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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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Zygner W, Gójska-Zygner O, Bartosik J, Górski P, Karabowicz J, Kotomski G, Norbury LJ. Canine Babesiosis Caused by Large Babesia Species: Global Prevalence and Risk Factors-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2612. [PMID: 37627403 PMCID: PMC10451873 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan pathogens belonging to the genus Babesia. Four species of large Babesia cause canine babesiosis (B. canis, B. rossi, B. vogeli, and the informally named B. coco). Although canine babesiosis has a worldwide distribution, different species occur in specific regions: B. rossi in sub-Saharan Africa, B. canis in Europe and Asia, and B. coco in the Eastern Atlantic United States, while B. vogeli occurs in Africa, southern parts of Europe and Asia, northern Australia, southern regions of North America, and in South America. B. vogeli is the most prevalent large Babesia species globally. This results from its wide range of monotropic vector species, the mild or subclinical nature of infections, and likely the longest evolutionary association with dogs. The most important risk factors for infection by large Babesia spp. include living in rural areas, kennels or animal shelters, or regions endemic for the infection, the season of the year (which is associated with increased tick activity), infestation with ticks, and lack of treatment with acaricides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Zygner
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Olga Gójska-Zygner
- Labros Veterinary Clinic, Św. Bonifacego 92, 02-940 Warsaw, Poland; (O.G.-Z.); (G.K.)
| | - Justyna Bartosik
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Paweł Górski
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Justyna Karabowicz
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Grzegorz Kotomski
- Labros Veterinary Clinic, Św. Bonifacego 92, 02-940 Warsaw, Poland; (O.G.-Z.); (G.K.)
| | - Luke J. Norbury
- Department of Biosciences and Food Technology, School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia;
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3
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Lin Y, Zhou S, Upadhyay A, Zhao J, Liao C, Guan Q, Wang J, Han Q. Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Characterization of Anaplasma spp. in Dogs from Hainan Province/Island, China. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050339. [PMID: 37235422 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is a serious infection which is transmitted by ticks and mosquitos. There are very few reports and studies that have been carried out to understand the prevalence, distribution, and epidemiological profile of Anaplasma spp. infection in dogs in Hainan province/island. In the present study, we have tried to understand the prevalence, distribution, and occurrence of Anaplasma spp. infections in dogs (n = 1051) in Hainan Island/Province to establish a surveillance-based study. The confirmed positive samples by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were subjected to capillary sequencing for further strain-specific confirmation, followed by the construction of phylogenetic trees to determine their genetic relations. Various statistical tools were used to analyze related risk factors. There were three species of Anaplasma detected from the Hainan region; namely, A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis, and A. platys. The overall prevalence of Anaplasma is 9.7% (102/1051). A. phagocytopihum was prevalent in 1.0% of dogs (11/1051), A. bovis was found in 2.7% of dogs (28/1051), and A. platys in 6.0% of dogs (63/1051). Our surveillance-based study conducted to understand the occurrence and distribution pattern of Anaplasma spp. in Hainan will help in designing effective control measures along with management strategies so as to treat and control the infection in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lin
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Sa Zhou
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Archana Upadhyay
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Chenghong Liao
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qingfeng Guan
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Chatanga E, Maganga E, Mohamed WMA, Ogata S, Pandey GS, Abdelbaset AE, Hayashida K, Sugimoto C, Katakura K, Nonaka N, Nakao R. High infection rate of tick-borne protozoan and rickettsial pathogens of cattle in Malawi and the development of a multiplex PCR for Babesia and Theileria species identification. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106413. [PMID: 35307457 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Malawi has an estimated cattle population of 1,884,803 heads, the indigenous Malawi zebu breed accounts for 91.2%, while the exotic and crossbred accounts for the remaining 8.8%. Although ticks and tick-borne diseases are widespread in Malawi, no molecular study has been conducted to investigate the tick-borne Anaplasmataceae and piroplasms infecting cattle. To provide an insight into the current status of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of cattle, a molecular survey was conducted in the central and southern regions of Malawi. A total of 191 cattle of which 132 were Malawi zebu, 44 were Holstein Friesian and 15 were Holstein-Friesian/ Malawi zebu crosses were screened for Anaplasmataceae and piroplasms using the heat shock protein groEL gene and 18S rDNA, respectively. A new 18S rDNA multiplex PCR assay was designed for Babesia and Theileria species identification without sequencing. Overall, 92.3% (n = 177) of the examined animals were infected with at least one TBP. Anaplasmataceae-positive rate was 57.6% (n = 110) while for piroplasms it was 80.1% (n = 153). The detected Anaplasmataceae were Anaplasma bovis 2.6% (n = 5), Anaplasma marginale 24.6% (n = 47), Anaplasma platys-like 13.6% (n = 26), uncharacterized Anaplasma sp. 14.1% (n = 27), and uncharacterized Ehrlichia sp. 16.2% (n = 31). The detected piroplasms were Babesia bigemina 2.6% (n = 5), Theileria mutans 73.8% (n = 141), Theileria parva 33.0% (n = 63), Theileria taurotragi 12.6% (n = 24), and Theileria velifera 53.4% (n = 102). Mixed infection rate was found in 79.6% (n = 152) of the samples analyzed. This study has shown a high burden of TBPs among cattle in Malawi which highlights the need to conceive new methods to control ticks and TBPs in order to improve animal health and productivity. The newly developed multiplex PCR assay would be a useful tool especially in resource limited settings where sequencing is not available and when mixed infections are expected.
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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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Moustafa MAM, Mohamed WMA, Lau AC, Chatanga E, Qiu Y, Hayashi N, Naguib D, Sato K, Takano A, Mastuno K, Nonaka N, Taylor D, Kawabata H, Nakao R. Novel symbionts and potential human pathogens excavated from argasid tick microbiomes that are shaped by dual or single symbiosis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1979-1992. [PMID: 35521555 PMCID: PMC9062450 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.04.020] [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: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on vector-associated microbiomes has been expanding due to increasing emergence of vector-borne pathogens and awareness of the importance of symbionts in the vector physiology. However, little is known about microbiomes of argasid (or soft-bodied) ticks due to limited access to specimens. We collected four argasid species (Argas japonicus, Carios vespertilionis, Ornithodoros capensis, and Ornithodoros sawaii) from the nests or burrows of their vertebrate hosts. One laboratory-reared argasid species (Ornithodoros moubata) was also included. Attempts were then made to isolate and characterize potential symbionts/pathogens using arthropod cell lines. Microbial community structure was distinct for each tick species. Coxiella was detected as the predominant symbiont in four tick species where dual symbiosis between Coxiella and Rickettsia or Coxiella and Francisella was observed in C. vespertilionis and O. moubata, respectively. Of note, A. japonicus lacked Coxiella and instead had Occidentia massiliensis and Thiotrichales as alternative symbionts. Our study found strong correlation between tick species and life stage. We successfully isolated Oc. massiliensis and characterized potential pathogens of genera Ehrlichia and Borrelia. The results suggest that there is no consistent trend of microbiomes in relation to tick life stage that fit all tick species and that the final interpretation should be related to the balance between environmental bacterial exposure and endosymbiont ecology. Nevertheless, our findings provide insights on the ecology of tick microbiomes and basis for future investigations on the capacity of argasid ticks to carry novel pathogens with public health importance.
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7
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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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8
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Stafford KC, Molaei G, Williams SC, Mertins JW. Rhipicephalus Capensis (Acari: Ixodidae), A geographically restricted South African tick, returning with a human traveler to the United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101912. [PMID: 35121229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Accelerated frequency of recreational travel, globalization of business, and legal and illegal plant and animal trades have contributed to enduring introductions of exotic ticks into the United States. We herein report a new incursion of a female Rhipicephalus capensis on a human traveler returning to Connecticut from South Africa. Natural distribution of R. capensis is restricted to the Western Cape Province and southwestern portion of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, an area called the Fynbos Biome, and adults of this species primarily parasitize large, wild ungulate hosts. Only one previous international introduction of this tick is documented on imported South African plant material into the United States in 1985. The specimen described here was identified initially by morphological means and subsequently, a partial DNA sequence for the mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene was generated in a PCR assay, which showed 94.86% identity to an R. capensis sequence in GenBank. We also provide information on several other previously unreported or under-reported incursions by South African ticks into the United States in association with imported Fynbos floricultural materials and speckled Cape tortoises, Chersobius signatus. Documentation of these additional exotic tick species incursions highlights ongoing challenges of the international movement of humans, animals, and other goods carrying ticks of human and veterinary importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby C Stafford
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, P. O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Scott C Williams
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Forestry and Horticulture, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - James W Mertins
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Diagnostics and Biologics, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010, USA
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First molecular detection of Hemolivia and Hepatozoon parasites in reptile-associated ticks on Iriomote Island, Japan. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4067-4072. [PMID: 34725733 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07345-y] [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: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatozoon and Hemolivia are members of the haemogregarines and are reported in reptiles and reptile-associated ticks. However, no studies have reported on Hepatozoon and Hemolivia in Japanese reptile-associated ticks. This study aimed to molecularly identify and to characterize Hepatozoon and Hemolivia in Japanese reptile-associated ticks, Amblyomma geoemydae (Cantor, 1847) and Amblyomma nitidum (Hirst & Hirst, 1910). A total of 41 and 75 DNA samples from A. geoemydae and A. nitidum ticks, respectively, were used for screening of Hepatozoon and Hemolivia with polymerase chain reaction targeting 18S rDNA. As a result, Hemolivia and Hepatozoon were detected in two A. geoemydae and one A. nitidum, respectively. The sequences of Hemolivia spp. showed a 99.5% (1,050/1,055 bp) identity with Hemolivia parvula (KR069083), and the Hemolivia spp. were located in the same clade as H. parvula in the phylogenetic tree. The sequences of Hepatozoon sp. showed a 98.4% (1,521/1,545 bp) identity with Hepatozoon colubri (MN723844), and the Hepatozoon sp. was distinct from validated Hepatozoon species in the tree. Our findings highlight the first molecular record of Hemolivia in Japan and present the first detection of Hepatozoon in A. nitidum. Further investigations on these tick-borne protozoa are required to understand their life cycle and pathogenicity.
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Ogata S, Pereira JAC, Jhonny LVA, Carolina HPG, Matsuno K, Orba Y, Sawa H, Kawamori F, Nonaka N, Nakao R. Molecular Survey of Babesia and Anaplasma Infection in Cattle in Bolivia. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8090188. [PMID: 34564582 PMCID: PMC8473379 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8090188] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Latin American countries produce more than a quarter of the world's beef and are a major global supplier of livestock protein. Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a major constraint to the livestock industry worldwide, including in Latin America. The aim of this study was to detect and characterise tick-borne pathogens in cattle from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where no detailed epidemiological data are available. Blood samples were collected from 104 cattle. Apicomplexan parasites were detected by nested PCR amplification of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA), and Anaplasmataceae was screened by the PCR amplification of 16S rDNA, followed by characterisation based on the heat shock protein and citrate synthase gene sequences. Babesia infection was observed in nine cattle (one Babesia bovis and eight Babesia bigemina), while Anaplasmataceae infection was detected in thirty-two cattle. A sequencing analysis confirmed the presence of Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma platys-like. These results provide the first molecular evidence for the four above-mentioned tick-borne pathogens in cattle in Bolivia. This information improves our understanding of the epidemiology of TBDs and will help in formulating appropriate and improved pathogen control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Ogata
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; (S.O.); (N.N.)
| | - Juan Antonio Cristian Pereira
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno, Av. 26 de Febrero Entre Av. Busch y Av. Centenario, Ciudad Universitaria, Modulo 228, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia; (J.A.C.P.); (L.V.A.J.); (H.P.G.C.); (F.K.)
| | - Loza Vega Ariel Jhonny
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno, Av. 26 de Febrero Entre Av. Busch y Av. Centenario, Ciudad Universitaria, Modulo 228, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia; (J.A.C.P.); (L.V.A.J.); (H.P.G.C.); (F.K.)
| | - Herbas Perez Gladys Carolina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno, Av. 26 de Febrero Entre Av. Busch y Av. Centenario, Ciudad Universitaria, Modulo 228, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia; (J.A.C.P.); (L.V.A.J.); (H.P.G.C.); (F.K.)
| | - Keita Matsuno
- Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.O.); (H.S.)
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yasuko Orba
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.O.); (H.S.)
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.O.); (H.S.)
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Kawamori
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno, Av. 26 de Febrero Entre Av. Busch y Av. Centenario, Ciudad Universitaria, Modulo 228, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia; (J.A.C.P.); (L.V.A.J.); (H.P.G.C.); (F.K.)
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; (S.O.); (N.N.)
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; (S.O.); (N.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-11-706-5196
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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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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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Bawm S, Myaing TT, Thu MJ, Akter S, Htun LL, Win MM, Nonaka N, Nakao R, Katakura K. PCR detection and genetic characterization of piroplasms from dogs in Myanmar, and a possible role of dogs as reservoirs for Theileria parasites infecting cattle, water buffaloes, and goats. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101729. [PMID: 33984595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Canine vector-borne pathogens can act as zoonotic agents in humans; however, it poorly understood whether dogs play a role as reservoirs of vector-borne parasites in livestock animals. Here, we report the unexpected detection of 18S rRNA gene (rDNA) sequences of five ruminant Theileria species from the peripheral blood of dogs in Myanmar, in addition to those of two canine Babesia species. Using novel BTH primers capable of amplifying the 18S rDNA of Babesia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon spp., approximately 1,500 bp nested PCR products were detected in 19% (17/91) of local or imported dog breeds in different regions of Myanmar. Among the sequences of the 17 PCR products, ten were determined as Theileria 18S rDNA, including three as Theileria orientalis, three as Theileria buffeli, two as Theileria cf. velifera, one as Theileria luwenshuni, and one as Theileria sp. Most of these sequences showed higher identities with Theileria sequences determined in previous studies of cattle, water buffaloes, and goats in Myanmar. Six PCR products were identified as Babesia vogeli and one sample was determined as Babesia gibsoni. Furthermore, we obtained approximately 900 bp thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP) gene fragments from three dog blood DNA samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the TRAP gene showed that B. gibsoni parasites in Myanmar were considerably related to isolates from China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, but clearly separated from those from Bangladesh and India. These results provide new insights into a possible role of dogs in maintaining and spreading tick-borne pathogens among livestock and canine populations in Myanmar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saw Bawm
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 15013, Myanmar; Department of International Relations and Information Technology, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 15013, Myanmar
| | | | - May June Thu
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Shirin Akter
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Lat Lat Htun
- Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 15013, Myanmar
| | - Mar Mar Win
- Rector office, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 15013, Myanmar
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ken Katakura
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan.
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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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Exploring Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Microbiomes Helps in Detecting Tick-Borne Infectious Agents in the Blood of Camels. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030351. [PMID: 33809738 PMCID: PMC8002256 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are widely distributed in Africa, the Middle East and northern India. In this study, we aimed to detect tick-borne pathogens through investigating prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms in camel blood based on a metagenomic approach and then to characterize potentially pathogenic organisms using traditional molecular techniques. We showed that the bacteria circulating in the blood of camels is dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, Sediminibacterium, Hydrotalea, Bradyrhizobium and Anaplasma were the most abundant taxa. Eukaryotic profile was dominated by Fungi, Charophyta and Apicomplexa. At the genus level, Theileria was detected in 10 out of 18 samples, while Sarcocystis, Hoplorhynchus and Stylocephalus were detected in one sample each. Our metagenomic approach was successful in the detection of several pathogens or potential pathogens including Anaplasma sp., Theileria ovis, Th. separata, Th. annulate, Th. mutans-like and uncharacterized Theileria sp. For further characterization, we provided the partial sequences of citrate synthase (gltA) and heat-shock protein (groEL) genes of Candidatus Anaplasma camelii. We also detected Trypanosoma evansi type A using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region. This combined metagenomic and traditional approach will contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of pathogens including tick-borne bacteria and protozoa in animals.
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Chatanga E, Kainga H, Maganga E, Hayashida K, Katakura K, Sugimoto C, Nonaka N, Nakao R. Molecular identification and genetic characterization of tick-borne pathogens in sheep and goats at two farms in the central and southern regions of Malawi. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101629. [PMID: 33373891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) caused by pathogens belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia and Theileria in small ruminants are widespread in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. The epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in small ruminants is less understood compared to those infecting cattle in general. This study was carried out to investigate and characterize TBPs in sheep and goats using molecular tools. A total of 107 blood samples from sheep (n = 8) and goats (n = 99) were collected from animals that were apparently healthy from two farms in the central and the southern regions of Malawi. The V4 hypervariable region of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and the V1 hypervariable region of the 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used for detection of tick-borne piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae, respectively. Almost the full-length 18S rDNA and the heat shock protein (groEL) gene sequences were used for genetic characterization of the piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae, respectively. The results showed that 76.6 % of the examined animals (n = 107) were positive for at least one TBP. The overall co-infection with at least two TBPs was observed in forty-eight animals (45 %). The detected TBPs were Anaplasma ovis (65 %), Ehrlichia ruminantium (4%), Ehrlichia canis (2%), Babesia strain closely related to Babesia gibsoni (1%), Theileria ovis (52 %), Theileria mutans (3%), Theileria separata (2%), Anaplasma sp. (1%) and Theileria sp. strain MSD-like (17 %). To the authors knowledge this is the first molecular study of TBPs in sheep and goats in Malawi. These results have therefore provided a significant milestone in the knowledge of occurrence of TBPs in sheep and goats in Malawi, which is prerequisite to proper diagnosis and control.
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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
| | - Emmanuel Maganga
- Mikolongwe College of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 5193, Limbe, Malawi
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- 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
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Centre for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-20, Nishi-10, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, 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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Qiu Y, Kidera N, Hayashi M, Fujishima K, Tamura H. Rickettsia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in Amblyomma ticks parasitizing wild amphibious sea kraits and yellow-margined box turtles in Okinawa, Japan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101636. [PMID: 33360921 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently, several tick-borne pathogens were detected in reptile-associated ticks. However, studies on the microorganisms in reptile-associated ticks in Japan are limited. This molecular survey thus aimed to identify and characterize tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsiaceae and Anaplasmataceae) in reptile-associated ticks in Japan. In total, 77 Amblyomma nitidum and 104 Amblyomma geoemydae were collected from wild amphibious sea kraits (Laticauda semifasciata, Laticauda colubrina, and Laticauda laticaudata) and from yellow-margined box turtles (Cuora flavomarginata evelynae), respectively. Conventional polymerase chain reaction was performed using the DNA extracted from the ticks to detect the selected pathogens. Sequencing analysis of four Rickettsia genes (gltA, ompA, ompB, and sca4) led to the identification of a putative novel Rickettsia sp. and Rickettsia aeschlimannii-like rickettsia in A. nitidum and A. geoemydae, respectively. Sequencing analysis of gltA and groEL of Anaplasmataceae revealed that the Ehrlichia spp. in these ticks were novel and related to Candidatus Ehrlichia occidentalis. This is the first study on the microorganisms in A. nitidium and the first record of Rickettsia and Ehrlichia in A. geoemydae. Further studies are required to understand their pathogenicity to humans and animals and their life cycle in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Qiu
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Noriko Kidera
- Department of Biosphere-Geosphere Science, Faculty of Biosphere-Geosphere Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Masaki Hayashi
- Department of Biosphere-Geosphere Science, Faculty of Biosphere-Geosphere Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Kanta Fujishima
- Department of Social Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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Squarre D, Nakamura Y, Hayashida K, Kawai N, Chambaro H, Namangala B, Sugimoto C, Yamagishi J. Investigation of the piroplasm diversity circulating in wildlife and cattle of the greater Kafue ecosystem, Zambia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:599. [PMID: 33256809 PMCID: PMC7708252 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04475-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Piroplasms are vector-borne intracellular hemoprotozoan parasites that infect wildlife and livestock. Wildlife species are reservoir hosts to a diversity of piroplasms and play an important role in the circulation, maintenance and evolution of these parasites. The potential for likely spillover of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic piroplasm parasites from wildlife to livestock is underlined when a common ecological niche is shared in the presence of a competent vector. Method To investigate piroplasm diversity in wildlife and the cattle population of the greater Kafue ecosystem, we utilized PCR to amplify the 18S rRNA V4 hyper-variable region and meta-barcoding strategy using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform and amplicon sequence variant (ASV)-based bioinformatics pipeline to generate high-resolution data that discriminate sequences down to a single nucleotide difference. Results A parasite community of 45 ASVs corresponding to 23 species consisting of 4 genera of Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon and Colpodella, were identified in wildlife and the cattle population from the study area. Theileria species were detected in buffalo, impala, hartebeest, sable antelope, sitatunga, wild dog and cattle. In contrast, Babesia species were only observed in cattle and wild dog. Our results demonstrate possible spillover of these hemoprotozoan parasites from wildlife, especially buffalo, to the cattle population in the wildlife-livestock interface. Conclusion We demonstrated that the deep amplicon sequencing of the 18S rRNA V4 hyper-variable region for wildlife was informative. Our results illustrated the diversity of piroplasma and the specificity of their hosts. They led us to speculate a possible ecological cycle including transmission from wildlife to domestic animals in the greater Kafue ecosystem. Thus, this approach may contribute to the establishment of appropriate disease control strategies in wildlife-livestock interface areas.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- David Squarre
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Wildlife Veterinary Unit, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Chilanga, Zambia.,The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yukiko Nakamura
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naoko Kawai
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Herman Chambaro
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Central Veterinary Research Institute, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Chilanga, Zambia
| | - Boniface Namangala
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan. .,International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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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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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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Ben Said M, Belkahia H, Selmi R, Messadi L. Computational selection of minimum length groESL operon required for Anaplasma species attribution and strain diversity analysis. Mol Cell Probes 2019; 48:101467. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2019.101467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Medkour H, Laidoudi Y, Lafri I, Davoust B, Mekroud A, Bitam I, Mediannikov O. Canine vector-borne protozoa: Molecular and serological investigation for Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp. in dogs from Northern Algeria. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2019; 19:100353. [PMID: 32057382 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are competent reservoirs/hosts of several protozoan pathogens transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods. Throughout their long history of domestication, they have served as a link for the exchange of parasites among livestock, wildlife, and humans and therefore remain an important source of emerging and re-emerging diseases. In Algeria, while canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is well known to be endemic, no data are available on other vector-borne protozoans. Here, we investigate the occurrence and diversity of trypanosomes, piroplasms and Hepatozoon spp. and update the epidemiological status of CanL in dogs from Kabylia, northern Algeria. A total of 227 dogs from three regions of Kabylia were enrolled, including 77 dogs with clinical signs. Dogs were clinically examined and were tested for L. infantum antibodies using a Rapid Immuno-Migration (RIM™) and a quantitative indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). PCR screening and sequencing were performed for vector-borne protozoa. Sixty two percent (141/227) of dogs presented at least one infection, whereas 26% (59/227) were co-infected. L. infantum antibodies were detected in 35.7% (81/227) of dogs including 88.7% (68/77) of sick dogs. Molecular investigation revealed prevalence of: 6.6% (15/227), 13.2% (30/227), 41% (93/227) for Trypanosoma spp., B. vogeli and H. canis, respectively. T. evansi (3.1%) and potential new subspecies of T. congolense had been identified. Dog''s clinical status correlates positively with L. infantum antibody titers and the presence of co-infections. Susceptibility to CanL varied according to the dog's aptitude and guard dogs were more infected (51%) (P-value = .001). B. vogeli infection was more frequent in juveniles than adults (32% vs 9%, P-value < .001) and in females than males (21% vs 10%, P-value = .02). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on vector-borne protozoa infected dogs in Algeria. Current results are important not only for animal health, but also to avoid serious public health and livestock problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hacène Medkour
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), France; UMR Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France; PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University Constantine 1, 25100, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Younes Laidoudi
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), France; UMR Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - Ismail Lafri
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Vectors-Tropical and Mediterranean Infections (VITROME), UMR Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, SSA, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France; Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Algeria
| | - Bernard Davoust
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), France
| | - Abdeslam Mekroud
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University Constantine 1, 25100, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Idir Bitam
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Vectors-Tropical and Mediterranean Infections (VITROME), UMR Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, SSA, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France; Superior School of Food Sciences and Food Industries of Algiers, Algeria
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), France.
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