of nymphs and adult forms in various localities during the period of peak seasonal activity (in May) ranges from 18.5-26 specimens/1 h of collection. Two tick species, I. ricinus and D. reticulatus, occur in the northern part of the province. The density of I. ricinus nymphs and adult forms as well as D. reticulatus adults is in the range of 2.5-42 specimens/1 hr of collection and 19.5-64.0 speciments/1 hr of collection, respectively. Due to the high risk of tick attacks in the study area, there arises the necessity to permanent the monitoring of ticks numbers and tick-borne diseases.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 06/2011; 18(1):151-7. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A total of 119 unpasteurized milk samples taken from 63 cows, 29 goats and 27 sheep bred on 8 farms situated on the territory of the Lublin province (eastern Poland), an area of risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), were examined for the presence of RNA of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) by the nested RT-PCR method. Milk samples were also tested for the presence of anti-TBEV antibodies by ELISA test. By RT-PCR, the greatest prevalence of TBE virus was found in the milk of sheep (22.2%), followed by milk of goats (20.7%) and cows (11.1%). By ELISA, the greatest prevalence of anti- TBEV antibodies was found also in the milk of sheep (14.8%), followed by milk of cows (3.2%) and goats (0%). The results suggest a potential risk of infection with TBEV by drinking raw milk on endemic areas of TBE, and indicate a need for milk pasteurization before consumption.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 12/2010; 17(2):283-6. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Forestry workers are a professional group particularly exposed to tick-borne infections; however, continuous monitoring of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in this group enables faster diagnosis and more effective treatment for borreliosis. A group of 1,155 forestry workers from six forest inspectorates in southern Poland were examined with the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA test). The general level of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies was 12.8 % in IgM class, and 25 % in IgG class. Markedly more seropositive results were found in the group of fieldworkers (13.8 % - IgM and 25.0 % - IgG) than in office workers (10.0 % - IgM and 13.7 % - IgG). The highest proportions of infections both in IgM and IgG class (17.4 % and 34.8 %, respectively) were recorded in the group of persons over 50 years of age, the lowest - in the group of workers younger than 30 (IgM - 13.0 %, IgG - 14.1%). Significant differences in the level of seropositive results in IgG class were related to the workers' gender - in women the percentage was 9.8 %, in men - 28.1 %. It was found that in the studied region of southern Poland, considered to be non-endemic, borreliosis occurs as a health risk to forestry workers.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 12/2009; 16(2):257-61. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ticks are very important vectors of pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoans), which may induce serious contagious diseases in humans and in farm animals. The aim of the study was to determine the coincidence of 3 pathogens: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti in Ixodes ricinus ticks in south-eastern Poland and to estimate the degree of infection with each of the examined pathogens depending on the developmental stage of ticks (nymph, female, male). The study material were 1,620 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected at 5 sites in the Lublin macroregion, showing the presence of various forest biotopes. The PCR method was used to identify DNA for B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum, and the nested-PCR - for B. microti. In 1,368 (84.44%) of the 1,620 examined ticks no infections were found. Single infections were noted in 217 ticks (13.4%) and coinfections were detected in 35 specimens (2.16%). The most common was the coincidence of A. phagocytophilum with B. microti (17 infected specimens, 1.05% of the total number). A similar result was obtained for the coincidence of B. burgdorferi s. l. with A. phagocytophilum (15 infected specimens, 0.93% of the total number). Only 2 cases of the coinfection of B. burgdorferi s. l. with B. microti, which equals 0.12% of the total number, were found. Infection with all 3 pathogens was identified in only 1 female tick (0.06% of the total number).
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 07/2009; 16(1):151-8. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The objective of this survey was to obtain information on the level of knowledge of prophylactic behaviour as a protection against fundamental tick-borne diseases among inhabitants of south-eastern Poland, and to determine whether the professions that increase the probability of tick contact, as well as previous contact with ticks, influenced the knowledge on tick-borne diseases and prophylactic behaviour of the respondents. The questionnaire included questions about gender of respondents, their place of residence and preventive behaviour against tick bite. The respondents were asked about the occupational hazard of working in tick infested areas, history of tick bites, awareness of diseases transmitted by ticks and the sources of their knowledge. The research was carried out in 2005. The most frequent preventive measures used were tick repellents (38 % ) and wearing protective clothing (35 % ). According to the questionnaire survey, 21 % of respondents did not take any preventive measures. The practice and form of prophylaxis was associated with the place of residence. In contrast to individuals from rural areas, a relatively low percentage of urban inhabitants used simple methods for protecting themselves against tick bites. Our survey indicates that the awareness of the Lublin region inhabitants concerning methods of tick bite prevention is still low and greater efforts are needed in promoting basic methods of protection and disseminating knowledge about these arthropods.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 01/2009; 15(2):181-5. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Questing Ixodes ricinus ticks from different regions of Poland were investigated for the presence of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. A total of 1214 DNA samples of 2813 ticks, including 820 individual adult ticks and 394 pools containing 1993 nymphs, were tested by PCR for a fragment of the rickettsial gltA gene using the primers RpCs.877 and RpCs.1258. Overall, at least 5.5% ticks were found to be positive with the highest prevalence observed in females (10.6%). A sample of 14 positive PCR products was sequenced. Analyzed fragments of 270-370bp showed 100% similarities to corresponding sequences of Rickettsia helvetica deposited in the GenBank. Results of our investigation confirm the occurrence and wide distribution of R. helvetica in I. ricinus tick populations in Poland. This rickettsia should be added to the list of potentially dangerous pathogens transmitted by ticks in our country.
International journal of medical microbiology: IJMM 02/2008; · 2.80 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A total of 684 Ixodes ricinus ticks (321 nymphs, 184 males, and 179 females) were collected by flagging lower vegetation in 6 forest districts located on the territory of Lublin province (eastern Poland). Ticks were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA with two pairs of primers: EHR521/EHR747 for detecting 16S rRNA gene, and LA6/LA1 for detecting ankA gene. To study the relationship between infection in ticks and people occupationally exposed to tick bite, blood serum samples of 261 forestry workers employed in the same forest districts were examined by immunofluorescence method for the presence of specific antibodies against A. phagocytophilum. A total of 70 ticks out of 684 examined (10.2%) showed the presence of A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA gene. The prevalence of infection was significantly dependent on tick's stage (chi-square=49.2, p<0.00001) and geographical locality (chi-square=34.4, p<0.00001). The percentage of I. ricinus females infected with A. phagocytophilum (24.6%) was significantly greater compared to males (6.5%) and nymphs (4.4%) (p<0.00001). Only 19 ticks out of 684 examined (2.8%) showed the presence of A. phagocytophilum ankA gene, significantly less compared to 16S rRNA gene (p<0.00001). The prevalence of infection demonstrated by the presence of ankA gene was also significantly dependent on tick's stage (chi-square=23.6, p<0.00001) but not on locality (chi-square=9.8, p=0.082). A significant correlation was found between the presence of A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA gene in I. ricinus female ticks from the particular forest districts and the serologic response to A. phagocytophilum of forestry workers employed in the same districts (p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between the presence of A. phagocytophilum ankA gene in I. ricinus ticks and serologic response of exposed workers. In conclusion, detection of A. phagocytophilum infection in ticks by PCR with the use of EHR521/EHR747 primers detecting 16S rRNA gene is significantly more sensitive compared to LA6/LA1 primers detecting ankA gene.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 12/2007; 14(2):281-5. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The goal of the research was to determine the spreading of Sarcoptes scabiei and the incidence of scabies in the residents of particular districts of the Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship (Central Europe) from 1990 to 1998.
An epidemiological analysis of scabies incidents was performed, with a focus on the age and sex patterns of the population, seasonal incidence, and environmental conditions. In the entire area covered in the period studied, a total of 2064 cases of scabies were reported. The incidence of scabies was typically higher in rural areas than in cities. The most cases of scabies were noted in children and teenagers between 6 and 15 years of age.
The research indicated that prevalence of the disease within a family is an important factor in scabies epidemiology in the Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship. The incidence of scabies is seasonal in its nature, as the majority of cases occurred in the autumn and winter months.
The incidence of the disease can be reduced by improving socioeconomic and hygienic conditions and by implementing a proper system of social education, as well as by promoting more efficient health service.
Annals of Epidemiology 07/2006; 16(6):423-8. · 3.21 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The pigeon tick Argas reflexus is avian ectoparasite that typically feeds on pigeons. When devoid of a natural host, the ticks can also attack humans. In Upper Silesia, southern Poland, people living in the vicinity of the birds' nesting sites are frequently bitten by A. reflexus. The bites can provoke serious allergic reactions, including fatal anaphylactic shock. In the present study, residents of 9 apartments invaded by pigeon ticks were invited to undergo medical examination, skin prick tests (SPT) and determination of specific IgE to A. reflexus. The test allergens were prepared of ticks collected on-site. Out of 18 residents living in the infested apartments, 15 accepted the invitation. In this group, 8 persons complained of tick-related health problems, positive SPT to A. reflexus were found in all of them, and specific IgE was detectable in 3 persons (range: 0.38-0.84 kUA/l; CAP class 1-2). Final clinical diagnoses were established of generalised urticaria with asthma in 1 person, generalised urticaria in another 1, and local allergic reactions to tick bites in the remaining 6. Among 7 symptom-free residents, all test results were negative. Besides the study group, the paper also describes the case of a person who developed hypersensitivity to A. reflexus as a child, after a few visits to an abandoned dovecote. 30 years later, positive SPT (++) and specific IgE (0.78 kUA/l; CAP class 2) were still present despite no further re-exposures. The article also discusses available pest control measures against A. reflexus.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 02/2006; 13(1):107-12. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ticks are dangerous blood-sucking ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. They serve as reservoirs and vectors pathogens and cause direct skin damage by feeding. Tick saliva contains pharmacologically active molecules directed against host's immune system and effector pathways. Ticks feeding induce hosts' inflammatory and immunological reactions of host comprise both innate and acquired immunity.
Przegla̧d epidemiologiczny 02/2006; 60 Suppl 1:28-33.
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ABSTRACT: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of 3 Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from wooded areas of the Lublin region (eastern Poland). A group of 1,813 I. ricinus ticks from 6 districts were examined for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B.b.s.l.) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Another group of 438 I. ricinus ticks collected from 4 districts were examined for the presence of B.b.s.l. by culture on BSKH liquid medium confirmed by PCR, and for the presence of Borrelia spp. by dark field microscopy (DFM). Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii) were determined by nested-PCR in 113 ticks lysates showing presence of B.b.s.l. (in PCR or in culture and PCR). 5.4 % of I. ricinus ticks examined by PCR showed the presence of B.b.s.l. DNA. The infection rate was highest in females (12.1 %), lower in males (6.0 %) and the lowest in nymphs (1.7 %) (p < 0.001). The minimum infection rate of I. ricinus ticks with B.b.s.l. determined by culture was 3.4 %, whereas the minimum infection rate of ticks with motile spirochetes morphologically resembling Borrelia spp., determined by DFM, amounted to 11.2 %. The presence of all 3 Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies under investigation was found in ticks collected from 5 out of 6 examined districts. In 81.4 % of infected ticks only single infection with 1 genospecies was observed, while coinfections with 2 or 3 genospecies were detected respectively in 16.8 % and 1.8 % of infected ticks. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was the dominant genospecies in all examined tick stages and districts, both in single infections and in coinfections, and found in a total of 62.8 % of I. ricinus ticks infected with B.b.s.l. Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii were less frequent and observed in respectively 39.8 % and 17.8 % of infected ticks.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 02/2006; 13(2):301-6. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A group of 180 patients with diagnosed Lyme borreliosis were examined for the presence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) by serologic tests with B. burgdorferi s.l. antigens (IgM-ELISA, IgG-ELISA, IgM-immunoblot, IgG-immunoblot) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR, nested-PCR) for detection of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA in peripheral blood. A total of 61.7 %, 53.9 %, 62.2 %, and 59.4 % of the examined patients' sera showed positive or borderline results in the serologic tests IgM-ELISA, IgG-ELISA, IgM-immunoblot, and IgG immunoblot, respectively. The results of the tests IgM-ELISA and IgM-immunoblot were significantly correlated (p < 0.001). A higher degree of the correlation (p < 0.000001) was found at the comparison of results obtained with IgG-ELISA and IgG-immunoblot. The correlation between the positive findings in the IgM-ELISA and detection with IgM-immunoblot the diagnostically important B. burgdorferi s.l. OspC surface protein was relatively low but statistically significant (0.01 < p < 0.05). Much higher correlation was found between the positive findings in the IgG-ELISA and detection with IgG-immunoblot other diagnostically important B. burgdorferi s.l. antigen, the VlsE protein (p < 0.000001). The presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA was found by PCR in 20 out 180 examined blood samples (11.1 %). No correlation was found to exist between the PCR results and the results of any of the serologic tests for detection of anti B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies of IgM class. PCR results correlated significantly at a relatively low level (0.01 < p < 0.05) with the results of IgG-ELISA, but not with the results of IgG-immunoblot with regard to total reactions (0.2 < p < 0.1). By contrast, a distinctly significant correlation was found between the PCR results and detection of the VlsE protein with IgG-immunoblot (0.001 < p < 0.01). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that antibodies of IgG class are the most reliable marker in laboratory diagnostics of Lyme borreliosis, in particular those directed against VlsE surface protein of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 02/2006; 13(2):307-11. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A total of 1,367 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from 5 districts of the Lublin region (eastern Poland) were examined for the presence of Babesia microti DNA by PCR and nested-PCR. As many as 74 ticks (5.4 %) were found to be infected with Babesia microti. The infection rate varied significantly with stage/sex of ticks (chi (2) =16.48543, df=2, p < 0.000264). The infection rates in females and males amounted to 6.4 % and 8.8 % respectively and were significantly higher (p=0.006 and p=0.0001 respectively) compared to minimum infection rate in nymphs that was equal to 2.8 %. The prevalence of infection showed also a significant variability depending on geographic location within the Lublin region (chi(2) =18.62812, df=4, p < 0.000932). The highest rates of infection with Babesia microti were noted in ticks collected from the areas of Puławy district situated in the northern part of region and the suburban Lublin district situated in the central part of the region (8.0 % and 7.3 % respectively). Mediocre infection rates (respectively 3.4 % and 3.3 %) were found in ticks from the Parczew and Włodawa districts situated in eastern part of the region and covered with humid lakeland forests. The lowest infection rate (0.5 %) was noted in ticks from the Zamość district situated in southern part of the region. In conclusion, the infection rate of Ixodes ricinus ticks with Babesia microti found in this study is higher compared to the majority of data reported by Polish and other European authors, and indicates a potential risk of human infection during occupational or recreational exposure to tick bite.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine: AAEM 02/2006; 13(2):319-22. · 2.31 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We studied the embryos of Ixodes ricinus (L.) in the second and third trimester of embryonic development, by using light and transmission electron microscopy. At the beginning of the second trimester, the formation of the foregut and rectal sac, by a process of invagination, was observed. The invagination, which develops into the primordium of the hindgut, forms only in the third trimester. The rectum forms in the last phase of embryogenesis. The development of the midgut is incomplete during embryogenesis. The yolk is surrounded by a wall, formed of an amorphous basal lamina and flattened cells, that gradually accumulate deutoplasmic material. These cells do not acquire the typical features of the gut epithelium until after larval hatching. These features are, however, found in the cells forming the rectal sac.
Journal of Medical Entomology 08/2005; 42(4):541-7. · 1.76 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to estimate risk of tick-borne diseases among inhabitants of Lublin macroregion. The incidence of Lyme disease in the residents of Lubelskie Voivodeship increased from 2.9 to 6.3 in the period between 2002 and 2003. In 16% of patients studied there were systemic reactions observed after tick bite, while the local symptoms were noted in 56% of bitten subjects. Our data indicates that 59% of the respondents have poor knowledge of ticks and tic-borne diseases.
Wiadomości parazytologiczne 02/2004; 50(2):249-52.
