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Bullard RL, Olsen EL, Cheslock MA, Embers ME. Evaluation of the available animal models for Bartonella infections. One Health 2024; 18:100665. [PMID: 38223332 PMCID: PMC10784307 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The diseases caused by the Bartonella genus of bacteria are clinically diverse, and can be challenging to cure. The study of bartonellosis has been hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model. Preclinical studies for novel therapeutics and a competent host for vector transmission studies are needed to fill critical knowledge gaps. The studies included here are a representation of in vivo Bartonella research and the corresponding challenges. This review examines the current state of available animal models by assessing the success of various model species and strains in Bartonella infection. With a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of current animal models, the importance of these models for improvement of human health and veterinary care is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah L. Bullard
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Emily L. Olsen
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Mercedes A. Cheslock
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Monica E. Embers
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA, USA
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2
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Thiel N, Baker M, Lipton B, Fuller L, Breitschwerdt EB, Rabinowitz P. Risk Factors for Bartonella Seroreactivity Among Veterinary Workers in the Pacific Northwest. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:356-363. [PMID: 37326985 PMCID: PMC10398744 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Exposure to zoonotic diseases is a significant occupational risk in veterinary medicine. In this study, we characterized personal protective equipment use, injury frequency, and Bartonella seroreactivity in Washington State veterinary workers. Methods: Using a risk matrix developed to reflect occupational risk factors for exposure to Bartonella and multiple logistic regression, we explored determinants of risk for Bartonella seroreactivity. Results: Depending on the titer cutoff used, Bartonella seroreactivity was between 24.0% and 55.2%. No significant predictors of seroreactivity were found, although the relationship between high-risk status and increased seroreactivity for some Bartonella species approached significance. Serology for other zoonotic and vector borne pathogens did not identify consistent cross reactivity with Bartonella antibodies. Conclusion: The predictive power of the model was likely limited by the small sample size and high level of exposure to risk factors for most participants. Given the high proportion of veterinarians seroreactive to one or more of the three Bartonella spp. known to infect dogs and cats in the United States, as well as seroreactivity to other zoonoses, and the unclear relationship between occupational risk factors, seroreactivity, and disease expression, more research is needed in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Thiel
- Center for One Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Marissa Baker
- Center for One Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Beth Lipton
- Public Health—Seattle & King County, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lee Fuller
- Fuller Laboratories, Fullerton, California, USA
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Comparative Medicine Institute & College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter Rabinowitz
- Center for One Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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3
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Taber R, Pankowski A, Ludwig AL, Jensen M, Magsamen V, Lashnits E. Bartonellosis in Dogs and Cats, an Update. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1163-1192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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4
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Neupane P, Maggi RG, Basnet M, Lashnits E, Andrews GP, Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonella henselae Recombinant Pap31 for the Diagnosis of Canine and Human Bartonelloses. Pathogens 2022; 11:182. [PMID: 35215127 PMCID: PMC8877253 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. comprise a genus of Gram-negative alphaproteobacteria that are slow growing, fastidious, and facultative intracellular pathogens with zoonotic potential. Immunofluorescent antibody assays (IFAs), Western blot (WB), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), the frequently used modalities for the serological diagnosis of canine and human Bartonelloses, generate numerous false negative results. Therefore, the development of a reliable serodiagnostic assay for Bartonelloses is of clinical and epidemiological importance. Pap31, a heme binding surface protein of B. henselae, is associated with bacterial adhesion and related to bacterial colonization. To our knowledge, B. henselae Pap31 and its fragments (N-terminal (NTD), middle (MD), and C-terminal (CTD) domains) have not been investigated for the serodiagnosis of canine and human Bartonelloses. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic utility of B. henselae recombinant whole Pap31 (rPap31) and Pap31 fragments by ELISA using sera from 70 dogs (36 Bartonella spp. IFA-positive (naturally infected), and 34 Bartonella spp. IFA- and PCR-negative (control dogs)) and 36 humans (18 Bartonella spp. IFA-positive (naturally infected) and 18 controls)). In the dogs, the area under the curve (AUC) score of recombinant whole Pap31 was 0.714 with a sensitivity of 42% and specificity of 94% at an OD cutoff value of 0.8955. Among the evaluated recombinant Pap31 proteins for the diagnosis of canine Bartonelloses, rPap31-NTD yielded the highest AUC score of 0.792 (95% CI 0.688-0.895) with a sensitivity of 44% and specificity of 100% at a cutoff value of 1.198. In concordance with this finding, rPap31-NTD also had the highest AUC score of 0.747 (95% CI 0.581-0.913) among the Pap31 recombinant proteins for the diagnosis of human Bartonelloses, with 39% sensitivity and 94% specificity at a cutoff value of 1.366. Recombinant whole Pap31 (rPap31) resulted in 72% sensitivity and 61% specificity at a cutoff value of 0.215 for human Bartonelloses. Due to either low sensitivity or questionable specificity, our findings indicate that recombinant Pap31 and the selected fragments may not be appropriate diagnostic targets in detecting anti-Bartonella antibodies in Bartonella-infected dogs and humans. The findings from this study can be used to further assess the antigenicity and immunogenicity of B. henselae Pap31 as a diagnostic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Neupane
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; (P.N.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; (P.N.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Manoj Basnet
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38111, USA;
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53713, USA;
| | - Gerard P. Andrews
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82070, USA;
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, USA; (P.N.); (R.G.M.)
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5
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Easley F, Taylor L, B. Breitschwerdt E. Suspected Bartonella osteomyelitis in a dog. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e04512. [PMID: 34306698 PMCID: PMC8294148 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella associated osteomyelitis, while described in humans and a cat, has to our knowledge not been described in dogs. Infection with Bartonella spp. should be considered as a potential bacterial cause of osteomyelitis in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie Easley
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | | | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
- Intracellular Pathogens Research LaboratoryComparative Medicine InstituteCollege of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
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6
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Lashnits E, Neupane P, Bradley JM, Richardson T, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Comparison of Serological and Molecular Assays for Bartonella Species in Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070794. [PMID: 34201572 PMCID: PMC8308881 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, a gold standard diagnostic test for Bartonella infection in dogs is lacking. This represents a critical limitation for the development and evaluation of new diagnostic tests, as well as for the diagnosis of, and research on, bartonellosis in dogs. This retrospective observational study aims to compare the results of commonly performed and newly-reported Bartonella spp. diagnostic tests in banked clinical specimens from 90 dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) using composite reference standard (CRS) and random effects latent class analysis (RE-LCA) techniques. Samples from each dog were tested using six serological or molecular diagnostic assays, including indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and Western blot (WB) for the detection of antibodies in serum, and qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in blood and fresh frozen tissue biopsy samples (mainly splenic HSA tumors and histopathologically normal spleen or skin/adipose tissue). Bartonella infection prevalence was estimated to be 78% based on the CRS (parallel testing with all six assays), and 64% based on the RE-LCA model. The assay with the highest diagnostic accuracy was qPCR performed on fresh frozen tissue biopsy samples (sensitivity: 94% by RE-LCA and 80% by CRS; specificity: 100%). When comparing newly-reported to traditional Bartonella diagnostic assays, ddPCR was more sensitive for the detection of Bartonella DNA than qPCR when testing blood samples (36% vs. 0%, p < 0.0001). Dogs that were positive on serological assays alone with negative molecular assays were highly unlikely (<3%) to be classified as infected by the RE-LCA model. These data indicate that Bartonella spp. DNA can be PCR amplified from fresh frozen tissues from a majority of dogs with HSA using both qPCR and ddPCR, supporting the use of these methods for future controlled studies comparing the prevalence of Bartonella spp. DNA in the tissue of dogs with HSA to that of unaffected controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53713, USA;
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Julie M. Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Toni Richardson
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- Correspondence:
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Validation of Bartonella henselae Western Immunoblotting for Serodiagnosis of Bartonelloses in Dogs. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01335-19. [PMID: 31941695 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01335-19] [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: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are etiological agents of life-threatening zoonotic diseases in dogs worldwide. Due to the poor sensitivity of immunofluorescent-antibody assays (IFAs), a reliable serodiagnostic test for canine bartonelloses is of clinical importance. The utility of Western blotting (WB) for the serodiagnosis of canine bartonelloses has not been critically investigated. The objective of this study was to characterize WB immunodominant proteins that could be used to confirm a serodiagnosis of bartonelloses. Using agar-grown Bartonella henselae San Antonio type 2 (SA2) whole-cell proteins, sera derived from four dog groups were tested by WB to assess immunodominant protein recognition patterns: group I consisted of 92 serum samples (10 preexposure and 82 postexposure serum samples) from 10 adult beagles experimentally inoculated with Bartonella spp., group II consisted of 36 serum samples from Bartonella PCR-positive naturally infected dogs, group III consisted of 26 serum samples from Bartonella PCR-negative and IFA-negative dogs, and group IV consisted of serum samples from 8 Brucella canis IFA-positive and 10 Rickettsia rickettsii IFA-positive dogs. Following experimental inoculation, 9 (90%) group I dogs were variably seroreactive to one or more of six specific immunodominant proteins (13, 17, 29, 50, 56, and 150 kDa). There was a strong but variable recognition of these proteins among 81% of group II dogs. In contrast, 24/26 group III dogs were not reactive to any immunodominant protein. In this study, the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of B. henselae SA2 WB were higher than those of B. henselae SA2 IFA testing. Some B. henselae SA2 immunodominant proteins were recognized by dogs experimentally and naturally infected with Bartonella spp. other than B. henselae Additional research is necessary to more fully define the utility of WB for the serodiagnosis of canine bartonelloses.
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8
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Portillo A, Maggi R, Oteo JA, Bradley J, García-Álvarez L, San-Martín M, Roura X, Breitschwerdt E. Bartonella spp. Prevalence (Serology, Culture, and PCR) in Sanitary Workers in La Rioja Spain. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9030189. [PMID: 32143533 PMCID: PMC7157737 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are increasingly implicated in association with a spectrum of zoonotic infectious diseases. One hundred sanitary workers in La Rioja, Spain completed a questionnaire and provided blood specimens for Bartonella spp. serology and Bartonella alpha-Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood culture/PCR. Six immunofluorescence assays (IFA) were performed and aseptically obtained blood specimens were inoculated into liquid BAPGM and subcultured onto blood agar plates. Bartonella DNA was amplified using conventional and real-time PCR assays. The Bartonella spp., strain, or genotype was determined by DNA sequencing. Bartonella seroreactivity was documented in 83.1% and bloodstream infection in 21.6% of participants. Bartonella henselae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes I and III, and B. quintana were identified. IFA seroreactivity and PCR positivity were not statistically associated with self-reported symptoms. Our results suggest that exposure to and non-clinical infection with Bartonella spp. may occur more often than previously suspected in the La Rioja region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aránzazu Portillo
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital U. San Pedro-Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain; (A.P.); (J.A.O.); (L.G.-Á.)
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Galaxy Diagnostics, Research Triangle Park, Morrisville, NC 27709, USA;
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - José A. Oteo
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital U. San Pedro-Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain; (A.P.); (J.A.O.); (L.G.-Á.)
| | - Julie Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Lara García-Álvarez
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital U. San Pedro-Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain; (A.P.); (J.A.O.); (L.G.-Á.)
| | | | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Edward Breitschwerdt
- Galaxy Diagnostics, Research Triangle Park, Morrisville, NC 27709, USA;
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-513-8277
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9
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Lashnits E, Neupane P, Bradley JM, Richardson T, Thomas R, Linder KE, Breen M, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Molecular prevalence of Bartonella, Babesia, and hemotropic Mycoplasma species in dogs with hemangiosarcoma from across the United States. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227234. [PMID: 31923195 PMCID: PMC6953799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a locally invasive and highly metastatic endothelial cell neoplasm, accounts for two-thirds of all cardiac and splenic neoplasms in dogs. Bartonella spp. infection has been reported in association with neoplastic and non-neoplastic vasoproliferative lesions in animals and humans. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in conjunction with two other hemotropic pathogens, Babesia spp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., in tissues and blood samples from 110 dogs with histopathologically diagnosed HSA from throughout the United States. This was a retrospective, observational study using clinical specimens from 110 dogs with HSA banked by the biospecimen repository of the Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium. Samples provided for this study from each dog included: fresh frozen HSA tumor tissue (available from n = 100 of the 110 dogs), fresh frozen non-tumor tissue (n = 104), and whole blood and serum samples (n = 108 and 107 respectively). Blood and tissues were tested by qPCR for Bartonella, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Babesia spp. DNA; serum was tested for Bartonella spp. antibodies. Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified and sequenced from 73% of dogs with HSA (80/110). In contrast, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. DNA was amplified from a significantly smaller proportion (5%, p<0.0001) and Babesia spp. DNA was not amplified from any dog. Of the 100 HSA tumor samples submitted, 34% were Bartonella PCR positive (32% of splenic tumors, 57% of cardiac tumors, and 17% of other tumor locations). Of 104 non-tumor tissues, 63% were Bartonella PCR positive (56% of spleen samples, 93% of cardiac samples, and 63% of skin/subcutaneous samples). Of dogs with Bartonella positive HSA tumor, 76% were also positive in non-tumor tissue. Bartonella spp. DNA was not PCR amplified from whole blood. This study documented a high prevalence of Bartonella spp. DNA in dogs with HSA from geographically diverse regions of the United States. While 73% of all tissue samples from these dogs were PCR positive for Bartonella DNA, none of the blood samples were, indicating that whole blood samples do not reflect tissue presence of this pathogen. Future studies are needed to further investigate the role of Bartonella spp. in the development of HSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Julie M. Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Toni Richardson
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rachael Thomas
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, Comparative Genomics, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Keith E. Linder
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew Breen
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, Comparative Genomics, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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10
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Lashnits E, Neupane P, Maggi RG, Linder KE, Bradley JM, Balakrishnan N, Southern BL, McKeon GP, Chandrashekar R, Breitschwerdt EB. Detection of Bartonella spp. in dogs after infection with Rickettsia rickettsii. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 34:145-159. [PMID: 31891215 PMCID: PMC6979086 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dynamics of infection by Bartonella and Rickettsia species, which are epidemiologically associated in dogs, have not been explored in a controlled setting. Objectives Describe an outbreak investigation of occult Bartonella spp. infection among a group of dogs, discovered after experimentally induced Rickettsia rickettsii (Rr) infection. Animals Six apparently healthy purpose‐bred Beagles obtained from a commercial vendor. Methods Retrospective and prospective study. Dogs were serially tested for Bartonella spp. and Rr using serology, culture, and PCR, over 3 study phases: 3 months before inoculation with Rr (retrospective), 6 weeks after inoculation with Rr (retrospective), and 8 months of follow‐up (prospective). Results Before Rr infection, 1 dog was Bartonella henselae (Bh) immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) seroreactive and 1 was Rickettsia spp. IFA seroreactive. After inoculation with Rr, all dogs developed mild Rocky Mountain spotted fever compatible with low‐dose Rr infection, seroconverted to Rickettsia spp. within 4‐11 days, and recovered within 1 week. When 1 dog developed ear tip vasculitis with intra‐lesional Bh, an investigation of Bartonella spp. infection was undertaken. All dogs had seroconverted to 1‐3 Bartonella spp. between 7 and 18 days after Rr inoculation. Between 4 and 8 months after Rr inoculation, Bh DNA was amplified from multiple tissues from 2 dogs, and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (Bvb) DNA was amplified from 4 of 5 dogs' oral swabs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Vector‐borne disease exposure was demonstrated in research dogs from a commercial vendor. Despite limitations, our results support the possibilities of recrudescence of chronic subclinical Bartonella spp. infection after Rr infection and horizontal direct‐contact transmission between dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Keith E Linder
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Julie M Bradley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Brittany L Southern
- Laboratory Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Gabriel P McKeon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Laboratory Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | | | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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11
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Maggi RG, Krämer F. A review on the occurrence of companion vector-borne diseases in pet animals in Latin America. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:145. [PMID: 30917860 PMCID: PMC6438007 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Companion vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are an important threat for pet life, but may also have an impact on human health, due to their often zoonotic character. The importance and awareness of CVBDs continuously increased during the last years. However, information on their occurrence is often limited in several parts of the world, which are often especially affected. Latin America (LATAM), a region with large biodiversity, is one of these regions, where information on CVBDs for pet owners, veterinarians, medical doctors and health workers is often obsolete, limited or non-existent. In the present review, a comprehensive literature search for CVBDs in companion animals (dogs and cats) was performed for several countries in Central America (Belize, Caribbean Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico) as well as in South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana (British Guyana), Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela) regarding the occurrence of the following parasitic and bacterial diseases: babesiosis, heartworm disease, subcutaneous dirofilariosis, hepatozoonosis, leishmaniosis, trypanosomosis, anaplasmosis, bartonellosis, borreliosis, ehrlichiosis, mycoplasmosis and rickettsiosis. An overview on the specific diseases, followed by a short summary on their occurrence per country is given. Additionally, a tabular listing on positive or non-reported occurrence is presented. None of the countries is completely free from CVBDs. The data presented in the review confirm a wide distribution of the CVBDs in focus in LATAM. This wide occurrence and the fact that most of the CVBDs can have a quite severe clinical outcome and their diagnostic as well as therapeutic options in the region are often difficult to access and to afford, demands a strong call for the prevention of pathogen transmission by the use of ectoparasiticidal and anti-feeding products as well as by performing behavioural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G. Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Friederike Krämer
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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12
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Álvarez-Fernández A, Breitschwerdt EB, Solano-Gallego L. Bartonella infections in cats and dogs including zoonotic aspects. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:624. [PMID: 30514361 PMCID: PMC6280416 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that can infect humans and a large number of mammals including small companion animals (cats and dogs). In recent years, an increasing number of studies from around the world have reported Bartonella infections, although publications have predominantly focused on the North American perspective. Currently, clinico-pathological data from Europe are more limited, suggesting that bartonellosis may be an infrequent or underdiagnosed infectious disease in cats and dogs. Research is needed to confirm or exclude Bartonella infection as a cause of a spectrum of feline and canine diseases. Bartonella spp. can cause acute or chronic infections in cats, dogs and humans. On a comparative medical basis, different clinical manifestations, such as periods of intermittent fever, granulomatous inflammation involving the heart, liver, lymph nodes and other tissues, endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatis, uveitis and vasoproliferative tumors have been reported in cats, dogs and humans. The purpose of this review is to provide an update and European perspective on Bartonella infections in cats and dogs, including clinical, diagnostic, epidemiological, pathological, treatment and zoonotic aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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13
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Neupane P, Hegarty BC, Marr HS, Maggi RG, Birkenheuer AJ, Breitschwerdt EB. Evaluation of cell culture-grown Bartonella antigens in immunofluorescent antibody assays for the serological diagnosis of bartonellosis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1958-1964. [PMID: 30307643 PMCID: PMC6271329 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of poor sensitivity and questionable specificity of immunofluorescent antibody assays (IFAs), serological diagnosis of Bartonella species infections in dogs remains challenging. Despite limitations, IFA testing is the historical "gold standard" for Bartonella serodiagnosis in animals and humans. Because most diagnostic laboratories test against only 1 or 2 Bartonella spp., testing against a broader panel of Bartonella antigens may enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Bartonella IFA using 8 cell culture-grown Bartonella spp. isolates. ANIMALS Archived serum samples from 34 Bartonella spp. naturally exposed, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive dogs and from 26 PCR-negative and IFA-negative dogs. METHODS Bartonella IFA sensitivity and specificity were assessed using cell culture-grown whole cell antigens derived from 3 Bartonella henselae (Bh) strains (Bh Houston 1, Bh San Antonio Type 2, Bh California 1), 3 Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes (Bvb I, II, and III), Bartonella koehlerae (Bk), and Bartonella quintana (Bq). RESULTS Only 62% of 34 Bartonella spp. PCR-positive dogs were seroreactive to any of the 8 Bartonella IFA antigens, indicating low IFA sensitivity. PCR-positive dogs were most often IFA seroreactive to Bq (n = 15), to Bvb II (n = 13), or to both (n = 9) antigens. Of the 26 previously IFA-negative/PCR-negative dogs, 4 (15%) were seroreactive using the expanded antigen panel. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Despite IFA testing of dogs against 8 different Bartonella isolates, IFA sensitivity remained poor, and specificity was only 85%. Development of a reliable serological assay is needed to facilitate the diagnosis of Bartonella infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Neupane
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Barbara C Hegarty
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Henry S Marr
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Mozayeni BR, Maggi RG, Bradley JM, Breitschwerdt EB. Rheumatological presentation of Bartonella koehlerae and Bartonella henselae bacteremias: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e0465. [PMID: 29703000 PMCID: PMC5944489 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000010465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic Bartonella spp. infections are being increasingly reported in association with complex medical presentations. Individuals with frequent arthropod exposures or animal contact appear to be at risk for acquiring long standing infections with Bartonella spp. CASE REPORT This case report describes infections with Bartonella koehlerae and Bartonella henselae in a female veterinarian whose symptoms were predominantly rheumatologic in nature. Infection was confirmed by serology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enrichment blood culture, and DNA sequencing of amplified B koehlerae and B henselae DNA. Long-term medical management with antibiotics was required to achieve elimination of these infections and was accompanied by resolution of the patient's symptoms. Interestingly, the patient experienced substantial improvement in the acquired joint hypermobility mimicking Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) type III. CONCLUSION To facilitate early and directed medical interventions, systemic bartonellosis should potentially be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with incalcitrant rheumatological symptoms and frequent arthropod exposures or extensive animal contact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo Guillermo Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Julie Meredith Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Edward Bealmear Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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15
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Randell MG, Balakrishnan N, Gunn-Christie R, Mackin A, Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonella henselae infection in a dog with recalcitrant ineffective erythropoiesis. Vet Clin Pathol 2018; 47:45-50. [PMID: 29393980 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Ineffective erythropoiesis was diagnosed in an 8-year-old male castrated Labrador Retriever. Despite treatment with immunosuppressive therapy for suspected immune-mediated erythrocyte maturation arrest, resolution of the nonregenerative anemia was not achieved. Following documentation of Bartonella henselae bacteremia by Bartonella alpha proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood culture, immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued, and the anemia resolved following prolonged antibiotic therapy. Bartonella immunofluorescent antibody testing was negative, whereas B henselae western blot was consistently positive. The contribution of B henselae bacteremia to ineffective erythropoiesis remains unknown; however, the potential role of B henselae in the pathophysiology of bone marrow dyscrasias warrants additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,The Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Andrew Mackin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,The Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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16
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Shapiro AJ, Brown G, Norris JM, Bosward KL, Marriot DJ, Balakrishnan N, Breitschwerdt EB, Malik R. Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases of dogs in North-west New South Wales and the Northern Territory, Australia. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:238. [PMID: 28810870 PMCID: PMC5558717 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-borne diseases of dogs in Australian Aboriginal communities are relatively unexplored. These dogs represent a unique group with variable ecto- and endo-parasitic burdens, nutritional stresses and a general lack of veterinary intervention. We investigated haemoprotozoal and bacterial pathogen prevalences in relation to erythrocyte and platelet numbers in dogs from North-West New South Wales (N-W NSW) and the Northern Territory (NT; Central Australia). Methods Real-time PCR (qPCR) amplification of Anaplasma platys, Babesia vogeli, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Bartonella spp., serological screening for Coxiella burnetii, and Bartonella spp. and haematological analyses were performed on dogs from the two cohorts (96 dogs in total). Brucella suis serology was determined additionally for the N-W NSW cohort. Results Anaplasma platys (n = 26 dogs), Babesia vogeli (n = 7), Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (n = 10 dogs), and Mycoplasma haemocanis (n = 14) were detected in the sample population (n = 96) using qPCR. There were significant associations between (i) A. platys and anaemia (OR 8.7, CI 2.4–31.7; P < 0.001), thrombocytopenia (OR 12.1, CI 3.4–43.2; P < 0.001) and breed (OR 16.1, CI 2.1–121.5; P = 0.007), and (ii) between B. vogeli and anaemia (OR 11.8, CI 2.3–61.6; P = 0.003). Neither protozoal nor bacterial DNA loads, estimated using qPCR, were positively correlated with anaemia or thrombocytopenia. Haemotropic mycoplasmas were not associated with any haematologic abnormality. Four dogs from the NT were seropositive for Coxiella burnetii, while no dogs were seropositive for Brucella suis or to a panel of Bartonella spp. antigens. Despite directed efforts, Bartonella DNA was not detected in blood from any of the cohorts studied. A sample of dogs from the NT recruited specifically for Bartonella α-proteobacteria growth medium enrichment blood culture were also Bartonella PCR negative. Conclusions Vector-borne pathogens occur in dogs free ranging near Aboriginal communities, with higher detection rates in NT than N-W NSW. The preponderant haematologic abnormalities were anaemia and thrombocytopenia, likely attributable to A. platys and B. vogeli infections, but also probably affected by nutritional, parasitic, lactational and environmental stressors. The absence of Bartonella spp. is of importance to the Australian setting, and work needs to be extended to tropical coastal communities where fleas are present as well as ticks. Dogs living in and around Aboriginal communities may provide valuable sentinel information on disease infection status of human public health significance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1169-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Shapiro
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Graeme Brown
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M Norris
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Katrina L Bosward
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Debbie J Marriot
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Richard Malik
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia. .,School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia. .,Centre for Veterinary Education, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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17
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Belkhiria J, Chomel BB, Ben Hamida T, Kasten RW, Stuckey MJ, Fleischman DA, Christopher MM, Boulouis HJ, Farver TB. Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors for Bartonella Infection in Tunisian Stray Dogs. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:388-397. [PMID: 28346866 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellae are blood-borne and vector-transmitted pathogens, some are zoonotic, which have been reported in several Mediterranean countries. Transmission from dogs to humans is suspected, but has not been clearly demonstrated. Our objectives were to determine the seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella bovis (as a proxy for Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii) in stray dogs from Tunisia, identify the Bartonella species infecting the dogs and evaluate potential risk factors for canine infection. Blood samples were collected between January and November 2013 from 149 dogs in 10 Tunisian governorates covering several climatic zones. Dog-specific and geographic variables were analyzed as potential risk factors for Bartonella spp. seropositivity and PCR-positivity. DNA was extracted from the blood of all dogs and tested by PCR for Bartonella, targeting the ftsZ and rpoB genes. Partial sequencing was performed on PCR-positive dogs. Twenty-nine dogs (19.5%, 95% confidence interval: 14-27.4) were seropositive for one or more Bartonella species, including 17 (11.4%) for B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, 14 (9.4%) for B. henselae, 13 (8.4%) for B. clarridgeiae, and 7 (4.7%) for B. bovis. Statistical analysis revealed a few potential risk factors, mainly dog's age and breed, latitude and average winter temperature. Twenty-two (14.8%) dogs, including 8 of the 29 seropositive dogs, were PCR-positive for Bartonella based on the ftsZ gene, with 18 (81.8%) of these 22 dogs also positive for the rpoB gene. Partial sequencing showed that all PCR-positive dogs were infected with Candidatus B. merieuxii. Dogs from arid regions and regions with cold average winter temperatures were less likely to be PCR-positive than dogs from other climatic zones. The widespread presence of Bartonella spp. infection in Tunisian dogs suggests a role for stray dogs as potential reservoirs of Bartonella species in Tunisia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Belkhiria
- 1 Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine , Davis, California
| | - Bruno B Chomel
- 1 Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine , Davis, California
| | - Taoufik Ben Hamida
- 2 Institut de la Recherche Vétérinaire de Tunisie, Laboratoire de Parasitologie et des Maladies des Abeilles , Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rickie W Kasten
- 1 Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine , Davis, California
| | - Matthew J Stuckey
- 1 Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine , Davis, California
| | - Drew A Fleischman
- 1 Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine , Davis, California
| | - Mary M Christopher
- 3 Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine , Davis, California
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- 4 Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR ENVA-Anses-INRA , Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Thomas B Farver
- 1 Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine , Davis, California
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Golly E, Breitschwerdt EB, Balakrishnan N, Moore D, Bizikova P. Bartonella henselae, Bartonella koehlerae and Rickettsia rickettsii seroconversion and seroreversion in a dog with acute-onset fever, lameness, and lymphadenopathy followed by a protracted disease course. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2016; 7:19-24. [PMID: 31014651 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Following recent tick exposure in Arkansas, a 2-year-old, female spayed Labradoodle was examined because of a one-week history of lethargy and shifting-leg lameness. The dog was febrile, had prominent lymph nodes, dull mentation, a stiff gait, and left forelimb lameness. Thrombocytopenia was the only initial hematological or biochemical abnormality. Despite treatment with doxycycline for suspected Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the dog continued to have waxing and waning clinical signs including inappetence, fever, shifting-leg lameness, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and weight loss in association with moderate to severe hematological abnormalities, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia, and monocytosis. Sequential serological testing confirmed Bartonella henselae, Bartonella koehlerae and R. rickettsii seroconversion. Doxycycline, enrofloxacin and clarithromycin were administered in sequential combination for treatment of rickettsioses, B. henselae and B. koehlerae. Prednisone, thyroid supplementation and other drugs were administered to elicit symptomatic improvement. Based upon seroreversion, and the eventual resolution of all clinical and hematological abnormalities, therapeutic elimination of all three pathogens was seemingly achieved. Whether cortisol insufficiency due to adrenal exhaustion syndrome or post-infectious immune-mediated sequelae contributed to the symptoms and pathophysiological abnormalities reported in this dog was not determined, but are considerations for future cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Golly
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; The Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; The Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Deedee Moore
- Faithful Friends Animal Clinic, Rogers, AR 72758, USA
| | - Petra Bizikova
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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19
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Balakrishnan N, Ericson M, Maggi R, Breitschwerdt EB. Vasculitis, cerebral infarction and persistent Bartonella henselae infection in a child. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:254. [PMID: 27161220 PMCID: PMC4862072 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genus Bartonella is comprised of a rapidly increasing number of pathogenic species that induce a seemingly diverse spectrum of neurological symptoms. During the 12 year period that followed the initial onset of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, an 11 year-old girl experienced a spectrum of neurological complaints including frequent headaches, visual and auditory hallucinations, anxiety, vision loss involving the lower left quadrant of both eyes, episodic bouts of generalized paralysis, facial palsy, chronic insomnia, seizures, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, and memory loss. PCR assays targeting Bartonella spp. were used to test formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded brain tissue, patient blood specimens and Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood cultures. PCR positive amplicons were sequenced directly and compared to GenBank sequences. Bartonella spp. serology was performed by indirect fluorescent antibody testing and confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to visualize B. henselae organisms in resected brain. Results Bartonella henselae DNA was independently PCR amplified and sequenced from the girl’s right parietal lobe, surgically resected in 2000 and from a blood specimen collected in 2012. Although causation cannot be established by a case report, prior diagnostic testing resulted in findings that were either inconclusive or within normal reference ranges and no etiological diagnosis had been obtained to explain the patient’s initial or progressive neurological symptoms. Conclusions As intravascular, intra-erythrocytic and endotheliotropic bacteria, it is possible that B. henselae initially induced a vasculitis, resulting in secondary cerebral infarction, tissue necrosis and surgical resection. Bartonella bacteremia, potentially spanning a 12-year time frame, in conjunction with the therapeutic administration of immunosuppressive drugs may have resulted in a progression and potentiation of the neurological disease that was partially reversible following antibiotic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Marna Ericson
- Cutaneous Imaging Center, Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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20
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Breitschwerdt EB, Broadhurst JJ, Cherry NA. Bartonella henselae as a cause of acute-onset febrile illness in cats. JFMS Open Rep 2015; 1:2055116915600454. [PMID: 28491382 PMCID: PMC5362002 DOI: 10.1177/2055116915600454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Case series summary At different time points spanning 6 months, three adopted feral flea-infested cats, residing in the household of a veterinary technician, became acutely anorexic, lethargic and febrile. Enrichment blood culture/PCR using Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) confirmed initial infection with the same Bartonella henselae genotype in all three cases. With the exception of anemia and neutropenia, complete blood counts, serum biochemical profiles and urinalysis results were within reference intervals. Also, tests for feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, Toxoplasma gondii and feline coronavirus antibodies were negative. Serial daily temperature monitoring in one case confirmed a cyclic, relapsing febrile temperature pattern during 1 month, with resolution during and after treatment with azithromycin. Bartonella henselae Western immunoblot (WB) results did not consistently correlate with BAPGM enrichment blood culture/PCR results or B henselae indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) titers, and WB titration results were not informative for establishing antibiotic treatment failure. During the respective follow-up periods, no illnesses or additional febrile episodes were reported, despite repeat documentation of B henselae bacteremia in two cats available for follow-up (one with the same genotype and the other with a different B henselae genotype); one cat was, unfortunately, killed by dogs before follow-up testing. Relevance and novel information We conclude that microbiological diagnosis and treatment of B henselae infection in cats can be challenging, that antibody titration results and resolution of clinical abnormalities may not correlate with a therapeutic cure, and that fever and potentially neutropenia should be differential diagnostic considerations for young cats with suspected bartonellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory and the Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Infection with Bartonella henselae in a Danish family. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:1556-61. [PMID: 25740763 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02974-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella species constitute emerging, vector-borne, intravascular pathogens that produce long-lasting bacteremia in reservoir-adapted (natural host or passive carrier of a microorganism) and opportunistic hosts. With the advent of more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests, there is evolving microbiological evidence supporting concurrent infection with one or more Bartonella spp. in more than one family member; however, the mode(s) of transmission to or among family members remains unclear. In this study, we provide molecular microbiological evidence of Bartonella henselae genotype San Antonio 2 (SA2) infection in four of six Danish family members, including a child who died of unknown causes at 14 months of age.
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Mylonakis ME, Soubasis N, Balakrishnan N, Theodorou K, Kasabalis D, Saridomichelakis M, Koutinas CK, Koutinas AF, Breitschwerdt EB. Molecular identification of Bartonella species in dogs with leishmaniosis (leishmania infantum) with or without cytological evidence of arthritis. Vet Microbiol 2014; 174:272-5. [PMID: 25258172 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggest that Bartonella species may cause polyarthritis and lameness in dogs. Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) due to Leishmania infantum is a multi-systemic disease often occurring in association with arthritis. We hypothesized that concurrent Bartonella infection may be a contributing factor for the development of arthritis in dogs with CanL. Hence the primary objective of this study was to investigate the molecular prevalence of Bartonella spp. in dogs with naturally occurring CanL, with or without cytologically documented arthritis. Thirty-eight dogs with CanL (31 with neutrophilic arthritis and 7 without arthritis) were retrospectively studied. Seventy-four archived clinical specimens from these 38 dogs, including 33 blood samples, 19 bone marrow (BM) samples and synovial fluid (SF) aspirates from 22 dogs were tested for Bartonella spp. DNA using the Bartonella alpha proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) diagnostic platform. Overall, eight (21.1%) dogs were infected with one or two Bartonella species; however, Bartonella spp. infection was not associated with arthritis in dogs with CanL. Further prospective studies are warranted to determine if there is a correlation between Bartonella spp. infection and the development of arthritis in dogs with CanL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathios E Mylonakis
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (CAC-AUTh), 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Nectarios Soubasis
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (CAC-AUTh), 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU-CVM), 1060 William Moore Drive, 27607 Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Konstantina Theodorou
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (CAC-AUTh), 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kasabalis
- Clinic of Medicine, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Manolis Saridomichelakis
- Clinic of Medicine, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Christos K Koutinas
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (CAC-AUTh), 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexander F Koutinas
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (CAC-AUTh), 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU-CVM), 1060 William Moore Drive, 27607 Raleigh, NC, USA
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Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii exposure in captive wild canids in Brazil. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 143:573-7. [PMID: 24892580 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814001277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Wild canids are potential hosts for numerous species of Bartonella, yet little research has been done to quantify their infection rates in South America. We sought to investigate Bartonella seroprevalence in captive wild canids from 19 zoos in São Paulo and Mato Grosso states, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 97 wild canids belonging to four different native species and three European wolves (Canis lupus). Indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing was performed to detect the presence of B. henselae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, B. clarridgeiae, and B. rochalimae. Overall, Bartonella antibodies were detected in 11 of the canids, including five (12·8%) of 39 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), three (11·1%) of 27 bush dogs (Speothos venaticus), two (8·7%) of 23 maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and one (12·5%) of eight hoary foxes (Lycalopex vetulus), with titres ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. Knowing that many species of canids make excellent reservoir hosts for Bartonella, and that there is zoonotic potential for all Bartonella spp. tested for, it will be important to conduct further research in non-captive wild canids to gain an accurate understanding of Bartonella infection in free-ranging wild canids in South America.
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Balakrishnan N, Musulin S, Varanat M, Bradley JM, Breitschwerdt EB. Serological and molecular prevalence of selected canine vector borne pathogens in blood donor candidates, clinically healthy volunteers, and stray dogs in North Carolina. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:116. [PMID: 24655461 PMCID: PMC3972993 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine vector borne diseases (CVBDs) comprise illnesses caused by a spectrum of pathogens that are transmitted by arthropod vectors. Some dogs have persistent infections without apparent clinical, hematological or biochemical abnormalities, whereas other dogs develop acute illnesses, persistent subclinical infections, or chronic debilitating diseases. The primary objective of this study was to screen healthy dogs for serological and molecular evidence of regionally important CVBDs. Methods Clinically healthy dogs (n = 118), comprising three different groups: Gp I blood donor candidates (n = 47), Gp II healthy dog volunteers (n = 50), and Gp III stray dogs (n = 21) were included in the study. Serum and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) anti-coagulated blood specimens collected from each dog were tested for CVBD pathogens. Results Of the 118 dogs tested, 97 (82%) dogs had been exposed to or were infected with one or more CVBD pathogens. By IFA testing, 9% of Gp I, 42% of Gp II and 19% of Gp III dogs were seroreactive to one or more CVBD pathogens. Using the SNAP 4DX® assay, Gp I dogs were seronegative for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and B. burgdorferi (Lyme disease) antibodies and D. immitis antigen. In Gp II, 8 dogs were Ehrlichia spp. seroreactive, 2 were infected with D. immitis and 1 was B. burgdorferi (Lyme disease) seroreactive. In Gp III, 6 dogs were infected with D. immitis and 4 were Ehrlichia spp. seroreactive. Using the BAPGM diagnostic platform, Bartonella DNA was PCR amplified and sequenced from 19% of Gp I, 20% of Gp II and 10% of Gp III dogs. Using PCR and DNA sequencing, 6% of Gps I and II and 19% of Gp III dogs were infected with other CVBD pathogens. Conclusion The development and validation of specific diagnostic testing modalities has facilitated more accurate detection of CVBDs. Once identified, exposure to vectors should be limited and flea and tick prevention enforced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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Chomel BB, Ermel RW, Kasten RW, Henn JB, Fleischman DA, Chang CC. Experimental infection of dogs with various Bartonella species or subspecies isolated from their natural reservoir. Vet Microbiol 2013; 168:169-76. [PMID: 24315039 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Dogs can be infected by a wide variety of Bartonella species. However, limited data is available on experimental infection of dogs with Bartonella strains isolated from domestic animals or wildlife. We report the inoculation of six dogs with Bartonella henselae (feline strain 94022, 16S rRNA type II) in three sets of two dogs, each receiving a different inoculum dose), four dogs inoculated with B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii type I (ATCC strain, one mongrel dog) or type II (coyote strain, two beagles and one mongrel) and B. rochalimae (coyote strain, two beagles). None of the dogs inoculated with B. henselae became bacteremic, as detected by classical blood culture. However, several dogs developed severe necrotic lesions at the inoculation site and all six dogs seroconverted within one to two weeks. All dogs inoculated with the B. v. berkhoffii and B. rochalimae strains became bacteremic at levels comparable to previous experimental infections with either a dog isolate or a human isolate. Our data support that dogs are likely accidental hosts for B. henselae, just like humans, and are efficient reservoirs for both B. v. berkhoffii and B. rochalimae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Richard W Ermel
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Animal Resources Center, Beckman Research Institute City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
| | - Rickie W Kasten
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | - Drew A Fleischman
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Chao-Chin Chang
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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