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Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Mancianti F. Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020165. [PMID: 36851469 PMCID: PMC9964035 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Buhler KJ, Fernando C, Hill JE, Galloway T, Carriere S, Fenton H, Fauteux D, Jenkins EJ. Combining deep sequencing and conventional molecular approaches reveals broad diversity and distribution of fleas and Bartonella in rodents and shrews from Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:366. [PMID: 36229832 PMCID: PMC9563109 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05446-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bartonella are intracellular bacteria that are transmitted via animal scratches, bites and hematophagous arthropods. Rodents and their associated fleas play a key role in the maintenance of Bartonella worldwide, with > 22 species identified in rodent hosts. No studies have addressed the occurrence and diversity of Bartonella species and vectors for small mammals in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems, which are increasingly impacted by invasive species and climate change. METHODS In this study, we characterized the diversity of rodent fleas using conventional PCR targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase II gene (COII) and Bartonella species in rodents and shrews (n = 505) from northern Canada using conventional PCR targeting the ITS (intergenic transcribed spacer) region and gltA (citrate synthase) gene. Metagenomic sequencing of a portion of the gltA gene was completed on a subset of 42 rodents and four rodent flea pools. RESULTS Year, total summer precipitation the year prior to sampling, average minimum spring temperature and small mammal species were significant factors in predicting Bartonella positivity. Occurrence based on the ITS region was more than double that of the gltA gene and was 34% (n = 349) in northern red-backed voles, 35% (n = 20) in meadow voles, 37% (n = 68) in deer mice and 31% (n = 59) in shrews. Six species of Bartonella were identified with the ITS region, including B. grahamii, B. elizabethae, B. washoensis, Candidatus B. rudakovii, B. doshiae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and subsp. arupensis. In addition, 47% (n = 49/105) of ITS amplicons had < 97% identity to sequences in GenBank, possibly due to a limited reference library or previously unreported species. An additional Bartonella species (B. heixiaziensis) was detected during metagenomic sequencing of the gltA gene in 6/11 rodents that had ITS sequences with < 97% identity in GenBank, highlighting that a limited reference library for the ITS marker likely accounted for low sequence similarity in our specimens. In addition, one flea pool from a northern red-backed vole contained multiple species (B. grahamii and B. heixiaziensis). CONCLUSION Our study calls attention to the usefulness of a combined approach to determine the occurrence and diversity of Bartonella communities in hosts and vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
| | - Champika Fernando
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Janet E Hill
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Terry Galloway
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Suzanne Carriere
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 5Th Floor Scotiabank Centre, Government of The Northwest Territories, PO Box 1320, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, X1A 2P9, Canada
| | - Heather Fenton
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 5Th Floor Scotiabank Centre, Government of The Northwest Territories, PO Box 1320, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, X1A 2P9, Canada.,Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Dominique Fauteux
- Centre for Arctic Knowledge and Exploration, Canadian Museum of Nature, 1740, Chemin Pink, Gatineau, QC, J9J 3N7, Canada
| | - Emily J Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
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Camilo TA, Mendonça LP, Martins Dos Santos D, Ramirez LH, Senne NA, Paulino PG, Oliveira PA, Peixoto MP, Massard CL, Angelo IDC, Santos HA. Spatial distribution and molecular epidemiology of Babesia vogeli in household dogs from municipalities with different altitude gradients in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101785. [PMID: 34274574 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We performed a cross-sectional epidemiological study with 456 household dogs from urban and rural areas in two different regions situated at different altitudes in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The PCR technique using 18S rRNA as target revealed prevalence of 7.9% of dogs positive for piroplasmids. These samples were sequenced, and all the sequences were 99.9% to 100% similar to Babesia vogeli sequences from other countries. The spatial distribution of positive cases was analysed using kernel interpolation in the QGIS software, and the spatial correlation indicators among positive dogs, altitude, and presence of ticks were obtained by calculating the local Moran index using the GeoDa software. The spatial correlation between positive cases and altitude was clear based on both visual and statistical observations. Logistic regression applying the Wald method with a cutoff point of 0.1 revealed that dogs from a region with altitude <600 m had a 2.29-fold chance of B. vogeli infection (OR = 2.29; p-value = 0.04; CI: 1.03-5.07), while the rainy season was 2.45 times more associated with B. vogeli infection (OR = 2.45; p-value = 0.01; CI: 1.20-5.01), and dogs infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato had a 2.47 times higher chance of being infected (OR = 2.47; p-value = 0.02; CI: 1.13-5.38). Entropy analysis of the alignment between B. vogeli 18S rRNA (> 1.600 bp) sequences revealed that the most variable region corresponds to the hypervariable V4 region. Genetic homogeneity was observed among the B. vogeli 18S rRNA sequences, with distance values ranging from 0 to 0.007 and a mean value of 0.001. The evolutionary distance (0.003) was greater between the sequences from the municipalities of Barra do Pirai (low altitude) and Teresopolis (high altitude). This study expands the molecular epidemiologic knowledge of B. vogeli and shows points of variability in the B. vogeli 18S rRNA. The results indicate the potential use of spatial analysis tools to improve screening for positive cases, enabling more in-depth studies to strengthen understanding of tick infection prevention in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tays Araujo Camilo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Leo Paulis Mendonça
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Débora Martins Dos Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Herran Ramirez
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Alves Senne
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Gonzaga Paulino
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Priscila Almeida Oliveira
- Department of Surveying and Cartographic Engineering, Engineering Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Maristela Peckle Peixoto
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos Luiz Massard
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Isabele da Costa Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Huarrisson Azevedo Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro 23897-000, Brazil.
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Okaro U, George S, Anderson B. What Is in a Cat Scratch? Growth of Bartonella henselae in a Biofilm. Microorganisms 2021; 9:835. [PMID: 33919891 PMCID: PMC8070961 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040835] [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: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) is a gram-negative bacterium that causes cat scratch disease, bacteremia, and endocarditis, as well as other clinical presentations. B. henselae has been shown to form a biofilm in vitro that likely plays a role in the establishment and persistence of the bacterium in the host. Biofilms are also known to form in the cat flea vector; hence, the ability of this bacterium to form a biofilm has broad biological significance. The release of B. henselae from a biofilm niche appears to be important in disease persistence and relapse in the vertebrate host but also in transmission by the cat flea vector. It has been shown that the BadA adhesin of B. henselae is critical for adherence and biofilm formation. Thus, the upregulation of badA is important in initiating biofilm formation, and down-regulation is important in the release of the bacterium from the biofilm. We summarize the current knowledge of biofilm formation in Bartonella species and the role of BadA in biofilm formation. We discuss the evidence that defines possible mechanisms for the regulation of the genes required for biofilm formation. We further describe the regulation of those genes in the conditions that mimic both the arthropod vector and the mammalian host for B. henselae. The treatment for persistent B. henselae infection remains a challenge; hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which this bacterium persists in its host is critical to inform future efforts to develop drugs to treat such infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udoka Okaro
- Foundational Sciences Directorate, Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Sierra George
- Department of Molecular Medicine, MDC7, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Burt Anderson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, MDC7, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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Broad Range Screening of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Arctic Foxes ( Vulpes lagopus) in Iceland. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112031. [PMID: 33158098 PMCID: PMC7694187 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The arctic fox is the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland. The population comprises both “coastal” and “inland” fox ecotypes, with regard to food resources. Because of the relatively low biodiversity within arctic ecosystems and the involvement of the species in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, the Icelandic arctic fox population could serve as sentinels for the overall ecosystem health of Iceland. After screening the samples from 60 foxes for tick-/vector-borne pathogens, this study reports the near-absence (very low prevalence) of these pathogens in Icelandic arctic foxes in 2011–2012. Taking into account the broad range of target microorganisms analyzed here, as well as the warming climate and increasing presence of the vector Ixodes ricinus in Iceland, our results will be very useful as baseline data for comparison in future monitoring of the emergence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in this country. Abstract The arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland. While red foxes (V. vulpes) are known to be epidemiologically important carriers of several vector-borne pathogens in Europe, arctic foxes have never been evaluated in a similar context on this continent. This has become especially relevant in the last decade, considering the establishing populations of the tick species Ixodes ricinus in Iceland. In this study, liver DNA extracts of 60 arctic foxes, hunted between 2011–2012, were molecularly screened for vector-borne protozoan parasites (Trypanosomatidae, Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon) and bacteria (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Borrelia, hemotropic Mycoplasma). One sample was real-time qPCR positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, though this positivity could not be confirmed with sequencing. Samples were negative for all other tested vector-borne pathogens. Results of this study indicate that, except for A. phagocytophilum, Icelandic arctic foxes were apparently “not yet infected” with vector-borne pathogens in 2011–2012, or their infections were “below the detection limit” of applied methods. Taking into account the broad range of target microorganisms analyzed here, as well as the warming climate and increasing presence of the vector I. ricinus in Iceland, our results will be very useful as baseline data for comparison in future monitoring of the emergence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in this country.
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Alabí AS, Monti G, Otth C, Sepulveda-García P, Sánchez-Hidalgo M, de Mello VVC, Machado RZ, André MR, Bittencourt P, Müller A. Molecular Survey and Genetic Diversity of Hemoplasmas in Rodents from Chile. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1493. [PMID: 33003287 PMCID: PMC7601721 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though hemotrophic mycoplasma (hemoplasma) infections are well documented in a wide variety of hosts worldwide, there is a gap in the knowledge aobut hemoplasmas in rodents. This study aimed to molecularly survey and investigate the genetic diversity of hemoplasmas in rodents from Chile. Synanthropic and wild rodents (n = 74) were captured in the southern province of Valdivia (Corral, Valdivia, Riñihue, and Reumén localities). Spleen samples were submitted to a conventional PCR for hemotrophic Mycoplasma spp. targeting the 16S rRNA gene (800 bp), followed by sequencing, phylogenetic, and genetic diversity analyses. The overall occurrence of hemotrophic mycoplasmas in rodents from Valdivia was 24.5% (18/74) [95% CI (14.5; 34.1)]. Hemoplasmas were detected in Mus musculus (1/4), Rattus norvegicus (1/16), Abrothrix longipilis (7/13), A. olivaceo (6/8), and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus (3/10). The nucleotide polymorphism analysis of the targeted 16S rRNA region showed low diversity, with two genotypes and a high identity to the variants detected in wild rodents from Brazil. Hemoplasmas are described for the first time in rodents from Chile with a moderate occurrence and low 16S rDNA genetic diversity within the sampled rodent population. The detected hemoplasma genotypes were specific to rodents and were not shared with other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Salvador Alabí
- Instituto de Ciencias Clinicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 4090000, Chile; (A.S.A.); (P.S.-G.)
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Insituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 4090000, Chile;
| | - Carola Otth
- Instituto de Microbiologia Clinica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 4090000, Chile;
| | - Paulina Sepulveda-García
- Instituto de Ciencias Clinicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 4090000, Chile; (A.S.A.); (P.S.-G.)
| | - Melissa Sánchez-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 4090000, Chile;
| | - Victória Valente Califre de Mello
- Departamento de Patologia, UNESP, Teriogenologia e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinarias Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV), Jaboticabal, São Paulo 14884-900, Brazil; (V.V.C.d.M.); (R.Z.M.); (M.R.A.)
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia, UNESP, Teriogenologia e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinarias Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV), Jaboticabal, São Paulo 14884-900, Brazil; (V.V.C.d.M.); (R.Z.M.); (M.R.A.)
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia, UNESP, Teriogenologia e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinarias Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV), Jaboticabal, São Paulo 14884-900, Brazil; (V.V.C.d.M.); (R.Z.M.); (M.R.A.)
| | - Pedro Bittencourt
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clinicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 4090000, Chile; (A.S.A.); (P.S.-G.)
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
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Buhler KJ, Maggi RG, Gailius J, Galloway TD, Chilton NB, Alisauskas RT, Samelius G, Bouchard É, Jenkins EJ. Hopping species and borders: detection of Bartonella spp. in avian nest fleas and arctic foxes from Nunavut, Canada. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:469. [PMID: 32928287 PMCID: PMC7490881 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a warmer and more globally connected Arctic, vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic importance may be increasing in prevalence in native wildlife. Recently, Bartonella henselae, the causative agent of cat scratch fever, was detected in blood collected from arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) that were captured and released in the large goose colony at Karrak Lake, Nunavut, Canada. This bacterium is generally associated with cats and cat fleas, which are absent from Arctic ecosystems. Arctic foxes in this region feed extensively on migratory geese, their eggs, and their goslings. Thus, we hypothesized that a nest flea, Ceratophyllus vagabundus vagabundus (Boheman, 1865), may serve as a vector for transmission of Bartonella spp. METHODS We determined the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in (i) nest fleas collected from 5 arctic fox dens and (ii) 37 surrounding goose nests, (iii) fleas collected from 20 geese harvested during arrival at the nesting grounds and (iv) blood clots from 57 adult live-captured arctic foxes. A subsample of fleas were identified morphologically as C. v. vagabundus. Remaining fleas were pooled for each nest, den, or host. DNA was extracted from flea pools and blood clots and analyzed with conventional and real-time polymerase chain reactions targeting the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer region. RESULTS Bartonella henselae was identified in 43% of pooled flea samples from nests and 40% of pooled flea samples from fox dens. Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffii was identified in 30% of pooled flea samples collected from 20 geese. Both B. vinsonii berkhoffii (n = 2) and B. rochalimae (n = 1) were identified in the blood of foxes. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that B. henselae, B. vinsonii berkhoffii and B. rochalimae circulate in the Karrak Lake ecosystem and that nest fleas contain B. vinsonii and B. henselae DNA, suggesting that this flea may serve as a potential vector for transmission among Arctic wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Julie Gailius
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Terry D Galloway
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Neil B Chilton
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Ray T Alisauskas
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
- Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X4, Canada
| | - Gustaf Samelius
- Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside Ave North, Suite 325, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
| | - Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Emily J Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
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Carlsson AM, Curry P, Elkin B, Russell D, Veitch A, Branigan M, Campbell M, Croft B, Cuyler C, Côté SD, Leclerc LM, Tryland M, Nymo IH, Kutz SJ. Multi-pathogen serological survey of migratory caribou herds: A snapshot in time. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219838. [PMID: 31365561 PMCID: PMC6668789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens can impact host survival, fecundity, and population dynamics even when no obvious disease is observed. Few baseline data on pathogen prevalence and diversity of caribou are available, which hampers our ability to track changes over time and evaluate impacts on caribou health. Archived blood samples collected from ten migratory caribou herds in Canada and two in Greenland were used to test for exposure to pathogens that have the potential to effect population productivity, are zoonotic or are emerging. Relationships between seroprevalence and individual, population, and other health parameters were also examined. For adult caribou, the highest overall seroprevalence was for alphaherpesvirus (49%, n = 722), pestivirus (49%, n = 572) and Neospora caninum (27%, n = 452). Lower seroprevalence was found for parainfluenza virus type 3 (9%, n = 708), Brucella suis (2%, n = 758), and Toxoplasma gondii (2%, n = 706). No animal tested positive for antibodies against West Nile virus (n = 418) or bovine respiratory syncytial virus (n = 417). This extensive multi-pathogen survey of migratory caribou herds provides evidence that caribou are exposed to pathogens that may have impacts on herd health and revealed potential interactions between pathogens as well as geographical differences in pathogen exposure that could be linked to the bio-geographical history of caribou. Caribou are a keystone species and the socio-economic cornerstone of many indigenous cultures across the North. The results from this study highlight the urgent need for a better understanding of pathogen diversity and the impact of pathogens on caribou health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Carlsson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - P. Curry
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - B. Elkin
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Alberta, Canada
| | - D. Russell
- CircumArctic Rangifer Monitoring and Assessment Network, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
| | - A. Veitch
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Alberta, Canada
| | - M. Branigan
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Alberta, Canada
| | - M. Campbell
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
| | - B. Croft
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Alberta, Canada
| | - C. Cuyler
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - S. D. Côté
- Caribou Ungava, Département de Biologie and Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - L-M Leclerc
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
| | - M. Tryland
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - I. H. Nymo
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - S. J. Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Kosoy M, Goodrich I. Comparative Ecology of Bartonella and Brucella Infections in Wild Carnivores. Front Vet Sci 2019; 5:322. [PMID: 30662899 PMCID: PMC6328487 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Phylogenetic sister clades Bartonella and Brucella within the order Rhizobiales present some common biological characteristics as well as evident differences in adaptations to their mammalian reservoirs. We reviewed published data on Bartonella and Brucella infections in wild carnivores to compare the ecology of these bacteria in relatively similar host environments. Arthropod vectors are the main mechanism for Bartonella species transmission between mammalian hosts. The role of arthropods in transmission of Brucella remains disputed, however experimental studies and reported detection of Brucella in arthropods indicate potential vector transmission. More commonly, transmission of Brucella occurs via contact exposure to infected animals or the environment contaminated with their discharges. Of 26 species of carnivores tested for both Bartonella and Brucella, 58% harbored either. Among them were bobcats, African lions, golden jackals, coyotes, wolves, foxes, striped skunks, sea otters, raccoons, and harbor seals. The most common species of Bartonella in wild carnivores was B. henselae, found in 23 species, followed by B. rochalimae in 12, B. clarridgeiae in ten, and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in seven. Among Brucella species, Br. abortus was reported in over 30 terrestrial carnivore species, followed by Br. canis in seven. Marine carnivores, such as seals and sea lions, can host Br. pinnipedialis. In contrast, there is no evidence of a Bartonella strain specific for marine mammals. Bartonella species are present practically in every sampled species of wild felids, but of 14 Brucella studies of felids, only five reported Brucella and those were limited to detection of antibodies. We found no reports of Bartonella in bears while Brucella was detected in these animals. There is evident host-specificity of Bartonella species in wild carnivores (e.g., B. henselae in felids and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in canids). A co-adaptation of Brucella with terrestrial wild carnivore hosts is not as straightforward as in domestic animals. Wild carnivores often carry the same pathogens as their domesticated relatives (cats and dogs), but the risk of exposure varies widely because of differences in biology, distribution, and historical interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kosoy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Irina Goodrich
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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André MR. Diversity of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia/Neoehrlichia Agents in Terrestrial Wild Carnivores Worldwide: Implications for Human and Domestic Animal Health and Wildlife Conservation. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:293. [PMID: 30533417 PMCID: PMC6265506 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the incidence and awareness of tick-borne diseases in humans and animals have increased due to several factors, which in association favor the chances of contact among wild animals and their ectoparasites, domestic animals and humans. Wild and domestic carnivores are considered the primary source of tick-borne zoonotic agents to humans. Among emergent tick-borne pathogens, agents belonging to family Anaplasmataceae (Order Rickettsiales) agents stand out due their worldwide distribution and zoonotic potential. In this review we aimed to review the genetic diversity of the tick-transmitted genera Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and "Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp." in wild carnivores Caniformia (Canidae, Mustelidae and Ursidae) and Feliformia (Felidae, Hyanidae, Procyonidae and Viverridae) worldwide, discussing the implications for human and domestic animal health and wildlife conservation. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been identified as hosts for Anaplasma spp. (A. phagocytophilum, Anaplasma ovis, A. platys), Ehrlichia canis and "Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp." (FU98 strain) and may contribute to the maintaenance of A. phagocytophilum in Europe. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have been reported as hosts for E. canis, A. bovis, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris" and A. phagocytophilum, and play a role in the maintenance of A. phagocytophilum in the USA. Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) may play a role as hosts for A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum. New Ehrlichia and/or Anaplasma genotypes circulate in wild canids and felids from South America and Africa. While Ehrlichia sp. closely related to E. canis has been reported in wild felids from Brazil and Japan, Anaplasma sp. closely related to A. phagocytophilum has been detected in wild felids from Brazil and Africa. Red foxes and mustelids (otters) are exposed to E. canis in countries located in the Mediaterranean basin, probably as a consequence of spillover from domestic dogs. Similarly, E. canis occurs in procyonids in North (raccoons in USA, Spain) and South (Nasua nasua in Brazil) Hemispheres, in areas where E. canis is frequent in dogs. While "Candidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris" seems to be a common and specific agent of raccoons in the USA, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp." (FU98 strain) seems to show a broader range of hosts, since it has been detected in red fox, golden jackal (Canis aureus) and badger (Meles meles) in Europe so far. Brown (Ursus arctos) and black (Ursus americanus) bears seem to play a role as hosts for A. phagocytophilum in the North Hemisphere. Anaplasma bovis has been detected in wild Procyonidae, Canidae and Felidae in Asia and Brazil. In order to assess the real identity of the involved agents, future works should benefit from the application of MLST (Multi Locus Sequence Typing), WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing) and NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technologies aiming at shedding some light on the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of Anaplasmataceae agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
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Millán J, Velarde R, Delicado V, Negre N, Ribas A, Oleaga Á, Llaneza L, Esperón F. High diversity of hemotropic mycoplasmas in Iberian wild carnivores. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 60:11-16. [PMID: 30396424 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Two-hundred and thirty-one wild carnivores belonging to 10 species of in Spain were analyzed for the presence of DNA of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) by means of a universal real-time PCR targeting a 16S rRNA gene fragment. Positive reactions were found for wolf (Canis lupus: 6/37), fox (Vulpes vulpes: 1/41), Eurasian badger (Meles meles: 49/85), pine marten (Martes martes: 11/23), stone marten (Martes foina: 6/9), least weasel (Mustela nivalis: 4/4), European wildcat (Felis s. silvestris: 1/2) and common genet (Genetta genetta: 7/27). Sixty-four readable sequences were obtained, resulting in 14 nucleotide sequence types (ntST). The highest diversity was detected in badger (6 ntST) and pine marten (5 ntST). The sequencing of a fragment of the RNase P gene showed that all positive reactions in wolves corresponded to Mycoplasma haemocanis. Three ntST showed an identity between 98-100% with Candidatus M. haemominutum, C. M. turicensis and C. M. haematoparvum, respectively. Four ntST were closely related to C. M. haemomeles and/or diverse genotypes reported from raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the USA. One ntST from a badger showed only 88% similarity to the closest published sequence and was phylogenetically unrelated to any other hemoplasma sequence reported. Three ntST were 99-100% similar to two different sequences reported in Spanish bats. This study confirms the widespread nature and the high genetic diversity of hemoplasma infection in carnivores. Wild carnivores might be natural hosts of some hemoplasmas infecting dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology and Health Group and Servicio de Ecopatología de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Delicado
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Ctra Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nieves Negre
- Consorci per a la Recuperació de la Fauna de les Illes Balears, 07142, Santa Eugènia, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Alexis Ribas
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Museu de Ciències Naturals de Granollers, 08402, Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Oleaga
- SERPA, Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A, 33203, Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - Luis Llaneza
- A.RE.NA. Asesores en Recursos Naturales SL, Perpetuo Socorro 12-Entresuelo 2B, 27003, Lugo, Spain
| | - Fernando Esperón
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Ctra Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
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Cohen C, Shemesh M, Garrido M, Messika I, Einav M, Khokhlova I, Tasker S, Hawlena H. Haemoplasmas in wild rodents: Routes of transmission and infection dynamics. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:3714-3726. [PMID: 30074652 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The way that some parasites and pathogens persist in the hostile environment of their host for long periods remains to be resolved. Here, longitudinal field surveys were combined with laboratory experiments to investigate the routes of transmission and infection dynamics of such a pathogen-a wild rodent haemotropic bacterium, specifically a Mycoplasma haemomuris-like bacterium. Fleaborne transmission, direct rodent-to-rodent transmission and vertical transmission from fleas or rodents to their offspring were experimentally quantified, and indications were found that the main route of bacterial transmission is direct, although its rate of successful transmission is low (~20%). The bacterium's temporal dynamics was then compared in the field to that observed under a controlled infection experiment in field-infected and laboratory-infected rodents, and indications were found, under all conditions, that the bacterium reached its peak infection level after 25-45 days and then decreased to low bacterial loads, which persist for the rodent's lifetime. These findings suggest that the bacterium relies on persistency with low bacterial loads for long-term coexistence with its rodent host, having both conceptual and applied implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Cohen
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Merav Shemesh
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Mario Garrido
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Irit Messika
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Monica Einav
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Irina Khokhlova
- Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Séverine Tasker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Hadas Hawlena
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
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Identification of Hemotropic Mycoplasmas in an Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) and a Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) from North Carolina, USA. J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:371-374. [DOI: 10.7589/2017-07-153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Environmental and behavioral changes may influence the exposure of an Arctic apex predator to pathogens and contaminants. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13193. [PMID: 29038498 PMCID: PMC5643432 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent decline of sea ice habitat has coincided with increased use of land by polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the southern Beaufort Sea (SB), which may alter the risks of exposure to pathogens and contaminants. We assayed blood samples from SB polar bears to assess prior exposure to the pathogens Brucella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, and Neospora caninum, estimate concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and evaluate risk factors associated with exposure to pathogens and POPs. We found that seroprevalence of Brucella spp. and T. gondii antibodies likely increased through time, and provide the first evidence of exposure of polar bears to C. burnetii, N. caninum, and F. tularensis. Additionally, the odds of exposure to T. gondii were greater for bears that used land than for bears that remained on the sea ice during summer and fall, while mean concentrations of the POP chlordane (ΣCHL) were lower for land-based bears. Changes in polar bear behavior brought about by climate-induced modifications to the Arctic marine ecosystem may increase exposure risk to certain pathogens and alter contaminant exposure pathways.
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Occurrence and molecular characterization of hemoplasmas in domestic dogs and wild mammals in a Brazilian wetland. Acta Trop 2017; 171:172-181. [PMID: 28366511 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hemotropic mycoplasmas are known to cause anemia in several mammalian species. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. in wild mammals, domestic dogs and their respective ectoparasites, in southern Pantanal region, central-western Brazil. Between August 2013 and March 2015, 31 Nasua nasua, 78 Cerdocyon thous, seven Leopardus pardalis, 42 dogs, 110 wild rodents, and 30 marsupials were trapped and ectoparasites (ticks and fleas) found parasitizing the animals were collected. Mammals and ectoparasites DNA samples were submitted to conventional PCR assays for Mycoplasma spp. targeting 16S rRNA and RnaseP genes. Twenty-four N. nasua, three C. thous, two domestic dogs, one L. pardalis and one wild rodent were positive for 16S rRNA PCR protocols. Fourteen N. nasua samples were also positive in RnaseP PCR. No marsupial or arthropod showed positivity for Mycoplasma spp. The phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene showed that all sequences obtained from dogs, two sequences obtained from C. thous and ten sequences obtained from N. nasua showed to be closely related to Mycoplasma haemocanis/Mycoplasma haemofelis species. Genotypes closely related to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and Mycoplasma haemomuris were detected in the L. pardalis and in the wild rodent, respectively. Probably a novel Mycoplasma genotype, closely related to a sequence obtained from a Brazilian capybara was detected in 14 N. nasua, based on a concatenated phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and RnaseP genes. The present study revealed that wild animals in southern Pantanal region, Brazil, are exposed to different species of hemoplasmas.
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Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in North Carolina Eastern Black Bears ( Ursus americanus ). J Wildl Dis 2016; 52:968-970. [PMID: 27479929 DOI: 10.7589/2016-02-036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We detected Anaplasma phagocytophilum by DNA amplification in whole blood from free-ranging, hunter-killed American black bears ( Ursus americanus ) from the east coast of North Carolina, US. Molecular prevalence for Anaplasma phagocytophilum was 3% from 68 black bears. No DNA of other Anaplasma or Ehrlichia spp. was identified.
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Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens in wild and domestic carnivores and their ticks at the human-wildlife interface. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:284-90. [PMID: 26643497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization of natural areas is considered one of the causes of the current apparent emergence of infectious diseases. Carnivores are among the species that adapt well to urban and periurban environments, facilitating cross-species disease transmission with domestic dogs and cats, and potentially with their owners. The prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBP) of zoonotic and veterinary interest was studied in sympatric wild and domestic carnivores into Barcelona Metropolitan Area (NE Spain). Blood or spleen samples from 130 animals, including 34 common genets (Genetta genetta), 12 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 10 stone martens (Martes foina), three Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), 34 free-roaming domestic cats and 37 dogs with outdoor access, were collected either in protected or adjacent residential areas. A total of 309 ticks (chiefly Rhipicephalus turanicus) were collected on these animals. The samples were analyzed with a battery of PCR assays targeting the DNA of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasmataceae, Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp., and Piroplasmida, and the amplicons were sequenced. The fox showed the highest prevalence (58%) and diversity of VBP (four pathogens), whereas none of the dogs were infected. Bartonella spp. (including B. clarridgeiae, B. henselae, and B. rochalimae) was the most prevalent pathogen. Infection of wild carnivores with Ehrlichia canis, C. burnetii, Theileria annae and Babesia vogeli was also confirmed, with some cases of coinfection observed. The presence of DNA of T. annae and B. vogeli was also confirmed in tick pools from four species of wild carnivores, supporting their role in piroplasmid life-cycle. By the sequencing of several target genes, DNA of Rickettsia massiliae was confirmed in 17 pools of Rh. turanicus, Rh. sanguineous, and Rh. pusillus from five different species, and Rickettsia conorii in one pool of Rh. sanguineous from a dog. None of the hosts from which these ticks were collected was infected by Rickettsia. Although carnivores may not be reservoir hosts for zoonotic Rickettsia, they can have an important role as mechanical dispersers of infected ticks.
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