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Choi KS, Hwang S, Kim MC, Cho HC, Park YJ, Ji MJ, Han SW, Chae JS. Molecular surveillance of zoonotic pathogens from wild rodents in the Republic of Korea. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012306. [PMID: 38976750 PMCID: PMC11257403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodents are recognized as major reservoirs of numerous zoonotic pathogens and are involved in the transmission and maintenance of infectious diseases. Furthermore, despite their importance, diseases transmitted by rodents have been neglected. To date, there have been limited epidemiological studies on rodents, and information regarding their involvement in infectious diseases in the Republic of Korea (ROK) is still scarce. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We investigated rodent-borne pathogens using nested PCR/RT-PCR from 156 rodents including 151 Apodemus agrarius and 5 Rattus norvegicus from 27 regions in eight provinces across the ROK between March 2019 and November 2020. Spleen, kidney, and blood samples were used to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira interrogans, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Of the 156 rodents, 73 (46.8%) were infected with Bartonella spp., 25 (16.0%) with C. burnetii, 24 (15.4%) with L. interrogans, 21 (13.5%) with A. phagocytophilum, 9 (5.8%) with SFTSV, and 5 (3.2%) with Borrelia afzelii. Co-infections with two and three pathogens were detected in 33 (21.1%) and 11 rodents (7.1%), respectively. A. phagocytophilum was detected in all regions, showing a widespread occurrence in the ROK. The infection rates of Bartonella spp. were 83.3% for B. grahamii and 16.7% for B. taylorii. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. burnetii and SFTSV infections in rodents in the ROK. This study also provides the first description of various rodent-borne pathogens through an extensive epidemiological survey in the ROK. These results suggest that rodents harbor various pathogens that pose a potential threat to public health in the ROK. Our findings provide useful information on the occurrence and distribution of zoonotic pathogens disseminated among rodents and emphasize the urgent need for rapid diagnosis, prevention, and control strategies for these zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Seong Choi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoo Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Cheol Kim
- Department of Ecological Science, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Chul Cho
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Ji
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Woo Han
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Centre, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Centre, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Zhou S, Nian Y, Zeng Z, Han T, Liu W, Zheng K, Xiao F. Epidemiological survey and genetic diversity of Bartonella in fleas collected from rodents in Fujian Province, Southeast China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:264. [PMID: 38890667 PMCID: PMC11186106 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06305-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fleas, considered to be the main transmission vectors of Bartonella, are highly prevalent and show great diversity. To date, no investigations have focused on Bartonella vectors in Southeast China. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Bartonella in fleas in Southeast China. METHODS From 2016 to 2022, flea samples (n = 1119) were collected from 863 rodent individuals in seven inland and coastal cities in Southeast China. Flea species, region, gender, host species and habitat were recorded. The DNA samples from each individual flea were screened by real-time PCR for the Bartonella ssrA gene. All positive samples were confirmed by PCR based on the presence of the gltA gene and sequenced. The factors associated with Bartonella infection were analyzed by the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. ANOVA and the t-test were used to compare Bartonella DNA load. RESULTS Bartonella DNA was detected in 26.2% (293/1119) of the flea samples, including in 27.1% (284/1047) of Xenopsylla cheopis samples, 13.2% (5/38) of Monopsyllus anisus samples, 8.3% (2/24) of Leptopsylla segnis samples and 20.0% (2/10) of other fleas (Nosopsyllus nicanus, Ctenocephalides felis, Stivalius klossi bispiniformis and Neopsylla dispar fukienensis). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of Bartonella among flea species, sex, hosts, regions and habitats. Five species of Bartonella fleas were identified based on sequencing and phylogenetic analyses targeting the gltA gene: B. tribocorum, B. queenslandensis, B. elizabethae, B. rochalimae and B. coopersplainsensis. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence and diversity of Bartonella infection in the seven species of fleas collected in Southeast China. The detection of zoonotic Bartonella species in this study, including B. tribocorum, B. elizabethae and B. rochalimae, raises public health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuheng Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yuwei Nian
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- The School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiwei Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Tengwei Han
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kuicheng Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
- The School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Fangzhen Xiao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
- The School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Colombo VC, Antoniazzi LR, Cicuttin GL, De Salvo MN, Beldomenico PM, Monje LD. Cattle Farming and Plantation Forest are Associated with Bartonella Occurrence in Wild Rodents. ECOHEALTH 2023; 20:381-389. [PMID: 38194169 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-023-01671-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are intracellular hemotropic bacteria primarily transmitted by arthropod vectors to various mammalian hosts, including humans. In this study, we conducted a survey on wild populations of sigmodontine rodents, Akodon azarae and Oxymycterus rufus, inhabiting the Paraná River delta region. The study involved eight grids organized in a crossed 2 × 2 design, where four of the grids were exposed to cattle while the other four were not, and four grids were located in implanted forest while the remaining four were in natural grasslands. Our objective was to examine whether the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in rodents was associated with silvopastoral activities (cattle raising associated with timber production) conducted in the region. Additionally, we evaluated the associations between Bartonella infection and other environmental and host factors. We present compelling evidence of a significant positive association between Bartonella prevalence and the presence of implanted forests and cattle. Furthermore, we identified the presence of a Bartonella genotype related to the pathogen Bartonella rochalimaea, infecting both A. azarae and Ox. rufus. These findings suggest that anthropogenic land-use changes, particularly the development of silvopastoral practices in the region, may disrupt the dynamics of Bartonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria C Colombo
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Leandro R Antoniazzi
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA (IBIGEO), Universidad Nacional de Salta - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (UNSa-CONICET), Salta, Argentina
| | - Gabriel L Cicuttin
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María N De Salvo
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo M Beldomenico
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lucas D Monje
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, UNL, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Sepúlveda-García P, Cabello J, Celis S, Valencia C, Ortiz C, Kemec I, Moreira-Arce D, Orsola M, Canales N, Garnham A, Vera F, Muller A. Molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of Bartonella sp., Coxiella sp., and hemoplamas in pudu ( Pudu puda) from Chile: first report of Bartonella henselae in a wild ungulate species. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1161093. [PMID: 38033637 PMCID: PMC10687462 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1161093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent evidence shows a high diversity of infectious agents in wildlife that represent a threat to human, domestic, and wild animal health. In Chile, wild populations of the most common cervid species, pudu (Pudu puda), have been reported as hosts for novel pathogens such as Mycoplasma ovis-like and a novel ecotype of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A better understanding of the epidemiology of this group and other intracellular bacteria that might have cervids as hosts would enlighten their population relevance. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp., hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Coxiella burnetii in pudus from Chile. Methods The DNA was extracted from the blood samples of 69 wild free-ranging and 30 captive pudus from Chile. A combination of real-time (nouG gene for Bartonella and IS1111 element for C. burnetii) and conventional PCR (16S rRNA for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and rpoB, gltA, and ITS for Bartonella spp.) was used for pathogen screening and molecular characterization. Results DNA of Bartonella spp. was detected in 10.1% [95% CI (5.2-18.2%)] samples, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 1.7% [95% CI (0.08-10.1%)], and C. burnetii in 1.0% [95% CI (0.05-6.3%)] samples. Two sequenced samples were identified as Mycoplasma ovis-like, and one free-ranging pudu was positive for C. burnetii. While one captive and two free-ranging pudus were positive for Bartonella henselae, one wild pudu was co-positive for B. henselae and Bartonella sp., similar to Bartonellae identified in ruminants. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. henselae in wild ungulate species, and C. burnetii and Bartonella spp. in wild ungulate species in South America. Further research will be necessary to evaluate the potential role of pudu as reservoirs of infection and identify the sources for disease transmission among humans and wild and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Javier Cabello
- Centro de Conservación de la Biodiversidad, Chiloé-Silvestre, Ancud, Chiloé, Chile
| | - Sebastian Celis
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Carola Valencia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Sede De La Patagonia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Carolina Ortiz
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Ignacio Kemec
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Dario Moreira-Arce
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel Orsola
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nivia Canales
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Antonio Garnham
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Frank Vera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Sede De La Patagonia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Ananda Muller
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
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Sepúlveda-García P, Rubio AV, Salgado R, Riquelme M, Bonacic C, Canales N, Müller A. Molecular detection and characterization of Bartonella spp. in rodents from central and southern Chile, with emphasis on introduced rats (Rattus spp.). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 100:102026. [PMID: 37544169 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella spp. was screened in 155 rodents from Chile, mainly the invasive rats Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus. A total of 155 spleen and 50 blood samples were analyzed through real-time PCR for Bartonella spp. (nuoG gene). Positive samples were subjected to amplification of fragment of loci gltA, rpoB and ITS by conventional PCR (cPCR). Overall, 43 spleen samples (27.7%) and 6 rodent blood samples (12%) were positive for nuoG-Bartonella spp. Positive samples were found in R. norvegicus, R. rattus, Abrothrix olivacea and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus. Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified by cPCR in 16 samples, resulting in 21 sequences (6 gltA, 5 ITS and 10 rpoB). Sequencing and phylogenic analyses identified genotypes from Rattus spp., potentially belonging to Bartonella coopersplainsensis, Bartonella henselae, Bartonella tribocorum, and an undescribed Bartonella sp. From native rodents, one sequence was identified, being related B. machadoae. In conclusion, this work describes diverse and potentially zoonotic Bartonella spp. genotypes in Rattus spp. Additionally, this is the first report of Bartonella in O. longicaudatus, including a potentially novel Bartonella genotype or species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - André V Rubio
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, 11735 Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Salgado
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, 11735 Santiago, Chile
| | - Maira Riquelme
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, 11735 Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Bonacic
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna, Macul, 4860 Santiago, Chile
| | - Nivia Canales
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Ananda Müller
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies; Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile.
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Rizwan M, Ali S, Javid A, von Fricken ME, Rashid MI. Molecular epidemiology of Bartonella species from sympatric mammals collected in urban and rural areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106940. [PMID: 37160189 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella can infect a variety of mammals including humans and has been detected in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Roughly two-thirds of identified Bartonella species are found and maintained in rodent reservoirs, with some of these species linked to human infections. Rodents (N=236) were caught from the Sahiwal division of Punjab, Pakistan and tested for Bartonella using PCR targeting gltA and rpoB genes, followed by sequencing of rpoB-positive samples. Genetic relatedness to other published Bartonella spp. rpoB gene sequences were examined using BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Overall, 7.62% (18/236) of rodents were positive for both gltA and rpoB fragments. Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus had 7.94% (12/151) and 7.05% (6/85) positivity rates for Bartonella DNA, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relatedness between Bartonella spp. from Pakistan to Bartonella spp. from China, Nepal, and Malaysia. This study is the first reported detection of Bartonella spp. in R. rattus and R. norvegicus from the Sahiwal area of Punjab, Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rizwan
- Wildlife Epidemiology and Molecular Microbiology Laboratory (One Health Research Group), Discipline of Zoology, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan; Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Ali
- Wildlife Epidemiology and Molecular Microbiology Laboratory (One Health Research Group), Discipline of Zoology, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan; Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan.
| | - Arshad Javid
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan
| | - Michael E von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Muhammad Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Genomic Characterization of Three Novel Bartonella Strains in a Rodent and Two Bat Species from Mexico. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020340. [PMID: 36838305 PMCID: PMC9962129 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents and bats are the most diverse mammal group that host Bartonella species. In the Americas, they were described as harboring Bartonella species; however, they were mostly characterized to the genotypic level. We describe here Bartonella isolates obtained from blood samples of one rodent (Peromyscus yucatanicus from San José Pibtuch, Yucatan) and two bat species (Desmodus rotundus from Progreso, and Pteronotus parnellii from Chamela-Cuitzmala) from Mexico. We sequenced and described the genomic features of three Bartonella strains and performed phylogenomic and pangenome analyses to decipher their phylogenetic relationships. The mouse-associated genome was closely related to Bartonella vinsonii. The two bat-associated genomes clustered into a single distinct clade in between lineages 3 and 4, suggesting to be an ancestor of the rodent-associated Bartonella clade (lineage 4). These three genomes showed <95% OrthoANI values compared to any other Bartonella genome, and therefore should be considered as novel species. In addition, our analyses suggest that the B. vinsonii complex should be revised, and all B. vinsonii subspecies need to be renamed and considered as full species. The phylogenomic clustering of the bat-associated Bartonella strains and their virulence factor profile (lack of the Vbh/TraG conjugation system remains of the T4SS) suggest that it should be considered as a new lineage clade (L5) within the Bartonella genus.
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Salgado R, Barja I, Hernández MDC, Lucero B, Castro-Arellano I, Bonacic C, Rubio AV. Activity patterns and interactions of rodents in an assemblage composed by native species and the introduced black rat: implications for pathogen transmission. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:48. [PMID: 36042784 PMCID: PMC9412813 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00152-7] [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: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The degree of temporal overlap between sympatric wild hosts species and their behavioral interactions can be highly relevant to the transmission of pathogens. However, this topic has been scantly addressed. Furthermore, temporal overlap and interactions within an assemblage of wild rodents composed of native and introduced species have been rarely discussed worldwide. We assessed the nocturnal activity patterns and interactions between rodent taxa of an assemblage consisting of native species (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Abrothrix hirta, and Abrothrix olivaceus) and the introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) in a temperate forest from southern Chile. All rodent species in this study are known hosts for various zoonotic pathogens.
Results
We found a high nocturnal temporal overlap within the rodent assemblage. However, pairwise comparisons of temporal activity patterns indicated significant differences among all taxa. Rattus rattus showed aggressive behaviors against all native rodents more frequently than against their conspecifics. As for native rodents, agonistic behaviors were the most common interactions between individuals of the same taxon and between individuals of different taxa (O. longicaudatus vs Abrothrix spp.).
Conclusions
Our findings reveal several interactions among rodent taxa that may have implications for pathogens such as hantaviruses, Leptospira spp., and vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, their transmission may be facilitated by the temporal overlap observed between rodent taxa.
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Pangjai D, Nimsuphan B, Petkanchanapong W, Wootta W, Boonyareth M, Rodkvamtook W, Boonmar S. First report of three novel Bartonella species isolated in rodents and shrews from nine provinces of Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:1624-1631. [PMID: 36185510 PMCID: PMC9394139 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1624-1631] [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: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative zoonotic bacteria that are transmitted to humans by several types of animal hosts, including rodents. Several studies have been conducted on the prevalence of Bartonella infections in rodents. However, the risk of rodent-associated Bartonella spp. infection in humans remains unclear. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and genetic heterogeneity of Bartonella spp. in rodents and shrews from nine provinces of Thailand using culture and molecular techniques. Materials and Methods: A total of 860 blood samples from rodents and shrews across nine provinces of Thailand were collected from January 2013 to June 2016. Bartonella spp. were isolated from all samples using conventional culture techniques and polymerase chain reaction. Phylogenetic tree analysis was used to align the Bartonella sequences obtained from this study. Results: The prevalence of Bartonella spp. in rodents and shrews was 11.5% (99/860, 95% confidence interval: 9.38–13.64%). The following nine species of Bartonella were detected: Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella rattimassiliensis, Bartonella queenslandensis, Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella chanthaburi spp. nov., Bartonella satun spp. nov., Bartonella coopersplainsensis, Bartonella ranong spp. nov., and Bartonella henselae. The prevalence of Bartonella-positive animals differed significantly among provinces. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the three novel Bartonella spp. isolated from rodents and shrews across Thailand were detected for the first time in this study. Further studies on the epidemiology of Bartonella infection in rodents and its interaction with human health should be conducted in accordance with the Thai government’s “One Health” approach to humans, animals, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decha Pangjai
- Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Burin Nimsuphan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Wimol Petkanchanapong
- Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Wattanapong Wootta
- Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Maskiet Boonyareth
- Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Wuttikon Rodkvamtook
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Royal Thai Army, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sumalee Boonmar
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
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Yao XY, Liu H, Sun J, Zhang YQ, Lv ZH, Zhang XL, Shao JW. Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of Bartonella in Rodents in Urban Areas of Guangzhou, Southern China. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:942587. [PMID: 35859747 PMCID: PMC9289675 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.942587] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are gram-negative bacteria that can infect a wide spectrum of mammals. Rodents are considered to be the natural reservoir of many Bartonella species that are transmitted by various blood-sucking arthropods. The close contact between rodents and humans in urban areas increased the chance of transmitting rodent-borne Bartonella to humans. Investigation of the epidemiological characteristics of Bartonella infection in rodents is of great significance for the prevention and control of human Bartonellosis. In this study, rodents were captured to monitor the prevalence of Bartonella in urban areas of Guangzhou city. Six official or candidate species of Bartonella, including two confirmed zoonotic species, were detected with an overall prevalence of 6.4% in rodents captured herein. In addition, Rattus norvegicus was the predominant host species for Bartonella infection, and B. queenslandensis was the dominant species circulating in rodents in these areas. These results provide insights into the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella species circulating in rodents in the urban areas of Guangzhou, and also urged the surveillance of rodent-associated Bartonella species in these areas.
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do Amaral RB, Cardozo MV, Varani ADM, Gonçalves LR, Furquim MEC, Dias CM, Santana MDS, de Assis WO, da Silva AR, Herrera HM, André MR. Bartonella machadoae sp. nov. isolated from wild rodents in the Pantanal wetland. Acta Trop 2022; 229:106368. [PMID: 35157842 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It has been estimated that 75% of emerging infectious diseases comprise zoonoses, whose majority have free-living animals as reservoirs and are mainly transmitted by arthropod vectors. Although rodents represent important Bartonella reservoirs, there are few studies on the genotypic characterization of Bartonella species commonly found in this taxon and from different Brazilian biomes. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the occurrence, isolate and molecularly, morphologically and phenotypically characterize a new Bartonella species infecting free-living rodents sampled in the Brazilian Pantanal, the largest wetland in South America. For this purpose, 129 free-living rodents (79 Thrichomys fosteri, 4 Clyomys laticeps, and Oecomys mamorae) were captured. While blood samples were collected from 57 T. fosteri, 4 C. laticeps and 32 O. mamorae; spleen samples were collected from 22 T. fosteri and 14 O. mamorae. Blood and spleen samples were submitted to a qPCR for Bartonella spp. targeting the nuoG gene, using DNA samples extracted directly from blood/spleen, after passage in pre-enrichment liquid culture, and from colonies obtained from solid culture on chocolate agar. Combining all techniques, occurrence of 24.8% for Bartonella sp. was found among the sampled rodents. One Bartonella isolate (strain 56A) obtained from a T. fosteri's blood sample was closely related to the Bartonella vinsonii complex and selected for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) hybrid approach using Illumina NovaSeq and Nanopore sequencing platforms. This strain exhibits a circular 2.7 Mbp genome with an average C+G content of 39% and encoding to 2239 genes. In the phylogenomics based on 291 shared protein-coding genes, this strain was positioned in a unique clade, closely related to Bartonella vinsonii subsp. vinsonii, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and B. visonii subsp. arupensis. An Average Nucleotide Identity of 85% was found between the obtained isolate and Bartonella species belonging to B. vinsonii complex. These findings supported the separation of this strain, now formally named as Bartonella machadoae sp. nov., from the Bartonella vinsonii complex. In addition, Bartonella machadoae sp. nov. was characterized by capnophilic, microaerophilic and aerobic small rods with absence of pili and flagella. Phylogenetic and distance analyses based on five concatenated molecular markers suggest that Bartonella machadoae may parasite rodents from different Brazilian biomes. In conclusion, we described biochemical, phenotypic and genomic characteristics of Bartonella machadoae nov. sp. isolated from blood samples of T. fosteri rodents from the Brazilian Pantanal.
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Liu H, Han T, Liu W, Xu G, Zheng K, Xiao F. Epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in rodents from southeastern China. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:224-234. [PMID: 35040279 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Rodents are the primary hosts of Bartonella species and carry more than 22 Bartonella species. However, the information on epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in rodents in southeastern China is limited. From 2015 to 2020, 1,137 rodents were captured. Bartonella-positive DNA was detected in 14.9% (169/1,137) of rodents by PCR for both the ssrA and gltA genes. A highest Bartonella prevalence was detected in Apodemus agrarius (33.5%) and lowest in B. indica (1.8%). The probability of Bartonella infection in summer (20.1%) was higher than in spring (14.6%; p = .011, OR = 1.756). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that nine known Bartonella species were identified in rodents, including B. tribocorum, B. grahamii, B. rattimassiliensis, B. queenslandensis, B. elizabethae, B. phoceensis, B. coopersplainsensis, B. japonica and B. rochalimae. In our study, Bartonella species exhibited a strong association with their hosts. Zoonotic B. tribocorum, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae and B. rochalimae were found in synanthropic rodent species in southeastern China, which pose a potential threat to the public health. To prevent the spread of zoonotic Bartonella species to humans, preventive and control measures should be implemented, and more research is needed to confirm the pathogen's association with human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Tengwei Han
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Guoying Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kuicheng Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Fangzhen Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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Santodomingo AM, Thomas RS, Quintero-Galvis JF, Echeverry-Berrio DM, la Fuente MCSD, Moreno-Salas L, Muñoz-Leal S. Apicomplexans in small mammals from Chile, with the first report of the Babesia microti group in South American rodents. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1009-1020. [PMID: 35102466 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Small mammals play an essential role as disseminators of pathogens because they reach high population densities and have ubiquitous distributions. In the Northern Hemisphere rodents are well recognized as reservoirs for tick-borne bacteria of the Anaplasmataceae family and also apicomplexan protozoans. In contrast, South American rodents hosting these microorganisms have been rarely identified. In this study, we collected blood from rodents and marsupials in northern Chile and screened for Anaplasmataceae bacteria and apicomplexan protozoa. Overall, 14.7% of the samples were positive for Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Sarcocystidae using conventional PCR assays targeting the structural 18S rRNA locus (18S). Phylogenetic analyses performed with amplicons derived from 18S and cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene provided evidence of a Babesia sp. belonging to the Babesia microti group in Phyllotis darwini, and a novel Babesia genotype in P. darwini and Abrothrix jelskii. Furthermore, four novel genotypes of Hepatozoon retrieved from Abrothrix olivacea, P. darwini, and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, formed independent lineages within a clade that includes additional Hepatozoon spp. detected in South American rodents. Moreover, an incidental finding of a previously detected apicomplexan, herein designated as Sarcocystidae sp., was recorded in Thylamys opossums with a high prevalence, indicating a possible specific association with these mammals. Phylogenetic analysis of Sarcoystidae sp. clearly demonstrated its relatedness to apicomplexans detected in Australian marsupials. Our results expand the range of mammals hosting tick-borne apicomplexans in South America, highlight a novel clade consisting of South American babesias, and report for the first time the B. microti group infecting rodents in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Santodomingo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - Richard S Thomas
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | | | | | | | - Lucila Moreno-Salas
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile.
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Saengsawang P, Morand S, Desquesnes M, Yangtara S, Inpankaew T. Molecular Detection of Bartonella Species in Rodents Residing in Urban and Suburban Areas of Central Thailand. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122588. [PMID: 34946189 PMCID: PMC8704634 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative zoonotic bacteria transmitted to humans via various blood-sucking arthropods. Rodents have been identified as reservoir hosts of several zoonotic pathogens, including Bartonella spp. In Thailand, studies of Bartonella spp. in rodents from urban areas are limited; thus, a study in this area is necessary. The objectives of this study were to detect Bartonella spp. in rodents in Thailand and to compare the species’ distribution across different areas. In total, 70 blood samples from rodents in urban and suburban areas were tested for Bartonella spp. using a conventional polymerase chain reaction that targeted the citrate synthase (gltA) gene. All Bartonella-positive sequences were analyzed using polymorphism in order to build a phylogenetic tree. Approximately 38% of the rodents studied contained Bartonella DNA. Both Rattus exulans (Pacific rat) and R. tanezumi (Asian house rat) contained Bartonella spp. Four species of Bartonella were detected in blood samples: B. tribocorum, B. phoceensis, B. grahamii, and B. rattimassiliensis. In addition, eight Pacific rats contained the B. kosoyi–B. tribocorum complex. Bartonella phoceensis and B. tribocorum–B. kosoyi complexes were found in a specific habitat (p < 0.05). Interestingly, only seven haplotypes were identified in the sequences analyzed, and only haplotype A was found in both rodent species. Finally, a monitoring program for zoonotic Bartonella infection, especially the B. kosoyi–B. tribocorum complex, B. phoceensis, B. grahamii, and B. rattimassiliensis should be established, especially in high-risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phirabhat Saengsawang
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand; or
| | - Serge Morand
- CNRS ISEM—CIRAD-ASTRE, Montpellier University, 34090 Montpellier, France;
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Marc Desquesnes
- InterTryp, Université de Montpellier CIRAD-IRD, 34090 Montpellier, France;
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Sarawut Yangtara
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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Azimi T, Azimi L, Fallah F, Pourmand MR, Peeri Dogaheh H, Rafiei Tabatabaei S. Detection and distribution of zoonotic pathogens in wild Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus) from Tehran, Iran. New Microbes New Infect 2021; 42:100908. [PMID: 34336228 PMCID: PMC8318978 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2021.100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first study on the prevalence of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens found in Rattus norvegicus (R. norvegicus) in urban areas of Tehran, Iran. Serological tests were used to detect IgG antibodies against Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) and Rickettsia spp. using a commercial qualitative rat ELISA kit. The frequency of Streptobacillus moniliformis (S. moniliformis) and Bartonella spp. was determined using a conventional PCR method. Molecular detection and characterization of Leptospira spp. were conducted using TaqMan real-time PCR based on lipL32 gene and SecY typing methods. A total of 100 R. norvegicus rats were collected from five regions in Tehran, Iran, and investigated to determine their zoonotic pathogens. S. moniliformis and Bartonella spp. were detected in 23 of 100 (23%) and 17 of 100 (17%) R. norvegicus populations, respectively. The highest prevalence of S. moniliformis and Bartonella spp. with similar frequency rates (n = 6/20; 30%) was seen among the R. norvegicus rats captured from the northern and southern parts of Tehran, respectively. Seroreactivity against C. burnetii and Rickettsia spp. was detected in 4% and 1% of R. norvegicus, respectively. C. burnetii. was identified only in one rat captured from the eastern part of Tehran. Results showed that Leptospira spp. was detected only in two rats, collected from the southern part (n = 2/20; 10%) of Tehran. The secY typing method identified two different Leptospira species including L. interrogans and L. kirschneri. The results showed that urban rats might play an important role in transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Azimi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - L Azimi
- Pediatric Infection Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Fallah
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M R Pourmand
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Peeri Dogaheh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Science, Ardabil, Iran
| | - S Rafiei Tabatabaei
- Pediatric Infection Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Hedgehogs and Squirrels as Hosts of Zoonotic Bartonella Species. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060686. [PMID: 34205901 PMCID: PMC8229113 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living animals frequently play a key role in the circulation of various zoonotic vector-borne pathogens. Bacteria of the genus Bartonella are transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods and infect a large range of mammals. Although only several species have been identified as causative agents of human disease, it has been proposed that any Bartonella species found in animals may be capable of infecting humans. Within a wide-ranging survey in various geographical regions of the Czech Republic, cadavers of accidentally killed synurbic mammalian species, namely Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), were sampled and tested for Bartonella presence using multiple PCR reaction approach targeting several DNA loci. We demonstrate that cadavers constitute an available and highly useful source of biological material for pathogen screening. High infection rates of Bartonella spp., ranging from 24% to 76%, were confirmed for all three tested mammalian species, and spleen, ear, lung and liver tissues were demonstrated as the most suitable for Bartonella DNA detection. The wide spectrum of Bartonella spp. that were identified includes three species with previously validated zoonotic potential, B. grahamii, B. melophagi and B. washoensis, accompanied by ‘Candidatus B. rudakovii’ and two putative novel species, Bartonella sp. ERIN and Bartonella sp. SCIER.
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Landaeta-Aqueveque C, Moreno Salas L, Henríquez A, Silva-de la Fuente MC, González-Acuña D. Parasites of Native and Invasive Rodents in Chile: Ecological and Human Health Needs. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:643742. [PMID: 33644158 PMCID: PMC7905021 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.643742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive populations are a threat to biodiversity, resulting in the loss of species, and also a threat to human health, participating in the reservoir of diseases. Rodents are among the most important invasive species worldwide. Chile is a country that features island conditions in terms of geography and has been widely invaded by allochthonous rodents. In this mini-review, we updated the literature on macro-parasites infecting both native and invasive rodents and of vector-borne pathogens in continental Chile in order to assess the relative importance of invasive rodents from both ecological and public health points of view. A total of 174 parasite species were found, with Siphonaptera representing the most diverse group. When examining how parasites are shared between native and introduced rodents, the analysis suggests that parasites circulate freely within recipient populations, and are not significantly transmitted from source populations. Further, generalist parasites are typically more prone to being shared between native and introduced rodents. Most zoonotic parasites were reported in invasive rodents, suggesting that these rodents must represent a public health concern. Although several vector-borne pathogens have been reported in rodents or ectoparasites, most of the recently emerging research has illustrated that there is a lack of evidence on rodent-vector-borne zoonoses in most pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucila Moreno Salas
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - AnaLía Henríquez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
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