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Hoseinpoor E, Goudarztalejerdi A, Sazmand A. Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in cats in different regions of Iran. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:198. [PMID: 38849724 PMCID: PMC11162091 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03356-8] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic Mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) cause hemolytic anemia in cats worldwide and are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens. There is no comprehensive study on the prevalence and species diversity of hemoplasmas in domestic cat populations in different regions in Iran. Thus, the aims of the present study were to provide data on the prevalence and molecular characterization of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in apparently healthy cats from six Iranian provinces with different climates. In addition, potential risk factors associated with hemoplasmosis in cats were assessed. RESULTS Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 56 / 361 cats (15.5%) using genus-specific PCR. Further examinations with species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing showed that 38 cats (10.5%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 8 cats (2.2%) tested positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 2 cats (0.6%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Co-infection with CMhm, and Mhf was observed in 7 cats (1.9%). One cat (0.3%) showed mixed infection with CMhm, Mhf, and CMt. There were statistically significant relationships between Mycoplasma positivity and being female, living in shelter (cattery), and being over 3 years old (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed for the cat breed and sampling localities. CONCLUSIONS Current study findings revealed that hemoplasma infections are common among Iran cat populations. Considering the impact of such emerging zoonotic pathogens on the One Health, routine screenings, increasing public awareness, effective control, and prophylactic strategies for minimizing infection in cats and subsequently in human are strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hoseinpoor
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
| | - Ali Goudarztalejerdi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
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Moore CO, Lashnits E, Lappin M, Hawley J, Breitschwerdt EB. A case of mistaken identity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and reinvestigation of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea). Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:209. [PMID: 38720359 PMCID: PMC11078739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06292-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline-associated hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasmas) are believed to be transmitted by two primary mechanisms: (1) direct transmission via fighting and (2) vector-borne transmission by the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). While the efficiency of transmission by C. felis appears low, most manuscripts focus on the prevalence of hemoplasmas in wild-caught fleas and report either a very low (< 3%) or a high (> 26%) prevalence. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of sample processing and PCR methods on C. felis hemoplasma infection prevalence. METHODS A systemic review of PubMed articles identified 13 manuscripts (1,531 fleas/flea pools) that met the inclusion criteria (performed PCR for >1 hemoplasma on C. felis collected from cats). Risk of bias was assessed utilizing the ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis performed in R of these manuscripts found that not washing samples and a common set of 16S rRNA primers first published in Jensen et al. 2001 were associated with increased hemoplasma prevalence. To evaluate the influence of washing on newly collected fleas, we assessed the hemoplasma status of 20 pools of 5 C. felis each, half of which were washed and half not washed. RESULTS Flea washing did not influence the detection of hemoplasma but instead amplified Spiroplasma. To assess non-specific amplification with the Jensen et al. 2001 primers, 67 C. felis samples (34% previously reported hemoplasma infected) were subject to PCR and sequencing. By this method, hemoplasma was detected in only 3% of samples. In the remaining "hemoplasma infected" fleas, PCR amplified Spiroplasma or other bacteria. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, we concluded that hemoplasma infection in C. felis is rare, and future flea prevalence studies should sequence all positive amplicons to validate PCR specificity. Further investigation of alternative methods of feline-associated hemoplasma transmission and the ability of C. felis to maintain hemoplasma infection is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O Moore
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Hawley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Tahmasebi Ashtiani Z, Ahmadinezhad M, Bagheri Amiri F, Esmaeili S. Geographical distribution of Bartonella spp in the countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO-EMRO). J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:612-618. [PMID: 38417187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.02.009] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals. However, there is no complete data about the geographical distribution of different species of Bartonella, as well as the status of its reservoirs, vectors, and human cases in most parts of the world. In this study, published reports related to Bartonella species from WHO-EMRO region countries were searched in different databases until October 2023. The eighteens different species of Bartonella were reported in WHO-EMRO countries including Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana, Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella bovis, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Bartonella vinsonii, Bartonella doshiae, Bartonella taylorii, Bartonella rochalimae, Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella rattimassiliensis, candidatus Bartonella merieuxii, candidatus Bartonella dromedarii, Bartonella acomydis, Bartonella jaculi, Bartonella coopersplainsensis and Bartonella koehlerae. Also, only human cases of B. henselae and B. quintana infections were reported from WHO-EMRO countries. The infections of Bartonella are important in the WHO-EMRO region, but they have been neglected by clinicians and healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Tahmasebi Ashtiani
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Ahmadinezhad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Bagheri Amiri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran.
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Beus K, Goudarztalejerdi A, Sazmand A. Molecular detection and identification of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in dogs and their ectoparasites in Iran. Sci Rep 2024; 14:580. [PMID: 38182649 PMCID: PMC10770070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51173-w] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemotropic Mycoplasma species are vector-borne bacteria that attach and grow on the surface of erythrocytes in various mammals, yet reports of canine hemoplasmosis in Iran are scarce. The aim of this study was molecular detection and identification of hemoplasmas in the blood of dogs (n = 370) from five provinces of Iran and ectoparasites infesting them including Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans fleas, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks, Heterodoxus spiniger lice and Hippobosca longipennis keds. Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. pathogens were detected using genus-specific conventional PCRs, and subsequently identified using species-specific PCRs for Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc), and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp). Sanger sequencing was then performed to confirm the species. Correlation of infection and risk factors (geographical area, keeping condition, body condition, sex, age, ectoparasite infestation) were analyzed. In total, 210 dogs (56.7%) were tested PCR-positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. Species-specific PCR and sequencing revealed infection with Mhc in 17.8%, with CMhp in 7.02% and co-infection in 31.9% of dogs. Flea infestation, poor body condition, and being older than 3-years-old correlated with hemoplasmosis. In ectoparasites, DNA of hemoplasmas were detected only in fleas i.e. Mhc in P. irritans, CMhp in P. irritans and C. canis, and co-infection in C. canis. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale molecular epidemiology study of canine hemoplasmosis in Iran. Considering the high prevalence of canine hemoplasmosis all over the country including potentially zoonotic CMhp, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of dogs, successful chemoprophylaxis and public awareness strategies are advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Beus
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
| | - Ali Goudarztalejerdi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Nijhof AM, Gerst B, Gentil M, Müller E, Fernández A, González A, Yusuf MSM, Greco G, Verde M, Sgroi G, Lacasta D, Marteles D, Trotta M, Schäfer I. Molecular survey on vector-borne pathogens in clinically healthy stray cats in Zaragoza (Spain). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:428. [PMID: 37986028 PMCID: PMC10662132 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06046-y] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, feline vector-borne infections are gaining importance because of the changing climate, expanding habitats of potential vectors and expanding pathogen reservoirs. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in stray cats in Zaragoza, Spain, and to investigate potential risk factors for infection, including feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). METHODS Blood samples from stray cats presented to the veterinary faculty in Zaragoza between February 2020 and 2022 were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., Leishmania infantum, piroplasms and microfilariae at the LABOKLIN laboratory. The cats were also tested for FeLV and FIV by PCR. RESULTS Nearly half of the cats (158/332, 47.6%) were positive for at least one VBP. Hepatozoon spp. were detected in 25.6%, haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 22.9%, B. henselae in 9.3% and L. infantum in 2.1% of the cats. Male sex had a statistically significant association with test results for haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (odds ratio 1.38 [1.21;1.57]); regionality with Hepatozoon spp., B. henseale and FIV; and seasonality with Hepatozoon spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., L. infantum and FeLV (P ≤ 0.05 each). A strong positive correlation was reported for the amount of rainfall and the number of cats that tested positive for Hepatozoon spp. (ρ = 753, P = 0.05). None of the cats tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis, Rickettsia spp., piroplasms, or microfilariae. Co-infections with multiple VBPs were detected in 56 out of 332 cats (16.9%). Thirty-one of the 332 cats included in the study (9.3%) tested positive for FeLV (6.9%) and for FIV (3.6%). In 20/31 cats (64.5%) that tested positive for FeLV/FIV, coinfections with VBP were detected (P = 0.048, OR 2.15 [0.99; 4.64]). CONCLUSIONS VBPs were frequently detected in stray cats in Zaragoza. In particular, regionality and seasonality had a statistically significant association with PCR results for most VBPs included in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‑IA2 (Universidad de Saragossa‑CITA), Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Marivi Martínez
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Straße 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bastian Gerst
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Straße 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michaela Gentil
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Müller
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana González
- Hospital Veterinario Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mohamed Sh Mohamud Yusuf
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70010, Valenzano, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70010, Valenzano, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
| | - Maite Verde
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‑IA2 (Universidad de Saragossa‑CITA), Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylatic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, 80055, Naples, Italy
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‑IA2 (Universidad de Saragossa‑CITA), Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‑IA2 (Universidad de Saragossa‑CITA), Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Michele Trotta
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany.
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