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Chigwada AD, Mapholi NO, Ogola HJO, Mbizeni S, Masebe TM. Pathogenic and Endosymbiotic Bacteria and Their Associated Antibiotic Resistance Biomarkers in Amblyomma and Hyalomma Ticks Infesting Nguni Cattle (Bos spp.). Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040432. [PMID: 35456107 PMCID: PMC9028808 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Deciphering the interactions between ticks and their microbiome is key to revealing new insights on tick biology and pathogen transmission. However, knowledge on tick-borne microbiome diversity and their contribution to drug resistance is scarce in sub–Saharan Africa (SSA), despite endemism of ticks. In this study, high-throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and PICRUSt predictive function profiling were used to characterize the bacterial community structure and associated antibiotic resistance markers in Amblyomma variegatum, A. hebraeum, and Hyalomma truncatum ticks infesting Nguni cattle (Bos spp.). Twenty-one (seven families and fourteen genera) potentially pathogenic and endosymbiotic bacterial taxa were differentially enriched in two tick genera. In H. truncatum ticks, a higher abundance of Corynebacterium (35.6%), Porphyromonas (14.4%), Anaerococcus (11.1%), Trueperella (3.7%), and Helcococcus (4.7%) was detected. However, Rickettsia (38.6%), Escherichia (7%), and Coxiellaceae (2%) were the major differentially abundant taxa in A. variegatum and A. hebraeum. Further, an abundance of 50 distinct antibiotic resistance biomarkers relating to multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pumps, drug detoxification enzymes, ribosomal protection proteins, and secretion systems, were inferred in the microbiome. This study provides theoretical insights on the microbiome and associated antibiotic resistance markers, important for the design of effective therapeutic and control decisions for tick-borne diseases in the SSA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Dickson Chigwada
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Ntanganedzeni Olivia Mapholi
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Henry Joseph Oduor Ogola
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
- School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo P.O. Box 210-40601, Kenya
| | - Sikhumbuzo Mbizeni
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Tracy Madimabi Masebe
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa; (A.D.C.); (N.O.M.); (H.J.O.O.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-11-471-2268
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Trevisan G, Cinco M, Trevisini S, di Meo N, Chersi K, Ruscio M, Forgione P, Bonin S. Borreliae Part 1: Borrelia Lyme Group and Echidna-Reptile Group. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10101036. [PMID: 34681134 PMCID: PMC8533607 DOI: 10.3390/biology10101036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Borreliae are spirochaetes, which represent a heterogeneous phylum within bacteria. Spirochaetes are indeed distinguished from other bacteria for their spiral shape, which also characterizes Borreliae. This review describes briefly the organization of the phylum Spirocheteales with a digression about its pathogenicity and historical information about bacteria isolation and characterization. Among spirochaetes, Borrelia genus is here divided into three groups, namely the Lyme group (LG), the Echidna-Reptile group (REPG) and the Relapsing Fever group (RFG). Borreliae Part 1 deals with Lyme group and Echidna-Reptile group Borreliae, while the subject of Borreliae Part 2 is Relapsing Fever group and unclassified Borreliae. Lyme group Borreliae is organized here in sections describing ecology, namely tick vectors and animal hosts, epidemiology, microbiology, and Borrelia genome organization and antigen characterization. Furthermore, the main clinical manifestations in Lyme borreliosis are also described. Although included in the Lyme group due to their particular clinical features, Borrelia causing Baggio Yoshinari syndrome and Borrelia mayonii are described in dedicated paragraphs. The Borrelia Echidna-Reptile group has been recently characterized including spirochaetes that apparently are not pathogenic to humans, but infect reptiles and amphibians. The paragraph dedicated to this group of Borreliae describes their vectors, hosts, geographical distribution and their characteristics. Abstract Borreliae are divided into three groups, namely the Lyme group (LG), the Echidna-Reptile group (REPG) and the Relapsing Fever group (RFG). Currently, only Borrelia of the Lyme and RF groups (not all) cause infection in humans. Borreliae of the Echidna-Reptile group represent a new monophyletic group of spirochaetes, which infect amphibians and reptiles. In addition to a general description of the phylum Spirochaetales, including a brief historical digression on spirochaetosis, in the present review Borreliae of Lyme and Echidna-Reptile groups are described, discussing the ecology with vectors and hosts as well as microbiological features and molecular characterization. Furthermore, differences between LG and RFG are discussed with respect to the clinical manifestations. In humans, LG Borreliae are organotropic and cause erythema migrans in the early phase of the disease, while RFG Borreliae give high spirochaetemia with fever, without the development of erythema migrans. With respect of LG Borreliae, recently Borrelia mayonii, with intermediate characteristics between LG and RFG, has been identified. As part of the LG, it gives erythema migrans but also high spirochaetemia with fever. Hard ticks are vectors for both LG and REPG groups, but in LG they are mostly Ixodes sp. ticks, while in REPG vectors do not belong to that genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusto Trevisan
- DSM—Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.T.); (N.d.M.)
| | - Marina Cinco
- DSV—Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Sara Trevisini
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Nicola di Meo
- DSM—Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.T.); (N.d.M.)
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Karin Chersi
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Maurizio Ruscio
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Patrizia Forgione
- UOSD Dermatologia, Centro Rif. Regionale Malattia di Hansen e Lyme, P.O. dei Pellegrini, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Serena Bonin
- DSM—Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.T.); (N.d.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-3993266
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Scheun J, Ludynia K, Snyman A, Ganswindt A. Non-invasive hormone monitoring as a robust method for determining adrenocortical activity in injured, emaciated and oil-contaminated African penguins undergoing rehabilitation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 303:113703. [PMID: 33359663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activity is a major driver of seabird injury and mortality in the 21st century. Although most seabirds perish within the natural environment as a result of human activities, some are rescued and admitted to rehabilitation centres. Despite the considerable number of admissions, little is known regarding the physiological response seabirds have to specific admission reasons and the rehabilitation process. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of injury, emaciation, oiling, individual removal from the natural environment and the rehabilitation process on the physiological stress response of the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). Urofaecal samples were collected from African penguins throughout a three-stage rehabilitation process and quantified for glucocorticoid metabolites (ufGCM). The three stages included an initial ICU crate stage (Stage 1), an ICU pen stage (Stage 2) and a rehabilitation stage (Stage 3). Data were analysed using a generalised linear model in order to determine the effect of admission reason, age and rehabilitation stage (Stage 1, 2 and 3) on ufGCM levels. Although the model indicated that only Stage 1 was a significant driver of adrenocortical activity in the study population, ufGCM levels of injured and emaciated animals within Stage 1 were considerably higher than those of birds with any other admission reason across all stages. This is the first study examining the causes and effect of rehabilitation on the physiological stress response in African penguins. Enhanced care and attention should be given to rescued individuals, especially during the first stage of rehabilitation, to reduce perception of additional stressors and thus increase the chance of full recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scheun
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa; National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - K Ludynia
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A Snyman
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A Ganswindt
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Qiu Y, Nakao R, Hang'ombe BM, Sato K, Kajihara M, Kanchela S, Changula K, Eto Y, Ndebe J, Sasaki M, Thu MJ, Takada A, Sawa H, Sugimoto C, Kawabata H. Human Borreliosis Caused by a New World Relapsing Fever Borrelia-like Organism in the Old World. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:107-112. [PMID: 30423022 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapsing fever is an infectious disease previously neglected in Africa, which imposes a large public health burden in the country. We aimed to investigate and report on a case of relapsing fever borreliosis in Zambia. METHODS A previously unknown Borrelia species was isolated from the blood of a febrile patient. Investigations of the presumptive vector ticks and natural hosts for the Borrelia species were conducted by culture isolation and/or DNA detection by Borrelia-specific polymerase chain reaction. Using culture isolates from the patient and bat specimens, genetic characterization was performed by multilocus sequence analysis based on the draft genome sequences. RESULTS The febrile patient was diagnosed with relapsing fever. The isolated Borrelia species was frequently detected in Ornithodoros faini (n = 20/50 [40%]) and bats (n = 64/237 [27%]). Multilocus sequence analysis based on a draft genome sequence revealed that the Borrelia species isolates from the patient and presumptive reservoir host (bats) formed a monophyletic lineage that clustered with relapsing fever borreliae found in the United States. CONCLUSIONS A febrile illness caused by a Borrelia species that was treatable with erythromycin was identified in Zambia. This is the first study to report on relapsing fever Borrelia in Zambia and suggesting the likely natural reservoir hosts of the isolated Borrelia species. Interestingly, the isolated Borrelia species was more closely related to New World relapsing fever borreliae, despite being detected in the Afrotropic ecozone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Qiu
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Kozue Sato
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka
| | - Yoshiki Eto
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Joseph Ndebe
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka
| | - Michihito Sasaki
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control
| | - May June Thu
- Unit of Risk Analysis and Management, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control
| | - Ayato Takada
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka.,Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hirohumi Sawa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka.,Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control.,Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Global Virus Network, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka.,Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawabata
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo
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Itoh M, Toyotome T, Matsumoto N, Okamoto M, Watanabe KI, Yamada K. Characteristic imaging findings of the respiratory system in penguins with suspected aspergillosis in an aquarium. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:1260-1266. [PMID: 32655097 PMCID: PMC7538335 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty penguins, including the King penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), and African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), housed at an aquarium in Hokkaido, Japan, underwent regular health screening via blood
test, and five penguins with suspected aspergillosis were extracted. In cases 1 and 2, a thickened membrane and/or fluid level and/or calcification in the air sac were observed on both radiography and computed tomography (CT). These two penguins died after 19 and 43 days, respectively. At
the time the radiographic changes were observed, the disease had likely progressed to a point at which it was too late for recovery. Aspergillus fumigatus infection was confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis in case 1. In case 3, infiltration in the pulmonary parenchyma
was observed on CT, and the infiltration disappeared following oral administration of itraconazole as diagnostic therapy for 8 months. In case 4, defects in the pulmonary parenchyma were observed only on CT. These defects remained unchanged in size for 7 months despite the lack of any
treatment, and were not considered clinically significant. However, the blood antigen level in case 5 was increased, both radiography and CT were unremarkable. The combination of a screening blood test and CT examination could be useful clues for an early diagnosis of aspergillosis as well
as for initiating treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Itoh
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Takahito Toyotome
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Naoya Matsumoto
- Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0492, Japan
| | - Minoru Okamoto
- Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai-Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Watanabe
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Surveillance for Borrelia spp. in Upland Game Birds in Pennsylvania, USA. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7030082. [PMID: 32629926 PMCID: PMC7558332 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7030082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Borrelia genus contains two major clades, the Lyme borreliosis group, which includes the causative agents of Lyme disease/borreliosis (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and other related B. burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies), and the relapsing fever borreliosis group (B. hermsii, B. turicatae, and B. parkeri). Other unclassified reptile- and echidna-associated Borrelia spp. (i.e., B. turcica and 'Candidatus Borrelia tachyglossi', respectively) do not belong in either of these two groups. In North America, Borrelia spp. from both of the major clades are important pathogens of veterinary and public health concern. Lyme disease is of particular interest because the incidence in the northeastern United States continues to increase in both dogs and humans. Birds have a potentially important role in the ecology of Borrelia species because they are hosts for numerous tick vectors and competent hosts for various Borrelia spp. Our goal was to investigate the prevalence of Borrelia spp. in four free-living species of upland game birds in Pennsylvania, USA including wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), and American woodcock (Scolopax minor). We tested 205 tissue samples (bone marrow and/or spleen samples) from 169 individuals for Borrelia using a flagellin gene (flab) nested PCR, which amplifies all Borrelia species. We detected Borrelia DNA in 12% (24/205) of samples, the highest prevalence was in wild turkeys (16%; 5/31), followed by ruffed grouse (13%; 16/126) and American woodcock (3%; 1/35). All pheasants (n = 13) were negative. We sequenced amplicons from all positive game birds and all were B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Our results support previous work indicating that certain species of upland game birds are commonly infected with Borrelia species, but unlike previous studies, we did not find any relapsing fever borreliae.
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Determinants of external and blood parasite load in African penguins ( Spheniscus demersus) admitted for rehabilitation. Parasitology 2020; 147:577-583. [PMID: 31992371 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We investigate the factors associated with the occurrence and abundance of external and blood parasites in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus), an endangered seabird that breeds exclusively on the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. External parasites were collected using the dust-ruffling method from 171 African Penguins admitted at a rehabilitation facility in the Western Cape, South Africa. Additionally, blood smears were obtained upon admission and weekly during rehabilitation and examined for blood parasites. Fleas Parapsyllus longicornis humboldti, ticks Ornithodoros capensis and lice Austrogoniodes demersus were recovered from 93, 63 and 40%, respectively, of the penguins upon admission to the centre. Rescue location and age group were identified as significant determinants of flea abundance, whereas month of admission was a significant determinant of tick abundance. Blood parasites were also common on admission, with Babesia being the most frequent (46% prevalence) whereas Borrelia was recorded sporadically (1.2%) and Plasmodium was recorded once. The prevalence and abundance of ticks on admission was positively associated with Babesia infection on admission. Our findings demonstrate the variability and contributing factor of parasite infections in an endangered species of penguin, and highlight the need for additional research on the parasite-host dynamics involving these potential disease vectors.
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Sanz-Aguilar A, Payo-Payo A, Rotger A, Yousfi L, Moutailler S, Beck C, Dumarest M, Igual JM, Miranda MÁ, Viñas Torres M, Picorelli V, Gamble A, Boulinier T. Infestation of small seabirds by Ornithodoros maritimus ticks: Effects on chick body condition, reproduction and associated infectious agents. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101281. [PMID: 31473099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ticks can negatively affect their host by direct effects as blood feeding causing anaemia or discomfort, or by pathogen transmission. Consequently, ticks can have an important role in the population dynamics of their hosts. However, specific studies on the demographic effects of tick infestation on seabirds are still scarce. Seabird ticks have also the potential to be responsible for the circulation of little known tick-borne agents, which could have implications for non-seabird species. Here, we report the results of investigations on potential associations between soft tick Ornithodoros maritimus load and reproductive parameters of storm petrels Hydrobates pelagicus breeding in a large colony in a cave of Espartar Island, in the Balearic archipelago. We also investigated by molecular analyses the potential viral and bacterial pathogens associated with O. maritimus ticks present at the colony. Lower nestling survival was recorded in the most infested area, deep in the cave, compared to the area near the entrance. The parasite load was negatively associated with the body condition of the nestlings. One pool of ticks tested positive for West Nile virus and 4 pools tested positive for a Borrelia species which was determined by targeted nested PCR to have a 99% sequence identity with B. turicatae, a relapsing fever Borrelia. Overall, these results show that further investigations are needed to better understand the ecology and epidemiology of the interactions between ticks, pathogens and Procellariiform species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sanz-Aguilar
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miguel Marques 21, Esporles, Spain; Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of Balearic Islands, Ctra Valldemosa km 7.5, Palma, Spain.
| | - Ana Payo-Payo
- School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Andreu Rotger
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miguel Marques 21, Esporles, Spain
| | - Lena Yousfi
- UMR BIPAR, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cecile Beck
- UMR Virologie, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marine Dumarest
- UMR Virologie, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - José Manuel Igual
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miguel Marques 21, Esporles, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Miranda
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of Balearic Islands, Ctra Valldemosa km 7.5, Palma, Spain
| | - Mariana Viñas Torres
- Servei de Planificació del Medi Natural, Conselleria de Medi Ambient, Gremi Corredors 10, Palma, Spain
| | - Virginia Picorelli
- RRNN es Vedrà, es Vedranell i els illots de Ponent, Carrer de Múrcia 6, Eivissa, Spain
| | - Amandine Gamble
- CEFE CNRS Université Montpellier, Campus CNRS, Montpellier, France
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PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS OF IMMATURE REHABILITATED AFRICAN PENGUINS ( SPHENISCUS DEMERSUS) IN SOUTH AFRICA. J Wildl Dis 2019. [PMID: 31081739 DOI: 10.7589/2018-05-134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Cape Town, South Africa) regularly receives African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) for rehabilitation. The impact of life history and clinical parameters at admission of 3,975 chicks, 1,687 blues (chicks without downy plumage that are about to fledge or have recently fledged), and 850 fledged juveniles admitted over a 12 yr period (2002-13) were assessed in relation to rehabilitation outcomes using multivariate analysis. Younger chicks were more likely to die during rehabilitation compared with older chicks, and chicks admitted because they had been abandoned by their parents were more likely to die than those admitted preemptively (chicks that were removed when rangers considered their nests were in high-risk areas). Blues admitted because of injury and juveniles admitted because of debilitation, injury, and molt were more likely to die or be euthanized relative to the reference category oiling. Plasmodium infection contributed to natural death for all age groups and to the decision to euthanize chicks, whereas Borrelia infection contributed to both natural death and the decision to euthanize blues. Babesia infection was associated with decreased odds of euthanasia among juveniles. Low hematocrit at admission contributed to natural death of chicks and blues and euthanasia of blues. Low total plasma protein, on the other hand, contributed to natural death in chicks, blues, and juveniles, whereas high total plasma protein had a protective effect against natural death in chicks. These results indicate a need to focus on prevention and early intervention among compromised immature penguins in order to increase the rehabilitation success for this endangered species.
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Parasite diversity associated with African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and the effect of host and environmental factors. Parasitology 2019; 146:791-804. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018002159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is a critically endangered species endemic to southern Africa. Limited information is available on the parasite diversity associated with the species in natural settings. This study explores the diversity and incidence of parasites associated with African penguins and their nests, and records the effect of host and environmental factors on parasite infestation. Ecto-, haemo- and helminth parasites were recorded from 210 adult birds, 583 chicks and 628 nests across five colonies (two mainland and three islands) along the south-western coast of South Africa, in 2016 and 2017. Mean nest density (total and active nests) and climate variables (temperature and precipitation) were obtained for each colony. Parapsyllus humboldti was the most abundant and prevalent ectoparasite on penguins and in nests (69.10 and 57.80%, respectively), while Piroplasmorida/Haemospororida (33.51%) and Cardiocephaloides spp. (56.17%) were the most prevalent haemo- and helminth parasites of penguins, respectively. In general parasite abundance and prevalence was significantly affected by penguin age (chicks vs adults), location (mainland vs islands), nest density (total and active nests) and season (spring vs autumn/winter). It is concluded that parasite infestations are structured and that penguin chicks at mainland colonies are more susceptible to parasite infestations during spring.
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Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) caused by the bacteria Borrelia, is poorly documented in veterinary medicine. Given the widespread presence of the soft tick vectors - Ornithodoros and the recently discovered hard tick vectors, as well as their close association with animal hosts, it is highly likely that infection occurs, but is rarely reported to be of veterinary importance. Sporadic reports of canine infection, some being fatal through to probable cause of abortion in horses have been published. Some of these pathogens exist in regions where there are limited diagnostic facilities, hence, they are likely to be missed and their impact on productivity may be unquantified. Here we review available literatures on cases of TBRF in domestic and wild animals in order to show their potential veterinary medical impact. Future efforts using field and laboratory surveys are needed to determine pathogenesis, vector competence and distribution in animals, their impact on animal health and productivity as well as to prevent further spill to the human population, where it is already a public health problem in some parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusirat Elelu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive MedicineUniversity of IlorinIlorinKwara StateNigeria
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12
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Ornithodoros savignyi, the Tick Vector of "Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica" in Nigeria. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.00532-18. [PMID: 29950331 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00532-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endemic tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) has not been documented in Nigeria, yet clinically compatible cases have been described, and soft tick species are endemic in surrounding countries. Consequently, our aim was to investigate if TBRF-associated Borrelia is present in Nigeria. To address this, we examined 49 soft tick pools to identify the tick species and to screen for Borrelia The tick species was revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplification and Sanger sequencing to be Ornithodoros savignyi, an aggressive, multihost, rapidly feeding species with significant veterinary impact. We detected a Borrelia organism in 3 of 49 pooled samples (6%). Molecular analysis of amplified 16S rRNA and flagellin genes and intragenic spacer fragments disclosed that this Borrelia organism was synonymous with the recently described organism "Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica," identified in a tourist returning to Germany from South Africa. Given the widespread endemic range of this tick vector, TBRF should be considered part of the differential diagnosis for patients with fever returning from arid areas of Africa and further afield.
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13
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Moon KL, Chown SL, Loh SM, Oskam CL, Fraser CI. Australian penguin ticks screened for novel Borrelia species. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:410-414. [PMID: 29275874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (or Lyme Disease) is an emerging threat to human health in the Northern Hemisphere caused by tick-borne bacteria from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex. Seabirds are important reservoir hosts of some members of the Bbsl complex in the Northern Hemisphere, and some evidence suggests this may be true of penguins in the Southern Hemisphere. While the Bbsl complex has not been detected in Australia, a novel Borrelia species ('Candidatus Borrelia tachyglossi') was recently sequenced from native ticks (Ixodes holocyclus and Bothriocroton concolor) parasitising echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus), suggesting unidentified borreliae may be circulating amongst native wildlife and their ticks. In the present study, we investigated whether ticks parasitising little penguins (Eudyptula novaehollandiae) harbour native or introduced Borrelia bacteria. We chose this penguin species because it is heavily exploited by ticks during the breeding season, lives in close proximity to other potential reservoir hosts (including native wildlife and migratory seabirds), and is known to be infected with other tick-borne pathogens (Babesia). We screened over 230 penguin ticks (Ixodes spp.) from colonies in south-eastern Australia, and found no evidence of Borrelia DNA. The apparent absence or rarity of the bacterium in south-eastern Australia has important implications for identifying potential tick-borne pathogens in an understudied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Moon
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Steven L Chown
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Siew-May Loh
- Vector & Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Charlotte L Oskam
- Vector & Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Ceridwen I Fraser
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
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14
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Lafri I, El Hamzaoui B, Bitam I, Leulmi H, Lalout R, Mediannikov O, Chergui M, Karakellah M, Raoult D, Parola P. Detection of relapsing fever Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Anaplasmataceae bacteria in argasid ticks in Algeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006064. [PMID: 29145396 PMCID: PMC5708834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Argasid ticks (soft ticks) are blood-feeding arthropods that can parasitize rodents, birds, humans, livestock and companion animals. Ticks of the Ornithodoros genus are known to be vectors of relapsing fever borreliosis in humans. In Algeria, little is known about relapsing fever borreliosis and other bacterial pathogens transmitted by argasid ticks. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Between May 2013 and October 2015, we investigated the presence of soft ticks in 20 rodent burrows, 10 yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) nests and animal shelters in six locations in two different bioclimatic zones in Algeria. Six species of argasid ticks were identified morphologically and through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The presence and prevalence of Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasmataceae was assessed by qPCR template assays in each specimen. All qPCR-positive samples were confirmed by standard PCR, followed by sequencing the amplified fragments. Two Borrelia species were identified: Borrelia hispanica in Ornithodoros occidentalis in Mostaganem, and Borrelia cf. turicatae in Carios capensis in Algiers. One new Bartonella genotype and one new Anaplasmataceae genotype were also identified in Argas persicus. CONCLUSIONS The present study highlights the presence of relapsing fever borreliosis agents, although this disease is rarely diagnosed in Algeria. Other bacteria of unknown pathogenicity detected in argasid ticks which may bite humans deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Lafri
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Basma El Hamzaoui
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Université de Bab Ezzouar, Laboratoire d’Ecologie et Environnement, Algiers, Algeria
- Ecole Supérieure en Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaires (ESSAIA), El Harrach, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, 23 chemin des capelles Toulouse, France
| | - Reda Lalout
- EPH de Sidi Ali. Mostaganem. Ministère de la santé, de la population et de la réforme hospitalière, Mostaganem, Algeria
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Mohamed Chergui
- EPH de Sidi Ali. Mostaganem. Ministère de la santé, de la population et de la réforme hospitalière, Mostaganem, Algeria
| | - Mohamed Karakellah
- EPH de Sidi Ali. Mostaganem. Ministère de la santé, de la population et de la réforme hospitalière, Mostaganem, Algeria
| | - Didier Raoult
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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15
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Novel vagrant records and occurrence of vector-borne pathogens in King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) in South Africa. Polar Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-017-2171-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Abstract
Blood parasites are considered some of the most significant pathogens for the conservation of penguins, due to the considerable morbidity and mortality they have been shown to produce in captive and wild populations of these birds. Parasites known to occur in the blood of penguins include haemosporidian protozoans (Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus), piroplamid protozoans (Babesia), kinetoplastid protozoans (Trypanosoma), spirochete bacteria (Borrelia) and nematode microfilariae. This review provides a critical and comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge on these parasites, providing an overview of their biology, host and geographic distribution, epidemiology, pathology and implications for public health and conservation.
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17
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Parsons NJ, Voogt NM, Schaefer AM, Peirce MA, Vanstreels RET. Occurrence of blood parasites in seabirds admitted for rehabilitation in the Western Cape, South Africa, 2001-2013. Vet Parasitol 2016; 233:52-61. [PMID: 28043389 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Blood parasites are generally uncommon in seabirds, and knowledge on their epidemiology is further limited by the fact that they often inhabit remote locations that are logistically difficult or expensive to study. We present a long term data set of blood smear examinations of 1909 seabirds belonging to 27 species that were admitted to a rehabilitation centre in Cape Town (Western Cape, South Africa) between 2001 and 2013. Blood parasites were detected in 59% of species (16/27) and 29% of individuals examined (551/1909). The following blood parasites were recorded: Babesia ugwidiensis, Babesia peircei, Babesia sp., Plasmodium sp., Leucocytozoon ugwidi, Hepatozoon albatrossi, Haemoproteus skuae and Spirochaetales. Several of the records are novel host-parasite associations, demonstrating the potential of rehabilitation centres for parasite and disease surveillance, particularly for species infrequently sampled from which no host-specific parasites have been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Parsons
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), P.O. Box 11116, Bloubergrant, 7443, South Africa; Bayworld Centre for Research and Education, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
| | - N M Voogt
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), P.O. Box 11116, Bloubergrant, 7443, South Africa
| | - A M Schaefer
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Florida Atlantic University, 5600U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
| | - M A Peirce
- MP International Consultancy, 6 Normandale House, Normandale, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN39 3NZ, UK; International Reference Centre for Avian Hematozoa, Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - R E T Vanstreels
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology (LAPCOM), University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil; Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU), Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
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18
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Parsons NJ, Gous TA, Schaefer AM, Vanstreels RET. Health evaluation of African penguins ( Spheniscus demersus) in southern Africa. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2016; 83:e1-e13. [PMID: 27796116 PMCID: PMC6238701 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v83i1.1147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is an endangered seabird that breeds along the coast of Namibia and South Africa, and disease surveillance was identified as a priority for its conservation. Aiming for the establishment of baseline data on the presence of potential pathogens in this species, a comprehensive health assessment (blood smear examination, haematology, biochemistry and serology) was conducted on samples obtained from 578 African penguins at 11 breeding colonies and a rehabilitation centre. There were 68 penguins that were seropositive for at least one of seven pathogens tested: avian encephalomyelitis virus, avian infectious bronchitis virus, avian reovirus, infectious bursal disease virus, Newcastle disease virus, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae. All samples were seronegative for avian influenza virus subtypes H5 and H7 and infectious laryngotracheitis virus. The apparent prevalence of Babesia sp. and Borrelia sp. in blood smears was consistent with previous studies. Babesia-infected individuals had a regenerative response of the erythrocytic lineage, an active inflammatory response and hepatic function impairment. These findings indicate that African penguins may be exposed to conservation-significant pathogens in the wild and encourage further studies aiming for the direct detection and/or isolation of these microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nola J Parsons
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, Bloubergrant; Bayworld Centre for Research and Education, Port Elizabeth.
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19
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Cutler SJ, Ruzic-Sabljic E, Potkonjak A. Emerging borreliae - Expanding beyond Lyme borreliosis. Mol Cell Probes 2016; 31:22-27. [PMID: 27523487 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (or Lyme disease) has become a virtual household term to the exclusion of other forgotten, emerging or re-emerging borreliae. We review current knowledge regarding these other borreliae, exploring their ecology, epidemiology and pathological potential, for example, for the newly described B. mayonii. These bacteria range from tick-borne, relapsing fever-inducing strains detected in some soft ticks, such as B. mvumii, to those from bat ticks resembling B. turicatae. Some of these emerging pathogens remain unnamed, such as the borrelial strains found in South African penguins and some African cattle ticks. Others, such as B. microti and unnamed Iranian strains, have not been recognised through a lack of discriminatory diagnostic methods. Technical improvements in phylogenetic methods have allowed the differentiation of B. merionesi from other borrelial species that co-circulate in the same region. Furthermore, we discuss members that challenge the existing dogma that Lyme disease-inducing strains are transmitted by hard ticks, whilst the relapsing fever-inducing spirochaetes are transmitted by soft ticks. Controversially, the genus has now been split with Lyme disease-associated members being transferred to Borreliella, whilst the relapsing fever species retain the Borrelia genus name. It took some 60 years for the correlation with clinical presentations now known as Lyme borreliosis to be attributed to their spirochaetal cause. Many of the borreliae discussed here are currently considered exotic curiosities, whilst others, such as B. miyamotoi, are emerging as significant causes of morbidity. To elucidate their role as potential pathogenic agents, we first need to recognise their presence through suitable diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Ruzic-Sabljic
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia
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20
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McCoy KD, Dietrich M, Jaeger A, Wilkinson DA, Bastien M, Lagadec E, Boulinier T, Pascalis H, Tortosa P, Le Corre M, Dellagi K, Lebarbenchon C. The role of seabirds of the Iles Eparses as reservoirs and disseminators of parasites and pathogens. ACTA OECOLOGICA (MONTROUGE, FRANCE) 2016; 72:98-109. [PMID: 32288503 PMCID: PMC7128210 DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of birds as reservoirs and disseminators of parasites and pathogens has received much attention over the past several years due to their high vagility. Seabirds are particularly interesting hosts in this respect. In addition to incredible long-distance movements during migration, foraging and prospecting, these birds are long-lived, site faithful and breed in dense aggregations in specific colony locations. These different characteristics can favor both the local maintenance and large-scale dissemination of parasites and pathogens. The Iles Eparses provide breeding and feeding grounds for more than 3 million breeding pairs of seabirds including at least 13 species. Breeding colonies on these islands are relatively undisturbed by human activities and represent natural metapopulations in which seabird population dynamics, movement and dispersal can be studied in relation to that of circulating parasites and pathogens. In this review, we summarize previous knowledge and recently-acquired data on the parasites and pathogens found in association with seabirds of the Iles Eparses. These studies have revealed the presence of a rich diversity of infectious agents (viruses, bacteria and parasites) carried by the birds and/or their local ectoparasites (ticks and louse flies). Many of these agents are widespread and found in other ecosystems confirming a role for seabirds in their large scale dissemination and maintenance. The heterogeneous distribution of parasites and infectious agents among islands and seabird species suggests that relatively independent metacommunities of interacting species may exist within the western Indian Ocean. In this context, we discuss how the patterns and determinants of seabird movements may alter parasite and pathogen circulation. We conclude by outlining key aspects for future research given the baseline data now available and current concerns in eco-epidemiology and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen D. McCoy
- MIVEGEC (Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Evolution, Génétique, Ecologie, Contrôle) UMR 5290 CNRS-IRD-Université de Montpellier, Centre IRD, 34393 Montpellier, France
| | - Muriel Dietrich
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Audrey Jaeger
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion-IRD-CNRS, CS92003, 97744 Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - David A. Wilkinson
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Matthieu Bastien
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Erwan Lagadec
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Thierry Boulinier
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS-Université de Montpellier UMR 5175, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Hervé Pascalis
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Matthieu Le Corre
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion-IRD-CNRS, CS92003, 97744 Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Camille Lebarbenchon
- CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
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Fotso Fotso A, Drancourt M. Laboratory Diagnosis of Tick-Borne African Relapsing Fevers: Latest Developments. Front Public Health 2015; 3:254. [PMID: 26618151 PMCID: PMC4641162 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In Africa, relapsing fevers caused by ectoparasite-borne Borrelia species are transmitted by ticks, with the exception of Borrelia recurrentis, which is a louse-borne spirochete. These tropical diseases are responsible for mild to deadly spirochetemia. Cultured Borrelia crocidurae, Borrelia duttonii, and Borrelia hispanica circulate alongside at least six species that have not yet been cultured in vectors. Direct diagnosis is hindered by the use of non-specific laboratory tools. Indeed, microscopic observation of Borrelia spirochaeta in smears of peripheral blood taken from febrile patients lacks sensitivity and specificity. Although best visualized using dark-field microscopy, the organisms can also be detected using Wright–Giemsa or acridine orange stains. PCR-based detection of specific sequences in total DNA extracted from a specimen can be used to discriminate different relapsing fever Borreliae. In our laboratory, we developed a multiplex real-time PCR assay for the specific detection of B. duttonii/recurrentis and B. crocidurae: multispacer sequence typing accurately identified cultured relapsing fever borreliae and revealed diversity among them. Other molecular typing techniques, such as multilocus sequence analysis of tick-borne relapsing fever borreliae, showed the potential risk of human infection in Africa. Recent efforts to culture and sequence relapsing fever borreliae have provided new information for reassessment of the diversity of these bacteria. Recently, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry has been reported as a means of identifying cultured borreliae and of identifying both vectors and vectorized pathogens such as detecting relapsing fever borreliae directly in ticks. The lack of a rapid diagnosis test restricts the management of such diseases. We produced monoclonal antibodies against B. crocidurae in order to develop cheap assays for the rapid detection of relapsing fever borreliae. In this paper, we review point-of-care diagnosis and confirmatory methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Fotso Fotso
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UMR 6236, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, IFR 48, Méditerranée Infection, Faculté de Médecine , Marseille , France
| | - Michel Drancourt
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UMR 6236, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, IFR 48, Méditerranée Infection, Faculté de Médecine , Marseille , France
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22
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Abstract
Relapsing fever borreliae were notorious and feared infectious agents that earned their place in history through their devastating impact as causes of both epidemic and endemic infection. They are now considered more as an oddity, and their burden of infection is largely overshadowed by other infections such as malaria, which presents in a similar clinical way. Despite this, they remain the most common bacterial infection in some developing countries. Transmitted by soft ticks or lice, these fascinating spirochetes have evolved a myriad of mechanisms to survive within their diverse environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally J Cutler
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London E15 4LZ, UK.
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23
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Vanstreels RET, Woehler EJ, Ruoppolo V, Vertigan P, Carlile N, Priddel D, Finger A, Dann P, Herrin KV, Thompson P, Ferreira Junior FC, Braga ÉM, Hurtado R, Epiphanio S, Catão-Dias JL. Epidemiology and molecular phylogeny of Babesia sp. in Little Penguins Eudyptula minor in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:198-205. [PMID: 25853053 PMCID: PMC4383760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We examined blood smears from 263 wild little penguins in southeastern Australia. Babesia sp. was detected in penguins in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. True prevalence is estimated between 3.4% and 4.5%. Babesia sp. from little penguins is closely related to B. poelea and B. uriae. Babesia infections were assymptomatic.
Blood parasites are potential threats to the health of penguins and to their conservation and management. Little penguins Eudyptula minor are native to Australia and New Zealand, and are susceptible to piroplasmids (Babesia), hemosporidians (Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium) and kinetoplastids (Trypanosoma). We studied a total of 263 wild little penguins at 20 sites along the Australian southeastern coast, in addition to 16 captive-bred little penguins. Babesia sp. was identified in seven wild little penguins, with positive individuals recorded in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. True prevalence was estimated between 3.4% and 4.5%. Only round forms of the parasite were observed, and gene sequencing confirmed the identity of the parasite and demonstrated it is closely related to Babesia poelea from boobies (Sula spp.) and B. uriae from murres (Uria aalge). None of the Babesia-positive penguins presented signs of disease, confirming earlier suggestions that chronic infections by these parasites are not substantially problematic to otherwise healthy little penguins. We searched also for kinetoplastids, and despite targeted sampling of little penguins near the location where Trypanosoma eudyptulae was originally reported, this parasite was not detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology (LAPCOM), Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eric J Woehler
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Valeria Ruoppolo
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology (LAPCOM), Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil ; International Fund for Animal Welfare, USA
| | | | | | - David Priddel
- New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, Australia
| | - Annett Finger
- Ecology and Environmental Management Group, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia
| | | | - Paul Thompson
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, Australia
| | | | - Érika M Braga
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renata Hurtado
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Epiphanio
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology (LAPCOM), Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Schistosomes in South African penguins. Parasitol Res 2014; 114:237-46. [PMID: 25339513 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4185-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
During the years 2009-2012, faeces of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus L.) from South African rehabilitation centres were examined for helminths. In total, 46 out 555 samples (8.29 %), mostly belonging to adult birds, were found to contain oval schistosome eggs with a spine on one pole. Their dimensions were 153.21 ± 9.07 × 87.14 ± 8.67 μm. Selected DNA fragments (18S, 28S and ITS rDNA) were sequenced and compared to other schistosome isolates deposited in GenBank. The shape of the eggs suggests that they belong to the genus Gigantobilharzia; however, due to the insufficient stage of knowledge of the genus and limited number of species available for comparison, we were not able to assign the isolate unambiguously to this genus based on either the egg morphology or the results of molecular analysis.
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Abstract
The study of relapsing fever borreliae in Africa has long suffered from the use of non-specific laboratory tools for the direct detection of these spirochetes in clinical and vector specimens. Accordingly, Borrelia hispanica, Borrelia crocidurae, Borrelia duttonii, and Borrelia recurrentis have traditionally been distinguished on the basis of geography and vector and the unproven hypothesis that each species was exclusive to one vector. The recent sequencing of three relapsing fever Borrelia genomes in our laboratory prompted the development of more specific tools and a reappraisal of the epidemiology in Africa. Five additional potential species still need to be cultured from clinical and vector sources in East Africa to further assess their uniqueness. Here, we review the molecular evidence of relapsing fever borreliae in hosts and ectoparasites in Africa and explore the diversity, geographical distribution, and vector association of these pathogens for Africans and travelers to Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Elbir
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UMR63 CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France.
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Kanarek G, Horne EC, Zaleśny G. Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci Baudet, 1937 (Nematoda: Syngamidae), a parasite of respiratory tract of African penguin Spheniscus demersus: Morphological and molecular characterisation with some ecological and veterinary notes. Parasitol Int 2013; 62:416-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Investigation of blood parasites of pygoscelid penguins at the King George and Elephant Islands, South Shetlands Archipelago, Antarctica. Polar Biol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-013-1401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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