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Calchi AC, Braga LDQV, Bassini-Silva R, Castro-Santiago AC, Herrera HM, Soares JF, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, Rocha FL, André MR. Phylogenetic inferences based on distinct molecular markers reveals a novel Babesia (Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) and a Hepatozoon americanum-related genotype in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous). Exp Parasitol 2024; 262:108786. [PMID: 38762200 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. Are apicomplexan protozoa that may cause disease in several canid species. The present study aimed to expand the knowledge on the diversity of piroplasmids and Hepatozoon in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous; n = 12) sampled in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul State, central-western Brazil. PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA were used as screening. Three (25%) and 11 (91.7%) were positive for piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp., respectively. Co-infection was found in three C. thous. Phylogenetic analyses based on the near-complete 18S rRNA, cox-1 and hsp70 genes evidenced the occurrence of a novel of Babesia spp. (namely Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) closely related to Rangelia vitalii and Babesia sp. 'Coco'. This finding was supported by the genetic divergence analysis which showed (i) high divergence, ranging from 4.17 to 5.62% for 18 S rRNA, 6.16% for hps70 and 4.91-9.25% for cox-1 and (ii) the genotype network (which displayed sequences separated from the previously described Piroplasmida species by median vectors and several mutational events). Also, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. positioned the sequences obtained herein in a clade phylogenetically related to Hepatozoon sp. 'Curupira 2', Hepatozoon sp. detected in domestic and wild canids from Uruguay and Hepatozoon americanum. The present study described Babesia pantanalensis nov sp. and Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum in crab-eating foxes from Brazil. Moreover, the coinfection by piroplasmids and Hepatozoon sp. for the first time in crab-eating foxes strongly suggesting that this wild canid species potentially acts as a bio-accumulate of hemoprotozoan in wild environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Bassini-Silva
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Castro-Santiago
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of University of São Paulo (FMVZ-USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Parasitic Biology Laboratory, Interface Research Group Between Human, Animal and Environmental Health (INSANAHUNA.com), Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - João Fábio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (ProtoZooVet), Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Lopes Rocha
- Laboratório de Mamíferos, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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2
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Cui N, Su L, Wang Z, Hornok S, Tang L, Yang M, Zhang Y, Zhao G, Wang Y. First identification of Cytauxzoon manul in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in northwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:249. [PMID: 38845044 PMCID: PMC11157914 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06326-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple species of the genera Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon can infect wild felines, but the diversity of these and other apicomplexan parasites in Eurasian lynx is scarcely known. The aim of this study was to detect Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon species with molecular methods in Eurasian lynxes and their ticks in northwestern China. METHODS DNA was extracted from the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney samples of three Eurasian lynxes as well as from their five ixodid ticks. These DNA samples were screened with polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for Cytauxzoon with the partial cytochrome b gene (CytB), cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI), and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA), and Hepatozoon with three different fragments of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA). PCR products were sequenced, aligned, and phylogenetically analyzed. RESULTS One adult female of Eurasian lynx (#1, adult female) was co-infected with Cytauxzoon manul and Hepatozoon felis genotype I, while an adult male lynx (#2) was infected with C. manul. Interestingly, H. felis genotype I was both detected in a male cub (#3) and two out of five infesting Hyalomma asiaticum ticks. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, Cytauxzoon manul is reported here from Eurasian lynx. In addition, H. felis has not been known to occur in this host species in China and Central Asia. Thus, the findings of this study extend our knowledge on the geographical distribution and host range of these haemoprotozoan parasites. Moreover, this is also the first evidence of C. manul and H. felis co-infection in Eurasian lynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Cui
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security of the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixin Su
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security of the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security of the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lijuan Tang
- Bayingolin Vocational and Technical College, Korla, 841000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihua Yang
- Department of Forest, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujiang Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Xinjiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Urumqi, 830002, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoyu Zhao
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Xinjiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Urumqi, 830002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security of the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Thomas R, Santodomingo A, Saboya-Acosta L, Quintero-Galvis JF, Moreno L, Uribe JE, Muñoz-Leal S. Hepatozoon (Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae) in wild mammals of the Americas: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:108. [PMID: 38444020 PMCID: PMC10916324 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06154-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of parasites provides insight into intricate ecological relationships in ecosystem dynamics, food web structures, and evolution on multiple scales. Hepatozoon Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae) is a genus of protozoan hemoparasites with heteroxenous life cycles that switch infections between vertebrates and blood-feeding invertebrates. The most comprehensive review of the genus was published 26 years ago, and currently there are no harmonized data on the epizootiology, diagnostics, genotyping methods, evolutionary relationships, and genetic diversity of Hepatozoon in the Americas. METHODS Here, we provide a comprehensive review based on the PRISMA method regarding Hepatozoon in wild mammals within the American continent, in order to generate a framework for future research. RESULTS 11 out of the 35 countries of the Americas (31.4%) had data on Hepatozoon, with Carnivora and Rodentia orders having the most characterizations. Bats, ungulates, and shrews were the least affected groups. While Hepatozoon americanum, H. americanum-like, H. canis, H. didelphydis, H. felis, H. milleri, H. griseisciuri, and H. procyonis correspond to the identified species, a plethora of genospecies is pending for a formal description combining morphology and genetics. Most of the vectors of Hepatozoon in the Americas are unknown, but some flea, mite, and tick species have been confirmed. The detection of Hepatozoon has relied mostly on conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the implementation of specific real time PCR for the genus needs to be employed to improve its diagnosis in wild animals in the future. From a genetic perspective, the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene has been widely sequenced for the identification of Hepatozoon in wild animals. However, mitochondrial and apicoplast markers should also be targeted to truly determine different species in the genus. A phylogenetic analysis of herein retrieved 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences showed two main clades of Hepatozoon: Clade I associated with small mammals, birds, and herpetozoa, and Clade II associated with Carnivora. The topology of the tree is also reflected in the haplotype network. CONCLUSIONS Finally, our review emphasizes Hepatozoon as a potential disease agent in threatened wild mammals and the role of wild canids as spreaders of Hepatozoon infections in the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Thomas
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Adriana Santodomingo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Liliana Saboya-Acosta
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Doctorado en Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Carrera 7 N 40-62, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julian F Quintero-Galvis
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi), Valdivia, Chile
| | - Lucila Moreno
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Juan E Uribe
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile.
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Huggins LG, Colella V, Young ND, Traub RJ. Metabarcoding using nanopore long-read sequencing for the unbiased characterization of apicomplexan haemoparasites. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13878. [PMID: 37837372 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexan haemoparasites generate significant morbidity and mortality in humans and other animals, particularly in many low-to-middle income countries. Malaria caused by Plasmodium remains responsible for some of the highest numbers of annual deaths of any human pathogen, whilst piroplasmids, such as Babesia and Theileria can have immense negative economic effects through livestock loss. Diagnosing haemoparasites via traditional methods like microscopy is challenging due to low-level and transient parasitaemia. PCR-based diagnostics overcome these limitations by being both highly sensitive and specific, but they may be unable to accurately detect coinfections or identify novel species. In contrast, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based methods can characterize all pathogens from a group of interest concurrently, although, the short-read platforms previously used have been limited in the taxonomic resolution achievable. Here, we used Oxford Nanopore Technologies' (ONT) long-read MinION™ sequencer to conduct apicomplexan haemoparasite metabarcoding via sequencing the near full-length 18S ribosomal RNA gene, demonstrating its ability to detect Babesia, Hepatozoon, Neospora, Plasmodium, Theileria and Toxoplasma species. This method was tested on blood-extracted DNA from 100 dogs and the results benchmarked against qPCR and Illumina-based metabarcoding. For two common haemoparasites, nanopore sequencing performed as well as qPCR (kappa agreement statistics > 0.98), whilst also detecting one pathogen, Hepatozoon felis, missed by the other techniques. The long-reads obtained by nanopore sequencing provide an improved species-level taxonomic resolution whilst the method's broad applicability mean it can be used to explore apicomplexan communities from diverse mammalian hosts, on a portable sequencer that easily permits adaptation to field use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Huggins
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Minervino AHH, Marcili A, Moraes-Filho J, Lima JTR, Soares HS, Malheiros AF, Dias SR, Gennari SM, Labruna MB. Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Dogs from Indigenous Communities, Amazon, Brazil. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:458-464. [PMID: 37566524 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There are few reports of tick-borne pathogens infecting dogs living in indigenous communities of Brazil. Herein, we aimed to molecularly detect vector-borne pathogens in dogs from two indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon. Materials and Methods: We surveyed 327 dogs raised in Amazon region at 2 distinct indigenous ethnicities for the molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens (114 from Tapirapé and 213 from Karajá indigenous ethnicity). Whole blood samples were subjected to PCR and sequencing for Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate the factors affecting the pathogen infection patterns in dogs. Results: Among the 327 blood samples, 40 were positive for Ehrlichia canis (12.2%), 2 for Anaplasma platys (0.61%), and 204 were positive for Hepatozoon canis (66.5%). Binary Logistic Regression showed association between E. canis infection and ethnicity (p = 0.010) and tick attachment (p = 0.041). Karajá dogs were 3.4 times (95% CI 1.3-8.5) more likely to be positive for E. canis than Tapirapé dogs. Dogs with ticks were 2.5 times more likely (95% CI 1.0-7.6) to be positive for E. canis than dogs without ticks. Conclusions: Our survey expands the knowledge regarding the presence of vector-borne pathogens in dogs from indigenous communities in the Amazon region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arlei Marcili
- PhD Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University (UNISA), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jonas Moraes-Filho
- PhD Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University (UNISA), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia T R Lima
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Herbert S Soares
- PhD Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University (UNISA), São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio F Malheiros
- Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences (FACAB), State University of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
| | - Salatiel Ribeiro Dias
- Laboratory of Animal Health (LARSANA), Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Santarém, Brazil
| | - Solange M Gennari
- PhD Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University (UNISA), São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Braga MDSCO, Costa FB, Calchi AC, de Mello VVC, Mongruel ACB, Dias CM, Bassini-Silva R, Silva EMC, Pereira JG, Ribeiro LSDS, da Costa AP, de Andrade FHE, Silva ALA, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular detection and characterization of vector-borne agents in common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) from northeastern Brazil. Acta Trop 2023:106955. [PMID: 37236334 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Opossums are synanthropic marsupials able to interchange among wild, peri-urban and urban environments, playing an epidemiologically important role as hosts for emerging pathogens and ectoparasites of relevance in public health. The present study aimed to detect and molecularly characterize vector-borne agents in a population of common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) from the Island of São Luís do Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. Of the 45 animals analyzed, one (2.22%) was positive in the nested PCR assay based on the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasmids. The obtained sequence was phylogenetically positioned in a clade containing sequences of Babesia sp. previously detected in Didelphis aurita, Didelphis albiventris and associated ticks from Brazil. Eight (17.77%) samples were positive in PCR for Ehrlichia spp. based on the dsb gene; four samples were sequenced and positioned into a new clade, sister to E. minasensis and Ehrlichia sp. clade detected in Superorder Xenarthra mammals. No samples tested positive in the screening PCR assays based on the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma spp. Two samples were positive in the qPCR for Bartonella spp. based on the nuoG gene. Seven animals (15.56%) were positive in the nPCR based on the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas. Of these, three were positive in a PCR based on the 23S rRNA gene. The phylogenies based on both 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes corroborated to each other and positioned the sequences in the same clade of hemoplasmas previously detected in D. aurita and D. albiventris sampled in Brazil. Finally, three (6.66%) animals were positive in the PCR for Hepatozoon spp.; the obtained 18S rRNA sequence was positioned into the H. felis clade.The present study showed, for the first time, the circulation of piroplasmids, Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., hemoplasmas and Bartonella spp. in D. marsupialis sampled in northeastern Brazil, with description of putative novel genotypes of Ehrlichia and Hepatozoon and copositivity by different vector-borne agents. The present work consolidates the "South American Marsupialia" piroplasmid clade, adding one more genotype of Babesia sp. to this clade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Victória Valente Califre de Mello
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Clara Morato Dias
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Bassini-Silva
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Mancianti F. Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020165. [PMID: 36851469 PMCID: PMC9964035 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Co-infection by multiple vector-borne agents in wild ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) from Iguaçu National Park, southern Brazil. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1828. [PMID: 36725981 PMCID: PMC9892030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29090-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to detect molecularly the presence of co-infections by vector-borne agents (VBA) in ring-tailed coatis' (Nasua nasua) blood samples from Iguaçu National Park (INP), southern Brazil, and assess the phylogenetic positioning of the detected agents. DNA blood samples were submitted to molecular screening and characterization for Anaplasmataceae agents, Piroplasmids, Hepatozoon sp., hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Bartonella spp. In total, 42 (85.7%) coatis were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma sp., 12 (24.5%) for Bartonella machadoae, 7 (14.3%) for Anaplasma sp. closely related to 'Candidatus Anaplasma brasiliensis', and 3 (6%) for Hepatozoon procyonis. The most prevalent co-infections observed was from bacterial VBA: while 18.3% were co-infected by hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. and Bartonella sp., 12.2% were co-infected by Anaplasma sp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. Only two animals (4%) presented co-infections by three VBA (Bartonella sp., Anaplasma sp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp.). The coati is a wild carnivore found in INP, mainly in areas visited by tourists. These animals are frequently seen searching for food in garbage dumps or in tourists' belongings. The present study expands the host specificity range of B. machadoae, which has been isolated only from rodents until the present moment. Since the zoonotic potential and transmission routes of the detected VBA are not yet known, surveillance in this area is much needed.
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André MR, Calchi AC, Perles L, Gonçalves LR, Uccella L, Lemes JRB, Nantes WAG, Santos FM, Porfírio GEDO, Barros-Battesti DM, Herrera HM, Machado RZ. Novel Ehrlichia and Hepatozoon genotypes in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) and associated ticks from Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102022. [PMID: 35973262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102022] [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: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
White-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) are well adapted to anthropized areas. The increased contact with domestic animals and humans mediates the transmission of arthropod-borne pathogens. Despite the worldwide occurrence of tick-borne Anaplasmataceae and Hepatozoidae species in a variety of vertebrates, few studies reported serological evidence or molecular detection of theses agentes in marsupials. Up to now, while Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. have only been detected in marsupials from Brazil, Hepatozoon spp. have been reported in marsupials from Chile, Australia and Brazil. The present work aimed to investigate, using molecular techniques and blood smear analysis, the presence of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Hepatozoon sp. in the blood and ticks collected from D. albiventris in urban forest fragments from midwestern Brazil. Between May and December 2017, 43 D. albiventris (27 males and 16 females) were captured for blood and tick collection in the city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, midwestern Brazil. Ticks (46 Amblyomma dubitatum nymphs and 24 Amblyomma spp. larvae) were collected from 14 out 43 (32.5%) of the white-eared opossums. Panoptic-stained blood smears were performed using peripheral blood (tail tip) of the captured opossums. DNA extracted from blood and tick samples were subjected to PCR/qPCR assays for Anaplasmataceae agents (rrs, gltA, groEL, sodB, and dsb genes, and 23S-5S intergenic region) and Hepatozoon spp. (18S rRNA gene), followed by Sanger sequencing, BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses. An inclusion resembling Ehrlichia morulae was found in a white-eared opossum's monocyte from a blood smear stained with Panoptic. Five (11.63% [5/43]) white-eared opossums' blood samples and 7 (25% [7/28]) tick samples (2 pools of Amblyomma spp. larvae and 5 pools of A. dubitatum nymphs) were positive for Anaplasmataceae via a PCR assay targeting the conserved rrs gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on the rrs gene positioned three sequences obtained from opossums and ticks together as a subclade within the Ehrlichia canis clade. However, all samples were negative in a qPCR assay specific for E. canis based on the dsb gene. Phylogenetic analyses positioned the gltA and 23S-5S ITS sequences obtained from opossums' blood samples in a separate clade from the other validated Ehrlichia species. One (2.3% [1/43]) opossum blood sample was positive for the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon sp. The phylogenetic analysis positioned the Hepatozoon sp. sequence obtained from a D. albiventris specimen in a clade with a sequence previously detected in a black storm petrel (Oceanodroma melania) from Mexico. All the other sequences of Hepatozoon sp. previously detected in marsupials from Brazil were positioned in a separated clade. The present work showed the occurrence of putative novel genotypes of Ehrlichia sp. and Hepatozoon sp. in white-eared opossums and associated A. dubitatum ticks from midwestern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Livia Perles
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Uccella
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jhessye Rafaela Batista Lemes
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wesley Arruda Gimenes Nantes
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Filipe Martins Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Grasiela Edith de Oliveira Porfírio
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Perison PWD, Amran N, Adrus M, Anwarali Khan FA. Detection and molecular identification of blood parasites in rodents captured from urban areas of southern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:2059-2066. [PMID: 35636429 PMCID: PMC9514480 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent species are well known for their potential as hosts and reservoirs for various zoonotic diseases. Studies on blood parasite infection in small mammals focused on urban cities in Peninsular Malaysia and have been conducted over the years. In contrast, there are information gaps related to molecular detection of blood parasites in urban areas of Sarawak that are associated with veterinary importance and zoonotic spillover potential. Increasing prevalence and transmission of blood parasite diseases is the most crucial public health issue, particularly in developing urban areas of Sarawak. Therefore, molecular identification studies were performed to determine and identify the blood parasites infecting rodents. METHODS A total of 40 rodent blood samples were analysed for blood parasite infection and a combined approach using polymerase chain reaction-based technique, and traditional microscopic examination (blood smear test) was conducted. 18s rRNA (Plasmodium spp.) and cytochrome b (Hepatocystis spp.) gene marker were used to identify the blood parasites. RESULTS Note that 67.5% (n = 27) blood samples were tested negative for blood parasites, while 32.5% (n = 13) blood samples collected were infected with at least one protozoan parasite. Out of 13 samples, 69.2% (n = 9) were detected with Hepatocystis sp., while 15.4% (n = 2) were positive with Hepatozoon ophisauri. Two individuals had multiple infections from both species. No Plasmodium spp. have been detected throughout this study using universal primer (targeted Plasmodium spp.); however, different parasite species which were H. ophisauri were detected. CONCLUSION Although there is no evidence of human infection from H. ophisauri and Hepatocystis sp. detected from the study, the data show the host species are heavily infected, and the information is essential for future prevention of zoonotic outbreaks and surveillance programmes. Therefore, it is suggested that the surveillance programmes should be incorporated in targeted areas with a high risk of disease emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Putri Wulan Dari Perison
- Animal Resource Science and Management ProgrammeFaculty of Resource Science and TechnologyUniversiti Malaysia SarawakKota SamarahanMalaysia
| | - Nurul‐Shafiqah Amran
- Animal Resource Science and Management ProgrammeFaculty of Resource Science and TechnologyUniversiti Malaysia SarawakKota SamarahanMalaysia
| | - Madinah Adrus
- Animal Resource Science and Management ProgrammeFaculty of Resource Science and TechnologyUniversiti Malaysia SarawakKota SamarahanMalaysia
| | - Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan
- Animal Resource Science and Management ProgrammeFaculty of Resource Science and TechnologyUniversiti Malaysia SarawakKota SamarahanMalaysia
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11
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Perles L, de Macedo GC, Barreto WTG, Francisco GV, Herrera HM, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, André MR. Longitudinal dynamics and health impact of Hepatozoon procyonis (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) on naturally infected ring-tailed coatis Nasua nasua (Carnivora: Procyonidae) from Midwestern Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101982. [PMID: 35716428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to morphologically and molecularly detect Hepatozoon procyonis in ring-tailed coatis' (Nasua nasua) blood and associated ticks from central-western Brazil, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state and also evaluate the impact of the protozoa in blood parameters and coati´s health. Samplings were performed in a conservation area Parque Estadual do Prosa (PEP) and in a Brazilian Air Force Private Area namely Vila da Base Aérea (VBA), between March 2018 and April 2019. We collected 165 blood samples, 61 from recaptured coatis. Peripheral blood smears were stained with Romanovsky-type stain for H. procyonis parasitemia assessment. DNA extracted from blood samples and ticks (Amblyomma spp.) were submitted to a nested PCR (nPCR) assay based on the 18S rRNA gene for Hepatozoon spp. Out of 104 individuals sampled, 80 (77%) were positive for H. procyonis in at least one capture. Overall, 67/165 (40.6%) blood smears showed H. procyonis gametocytes (PEP: 41/63 - 65%; VBA: 26/102 - 25.5%). Parasitemia based on 500 assessed leucocytes ranged from 1 (0.2%) to 50 (10%) and 1 (0.2%) to 25 (5%), from animals sampled in PEP and VBA, respectively. Fluctuation on the parasitemia was observed during recaptures. nPCR results showed higher positivity when compared to blood smears, i.e. 112/165 (68%) positive blood samples [PEP: 41/63 (65%), VBA: 26/102 (25.5%)]. In total, 63/248 (25.4%) tick DNA samples were positive at nPCR for Hepatozoon sp., including 32/87 (37%) pools (1 to 10 larvae) of Amblyomma larvae, 21/105 (20%) pools (1 to 5 nymphs) of Amblyomma sculptum nymphs, 9/43 (21%) pools (1 to 5 nymphs) of Amblyomma dubitatumnymphs, and 1/12 (8%) A. sculptum adult female. The partial 18S rRNA sequence from one coati's blood sample and one representative of each positive tick species randomly selected from each area for sequencing (1,000 bp) showed 100% identity with sequences of H. procyonis from GenBank previously detected in coatis. Regarding H. procyonis infection, no statistical differences were obtained when comparing males vs. females (p-value 0.67), immature animals vs. adults (p-value 0.31), rainy vs. dry season (p-value 0.51) and sampling location (p-value 0.42). No noticeable alteration in blood parameters or heath status was observed in parasite animals. H. procyonis circulates in a high prevalence in coatis from central-western Brazil. Parasitemia fluctuates among different coatis' recaptures and apparently the infection has no influence in coatis' hematological and clinical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Perles
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - G C de Macedo
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - W T G Barreto
- Post Graduation Program of Ecology and Conservation, Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - G V Francisco
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - H M Herrera
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 13471-410, MS, Brazil; Post Graduation Program of Ecology and Conservation, Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - D M Barros-Battesti
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - R Z Machado
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M R André
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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12
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Sophia DC, Aitor C, Claudia UC, Javier C, Delia G, Valeria G, Ezequiel HH, Maria Stefania L, Constanza N, Irene S, Nicole SP, Juliana V, Gerardo AJ, Domenico V, Domenico O, Javier M. Large-scale survey for canine vector-borne parasites in free-ranging dogs and foxes from six diverse bioclimatic regions of Chile. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 30:100721. [PMID: 35431077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chile is a large country with a marked range of climate conditions that make it an ideal scenario for the study of vector-borne parasites (VBPs); however, knowledge about their distribution is limited to a few confined areas of this country. The presence of Hepatozoon spp., piroplasmids, Leishmania spp. and filarioids was investigated through molecular and serological methods in blood and serum samples of 764 free-ranging rural dogs, 154 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 91 South American grey foxes (Lycalopex griseus) from six bioclimatic regions across Chile. Hepatozoon spp. DNA was exclusively detected in foxes (43% prevalence), including sequences closely related to Hepatozoon felis (24.1%; only Andean foxes), Hepatozoon americanum (16.2%; only grey foxes), and Hepatozoon canis (1.25%; in one grey fox). Risk factor assessment identified a higher probability of Hepatozoon infection in juvenile foxes. DNA of piroplasmids was detected in 0.7% of dogs (Babesia vogeli) but in no fox, whilst antibodies against Babesia sp. were detected in 24% of the dogs and 25% of the foxes, suggesting a wider circulation of canine piroplasmids than previously believed. A positive association between the presence of antibodies against Babesia and high Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato burden was observed in dogs. Leishmania spp. DNA and antibodies were detected in 0.8% and 4.4% of the dogs, respectively. Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the only blood nematode detected (1.5% of the dogs and no fox). Differences in prevalence among bioregions were observed for some of the VBPs. These results expand our knowledge about the occurrence of vector-borne parasites in Chile, some of which are firstly reported herein. This information will facilitate the diagnosis of vector-borne diseases in domestic dogs and improve the control measures for both domestic and wild canids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cataldo Sophia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cevidanes Aitor
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Ulloa-Contreras Claudia
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cabello Javier
- Centro de Conservación de la Biodiversidad Chiloé-Silvestre, Ancud, Chiloé, Chile
| | - Gambino Delia
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Gargano Valeria
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | | | | | - Napolitano Constanza
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno, Chile; Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Santiago, Chile; Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Sacristán Irene
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Europea de Madrid, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sallaberry-Pincheira Nicole
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vianna Juliana
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Acosta-Jamett Gerardo
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Vicari Domenico
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Otranto Domenico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Millán Javier
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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13
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Weck BC, Serpa MCA, Ramos VN, Luz HR, Costa FB, Ramirez DG, Benatti HR, Piovezan U, Szabó MPJ, Marcili A, Krawczak FS, Muñoz-Leal S, Labruna MB. Novel genotypes of Hepatozoon spp. in small mammals, Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:87. [PMID: 35292086 PMCID: PMC8922722 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05216-8] [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: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small mammals (rodents and marsupials) have been poorly explored for the occurrence of apicomplexan (genus Hepatozoon and genera of the order Piroplasmorida) and Anaplasmataceae agents in Brazil. Thus, this study investigated the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp., Piroplasmorida, and Anaplasmataceae agents in small mammals in seven forest fragments in Brazil. Methods During 2015–2018, small mammals were captured in six forest fragments in the State of São Paulo (Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes) and one fragment in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (Pantanal biome). Mammal blood, liver, spleen, and lung samples were tested molecularly for the presence of DNA of Hepatozoon, Piroplasmorida, and Anaplasmataceae agents. Results A total of 524 mammals were captured, comprising seven species of marsupials, 14 rodents, two carnivores, and one Cingulata. Four novel haplotypes (1, 2, 3, 4) of Hepatozoon spp. were detected in small mammals from different biomes. In São Paulo state, haplotype 1 was detected in rodents from Cerrado and a transition area of Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, whereas haplotype 2 was detected in rodents from the Atlantic Forest biome. On the other hand, haplotypes 3 and 4 were restricted to rodents and marsupials, respectively, from the Pantanal biome of Mato Grosso do Sul. No host species shared more than one haplotype. Despite these distinct geographical and host associations, our phylogenetic analyses indicated that the four Hepatozoon haplotypes belonged to the same clade that contained nearly all haplotypes previously reported on rodents and marsupials, in addition to several reptile-associated haplotypes from different parts of the world. No mammal samples yielded detectable DNA of Piroplasmorida agents. On the other hand, the Anaplasmataceae-targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay amplified a sequence 100% identical to the Wolbachia pipientis endosymbiont of the rodent filarid Litomosoides galizai. Conclusions We report a variety of Hepatozoon haplotypes associated with small mammals in three Brazilian biomes: Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, and Pantanal. Through phylogenetic analyses, the Hepatozoon agents grouped in the rodent-marsupial-reptile large clade of Hepatozoon spp. from the world. The detection of a W. pipientis associated with the rodent filarid L. galizai indicates that the rodent was infected by filarial nematodes. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara C Weck
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva E Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina A Serpa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva E Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa N Ramos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva E Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Hermes R Luz
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva E Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia, Programa de Pós Graduação Em Biotecnologia Do Renorbio, Ponto Focal Maranhão, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Francisco Borges Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva E Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Diego G Ramirez
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva E Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hector R Benatti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva E Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Matias P J Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Arlei Marcili
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Medicina E Bem-Estar Animal E Saúde Única, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe S Krawczak
- Setor de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva E Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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14
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Fava NMN, Alves TS, Lopes MG, Labruna MB, Santos AQ, Cury MC. Occurrence and Molecular Identification of Hemoparasites in Wild Mammals Kept in Rehabilitation Centers in Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:476-486. [PMID: 34797498 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatozoonosis and piroplasmosis are diseases caused by apicomplexan protozoa that affect different types of animals, including mammals. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasms in wild mammals kept in captivity in rehabilitation centers in the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás, Brazil. METHODS For this, blood samples from 152 animals were collected and analyzed by conventional optical microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, positive PCR samples were submitted to sequencing for molecular characterization of the specimens found. RESULTS Microscopic analysis revealed 53 of the 152 animals (28.3%) parasitized by piroplasms. No Hepatozoon sp. was observed. On the other hand, using the primers HepF300/HepR900 and Piro1F/Piro5R, both amplifying fragments of the 18S rDNA gene, eight animals (5.2%) were positive for Hepatozoon spp. and 40 (26.3%) for piroplasms. From the sequencing of the positive samples Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon felis, Theileria cervi, Theileria equi and Cytauxzoon felis were identified. In addition to the aforementioned hemoparasites, some animals were found parasitized by microfilaria. Such data ratify the presence of hemoparasites in captive wild animals, and are unprecedented in the two geographical regions covered by the present study. 19.7% of mammals harbored ectoparasites of the genera Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus. CONCLUSION Wild mammals are infected by several pathogens that can also infect domestic animals, some of them potentially zoonotic which can directly contribute to mortality and species reduction. Therefore, a deep understanding of the parasites, the hosts and the diseases is extremely necessary so that prevention, control and treatment measures are effectively applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália M N Fava
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Talita Silva Alves
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Marcos Gomes Lopes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André Quagliatto Santos
- Wild Animals Teaching and Research Laboratory (LAPAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Mato Grosso Avenue, 3289-Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia Cristina Cury
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
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15
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Santodomingo AM, Thomas RS, Quintero-Galvis JF, Echeverry-Berrio DM, la Fuente MCSD, Moreno-Salas L, Muñoz-Leal S. Apicomplexans in small mammals from Chile, with the first report of the Babesia microti group in South American rodents. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1009-1020. [PMID: 35102466 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Small mammals play an essential role as disseminators of pathogens because they reach high population densities and have ubiquitous distributions. In the Northern Hemisphere rodents are well recognized as reservoirs for tick-borne bacteria of the Anaplasmataceae family and also apicomplexan protozoans. In contrast, South American rodents hosting these microorganisms have been rarely identified. In this study, we collected blood from rodents and marsupials in northern Chile and screened for Anaplasmataceae bacteria and apicomplexan protozoa. Overall, 14.7% of the samples were positive for Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Sarcocystidae using conventional PCR assays targeting the structural 18S rRNA locus (18S). Phylogenetic analyses performed with amplicons derived from 18S and cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene provided evidence of a Babesia sp. belonging to the Babesia microti group in Phyllotis darwini, and a novel Babesia genotype in P. darwini and Abrothrix jelskii. Furthermore, four novel genotypes of Hepatozoon retrieved from Abrothrix olivacea, P. darwini, and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, formed independent lineages within a clade that includes additional Hepatozoon spp. detected in South American rodents. Moreover, an incidental finding of a previously detected apicomplexan, herein designated as Sarcocystidae sp., was recorded in Thylamys opossums with a high prevalence, indicating a possible specific association with these mammals. Phylogenetic analysis of Sarcoystidae sp. clearly demonstrated its relatedness to apicomplexans detected in Australian marsupials. Our results expand the range of mammals hosting tick-borne apicomplexans in South America, highlight a novel clade consisting of South American babesias, and report for the first time the B. microti group infecting rodents in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Santodomingo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - Richard S Thomas
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | | | | | | | - Lucila Moreno-Salas
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile.
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16
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Fonsêca ADV, Oliveira LMBD, Jorge FR, Cavalcante RO, Bevilaqua CML, Pinto FJM, Santos JMLD, Teixeira BM, Rodrigues AKPP, Braz GF, Viana GA, Costa EC, Serpa MCDA, Weck BC, Labruna MB. Occurrence of tick-borne pathogens in dogs in a coastal region of the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e021321. [PMID: 35239843 PMCID: PMC9901873 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens (Ehrlichia canis, Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon spp. and Rickettsia spp.) in dogs in Vila de Jericoacoara, coastal region of Ceará, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 153 animals and analyzed using molecular and serological methods. Sixty animals were found to be infected or exposed to at least one of the pathogens studied. Babesia vogeli was the most prevalent pathogen (15%), followed by E. canis (13.7%) and Hepatozoon spp. (11.8%), which was identified as Hepatozoon canis through sequencing. Twenty dogs (13%) were seroreactive to Rickettsia spp. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was observed on 11.8% of the animals. There were associations between age (< 3 years old) and positivity for B. vogeli, and between habitation (stray dogs) and positivity for H. canis. There were also associations between anemia and infection with H. canis, and between leukopenia and exposure to Rickettsia spp. No association was detected between clinical alterations and infection with or exposure to the pathogens studied. The results confirmed that pathogens of veterinary importance are circulating in northeastern Brazil and showed that dogs are exposed to Rickettsia species with zoonotic potential, thus indicating a need for vector control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arícia Débora Vasconcelos Fonsêca
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará - UECE, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - Lorena Mayana Beserra de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará - UECE, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - Felipe Rodrigues Jorge
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará - UECE, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - Ramuelly Olinda Cavalcante
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará - UECE, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - Claudia Maria Leal Bevilaqua
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará - UECE, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Geysa Almeida Viana
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário INTA - UNINTA, Sobral, CE, Brasil
| | - Edmara Chaves Costa
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira - UNILAB, Redenção, CE, Brasil
| | - Maria Carolina de Azevedo Serpa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Bárbara Conte Weck
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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17
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Morelli S, Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Traversa D. Canine and Feline Parasitology: Analogies, Differences, and Relevance for Human Health. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0026620. [PMID: 34378954 PMCID: PMC8404700 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00266-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats and dogs are treated as family members by most pet owners. Therefore, a high quality of veterinary care and preventive medicine is imperative for animal health and welfare and for the protection of humans from zoonotic pathogens. There is a general perception of cats being treated as "small dogs," especially in the field of clinical parasitology. As a result, several important differences between the two animal species are not taken into proper consideration and are often overlooked. Dogs and cats are profoundly different under evolutionary, biological, ethological, behavioral, and immunological standpoints. These differences impact clinical features, diagnosis, and control of canine and feline parasites and transmission risk for humans. This review outlines the most common parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of dogs and cats, with a focus on major convergences and divergences, and discusses parasites that have (i) evolved based on different preys for dogs and cats, (ii) adapted due to different immunological or behavioral animal profiles, and (iii) developed more similarities than differences in canine and feline infections and associated diseases. Differences, similarities, and peculiarities of canine and feline parasitology are herein reviewed in three macrosections: (i) carnivorism, vegetarianism, anatomy, genetics, and parasites, (ii) evolutionary adaptation of nematodes, including veterinary reconsideration and zoonotic importance, and (iii) behavior and immune system driving ectoparasites and transmitted diseases. Emphasis is given to provide further steps toward a more accurate evaluation of canine and feline parasitology in a changing world in terms of public health relevance and One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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18
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Alabí AS, Monti G, Otth C, Sepulveda-García P, Perles L, Machado RZ, André MR, Bittencourt P, Müller A. Genetic diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in rodents from Chile. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e012721. [PMID: 34755807 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in rodents from Valdivia, Chile. A total of 74 rodents (synanthropic n=38; wild n=36) were trapped in Valdivia. We performed conventional PCR assays for Apicomplexa organisms targeting two overlapping 18S rDNA gene fragments (600 bp and 900 bp) followed by sequencing of selected amplicons. Hepatozoon spp. occurrence was 82.43% (61/74). Twelve sequences obtained from the 600 bp and ten from the 900 bp 18S rDNA fragments were identified as Hepatozoon sp. Six sequences obtained from 18S rDNA-based overlapping PCR protocols were used for concatenated (1,400 bp) phylogenetic, haplotype and distance analyses. Hepatozoon spp. 18S rDNA concatenated sequences from the present study were detected in Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus, and Abrothrix longipilis grouped with Hepatozoon species earlier described in rodents and reptiles from Chile and Brazil. Nucleotide polymorphism of the six 18S rDNA sequences (1,400 bp) from this study, and other Chilean sequences from rodents and rodent's ticks, showed high diversity with a total of nine Chilean haplotypes. Three haplotypes from Valdivia were identified for the first time in this study, suggesting the circulation of novel haplotypes in rodents from southern Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Salvador Alabí
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Insituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carola Otth
- Instituto de Microbiologia Clínica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Paulina Sepulveda-García
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Livia Perles
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinarias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinarias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinarias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Pedro Bittencourt
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
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19
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Carvalho L, Félix ML, Bazzano V, da Costa A, Armúa-Fernández MT, Muñoz-Leal S, Venzal JM. An Hepatozoon americanum-like protozoan in crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and grey pampean (Lycalopex gymnocercus) foxes from Uruguay. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3587-3593. [PMID: 34480202 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07305-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In South America, apicomplexan parasites of the genus Hepatozoon have been sporadically detected in mammals. Previous studies in wild canids from Brazil and Argentina demonstrated infections by species genetically related to Hepatozoon americanum. The aim of the present work was to detect the presence of Hepatozoon in road-killed foxes encountered in Uruguayan highways. Blood samples from 45 crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and 32 grey pampean (Lycalopex gymnocercus) foxes were analyzed by PCR for Hepatozoon 18S rRNA gene. Eight foxes (10.4%) were found to be infected with an H. americanum-like protozoan, an Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences obtained in this study cluster with H. americanum from the United States, and with an H. americanum-like species from dog and foxes from Brazil and Argentina. In the Unites States, H. americanum causes severe disease in dogs. In addition to this, an increasing habitat overlap between dogs and foxes makes the presence of H. americanum-like protozoan in foxes acquires veterinary relevance. This work represents the first report of L. gymnocercus infected with an H. americanum-like protozoan, and of wild canids infected with Hepatozoon in Uruguay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Carvalho
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay.
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - María L Félix
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Valentin Bazzano
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Anthony da Costa
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - María T Armúa-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Casilla 537, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - José Manuel Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
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20
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Diaz E, Hidalgo A, Villamarin C, Donoso G, Barragan V. Vector-borne zoonotic blood parasites in wildlife from Ecuador: A report and systematic review. Vet World 2021; 14:1935-1945. [PMID: 34475720 PMCID: PMC8404139 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1935-1945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Ecuador is a hugely diverse country, but information on infectious diseases in local wild animals is scarce. The aim of this study was to screen the presence of blood parasites in free-ranging wild animals admitted to the Wildlife Hospital at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, from April 2012 to January 2019. Materials and Methods: We identified blood parasites by microscopic observation of blood smears from free-ranging wildlife species that attended the Wildlife Hospital of Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador) from April 2012 to January 2019. Results: The microscopic evaluations of animals as potential reservoirs for vector-borne zoonotic blood parasites revealed the presence of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., microfilaria, Mycoplasma spp., and Trypanosoma spp. in previously unreported wildlife species. In addition, we performed a systematic review to understand the current knowledge gaps in the context of these findings. Conclusion: Our data contribute to the knowledge of blood parasites in wildlife from Ecuador. Furthermore, the potential transmission of these parasites to humans and domestic animals, current anthropogenic environmental changes in the region, and the lack of information on this suggest the importance of our results and warrant further investigations on infectious diseases in animals and humans and their relationship with environmental health as key domains of the One Health concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Diaz
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Hospital de Fauna Silvestre TUERI, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Anahi Hidalgo
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Hospital de Fauna Silvestre TUERI, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Carla Villamarin
- Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Gustavo Donoso
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Hospital de Fauna Silvestre TUERI, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Veronica Barragan
- Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador.,Department of Biological Science, Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, USA
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21
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Atelerix algirus, the North African Hedgehog: Suitable Wild Host for Infected Ticks and Fleas and Reservoir of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Tunisia. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080953. [PMID: 34451417 PMCID: PMC8399139 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small wild mammals are an important element in the emergence and transmission of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs). Among these species, hedgehogs have been found to be a reservoir of VBPs and host of arthropod vectors. Surveillance of VBPs in wildlife and their arthropods are crucial in a one health context. We conducted an exploratory study to screen Atelerix algirus hedgehogs and their infesting ticks and fleas for VBPs using a high throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system. Tested biopsies from hedgehogs were found to be naturally infected by Theileria youngi, Hepatozoon sp., Ehrlichia ewingii, Coxiella burnetii, and Candidatus Ehrlichia shimanensis. Similarly, Haemaphysalis erinacei and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick species were infected by Ehrlichia ewingii, Rickettsia spp., Rickettsia massiliae, Borrelia sp., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia lusitaniae and Anaplasma sp. Archaeopsylla erinacei fleas were infected by Rickettsia asembonensis, Coxiella burnetii, and Rickettsia massiliae. Co-infections by two and three pathogens were detected in hedgehogs and infesting ticks and fleas. The microfluidic real-time PCR system enabled us not only to detect new and unexpected pathogens, but also to identify co-infections in hedgehogs, ticks, and fleas. We suggest that hedgehogs may play a reservoir role for VBPs in Tunisia and contribute to maintaining enzootic pathogen cycles via arthropod vectors.
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22
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Haemogregarines and Criteria for Identification. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010170. [PMID: 33445814 PMCID: PMC7828249 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Taxonomic classification of haemogregarines belonging to Apicomplexa can become difficult when the information about the life cycle stages is not available. Using a self-reporting, we record different haemogregarine species infecting various animal categories and exploring the most systematic features for each life cycle stage. The keystone in the classification of any species of haemogregarines is related to the sporogonic cycle more than other stages of schizogony and gamogony. Molecular approaches are excellent tools that enabled the identification of apicomplexan parasites by clarifying their evolutionary relationships. Abstract Apicomplexa is a phylum that includes all parasitic protozoa sharing unique ultrastructural features. Haemogregarines are sophisticated apicomplexan blood parasites with an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle and haplohomophasic alternation of generations. Haemogregarines are common blood parasites of fish, amphibians, lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, birds, and mammals. Haemogregarine ultrastructure has been so far examined only for stages from the vertebrate host. PCR-based assays and the sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene are helpful methods to further characterize this parasite group. The proper classification for the haemogregarine complex is available with the criteria of generic and unique diagnosis of these parasites.
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23
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Santos FM, de Sousa KCM, Sano NY, Nantes WAG, Liberal SC, Machado RZ, André MR, Herrera HM. Relationships between vector-borne parasites and free-living mammals at the Brazilian Pantanal. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1003-1010. [PMID: 33420620 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07028-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In nature, parasitic infections must be addressed as complex systems involving parasite-host relationships on a temporal and spatial scale. Since the parasites cover a great biological diversity, we can expect that wildlife are exposed simultaneously to different parasites. In this sense, the objective of this work was to determine the relationships between free-living mammals and their associated hemoparasites in the Brazilian Pantanal. We used the data published during 2017 and 2018 by de Sousa et al. regarding the detection of vector-borne pathogens (VBP), namely Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Cytauxzoon, Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, Mycoplasma, and Theileria, in nine species of free-living mammals belonging to orders Carnivora, Rodentia, and Didelphimorphia. We assume as infected an individual positive on any of parasitological, molecular, and/or serological tests. We observed a strong association between the wild felid Leopardus pardalis with Cytauxzoon, the wild canid Cerdocyon thous with Hepatozoon, the small rodent Thrichomys fosteri with Bartonella, and the procyonid Nasua nasua with Mycoplasma and Theileria. Therefore, N. nasua, C. thous, T. fosteri, and the small rodent Oecomys mamorae can be considered key species for the maintenance of selected VBP in the Pantanal region, because they showed a high number of single and coinfections. Together, our results highlighted the importance of coinfection as a common phenomenon in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Martins Santos
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário -, Campo Grande, MS, 79117-900, Brazil.
| | - Keyla Carstens Marques de Sousa
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nayara Yoshie Sano
- Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Wesley Arruda Gimenes Nantes
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário -, Campo Grande, MS, 79117-900, Brazil
| | - Sany Caroline Liberal
- Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário -, Campo Grande, MS, 79117-900, Brazil.,Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.,Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Molecular detection of Apicomplexan hemoparasites in anurans from Brazil. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3469-3479. [PMID: 32827104 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06835-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrate groups in the world, and the main causes include climate change, habitat destruction, and emerging diseases. Herein, we investigated the occurrence and characterized molecularly Apicomplexa in anurans from southeastern Brazil. Forty individuals from seven anuran species were sampled in São Paulo state. In the molecular analyses, one Leptodactylus latrans and one Rhinella diptycha were positive in PCR assays for species of Hepatozoon. Two L. latrans were also positive for coccidian infections (Lankesterella sp. and an unidentified coccidian species). Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA clustered the sequences detected in anurans from the present study with Hepatozoon spp. detected in reptiles and other anurans from Brazil, albeit they were separate from Hepatozoon haplotypes detected in frogs from Africa and North America. Our study showed, for the first time, the molecular detection of Lankesterella sp. and another coccidian in L. latrans. Additionally, co-infection by different species of Hepatozoon haplotypes and an unidentified coccidian in anurans from Brazil was documented.
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Detection of DNA of Babesia canis in tissues of laboratory rodents following oral inoculation with infected ticks. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:166. [PMID: 32245520 PMCID: PMC7118908 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04051-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia spp. are apicomplexan parasites which infect a wide range of mammalian hosts. Historically, most Babesia species were described based on the assumed host specificity and morphological features of the intraerythrocytic stages. New DNA-based approaches challenge the traditional species concept and host specificity in Babesia. Using such tools, the presence of Babesia DNA was reported in non-specific mammalian hosts, including B. canis in feces and tissues of insectivorous bats, opening questions on alternative transmission routes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if B. canis DNA can be detected in tissues of laboratory rodents following oral inoculation with infected ticks. Methods Seventy-five questing adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were longitudinally cut in two halves and pooled. Each pool consisted of halves of 5 ticks, resulting in two analogous sets. One pool set (n = 15) served for DNA extraction, while the other set (n = 15) was used for oral inoculation of experimental animals (Mus musculus, line CD-1 and Meriones unguiculatus). Blood was collected three times during the experiment (before the inoculation, at 14 days post-inoculation and at 30 days post-inoculation). All animals were euthanized 30 days post-inoculation. At necropsy, half of the heart, lung, liver, spleen and kidneys were collected from each animal. The presence of Babesia DNA targeting the 18S rRNA gene was evaluated from blood and tissues samples. For histopathology, the other halves of the tissues were used. Stained blood smears were used for the light microscopy detection of Babesia. Results From the 15 pools of D. reticulatus used for the oral inoculation, six were PCR-positive for B. canis. DNA of B. canis was detected in blood and tissues of 33.3% of the animals (4 out of 12) inoculated with a B. canis-positive pool. No Babesia DNA was detected in the other 18 animals which received B. canis-negative tick pools. No Babesia was detected during the histological examination and all blood smears were microscopically negative. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that B. canis DNA can be detected in tissues of mammalian hosts following ingestion of infected ticks and opens the question of alternative transmission routes for piroplasms.![]()
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Perles L, Barranco GHF, Soriano IM, Cruz NDRN, Bueno PJ, Santana ÁE, Machado RZ, Werther K, André MR. Hepatozoon sp. gamonts as an accidental finding in synovial liquid from an injured maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in southeastern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:779-785. [PMID: 31483033 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A free-living, adult male maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) was referred to the Governador "Laudo Natel" - FCAV/Unesp veterinary hospital after being found with skin lesions and a fracture on the right pelvic limb, which had to be amputated due to compromised integrity. Around 20 days later, bilateral accentuated swollen on humerus-radius-ulna articulation was observed. The synovial liquid was drained and sent to the laboratory for synovial cytology with Rosenfeld staining that revealed predominantly degenerated neutrophils with karyolytic chromatin associated with intracellular inclusions suggestive of Hepatozoon sp. gametocytes. Blood and synovial liquid samples were submitted to molecular analysis, aiming to amplify the Hepatozoon spp. 18S rRNA gene fragment. Despite the positioning of the found Hepatozoon sequence together with Hepatozoon canis previously detected in domestic carnivores, the BLAST analysis showed only 98% identity with H. canis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a Hepatozoon was detected in the synovial liquid by clinical pathology and molecular analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Perles
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Isabela Maciel Soriano
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Nathan da Rocha Neves Cruz
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Patrícia Jábali Bueno
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Áureo Evangelista Santana
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Karin Werther
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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Perles L, Ikeda P, Francisco GDV, Torres JM, de Oliveira CE, Lourenço EC, Herrera HM, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular detection of Hepatozoon spp. in non-hematophagous bats in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101401. [PMID: 32014465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Even though Hepatozoon spp. has been molecularly detected in several wild animals in Brazil, there is no report on the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. DNA in bats in Brazil. This study aimed at detecting Hepatozoon, in addition to ectoparasites, in non-hematophagous bats sampled in central-western Brazil using blood smears, hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-staining liver/spleen preparations and molecular and phylogenetic techniques. A total of 135 spleen, 127 liver, and 133 blood samples were collected from 135 non-hematophagous bats from 12 different species in two different sites in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state, in the Brazilian Cerrado region. Spleen and blood DNA samples were submitted to two conventional PCR protocols for Hepatozoon spp. based on 18S rRNA. No Hepatozoon spp. gamonts or meronts were observed in blood smears and HE-stained-liver preparations, respectively. While none of the spleen samples was positive for Hepatozoon spp. in the PCR assays, 5 (3 %) blood samples contained 18S rRNA Hepatozoon DNA, including 2/37 (5 %) Artibeus lituratus, 2/32 (6 %) A. planirostris, and 1/23 (4 %) Platyrrhinus lineatus. Out of 5 bats positive for Hepatozoon spp., 3 were parasitized by either Macronyssidae/Spinturnicidae mites or Streblidae flies. BLAST analysis showed that the sequences detected in bats had >99 % identity with Hepatozoon sequences detected in amphibians and reptiles from Brazil, including Hepatozoon caimani detected in Caiman crocodilus. The phylogenetic inferences estimated by the Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian methods clustered the Hepatozoon sequences detected in Brazilian bats with those detected in reptiles and amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Perles
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Priscila Ikeda
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Gabriela de Vasconcellos Francisco
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Jaire Marinho Torres
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, Brazil; Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carina Elisei de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, Brazil; Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, Brazil.
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Buccheri MA, Salvo E, Coci M, Quero GM, Zoccarato L, Privitera V, Rappazzo G. Investigating microbial indicators of anthropogenic marine pollution by 16S and 18S High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) library analysis. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2019; 366:5550730. [DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnz179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTHigh-Throughput Sequencing technologies are providing unprecedented inventories of microbial communities in aquatic samples, offering an invaluable tool to estimate the impact of anthropogenic pressure on marine communities. In this case study, the Mediterranean touristic site of Aci Castello (Italy) was investigated by High-Throughput Sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA genes. The sampling area falls within a Marine Protected Area and, notwithstanding, features an untreated urban wastewater discharge. Seawater samples were collected close to the wastewater output (COL) and at a second station about 400 m further off (PAN), before and after a summer increase in population. Prokaryotic communities clustered according to stations, rather than to seasons. While PAN showed a typical, not impacted, marine microbial composition, COL was consistently enriched in Epsilonproteobacteria and Firmicutes. Protist communities showed a peculiar clustering, as COL at springtime stood alone and was dominated by Ciliophora, while the other samples were enriched in Dinophyta. Analysis of alternative, detectable by High-Throughput Sequencing, microbial indicators, including both faecal- and sewage-associated, allowed uncovering the different sources of pollution in coastal and anthropogenically impacted marine ecosystems, underpinning the relevance of High-Throughput Sequencing-based screening as rapid and precise method for water quality management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eliana Salvo
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università di Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Grazia M Quero
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - Sezione di Ecologia Marina Integrata -, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Zoccarato
- Department of Limnology of Stratified Lakes, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 16775 Stechlin, Germany
| | | | - Giancarlo Rappazzo
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università di Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
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Genetic diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in rodents from Brazil. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10122. [PMID: 31300712 PMCID: PMC6626033 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46662-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatozoon spp. are Apicomplexan protozoa that parasitize a wide diversity of vertebrate hosts. In Brazil, few studies have reported the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. in rodent species. Additionally, an evaluation of the population structure and distribution of Hepatozoon species over several Brazilian biomes has not yet been performed. The present work aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in rodents from 31 genera sampled in five Brazilian biomes. Samples were submitted to PCR assays for Hepatozoon spp. targeting two regions of the 18S rRNA gene. Infection by Hepatozoon spp. was detected in 195 (42.2%) rodents comprising 24 genera. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA sequences grouped all sequences in the clade of Hepatozoon spp. previously detected in rodents and reptiles, apart from those detected in domestic/wild carnivores. These data raise two non-exclusive hypotheses: (i) rodents play an important role as intermediate or paratenic hosts for Hepatozoon infections in reptiles; and (ii) rodents do not seem to participate in the epidemiology of Hepatozoon infections of domestic/wild canids and felids in Brazil. TCS analyses performed with available 18S rRNA Hepatozoon sequences detected in rodents from Brazil showed the occurrence of six haplotypes, which were distributed in two large groups: one from rodents inhabiting the coastal region of Brazil and Mato Grosso state, and another from rodents from the central region of the country. A wide survey of the South American territory will help to elucidate the evolutionary history of Hepatozoon spp. parasitizing Rodentia in the American continent.
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Pereira C, Maia JP, Marcos R, Luzzago C, Puente-Payo P, Dall'Ara P, Faustino A, Lauzi S. Molecular detection of Hepatozoon felis in cats from Maio Island, Republic of Cape Verde and global distribution of feline hepatozoonosis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:294. [PMID: 31186033 PMCID: PMC6560739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3551-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-borne diseases are emerging worldwide and have an important zoonotic relevance. In the last few years, the interest in vector-borne pathogens in cats has increased. However, studies on feline vector-borne pathogens on tropical islands are lacking. Islands differ from continental countries because they have an enclosed population of animals, with all year presence of the vectors and, most often, without vector control measures. This study focused on the molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of vector-borne pathogens in autochthonous cats with a mixed indoor–outdoor lifestyle from Maio Island, Cape Verde archipelago. Methods Blood samples were collected from 80 asymptomatic cats, representing almost a quarter of the total cat population of the island. The presence of DNA of protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon and bacteria belonging to family Anaplasmataceae and to genus Bartonella was assessed by PCR and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with infection. For feline hepatozoonosis, a worldwide dataset of Hepatozoon felis sequences retrieved from mammal species and vectors along with Hepatozoon spp. sequences retrieved from felids was generated, phylogenetically analyzed and the geographical and host distribution was assessed. Results Hepatozoon felis genotype I was identified in 12 (15%) cats from Maio Island whereas none of the cats were PCR positive for the other pathogens tested. No significant association of H. felis infection with age, sex, location or presence of vectors was observed by statistical analysis in Cape Verde’s cats. Phylogenetic analysis on the worldwide dataset of feline Hepatozoon sequences showed two significant distinct clades for H. felis genotype I and II. Different geographical distributions were assessed: H. felis genotype I was the only genotype found in Africa and has been reported worldwide, with the exception of Japan and Brazil where only H. felis genotype II has been reported. Conclusions The identification of H. felis genotype I in cats in Maio Island highlights the need to further investigate the significance of H. felis genotypes and to clarify the epidemiological aspects of this infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3551-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pereira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Maia
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, Nº 7, Vila do Conde, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Marcos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Camilla Luzzago
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Coordinated Research Center "EpiSoMI", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pablo Puente-Payo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paola Dall'Ara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Augusto Faustino
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy.
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Millán J, Travaini A, Cevidanes A, Sacristán I, Rodríguez A. Assessing the natural circulation of canine vector-borne pathogens in foxes, ticks and fleas in protected areas of Argentine Patagonia with negligible dog participation. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 8:63-70. [PMID: 30622893 PMCID: PMC6319024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We collected blood and/or ectoparasites from 49 South American grey foxes (Lycalopex griseus) and two Andean foxes (L. culpaeus) caught in two National Parks of southern Argentine Patagonia (Bosques Petrificados, BPNP; and Monte León, MLNP) where dogs are nearly absent (density < 0.01 dog/km2). Common ectoparasites were the flea Pulex irritans (88% prevalence) and the tick Amblyomma tigrinum (29%). Conventional PCR and sequencing of 49 blood samples, 299 fleas analysed in 78 pools, and 21 ticks revealed the presence of DNA of the following canine vector-borne pathogens: in grey foxes, Rickettsia sp. (3%), hemoplasmas (8%), including Mycoplasma haemocanis, and Hepatozoon sp. (50%); in P. irritans, Bartonella spp. (72% of flea pools from 76% of foxes), mostly B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii but also B. rochalimae, Anaplasmataceae (Wolbachia sp.; 60% and 54%), and M. haemocanis/haemofelis (29% and 18%); and in A. tigrinum, Hepatozoon sp. (33% of ticks in 4 of 7 foxes). No piroplasmid DNA was detected in any sample. Andean foxes were negative for all tested pathogens. Two different Hepatozoon haplotypes were detected: the most prevalent was phylogenetically associated with H. felis, and the other with H. americanum and related sequences. Amblyomma tigrinum and Hepatozoon sp. were more abundant and/or prevalent in BPNP than in colder MLNP, 300 km southwards, perhaps located close to the limit for tick suitability. Bartonella v. berkhoffii was also significantly more prevalent in fleas of foxes in BPNP than in MLNP. This study provides novel information about natural host-pathogen associations in wildlife, markedly extends the distribution area in South America of arthropods and vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and public health interest, and contributes preliminary evidence about the potential role of A. tigrinum and P. irritans as vectors, respectively, for potentially new species of Hepatozoon from Lycalopex spp. and for M. haemocanis that should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Travaini
- Centro de Investigaciones Puerto Deseado, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral, CONICET, Avda. Prefectura Naval s/n, 9050, Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Irene Sacristán
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
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Santos FM, Macedo GCD, Barreto WTG, Nantes WAG, Assis WOD, Herrera HM. VALORES HEMATOLÓGICOS DE LOBINHOS (Cerdocyon thous) DO PANTANAL, MATO GROSSO DO SUL, BRASIL NATURALMENTE INFECTADOS E NÃO INFECTADOS POR Trypanosoma cruzi e T. evansi. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1089-6891v20e-50604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência do sexo, da sazonalidade e de infecções por Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi nos valores hematológicos de lobinhos (Cerdocyon thous) que habitam o Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense. Entre novembro de 2015 e outubro de 2016, foram amostrados 48 lobinhos. Os valores hematológicos mensurados foram as contagens de eritrócitos e leucócitos, volume globular e volume corpuscular médio. Consideramos como parasitados os animais positivos para T.cruzi e T. evansi em qualquer um dos testes diagnósticos utilizados. Observamos que sete (14.5%) lobinhos encontraram-se parasitados somente por T.cruzi, sete por T. evansi, e nove (19%) estavam coinfectados. Os animais parasitados por T.cruzi mostraram um aumento significativo das contagens de leucócitos (14.7 x 103) em relação aos animais não parasitados (10.4 x 103), parasitados por T. evansi (12.4 x 103) e coinfectados (12.9 x 103). Observamos diferença significativa em relação aos valores médios de eritrócitos e volume corpuscular médio entre os períodos de cheia e seca: 2.6 x 106 e 165, e 3.4 x 106 e 132, respectivamente. Todos apresentaram macrocitose não confirmada morfologicamente.
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Hepatozoon milleri sp. nov. (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) in Akodon montensis (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) from southeastern Brazil. Parasitology 2018; 146:662-669. [PMID: 30486906 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018001956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Members of the genus Hepatozoon (Miller, 1908) are blood parasites found in a wide range of host species, including wild rodents; however, information about the life cycle, distribution and Hepatozoon species diversity infecting these mammals are lacking. We studied the parasite stages and DNA sequences of Hepatozoon sp. of 11 naturally infected Akodon montensis. Thin blood smears, tissue samples and whole blood were obtained for morphology, morphometry and molecular analyses. Seven of the 11 rodents had gamonts on the blood smears. Biological and morphological features of the parasite such as tissue tropism, gamonts and meronts size and morphology, as well as the DNA sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis, indicated that the Hepatozoon sp. detected in this study is distinct from those species previously reported in small rodents. Herein, we propose a new species, named Hepatozoon milleri sp. nov. This is the first description of a new Hepatozoon species from wild small rodents in Brazil, based on morphological and molecular characteristics.
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Mongruel ACB, Ikeda P, Sousa KCMD, Benevenute JL, Falbo MK, Machado RZ, Carrasco ADOT, André MR, Seki MC. Molecular detection of vector borne pathogens in anemic and thrombocytopenic dogs in southern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2018; 27:505-513. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Arthropod-borne pathogens are medically important because of their ability to cause diseases in their hosts. The purpose of this study was to detect the occurrence of Ehrlichia spp., piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. in dogs with anemia and thrombocytopenia in southern Brazil. EDTA-whole blood was collected from 75 domestic dogs presenting anemia or/and thrombocytopenia from Guarapuava, state of Paraná, Brazil. DNA samples were subjected to conventional PCR assays for Ehrlichia spp. (dsb), piroplasmids (18S rRNA) and Hepatozoon spp. (18S rRNA), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Among the 75 dogs, one (1.33%) was positive for Hepatozoon sp. and six (8%) were positive for piroplasmids in 18S rRNA cPCR assays. None of the dogs showed positive results in Ehrlichia spp.-cPCR targeting dsb gene. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that three piroplasm sequences were clustered with Rangellia vitalii, while one sequence was grouped with B. vogeli. The only sequence obtained from Hepatozoon spp.-PCR protocol was pooled with H. canis. Therefore, there is urgent need for differential molecular diagnosis of the two piroplasm species cited as etiological agents in clinical cases of canine hemoparasitic diseases, given the higher pathogenic potential of R. vitalii than of B. vogeli.
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de Sousa KCM, do Amaral RB, Herrera HM, Santos FM, Macedo GC, de Andrade Pinto PCE, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, André MR. Genetic Diversity of Bartonella spp. in Wild Mammals and Ectoparasites in Brazilian Pantanal. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2018; 76:544-554. [PMID: 29313064 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-017-1138-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The present work aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Bartonella in mammals and ectoparasites in Pantanal wetland, Brazil. For this purpose, 31 Nasua nasua, 78 Cerdocyon thous, 7 Leopardus pardalis, 110 wild rodents, 30 marsupials, and 42 dogs were sampled. DNA samples were submitted to a quantitative real-time PCR assay (qPCR). Positive samples in qPCR were submitted to conventional PCR assays targeting other five protein-coding genes. Thirty-five wild rodents and three Polygenis (P.) bohlsi bohlsi flea pools showed positive results in qPCR for Bartonella spp. Thirty-seven out of 38 positive samples in qPCR were also positive in cPCR assays based on ftsZ gene, nine in nuoG-cPCR, and six in gltA-cPCR. Concatenated phylogenetic analyses showed that two main genotypes circulate in rodents and ectoparasites in the studied region. While one of them was closely related to Bartonella spp. previously detected in Cricetidae rodents from North America and Brazil, the other one was related to Bartonella alsatica, Bartonella pachyuromydis, Bartonella birtlesii, Bartonella acomydis, Bartonella silvatica, and Bartonella callosciuri. These results showed that at least two Bartonella genotypes circulate among wild rodents. Additionally, the present study suggests that Polygenis (P.) bohlsi bohlsi fleas could act as possible Bartonella vectors among rodents in Pantanal wetland, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renan Bressianini do Amaral
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, CEP: 14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
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A survey of hemoparasites and ectoparasites in Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766 with a redescription of Hepatozoon procyonis Richards, 1961 based on morphological and molecular data. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2159-2169. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5903-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Diversity of piroplasmids among wild and domestic mammals and ectoparasites in Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:245-253. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Abstract
SUMMARYAnaplasmataceae agents comprise obligate intracellular bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. Between August 2013 and March 2015, 31Nasua nasua(coati), 78Cerdocyon thous(crab-eating fox), sevenLeopardus pardalis(ocelot), 110 wild rodents, 30 marsupials, and 42 dogs were sampled in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. In addition, ectoparasites found parasitizing the animals were collected and identified. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae agents in wild mammals, domestic dogs and ectoparasites, by molecular and serological techniques. Overall, 14 (17·9%)C. thous, seven (16·6%) dogs and one (3·2%)N. nasuawere seroreactive toEhrlichia canis. Nine dogs, twoC. thous,oneN. nasua, eight wild rodents, five marsupials, eightAmblyomma sculptum,fourAmblyomma parvum,13A. sculptumnymphal pools, twoAmblyommalarvae pools and onePolygenis (Polygenis) bohlsi bohlsiflea pool were positive forEhrlichiaspp. closely related toE. canis. SevenN. nasua, two dogs, oneC. thous,oneL. pardalis, four wild rodents, three marsupials, 15A. sculptum, twoAmblyomma ovale,twoA. parvumand oneAmblyommaspp. larval pools were positive forAnaplasmaspp. closely related toA. phagocytophilumorA. bovis. The present study provided evidence that wild animals from Brazilian Pantanal are exposed to Anaplasmataceae agents.
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de Sousa KCM, Herrera HM, Rocha FL, Costa FB, Martins TF, Labruna MB, Machado RZ, André MR. Rickettsia spp. among wild mammals and their respective ectoparasites in Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:10-17. [PMID: 29111373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The genus Rickettsia comprises obligatory intracellular bacteria, well known to cause zoonotic diseases around the world. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Rickettsia spp. in wild animals, domestic dogs and their respective ectoparasites in southern Pantanal region, central-western Brazil, by molecular and serological techniques. Between August 2013 and March 2015, serum, whole blood and/or spleen samples were collected from 31 coatis, 78 crab-eating foxes, seven ocelots, 42 dogs, 110 wild rodents, and 30 marsupials. Serum samples from canids, felids, rodents and marsupials were individually tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in order to detect IgG antibodies to Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia amblyommatis. DNA samples from mammals and ectoparasites were submitted to a multiplex qPCR assay in order to detect and quantify spotted fever group (SFG) and typhus group (TG) rickettsiae and Orientia tsutsugamushi. Positive samples in qPCR assays were submitted to conventional PCR assays targeting gltA, ompA, ompB and htrA genes, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. The ticks collected (1582) from animals belonged to the species Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma tigrinum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Amblyomma auricularium. Overall, 27 (64.2%) dogs, 59 (75.6%) crab-eating foxes and six (85.7%) ocelots were seroreactive (titer≥64) to at least one Rickettsia species. For 17 (40.4%) dogs, 33 (42.3%) crab-eating foxes, and two (33.3%) ocelots, homologous reactions to R. amblyommatis or a closely related organism were suggested. One hundred and sixteen (23.5%) tick samples and one (1.2%) crab-eating fox blood sample showed positivity in qPCR assays for SFG Rickettsia spp. Among SFG Rickettsia-positive ticks samples, 93 (80.2%) belonged to A. parvum, 14 (12%) belonged to A. sculptum species, three (2.5%) belonged to A. auricularim, and six (5.2%) were Amblyomma larval pools. Thirty samples out of 117 qPCR positive samples for SFG Rickettsia spp. also showed positivity in cPCR assays based on gltA, htrA and/or ompB genes. The Blast analyses showed 100% identity with 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae' in all 30 sequences obtained from gltA, htrA and/or ompB genes. The concatenated phylogenetic analysis based on gltA and 17-kDa htrA genes grouped the Rickettsia sequences obtained from tick samples in the same clade of 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae'. The present study revealed that wild and domestic animals in southern Pantanal region, Brazil, are exposed to SFG rickettsiae agents. Future studies regarding the pathogenicity of these agents are necessary in order to prevent human cases of rickettsiosis in Brazilian southern Pantanal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabiana Lopes Rocha
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Laboratório de Ecologia Animal, Rio Tinto, PB, Brazil
| | - Francisco Borges Costa
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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Bouer A, André MR, Gonçalves LR, Luzzi MDC, Oliveira JPD, Rodrigues AC, Varani ADM, Miranda VFOD, Perles L, Werther K, Machado RZ. Hepatozoon caimani in Caiman crocodilus yacare (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae) from North Pantanal, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 26:352-358. [PMID: 28902260 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatozoon species are the most common intracellular hemoparasite found in reptiles. Hepatozoon caimani, whose vectors are Culex mosquitoes, has been detected in a high prevalence among caimans in Brazil by blood smears examinations. The present work aimed to detect and characterize the Hepatozoon spp. found in 33 caimans (24 free-ranging and 9 captive; 28 males and 5 females) (Caiman crocodilus yacare) sampled at Poconé, North Pantanal, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, using blood smears examinations and molecular techniques. Hepatozoon spp.-gametocytes were found in 70.8% (17/24) and 88.8% (8/9) of blood smears from free-ranging and captive caimans, respectively. Hepatozoon spp. 18S rRNA DNA was found in 79.2% (19/24) and 88.8% (8/9) of free-ranging and captive caimans, respectively. Comparative analysis of parasitized and non-parasitized erythrocytes showed that all analyzed features were significantly different (P<0.05) for both linear and area dimensions. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA sequences grouped the Hepatozoon spp. sequences detected in the present study together with H. caimani, recently detected in caimans in southern Pantanal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Bouer
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Mayara de Cássia Luzzi
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Juliana Paula de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Adriana Carlos Rodrigues
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Alessandro de Melo Varani
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Lívia Perles
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Karin Werther
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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Occurrence and molecular characterization of hemoplasmas in domestic dogs and wild mammals in a Brazilian wetland. Acta Trop 2017; 171:172-181. [PMID: 28366511 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hemotropic mycoplasmas are known to cause anemia in several mammalian species. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. in wild mammals, domestic dogs and their respective ectoparasites, in southern Pantanal region, central-western Brazil. Between August 2013 and March 2015, 31 Nasua nasua, 78 Cerdocyon thous, seven Leopardus pardalis, 42 dogs, 110 wild rodents, and 30 marsupials were trapped and ectoparasites (ticks and fleas) found parasitizing the animals were collected. Mammals and ectoparasites DNA samples were submitted to conventional PCR assays for Mycoplasma spp. targeting 16S rRNA and RnaseP genes. Twenty-four N. nasua, three C. thous, two domestic dogs, one L. pardalis and one wild rodent were positive for 16S rRNA PCR protocols. Fourteen N. nasua samples were also positive in RnaseP PCR. No marsupial or arthropod showed positivity for Mycoplasma spp. The phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene showed that all sequences obtained from dogs, two sequences obtained from C. thous and ten sequences obtained from N. nasua showed to be closely related to Mycoplasma haemocanis/Mycoplasma haemofelis species. Genotypes closely related to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and Mycoplasma haemomuris were detected in the L. pardalis and in the wild rodent, respectively. Probably a novel Mycoplasma genotype, closely related to a sequence obtained from a Brazilian capybara was detected in 14 N. nasua, based on a concatenated phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and RnaseP genes. The present study revealed that wild animals in southern Pantanal region, Brazil, are exposed to different species of hemoplasmas.
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