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Rouxel C, Etienne A, Arné P, Le Barzic C, Girault G, Boulouis HJ, Haddad N, Lagrée AC, Deshuillers PL. Anaplasma phagocytophilum in urban and peri-urban passerine birds in Ile-de-France. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102350. [PMID: 38723399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102350] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Wild animals in general, birds in particular, play a key role in transporting ticks and propagating tick-borne pathogens. Several studies have confirmed the infection of birds with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, with overall prevalence varying widely from country to country and/or study to study. This zoonotic bacterium, transmitted mainly by ticks of the genus Ixodes, is responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans (HGA) and domestic animals (cats, dogs, horses). The disease is also called tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants. Extremely rare in the USA, TBF is very common in Europe, where it causes economic losses in livestock. Conversely, HGA is well established in the USA whereas only a few less severe cases have been observed in Europe. Current typing techniques support the existence of multiple variants with differences in virulence/pathogenicity and tropism for certain tick and host species. However, epidemiological cycles remain difficult to characterize in Europe. Several studies describe a cycle apparently involving only birds in Europe, but no such study has been conducted in mainland France. Our objectives were to search for A. phagocytophilum in passerine birds in the Ile-de-France region and to explore their diversity using groEL and ankA gene typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Various tissues (spleen, liver, and skin) were collected from cadavers of 680 passerines between March and December 2021. The presence of A. phagocytophilum was detected by qPCR Taqman targeting the msp2 gene. Three blackbirds (Turdus merula) were found positive, representing detection rates of 0.4 % in all birds tested and 3.3 % in blackbirds. The higher frequency of detection in blackbirds could be at least partially explained by their lifestyle, as they feed on the ground. Analysis of the results of groEL and ankA typing and MLST from positive blackbirds support the hypothesis that the avian A. phagocytophilum strains in Ile-de-France are distinct from those found in mammals, and that they form their own cluster in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clotilde Rouxel
- ANSES, INRAE, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Adrien Etienne
- ANSES, INRAE, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascal Arné
- EnvA, Centre hospitalier universitaire vétérinaire - Faune sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France; EnvA, UPEC, ANSES, Dynamyc research group EA 7380, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cécile Le Barzic
- EnvA, Centre hospitalier universitaire vétérinaire - Faune sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Guillaume Girault
- ANSES, INRAE, EnvA, Université Paris-Est, UMR Virologie, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- ANSES, INRAE, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nadia Haddad
- ANSES, INRAE, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne-Claire Lagrée
- ANSES, INRAE, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pierre Lucien Deshuillers
- ANSES, INRAE, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Tian J, Liu J, Lu M, Chen X, Li K. Molecular evidence of Anaplasma spp. in blood-sucking flies from China and identification of a putative novel Anaplasma species. Microb Pathog 2023; 183:106318. [PMID: 37619912 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106318] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Tabanids and stomoxes are important mechanical vectors for the transmission of pathogens. Although the agents they transmitted have been well studied, bacteria of the genus Anaplasma harbored by these flies have never been reported in China. In this study, 262 blood-sucking flies (128 Stomoxys calcitrans, 45 Tabanus birmanicus, 69 Tabanus hypomacros, and 20 Tabanus taiwanus) were collected from the Wuhan and Nanping cities of China. Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma bovis, and Candidatus Anaplasma cinensis are detected in S. calcitrans from Wuhan City, with positive rates of 15.63%, 1.56%, and 7.81%, respectively. Out of our expectations, a putative novel Anaplasma species was identified in all three tabanid species (40.00% in T. birmanicus, 15.94% in T. hypomacros, and 10.00% in T. taiwanus) from Nanping City. The 16 S rRNA and groEL gene sequences have highest 99.37-99.75% and 91.46% identities to A. marginale, while the gltA gene sequences have highest 88.34% identity to Anaplasma centrale. In the phylogenetic trees, these strains form a distinct clade. Herein we name it "Candidatus Anaplasma nanpingensis". The present study shows the existence of multiple Anaplasma species in blood-sucking flies in China. This may be the first report that blood-sucking flies harbor Anaplasma in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Tian
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 430024, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 430024, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Miao Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 430024, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kun Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing City, China.
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Wechtaisong W, Sri-in C, Thongmeesee K, Yurayart N, Akarapas C, Rittisornthanoo G, Bunphungbaramee N, Sipraya N, Bartholomay LC, Maikaew U, Kongmakee P, Saedan A, Tiawsirisup S. Diversity of Anaplasma and novel Bartonella species in Lipoptena fortisetosa collected from captive Eld's deer in Thailand. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1247552. [PMID: 37781280 PMCID: PMC10538998 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1247552] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoptena insects are important ectoparasites of cervids and may affect humans that are incidentally bitten. The presence of zoonotic pathogen DNA, such as Anaplasma, and Bartonella, raises the importance of Lipoptena insects in veterinary and human medicine. Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii thamin), an endangered wild ruminant in Thailand, are bred and raised in the open zoo. The semi-wild zoo environment suggests ectoparasite infestation and potential risk for mechanical transmission of pathogens to visitors, zoo workers, or other animals. However, epidemiology knowledge of pathogens related to endangered wild ruminants in Thailand is limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence and diversity of Anaplasma and Bartonella in the L. fortisetosa collected from captive Eld's deer in Chon Buri, Thailand. Of the 91 Lipoptena DNA samples obtained, 42 (46.15%) and 25 (27.47%) were positive for Anaplasma and Bartonella by molecular detection, respectively. Further, 42 sequences of Anaplasma (4 nucleotide sequence types) showed 100% identity to those detected in other ruminants and blood-sucking ectoparasites. Twenty-five sequences of Bartonella (8 nucleotide sequence types) showed 97.35-99.11% identity to the novel Bartonella species from sika deer and keds in Japan. Phylogenetic trees revealed Anaplasma sequences were grouped with the clusters of A. bovis and other ruminant-related Anaplasma, while Bartonella sequences were clustered with the novel Bartonella species lineages C, D, and E, which originated from Japan. Interestingly, a new independent lineage of novel Bartonella species was found in obtained specimens. We report the first molecular detection of Anaplasma and Bartonella on L. fortisetosa, which could represent infectious status of captive Eld's deer in the zoo. Wild animals act as reservoirs for many pathogens, thus preventive measures in surrounding areas should be considered to prevent pathogen infection among animals or potential zoonotic infection among humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wittawat Wechtaisong
- Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chalida Sri-in
- Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kritsada Thongmeesee
- Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Pathobiology Graduate Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nichapat Yurayart
- Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatlada Akarapas
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Lyric C. Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Umaporn Maikaew
- Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Chon Buri, Thailand
| | - Piyaporn Kongmakee
- Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Chon Buri, Thailand
| | - Arpussara Saedan
- Animal Conservation and Research Institute, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sonthaya Tiawsirisup
- Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Cabe PR. European Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris) as Vectors and Reservoirs of Pathogens Affecting Humans and Domestic Livestock. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020466. [PMID: 33578636 PMCID: PMC7916395 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020466] [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: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
European starlings are an abundant, widespread avian species frequently found in close association with human development and agriculture. The ability of starlings to carry and disperse pathogens of humans and domesticated livestock has received considerable attention, including studies of enteric bacteria, viruses, and some fungi. To investigate the importance of European starlings as disease vectors, I reviewed and assessed the available literature, comprising several hundred published papers. Although a wide variety of potential pathogens have been reported in starlings, the strongest evidence suggests that they may be responsible for harboring and dispersing some species of enteric bacteria, with Escherichia coli and Campylobacter jejuni of perhaps greatest interest, and primarily in the context of dairies, concentrated animal feeding operations, and other intensive livestock agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Cabe
- Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
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Satyaningtijas AS, Suprayogi A, Darusman HS, Nurdin A, Hanadhita D. Relative white blood cell counts, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and discovery of blood parasites in wild dugong ( Dugong dugon) at Lingayan Island, Toli-toli, Indonesia. Vet World 2020; 13:1849-1853. [PMID: 33132595 PMCID: PMC7566243 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1849-1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the relative white blood cell (WBC) counts and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and to analyze the presence of blood parasites in wild dugongs at Lingayan Island. It is expected that the results of this study could provide additional knowledge about the physiological conditions of wild dugongs in their natural habitats, which can serve as basic data in dugong conservation efforts, especially in Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A wild dugong was captured around Lingayan Island. Blood samples were collected from the saphenous vein, and blood smears were prepared immediately. The blood smears were examined for leukocyte identification, calculation of relative WBC counts, and presence of blood parasites. The H/L ratio was calculated based on the obtained relative WBC counts. Results: The relative WBC counts included heterophils 19.4%, lymphocytes 76.4%, and monocytes 3.6%, and the H/L ratio was 0.25. Intraerythrocytic parasites were identified and suspected to be Anaplasma and Babesia. Conclusion: This study reports leukocyte values from free-ranging dugongs captured in Lingayan Island, Indonesia. Based on the H/L ratio, the dugong examined, in this study, did not experience chronic stress. However, the discovery of blood parasites could be one of the threatening factors for the dugong population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryani Sismin Satyaningtijas
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Agik Suprayogi
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Huda Shalahudin Darusman
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Ardiansyah Nurdin
- Study Program of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Desrayni Hanadhita
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Glowska E, Filutowska ZK, Dabert M, Gerth M. Microbial composition of enigmatic bird parasites: Wolbachia and Spiroplasma are the most important bacterial associates of quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae). Microbiologyopen 2020; 9:e964. [PMID: 32141700 PMCID: PMC7221428 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The microbiome is an integral component of many animal species, potentially affecting behavior, physiology, and other biological properties. Despite this importance, bacterial communities remain vastly understudied in many groups of invertebrates, including mites. Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) are a poorly known group of permanent bird ectoparasites that occupy quills of feathers and feed on bird subcutaneous tissue and fluids. Most of the known species have strongly female‐biased sex ratio, and it was hypothesized that this is caused by endosymbiotic bacteria. Previously, Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Foggie) and a high diversity of Wolbachia strains were detected in quill mites via targeted PCR screens. Here, we use an unbiased 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing approach to determine other bacteria that potentially impact quill mite biology. Results We performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of 126 quill mite individuals from eleven species parasitizing twelve species (four families) of passeriform birds. In addition to Wolbachia, we found Spiroplasma as potential symbiont of quill mites. Consistently, high Spiroplasma titers were only found in individuals of two mite species associated with finches of the genus Carduelis, suggesting a history of horizontal transfers of Spiroplasma via the bird host. Furthermore, there was evidence for Spiroplasma negatively affecting Wolbachia titers. We found no evidence for the previously reported Anaplasma in quill mites, but detected sequences of high similarity to the potential pathogens Brucella and Bartonella at low abundances. Other amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) could be assigned to a diverse number of bacterial taxa, including several that were previously isolated from bird skin. Further, many frequently found ASVs were assigned to taxa that show a very broad distribution with no strong prior evidence for symbiotic association with animals. We interpret these findings as evidence for a scarcity of resident microbial associates (other than inherited symbionts) in quill mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Glowska
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal Morphology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznan, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Karolina Filutowska
- Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznan, Poland.,Faculty of Biology, Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznan, Poland
| | - Miroslawa Dabert
- Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michael Gerth
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
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Marciniak N, Skoracki M, Hromada M. Peristerophila nestoriae, a new species of quill mite of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata) parasitizing New Zealand Kaka Nestor meridionalis (Gmelin) (Psittaciformes: Strigopidae). NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2019.1607406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Marciniak
- Department of Animal Morphology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Skoracki
- Department of Animal Morphology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poznan, Poland
- Laboratory and Museum of Evolutionary Ecology, Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Presov, Presov, Slovakia
| | - Martin Hromada
- Laboratory and Museum of Evolutionary Ecology, Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Presov, Presov, Slovakia
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
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Mongruel ACB, Benevenute JL, Ikeda P, André MR, Machado RZ, Carrasco ADOT, Seki MC. Detection of Anaplasma sp. phylogenetically related to A. phagocytophilum in a free-living bird in Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2017; 26:505-510. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Wild animals play an important role in carrying vectors that may potentially transmit pathogens. Several reports highlighted the participation of wild animals on the Anaplasma phagocytophilum cycle, including as hosts of the agent. The aim of this study was to report the molecular detection of an agent phylogenetically related to A. phagocytophilum isolated from a wild bird in the Midwest of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Fifteen blood samples were collected from eleven different bird species in the Guarapuava region. One sample collected from a Penelope obscura bird was positive in nested PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma spp. The phylogenetic tree based on the Maximum Likelihood analysis showed that the sequence obtained was placed in the same clade with A. phagocytophilum isolated from domestic cats in Brazil. The present study reports the first molecular detection of a phylogenetically related A. phagocytophilum bacterium in a bird from Paraná State.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Priscila Ikeda
- Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Brasil
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Mrljak V, Kuleš J, Mihaljević Ž, Torti M, Gotić J, Crnogaj M, Živičnjak T, Mayer I, Šmit I, Bhide M, Barić Rafaj R. Prevalence and Geographic Distribution of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Apparently Healthy Dogs in Croatia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:398-408. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Mrljak
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Kuleš
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Marin Torti
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Gotić
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Crnogaj
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Živičnjak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva Mayer
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva Šmit
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mangesh Bhide
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Renata Barić Rafaj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Reeves WK, Beck J, Orlova MV, Daly JL, Pippin K, Revan F, Loftis AD. Ecology of Bats, Their Ectoparasites, and Associated Pathogens on Saint Kitts Island. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:1218-1225. [PMID: 27282816 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ectoparasites of bats and bat-associated pathogens are poorly studied in the Lesser Antilles Islands. We report on an 11-mo field study on Saint Kitts Island of bat populations, their associated ectoparasites, and pathogens. We report on five ectoparasite species, including four Streblidae (Diptera) and a Spinturnicidae (Acari). Several genotypes of unnamed Bartonella were isolated from bats and ectoparasites. Microfilaria of an undetermined Litomosoides spp. were detected in blood from Artibeus jamaicensis Leach (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) (and associated ectoparasites: Trichobius intermedius Peterson and Hurka (Diptera: Streblidae) and Periglischrus iheringi Oudemans (Acari: Spinturnicidae)). In addition, an Ehrlichia sp. and Rickettsia africae were detected in the blood of several bat species. Our study is one of the first surveys of ectoparasite-borne pathogens in wild mammals from St. Kitts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will K Reeves
- USASAM/PHR, 2510 5th St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, US Air Force, Dayton, OH
| | - Jason Beck
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 1345 Barton Rd., Pocatello, ID 83204
| | - Maria V Orlova
- National Research Tomsk State University, 36, Lenina str., Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Jennifer L Daly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P O Box 334, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (; ; ; )
| | - Kristi Pippin
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P O Box 334, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (; ; ; )
| | - Floyd Revan
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P O Box 334, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (; ; ; )
| | - Amanda D Loftis
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P O Box 334, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (; ; ; )
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Biernat B, Stańczak J, Michalik J, Sikora B, Cieniuch S. Rickettsia helvetica and R. monacensis infections in immature Ixodes ricinus ticks derived from sylvatic passerine birds in west-central Poland. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3469-77. [PMID: 27164834 PMCID: PMC4980418 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the importance of forest passerine birds in spreading ixodid ticks infected with rickettsiae of spotted fever group (SFG) in sylvatic habitats in western Poland. In total, 834 immature Ixodes ricinus ticks were found on 64 birds of 11 species which were captured during the tick-questing season between May and September of 2006. Ground-foraging passerines hosted most of the ticks compared with arboreal species, and therefore, only the former group was included into a detailed analysis. Significant predominance of larvae over nymphs was observed (581 vs. 253, respectively). Blackbirds and song thrushes hosted 82 % (n = 681) of the ticks collected from all infested passerines. The overall prevalence range of SF rickettsiae (including Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia monacensis) in bird-derived ticks was 10.5–26.9 %, exceeding that in questing ticks, and in ticks feeding on rodents and deer reported earlier from the same study area. This high prevalence of infection in immature I. ricinus ticks feeding on passerine birds strongly implies that they are involved in the enzootic maintenance of spotted fever group rickettsiae in the tick vector populations occurring in sylvatic habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Biernat
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B str, 81-519, Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Joanna Stańczak
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B str, 81-519, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Jerzy Michalik
- Department of Animal Morphology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89 Umultowska str, 61-701, Poznań, Poland
| | - Bożena Sikora
- Department of Animal Morphology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89 Umultowska str, 61-701, Poznań, Poland
| | - Stella Cieniuch
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B str, 81-519, Gdynia, Poland
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Atif FA. Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum: Rickettsiales pathogens of veterinary and public health significance. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3941-57. [PMID: 26346451 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4698-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are the most important tick-borne bacteria of veterinary and public health significance in the family Anaplasmataceae. The objective of current review is to provide knowledge on ecology and epidemiology of A. phagocytophilum and compare major similarities and differences of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. Bovine anaplasmosis is globally distributed tick-borne disease of livestock with great economic importance in cattle industry. A. phagocytophilum, a cosmopolitan zoonotic tick transmitted pathogen of wide mammalian hosts. The infection in domestic animals is generally referred as tick-borne fever. Concurrent infections exist in ticks, domestic and wild animals in same geographic area. All age groups are susceptible, but the prevalence increases with age. Movement of susceptible domestic animals from tick free non-endemic regions to disease endemic regions is the major risk factor of bovine anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever. Recreational activities or any other high-risk tick exposure habits as well as blood transfusion are important risk factors of human granulocytic anaplasmosis. After infection, individuals remain life-long carriers. Clinical anaplasmosis is usually diagnosed upon examination of stained blood smears. Generally, detection of serum antibodies followed by molecular diagnosis is usually recommended. There are problems of sensitivity and cross-reactivity with both the Anaplasma species during serological tests. Tetracyclines are the drugs of choice for treatment and elimination of anaplasmosis in animals and humans. Universal vaccine is not available for either A. marginale or A. phagocytophilum, effective against geographically diverse strains. Major control measures for bovine anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever include rearing of tick-resistant breeds, endemic stability, breeding Anaplasma-free herds, identification of regional vectors, domestic/wild reservoirs and control, habitat modification, biological control, chemotherapy, and vaccinations (anaplasmosis and/or tick vaccination). Minimizing the tick exposure activities, identification and control of reservoirs are important control measures for human granulocytic anaplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Ahmad Atif
- Department of Animal Sciences, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, 40100, Pakistan.
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Skoracki M, Scibek K, Sikora B. New genus and three new species of quill mites (Acari: Syringophilidae: Picobiinae) parasitising puffbirds (Aves: Piciformes). Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2012; 59:229-36. [PMID: 23136804 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2012.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract: Three new species, belonging to the newly proposed genus Pseudopicobia gen. n., inhabiting body quill feathers of puff-birds (Piciformes: Bucconidae), are described: P nonnula sp. n. from Nonnula frontalis (Sclater) in Colombia, P malacoptila sp. n. from Malacoptila panamensis Lafresnaye in Colombia and P hapaloptila sp. n. from Hapaloptila castanea (Verreaux) in Ecuador. The new genus differs from morphologically similar genus Picobia Heller, 1878 by the absence of the genital setae, absence of the genital lobes, solenidia phiI represented by microsetae, and by the presence of setiform solenidia sigma I. Syringophilid mites are recorded from birds of this family for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Skoracki
- Department of Animal Morphology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland.
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Machado RZ, André MR, Werther K, de Sousa E, Gavioli FA, Alves Junior JRF. Migratory and carnivorous birds in Brazil: reservoirs for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species? Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:705-8. [PMID: 22607070 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to investigate new hosts for Anaplasmataceae agents in Brazil, we collected blood samples from 21 wild birds. Using molecular techniques, we detected the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and an Ehrlichia species closely related to Ehrlichia canis in carnivorous avian blood samples. In addition, an Ehrlichia species closely related to an Ehrlichia species found in wild felines in Brazil was also detected in a goose blood sample. Wild birds may play a role as carriers of Anaplasmataceae agents in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Hamer SA, Lehrer E, Magle SB. Wild Birds as Sentinels for Multiple Zoonotic Pathogens Along an Urban to Rural Gradient in Greater Chicago, Illinois. Zoonoses Public Health 2012; 59:355-64. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2012.01462.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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PCR detection of re-emerging tick-borne pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, in deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) a blood-sucking ectoparasite of cervids. Biologia (Bratisl) 2011. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-011-0123-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ekner A, Dudek K, Sajkowska Z, Majláthová V, Majláth I, Tryjanowski P. Anaplasmataceae and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the sand lizard Lacerta agilis and co-infection of these bacteria in hosted Ixodes ricinus ticks. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:182. [PMID: 21933412 PMCID: PMC3203261 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasmataceae and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. are important tick-borne bacteria maintained in nature by transmission between ticks and vertebrate hosts. However, the potential role of lizards as hosts has not been sufficiently studied. RESULTS The current study showed that 23 of 171 examined sand lizards Lacerta agilis were PCR positive for Anaplasmataceae. The nucleotide sequences of the several selected PCR products showed 100% homology with Anaplasma spp. found in Ixodes ricinus collected in Tunisia and Morocco (AY672415 - AY672420). 1.2% of lizard collar scale samples were PCR positive for B. lusitaniae. In addition, 12 of 290 examined I. ricinus were PCR positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. and 82 were PCR positive for Anaplasmatacea. The number of ticks per lizard and the number of ticks PCR positive for both microorganisms per lizard were strongly correlated. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between numbers of ticks infected with Anaplasmataceae and with B. burgdorferi s.l. living on the same lizard. However, there was no significant correlation between detection of both bacteria in the same tick. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Anaplasmataceae DNA and additionally the second report of B. burgdorferi s.l DNA detection in the sand lizard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ekner
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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Santos AS, Santos-Silva MM, Sousa RD, Bacellar F, Dumler JS. PCR-based survey of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Portuguese ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2008; 9:33-40. [PMID: 18781886 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2008.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of two-thousand and six ticks, collected from 2002 to 2006 in areas belonging to seven districts of Mainland Portugal and also in Madeira Island, were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Active infections were detected exclusively in Ixodes species, including six questing I. ricinus nymphs from Madeira Island, one questing I. ventalloi nymph from Setúbal District, and two I. ventalloi adults found parasitizing domestic cats in both Setúbal and Santarém District. These findings confirm prior observations and suggest the persistence of A. phagocytophilum on Madeira Island. Moreover, it adds I. ventalloi and domestic cats to the list of potential elements of the agent's enzootic cycles in Portugal. Molecular analysis of PCR amplicons suggests the existence of two A. phagocytophilum genotypes in Portugal, one of which is identical or very similar to North American strains implicated in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Santos
- Centro de Estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Literak I, Stekolnikov AA, Sychra O, Dubska L, Taragelova V. Larvae of chigger mites Neotrombicula spp. (Acari: Trombiculidae) exhibited Borrelia but no Anaplasma infections: a field study including birds from the Czech Carpathians as hosts of chiggers. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2008; 44:307-314. [PMID: 18401688 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-008-9150-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2008] [Accepted: 03/28/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Chigger mites were collected from 1,080 wild birds of 37 species at Certak (Czech Republic), in the western Carpathian Mountains, from 29 July to 24 September 2005. The prevalence of infestation with chigger larvae was 7%. A total of 325 chigger specimens from 10 bird species was identified and three chigger species were found: Neotrombicula autumnalis, N. carpathica, and N. inopinata, the latter two species being reported on new hosts. Neotrombicula carpathica is reported in the Czech Republic for the first time. A total of 509 chigger larvae found on 79 host specimens were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. DNA (fragments of the rrf (5S)--rrl (23S) intergenic spacer), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA (epank1 gene). A fragment of specific Borrelia DNA was amplified through PCR in one sample, and the PCR product was further analyzed by reverse line blotting assay, whereby both genospecies of B. garinii and B. valaisiana were proved. This sample pooled five chigger larvae collected from one Sylvia atricapilla on 11 August 2005. No A. phagocytophilum DNA was amplified. We conclude that larvae of the genus Neotrombicula can be infected with Borrelia genospecies originated from their present or former hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Literak
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackeho 1-3, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Stuen S. Anaplasma phagocytophilum - the most widespread tick-borne infection in animals in Europe. Vet Res Commun 2007; 31 Suppl 1:79-84. [PMID: 17682851 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-007-0071-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum (formerly Ehrlichia phagocytophila) may cause infection in several animal species including human. The disease in domestic ruminants is also called tick-borne fever (TBF), and has been known for at least 200 years. In Europe, clinical manifestations due to A. phagocytophilum have been recorded in sheep, goat, cattle, horse, dog, cat, roe deer, reindeer and human. However, seropositive and PCR-positive mammalian have been detected in several other species. Investigations indicate that the infection is prevalent in Ixodes ricinus areas in most countries in Europe. A. phagocytophilum infection may cause high fever, cytoplasmatic inclusions in phagocytes and severe neutropenia, but is seldom fatal unless complicated by other infections. Complications may include abortions, and impaired spermatogenesis for several months. However, the most important aspect of the infection at least in sheep is its implication as a predisposing factor for other infections. Factors such as climate, management, other infections, individual conditions etc. are important for the outcome of the infection. A. phagocytophilum may cause persistent infection in several species. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences several variants exist. Different variants may exist within the same herd and even simultaneously in the same animal. Variants may behave differently and interact in the mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Sandnes, Norway.
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