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Ebani VV, Guardone L, Rocchigiani G, Bascherini A, Cagnoli G, Bertelloni F, Bongi P, Russo C, Riccioli F, Mancianti F. Molecular survey on the presence of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoans in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and ticks from Central Italy. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106586. [PMID: 35787417 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Environmental changes, due to climatic emergency and to anthropogenic activities severely impact on the epidemiology of vector borne diseases, mostly when transmitted by ticks. The data about the distribution of microorganisms responsible for them in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population living in Italy are scanty and completely lacking in Tuscany, so a molecular survey was carried out to estimate the prevalence of some zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in roe deer, and ticks removed from them, living in areas of Central Italy with high risk of arthropod exposure. Spleen samples from 72 roe deer were tested by PCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Francisella tularensis and piroplasms. Moreover, 345 ticks were removed from 65 roe deer, morphologically or molecularly identified and grouped into 162 pools that were submitted to PCR for detecting the same pathogens. Forty-six (63.88%) roe deer were positive for at least one investigated pathogen: 43 (59.72%) for A. phagocytophilum, 2 (2.78%) for Babesia capreoli, 1 (1.39%) for B. burgdorferi, and 1 (1.39%) for Babesia sp.. No animals were PCR positive for F. tularensis. All ticks were identified as Ixodes ricinus. Seventy-six (46.91%) tick pools showed DNA of one or more pathogens: 66 (40.74%) were positive for A. phagocytophilum, 22 (13.58%) for B. burgodorferi s.l., 6 (3.70%) for B. venatorum and 3 (1.85%) for B. capreoli. No pools were positive for F. tularensis. Two or three pathogens were detected in 23 (14.19%) pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy; Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, Pisa 56124, Italy.
| | - Lisa Guardone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Guido Rocchigiani
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Alice Bascherini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Giulia Cagnoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Paolo Bongi
- Ambito Territoriale Caccia Massa (ATCMS), largo Bonfigli 3/5, Aulla (Massa) 54011, Italy
| | - Claudia Russo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Francesco Riccioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
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Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Wild and Farmed Cervids in Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091190. [PMID: 34578222 PMCID: PMC8471193 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091190] [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: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of cervids in the circulation of A. phagocytophilum has not yet been clearly determined; however, several species of wild and farm cervids may be a natural reservoir of this bacteria. Methods: Spleen and liver tissue samples were taken from 207 wild (red deer, roe deer, fallow deer and moose) and farmed cervids (red deer and fallow deer) from five geographical areas. These were tested for the A. phagocytophilum16S rDNA partial gene by nested PCR. Results: Anaplasma spp. were detected in 91 of 207 examined cervids (prevalence 43.9%). Three different variants of 16S rDNA partial gene were reported, one for the first time. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was more often detected in young specimens than in adults and more often in the spleen than in the liver. Conclusions: Cervids from the four sites across Poland were found to be major natural reservoirs of various strains of A. phagocytophilum. This is the first study to use spleen and liver as biological material to detect A. phagocytophilum in moose in Poland.
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Michalski MM, Kubiak K, Szczotko M, Dmitryjuk M. Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Wild Ungulates in North-Eastern Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050587. [PMID: 34064818 PMCID: PMC8151034 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out in north-eastern Poland during two hunting seasons between 2018 and 2020. Ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus) were removed from wild cervids and boars and examined for the presence of Borrelia spirochetes and Rickettsiales members: Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The present study contributes to the knowledge of even-toed ungulates, which are an important reservoir of the above-mentioned pathogens and a potential source of infections for humans through ticks as vectors. Almost 40% of the collected ticks (191 out of 484) were infected with the following pathogens: 3.3% with Borrelia spp., 19.2% with A. phagocytophilum and 26.9% with Rickettsia spp. Only the ticks collected from cervids carried Borrelia. Typing of the species DNA confirmed the presence of B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. lusitaniae and B. miyamotoi. An analysis of Rickettsia spp. sequences using the GenBank data revealed the presence of R. helvetica, R. raoultii and R. monacensis. Monoinfections (79.1%) dominated over co-infections (20.9%). Among co-infections, the most frequent was A. phagocytophilum/Rickettsia spp. (70%), however co-infections, including B. afzelii/A. phagocytophilum, B. afzelii/Rickettsia spp., B. miyamotoi/A. phagocytophilum and B. afzelii/B. garinii/B. lusitaniae, were also noted. Significant differences were observed in the affinity of some pathogens to their vectors. Thus, Borrelia spp. and A. phagocytophilum were more frequently detected in I. ricinus (5.3% and 23.1%) than in D. reticulatus (1.2% and 15.3%). Infection frequency with Rickettsia spp. was similar (approximately 25–29%) in both tick species. The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. in ticks removed from cervids was 19.8% and 27.1%, and in ticks from wild boars it was 13.3% and 24.4%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirosław M. Michalski
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10–719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, Collegium Medicum, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10–561 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Szczotko
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10–719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10–719 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
There is no updated information on the spread of Rickettsiales in Italy. The purpose of our study is to take stock of the situation on Rickettsiales in Italy by focusing attention on the species identified by molecular methods in humans, in bloodsucking arthropods that could potentially attack humans, and in animals, possible hosts of these Rickettsiales. A computerized search without language restriction was conducted using PubMed updated as of December 31, 2020. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was followed. Overall, 36 species of microorganisms belonging to Rickettsiales were found. The only species identified in human tissues were Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Rickettsia conorii, R. conorii subsp. israelensis, R. monacensis, R. massiliae, and R. slovaca. Microorganisms transmissible by bloodsucking arthropods could cause humans pathologies not yet well characterized. It should become routine to study the pathogens present in ticks that have bitten a man and at the same time that molecular studies for the search for Rickettsiales can be performed routinely in people who have suffered bites from bloodsucking arthropods.
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Ecotyping of Anaplasma phagocytophilum from Wild Ungulates and Ticks Shows Circulation of Zoonotic Strains in Northeastern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020310. [PMID: 33530571 PMCID: PMC7911980 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tick-borne infectious diseases represent a rising threat both for human and animal health, since they are emerging worldwide. Among the bacterial infections, Anaplasma phagocytophilum has been largely neglected in Europe. Despite its diffusion in ticks and animals, the ecoepidemiology of its genetic variants is not well understood. The latest studies identify four ecotypes of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Europe, and only ecotype I has shown zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic variants of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in wild ungulates, the leading reservoir species, and in feeding ticks, the main vector of infection. The analyzed samples were collected in northeastern Italy, the same area where the first Italian human cases of anaplasmosis in the country were reported. Using biomolecular tools and phylogenetic analysis, ecotypes I and II were detected in both ticks (Ixodes ricinus species) and wild ungulates. Specifically, ecotype II was mainly detected in roe deer and related ticks; and ecotype I, the potentially zoonotic variant, was detected in Ixodes ricinus ticks and also in roe deer, red deer, chamois, mouflon, and wild boar. These findings reveal not only the wide diffusion of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, but also the presence of zoonotic variants. Abstract Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is a tick-borne pathogen causing disease in both humans and animals. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is an emerging disease, but despite the remarkable prevalence in European ticks and wild animals, human infection appears underdiagnosed. Several genetic variants are circulating in Europe, including the zoonotic ecotype I. This study investigated A. phagocytophilum occurrence in wild ungulates and their ectoparasites in an area where HGA has been reported. Blood samples from wild ungulates and ectoparasites were screened by biomolecular methods targeting the mps2 gene. The groEL gene was amplified and sequenced to perform genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 188 blood samples were collected from different wild ungulates species showing an overall prevalence of 63.8% (88.7% in wild ruminants and 3.6% in wild boars). The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in ticks (manly Ixodes ricinus), and keds collected from wild ruminants was high, reflecting the high infection rates obtained in their hosts. Among ticks collected from wild boars (Hyalomma marginatum and Dermacentor marginatus) no DNA was detected. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the presence of ecotype I and II. To date, this is the first Italian report of ecotype I in alpine chamois, mouflon, and wild boar species. These findings suggest their role in HGA epidemiology, and the high prevalence detected in this study highlights that this human tick-borne disease deserves further attention.
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Kazimírová M, Hamšíková Z, Špitalská E, Minichová L, Mahríková L, Caban R, Sprong H, Fonville M, Schnittger L, Kocianová E. Diverse tick-borne microorganisms identified in free-living ungulates in Slovakia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:495. [PMID: 30176908 PMCID: PMC6122462 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3068-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free-living ungulates are hosts of ixodid ticks and reservoirs of tick-borne microorganisms in central Europe and many regions around the world. Tissue samples and engorged ticks were obtained from roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, and wild boar hunted in deciduous forests of south-western Slovakia. DNA isolated from these samples was screened for the presence of tick-borne microorganisms by PCR-based methods. RESULTS Ticks were found to infest all examined ungulate species. The principal infesting tick was Ixodes ricinus, identified on 90.4% of wildlife, and included all developmental stages. Larvae and nymphs of Haemaphysalis concinna were feeding on 9.6% of wildlife. Two specimens of Dermacentor reticulatus were also identified. Ungulates were positive for A. phagocytophilum and Theileria spp. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found to infect 96.1% of cervids, 88.9% of mouflon, and 28.2% of wild boar, whereas Theileria spp. was detected only in cervids (94.6%). Importantly, a high rate of cervids (89%) showed mixed infections with both these microorganisms. In addition to A. phagocytophilum and Theileria spp., Rickettsia helvetica, R. monacensis, unidentified Rickettsia sp., Coxiella burnetii, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) and Babesia venatorum were identified in engorged I. ricinus. Furthermore, A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. were detected in engorged H. concinna. Analysis of 16S rRNA and groEL gene sequences revealed the presence of five and two A. phagocytophilum variants, respectively, among which sequences identified in wild boar showed identity to the sequence of the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Phylogenetic analysis of Theileria 18S rRNA gene sequences amplified from cervids and engorged I. ricinus ticks segregated jointly with sequences of T. capreoli isolates into a moderately supported monophyletic clade. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that free-living ungulates are reservoirs for A. phagocytophilum and Theileria spp. and engorged ixodid ticks attached to ungulates are good sentinels for the presence of agents of public and veterinary concern. Further analyses of the A. phagocytophilum genetic variants and Theileria species and their associations with vector ticks and free-living ungulates are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Hamšíková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Minichová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Mahríková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Hein Sprong
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and Environment, 9 Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and Environment, 9 Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiologia, CICVyA, INTA-Castelar, 1686 Hurlingham, Prov. de Buenos Aires Argentina
- CONICET, C1033AAJ Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elena Kocianová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Morganti G, Gavaudan S, Canonico C, Ravagnan S, Olivieri E, Diaferia M, Marenzoni ML, Antognoni MT, Capelli G, Silaghi C, Veronesi F. Molecular Survey on Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, and Babesia spp. in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Infesting Dogs in Central Italy. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:743-748. [PMID: 29022768 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are a common feeding hosts for Ixodes ricinus and may act as reservoir hosts for zoonotic tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and as carriers of infected ticks into human settings. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of several selected TBPs of significant public health concern by molecular methods in I. ricinus recovered from dogs living in urban and suburban settings in central Italy. A total of 212 I. ricinus specimens were collected from the coat of domestic dogs. DNA was extracted from each specimen individually and tested for Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, using real-time and conventional PCR protocols, followed by sequencing. Sixty-one ticks (28.8%) tested positive for TBPs; 57 samples were infected by one pathogen, while four showed coinfections. Rickettsia spp. was detected in 39 specimens (18.4%), of which 32 were identified as Rickettsia monacensis and seven as Rickettsia helvetica. Twenty-two samples (10.4%) tested positive for A. phagocytophilum; Borrelia lusitaniae and Borrelia afzelii were detected in two specimens and one specimen, respectively. One tick (0.5%) was found to be positive for Babesia venatorum (EU1). Our findings reveal the significant exposure of dogs to TBPs of public health concern and provide data on the role of dogs in the circulation of I. ricinus-borne pathogens in central Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Morganti
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia , Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Gavaudan
- 2 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche , Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Canonico
- 2 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche , Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- 3 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie , Legnaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Olivieri
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia , Perugia, Italy
| | - Manuela Diaferia
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia , Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Gioia Capelli
- 3 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie , Legnaro, Italy
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- 4 Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , München, Germany .,5 National Center for Vector Entomology, University of Zürich , Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia , Perugia, Italy
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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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Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and D. immitis in hunting dogs from southern Italy. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2651-2660. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and mouflon (Ovis musimon) in Germany. Mol Cell Probes 2016; 31:46-54. [PMID: 27546888 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Infections with the tick-borne pathogens Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. can cause febrile disease in several mammalian species, including humans. Wild ruminants in Europe are suggested to serve as reservoir hosts for particular strains or species of these pathogens. The aims of this study were to investigate the occurrence of A. phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and mouflon (Ovis musimon orientalis) in Germany, and the diversity and host association of genetic variants of A. phagocytophilum and Babesia species. From 2009 to 2010, 364 spleen samples from 153 roe deer, 43 fallow deer and 168 mouflon from 13 locations in Germany were tested for DNA of A. phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. by real-time PCR or conventional PCR, respectively. Variants of A. phagocytophilum were investigated with a nested PCR targeting the partial 16S rRNA gene, and species of piroplasms were identified by sequencing. DNA of A. phagocytophilum was detected in 303 (83.2%) samples: roe deer, 96.1% (147/153); fallow deer, 72.1% (31/43); and mouflon, 74.4% (125/168). Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA-PCR products revealed the presence of nine different genetic variants. DNA of Babesia spp. was found in 113 (31.0%) samples: roe deer, 62.8% (96/153); fallow deer, 16.3% (6/43); and mouflon, 6.5% (11/168). Babesia capreoli, Babesia sp. EU1 (referred to also as B. venatorum), B. odocoilei-like and a Theileria species were identified. Co-infections with A. phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. were detected in 30.0% of the animals which were tested positive for A. phagocytophilum and/or Babesia spp. Roe deer had a significantly higher percentage of co-infections (60.8%), followed by fallow deer (14.0%) and mouflon (6.5%). Thus, the results suggest that roe deer plays a key role in the endemic cycles of the pathogens investigated.
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Ebani VV, Rocchigiani G, Bertelloni F, Nardoni S, Leoni A, Nicoloso S, Mancianti F. Molecular survey on the presence of zoonotic arthropod-borne pathogens in wild red deer (Cervus elaphus). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 47:77-80. [PMID: 27477510 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
To estimate the prevalence of some zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in red deer (Cervus elaphus) living in Italian areas with high risk of arthropod exposure, blood samples from 60 red deer were tested by PCR for A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, and piroplasms. Thirty-four (56.67%) animals resulted positive for one or more pathogens. In particular, 24 (40%) red deer were positive for A. phagocytophilum, 16 (26.67%) for Babesia divergens, 6 (10%) for C. burnetii, 2 (3.33%) for B. burgdorferi s.l. No positive reaction was observed for F. tularensis. Thirteen (21.67%) animals resulted co-infected by two or three pathogens. Red deer is confirmed as competent reservoir of A. phagocytophilum and B. divergens, but not of B. burgdorferi. This is the first report of C. burnetii-positive red deer in central Italy. Hunters may be at risk of infection both through infected ticks and during the infected cervids carcasses dressing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guido Rocchigiani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Leoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandro Nicoloso
- D.R.E. Am. Italia Soc. Coop. Agr. For., Via Garibaldi 3, 52015 Pratovecchio, Arezzo, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Di Domenico M, Pascucci I, Curini V, Cocco A, Dall'Acqua F, Pompilii C, Cammà C. Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum genotypes that are potentially virulent for human in wild ruminants and Ixodes ricinus in Central Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:782-787. [PMID: 27020736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis worldwide. As is the case for many tick-borne diseases, the epidemiological cycle is associated to the environmental conditions, including the presence of wild vertebrate reservoir hosts, vectors, climate and vegetation. In this study a total number of 87 spleen samples of wild ruminants carcasses from Central Italy, and 77 Ixodes ricinus collected from the same dead animals were screened for Anaplasma phagocytophilum by using Real Time PCR. A. phagocytophilum DNA was detected in 75%, 66.7% and 54.2% of the spleen samples from red deer (Cervus elaphus), Apennine chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) respectively, whereas it was detected in the 31.2% of I. ricinus. A total of 27 positive samples were characterized by sequencing a portion of the groEL gene. Two A. phagocytophilum lineages could clearly be delineated from the phylogenetic tree. Four sequences from red deer, 2 from I. ricinus and 1 from Apennine chamois clustered into lineage I together with those previously described as virulent genotypes related to HGA. The presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in the Apennine chamois represents the first report for this Italian endemic subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - I Pascucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - V Curini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - A Cocco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - F Dall'Acqua
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - C Pompilii
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - C Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy.
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Giangaspero A, Marangi M, Papini R, Paoletti B, Wijnveld M, Jongejan F. Theileria sp. OT3 and other tick-borne pathogens in sheep and ticks in Italy: Molecular characterization and phylogeny. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:75-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Picco P, Naselli A, Pala G, Rizzo F, Damasio B, Buoncompagni A, Martini A. Whole-body MRI as an unconventional diagnostic tool in a pediatric patient with systemic infection. Acta Radiol Short Rep 2014; 3:2047981614549571. [PMID: 25535572 PMCID: PMC4271715 DOI: 10.1177/2047981614549571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), a tickborne infection usually manifesting as fever, malaise, cytopenia, spleen enlargement, and hepatitis. Herein, we report a case of a 14-year-old girl with HGA whose whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed an unusual picture characterized by small, widespread punctuate millimetric nodules, hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on STIR sequences. This firstly reported finding may represent an alternative tool for identifying atypical infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Picco
- 2nd Pediatric Division, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Insitute and University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Aldo Naselli
- 2nd Pediatric Division, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Insitute and University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pala
- 2nd Pediatric Division, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Insitute and University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Unit of Radiology, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Insitute and University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Beatrice Damasio
- Unit of Radiology, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Insitute and University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Buoncompagni
- 2nd Pediatric Division, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Insitute and University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Martini
- 2nd Pediatric Division, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Insitute and University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
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15
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Ebani VV, Bertelloni F. Serological evidence of exposure to Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Central Italian healthy domestic cats. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:668-71. [PMID: 25113987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present survey was to estimate the seroprevalences of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in the Central Italian feline population. Serum samples of 560 healthy domestic cats were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT), considering an antibody titre of 1:40 as cut-off. Seroprevalences of 6.4% and 4.5% were found for E. canis and A. phagocytophilum, respectively. Adult, mixed breed cats showed seroprevalences higher than younger and purebred subjects, whereas no differences were observed in relation to gender and living conditions.
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16
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Ticks infesting humans in Italy and associated pathogens. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:328. [PMID: 25023709 PMCID: PMC4223688 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks may transmit a large variety of pathogens, which cause illnesses in animals and humans, commonly referred to as to tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The incidence of human TBDs in Italy is underestimated because of poor surveillance and the scant amount of studies available. Methods Samples (n = 561) were collected from humans in four main geographical areas of Italy (i.e., northwestern, northeastern, southern Italy, and Sicily), which represent a variety of environments. After being morphologically identified, ticks were molecularly tested with selected protocols for the presence of pathogens of the genera Rickettsia, Babesia, Theileria, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia and Anaplasma. Results Ticks belonged to 16 species of the genera Argas, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus, with Ixodes ricinus (59.5%) being the species most frequently retrieved, followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (21.4%). Nymphs were the life stage most frequently retrieved (41%), followed by adult females (34.6%). The overall positivity to any pathogen detected was 18%. Detected microorganisms were Rickettsia spp. (17.0%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.8%), Borrelia afzelii (0.5%), Borrelia valaisiana (0.3%), C. N. mikurensis (0.5%) and Babesia venatorum (0.6%). Conclusions Results indicate that people living in the Italian peninsula are at risk of being bitten by different tick species, which may transmit a plethora of TBD causing pathogens and that co-infections may also occur.
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Stuen S, Granquist EG, Silaghi C. Anaplasma phagocytophilum--a widespread multi-host pathogen with highly adaptive strategies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2013; 3:31. [PMID: 23885337 PMCID: PMC3717505 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2013.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum has for decades been known to cause the disease tick-borne fever (TBF) in domestic ruminants in Ixodes ricinus-infested areas in northern Europe. In recent years, the bacterium has been found associated with Ixodes-tick species more or less worldwide on the northern hemisphere. A. phagocytophilum has a broad host range and may cause severe disease in several mammalian species, including humans. However, the clinical symptoms vary from subclinical to fatal conditions, and considerable underreporting of clinical incidents is suspected in both human and veterinary medicine. Several variants of A. phagocytophilum have been genetically characterized. Identification and stratification into phylogenetic subfamilies has been based on cell culturing, experimental infections, PCR, and sequencing techniques. However, few genome sequences have been completed so far, thus observations on biological, ecological, and pathological differences between genotypes of the bacterium, have yet to be elucidated by molecular and experimental infection studies. The natural transmission cycles of various A. phagocytophilum variants, the involvement of their respective hosts and vectors involved, in particular the zoonotic potential, have to be unraveled. A. phagocytophilum is able to persist between seasons of tick activity in several mammalian species and movement of hosts and infected ticks on migrating animals or birds may spread the bacterium. In the present review, we focus on the ecology and epidemiology of A. phagocytophilum, especially the role of wildlife in contribution to the spread and sustainability of the infection in domestic livestock and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science Sandnes, Norway.
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Milner JM, van Beest FM. Ecological correlates of a tick-borne disease, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, in moose in southern Norway. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-012-0685-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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19
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Žele D, Avberšek J, Gruntar I, Ocepek M, Vengušt G. Evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in game animals from Slovenia. Acta Vet Hung 2012; 60:441-8. [PMID: 23160026 DOI: 10.1556/avet.2012.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-borne rickettsial pathogen responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis in mammalian hosts including humans. Wild animals may play an important role in the epidemiology of this disease. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of infection with A. phagocytophilum among wildlife in Slovenia. Serum samples (n = 376) from the most important game species [red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and brown bear (Ursus arctos)] were examined by A. phagocytophilum-specific indirect fluorescent-antibody assay (IFA) and wild boar spleen samples (n = 160) were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A. phagocytophilum-specific antibodies were found in 72% of sera and A. phagocytophilum DNA was present in 6.2% of spleens. The data indicate that A. phagocytophilum is present and widespread in Slovenian game animals and that game species are involved in the natural life cycle of A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Žele
- 1 University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty Institute for Breeding and Health Care of Wild Animals, Fish and Bees Gerbiceva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Jana Avberšek
- 2 University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology Gerbiceva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Igor Gruntar
- 2 University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology Gerbiceva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Ocepek
- 2 University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology Gerbiceva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Gorazd Vengušt
- 1 University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty Institute for Breeding and Health Care of Wild Animals, Fish and Bees Gerbiceva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
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Gorman JK, Hoar BR, Nieto NC, Foley JE. Evaluation ofAnaplasma phagocytophiluminfection in experimentally inoculated sheep and determination ofAnaplasmaspp seroprevalence in 8 free-ranging sheep flocks in California and Oregon. Am J Vet Res 2012; 73:1029-34. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.73.7.1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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