1
|
Alabí Córdova AS, Fecchio A, Calchi AC, Dias CM, Mongruel ACB, das Neves LF, Lee DAB, Machado RZ, André MR. Novel Tick-Borne Anaplasmataceae Genotypes in Tropical Birds from the Brazilian Pantanal Wetland. Microorganisms 2024; 12:962. [PMID: 38792791 PMCID: PMC11124045 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050962] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous reports of Anaplasmataceae agents in mammals worldwide, few studies have investigated their occurrence in birds. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of Anaplasmataceae agents in birds from the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 93 different species. After DNA extraction, samples positive for the avian β-actin gene were subjected to both a multiplex quantitative real-time (q)PCR for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia targeting the groEL gene and to a conventional PCR for Anaplasmataceae agents targeting the 16S rRNA gene. As a result, 37 (7.4%) birds were positive for Anaplasma spp. and 4 (0.8%) for Ehrlichia spp. in the qPCR assay; additionally, 13 (2.6%) were positive for Anaplasmataceae agents in the PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The Ehrlichia 16S rRNA sequences detected in Arundinicola leucocephala, Ramphocelus carbo, and Elaenia albiceps were positioned closely to Ehrlichia sp. Magellanica. Ehrlichia dsb sequences detected in Agelasticus cyanopus and Basileuterus flaveolus grouped with Ehrlichia minasensis. The 16S rRNA genotypes detected in Crax fasciolata, Pitangus sulphuratus and Furnarius leucopus grouped with Candidatus Allocryptoplasma. The 23S-5S genotypes detected in C. fasciolata, Basileuterus flaveolus, and Saltator coerulescens were related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In conclusion, novel genotypes of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Candidatus Allocryptoplasma were detected in birds from the Pantanal wetland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Salvador Alabí Córdova
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Alan Fecchio
- Department of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA;
| | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Clara Morato Dias
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Lorena Freitas das Neves
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Daniel Antonio Braga Lee
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil; (A.S.A.C.); (A.C.C.); (C.M.D.); (A.C.B.M.); (L.F.d.N.); (D.A.B.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hahn MB, Hojgaard A, Disler G, George W, Droghini A, Schlaht R, Durden LA, Coburn S, Gerlach R, Eisen RJ. Ticks and tick-borne microbes identified through passive and active surveillance in Alaska. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:1099-1107. [PMID: 37348952 PMCID: PMC10496432 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Rapid environmental change in Alaska and other regions of the Arctic and sub-Arctic has raised concerns about increasing human exposure to ticks and the pathogens they carry. We tested a sample of ticks collected through a combination of passive and active surveillance from humans, domestic animals, and wildlife hosts in Alaska for a panel of the most common tick-borne pathogens in the contiguous United States to characterize the diversity of microbes present in this region. We tested 189 pooled tick samples collected in 2019-2020 for Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Babesia spp. using a multiplex PCR amplicon sequencing assay. We found established populations of Ixodes angustus Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae), Ixodes uriae White (Acari: Ixodidae), and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris Packard (Acari: Ixodidae) in Alaska, with I. angustus found on a variety of hosts including domestic companion animals (dogs and cats), small wild mammals, and humans. Ixodes angustus were active from April through October with peaks in adult and nymphal activity observed in summer months (mainly July). Although no known human pathogens were detected, Babesia microti-like parasites and candidatus Ehrlichia khabarensis were identified in ticks and small mammals. The only human pathogen detected (B. burgdorferi s.s.) was found in a tick associated with a dog that had recently traveled to New York, where Lyme disease is endemic. This study highlights the value of a combined passive and active tick surveillance system to detect introduced tick species and pathogens and to assess which tick species and microbes are locally established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micah B Hahn
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Andrias Hojgaard
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Gale Disler
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - William George
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Amanda Droghini
- Alaska Center for Conservation Science, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Renate Schlaht
- UAF/CSU 2 + 2 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, Colorado State University, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-160, USA
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Road, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA
| | - Sarah Coburn
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of the State Veterinarian, 5251 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA
| | - Robert Gerlach
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of the State Veterinarian, 5251 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Remesar S, Castro-Scholten S, Morrondo P, Díaz P, Jiménez-Martín D, Rouco C, Camacho-Sillero L, Cano-Terriza D, García-Bocanegra I. Molecular detection of Ehrlichia spp. in ticks parasitizing wild lagomorphs from Spain: characterization of a novel Ehrlichia species. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:467. [DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05600-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Several species belonging to the genus Ehrlichia are considered pathogenic for animals and humans. Although wildlife are known to play an important role in the epidemiology of these bacteria, information on the role of wild lagomorphs in their sylvatic cycle is limited. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the occurrence of Ehrlichia spp. in ticks collected from wild lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems.
Methods
A total of 1122 pooled ticks (254 pools) collected from 506 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and 29 Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) were analysed using a nested PCR assay targeting the partial groEL gene. Ehrlichia spp.-positive samples were further subjected to a second PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA.
Results
Three (1.2%) tick pools comprising Rhipicephalus pusillus collected from nine wild rabbits were positive for Ehrlichia spp. All the Ehrlichia DNA sequences were identical, and use of sequence and phylogenetic analyses allowed us to identify a novel Ehrlichia species.
Conclusions
We provide evidence that a novel Ehrlichia species, named herein as ‘Candidatus Ehrlichia andalusi’, which may be of concern for animal and public health, is circulating in R. pusillus in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Further studies are warranted to assess the epidemiology, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of this Ehrlichia species.
Graphical Abstract
Collapse
|
4
|
Tarragona EL, Flores FS, Lamattina D, Torrents J, Sebastian PS, Nava S. Two novel Ehrlichia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) strains detected in ticks (Ixodida, Ixodidae) and opossums (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) in Argentina. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102043. [PMID: 36150285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine if there is circulation of microorganisms of the genus Ehrlichia in opossums Didelphis albiventris and their ticks from the Humid Chaco in Argentina. Blood samples of 15 specimens of the opossum D. albiventris were analysed. Immature stages of the ticks Amblyomma ovale (Larvae=26; Nymphs=10), Amblyomma sculptum (Larvae=86; Nymphs=6) and Ornithodoros sp. cf. O. mimon (Larvae=90) were also analyzed. DNA was extracted individually from blood samples and ticks. Molecular detection of Ehrlichia agents was performed targeting two different loci: 16S rRNA and dsb gen. The phylogenetic analyses showed that the Ehrlichia sp. detected in D. albiventris in this study is identical to Ehrlichia sp. strain Natal previously detected in two marsupials from Brazil. Furthermore, a new Ehrlichia strain was amplified from an A. ovale nymph (named as Ehrlichia sp. strain El Bagual) which is phylogenetically closely related to a strain of Ehrlichia sp. detected in Bradypus tridactylus in Brazil. The findings of the current study represent the first report of these two strains of Ehrlichia for Argentina, showing that the diversity of Ehrlichia spp. is greater than previously assumed. Further studies should determine the epidemiological relevance of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelina L Tarragona
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA - CONICET) Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, E.E.A. Rafaela, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Fernando S Flores
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Daniela Lamattina
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT) - ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Almafuerte y Ámbar S/N, CP 3370, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina/CONICET
| | - Jorgelina Torrents
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Kreder 2805, CP 3080 Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patrick S Sebastian
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA - CONICET) Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, E.E.A. Rafaela, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Santiago Nava
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA - CONICET) Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, E.E.A. Rafaela, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ixodid diversity and detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected on birds in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Acta Trop 2022; 236:106673. [PMID: 36041496 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106673] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Brazilian Atlantic Forest helds one of the most diverse and unique avifauna in the world. Many vertebrate species are reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens, and birds are an important group among them due to their mobility which facilitates the dispersion of ticks and the infectious agents they carry. This study brings data on the tick diversity parasitizing birds and the molecular detection of Rickettsia spp. in these arthropods. Birds (n = 773) were captured, identified, and banded at Mata do Paraíso Research, Training, and Environmental Education Center located in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Birds were checked for the presence of ticks, which were individually collected, identified, and molecularly processed through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the detection of Rickettsia spp. A total of 130 individuals were infested by ticks, and 479 tick specimens were collected, showing a seasonal distribution of the life stages throughout the year. Ticks were identified as Amblyomma longirostre (59/479); Amblyomma calcaratum (20/479); Amblyomma varium (3/479); Amblyomma sculptum (2/479) and Amblyomma spp. larvae (395/479). Seasonal distribution of the life stages of ticks was observed along the year and significant negative correlations were found between temperature and collected ticks and temperature and infested birds. From the evaluated samples of ticks, 25.44% (n= 43/169) scored positive for Rickettsia spp., and sequence analysis indicated high nucleotide identity with Rickettsia rhipicephali, R. massiliae, R. africae and R. honei marmionii. The potential for dispersal of ticks by birds added to the aggressiveness of species of the genus Amblyomma and the zoonotic potential of some species of Rickettsia are quite worrying when we consider that the study area is widely attended by students, researchers, people from the city and neighboring municipalities.
Collapse
|
6
|
Cicuttin GL, De Salvo MN, Venzal JM, Nava S. Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia sp. and Candidatus Midichloria sp. associated to ticks from a protected urban area in Buenos Aires City (Argentina). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 86:271-282. [PMID: 35024989 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00684-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the infection with Rickettsiales in ticks and birds from the main protected urban area of Buenos Aires City (Argentina). One Amblyomma aureolatum (0.2%) and one Ixodes auritulus (0.1%) were positive by PCR targeting Rickettsia 23S-5S rRNA intergenic spacer. Phylogenetic analysis shows to findings in A. aureolatum are closely to Rickettsia bellii and for I. auritulus are related to 'Candidatus Rickettsia mendelii'. One I. auritulus (0.1%) and three A. aureolatum (0.6%) were positive by PCR for a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of the Anaplasmataceae family. The sequences obtained from A. aureolatum were phylogenetically related to Midichloriaceae endosymbionts. The sequence from I. auritulus s.l. had 100% identity with Ehrlichia sp. Magellanica from Chile and two genotypes of Ehrlichia sp. from Uruguay. The results of our study show that Rickettsia and Ehrlichia are present in ticks in the main protected urban area of Buenos Aires City.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Cicuttin
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Av. Díaz Vélez 4821, CP 1405, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María N De Salvo
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Av. Díaz Vélez 4821, CP 1405, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José M Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Nava
- IDICAL (INTA-CONICET), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), E.E.A. INTA Rafaela, Ruta 34, Km 227, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Comparative genomic analysis of the first Ehrlichia canis detections in Australia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101909. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
8
|
Félix ML, Muñoz-Leal S, Carvalho LA, Queirolo D, Remesar S, Armúa-Fernández MT, Venzal JM. Characterization of " Candidatus Ehrlichia Pampeana" in Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Ticks and Gray Brocket Deer ( Mazama gouazoubira) from Uruguay. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2165. [PMID: 34683486 PMCID: PMC8538733 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102165] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ehrlichiosis are scantily documented in Uruguay. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in Haemaphysalis juxtakochi and in a gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) from Uruguay. The presence of Ehrlichia DNA was investigated in free-living H. juxtakochi in five localities of southeast and northeast Uruguay, as well as blood, spleen, and ticks retrieved from a M. gouazoubira. Ehrlichia spp. DNA was detected in six out of 99 tick pools from vegetation, in the spleen of M. gouazoubira, and in one out of five pools of ticks feeding on this cervid. Bayesian inference analyses for three loci (16S rRNA, dsb, and groEL) revealed the presence of a new rickettsial organism, named herein as "Candidatus Ehrlichia pampeana". This new detected Ehrlichia is phylogenetically related to those found in ticks from Asia, as well as Ehrlichia ewingii from USA and Cameroon. Although the potential pathogenicity of "Ca. E. pampeana" for humans is currently unknown, some eco-epidemiological factors may be relevant to its possible pathogenic role, namely: (i) the phylogenetic closeness with the zoonotic agent E. ewingii, (ii) the evidence of H. juxtakochi parasitizing humans, and (iii) the importance of cervids as reservoirs for zoonotic Ehrlichia spp. The molecular detection of "Ca. E. pampeana" represents the third Ehrlichia genotype described in Uruguay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Félix
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte—Salto, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay; (M.T.A.-F.); (J.M.V.)
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Casilla 537, Chillán 3780000, Chile;
| | - Luis Andrés Carvalho
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Diego Queirolo
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Vertebrados, CENUR Noreste, Universidad de la República, Ituzaingó 667, Rivera 40000, Uruguay;
| | - Susana Remesar
- INVESAGA Group, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - María Teresa Armúa-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte—Salto, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay; (M.T.A.-F.); (J.M.V.)
| | - José Manuel Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte—Salto, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay; (M.T.A.-F.); (J.M.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sacchi ABV, André MR, Calchi AC, de Santi M, Guimarães A, Pires JR, Baldani CD, Werther K, Machado RZ. Molecular and serological detection of arthropod-borne pathogens in carnivorous birds from Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 23:100539. [PMID: 33678392 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsiales, Haemosporida and Rhizobiales agents can cause diseases that affect various animal species, including humans. Due to predation behaviour, carnivorous birds may play an important role in spreading these etiological agentes across geographically distant areas, specially if they are migratory. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and to access the phylogenetic relations among Anaplasmataceae (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Neorickettsia), Bartonellaceae (Bartonella spp.), and Haemosporida (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) agents in blood samples from 121 carnivorous birds sampled in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Inclusions resembling hemoparasites were not observed in Giemsa-stained preparations. While three animals were seropositive for E. chaffeensis (3.41% [3/88]; 95% CI:1.17-9.55%), five showed antibodies to A. phagocytophilum (5.68% [5/88]; 95% CI: 2.45-12.62%). Despite the detection of rrs gene fragments closely related to E. chaffeensis (4.13% [5/121]; 95% CI: 1.78-9.31%), no positivity was observed in the qPCR based on the genes vlpt for the organism. Similarly, 12 (9.91% [12/121]; 95% CI: 5.76-16.74%) samples were positive in the qPCR for Anaplasma spp. based on groEL gene, but negative in the qPCR for A. phagocytophilum based on msp-2 gene. Three samples were positive in the nPCR for E. canis based on rrs gene. Three samples were positive for Haemoproteus spp. and one for Plasmodium spp. in the nPCR based on cytB gene. Four birds (3.3% [4/121]; 95% CI: 1.29-8.19%) presented co-positivity by Ehrlichia sp. and Anaplasma sp. in molecular assays. One (0.82% [1/121]; 95% CI:0.15-4.53%) bird showed to be seropositive for E. chaffeensis and and positive in PCR for Haemoproteus sp. All birds were negative in the qPCR assay for Bartonella spp. (nuoG). The present work showed the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae agents and hemosporidians in carnivorous birds from southeastern Brazil. The role of these animals in the dispersion of Anaplasmataceae agents should be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Beatriz Vieira Sacchi
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reproducao e Saude Unica, Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias/Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reproducao e Saude Unica, Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias/Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reproducao e Saude Unica, Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias/Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariele de Santi
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reproducao e Saude Unica, Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias/Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andresa Guimarães
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica - Diagnóstico Animal, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Rocha Pires
- Centro de Recuperação de Animais Silvestres (CRAS), Universidade Estácio de Sá - UNESA, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Divan Baldani
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica - Diagnóstico Animal, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karin Werther
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reproducao e Saude Unica, Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias/Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reproducao e Saude Unica, Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias/Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Diversity unearthed by the estimated molecular phylogeny and ecologically quantitative characteristics of uncultured Ehrlichia bacteria in Haemaphysalis ticks, Japan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:687. [PMID: 33436999 PMCID: PMC7804854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80690-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia species are obligatory intracellular bacteria transmitted by arthropods, and some of these species cause febrile diseases in humans and livestock. Genome sequencing has only been performed with cultured Ehrlichia species, and the taxonomic status of such ehrlichiae has been estimated by core genome-based phylogenetic analysis. However, many uncultured ehrlichiae exist in nature throughout the world, including Japan. This study aimed to conduct a molecular-based taxonomic and ecological characterization of uncultured Ehrlichia species or genotypes from ticks in Japan. We first surveyed 616 Haemaphysalis ticks by p28-PCR screening and analyzed five additional housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, groEL, gltA, ftsZ, and rpoB) from 11 p28-PCR-positive ticks. Phylogenetic analyses of the respective genes showed similar trees but with some differences. Furthermore, we found that V1 in the V1-V9 regions of Ehrlichia 16S rRNA exhibited the greatest variability. From an ecological viewpoint, the amounts of ehrlichiae in a single tick were found to equal approx. 6.3E+3 to 2.0E+6. Subsequently, core-partial-RGGFR-based phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the five housekeeping loci revealed six Ehrlichia genotypes, which included potentially new Ehrlichia species. Thus, our approach contributes to the taxonomic profiling and ecological quantitative analysis of uncultured or unidentified Ehrlichia species or genotypes worldwide.
Collapse
|
11
|
Félix ML, Muñoz-Leal S, Carvalho LA, Queirolo D, Remesar Alonso S, Nava S, Armúa-Fernández MT, Venzal JM. Molecular characterization of novel Ehrlichia genotypes in Ixodes auritulus from Uruguay. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100022. [PMID: 35284857 PMCID: PMC8906135 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia are small intracellular Gram-negative bacteria transmitted by ticks. These microorganisms cause ehrlichiosis, a complex of life-threatening emerging zoonoses and diseases of global veterinary relevance. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Ehrlichia in free-living Ixodes auritulus collected in Uruguay. Ticks were collected from vegetation in five localities from the southeast and northeast of the country between 2014 and 2017. Detection of Ehrlichia DNA was performed in pools of adults or nymphs grouped according to the collection site and date. A total of 1,548 I. auritulus ticks were collected in four of the five locations sampled. Fragments of three loci (16S rRNA, dsb and groEL) were obtained by PCR, and phylogenies inferred using Bayesian inference analysis for each gene independently. DNA of Ehrlichia spp. was found in 15 out of 42 tick pools. Based on the topology of the phylogenetic trees, our sequences represent two novel genotypes for the genus named as Ehrlichia sp. Serrana and Ehrlichia sp. Laguna Negra. Both genotypes were closely related to Ehrlichia sp. Magellanica, a species detected in Ixodes uriae and Magellanic penguins. Considering that all stages of I. auritulus and I. uriae are parasites of birds, their phylogenetic relationships, and common eco–epidemiological profiles, it is reasonable to state that these genotypes of Ehrlichia spp. may represent a natural group likely associated with birds. Our results constitute the first characterization of Ehrlichia spp. in Uruguay. Future studies on birds reported as hosts for I. auritulus are needed to further understand the epidemiological cycles of both Ehrlichia genotypes in the country. Finally, I. auritulus does not feed on humans, so the two Ehrlichia species reported herein might have no implications in human health. First molecular characterization of Ehrlichia in Uruguay. Two novel genotypes of Ehrlichia were detected in Ixodes auritulus. Evidence of a natural lineage of Ehrlichia associated with birds is reinforced.
Collapse
|
12
|
Cicuttin GL, De Salvo MN, Pérez PD, Silva D, Félix ML, Venzal JM, Nava S. A novel Ehrlichia strain (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) detected in Amblyomma triste (Acari: Ixodidae), a tick species of public health importance in the Southern Cone of America. Pathog Glob Health 2020; 114:318-322. [PMID: 32684117 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1795579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to report the detection of a putative novel Ehrlichia strain associated with the tick Amblyomma triste. Free-living adult ticks determined as A. triste were collected by drag-sampling in Argentina and Uruguay. Molecular detection of Ehrlichia agents was performed targeting three different loci: 16S rRNA gene, dsb gene and a fragment of groESL heat shock operon. In total, 164 adults of A. triste (38 from INTA E.E.A Delta del Paraná in Argentina and 126 from Toledo Chico in Uruguay) were analyzed. One tick (0.6%) collected in INTA E.E.A. Delta del Paraná (Argentina) was positive. The phylogenetic analyses show that the Ehrlichia strain found in this study (named Ehrlichia sp. strain Delta) represents an independent lineage within the genus Ehrlichia, close to E. chaffeensis and E. muris. This is also the first report of an Ehrlichia agent infecting the tick A. triste. The medical and veterinary significance of Ehrlichia sp. strain Delta remains to be demonstrated. However, it is important to mention that adults of A. triste are aggressive to humans and domestic mammals. Therefore, the potential role of A. triste in the transmission of Ehrlichia agents to humans or domestic animals across its distributional range should be highlighted, even more considering that Ehrlichia sp. strain Delta is phylogenetically related to the zoonotic E. chaffeensis, which is recognized as pathogenic to both humans and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Cicuttin
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur , Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María N De Salvo
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur , Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Díaz Pérez
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur , Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío Silva
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur , Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María L Félix
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Facultad de Veterinaria, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República , Salto, Uruguay
| | - José M Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Facultad de Veterinaria, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República , Salto, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Nava
- Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria , Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hornok S, Boldogh SA, Takács N, Juhász A, Kontschán J, Földi D, Koleszár B, Morandini P, Gyuranecz M, Szekeres S. Anaplasmataceae closely related to Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Neorickettsia helminthoeca from birds in Central Europe, Hungary. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2020; 113:1067-1073. [PMID: 32318980 PMCID: PMC7272389 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-020-01415-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Increasing amount of data attest that (in the context of vector-borne infections) birds are not only important as hosts of blood-sucking arthropod vectors, but also as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens. From 2015 to 2019 cadavers of 100 birds (from 45 species, nine orders) were collected in Hungary, and their organs were screened for DNA from a broad range of vector-borne bacteria with PCR and sequencing. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of Anaplasmataceae, and sequencing identified bacteria closely related to Neorickettsia helminthoeca and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in a Eurasian teal (Anas crecca) and a song thrush (Turdus philomelos), respectively. All samples were PCR negative for rickettsiae, borreliae, Francisella and Coxiella spp., as well as for piroplasms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a Neorickettsia and an Ehrlichia sp., which belong to the phylogenetic groups of N. helminthoeca and E. chaffeensis, respectively, from Europe. The potential presence of these two vector-borne bacteria needs to be taken into account during future studies on the eco-epidemiology of Anaplasmataceae in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary.
| | - Sándor A Boldogh
- Department of Nature Conservation, Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Jósvafő, 3758, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Juhász
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, 1022, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Földi
- Zoonotic Bacteriology and Mycoplasmatology Research Team, Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, 1143, Hungary
| | - Balázs Koleszár
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Pál Morandini
- Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society, Budapest, 1125, Hungary
| | - Miklós Gyuranecz
- Zoonotic Bacteriology and Mycoplasmatology Research Team, Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, 1143, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Acosta-Jamett G, Weitzel T, López J, Alvarado D, Abarca K. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Antibodies to Anaplasma spp. in Chile: A Household-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Healthy Adults and Domestic Dogs. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:572-579. [PMID: 32233979 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2587] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pet-related tick-borne infections constitute an emerging problem in human and veterinary medicine worldwide. In Chile, two pathogens of the Anaplasmataceae family, Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis, have been identified in recent years in dogs and vectors. This epidemiological survey aimed to determine the human and canine seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. in urban and rural areas of different regions in Chile and to analyze the factors associated with seropositivity. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional household-based study in four regions, where healthy adults and their household dogs were included. Households were chosen by double stratified random sampling in urban areas and by convenience sampling in rural areas. Anaplasma seroreactivity was determined by a commercial microimmunofluorescence assay using Anaplasma phagocytophilum antigens. A questionnaire survey was applied to assess risk factors for Anaplasma seropositivity. Results: A total of 1105 persons and 905 dogs were included. The overall seroprevalence in humans was 9.4%, ranging from 5.6% in central Chile to 13.7% in the extreme north; in dogs the overall prevalence was 44.0% and ranged from 37.2% in the northern region to 61.1% in central Chile. Risk factors for human seropositivity were lower education and external deworming of dogs, whereas canine seropositivity was associated to urban site, mixed-breed, older animals, and tick infestation. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study suggests a broad exposure of both dogs and dog owners to Anaplasma or related agents in Chile. Further epidemiological and clinical studies are necessary to understand the complete spectrum and epidemiology of tick-borne zoonotic infections in the different ecoclimatic regions of Chile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria y Programa de Investigación Aplicada en Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Chilean Rickettsia and Zoonosis Research Group, Santiago, Chile
| | - Thomas Weitzel
- Chilean Rickettsia and Zoonosis Research Group, Santiago, Chile.,Laboratorio Clínico, Clínica Alemana, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.,Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina (ICIM), Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier López
- Hospital Veterinario Puente Alto, Santiago, Chile
| | - Doris Alvarado
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria y Programa de Investigación Aplicada en Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Katia Abarca
- Chilean Rickettsia and Zoonosis Research Group, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátricas, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|