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Cossu CA, Cassini R, Bhoora RV, Menandro ML, Oosthuizen MC, Collins NE, Wentzel J, Quan M, Fagir DM, van Heerden H. Occurrence and molecular prevalence of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsiaceae and Coxiellaceae in African wildlife: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med 2024; 230:106257. [PMID: 38955115 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106257] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) constitute an emerging threat to public and animal health especially in the African continent, where land-use change, and wildlife loss are creating new opportunities for disease transmission. A review of TBPs with a focus on ticks determined the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus ticks in heartwater and the affinity of each Rickettsia species for different tick genera. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to collect, map and estimate the molecular prevalence of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsiaceae and Coxiellaceae in African wildlife. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant scientific articles were retrieved from five databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Ovid and OAIster. Publications were selected according to pre-determined exclusion criteria and evaluated for risk of bias using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS). We conducted an initial descriptive analysis followed by a meta-analysis to estimate the molecular prevalence of each pathogen. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression models were employed to unravel associations with disease determinants. Finally, the quality of evidence of every estimate was finally assessed. RESULTS Out of 577 retrieved papers, a total of 41 papers were included in the qualitative analysis and 27 in the meta-analysis. We retrieved 21 Anaplasmataceae species, six Rickettsiaceae species and Coxiella burnetii. Meta-analysis was performed for a total of 11 target pathogens. Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia ruminantium and Anaplasma centrale were the most prevalent in African bovids (13.9 %, CI: 0-52.4 %; 20.9 %, CI: 4.1-46.2 %; 13.9 %, CI: 0-68.7 %, respectively). Estimated TBPs prevalences were further stratified per animal order, family, species and sampling country. DISCUSSION We discussed the presence of a sylvatic cycle for A. marginale and E. ruminantium in wild African bovids, the need to investigate A. phagocytophilum in African rodents and non-human primates as well as E. canis in the tissues of wild carnivores, and a lack of data and characterization of Rickettsia species and C. burnetii. CONCLUSION Given the lack of epidemiological data on wildlife diseases, the current work can serve as a starting point for future epidemiological and/or experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Cossu
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro 35020, Italy.
| | - R Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro 35020, Italy
| | - R V Bhoora
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - M L Menandro
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro 35020, Italy
| | - M C Oosthuizen
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - N E Collins
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - J Wentzel
- Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - M Quan
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - D M Fagir
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - H van Heerden
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
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CHIKUFENJI B, CHATANGA E, GALON EM, MOHANTA UK, MDZUKULU G, MA Y, NKHATA M, UMEMIYA-SHIRAFUJI R, XUAN X. First report of dog ticks and tick-borne pathogens they are carrying in Malawi. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:150-159. [PMID: 38171881 PMCID: PMC10898992 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are vectors for transmitting tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in animals and humans. Therefore, tick identification is necessary to understand the distribution of tick species and the pathogens they carry. Unfortunately, data on dog ticks and the TBPs they harbor in Malawi are incomplete. This study aimed to identify dog ticks and the TBPs they transmit in Malawi. One hundred thirty-two ticks were collected from 87 apparently healthy but infested domestic dogs in four districts of Malawi, which were pooled into 128 tick samples. The ticks were morphologically identified under a stereomicroscope using identification keys, and species identification was authenticated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) through the amplification and sequencing of 12S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1) genes. The tick species identified were Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (58.3%), Haemaphysalis elliptica (32.6%), and Hyalomma truncatum (9.1%). Screening for TBPs using species-specific PCR assays revealed that 48.4% of the ticks were infected with at least one TBP. The TBP detection rates were 13.3% for Anaplasma platys, 10.2% for Babesia rossi, 8.6% for B. vogeli, 6.3% for Ehrlichia canis, 3.9% for A. phagocytophilum, 3.1% for B. gibsoni, 2.3% for B. canis and 0.8% for Hepatozoon canis. Co-infections of up to three pathogens were observed in 48.4% of the positive samples. This is the first study to identify dog ticks and the TBPs they harbor in Malawi. These findings provide the basis for understanding dog tick distribution and pathogens they carry in Malawi. This study necessitates the examination of ticks from more study locations to have a better picture of tick challenge, and the development of ticks and tick-borne disease control methods in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boniface CHIKUFENJI
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
- Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development,
Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Vets of Purpose Organization, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Elisha CHATANGA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Eloiza May GALON
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,
Cavite State University, Cavite, Philippines
| | - Uday Kumar MOHANTA
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Sher-e-Bangla
Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gift MDZUKULU
- Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development,
Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Yihong MA
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Rika UMEMIYA-SHIRAFUJI
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Xuenan XUAN
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
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Makgabo SM, Brayton KA, Oosthuizen MC, Collins NE. Unravelling the diversity of Anaplasma species circulating in selected African wildlife hosts by targeted 16S microbiome analysis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2023; 5:100198. [PMID: 37675244 PMCID: PMC10477809 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Organisms in the genus Anaplasma are obligate intracellular alphaproteobacteria. Bovine anaplasmosis, predominantly caused by Anaplasma marginale, is the most prevalent tick-borne disease (TBD) of cattle worldwide. Other Anaplasma species are known to cause disease; these include A. ovis, A. platys in dogs, A. capra in goats and humans, and A. phagocytophilum in humans. The rapid advancement of next-generation sequencing technologies has led to the discovery of many novel sequences ascribed to the genus Anaplasma, with over 20 putative new species being proposed since the last formal organization of the genus. Most 16S rRNA gene surveys for Anaplasma were conducted on cattle and to a lesser extent on rodents, dogs, and ticks. Little is known about the occurrence, diversity, or impact of Anaplasma species circulating in wildlife species. Therefore, we conducted a 16S rRNA gene survey with the goal of identifying Anaplasma species in a variety of wildlife species in the Kruger National Park and neighbouring game reserves, using an unbiased 16S rRNA gene microbiome approach. An Anaplasma/Ehrlichia-group specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay revealed the presence of Anaplasma and/or Ehrlichia species in 70.0% (21/30) of African buffalo, 86.7% (26/30) of impala, 36.7% (11/30) of greater kudu, 3.2% (1/31) of African wild dog, 40.6% (13/32) of Burchell's zebra, 43.3% (13/30) of warthog, 22.6% (7/31) of spotted hyena, 40.0% (12/30) of leopard, 17.6% (6/34) of lion, 16.7% (5/30) of African elephant and 8.6% (3/35) of white rhinoceros samples. Microbiome sequencing data from the qPCR positive samples revealed four 16S rRNA sequences identical to previously published Anaplasma sequences, as well as nine novel Anaplasma 16S genotypes. Our results reveal a greater diversity of putative Anaplasma species circulating in wildlife than currently classified within the genus. Our findings highlight a potential expansion of the Anaplasma host range and the need for more genetic information from other important genes or genome sequencing of putative novel species for correct classification and further assessment of their occurrence in wildlife, livestock and companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Marcus Makgabo
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort, 1709, South Africa
| | - Kelly A. Brayton
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Marinda C. Oosthuizen
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Nicola E. Collins
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
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Kolo A. Anaplasma Species in Africa-A Century of Discovery: A Review on Molecular Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Control. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050702. [PMID: 37242372 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma species, belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae in the order Rickettsiales, are obligate intracellular bacteria responsible for various tick-borne diseases of veterinary and human significance worldwide. With advancements in molecular techniques, seven formal species of Anaplasma and numerous unclassified species have been described. In Africa, several Anaplasma species and strains have been identified in different animals and tick species. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of classified and unclassified Anaplasma species detected in animals and ticks across Africa. The review also covers control measures that have been taken to prevent anaplasmosis transmission on the continent. This information is critical when developing anaplasmosis management and control programs in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha Kolo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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Mwale R, Mulavu M, Khumalo CS, Mukubesa A, Nalubamba K, Mubemba B, Changula K, Simulundu E, Chitanga S, Namangala B, Mataa L, Zulu VC, Munyeme M, Muleya W. Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma spp. in cattle and sable antelope from Lusaka and North-Western provinces of Zambia. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 39:100847. [PMID: 36878632 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100847] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsiales of the genus Anaplasma are globally distributed tick-borne pathogens of animals and humans with complex epidemiological cycles. Anaplasmosis is an important livestock disease in Zambia but its epidemiological information is inadequate. This study aimed to detect and characterize the species of Anaplasma present in domestic and wild ruminants in Zambia with a focus on the infection risk posed by the translocation of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) from North-Western Province to Lusaka Province. Archived DNA samples (n = 100) extracted from whole blood (sable n = 47, cattle n = 53) were screened for Anaplasmataceae using 16S rRNA partial gene amplification followed by species confirmation using phylogenetic analysis. Out of the 100 samples, Anaplasma species were detected in 7% (4/57) of the cattle and 24% (10/43) of the sable antelope samples. Of the 14 positive samples, five were determined to be A. marginale (four from cattle and one from sable), seven were A. ovis (sable) and two were A. platys (sable). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA partial gene sequences revealed genetic proximity between A. ovis and A. marginale, regardless of host. The detection of Anaplasma in wildlife in Zambia shows the risk of transmission of Anaplasma species associated with wildlife translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhodasi Mwale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Malala Mulavu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Cynthia Sipho Khumalo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Andrew Mukubesa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - King Nalubamba
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, P.O Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia; Macha Research Trust, P.O. Box 630166, Choma, Zambia
| | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; Department of Preclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Namibia; School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Boniface Namangala
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Liywali Mataa
- Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka 50060, Zambia
| | - Victor Chisha Zulu
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Musso Munyeme
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
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Epidemiological Survey on Tick-Borne Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Dog Populations of Southern Ethiopia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020102. [PMID: 36828518 PMCID: PMC9962431 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs are known to host several tick-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential; however, scant information is available on the epidemiology of these pathogens in low-income tropical countries and in particular in sub-Saharan Africa. With the aim of investigating a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (i.e., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Erhlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Babesia spp.), 273 blood samples were collected from dogs in selected districts of Ethiopia and analyzed by real-time and/or end-point PCR. The results of the study showed that Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent pathogen (53.8%), followed by Anaplasma phagocythophilum (7.0%), Babesia canis rossi (3.3%), Ehrlichia canis (2.6%) and Anaplasma platys (2.2%). Furthermore, five samples tested positive for Borrelia spp., identified as Borrelia afzelii (n = 3) and Borrelia burgdorferi (n = 2), and two samples for Rickettsia spp., identified as Rickettsia conorii (n = 1) and Rickettsia monacensis (n = 1). The finding of Anaplasma phagocythophilum and different species of the genera Borrelia and Rickettsia with zoonotic potential was unexpected and alarming, and calls for further investigation on the roles of dogs and on the tick, species acting as vector in this specific context. Other pathogens (Hepatozoon canis, Babaesia canis rossi, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis) are already known to have an important impact on the dogs' health but have minor zoonotic potential as they were rarely or never reported in humans. Dogs from rural areas were found to be at higher risk for different pathogens, probably due to the presence of other wild canids in the same environment. The findings of the present study contribute to a better knowledge of the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens, which is relevant to human and animal health.
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Detection of Tick-Borne Bacterial and Protozoan Pathogens in Ticks from the Zambia–Angola Border. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050566. [PMID: 35631087 PMCID: PMC9144998 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, are of public health importance worldwide; however, TBDs tend to be overlooked, especially in countries with fewer resources, such as Zambia and Angola. Here, we investigated Rickettsia, Anaplasmataceae, and Apicomplexan pathogens in 59 and 96 adult ticks collected from dogs and cattle, respectively, in Shangombo, a town at the Zambia–Angola border. We detected Richkettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschilimannii in 15.6% of Amblyomma variegatum and 41.7% of Hyalomma truncatum ticks, respectively. Ehrlichia minasensis was detected in 18.8% of H. truncatum, and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii was determined in Hyalomma marginatum. We also detected Babesia caballi and Theileria velifera in A. variegatum ticks with a 4.4% and 6.7% prevalence, respectively. In addition, Hepatozoon canis was detected in 6.5% of Rhipicephalus lunulatus and 4.3% of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Coinfection of R. aeshilimannii and E. minasensis were observed in 4.2% of H. truncatum. This is the first report of Ca. M. mitochondrii and E. minasensis, and the second report of B. caballi, in the country. Rickettsia africae and R. aeschlimannii are pathogenic to humans, and E. minasensis, B. caballi, T. velifera, and H. canis are pathogenic to animals. Therefore, individuals, clinicians, veterinarians, and pet owners should be aware of the distribution of these pathogens in the area.
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The Use and Limitations of the 16S rRNA Sequence for Species Classification of Anaplasma Samples. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030605. [PMID: 35336180 PMCID: PMC8949108 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advent of cheaper, high-throughput sequencing technologies, the ability to survey biodiversity in previously unexplored niches and geographies has expanded massively. Within Anaplasma, a genus containing several intra-hematopoietic pathogens of medical and economic importance, at least 25 new species have been proposed since the last formal taxonomic organization. Given the obligate intracellular nature of these bacteria, none of these proposed species have been able to attain formal standing in the nomenclature per the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes rules. Many novel species’ proposals use sequence data obtained from targeted or metagenomic PCR studies of only a few genes, most commonly the 16S rRNA gene. We examined the utility of the 16S rRNA gene sequence for discriminating Anaplasma samples to the species level. We find that while the genetic diversity of the genus Anaplasma appears greater than appreciated in the last organization of the genus, caution must be used when attempting to resolve to a species descriptor from the 16S rRNA gene alone. Specifically, genomically distinct species have similar 16S rRNA gene sequences, especially when only partial amplicons of the 16S rRNA are used. Furthermore, we provide key bases that allow classification of the formally named species of Anaplasma.
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Mubemba B, Mburu MM, Changula K, Muleya W, Moonga LC, Chambaro HM, Kajihara M, Qiu Y, Orba Y, Hayashida K, Sutcliffe CG, Norris DE, Thuma PE, Ndubani P, Chitanga S, Sawa H, Takada A, Simulundu E. Current knowledge of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Zambia: A clarion call to scaling-up "One Health" research in the wake of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010193. [PMID: 35120135 PMCID: PMC8849493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although vector-borne zoonotic diseases are a major public health threat globally, they are usually neglected, especially among resource-constrained countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. This scoping review examined the current knowledge and identified research gaps of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Zambia. Methods and findings Major scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, CABI, Scientific Information Database (SID)) were searched for articles describing vector-borne (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and tsetse flies) zoonotic pathogens in Zambia. Several mosquito-borne arboviruses have been reported including Yellow fever, Ntaya, Mayaro, Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, Sindbis, and Rift Valley fever viruses. Flea-borne zoonotic pathogens reported include Yersinia pestis and Rickettsia felis. Trypanosoma sp. was the only tsetse fly-borne pathogen identified. Further, tick-borne zoonotic pathogens reported included Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever virus, Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia sp., Borrelia sp., and Coxiella burnetii. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of many vector-borne zoonotic pathogens circulating in vectors and animals in Zambia. Though reports of human clinical cases were limited, several serological studies provided considerable evidence of zoonotic transmission of vector-borne pathogens in humans. However, the disease burden in humans attributable to vector-borne zoonotic infections could not be ascertained from the available reports and this precludes the formulation of national policies that could help in the control and mitigation of the impact of these diseases in Zambia. Therefore, there is an urgent need to scale-up “One Health” research in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases to enable the country to prepare for future epidemics, including pandemics. Despite vector-borne zoonoses being a major public health threat globally, they are often overlooked, particularly among resource-constrained countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia. Therefore, we reviewed the current knowledge and identified research gaps of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Zambia. We focussed on mosquito-, tick-, flea- and tsetse fly-borne zoonotic pathogens reported in the country. Although we found evidence of circulation of several vector-borne zoonotic pathogens among vectors, animals and humans, clinical cases in humans were rarely reported. This suggests sparse capacity for diagnosis of vector-borne pathogens in healthcare facilities in the country and possibly limited awareness and knowledge of the local epidemiology of these infectious agents. Establishment of facility-based surveillance of vector-borne zoonoses in health facilities could provide valuable insights on morbidity, disease severity, and mortalities associated with infections as well as immune responses. In addition, there is also need for increased genomic surveillance of vector-borne pathogens in vectors and animals and humans for a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of these diseases in Zambia. Furthermore, vector ecology studies aimed at understanding the drivers of vector abundance, pathogen host range (i.e., including the range of vectors and reservoirs), parasite-host interactions and factors influencing frequency of human-vector contacts should be prioritized. The study revealed the need for Zambia to scale-up One Health research in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases to enable the country to be better prepared for future epidemics, including pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lavel C. Moonga
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Herman M. Chambaro
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yongjin Qiu
- Division of International Research Promotion, Hokkaido University International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Catherine G. Sutcliffe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Douglas E. Norris
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | | | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Division of International Research Promotion, Hokkaido University International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ayato Takada
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- * E-mail: (AT); (ES)
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- * E-mail: (AT); (ES)
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10
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Survey of Ticks and Tick-Borne Rickettsial and Protozoan Pathogens in Eswatini. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081043. [PMID: 34451507 PMCID: PMC8401679 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are widespread parasites of vertebrates and major vectors of pathogens to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In southern Africa, numerous tick species transmit diseases of economic and health importance. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in multiple land-use types and the possible role of ticks in the transmission of pathogen species. Using molecular techniques, we screened 1716 ticks for infection by rickettsial bacteria and protozoans. To characterize pathogen identity, we sequenced multiple loci from positive samples and analyzed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. Across the seven tick species collected as nymphs or adults, we detected Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Theileira species. We found that some tick species and tick-borne pathogens differed according to land use. For example, we found a higher density of Haemaphysalis elliptica and higher prevalence of Rickettsia in H. elliptica collected from savanna grasses used for livestock grazing near human settlements than savanna grasses in conservation areas. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive surveillance to achieve a full understanding of the diversity and ecology of the tick-borne pathogens that can infect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.
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11
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Kobayashi T, Chatanga E, Qiu Y, Simuunza M, Kajihara M, Hang’ombe BM, Eto Y, Saasa N, Mori-Kajihara A, Simulundu E, Takada A, Sawa H, Katakura K, Nonaka N, Nakao R. Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Coxiella-Like Endosymbionts in Ticks Collected from Animals and Vegetation in Zambia. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060779. [PMID: 34205691 PMCID: PMC8234379 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligate ectoparasites as they require to feed on their host blood during some or all stages of their life cycle. In addition to the pathogens that ticks harbor and transmit to vertebrate hosts, they also harbor other seemingly nonpathogenic microorganisms including nutritional mutualistic symbionts. Tick nutritional mutualistic symbionts play important roles in the physiology of the host ticks as they are involved in tick reproduction and growth through the supply of B vitamins as well as in pathogen maintenance and propagation. Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) are the most widespread endosymbionts exclusively reported in ticks. Although CLEs have been investigated in ticks in other parts of the world, there is no report of their investigation in ticks in Zambia. To investigate the occurrence of CLEs, their maintenance, and association with host ticks in Zambia, 175 ticks belonging to six genera, namely Amblyomma, Argas, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ornithodoros, and Rhipicephalus, were screened for CLEs, followed by characterization of CLEs by multi-locus sequence typing of the five Coxiella housekeeping genes (dnaK, groEL, rpoB, 16S rRNA, and 23S rRNA). The results showed that 45.7% (n = 80) were positive for CLEs. The comparison of the tick 16S rDNA phylogenetic tree with that of the CLEs concatenated sequences showed that there was a strong correlation between the topology of the trees. The results suggest that most of the CLEs have evolved within tick species, supporting the vertical transmission phenomenon. However, the negative results for CLE in some ticks warrants further investigations of other endosymbionts that the ticks in Zambia may also harbor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; (T.K.); (E.C.); (K.K.); (N.N.)
| | - Elisha Chatanga
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; (T.K.); (E.C.); (K.K.); (N.N.)
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
| | - Yongjin Qiu
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - Martin Simuunza
- Department of Diseases Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (M.S.); (N.S.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (H.S.)
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia;
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (M.K.); (Y.E.); (A.M.-K.)
| | - Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia;
- Department of ParaClinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Yoshiki Eto
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (M.K.); (Y.E.); (A.M.-K.)
| | - Ngonda Saasa
- Department of Diseases Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (M.S.); (N.S.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (H.S.)
| | - Akina Mori-Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (M.K.); (Y.E.); (A.M.-K.)
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Diseases Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (M.S.); (N.S.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (H.S.)
- Macha Research Trust, Choma P.O. Box 630166, Zambia
| | - Ayato Takada
- Department of Diseases Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (M.S.); (N.S.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (H.S.)
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (M.K.); (Y.E.); (A.M.-K.)
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Department of Diseases Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (M.S.); (N.S.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (H.S.)
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Ken Katakura
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; (T.K.); (E.C.); (K.K.); (N.N.)
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; (T.K.); (E.C.); (K.K.); (N.N.)
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; (T.K.); (E.C.); (K.K.); (N.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-11-706-5196
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12
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Chitanga S, Chibesa K, Sichibalo K, Mubemba B, Nalubamba KS, Muleya W, Changula K, Simulundu E. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Rickettsia Species in Ixodid Ticks Collected From Cattle in Southern Zambia. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:684487. [PMID: 34164457 PMCID: PMC8215536 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.684487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne zoonotic pathogens are increasingly becoming important across the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, tick-borne pathogens identified include viruses, bacteria and protozoa, with Rickettsia being the most frequently reported. This study was conducted to screen and identify Rickettsia species in ticks (Family Ixodidae) infesting livestock in selected districts of southern Zambia. A total of 236 ticks from three different genera (Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus) were collected over 14 months (May 2018-July 2019) and were subsequently screened for the presence of Rickettsia pathogens based on PCR amplification targeting the outer membrane protein B (ompB). An overall Rickettsia prevalence of 18.6% (44/236) was recorded. Multi-locus sequencing and phylogenetic characterization based on the ompB, ompA, 16S rRNA and citrate synthase (gltA) genes revealed the presence of Rickettsia africae (R. africae), R. aeschlimannii-like species and unidentified Rickettsia species. While R. aeschlimannii-like species are being reported for the first time in Zambia, R. africae has been reported previously, with our results showing a wider distribution of the bacteria in the country. Our study reveals the potential risk of human infection by zoonotic Rickettsia species and highlights the need for increased awareness of these infections in Zambia's public health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Chibesa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Karen Sichibalo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - King S. Nalubamba
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
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13
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Qiu Y, Simuunza M, Kajihara M, Chambaro H, Harima H, Eto Y, Simulundu E, Squarre D, Torii S, Takada A, Hang'ombe BM, Sawa H, Sugimoto C, Nakao R. Screening of tick-borne pathogens in argasid ticks in Zambia: Expansion of the geographic distribution of Rickettsia lusitaniae and Rickettsia hoogstraalii and detection of putative novel Anaplasma species. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101720. [PMID: 33865179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks (Ixodidae and Argasidae) are important arthropod vectors of various pathogens that cause human and animal infectious diseases. Many previously published studies on tick-borne pathogens focused on those transmitted by ixodid ticks. Although there are increasing reports of viral pathogens associated with argasid ticks, information on bacterial pathogens they transmit is scarce. The aim of this molecular study was to detect and characterize Rickettsia and Anaplasmataceae in three different argasid tick species, Ornithodoros faini, Ornithodoros moubata, and Argas walkerae collected in Zambia. Rickettsia hoogstraalii and Rickettsia lusitaniae were detected in 77 % (77/100) of Ar. walkerae and 10 % (5/50) of O. faini, respectively. All O. moubata pool samples (n = 124) were negative for rickettsial infections. Anaplasmataceae were detected in 63 % (63/100) of Ar. walkerae and in 82.2 % (102/124) of O. moubata pools, but not in O. faini. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of 16S rRNA and groEL genes revealed that Anaplasma spp. detected in the present study were distinct from previously validated Anaplasma species, indicating that the current knowledge on the diversity and vector range of Anaplasma spp. is incomplete. Our findings highlight new geographical records of R. lusitaniae and R. hoogstraalii and confirm that the wide geographic distribution of these species includes the African continent. The data presented here increase our knowledge on argasid tick-borne bacteria and contribute toward understanding their epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Qiu
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Martin Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Herman Chambaro
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hayato Harima
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Eto
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
| | - David Squarre
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Ministry of Tourism and Arts, Chilanga, Zambia; Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shiho Torii
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ayato Takada
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, Hokakido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Bernard Mudenda Hang'ombe
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Para-Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, Hokakido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; Global Virus Network, Baltimore, USA
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, Hokakido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
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14
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Chatanga E, Kainga H, Razemba T, Ssuna R, Swennen L, Hayashida K, Sugimoto C, Katakura K, Nonaka N, Nakao R. Molecular detection and characterization of tick-borne hemoparasites and Anaplasmataceae in dogs in major cities of Malawi. Parasitol Res 2020; 120:267-276. [PMID: 33225402 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06967-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in dogs have attracted much attention over the last decade since some are now known to be zoonotic and pose a threat to both animal and human health sectors. Despite the increase in the number of studies on canine TBPs worldwide, only a few studies have been conducted in resource-limited countries where research priority is given to food animals than companion animals. In the present study, the occurrence of TBPs of the genera Babesia, Hepatozoon, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia was investigated in 209 owned and stray dogs in three major cities in Malawi through molecular techniques. Among the examined dogs, 93 (44.5%) were infected with at least one TBP. The detection rates were 23.1% for Babesia rossi, 2.9% for B. vogeli, 19.1% for Hepatozoon canis, 2.4% for Anaplasma platys, and 3.8% for Ehrlichia canis. This is the first molecular study that has provided evidence that dogs in Malawi are infected with TBPs. Sensitization is required for veterinary practitioners, dog handlers, and pet owners as the detected pathogens affect the animals' wellbeing. Further studies focusing on rural areas with limited or no access to veterinary care are required to ascertain the extent of the TBP infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Chatanga
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18 Nishi-9, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Henson Kainga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Tinotenda Razemba
- Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA), Private Bag 30383, Kanengo, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Richard Ssuna
- All Creatures Animal Welfare League, 18 Acacia Road, P.O. Box 30962, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Lieza Swennen
- Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA), Private Bag 30383, Kanengo, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Centre for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-20 Nishi-10, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Centre for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-20 Nishi-10, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Ken Katakura
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18 Nishi-9, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18 Nishi-9, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18 Nishi-9, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan.
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15
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Kolo AO, Collins NE, Brayton KA, Chaisi M, Blumberg L, Frean J, Gall CA, M. Wentzel J, Wills-Berriman S, Boni LD, Weyer J, Rossouw J, Oosthuizen MC. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Other Anaplasma spp. in Various Hosts in the Mnisi Community, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1812. [PMID: 33217891 PMCID: PMC7698776 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA samples from 74 patients with non-malarial acute febrile illness (AFI), 282 rodents, 100 cattle, 56 dogs and 160 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were screened for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the msp2 gene. The test detected both A. phagocytophilum and Anaplasma sp. SA/ZAM dog DNA. Microbiome sequencing confirmed the presence of low levels of A. phagocytophilum DNA in the blood of rodents, dogs and cattle, while high levels of A. platys and Anaplasma sp. SA/ZAM dog were detected in dogs. Directed sequencing of the 16S rRNA and gltA genes in selected samples revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in humans, dogs and rodents and highlighted its importance as a possible contributing cause of AFI in South Africa. A number of recently described Anaplasma species and A. platys were also detected in the study. Phylogenetic analyses grouped Anaplasma sp. SA/ZAM dog into a distinct clade, with sufficient divergence from other Anaplasma species to warrant classification as a separate species. Until appropriate type-material can be deposited and the species is formally described, we will refer to this novel organism as Anaplasma sp. SA dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha O. Kolo
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Nicola E. Collins
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Kelly A. Brayton
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Mamohale Chaisi
- Zoological Research, Foundational Biodiversity & Services, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Lucille Blumberg
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; (L.B.); (J.F.); (J.W.); (J.R.)
| | - John Frean
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; (L.B.); (J.F.); (J.W.); (J.R.)
| | | | - Jeanette M. Wentzel
- Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
| | - Samantha Wills-Berriman
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Liesl De Boni
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Jacqueline Weyer
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; (L.B.); (J.F.); (J.W.); (J.R.)
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Rossouw
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa; (L.B.); (J.F.); (J.W.); (J.R.)
| | - Marinda C. Oosthuizen
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (N.E.C.); (K.A.B.); (S.W.-B.); (L.D.B.); (M.C.O.)
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16
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Bacterial and protozoan pathogens/symbionts in ticks infecting wild grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) in Ghana. Acta Trop 2020; 205:105388. [PMID: 32035054 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens constitute a great threat to livestock production and are a potential health hazard to humans. Grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) are widely hunted for meat in Ghana and many other West and Central African countries. However, tick-borne zoonotic risks posed by wild grasscutters have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to investigate bacterial and protozoan pathogens in ticks infecting wild grasscutters. A total of 81 ticks were collected from three hunted grasscutters purchased from Kantamanto, the central bushmeat market in Accra. Ticks were identified as Ixodes aulacodi and Rhipicephalus sp. based on morphological keys, which were further confirmed by sequencing mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) genes of specimens. Protozoan infections were tested by PCR amplifying 18S rDNA of Babesia/Theileria/Hepatozoon, while bacterial infections were evaluated by PCRs or real-time PCRs targeting Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia, spotted fever group rickettsiae, chlamydiae and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii. The results of PCR screening showed that 35.5% (27 out of 76) of I. aulacodi were positive for parasite infections. Sequencing analysis of the amplified products gave one identical sequence showing similarity with Babesia spp. reported from Africa. The Ca. M. mitochondrii endosymbiont was present in 85.5% (65 out of 76) of I. aulacodi but not in the five Rhipicephalus ticks. Two Anaplasmataceae bacteria genetically related to Ehrlichia muris and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were also detected in two I. aulacodi. None of the ticks were positive for Borrelia spp., spotted fever group rickettsiae and chlamydiae. Since I. aulacodi on wild grasscutters are potential carriers of tick-borne pathogens, some of which could be of zoonotic potential, rigorous tick control and pathogen analyses should be instituted especially when wild caught grasscutters are being used as foundation stock for breeding.
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Manoj RRS, Iatta R, Latrofa MS, Capozzi L, Raman M, Colella V, Otranto D. Canine vector-borne pathogens from dogs and ticks from Tamil Nadu, India. Acta Trop 2020; 203:105308. [PMID: 31862465 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) pose a major health problem in dogs globally, with the potential to cause zoonoses, in particular in developing countries where scientific knowledge on the topic is minimal. Blood samples and ticks were collected from stray dogs in Tamil Nadu, South India to assess the prevalence of CVBD-causing pathogens (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., filarioids and Leishmania spp.). Of the 230 dogs examined, 229 (99.6%) were infested by ticks (mean intensity, 5.65) with Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides being morphologically identified in the 98.3% and 1.7% of the infested dogs, respectively. Overall, the 67.8% (n = 156) of dogs was positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (37.8%) followed by Anaplasma platys (22.6%), Ehrlichia canis (16.1%) Babesia vogeli (10%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.4%) and Babesia gibsoni (0.4%). Two filarioids (Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis" and Brugia malayi, 0.4%) were diagnosed in sampled animals. Co-infection with H. canis and A. platys was the most prevalent (8.3%, P = 0.00001), whilst all animals scored negative for Leishmania spp.. Out of 295 ticks analysed, 215 R. sanguineus s.l. (75.4%) and 8 R. haemaphysaloides (88.9%) were positive for at least one pathogen with H. canis as the predominant species (42.5%), followed by A. platys (33.8%), E. canis (16.9%), B. vogeli (3.8%) and A. phagocytophilum (0.3%). Fifty-six dogs (35.9%) harboured the same pathogen as the respective tick specimens, while 29 dogs (18.6%) had a different pathogen. Thirteen sequence types (STs) were identified for H. canis, with ST2 (49.4%) as the most representative in dogs and ST1 (73.5%) in ticks. Similarly, seven STs were found for Anaplasma spp. (i.e., five for A. platys, one for A. phagocytophilum and one for Anaplasma sp.), with ST2 as the most representative in dogs (70.6%) and ST3 (52.5%) in ticks for A. platys. Only one ST was identified for B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, E. canis, D. sp. "hongkongensis" and B. malayi. Regular surveillance and adoption of adequate treatment and control measures are needed to reduce the risk of disease-causing pathogens in stray dogs and of pathogens with zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Capozzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, Putignano, Italy
| | - Muthusamy Raman
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Central University Laboratory Building, TANUVAS, Chennai 600051, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, Australia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Shi K, Li J, Yan Y, Chen Q, Wang K, Zhou Y, Li D, Chen Y, Yu F, Peng Y, Zhang L, Ning C. Dogs as New Hosts for the Emerging Zoonotic Pathogen Anaplasma capra in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:394. [PMID: 31850236 PMCID: PMC6901931 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma capra is an emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen with a broad host range, including many mammals. Dogs have close physical interactions with humans and regular contact with the external environment. Moreover, they have been previously reported to be hosts of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys, A. ovis, and A. bovis. To confirm whether dogs are also hosts of A. capra, pathogen DNA was extracted from blood samples of 521 dogs, followed by PCR amplification of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene, heat shock protein (groEL) gene, and major surface protein 4 (msp4) gene of the A. capra. A total of 12.1% (63/521) of blood samples were shown to be A. capra-positive by PCR screening. No significant differences were observed between genders (P = 0.578) or types (P = 0.154) of dogs with A. capra infections. However, significantly higher A. capra infections occurred in dogs with regular contact with vegetation (P = 0.002), those aged over 10 years (P = 0.040), and during the summer season (P = 0.006). Phylogenetic analysis based on gltA, groEL, and msp4 sequences demonstrated that the isolates obtained in this study were clustered within the A. capra clade, and were distinct from other Anaplasma species. In conclusion, dogs were shown to be a host of the human pathogenic A. capra. Considering the affinity between dogs and humans and the zoonotic tick-borne nature of A. capra, dogs should be carefully monitored for the presence of A. capra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Shi
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Scientific Research Experiment Center & Laboratory Animal Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaqun Yan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qian Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kunlun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongchun Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dongfang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuancai Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongshuai Peng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changshen Ning
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
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Systematic Review of Important Bacterial Zoonoses in Africa in the Last Decade in Light of the 'One Health' Concept. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8020050. [PMID: 30995815 PMCID: PMC6631375 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonoses present a major public health threat and are estimated to account for a substantial part of the infectious disease burden in low-income countries. The severity of zoonotic diseases is compounded by factors such as poverty, living in close contact with livestock and wildlife, immunosuppression as well as coinfection with other diseases. The interconnections between humans, animals and the environment are essential to understand the spread and subsequent containment of zoonoses. We searched three scientific databases for articles relevant to the epidemiology of bacterial zoonoses/zoonotic bacterial pathogens, including disease prevalence and control measures in humans and multiple animal species, in various African countries within the period from 2008 to 2018. The review identified 1966 articles, of which 58 studies in 29 countries met the quality criteria for data extraction. The prevalence of brucellosis, leptospirosis, Q fever ranged from 0–40%, 1.1–24% and 0.9–28.2%, respectively, depending on geographical location and even higher in suspected outbreak cases. Risk factors for human zoonotic infection included exposure to livestock and animal slaughters. Dietary factors linked with seropositivity were found to include consumption of raw milk and locally fermented milk products. It was found that zoonoses such as leptospirosis, brucellosis, Q fever and rickettsiosis among others are frequently under/misdiagnosed in febrile patients seeking treatment at healthcare centres, leading to overdiagnoses of more familiar febrile conditions such as malaria and typhoid fever. The interactions at the human–animal interface contribute substantially to zoonotic infections. Seroprevalence of the various zoonoses varies by geographic location and species. There is a need to build laboratory capacity and effective surveillance processes for timely and effective detection and control of zoonoses in Africa. A multifaceted ‘One Health’ approach to tackle zoonoses is critical in the fight against zoonotic diseases. The impacts of zoonoses include: (1) Humans are always in contact with animals including livestock and zoonoses are causing serious life-threatening infections in humans. Almost 75% of the recent major global disease outbreaks have a zoonotic origin. (2) Zoonoses are a global health challenge represented either by well-known or newly emerging zoonotic diseases. (3) Zoonoses are caused by all-known cellular (bacteria, fungi and parasites) and noncellular (viruses or prions) pathogens. (4) There are limited data on zoonotic diseases from Africa. The fact that human health and animal health are inextricably linked, global coordinated and well-established interdisciplinary research efforts are essential to successfully fight and reduce the health burden due to zoonoses. This critically requires integrated data from both humans and animals on zoonotic diseases.
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Tick-borne haemoparasites and Anaplasmataceae in domestic dogs in Zambia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:988-995. [PMID: 29622515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, are important threats to human and animal health worldwide. Indeed, the number of reported human and animal infectious cases of novel TBD agents has increased in recent decades. However, TBDs tend to be neglected, especially in resource-limited countries that often have limited diagnostic capacity. The aim of this molecular survey was to detect and characterise tick-borne pathogens (Babesia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon parasites and Anaplasmataceae bacteria) in domestic dogs in Zambia. In total, 247 canine peripheral blood samples were collected in Lusaka, Mazabuka, Monze, and Shangombo. Conventional PCR to detect the selected pathogens was performed using DNA extracted from canine blood. One hundred eleven samples were positive for protozoa and 5 were positive for Anaplasmataceae. Sequencing of thirty-five randomly selected protozoa-positive samples revealed the presence of Babesia rossi, Babesia vogeli, and Hepatozoon canis 18S rDNA. Based on these sequences, a multiplex PCR system was developed to yield PCR products with different amplicons, the size of which depended on the parasite species; thus, each species could be identified without the need for sequence analysis. Approximately 40% of dogs were positive for H. canis. In particular, the positive rate (75.2%) of H. canis infection was significantly higher in Shangombo than in other sampling sites. Multiplex PCR assay detected B. rossi and B. vogeli infections in five and seven dogs, respectively, indicating that this approach is useful for detecting parasites with low prevalence. Sequencing analysis of gltA and groEL genes of Anaplasmataceae revealed that two and one dogs in Lusaka were infected with Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis, respectively. The data indicated that Zambian dogs were infected with multiple tick-borne pathogens such as H. canis, B. rossi, B. vogeli, A. platys, E. canis and uncharacterized Ehrlichia sp. Since some of these parasites are zoonotic, concerted efforts are needed to raise awareness of, and control, these tick-borne pathogens.
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