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Tian Y, Juarez JG, Moller-Vasquez AM, Granados-Presa M, Ferreira FC, Pennington PM, Padilla N, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Dog ectoparasites as sentinels for pathogenic Rickettsia and Bartonella in rural Guatemala. Acta Trop 2024; 260:107401. [PMID: 39277155 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107401] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Fleas and ticks serve as vectors of multiple pathogens in the genera Rickettsia and Bartonella that cause diseases in humans and other animals. Although human rickettsiosis and bartonellosis have been reported in all countries in Central America, limited research has been conducted to investigate the natural cycles of flea- and tick-borne rickettsiosis and bartonellosis, especially in Guatemala. We evaluated dog parasites as sentinels for zoonotic disease risk in rural Guatemala by sampling ticks and fleas from dogs, which were then identified and individually screened for Rickettsia and Bartonella. A total of 77 households were surveyed and 80.5 % of them had dogs. Overall, 133 dogs were examined for fleas and ticks, of which 68.4 % had fleas and 35.3 % had ticks. A total of 433 fleas and 181 ticks were collected from the infested dogs, with an additional 33 ticks collected from house walls. Three flea species were identified: Ctenocephalides felis (70.0 %), Echidnophaga gallinacea (11.8 %), and Pulex sp. (17.8 %). Among the collected ticks, 97 % were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato with the rest being Amblyomma cajennense, A. auricularium, and A. ovale. Rickettsia felis were detected in six C. felis, in one Pulex sp., and in two R. sanguineus sensu lato, while Candidatus R. senegalensis was detected in one C. felis. Bartonella was detected only in fleas, including three Pulex sp. infected with B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, B. henselae, and Bartonella sp., respectively, and 11 C. felis infected with B. henselae. This study reports Candidatus R. senegalensis and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in Guatemala for the first time, and indicates the potential risk of human and dog exposure to Rickettsia and Bartonella species. These results show that dogs provide critical information relevant to managing human potential exposure to flea- and tick-borne pathogens in rural Guatemala. This approach can potentially be expanded to other regions in Central America where domestic dogs are abundant and suffer from ectoparasite infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexun Tian
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jose G Juarez
- Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | | | | | | | | | - Norma Padilla
- Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College Station, Texas, USA.
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Polo G, Gamarra J, Robayo-Sánchez LN, Cortés-Vecino JA, Ramírez-Hernández A. Impact of climate change on the geographical distribution of ticks of public health significance in Colombia: Amblyomma ovale (Ixodida: Ixodidae), the Amblyomma maculatum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) complex and the Amblyomma cajennense (Ixodida: Ixodidae) complex. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024:tjae100. [PMID: 39250718 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Ticks of the Amblyomma maculatum (Ixodida Ixodidae) complex, the Amblyomma cajennense (Ixodida Ixodidae) complex and Amblyomma ovale (Ixodida Ixodidae) are known to transmit various Rickettsia species in Colombia, but their exact distribution is unknown. We built several models based on current climate and projected future climate changes using a maximum entropy approach. A total of 314 records of the A. cajennense complex (65.9%; n = 207), A. ovale (22.9%; n = 72), and the A. maculatum complex (11.1%; n = 35) were obtained. Amblyomma ovale has a current distribution in the Pacific, Caribbean and Andean regions and could be potentially found in the Amazon. Amblyomma maculatum has a current distribution in the Andean and could potentially be found in the Caribbean and Orinoco regions. Amblyomma mixtum can be found near the Caribbean Sea and in the Pacific region, and A. patinoi is likely to be found in the Andean region and the Caribbean. In 2070, it will be possible to find an expansion of A. ovale and A. maculatum and a decrease of A. mixtum and A. patinoi. The variables that best predict the distribution of these species are isothermality (small fluctuations in temperature) and annual precipitation. Amblyomma cajennense s.l and A. ovale, A. cajennese s.l and A. patinoi, as well as A. maculatum and A. patinoi, have an important environmental sympatry. Epidemiological and acarological surveillance is crucial to investigate rickettsiosis caused by R. parkeri in A. ovale regions, by R. rickettsii in A. patinoi and A. mixtum areas, and by R. parkeri s.s in A. maculatum regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Polo
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Instituto de Salud Pública, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge Gamarra
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
- Instituto Nacional de Salud, Grupo de Factores de Riesgo Ambiental, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Alejandro Ramírez-Hernández
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Bogotá, Colombia
- Universidad de La Salle, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Sousa ACP, Suzin A, da Silva Rodrigues V, Rezende LM, da Costa Maia R, Vieira RBK, Szabó MPJ. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and rickettsiae associated with wild boars in a rural area of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101016. [PMID: 38644046 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101016] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Wild boars or feral pigs are classified by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Resources (IBAMA) in "Category I of invasive exotic species". They cause economic losses, harm the environment, serve as hosts and reservoirs for several zoonotic disease agents, and provide a blood meal for tick species that act as vectors for zoonotic diseases. The objective of this study was to identify tick species on wild boars, assess host-seeking ticks in the related environment, and identify other potential tick hosts coexisting with wild boars on a farm located in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the presence of rickettsiae in these arthropods and assess the exposure of wild boars to rickettsiae species from the Spotted Fever Group and Rickettsia bellii through serology. A total of 3585 host-seeking ticks from three species (Amblyomma sculptum - 41.58%; Amblyomma dubitatum - 0.39% and Rhipicephalus microplus - 0.05%) were collected in the environment and A. sculptum was the most abundant species. Thirty-one wild boars were evaluated, resulting in the collection of 415 ticks, all of which were A. sculptum. Rickettsia DNA was not detected in samples of A. sculptum and R. microplus from the environment or in A. sculptum ticks from wild boars. However, all A. dubitatum ticks (n = 14) had Rickettsia bellii DNA confirmed by the species-specific PCR protocol. Out of the 31 serum samples from wild boars, 24 reacted with at least one Rickettsia antigen. Among these, seven individuals exhibited a reaction to a probable homologous antigen (PHA) of three rickettsiae species: R. rickettsii (n = 3), R. amblyommatis (n = 3) and R. rhipicephali (n = 1). Despite the high prevalence of seroreactivity, titers were low, indicating limited exposure to Rickettsia spp. Camera traps generated 874 animal records, capturing a total of 1688 individuals. At least 11 species of birds and 14 species of mammals (12 wild and two domestic) shared the environment with wild boars and potentially shared ticks with them. These findings provide baseline information for understanding the sharing of ticks and tick-borne pathogens between wild boars and other animals within the Cerrado biome. Further studies are necessary to monitor the potential and actual risk of wild boars to harbor infected ticks and their role in the transmission and maintenance cycle of Rickettsia spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Prado Sousa
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Adriane Suzin
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinícius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laís Miguel Rezende
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Costa Maia
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Brauner Kamla Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Clínica e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Charles RA, Pow-Brown P, Gordon-Dillon A, Blake L, Nicholls S, Brown-Jordan A, Caruth J, Sant C, Pargass I, Basu A, Albina E, Oura C, Georges K. Completing the Puzzle: A Cluster of Hunting Dogs with Tick-Borne Illness from a Fishing Community in Tobago, West Indies. Pathogens 2024; 13:161. [PMID: 38392899 PMCID: PMC10891510 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Eight hunting dogs were visited by a state veterinarian on the island of Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, as owners reported anorexia and paralysis in five of their dogs. The veterinarian observed a combination of clinical signs consistent with tick-borne illness, including fever, anorexia, anaemia, lethargy and paralysis. Blood and ticks were collected from each dog and submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for analysis. Microscopic analysis revealed a mixed infection of intracytoplasmic organisms consistent with Babesia spp. (erythrocyte) and Ehrlichia spp. (monocyte), respectively, from one dog, while a complete blood count indicated a regenerative anaemia (n = 1; 12.5%), non-regenerative anaemia (n = 4; 50%), neutrophilia (n = 3; 37.5%), lymphocytosis (n = 2; 25%), thrombocytopaenia (n = 3; 37.5%) and pancytopaenia (n = 1; 12.5%). DNA isolated from the eight blood samples and 20 ticks (16 Rhipicephalus sanguineus and 4 Amblyomma ovale) were subjected to conventional PCR and next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia and Babesia/Theileria/Hepatozoon, respectively. The DNA of Ehrlichia spp., closely related to Ehrlichia canis, was detected in the blood of three dogs (37.5%), Anaplasma spp., closely related to Anaplasma marginale, in two (25%), Babesia vogeli in one dog (12.5%) and seven ticks (35%) and Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma spp., in one tick (5%), respectively. These findings highlight the need to test both the vector and host for the presence of tick-borne pathogens when undertaking diagnostic investigations. Further studies are also warranted to elucidate the susceptibility of canids to Anaplasma marginale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne A. Charles
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Patricia Pow-Brown
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Annika Gordon-Dillon
- Animal Health Unit, Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, The Environment and Sustainable Development, Tobago House of Assembly, Milshirv Administrative Complex, Corner Milford & Shirvan Road, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago; (A.G.-D.); (J.C.)
| | - Lemar Blake
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Soren Nicholls
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.N.); (A.B.-J.)
| | - Arianne Brown-Jordan
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.N.); (A.B.-J.)
| | - Joanne Caruth
- Animal Health Unit, Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, The Environment and Sustainable Development, Tobago House of Assembly, Milshirv Administrative Complex, Corner Milford & Shirvan Road, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago; (A.G.-D.); (J.C.)
| | - Candice Sant
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Indira Pargass
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Asoke Basu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Emmanuel Albina
- Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), DGDRS, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Christopher Oura
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
| | - Karla Georges
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (P.P.-B.); (L.B.); (C.S.); (I.P.); (A.B.); (C.O.); (K.G.)
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Zamiti S, Mhadhbi M, Dhibi M, Darghouth MA, Ben Said M. Development and field evaluation of PCR assays based on minimum length Bm86 cDNA fragments required for Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma tick species delineation. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1209210. [PMID: 37456966 PMCID: PMC10340088 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1209210] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus ticks are important genera that can transmit diseases to both animals and humans, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and several types of spotted fever. The accurate identification of tick species is essential for the effective control and prevention of tick-borne diseases. However, traditional identification methods based on morphology can be challenging and subjective, leading to errors. The development of DNA markers has provided more precise and efficient methods for tick species identification, but the currently available markers have limitations in their discriminatory power and sensitivity. To address this need for more sensitive and specific markers, this study aimed to identify two minimum sequence fragments required for tick Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus species identification using the Bm86 cDNA marker, which has previously been shown to be in perfect agreement with the current taxonomy of hard ticks based on its complete sequence. Methods Based on our in silico determination that a minimum sequence of 398 bp for Rhipicephalus spp. (from 1487 to 1884) and 559 bp for Hyalomma species (from 539 to 1097) was necessary for species delineation, two distinct PCR assays were developed to apply these sequences in practice. Results and discussion Discrimination between species within each genus was achieved through sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis following the sequencing of the two PCR products. Subsequently, their performance was evaluated by testing them on the field-collected ticks of the Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus genera obtained from various host animals in different geographic regions of Tunisia. The use of shorter partial sequences specific to the tick genera Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma, which target the tick's RNA banks, could represent a significant advance in the field of tick species identification, providing a sensitive and discriminatory tool for interspecific and intraspecific diversity analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Zamiti
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Moez Mhadhbi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Mokhtar Dhibi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
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Copa GN, Flores FS, Tarragona EL, Lamattina D, Sebastian PS, Gil JF, Mangold AJ, Venzal JM, Nava S. Analysis of the tick communities associated to domestic mammals in rural areas of the Yungas montane forest from Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 39:100850. [PMID: 36878633 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100850] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to describe the tick community associated to domestic mammals in rural areas from the Yungas lower montane forest of Argentina. The circulation of tick-borne pathogens was also analyzed. Samples of ticks parasitizing cattle, horses, sheep and dogs were carried out in different seasons, and questing ticks were collected from vegetation and analyzed to detect the presence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Borrelia and Babesia by a battery of different PCRs. The structure of the tick communities was analyzed through the Chao1 species richness estimator, the Shannon-Wiener index and the Horn index of community similarity. Eight tick species were collected in the study area: Amblyomma sculptum, Rhipicephalus microplus, Amblyomma hadanii, Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma ovale, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes pararicinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto. However, A. sculptum was by far the dominant species in the tick assemblages analyzed, and this was reflected in the low diversity values obtained. Dermacentor nitens, A. sculptum and R. microplus were the three species associated to horses. The predominance of A. sculptum was also observed in the tick samples obtained from dogs, even on two tick species, namely A. ovale and R. sanguineus s.s., which have dogs as the principal domestic host. Rhipicephalus microplus and A. sculptum were the most abundant ticks on cattle, while few specimens of I. pararicinus, A. hadanii and D. nitens were found on bovines. Dermacentor nitens ticks were found to be infected with B. caballi, which indicate the circulation of this pathogen of horses in the Yungas area. The detection of a strain of Borrelia sp. belonging to the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex in I. pararicinus is consistent with previous findings made in Argentina, but the public health relevance of this vector-microorganism association is far from being similar to that occurs in the northern hemisphere because there are practically no records of these tick species parasitizing humans in South America. The tick community of rural areas of the Yungas lower montane forest is composed by species which are potential vectors of pathogenic microorganism with veterinary and public health importance, circulating in a human-wildlife-livestock interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griselda N Copa
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Fernando S Flores
- Centro de Investigaciones Entomológicas de Córdoba (CIEC) - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Evelina L Tarragona
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA-CONICET), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, CC 22, CP 2300 Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Daniela Lamattina
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (INMeT), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Patrick S Sebastian
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA-CONICET), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, CC 22, CP 2300 Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Josè F Gil
- Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Sede Regional Orán, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Orán, Argentina
| | - Atilio J Mangold
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA-CONICET), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, CC 22, CP 2300 Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - José M Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Nava
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA-CONICET), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, CC 22, CP 2300 Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Rodrigues RG, Soares JF, Soares AG, Ferian PE, Milbratz GH, Chryssafidis AL, de Moura AB. First report of canine rangeliosis in domestic dogs from different regions of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100804. [PMID: 36436892 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100804] [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: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Rangeliosis is the disease caused by Rangelia vitalii, a parasite reported in dogs from southeastern and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. This protozoan is transmitted by the ixodid Amblyomma aureolatum, and infects erythrocytes, leukocytes, and vascular endothelial cells of the host. The common clinical signs, such as prostration, fever, anemia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, weight loss, and dehydration, are also found in other infections, like canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. The similar clinical presentation with other diseases, as well as the indistinguishable morphology with intraerythrocytic Babesia canis, complicates the disease diagnostic. In the present study, blood samples from dogs presenting clinical signs compatible with hemoparasitosis were investigated for rangeliosis. The dogs were treated at veterinary clinics in the cities of Blumenau and Lages, in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Blood samples from 17 dogs were analyzed by PCR. The samples were screened by a conventional piroplasma-PCR and the positives confirmed by a specific R. vitalii-qPCR. Two animals (2/17; 11.8%) were positive for R. vitalii, one from Blumenau and the other from Lages. Both animals presented unspecific signs of hemoparasitosis, such as apathy, anemia, and anorexia. The results indicate the necessity of molecular assays for the proper identification of the hemoparasite, and to investigate the real prevalence of rangeliosis in the State of Santa Catarina.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João Fábio Soares
- Protozoology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Araújo IM, Cordeiro MD, Soares RFP, Guterres A, Sanavria A, Baêta BDA, da Fonseca AH. Survey of bacterial and protozoan agents in ticks and fleas found on wild animals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102037. [PMID: 36270115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102037] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates the presence of bacterial and protozoan agents in ticks and fleas found on wild animals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These ectoparasites were collected on mammal species Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, Tapirus terrestris, Dicotyles tajacu, Didelphis aurita, Cuniculus paca, Cerdocyon thous, and Coendou prehensilis, and on the terrestrial bird Dromaius novaehollandiae. Ticks and fleas were identified morphologically using specific taxonomic keys. A total of 396 ticks and 54 fleas were tested via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., microorganisms of the order Piroplasmida and Anaplasmataceae family. This total is distributed among nine tick species of the genus Amblyomma and one flea species. Rickettsia bellii was detected in Amblyomma dubitatum and Amblyomma pacae; Rickettsia sp. strain AL was found in Amblyomma longirostre; Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest was found in Amblyomma ovale; and "Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis" and Rickettsia felis were detected in Ctenocephalides felis felis. Wolbachia sp. was detected in C. f. felis, and Borrelia sp. was detected in Amblyomma calcaratum (here named Borrelia sp. strain Acalc110). All tested samples were negative for Ehrlichia spp. and microorganisms of the Piroplasmida order. This study detected a new bacterial strain, Borrelia sp. strain Acalc 110 (which is genetically close to B. miyamotoi and B. venezuelensis) and the Rickettsia sp. strain 19P, which is 100% similar to "Ca. R. senegalensis", a bacterium recently discovered and now being reported for the first time in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Mesquita Araújo
- Post-Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Br 465, km 7, Highway BR 465, Km 7,5. Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro CEP: 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Post-Graduate Program in Practice in Sustainable Development, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubens Fabiano Prado Soares
- Post-Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Br 465, km 7, Highway BR 465, Km 7,5. Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro CEP: 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandro Guterres
- Laboratório de Hantaviroses e Rickettsioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Avenida Brasil, Rio de Janeiro 4365, Brazil
| | - Argemiro Sanavria
- Post-Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Br 465, km 7, Highway BR 465, Km 7,5. Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro CEP: 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Bruna de Azevedo Baêta
- Post-Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Br 465, km 7, Highway BR 465, Km 7,5. Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro CEP: 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Post-Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRRJ, Br 465, km 7, Highway BR 465, Km 7,5. Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro CEP: 23897-000, Brazil.
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9
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López-Pérez AM, López-Fernández O, Backus L, Somerville S, Zarza H, Cassaigne I, de la Torre A, Nuñez-Perez R, Ceballos G, Guzmán-Cornejo C, Ringenbach-Valdez S, Del Rio MA, Sánchez-Montes S, Canek Anguiano D, Foley J. Spatial distribution patterns of tick community structure in sympatric jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) from three ecoregions in Mexico. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 36:371-380. [PMID: 35481550 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We examined tick communities on wild felid hosts in three ecoregions of Mexico. We collected 186 ticks of 7 species from 10 pumas (Puma concolor) and 9 jaguars (Panthera onca). Tick community composition varied across the ecoregions, and across host species within each region. Overall, Ixodes affinis, Amblyomma ovale, and Amblyomma tenellum were the most abundant species; however, only the latter two ticks were distributed across all three ecoregions, while I. affinis, along with Ixodes spinipalpis, Amblyomma inornatum, and Amblyomma parvum were restricted to more limited geographical regions. Ixodes affinis occurred strictly in southern tropical rainforest ecoregions and was significantly more abundant in Selva Lacandona compared with the Yucatán Peninsula. Amblyomma ovale was significantly more common in the tropical dry forest in the Pacific coastal ecoregion. Amblyomma tenellum abundance tended to be higher on jaguars, while I. affinis abundance was higher on pumas. Regional distribution patterns of some tick species (e.g., I. affinis and I. spinipalpis) may be determined by off-host environmental conditions rather than host factors. In contrast, at the local scale, occurrence and abundance of some tick species (e.g., A. tenellum, A. ovale and Rhipicephalus microplus) might be driven by ecological-host factors, such as habitat use or predator-prey relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés M López-Pérez
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Fundación para el Manejo y la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre FMCOVIS A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Octavio López-Fernández
- Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Backus
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Scott Somerville
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Heliot Zarza
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, CBS, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana - Unidad Lerma, Lerma de Villada, Mexico
| | | | - Antonio de la Torre
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Conservación de Vertebrados Terrestres, Instituto de Ecología, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Nuñez-Perez
- Conservacion de Vida Silvestre y Desarrollo Comunitario A.C. y Proyecto Jaguar A.C, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Ceballos
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Conservación de Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carmen Guzmán-Cornejo
- Laboratorio de Acarología, Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Miguel A Del Rio
- Balam Proyectos Ecológicos S.A. de C.V., Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Dorian Canek Anguiano
- Conservacion de Vida Silvestre y Desarrollo Comunitario A.C. y Proyecto Jaguar A.C, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Janet Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Nogueira BCF, Campos AK, Muñoz-Leal S, Pinter A, Martins TF. Soft and hard ticks (Parasitiformes: Ixodida) on humans: A review of Brazilian biomes and the impact of environmental change. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106598. [PMID: 35841953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Records of accidental parasitism by ticks in humans from Brazil are scarce, with most being reported by researchers who are parasitized during their research and by professionals who work with animals. In order to compile these records, an extensive literature review was carried out. Our revision includes studies published between 1909 and 2022, including nine species of the Argasidae family and 32 species of the Ixodidae family that were reported biting humans in the six biomes of the Brazilian territory. The species with the highest number of records of human parasitism was Amblyomma sculptum, followed by Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, and Amblyomma brasiliense. The Atlantic Forest was the most frequent biome where human parasitism occurred, probably due to the greater number of inhabitants, universities, and researchers in the region; however, this does not mean that this biome is more conducive to the development of ticks and their parasitism in humans. In addition to Amblyomma ovale, a vector of Rickettsia parkeri in the country, two of the main species that act as vectors of Rickettsia rickettsii, A. sculptum, and Amblyomma aureolatum, have been reported, which is quite worrying considering that the wide distribution of the species and life stages most frequently mentioned in parasitism (i.e., nymphs and adults) are the ones that favour pathogen transmission. This research provides a significant contribution to the knowledge of tick species associated with human parasitism in Brazil; however, due to environmental change potentiated by deforestation and fires, it is expected that there will be a geographic expansion of some tick species and the pathogens that use them as a vector and an increase in human parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Artur Kanadani Campos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Adriano Pinter
- Departamento de Laboratórios Especializados, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Departamento de Laboratórios Especializados, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil; Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
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11
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da Costa IN, Oliveira MA, de Paulo PFM, Carioca ALPM, Garcia MV, Aguirre ADAR, de Medeiros JF. Amblyomma ticks in animal carcasses hunted in Mapinguari National Park, Western Amazon, Brazil: new records on species and host-parasite relationships. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101973. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gonçalves ES, Cordeiro MD, Dos Santos LMR, Araújo IM, da Fonseca AH, Labruna MB, Guedes E. Research of Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. in dogs in Southeast Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 30:100706. [PMID: 35431064 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100706] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dogs are important in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases, playing a significant role mainly in endemic areas of rickettsiosis and borreliosis, and serving as sentinels in epidemiological surveys. We analyzed the distribution of Rickettsia and Borrelia spp. in dogs and their ticks in the municipalities of Guaxupé, Minas Gerais, and Tapiratiba, São Paulo, Brazil, two areas non-endemic for Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome (BYS) and rickettsiosis. Serum from 242 dogs of different ages (>12 months) and breeds were tested by the Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) using specific antigens for Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia amblyommatis, Rickettsia rhipicephali, and Rickettsia bellii, and by an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the detection of homologous IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi American strain G39/40. Ticks were collected from the animals and subjected to PCR and nested PCR for detection of Rickettsia spp. (synthase citrate gene) and Borrelia spp. (flagellin gene). Serological data showed that 7.85% (19/242) of the analyzed dogs were seropositive for at least one of the five Rickettsia antigens tested; one (0.41%) was considered seropositive for R. parkeri (1:64) and one (0.41%) for R. rickettsii (1:256). Nine (3.72%) were considered seropositive for R. bellii and one (0.41%) for R. amblyommatis; a seroprevalence of 13.64% (33/242) for IgG class immunoreactive antibodies against B. burgdorferi was observed. A total of 148 ticks were collected from the dogs; among these 3.40% were identified as larvae of the genus Rhipicephalus and 0.70% of the genus Amblyomma; 89.8% were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 4.70% Amblyomma sculptum and 1.40% Amblyomma ovale; all negative for PCR of Rickettsia spp. and nested PCR for Borrelia spp.. The serological findings of this study suggest the circulation of Rickettsiae associated with the spotted fever group and vector ticks, just like Borrelia spp. in a non-endemic Brazilian area, drawing attention to the possibility of a zoonotic cycle in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Santana Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Reproduction, Health and Animal Welfare of the José do Rosário Vellano University (UNIFENAS), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Brazil
| | | | - Izabela Mesquita Araújo
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil
| | - Elizângela Guedes
- Postgraduate Program in Reproduction, Health and Animal Welfare of the José do Rosário Vellano University (UNIFENAS), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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13
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Faccini JLH, Santos HF, Costa-Junior LM, Costa-Neto SF, Tassinari WS, Luz HR. Records and altitudinal assessment of Amblyomma aureolatum and Amblyomma ovale (Acari: Ixodidae) in the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:136. [PMID: 35449085 PMCID: PMC9027463 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05250-6] [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: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on the altitudinal distribution of the hard ticks Amblyomma aureolatum and Amblyomma ovale in Brazil is scarce and mainly limited to occasional records. In this study we report our evaluation of records on the altitudinal distribution of A. aureolatum and A. ovale collected from dogs and humans and directly from the environment (host-questing ticks), based on active or passive procedures. The collections were conducted in rural areas of municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil between 2013 and 2017. Active procedures consisted of dragging or flagging, visual examination of vegetation and removal of ticks present on the authors’ clothing or on infested dogs. Overall, 222 ticks were collected. The altitudes at the collection sites ranged from 98 to 1220 m a.s.l. We noted a significant difference in the altitudinal distribution of A. aureolatum and A. ovale (Mann–Whitney U-test, U = 518.5, P < 0.001). The overlap of these two species occurred at altitudes of between 650 and 900 m a.s.l. The results indicated that the higher the altitude, the greater the probability for the occurrence of A. aureolatum and, conversely, the lower the likelihood for the occurrence of A. ovale. The findings of this study improve currrent knowledge on the bioecology of these tick species and have implications for studies on the epidemiology of spotted fever in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- João L H Faccini
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hélio F Santos
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, UFRRJ, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Lívio M Costa-Junior
- Northeast Biotechnology Network Postgraduate Program (RENORBIO), Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | | | - Wagner S Tassinari
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, UFRRJ, Seropédica, Brazil.,Department of Mathematics, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hermes R Luz
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brazil. .,Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Conservation, UFMA, São Luís, MA, 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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Molecular detection of Rickettsia amblyommatis and Rickettsia parkeri in ticks collected from wild pigs in Campeche, Mexico. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101844. [PMID: 34670190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are caused at least by 15 species of Rickettsia of the Spotted fever group, which represent a major emerging and re-emerging public health problem worldwide. Some of these microorganisms have complex cycles involving the interaction of multiple species of ticks and wild and domestic mammals. Rickettsia infection was investigated in ticks collected from wild pigs at six localities in southeastern Mexico. We collected and tested 196 ticks belonging to four species, including Amblyomma maculatum, Amblyomma mixtum, Amblyomma ovale and Riphicephalus microplus, from 13 of 20 (65%) wild pigs sampled. Overall, Rickettsia DNA was detected in 13.8% of ticks tested (10 ♂ and 17 ♀). Of the 27 Rickettsia-positive ticks, six were A. maculatum, and 21 A. mixtum. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the gltA and ompB genes revealed the presence of Rickettsia parkeri sensu stricto in one female A. maculatum and Rickettsia amblyommatis in five A. maculatum (2 ♂, 3 ♀) and 21 A. mixtum ticks (8 ♂, 13 ♀). The finding of two rickettsial agents in ticks collected from a wild pig population that is regularly captured and kept in captivity or hunted as a source of food raises concern about potential disease transmission to humans and domestic animals. However, more investigations are needed to further understand the ecology of Rickettsia species in free-ranging animals and their implications for human health.
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Aguirre ADAR, da Costa IN, de Paulo PFM, Garcia MV, Medeiros JF. Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest infecting Amblyomma ovale (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Amazon Biome (Acre state, Brazil). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101836. [PMID: 34610526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101836] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of studies regarding tick-associated Rickettsia in the Amazon biome. Aiming to contribute to this knowledge, our research group collected ticks in the Western Amazon to better understand the tick fauna and their associated Rickettsia. In this study, we detected Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest DNA in the tick Amblyomma ovale Koch, 1844 in Rio Branco municipality, Acre state, northern Brazil. This is the first time that the R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest has been reported in the Amazon biome and is the first evidence of the circulation of a pathogenic spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia in this biome. This finding provides substantial information to help public health authorities understand which species of Rickettsia may be related to Amazon spotted fever cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivaneide Nunes da Costa
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, turma especial de Doutorado em Ciências parceria IOC/Fiocruz Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Valério Garcia
- Bolsista Fundapam / Laboratório de Biologia do Carrapato, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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17
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Binder LC, Ramírez-Hernández A, Serpa MCDA, Moraes-Filho J, Pinter A, Scinachi CA, Labruna MB. Domestic dogs as amplifying hosts of Rickettsia rickettsii for Amblyomma aureolatum ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101824. [PMID: 34520994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101824] [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: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is transmitted by different tick species. Due to deleterious effects caused on ticks, the horizontal transmission of R. rickettsii through amplifying hosts is crucial for its maintenance in tick populations among BSF-endemic areas. The tick Amblyomma aureolatum is the main vector of R. rickettsii in the São Paulo metropolitan area; nevertheless, it is not known which vertebrate could act as an amplifying host for this tick species. Herein, we evaluated the potential of domestic dogs - primary hosts for A. aureolatum adults in BSF-endemic areas - to act as amplifying hosts. For this purpose, A. aureolatum non-infected adults were allowed to feed on two groups of dogs: the control group (G1), composed of one dog not exposed to R. rickettsii; and, the infected group (G2), composed of three dogs infected with R. rickettsii via tick parasitism. All G2-dogs became ill, seroconverted to R. rickettsii, and rickettsial DNA was detected in 87% of the engorged females that fed on them. Transovarial transmission rate was estimated to be 25% and infected larvae successfully transmitted R. rickettsii to guinea-pigs, confirming transovarial transmission and vector competence. No rickettsial DNA was detected in individual samples of eggs or larvae, which precluded the estimation of filial infection rate, but implies that it was low. Our results suggest that domestic dogs act as amplifying hosts of R. rickettsii for A. aureolatum ticks in BSF-endemic areas in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina C Binder
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Alejandro Ramírez-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Grupo Parasitología Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Maria Carolina de Azevedo Serpa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jonas Moraes-Filho
- Mestrado em Medicina e Bem-estar Animal, Doutorado com ênfase em Saúde Única, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriano Pinter
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia A Scinachi
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Amblyomma aureolatum Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics Are Not Related to Spotted Fever Epidemiological Scenarios in Brazil. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091146. [PMID: 34578178 PMCID: PMC8469259 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional differences in tick-borne disease epidemiology may be related to biological variations between vector populations. Amblyomma aureolatum (Ixodida: Ixodidae), a neotropical tick, is known from several regions in Brazil. However, only in the metropolitan area of São Paulo (SP) state are there studies that establish its role as a vector of a pathogenic rickettsia (Rickettsia rickettsii). The aim of the study was to analyze the genetic diversity, population dynamics, and rickettsia infection in A. aureolatum populations from different spotted fever scenarios in Brazil. Samples were subjected to DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of 12S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit II and D-loop mitochondrial markers for tick population analyses, and gltA, htrA, ompA, and ompB genes for rickettsia researches. Of the 7–17 tick haplotypes identified, 5–13 were exclusive to each population and 2–12 for each epidemiological scenario, as well as three haplotypes shared by all populations. Amblyomma aureolatum populations are expanding, and do not appear to be genetically structured vis-a-vis the different epidemiological scenarios studied. Rickettsia bellii (in SP) and Rickettsia felis (in Santa Catarina) were identified as infecting A. aureolatum. No relationship between tick haplotypes and rickettsia types were observed.
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De Lorenzo C, Boabaid FM, de Oliveira LGS, Bianchi MV, Félix ML, Armúa-Fernández MT, Soares JF, Venzal JM, Sonne L. Rangelia vitalii in free-living crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) in Uruguay. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101765. [PMID: 34146934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rangelia vitalii is a protozoan parasite that causes a hemorrhagic and hemolytic disease in dogs known as rangeliosis. Current reports of the disease are concentrated in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil, as well as in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, and mainly concern domestic dogs. South American wild canids, such as the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), and the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) may also be affected, although existing reports are restricted to Brazil. The present study aimed to detect R. vitalii parasitism in the Uruguayan wild fox population. DNA extracted from the blood and/or spleen samples of road-killed C. thous and L. gymnocercus found in northern Uruguay were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a 551-bp fragment of the Rangelia 18S rRNA gene. A total of 62 wild canids, including 38 C. thous and 24L. gymnocercus, were analyzed. Five crab-eating fox samples (13.2%) were positive for R. vitalii, with 99.5-100% identity between the sequences. All samples from pampas fox tested negative for R. vitalii. When compared with the R. vitalii sequences available in GenBank, a similarity of 98.9-100% was revealed. Molecular analysis results suggest that R. vitalii is circulating in the crab-eating fox population in Uruguay; however, its veterinary relevance for these foxes remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cíntia De Lorenzo
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Marques Boabaid
- Polo de Desarrollo Universitario del Instituto Superior de la Carne, Sede Tacuarembó, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Noreste, Universidad de la República, Ruta 5, Km 386, Tacuarembó 45000, Uruguay
| | - Luiz Gustavo Schneider de Oliveira
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA Tacuarembó, Ruta 5, Km 386, Tacuarembó 45000, Uruguay
| | - Matheus Viezzer Bianchi
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - María L Félix
- Laboratorio de Vectores y enfermedades transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Salto, 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 - Salto, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, CP, 50000 Salto, Uruguay
| | - João Fábio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (ProtozooVet), Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, FAVET, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - José M Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y enfermedades transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Salto, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, CP, 50000 Salto, Uruguay
| | - Luciana Sonne
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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De Lorenzo C, Bianchi MV, Ehlers LP, Vielmo A, Pereira PR, de Almeida BA, de Andrade CP, Girotto-Soares A, Pavarini SP, Driemeier D, Soares JF, Sonne L. Rangelia vitalii molecular and histological quantification in tissues comparing crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and domestic dogs. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101731. [PMID: 33992911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101731] [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: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Rangeliosis is a condition transmitted by the tick Amblyomma aureolatum and caused by the protozoan parasite Rangelia vitalii in canids. In domestic dogs, the disease causes a severe hemolytic disease, while in wild canids the piroplasm is often detected without any clinical abnormality. This study aimed to detect and quantify the number of copies of the R. vitalii Hsp70 gene (indirect parasite burden) in several organs of domestic and South American wild canids (Cerdocyon thous and Lycalopex gymnocercus) to elucidate distinct clinical presentations of rangeliosis in these species. A total of seven domestic dogs that died due to rangeliosis and 38 wild foxes were initially included, with all dogs presenting histological and molecular features of rangeliosis, while eight C. thous were positive at the molecular analysis for R. vitalii. Fragments of 22 organs collected from domestic (n = 7) and wild foxes (n = 8) were employed for histological and molecular quantification using real-time polymerase chain reaction aiming at the Hsp70 gene. Histologically, parasitophorous vacuoles were constantly detected in the dogs, while these were detected only in two C. thous. Parasitic burden was significantly higher in the digestive, cardiorespiratory, endocrine, genitourinary, and skeletal-muscle systems of domestic dogs when compared to wild foxes. In the hematopoietic system of wild canids, some organs, such as the lymph nodes and tonsils, presented significantly lower amounts of R. vitalii, while other organs (spleen, bone marrow, and blood) had results similar to those of domestic dogs. Additionally, the central nervous system of both domestic and wild canids presented a similar quantity of R. vitalii. The etiological agent is possibly maintained through an asexual reproductive process (merogony) in both domestic and wild species. Nonetheless, a limited or short-duration schizogony phase occurs in C. thous, which would designate this species as a possible reservoir host for the agent. Dogs, in contrast, would most likely act as accidental hosts, presenting a severe and more pathogenic schizogony phase, resulting in characteristic clinical and pathological rangeliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cíntia De Lorenzo
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Matheus Viezzer Bianchi
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luiza Presser Ehlers
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Andreia Vielmo
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paula Reis Pereira
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Bruno Albuquerque de Almeida
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Caroline Pinto de Andrade
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (ProtozooVet), Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, FAVET, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Sonne
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Souza UA, Webster A, Dall'Agnol B, Peters FB, Favarini MO, Schott D, Zitelli LC, Mazim FD, Kasper CB, Ott R, Trigo TC, Reck J, Soares JF. Ticks, mites, fleas, and vector-borne pathogens in free-ranging neotropical wild felids from southern Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101706. [PMID: 33735790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The study of vectors and vector-borne diseases associated with ectoparasites from free-living Neotropical small wild felids is scarce, and the few existing studies on this theme focused on the genus Panthera, Paleartic species or in captive animals. For this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the diversity of ectoparasites and potentially associated Rickettsia and Bartonella species in free-ranging neotropical wild cats collected in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. A total of 82 ticks, 10 fleas and 22 mites were collected from 18 Geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi), 11 margays (Leopardus wiedii), two southern tiger cats (Leopardus guttulus), two jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), three ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and two pumas (Puma concolor). We identified four tick species: Rhipicephalus microplus and three species from genus Amblyomma, the most frequent being Amblyomma aureolatum; three flea species corresponding to Ctenocephalides felis, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Pulex irritans; and one mite of genus Eutrombicula. In ectoparasites we found DNA of Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia asembonensis in ticks and DNA of Bartonella clarridgeiae, Bartonella sp. and R. asembonensis in fleas. Our results highlight the evidences of vectors and vector-borne agents in wild animals, and their potential wide distribution in the Pampa biome and the southernmost portion of the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Araújo Souza
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (ProtozooVet), Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil.
| | - Anelise Webster
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dall'Agnol
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Felipe Bortolotto Peters
- Área de Vida Assessoria e Consultoria em Biologia e Meio Ambiente, Canoas, RS, Brazil; Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Ochoa Favarini
- Área de Vida Assessoria e Consultoria em Biologia e Meio Ambiente, Canoas, RS, Brazil; Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diogo Schott
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Larissa Caló Zitelli
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Fábio Dias Mazim
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil; Ka'aguy Consultoria Ambiental, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Benhur Kasper
- Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), LABIMAVE (Laboratório de Biologia de Mamíferos e Aves), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Ott
- Museu de Ciências Naturais, Secretaria de Meio Ambiente e Infraestrutura (SEMA-RS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Campos Trigo
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil; Museu de Ciências Naturais, Secretaria de Meio Ambiente e Infraestrutura (SEMA-RS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - José Reck
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil.
| | - João Fábio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (ProtozooVet), Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Uribe JE, Nava S, Murphy KR, Tarragona EL, Castro LR. Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Amblyomma ovale, comparative analyses and phylogenetic considerations. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 81:421-439. [PMID: 32564254 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00512-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we sequenced two complete mitochondrial genomes of Amblyomma ovale, a tick of public health importance. Sequencing two distinct individuals, the resulting mitochondrial genomes were 14,756 and 14,760 bp in length and maintained the same gene order previously reported in Amblyomma. These were combined with RNA-seq derived mitochondrial sequences from three additional species, Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma maculatum, and Amblyomma moreliae, to carry out mitogenome comparative and evolutionary analyses against all previously published tick mitochondrial genomes. We described a derivative genome rearrangement that isolates Ixodes from the remaining Ixodidae and consists of both a reverse translocation as well as an event of Tandem Duplication Random Loss. Genetic distance analyses indicated that cox2, nd1, nd5, and 16S are good candidates for future population studies in A. ovale. The phylogenetic analyses corroborated the utility of complete mitochondrial genomes as phylogenetic markers within the group. This study further supplements the genome information available for Amblyomma and facilitates future evolutionary and population genetic studies within the genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan E Uribe
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), c/ José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. & Constitutional Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20560, USA.
| | - Santiago Nava
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CC 22, Rafaela, CP 2300, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Katherine R Murphy
- Laboratories of Analytical Biology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | - Evelina L Tarragona
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CC 22, Rafaela, CP 2300, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lyda R Castro
- Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología Molecular (GIESEMOL), Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
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Retrospective and new records of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) from the state of Maranhão, an Amazon-Cerrado transition area of Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100413. [PMID: 32862893 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Brazilian state of Maranhão is located in a transition area of the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, where there is a rich fauna of vertebrates. This study aimed to update the list of the ticks occurring in Maranhão, through a compilation of literature records and examination of three tick collections, plus the addition of unpublished collections of ticks from road-killed animals during recent years. Our results indicate that the tick fauna of Maranhão includes 26 species: seven in the family Argasidae (Antricola guglielmonei, Argas miniatus, Ornithodoros cavernicolous, Ornithodoros hasei, Ornithodoros mimon, Ornithodoros rietcorreai and Ornithodoros rudis); and 19 in the family Ixodidae (Amblyomma auricularium-provisional, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma naponense, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma triste, Dermacentor nitens, Ixodes luciae, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato). Eleven of the above species are reported for the first time in Maranhão. We consider previous reports of Ornithodoros talaje and Amblyomma pseudoconcolor in Maranhão as misidentification with O. hasei and A. auricularium, respectively. Until 1958, only 11 tick species were reported in Maranhão, with no additional reports until 2009. During 2010-2019, 15 additional species were reported. We also highlight the importance of ticks for public and veterinary health in Maranhão.
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Campos SDE, Cunha NCD, Machado CDSC, Nadal NV, Seabra Junior ES, Telleria EL, Cordeiro MD, Toma HK, Almosny NRP. Spotted fever group rickettsial infection in dogs and their ticks from domestic-wildlife interface areas in southeastern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e020219. [PMID: 32267390 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia rickettsii is the causative agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), for which humans and dogs are both susceptible. Dogs are sentinels in serological surveys, however, canine disease is rarely reported. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate natural infection by spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. in dogs and ticks collected from domiciles close to forest fragments, featuring domestic-wildlife interface areas. Samples from 115 dogs and 135 ixodids were assessed by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) targeting the gltA gene for Rickettsia spp. and the ompA gene for the SFG rickettsial species. One dog (0.87%; 1/115) was positive for R. rickettsii. This dog presented nonspecific laboratory and clinical abnormalities (thrombocytopenia, hyperproteinemia, lymph node enlargement, emaciation, anorexia, and lethargy). Rickettsia parkeri was identified in 2.96% (4/135) of the ticks (Amblyomma sculptum, A. aureolatum, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus). This study confirmed the presence of SFG bacteria in non-endemic and preserved locations, where domestic and wild populations interact. We reinforce the fact that the dog is susceptible to natural R. rickettsii infection. Although this is a rare finding, preventive measures should be taken against BSF in the studied areas. Finally, R. parkeri infection is possibly being demonstrated in A. sculptum for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Niara Vanat Nadal
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Erich Loza Telleria
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitos e Vetores, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Helena Keiko Toma
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Fournier GFDSR, Pinter A, Muñoz-Leal S, Labruna MB, Lopes MG, Martins TF, Colácio L, Môra CRS, Moraes-Filho J, Dias RA. Implications of domestic dogs in the epidemiology of Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest and Rangelia vitalii in Southeastern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e022419. [PMID: 32236336 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of diseases transmitted by Amblyomma ovale in 61 dogs monitored for three years through collections of ticks and blood, interviews, telemetry and camera traps in three areas of Serra do Mar State Park, Brazil. Blood samples were used to investigate infection by Rangelia vitalii by real-time TaqMan PCR and Rickettsia parkeri by IIFA. The collected ticks were submitted to conventional PCR to investigate the presence of R. parkeri . These data were compared with the monitoring results and interviews with the owners. Dogs considered as companion presented a risk of infection by R. parkeri strain Mata Atlantica 5.4 times higher than those not considered as companion (p = 0.009). Dogs that had at least one A. ovale collected during the campaigns had a 10 times higher risk of infection by R. parkeri strain Mata Atlantica than those who did not (p = 0.009). One dog positive for R. vitalii by real-time TaqMan PCR was parasitized by A. ovale frequently during monitoring. Sequenced ompaA - positive DNA samples had 100% identity of R. parkeri strain Mata Atlantica clone As106. From the findings, it is urgent to control domestic dogs around rainforests to reduce zoonoses transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gislene Fátima da Silva Rocha Fournier
- Centro de Inovação, Tecnologia e Educação - CITÉ, São José dos Campos, SP,Brasil.,Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Adriano Pinter
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Sebastian Muñoz-Leal
- 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
| | - Marcos Gomes Lopes
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Luciana Colácio
- COLLIS Laboratório de Análise Clínica, Caraguatatuba, SP, Brasil
| | | | | | - Ricardo Augusto Dias
- 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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Abstract
The increase of contact between natural and rural areas is prominent in Brazil, due to agricultural activities and concern with the environmental conservation. In this context, domestic animals, wild fauna and humans are exposed to mutual exchange of parasites, microorganisms and diseases. We studied tick parasitism of wild carnivores and domestic dogs, and the environmental of questing ticks, in extensive cattle ranch areas intermingled with natural vegetation, and in a natural reserve, both in a region of Cerrado biome, Midwestern Brazil. From 2008 to 2015, we inspected 119 wild carnivores from nine species, and collected six tick species (Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma tigrinum, Dermacentor nitens and Rhipicephalus microplus). The most numerous and infested hosts were Cerdocyon thous, Lycalopex vetulus, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Puma concolor and Conepatus amazonicus. From 139 domestic dogs, we collected A. sculptum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. microplus. From vegetation, samplings resulted in A. sculptum, A. dubitatum, A. ovale, Amblyomma rotundatum and R. microplus, with dominance of A. sculptum. Domestics and wild animals presented high overlapping of infestations by A. sculptum, a generalist and anthropophilic tick species. This tick is the most important vector of the Brazilian spotted fever, a lethal human disease. This fact elicits attention and requires efforts to monitor the presence of pathogens vectored by ticks circulating in this type of agroecosystem, including in other regions of the Brazil, because the most of the natural vegetation remaining have been increasingly immersed in pastures and agricultural matrix.
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Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Muñoz-Leal S, Krawczak FS, Acosta ICL, Martins TF, Serpa MCA, Barbieri ARM, Tovar JR, Cerutti Junior C, Labruna MB. Epidemiological aspects of Rickettsia parkeri in the Atlantic forest biome of Espírito Santo state, Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101319. [PMID: 31707006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Since 2010, a new rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia parkeri, a species included in the spotted fever group (SFG) and transmitted by the tick Amblyomma ovale, has been described in Brazil. Considering that A. ovale does occur in the Espírito Santo state (ES), the present study aimed at preliminarily describing the epidemiology of R. parkeri in the Atlantic forest of this state. Between June 2016 and September 2018, 33 villages from nine municipalities of the ES were included in a study for the molecular detection and isolation of SFG rickettsiae from adult Amblyomma ticks collected on dogs with free access to the forest. Serologic screenings against SFG rickettsiae in these animals and their owners (humans) were performed through immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using antigens of Rickettsia rickettsii and R. parkeri. Additionally, local health secretariats were informed on clinical manifestations of R. parkeri infection and told to communicate any suspected case. A total of 280 adult ticks were collected and taxonomically classified as A. ovale (n = 152), Amblyomma aureolatum (n = 127) and Amblyomma sculptum (n = 1). Overall, Rickettsia DNA was detected in 12/266 ticks. The sequencing of PCR products revealed that 0.7% (1/144) and 0.8% (1/121) of the analyzed A. ovale and A. aureolatum ticks were infected by R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest, respectively, and 8.3% (10/121) of the A. aureolatum ticks infected by Rickettsia bellii. Among the above PCR-positive ticks, only one isolate from one A. aureolatum tick was successfully established in the laboratory. DNA extracted from the third passage of this isolate was designated as strain M9A and molecularly characterized using primers targeting the Rickettsia gltA gene, whose sequence matched 100% the corresponding sequences of R. bellii. Seroprevalence against SFG rickettsiae in sampled dogs (n = 83) was 41% or 57%, depending on the rickettsial antigen (R. rickettsii strain Taiaçu or R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest, respectively). A total of 37 (45%) canine sera showed titers to R. parkeri at least fourfold higher than to R. rickettsii antigen. Among humans, 10% (4/41) of the samples reacted to at least one rickettsial antigen, with the highest endpoint titer varying from 64 to 128 for R. rickettsii and R. parkeri; no human serum showed ≥4-fold difference between the highest endpoint titers. Finally, during the study period, suspicions on cases of R. parkeri-rickettsiosis were not informed by the health secretariats. Our results confirm the presence and exposure to R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest, associated with two anthropophilic tick species (A. ovale and A. aureolatum) parasitizing domestic dogs with unrestrained access to forest areas. Consequently, the occurrence of R. parkeri infection in humans inhabiting the Atlantic forests of ES should not be discarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro A Faccini-Martínez
- Postgraduate Program in Infectious Diseases, Health Science Center, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil; Committee of Tropical Medicine, Zoonoses and Travel Medicine, Asociación Colombiana de Infectología, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe S Krawczak
- Setor de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Igor C L Acosta
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina A Serpa
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amalia R M Barbieri
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana R Tovar
- Núcleo Especial de Vigilância Epidemiológica, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde do Estado do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Crispim Cerutti Junior
- Postgraduate Program in Infectious Diseases, Health Science Center, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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da Paixão Sevá A, Martins TF, Muñoz-Leal S, Rodrigues AC, Pinter A, Luz HR, Angerami RN, Labruna MB. A human case of spotted fever caused by Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest and its association to the tick Amblyomma ovale. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:471. [PMID: 31604442 PMCID: PMC6790035 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3730-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest has emerged in Brazil during the last 10 years, with three laboratory-confirmed human cases. While these cases were epidemiologically associated with the tick Amblyomma ovale, in none of them the tick specimens that bit the patients could be identified. RESULTS We report a clinical case of spotted fever rickettsiosis that was acquired in an Atlantic forest area in Bahia state, northeast Brazil. The case was determined to be caused by R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest, based on molecular analysis of the crust removed from the tick bite site (inoculation eschar) of the patients' skin. DNA extracted from the crust yielded partial sequences of three rickettsial genes (gltA, ompA and ompB), which were 99-100% identical to R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest. The tick specimen that was attached to patient skin was identified as a female of A. ovale. CONCLUSIONS We report the fourth confirmed case of spotted fever rickettsiosis caused by R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest, providing to our knowledge for the first time, direct evidence of R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest transmission by A. ovale.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carla Rodrigues
- Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Campus Nova Xavantina, Nova Xavantina, MT, Brazil
| | - Adriano Pinter
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hermes R Luz
- Departamento de Patologia, RENORBIO, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo N Angerami
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Cicuttin GL, De Salvo MN, Venzal JM, Nava S. Borrelia spp. in ticks and birds from a protected urban area in Buenos Aires city, Argentina. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101282. [PMID: 31492630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed to know epidemiological aspects of Borrelia spp. in a protected urban area of Buenos Aires city, Argentina, where thousands of people visit this area for recreational purposes. Ticks were collected from vegetation, birds and dogs. Three hundred and forty birds belonging to 43 species, 41 genera, 18 families and six orders were captured (90.3% corresponded to the order Passeriformes). One hundred and twenty ticks were collected from 47 birds (13.8%) belonging to 10 species (23.2%), all of them from to the order Passeriformes (Emberizidae, Furnariidae, Parulidae, Thraupidae, Troglodytidae, Turdidae). Ticks were identified as Ixodes auritulus (56 larvae, 44 nymphs and 8 females) and Amblyomma aureolatum (1 larva and 11 nymphs). One thousand and ninety-one ticks collected from vegetation, 100 ticks collected from birds, and 89 ticks from dogs were tested for Borrelia infection by PCR trials targeting the flagellin (fla) and 16S rRNA genes. In addition, 101 blood and 168 tissue samples from birds were analyzed. Nine nymphs of A. aureolatum (2.1%) and four nymphs of I. auritulus (0.7%) collected from vegetation were positive. Five nymphs of A. aureolatum (45.4%), and five pools of larvae (minimum infection rate 13.5%), 18 nymphs (40.9%) and one female (14.3%) of I. auritulus collected on birds were also positive. The remaining samples were negative. The phylogenetic tree generated with fla sequences shows that seven of the eight different haplotypes of Borrelia detected in I. auritulus conform an independent lineage within the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex together with sequences of Borrelia sp. detected in I. auritulus from Canada and Uruguay. The fla sequences of Borrelia obtained from A. aureolatum and one sequence of a single specimen of I. auritulus conform a phylogenetic group with Borrelia turcica, Borrelia sp. isolated from a tortoise in Zambia, Borrelia spp. detected in Amblyomma maculatum from USA and Amblyomma longirostre from Brazil. The epidemiological risk that implies the infection with Borrelia genospecies associated with I. auritulus seems to be low because this tick is not aggressive to humans, but it helps to maintain borrelial spirochetes in the enzootic transmission cycles. The pathogenicity to humans of the Borrelia found in A. aureolatum is unknown; however, adults of this tick species are known to bite humans. This is the first report of the presence of Borrelia in A. aureolatum. Further investigations are necessary to know the risk of transmission of borreliosis by hard ticks in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Cicuttin
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Av. Díaz Vélez 4821, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María N De Salvo
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Av. Díaz Vélez 4821, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José M Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Facultad de Veterinaria, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Nava
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Ruiz J. Dubious presence of Bartonella bacilliformis in ticks from Madre de Dios, Peru. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:539. [PMID: 31443674 PMCID: PMC6708141 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4528-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella bacilliformis has recently been described in Amblyomma scalpturatum, Amblyomma ovale and Rhipicephalus microplus collected from wild animals in the Peruvian region of Madre de Dios. In this communication, I will discuss the results of a recent study by del Valle-Mendoza et al. together with the B. bacilliformis epidemiology. Following my argumentation, I consider the presence of this microorganism in the above ticks improbable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Ruiz
- Independent Researcher, P.O.Box 16, 08214, Badia del Valles, Spain.
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Bitencourth K, Amorim M, de Oliveira SV, Voloch CM, Gazêta GS. Genetic diversity, population structure and rickettsias in Amblyomma ovale in areas of epidemiological interest for spotted fever in Brazil. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 33:256-268. [PMID: 30746741 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Amblyomma ovale (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Koch, 1844 is widely-reported in the neotropical region and is the main vector in the epidemic cycle of Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest, a bioagent of a milder variety of spotted fever (SF). Because species with wide geographical distributions are known to exhibit variations that influence their vectorial capacity, the present study aimed to analyze genetic diversity and rickettsia infection of A. ovale collected during the investigation and surveillance of SF cases in the Cerrado and Atlantic rainforest (ARF) Brazilian biomes. Samples had their DNA extracted, amplified and sequenced for 16S rDNA, 12S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit II and D-loop markers for tick analyses, as well as the gltA, htrA, ompA and ompB genes for rickettsia detection. Between 11 and 33 A. ovale haplotypes were identified, all of them exclusive to areas within individual analyzed biome areas. The A. ovale populations appeared to be structured, with Cluster I restricted to Cerrado + ARF isolated in Caatinga and Cluster II to ARF continuous area. Rickettsia bellii, R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest (first report for Goiás state, Cerrado), Rickettsia asemboensis (first record in A. ovale for Brazil) and Rickettsia felis (first detection in this ixodid) were identified. A. ovale clusters were not associated with rickettsia types.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bitencourth
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M Amorim
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - S V de Oliveira
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Unidade Técnica de Vigilância de Zoonoses, Brasília, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - C M Voloch
- Laboratório de Biologia Evolutiva Teórica e Aplicada, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G S Gazêta
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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32
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Presentation of hemolytic and hemorrhagic rangeliosis in Cerdocyon thous. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:690-693. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Araújo IM, Magalhães-Matos PC, Cordeiro MD, Pacheco A, Rocha BS, Feitoza LFBB, Sanavria A, Fonseca AH. Ticks in wild animals at a resort and the first documentation of Amblyomma sculptum infesting Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2019; 28:177-179. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The study aimed to identify species of ticks present in the environment and among captive animals, in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ticks were isolated from captive animals by manual examination and free-living ticks in the environment were captured using the flannel drag technique. A total of 91 ticks were obtained (51 adults, 25 nymphs and 15 larvae). The specimens were identified morphologically as Amblyomma sp., Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma ovale and Amblyomma sculptum , and were distributed among five species of native mammals and an exotic bird. This study also reports the first case of infestation of the Australian emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) by A. sculptum.
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Detection of Rangelia vitalii (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) in asymptomatic free-ranging wild canids from the Pampa biome, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1337-1342. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06245-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Ojeda‐Chi MM, Rodriguez‐Vivas RI, Esteve‐Gasent MD, Pérez de León AA, Modarelli JJ, Villegas‐Perez SL. Ticks infesting dogs in rural communities of Yucatan, Mexico and molecular diagnosis of rickettsial infection. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 66:102-110. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melina M. Ojeda‐Chi
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida México
| | - Roger Ivan Rodriguez‐Vivas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida México
| | - Maria D. Esteve‐Gasent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas
| | - Adalberto A. Pérez de León
- USDA‐ARS Knipling‐Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center College Station, Kerrville Texas
| | - Joseph J. Modarelli
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory College Station Texas
| | - Sandra L. Villegas‐Perez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida México
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Soares JF, Costa FB, Girotto-Soares A, Da Silva AS, França RT, Taniwaki SA, Dall’Agnol B, Reck J, Hagiwara MK, Labruna MB. Evaluation of the vector competence of six ixodid tick species for Rangelia vitalii (Apicomplexa, Piroplasmorida), the agent of canine rangeliosis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1221-1234. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Luz HR, Costa Neto SFD, Weksler M, Gentile R, Faccini JLH. Ticks parasitizing wild mammals in Atlantic Forest areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 27:409-414. [PMID: 29846459 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mammals captured in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (PARNASO) and the Pedra Branca State Park (PBSP) between 2012 and 2015 were examined for the presence of ticks. In total, 140 mammals were examined, and 34 specimens were found to be parasitized by ticks. Didelphis aurita, Akodon montensis and Oligoryzomys nigripes were the species most parasitized. From these specimens, 146 ticks were collected, including 10 larvae. The ticks belonged to eight species: one in the genus Ixodes and seven in the genus Amblyomma. This study reports new associations of ticks and wild mammals in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermes Ribeiro Luz
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Ciência Animal, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Sócrates Fraga da Costa Neto
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade e Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Weksler
- Departamento de Vertebrados, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rosana Gentile
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - João Luiz Horacio Faccini
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
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Phylogenetic Evidence for the Existence of Multiple Strains of Rickettsia parkeri in the New World. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.02872-17. [PMID: 29439989 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02872-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Rickettsia parkeri has been reported to infect ticks of the "Amblyomma maculatum species complex" in the New World, where it causes spotted fever illness in humans. In South America, three additional rickettsial strains, namely, Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum, have been isolated from the ticks Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma nodosum, and Amblyomma parvitarsum, respectively. These three strains are phylogenetically closely related to R. parkeri, Rickettsia africae, and Rickettsia sibirica Herein, we performed a robust phylogenetic analysis encompassing 5 genes (gltA, ompA, virB4, dnaA, and dnaK) and 3 intergenic spacers (mppE-pur, rrl-rrf-ITS, and rpmE-tRNAfMet) from 41 rickettsial isolates, including different isolates of R. parkeri, R. africae, R. sibirica, Rickettsia conorii, and strains Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum. In our phylogenetic analyses, all New World isolates grouped in a major clade distinct from the Old World Rickettsia species (R. conorii, R. sibirica, and R. africae). This New World clade was subdivided into the following 4 clades: the R. parkerisensu stricto clade, comprising the type strain Maculatum 20 and all other isolates of R. parkeri from North and South America, associated with ticks of the A. maculatum species complex; the strain NOD clade, comprising two South American isolates from A. nodosum ticks; the Parvitarsum clade, comprising two South American isolates from A. parvitarsum ticks; and the strain Atlantic rainforest clade, comprising six South American isolates from the A. ovale species complex (A. ovale or Amblyomma aureolatum). Under such evidences, we propose that strains Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum are South American strains of R. parkeriIMPORTANCE Since the description of Rickettsia parkeri infecting ticks of the "Amblyomma maculatum species complex" and humans in the New World, three novel phylogenetic close-related rickettsial isolates were reported in South America. Herein, we provide genetic evidence that these novel isolates, namely, strains Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum, are South American strains of R. parkeri. Interestingly, each of these R. parkeri strains seems to be primarily associated with a tick species group, namely, R. parkerisensu stricto with the "Amblyomma maculatum species group," R. parkeri strain NOD with Amblyomma nodosum, R. parkeri strain Parvitarsum with Amblyomma parvitarsum, and R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest with the "Amblyomma ovale species group." Such rickettsial strain-tick species specificity suggests a coevolution of each tick-strain association. Finally, because R. parkerisensu stricto and R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest are human pathogens, the potential of R. parkeri strains NOD and Parvitarsum to be human pathogens cannot be discarded.
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Gianizella SL, Martins TF, Onofrio VC, Aguiar NO, Gravena W, do Nascimento CAR, Neto LC, Faria DL, Lima NAS, Solorio MR, Maranhão L, Lima IJ, Cobra IVD, Santos T, Lopes GP, Ramalho EE, Luz HR, Labruna MB. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of the state of Amazonas, Brazil. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 74:177-183. [PMID: 29383533 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0221-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The tick fauna of Brazil is currently composed by 72 species. The state of Amazonas is the largest of Brazil, with an area of ≈ 19% of the Brazilian land. Besides its vast geographic area, only 19 tick species have been reported for Amazonas. Herein, lots containing ticks from the state of Amazonas were examined in three major tick collections from Brazil. A total of 5933 tick specimens were examined and recorded, comprising 2693 males, 1247 females, 1509 nymphs, and 484 larvae. These ticks were identified into the following 22 species: Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma goeldii, Amblyomma humerale, Amblyomma latepunctatun, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma naponense, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma scalpturatum, Amblyomma varium, Dermacentor nitens, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes cf. Ixodes fuscipes, Ixodes luciae, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Ticks were collected from 17 (27.4%) out of the 62 municipalities that currently compose the state of Amazonas. The following four species are reported for the first time in the state of Amazonas: A. coelebs, A. dubitatum, H. juxtakochi, and Ixodes cf. I. fuscipes. The only tick species previously reported for Amazonas and not found in the present study is Amblyomma parvum. This study provides a great expansion of geographical and host records of ticks for the state of Amazonas, which is now considered to have a tick fauna composed by 23 species. It is noteworthy that we report 1391 Amblyomma nymphs that were identified to 13 different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio L Gianizella
- Laboratório de Zoologia, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Valeria C Onofrio
- Laboratório Especial de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nair O Aguiar
- Laboratório de Zoologia, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Waleska Gravena
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, AM, Brazil
- Instituto de Saúde e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Coari, AM, Brazil
| | - Carlos A R do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Helmintologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Laérzio C Neto
- Refúgio de Vida Selvagem Sauim Castanheira, Secretaria Municipal do Meio Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Diogo L Faria
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Amazônica, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Natália A S Lima
- Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Monica R Solorio
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Louise Maranhão
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Tefé, AM, Brazil
| | - Ivan J Lima
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Tefé, AM, Brazil
- Programa de pós-graduação em Genética, Conservação e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Iury V D Cobra
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Tefé, AM, Brazil
- Departamento de Mudanças Climáticas e Gestão de Unidades de Conservação, Secretaria de Meio Ambiente do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Tamily Santos
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Tefé, AM, Brazil
| | - Gerson P Lopes
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Tefé, AM, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | | | - Hermes R Luz
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil.
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Quintero V. JC, Paternina T. LE, Uribe Y. A, Muskus C, Hidalgo. M, Gil. J, Cienfuegos G. AV, Osorio Q. L, Rojas A. C. Eco-epidemiological analysis of rickettsial seropositivity in rural areas of Colombia: A multilevel approach. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005892. [PMID: 28922404 PMCID: PMC5619838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiosis is a re-emergent infectious disease without epidemiological surveillance in Colombia. This disease is generally undiagnosed and several deadly outbreaks have been reported in the country in the last decade. The aim of this study is to analyze the eco-epidemiological aspects of rickettsial seropositivity in rural areas of Colombia where outbreaks of the disease were previously reported. A cross-sectional study, which included 597 people living in 246 households from nine hamlets in two municipalities of Colombia, was conducted from November 2015 to January 2016. The survey was conducted to collect sociodemographic and household characteristics (exposure) data. Blood samples were collected to determine the rickettsial seropositivity in humans, horses and dogs (IFA, cut-off = 1/128). In addition, infections by rickettsiae were detected in ticks from humans and animals by real-time PCR targeting gltA and ompA genes. Data was analyzed by weighted multilevel clog-log regression model using three levels (person, household and hamlets) and rickettsial seropositivity in humans was the main outcome. Overall prevalence of rickettsial seropositivity in humans was 25.62% (95%CI 22.11–29.12). Age in years (PR = 1.01 95%CI 1.01–1.02) and male sex (PR = 1.65 95%CI 1.43–1.90) were risk markers for rickettsial seropositivity. Working outdoors (PR = 1.20 95%CI 1.02–1.41), deforestation and forest fragmentation for agriculture use (PR = 1.75 95%CI 1.51–2.02), opossum in peridomiciliary area (PR = 1.56 95%CI 1.37–1.79) and a high proportion of seropositive domestic animals in the home (PR20-40% vs <20% = 2.28 95%CI 1.59–3.23 and PR>40% vs <20% = 3.14 95%CI 2.43–4.04) were associated with rickettsial seropositivity in humans. This study showed the presence of Rickettsia antibodies in human populations and domestic animals. In addition, different species of rickettsiae were detected in ticks collected from humans and animals. Our results highlighted the role of domestic animals as sentinels of rickettsial infection to identify areas at risk of transmission, and the importance of preventive measures aimed at curtailing deforestation and the fragmentation of forests as a way of reducing the risk of transmission of emergent and re-emergent pathogens. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is one of the main diseases transmitted by tick bites in Colombia. Studies examining rickettsial seropositivity in humans, potential vectors and amplifying hosts in regions where previous outbreaks occurred are necessary to highlight this disease in the differential diagnosis of febrile syndromes and to implement epidemiological surveillance programs. This study reveals several factors associated with rickettsial seropositivity, including working outdoors, practices related to deforestation and forest fragmentation, and the potential contact between humans and wild animals, such as opossums, that could be involved in the transmission cycle. In addition, it reveals the importance of domestic animals as sentinels of infection as well as the tick species acting as potential vectors of rickettsiae in human and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Quintero V.
- Grupo de Ciencias Veterinarias - Centauro, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Alexander Uribe Y.
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales -PECET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Carlos Muskus
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales -PECET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Marylin Hidalgo.
- Grupo de Investigación de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Juliana Gil.
- Grupo de Investigación de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Astrid V. Cienfuegos G.
- Grupo de Investigación en Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lisardo Osorio Q.
- Grupo de Investigación Salud y Ambiente, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Carlos Rojas A.
- Grupo de Epidemiología, Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Llanos-Soto S, Muñoz B, Moreno L, Landaeta-Aqueveque C, Kinsella JM, Mironov S, Cicchino A, Barrientos C, Torres-Fuentes G, González-Acuña D. External and gastrointestinal parasites of the rufous-collared sparrow Zonotrichia capensis (Passeriformes, Emberizidae) in Chile. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2017; 26:314-322. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract A total of 277 rufous-collared sparrows, Zonotrichia capensis Müller, 1776 (Emberizidae), were examined for external parasites. The birds were captured using mist nets in seven locations in northern and central Chile. Additionally, seven carcasses from central Chile (the Biobío region) were necropsied to evaluate the presence of endoparasite infection. Ectoparasites were found on 35.8% (99/277) of the examined birds and they were represented by the following arthropods: feather mites Amerodectes zonotrichiae Mironov and González-Acuña, 2014 (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae), Proctophyllodes polyxenus Atyeo and Braasch, 1966 (Analgoidea: Proctophyllodidae), and Trouessartia capensis Berla, 1959 (Analgoidea: Trouessartiidae); a louse Philopterus sp. (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera); and ticks Amblyomma tigrinum Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) and Ixodes auritulus Neumann, 1904 (Acari: Ixodidae). Two of the seven necropsied carcasses were infected with the acanthocephalan Mediorhynchus papillosus Van Cleave, 1916 (Gigantorhynchida: Gigantorhynchidae). To our knowledge, this study reports P. polyxenus, Philopterus sp., A. tigrinum, and M. papillosus for the first time for Z. capensis and expands the distributional range for T. capensis to Chile.
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Comparative analysis of germ cells and DNA of the genus Amblyomma: adding new data on Amblyomma maculatum and Amblyomma ovale species (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2883-2892. [PMID: 28821960 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5592-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Among tick species, members of the subfamily Amblyomminae have received special attention, since they serve as vectors for pathogens such as Rickettsia spp. and display cryptic species complexes that make their taxonomical classification challenging. Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma maculatum, and other species of the genus Amblyomma have shown a long history of taxonomic controversies. Spermiotaxonomy has proved to be a valuable tool in the solution of systematic conflicts in Metazoa that can aid molecular and external morphological analyses in ticks and, overall, provide more robust analyses and results. With this in mind, this study included histological analyses of the reproductive system of the species A. ovale and A. maculatum, as well as the description of morphohistological characters of the male reproductive system of ticks of the genus Amblyomma, in order to evaluate these characters within the current clustering proposals. In addition, 16S rDNA and COI (mitochondrial) molecular markers were used to study the genetic relationships of the species. The results show that the tick male reproductive system and its germ cells contain useful candidate characters for taxonomical analyses of Ixodida.
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Ferrell AM, Brinkerhoff RJ, Bernal J, Bermúdez SE. Ticks and tick-borne pathogens of dogs along an elevational and land-use gradient in Chiriquí province, Panamá. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 71:371-385. [PMID: 28417248 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0116-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Systematic acarological surveys are useful tools in assessing risk to tick-borne infections, especially in areas where consistent clinical surveillance for tick-borne disease is lacking. Our goal was to identify environmental predictors of tick burdens on dogs and tick-borne infectious agents in dog-derived ticks in the Chiriquí Province of western Panama to draw inferences about spatio-temporal variation in human risk to tick-borne diseases. We used a model-selection approach to test the relative importance of elevation, human population size, vegetative cover, and change in landuse on patterns of tick parasitism on dogs. We collected 2074 ticks, representing four species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. microplus, Amblyomma ovale, and Ixodes boliviensis) from 355 dogs. Tick prevalence ranged from 0 to 74% among the sites we sampled, and abundance ranged from 0 to 20.4 ticks per dog with R. sanguineus s.l. being the most commonly detected tick species (97% of all ticks sampled). Whereas elevation was the best single determinant of tick prevalence and abundance on dogs, the top models also included predictor variables describing vegetation cover and landuse change. Specifically, low-elevation areas associated with decreasing vegetative cover were associated with highest tick occurrence on dogs, potentially because of the affinity of R. sanguineus for human dwellings. Although we found low prevalence of tick-borne pathogen genera (two Rickettsia-positive ticks, no R. rickettsia or Ehrlichia spp.) in our study, all of the tick species we collected from dogs are known vectors of zoonotic pathogens. In areas where epidemiological surveillance infrastructure is limited, field-based assessments of acarological risk can be useful and cost-effective tools in efforts to identify high-risk environments for tick-transmitted pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Jory Brinkerhoff
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA.
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Juan Bernal
- Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí, David, Panama
| | - Sergio E Bermúdez
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
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Scinachi CA, Takeda GA, Mucci LF, Pinter A. Association of the occurrence of Brazilian spotted fever and Atlantic rain forest fragmentation in the São Paulo metropolitan region, Brazil. Acta Trop 2017; 166:225-233. [PMID: 27880877 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. In the São Paulo Metropolitan Region (SPMR) it is transmitted by Amblyomma aureolatum ticks. In this region, annual lethality of the disease can reach 80% and spatial occurrence depends on environmental factors and more particularly on the presence and interaction of domestic and wild carnivores as well as the presence and characteristics of the remnant Atlantic Rain Forest patches. This study analyzed the association between forest fragmentation and its influence on the risk of occurrence of the disease in the human population. Domestic dogs tested for R. rickettsii antibodies in nine different areas under the influence of different patterns of Rain Forest fragmented landscapes and human occupancy. Landscape metrics were obtained by analyzing satellite images and high-resolution orthophotos. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine among the different landscape variables the one that could best explain the data variance, and the results were tested against canine seroprevalence in order to address disease occurrence risk levels. From 270 canine samples, the seroprevalence ranged from 0 to 37%. PCA showed an inverse correlation between functionally connected large forest patches and the canine seroprevalence for R. rickettsii (p=0.030; Spearman's R=-0.683), while there was a positive correlation between forest border effect and canine seroprevalence (p=0.037; Spearman's R=- 0.909). The further attributed disease occurrence risk level supported the real spatial prevalence of the disease reported for the last eight years (p=0.023; Spearman's R=0.63). The results suggest an important relation of deforestation and fragmentation with the occurrence of BSF in the SPMR.
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Krawczak FS, Binder LC, Oliveira CS, Costa FB, Moraes-Filho J, Martins TF, Sponchiado J, Melo GL, Gregori F, Polo G, Oliveira SV, Labruna MB. Ecology of a tick-borne spotted fever in southern Brazil. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 70:219-229. [PMID: 27392739 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost state of Brazil, bordering Uruguay. Clinical cases of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiosis were recently reported in Rio Grande do Sul. None of these cases was lethal, and all were confirmed by seroconversion to R. rickettsii antigens. Because serological cross-reactions are well known to occur between different SFG agents, the SFG agent responsible for the clinical cases remains unknown in Rio Grande do Sul, where no rickettsial agent is known to infect ticks. During 2013-2014, ticks and blood sera samples were collected from domestic dogs and wild small mammals, and from the vegetation in a SFG-endemic area of Rio Grande do Sul. Dogs were infested by Amblyomma ovale adult ticks, whereas small mammals were infested by immature stages of A. ovale, Ixodes loricatus, and adults of I. loricatus. Ticks collected on vegetation were adults of A. ovale, and immature stages of A. ovale, Amblyomma dubitatum, and Amblyomma longirostre. Three Rickettsia species were detected: Rickettsia bellii in I. loricatus, Rickettsia amblyommii in A. longirostre, and a Rickettsia parkeri-like agent (Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest) in A. ovale. Seroreactivity to SFG antigens were detected in 19.7 % (27/137) canine and 37.5 % (15/40) small mammal sera, with highest titers to R. parkeri. Results indicate that the R. parkeri-like agent, strain Atlantic rainforest, is circulating between A. ovale ticks, dogs and small mammals in the study area, suggesting that this SFG pathogen could be one of the etiological agents of SFG clinical cases in Rio Grande do Sul.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe S Krawczak
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Lina C Binder
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Caroline S Oliveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Francisco B Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Jonas Moraes-Filho
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
- Mestrado em Medicina Veterinária e Bem Estar Animal, Universidade de Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Jonas Sponchiado
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Geruza L Melo
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Fábio Gregori
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Gina Polo
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Stefan V Oliveira
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil.
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Figueiredo Voizzoni V, Barbosa Silva A, Medeiros Cardoso K, Barbosa Dos Santos F, Stenzel B, Amorim M, Vilges de Oliveira S, Salles Gazeta G. Genetic identification of Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest in an endemic area of a mild spotted fever in Rio Grande do Sul state, Southern Brazil. Acta Trop 2016; 162:142-145. [PMID: 27338183 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest causes a less severe rickettsiosis, with two cases confirmed until now. The tick species Amblyomma ovale is appointed as the main vector of this bacterium. The southern region of Brazil has reported patients with spotted fever who have milder symptoms. In 2013, during an investigation of rickettsiosis cases, an A. ovale tick was found attached to a man in an area where there were two cases. The parasite was processed for molecular analysis and the rickettsial infection was confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis of genes ompA, ompB and geneD (sca4). In the present study the human pathogenic Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest was identified in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Since A. ovale, its main vector, is found frequently parasitizing dogs, animals that can cross international borders freely in southern Brazil, this bacteria can bring major concerns in terms of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Figueiredo Voizzoni
- Serviço de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Pav. Lauro Travassos, anexo posterior/sala 08, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Arannadia Barbosa Silva
- Serviço de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Pav. Lauro Travassos, anexo posterior/sala 08, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Karen Medeiros Cardoso
- Serviço de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Pav. Lauro Travassos, anexo posterior/sala 08, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Barbosa Dos Santos
- Serviço de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Pav. Lauro Travassos, anexo posterior/sala 08, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Barbara Stenzel
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marinete Amorim
- Serviço de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Pav. Lauro Travassos, anexo posterior/sala 08, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Stefan Vilges de Oliveira
- Ministério da Saúde, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Unidade Técnica de Vigilância de Zoonoses, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Salles Gazeta
- Serviço de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Pav. Lauro Travassos, anexo posterior/sala 08, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21045-900, Brazil.
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Nieri-Bastos FA, Horta MC, Barros-Battesti DM, Moraes-Filho J, Ramirez DG, Martins TF, Labruna MB. Isolation of the Pathogen Rickettsia sp. Strain Atlantic Rainforest From Its Presumed Tick Vector, Amblyomma ovale (Acari: Ixodidae), From Two Areas of Brazil. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:977-981. [PMID: 27146681 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Amblyomma ovale Koch ticks were collected from domestic dogs in two localities of the Atlantic rainforest biome of Brazil: 1) the Paty Valley of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, Bahia state (northeastern Brazil), and 2) Adrianópolis, Paraná state (southern Brazil). Ticks were screened for the presence of Rickettsia-like structures by the hemolymph test with Giménez staining, and then processed for isolation of rickettsiae in Vero cell culture by the shell-vial technique. Rickettsiae were isolated from one A. ovale tick of each of the two localities. The two isolates were successfully established in the laboratory with several passages, each one reaching >90% infection of the cells. The two isolates were identified as the spotted fever group (SFG) agent Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest, as their gltA (350 bp), ompB (781 bp), and ompA (567 bp) gene fragments were 100% equal to GenBank corresponding sequences of the original strain Atlantic rainforest, reported to be infecting a human in southeastern Brazil, and also 100% equal to the available ompA sequence of strain Bahia, reported to be infecting a human in Paty Valley, the same area of the present study in Bahia state. Ten dogs from Paty Valley were serologically tested against rickettsial antigens by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. At least 60% of them were seroreactive to SFG rickettsiae. The role of A. ovale as vector of Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest in the Paty Valley area, as well as in other parts of Latin America, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda A Nieri-Bastos
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil (; ; ; )
| | - Maurício C Horta
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Jonas Moraes-Filho
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil (; ; ; )
- Santo Amaro University - UNISA, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, and
| | - Diego G Ramirez
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil (; )
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil (; ; ; )
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil (; ; ; ),
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Ogrzewalska M, Schwarcz K, Bajay MM, Bajay SK, Pinheiro JB, Zucchi MI, Pinter A, Labruna MB. Characterization of Genetic Variability and Population Structure of the Tick Amblyomma aureolatum (Acari: Ixodidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:843-850. [PMID: 27230435 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The hard tick Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) is a vector of the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, the etiologic agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) in parts of Brazil. Despite its wide distribution in southeastern South America and its public health importance, there is no information about genetic variation of this species that might help to understand the epidemiology of BSF. Using data from eight microsatellite markers and ticks from six localities, we used a population genetics approach to test the hypothesis that tick populations from areas with the presence of R. rickettsii are genetically different from ticks from areas without R. rickettsii Contrary to expectations, we found low genetic structure between studied regions. Thus, the presence of R. rickettsii in the specific area is more likely correlated with ecological and the environmental conditions or due to unknown gene coding regions of A. aureolatum genome that would be related to R. rickettsii infection resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ogrzewalska
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Hantaviroses e Rickettsioses, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, CEP 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, e-mail:
| | - Kaiser Schwarcz
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução e Bioagentes, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, R. Bertrand Russel, s/n Caixa Postal 6109, CEP 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Miklos M Bajay
- Departamento de Genética, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias 11, CEP 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil (; ; )
| | - Stephanie K Bajay
- Departamento de Genética, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias 11, CEP 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil (; ; )
| | - José B Pinheiro
- Departamento de Genética, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias 11, CEP 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil (; ; )
| | - Maria I Zucchi
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, R. Cardeal Arcoverde, 2878, Pinheiros, CEP 05408-003, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriano Pinter
- Pólo Centro-Sul, Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios, Av. Barão de Itapura, 1481, Botafogo, CEP 13020-902, Campinas, SP, Brazil , and
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Miller MJ, Esser HJ, Loaiza JR, Herre EA, Aguilar C, Quintero D, Alvarez E, Bermingham E. Molecular Ecological Insights into Neotropical Bird-Tick Interactions. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155989. [PMID: 27203693 PMCID: PMC4874597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the tropics, ticks parasitize many classes of vertebrate hosts. However, because many tropical tick species are only identifiable in the adult stage, and these adults usually parasitize mammals, most attention on the ecology of tick-host interactions has focused on mammalian hosts. In contrast, immature Neotropical ticks are often found on wild birds, yet difficulties in identifying immatures hinder studies of birds' role in tropical tick ecology and tick-borne disease transmission. In Panama, we found immature ticks on 227 out of 3,498 individually-sampled birds representing 93 host species (24% of the bird species sampled, and 13% of the Panamanian land bird fauna). Tick parasitism rates did not vary with rainfall or temperature, but did vary significantly with several host ecological traits. Likewise, Neotropical-Nearctic migratory birds were significantly less likely to be infested than resident species. Using a molecular library developed from morphologically-identified adult ticks specifically for this study, we identified eleven tick species parasitizing birds, indicating that a substantial portion of the Panamanian avian species pool is parasitized by a diversity of tick species. Tick species that most commonly parasitized birds had the widest diversity of avian hosts, suggesting that immature tick species are opportunistic bird parasites. Although certain avian ecological traits are positively associated with parasitism, we found no evidence that individual tick species show specificity to particular avian host ecological traits. Finally, our data suggest that the four principal vectors of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in the Neotropics rarely, if ever, parasitize Panamanian birds. However, other tick species that harbor newly-discovered rickettsial parasites of unknown pathogenicity are frequently found on these birds. Given our discovery of broad interaction between Panamanian tick and avian biodiversity, future work on tick ecology and the dynamics of emerging tropical tick-borne pathogens should explicitly consider wild bird as hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Miller
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Helen J. Esser
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jose R. Loaiza
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama City, Republic of Panama
- Centralamerican Master’s Program in Entomology, University of Panama, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Edward Allen Herre
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Celestino Aguilar
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Diomedes Quintero
- G. B. Fairchild Invertebrate Museum, University of Panama, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Eric Alvarez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
- Centralamerican Master’s Program in Entomology, University of Panama, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Eldredge Bermingham
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
- Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Krawczak FS, Agostinho WC, Polo G, Moraes-Filho J, Labruna MB. Comparative evaluation of Amblyomma ovale ticks infected and noninfected by Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest, the agent of an emerging rickettsiosis in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:502-7. [PMID: 26895674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In 2010, a novel spotted fever group rickettsiosis was reported in the Atlantic rainforest coast of Brazil. The etiological agent was identified as Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest, and the tick Amblyomma ovale was incriminated as the presumed vector. The present study evaluated under laboratory conditions four colonies of A. ovale: two started from engorged females that were naturally infected by Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest (designated as infected groups); the two others started from noninfected females (designated as control groups). All colonies were reared in parallel from F0 engorged female to F2 unfed nymphs. Tick-naïve vesper mice (Calomys callosus) or domestic rabbits were used for feeding of each tick stage. Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest was preserved by transstadial maintenance and transovarial transmission in A. ovale ticks for at least 2 generations (from F0 females to F2 nymphs), because nearly 100% of the tested larvae, nymphs, and adults from the infected groups were shown by PCR to contain rickettsial DNA. All vesper mice and rabbits infested by larvae and nymphs, and 50% of the rabbits infested by adults from the infected groups seroconverted, indicating that these tick stages were vector competent for Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest. Expressive differences in mortality rates and reproductive performance were observed between engorged females from the infected and control groups, as indicated by 75.0% and 97.1% oviposition success, respectively, and significantly lower egg mass weight, conversion efficiency index, and percentage of egg hatching for the infected groups. Our results indicate that A. ovale can act as a natural reservoir for Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest. However, due to deleterious effect caused by this rickettsial agent on engorged females, amplifier vertebrate hosts might be necessary for persistent perpetuation of Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest in A. ovale under natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe S Krawczak
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, , Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Washington C Agostinho
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, , Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gina Polo
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, , Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jonas Moraes-Filho
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, , Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Universidade de Santo Amaro, R. Prof. Enéas de Siqueira Neto, 340, CEP: 04829-300 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, , Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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