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León-Sosa A, Orlando SA, Mora-Jaramillo N, Calderón J, Rodriguez-Pazmino AS, Carvajal E, Guizado-Herrera D, Narváez Y, Sánchez E, Arreaga A, Zevallos JC, Carrillo C, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. First report of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae carriage in stray cats from Ecuador and its link to a cat scratch disease outbreak in 2022. Acta Trop 2024; 257:107278. [PMID: 38851625 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107278] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The genus Bartonella includes species and subspecies of fastidious, facultative intracellular Gram-negative bacilli that infect a wide variety of mammalian reservoirs including cats and humans. In 2022, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health reported an outbreak of cat scratch disease caused by B. henselae in the city of Guayaquil. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the presence of Bartonella spp. in domestic and stray cats from the area of Guayaquil where the outbreak happened in 2022. METHODS Whole blood samples of 100 domestic and stray cats were collected. Riboflavin synthase (ribC) and 16S rRNA genes detection was performed by PCR using Bartonella spp. specific primers, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS 14 cats were positive for Bartonella spp. carriage. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of 12 cats infected with B. henselae and 2 cats with B. clarridgeiae. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of Bartonella spp. carriage in cats in the city of Guayaquil within the area where a recent cat scratch disease outbreak happened. Considering the high presence of cats and other domestic and stray animals in the city of Guayaquil, a One Health approach for surveillance and prevention of zoonotic diseases like cat scratch disease is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana León-Sosa
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Solon Alberto Orlando
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Naomi Mora-Jaramillo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Joselyn Calderón
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Elsy Carvajal
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - David Guizado-Herrera
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Yolanda Narváez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Eusebio Sánchez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Alma Arreaga
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Sepúlveda-García P, Jara R, Mella A, Monti G, Canales N, Furquim MEC, André MR, Müller A. Genetic diversity of Bartonella rpoB haplotypes in domestic cats from Chile. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 107:102150. [PMID: 38401221 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102150] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to determine the inter and intra-host Bartonella spp. genetic diversity in cats from Chile. 'Seventy-nine cats' blood DNA samples qPCR Bartonella spp. positive were subjected to T-A cloning of Bartonella spp. rpoB partial gene (825 bp), and sequencing by Sanger method. The sequences were submitted to phylogenetic and polymorphism analysis. Thirty-six (45.6%) samples were successfully cloned, generating 118 clones of which 109 showed 99.6%-100% identity with Bartonella henselae whereas 9 showed 99.8-100% identity with Bartonella koehlerae. Haplotype analysis yielded 29 different rpoB-B. henselae haplotypes, one (hap#2) overrepresented in 31 out of 33 cats, and 4 rpoB-B. koehlerae haplotypes, with hap#2 represented in all 3 B. koehlerae infected cats. More than one rpoB -B. henselae and B. koehlerae haplotypes were identified in individual cats, reporting by first time coinfection by different B. henselae/B. koehlerae rpoB variants in cats from Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile; Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile
| | - Ronald Jara
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile
| | - Armin Mella
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nivia Canales
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile
| | - Maria Eduarda Chiaradia Furquim
- Laboratório de Bioagentes Transmitidos por Vetores, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única,Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho"(FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Bioagentes Transmitidos por Vetores, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única,Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho"(FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Ananda Müller
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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Kabir A, Shaker Chouhan C, Habib T, Pratik Siddique M, Nazir KNH, Anisur Rahman A, Amimul Ehsan M. Epidemiology of feline bartonellosis and molecular characteristics of Bartonella henselae in Bangladesh. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:103881. [PMID: 38125733 PMCID: PMC10730849 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103881] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis, a neglected vector-borne zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, continues to threaten human and animal health significantly. This study aims to determine the epidemiology of feline bartonellosis and the molecular characteristics of Bartonella spp. in cats. From June 2018 to June 2020, 304 oral swabs were randomly collected from Bangladesh's Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect data. Oral swabs were subjected to PCR targeting htrA gene to confirm Bartonella spp., which was subsequently validated through sequencing. Risk factors were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of feline bartonellosis was found to be 15.1 %. The following factors were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with Bartonella infection in risk factor analysis: cats aged ≥ 1 year (OR: 3.23, 95 % CI: 1.38-24.40), local breed cats (OR: 3.37, 95 % CI: 1.05-10.81), cats carrying fleas (OR: 2.33, 95 % CI: 1.93-13.45), antifleacidal drugs inconsistently administered cats (OR: 6.74, 95 % CI: 3.17-14.31), outdoor access cats (OR: 2.54, 95 % CI: 1.16-5.57). Notably, zoonotic B. henselae was confirmed through sequencing, establishing it as the causal agent of cat scratch disease. Phylogenetic analysis showed homology with B. henselae sequences from Brazil, Saint Kitts, and Nevis. We recommend consistent and appropriate flea control measures to curb its spread among Bangladeshi cats. Moreover, limiting outdoor exposure or implementing preventive measures for outdoor cats could reduce the disease burden. The associated human health risk can be decreased by effectively controlling this disease within the cat population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajran Kabir
- Department of Microbiology & Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | | | - Tasmia Habib
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubul Pratik Siddique
- Department of Microbiology & Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | | | - A.K.M. Anisur Rahman
- Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Amimul Ehsan
- Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Sepúlveda-García P, Cabello J, Celis S, Valencia C, Ortiz C, Kemec I, Moreira-Arce D, Orsola M, Canales N, Garnham A, Vera F, Muller A. Molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of Bartonella sp., Coxiella sp., and hemoplamas in pudu ( Pudu puda) from Chile: first report of Bartonella henselae in a wild ungulate species. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1161093. [PMID: 38033637 PMCID: PMC10687462 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1161093] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent evidence shows a high diversity of infectious agents in wildlife that represent a threat to human, domestic, and wild animal health. In Chile, wild populations of the most common cervid species, pudu (Pudu puda), have been reported as hosts for novel pathogens such as Mycoplasma ovis-like and a novel ecotype of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A better understanding of the epidemiology of this group and other intracellular bacteria that might have cervids as hosts would enlighten their population relevance. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp., hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Coxiella burnetii in pudus from Chile. Methods The DNA was extracted from the blood samples of 69 wild free-ranging and 30 captive pudus from Chile. A combination of real-time (nouG gene for Bartonella and IS1111 element for C. burnetii) and conventional PCR (16S rRNA for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and rpoB, gltA, and ITS for Bartonella spp.) was used for pathogen screening and molecular characterization. Results DNA of Bartonella spp. was detected in 10.1% [95% CI (5.2-18.2%)] samples, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 1.7% [95% CI (0.08-10.1%)], and C. burnetii in 1.0% [95% CI (0.05-6.3%)] samples. Two sequenced samples were identified as Mycoplasma ovis-like, and one free-ranging pudu was positive for C. burnetii. While one captive and two free-ranging pudus were positive for Bartonella henselae, one wild pudu was co-positive for B. henselae and Bartonella sp., similar to Bartonellae identified in ruminants. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. henselae in wild ungulate species, and C. burnetii and Bartonella spp. in wild ungulate species in South America. Further research will be necessary to evaluate the potential role of pudu as reservoirs of infection and identify the sources for disease transmission among humans and wild and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Javier Cabello
- Centro de Conservación de la Biodiversidad, Chiloé-Silvestre, Ancud, Chiloé, Chile
| | - Sebastian Celis
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Carola Valencia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Sede De La Patagonia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Carolina Ortiz
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Ignacio Kemec
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Dario Moreira-Arce
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel Orsola
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nivia Canales
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Antonio Garnham
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Frank Vera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Sede De La Patagonia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Ananda Muller
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
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Sepúlveda-García P, Alabi A, Álvarez K, Rojas L, Mella A, Gonçalves LR, André MR, Machado RZ, Müller A, Monti G. Bartonella spp. in households with cats: Risk factors for infection in cats and human exposure. One Health 2023; 16:100545. [PMID: 37363214 PMCID: PMC10288095 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the occurrence of Bartonella spp. per household in cats and the risk factors for Bartonella spp. positivity in cats and their owners from Valdivia, Chile. A total of 464 cats (distributed within 324 households) and 326 humans (control group [n = 112] and cat owner [n = 214]) distributed in 262 households were sampled. From the cat owners (n = 214), 128 humans were in households where the cat was also sampled, totaling 84 households with dual sampling. Real-time PCR (qPCR) was used for Bartonella spp. detection in blood from cats and humans, and immunofluorescent immunoassay (IFA) anti-Bartonella henselae was performed in human serum samples. Out of the total of 324 households, 20.43% presented at least one Bartonella positive cat. From the households with dual sampling, 29.7% (25/84) presented at least one qPCR-Bartonella spp. positive cat. However, Bartonella DNA was not amplified in humans, and in 7.3% (6/82) of the households was found at least one of the cat's owners exposed to B. henselae. Cats younger than one year (Odds Ratio (OR) = 5.3), non-neutered (OR 3.46), sampled at home (OR 5.82), and with improper application of tick/flea control products (OR 3.13) showed a higher risk for Bartonella spp. presence. Humans with occupational exposure involving animal contact, were more likely to exhibit B. henselae seropositivity (OR 7.5). Bartonella spp. was present in the cats a moderate number of households, but Bartonella DNA was not detected in owners' blood, inferring that there is a low risk of recent human infection in the studied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Amir Alabi
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Karla Álvarez
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Lisbeth Rojas
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Armin Mella
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogerio André
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinaria, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen 6702 PB, the Netherlands
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Millán J, Sepúlveda-García P, Di Cataldo S, Canales N, Sallaberry-Pincheira N, Painean J, Cevidanes A, Müller A. Molecular identification of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia felis in fox fleas, Chile. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 96:101983. [PMID: 37099997 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.101983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Seventy-five flea pools (one to ten fleas per pool) from 51 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) and five South American grey foxes or chillas (Lycalopex griseus) from the Mediterranean region of Chile were analyzed for the presence of DNA of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. through quantitative real-time PCR for the nouG and gltA genes, respectively. Positive samples were further characterized by conventional PCR protocols, targeting gltA and ITS genes for Bartonella, and gltA, ompA, and ompB genes for Rickettsia. Bartonella was detected in 48 % of the Pulex irritans pools (B. rochalimae in three pools, B. berkhoffii in two pools, B. henselae in one pool), and 8 % of the Ctenocephalides felis felis pools (B. rochalimae, one pool). Rickettsia was confirmed in 11 % of P. irritans pools and 92 % of the Ct. felis pools. Characterization confirmed R. felis in all sequenced Rickettsia-positive pools. All Ct. canis pools were negative. A Ct. felis pool from a wild-found domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) also resulted positive for R. felis. Although opportunistic, this survey provides the first description of zoonotic pathogens naturally circulating in fleas parasitizing Chilean free-living carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sophia Di Cataldo
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Nivia Canales
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Nicole Sallaberry-Pincheira
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Painean
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development. Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Boonaramrueng K, Techakriengkrai N, Rodkhum C, Pusoonthornthum R. Risk factors of Bartonella spp. infection and the association between Bartonella spp. and T-lymphocyte subset alteration in asymptomatic retrovirus-infected cats in Bangkok Metropolitan, Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:2399-2406. [DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2399-2406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cats are a reservoir for Bartonella spp. infection in humans. Human bartonellosis causes disseminated inflammation to develop in immunocompromised patients, such as those infected with human immunodeficiency virus. However, the associated risks of Bartonella spp. infection in immunocompromised retroviral-infected cats have been inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the associated risks of Bartonella spp. infection with the alteration of T-lymphocyte subsets of retroviral-infected cats.
Materials and Methods: We collected blood samples from 161 client-owned cats at veterinary clinics and hospitals throughout the Bangkok Metropolitan area from 2017 to 2020. The samples underwent hematological biochemical tests, feline retroviral status evaluation, Bartonella spp. polymerase chain reaction assay, immunofluorescence assay, and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts. Risk factors associated with Bartonella spp. infection were determined by odds ratio (OR). Hematological and biochemical parameters were compared using independent t-tests. CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio were compared among groups classified according to their retroviral and Bartonella spp. infection status.
Results: The prevalence of Bartonella spp. in our study cohort was 16.1%, and the seroprevalence was 94.9%. Cats aged >1 year were at a higher risk of seropositivity than cats aged <1 year (OR: 4.296, 95% confidence interval: 1.010–18.275). The CD8+ percentage was significantly higher in seropositive cats (p = 0.026). There was a significant reduction in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio between cats negative for both retrovirus and Bartonella spp. infection and cats with concurrent retrovirus and Bartonella spp. infection (p = 0.041).
Conclusion: In endemic countries or areas, cat owners must be made aware of the risk of exposure to Bartonella spp. due to the high rate of bacteremia and seroprevalence. Retrovirus-infected cats with concurrent Bartonella spp. infection also showed a significant, inverted CD4+/CD8+ ratio, which may be used as a novel marker in bartonellosis. Similar studies focusing on the different stages of retrovirus infection should be undertaken further to elucidate the effect of retrovirus infection on Bartonella spp. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krissda Boonaramrueng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Navapon Techakriengkrai
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Channarong Rodkhum
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Rosama Pusoonthornthum
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Feline Health and Infectious Disease Research Unit for Excellence, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Torrejón E, Sanches GS, Moerbeck L, Santos L, André MR, Domingos A, Antunes S. Molecular Survey of Bartonella Species in Stray Cats and Dogs, Humans, and Questing Ticks from Portugal. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070749. [PMID: 35889995 PMCID: PMC9323395 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. comprises emergent and re-emergent fastidious Gram-negative bacteria with worldwide distribution. Cats are the main reservoir hosts for Bartonella henselae and dogs represent opportunistic hosts for the bacteria. Even though ticks may also play a role in transmission, their competence as vectors for Bartonella spp. has not been totally understood. Considering only a few studies had a focus on screening Bartonella in animals, humans and ectoparasites in Portugal, this study aimed to address the molecular occurrence of Bartonella sp. in 123 stray cats, 25 stray dogs, 30 humans from Lisbon and 236 questing ticks within the country. Using a qPCR targeting the nuoG gene, it was possible to detect Bartonella sp. DNA on 20.32% of cat samples (25/123). From these positive samples, 13 sequences were characterized as B. henselae, 11 as B. clarridgeiae and 1 presented co-infection with both species. The absolute quantification of nuoGBartonella DNA in sampled cats ranged from 2.78 × 10 to 1.03 × 105 copies/µL. The sampled dogs, humans and ticks were negative. These results showed that B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae are circulating in stray cats from Lisbon. Additional and more extended studies should be conducted to determine the impact of such infections on humans, particularly those in constant and direct contact with cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefania Torrejón
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.T.); (G.S.S.); (L.M.); (L.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Gustavo Seron Sanches
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.T.); (G.S.S.); (L.M.); (L.S.); (S.A.)
- Escola de Ciências da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição 1155, Curitiba 80215-901, PR, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Moerbeck
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.T.); (G.S.S.); (L.M.); (L.S.); (S.A.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lenira Santos
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.T.); (G.S.S.); (L.M.); (L.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV-UNESP), Via de Acesso Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Ana Domingos
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.T.); (G.S.S.); (L.M.); (L.S.); (S.A.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.T.); (G.S.S.); (L.M.); (L.S.); (S.A.)
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
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Sayed ASM, Alsaadawy RM, Ali MM, Abd El-Hamid RF, Baty RS, Elmahallawy EK. Serological and Molecular Detection of Bartonella henselae in Cats and Humans From Egypt: Current Status and Zoonotic Implications. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:859104. [PMID: 35498750 PMCID: PMC9047710 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.859104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular bacterium of genus Bartonella. The disease has a worldwide distribution and cats represent the major reservoir of this disease. Despite its global distribution, very limited previous studies have investigated the occurrence of bartonellosis in cats and their owners in Egypt. In an endeavor to explore this topic, we investigated the occurrence of Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) infection in 225 samples (blood, saliva, and claw) obtained from 75 healthy cats in Upper Egypt. These samples were routinely obtained during veterinary clinic visits. This study also involved an examination of 100 humans, including cat owners and people with a history of contact with cats. Attempted isolation and identification of B. henselae in cats were also performed. Furthermore, PCR was performed for molecular identification of B. henselae in blood samples from cats. Meanwhile, an immunofluorescent assay was performed to study the seroprevalence of B. henselae infection in humans. In this study, B. henselae could not be isolated from any of the examined blood, saliva, or claw samples from cats. Interestingly, B. henselae was identified molecularly in 8% (6/75) of blood samples from cats. The seroprevalence of B. henselae in humans was 46% and its occurrence was higher in females (46.6%) than in males (41.7%) (P = 0.748). B. henselae infection was higher among cat owners [51.4% (19/37)] than among people with a history of contact with cats [42.9% (27/63)] (P = 0.410). Infection was higher in rural regions [79.5% (31/39)] than in urban regions [24.6% (15/61)] (P < 0.001). Collectively, this data provide interesting baseline information about the occurrence of B. henselae in cats and humans in Upper Egypt, which reflects the potential zoonotic transmission of this bacterium. Future study is mandatory to explore the occurrence of B. henselae in major reservoirs in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal S. M. Sayed
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Amal S. M. Sayed
| | - Reem M. Alsaadawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Magda M. Ali
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Rawhia F. Abd El-Hamid
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Roua Sami Baty
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
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Williams M, Rao S, Braff J, Buch JS, Chandrashekar R, Lappin MR. Associations between presence of Bartonella species deoxyribonucleic acid and complete blood cell count and serum biochemical changes in client-owned cats. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:532-540. [PMID: 35132685 PMCID: PMC8965275 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with Bartonella species is common in cats but reported effects of bacteremia on laboratory variables differ. Objectives Evaluate for associations between Bartonella bacteremia and CBC and serum biochemical changes in sick and healthy cats throughout the United States. Animals A total of 3964 client‐owned cats. Methods Retrospective cohort study using submissions to a commercial laboratory between 2011 and 2017. Serum biochemistry and CBC abnormalities (categorized as above or below reference intervals), age, and location (high‐ or low‐risk state for Ctenocephalides felis) in presumed healthy and sick cats were evaluated for associations with presence of Bartonella spp. DNA, detected by PCR. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified from 127 (3.2%) of 3964 cats; 126 (99.2%) of 127 were from high flea risk states and 121 (95.3%) of 127 were presumed sick. Fever of unknown origin was the most common PCR panel requested. In the multivariable analysis, neutrophilia, decreased ALP activity, clinical status (presumed sick), and young age (≤2 years) each were positively associated whereas neutropenia and hyperproteinemia both were negatively associated with Bartonella spp. bacteremia. Presence of Bartonella spp. DNA had no association with test results for other infectious disease agents. Conclusions and Clinical Importance In both healthy and sick cats, active Bartonella infections had minimal association with clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities. However, based on these results, in areas considered high risk for C. felis, active infection with Bartonella spp. is a reasonable differential diagnosis for cats presented with unexplained fever and neutrophilia, particularly if the cat is young.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Williams
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Sangeeta Rao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michael R Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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11
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Álvarez-Fernández A, Maggi R, Martín-Valls GE, Baxarias M, Breitschwerdt EB, Solano-Gallego L. Prospective serological and molecular cross-sectional study focusing on Bartonella and other blood-borne organisms in cats from Catalonia (Spain). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:6. [PMID: 34983610 PMCID: PMC8729136 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited clinical or epidemiological knowledge regarding Bartonella infection in cats, and no serological studies have compared the presence of antibodies against different Bartonella species. Moreover, there are limited feline Bartonella studies investigating co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens and the associated risk factors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate Bartonella spp. infections and co-infections with other pathogens in cats from Barcelona (Spain) based on serological and/or molecular techniques and to determine associated risk factors. Methods We studied colony and owned cats (n = 135). Sera were tested for Bartonella henselae-, Bartonella quintana-, and Bartonella koehlerae-specific antibodies using endpoint in-house immunofluorescence antibody assays. Bartonella real-time PCR (qPCR) and conventional PCR (cPCR) were performed. In addition, cPCR followed by DNA sequencing was performed for other pathogenic organisms (Anaplasma, Babesia, Cytauxzoon, Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Theileria spp.). Results From 135 cats studied, 80.7% were seroreactive against at least one Bartonella species. Bartonella quintana, B. koehlerae, and B. henselae seroreactivity was 67.4, 77.0, and 80.7%, respectively. Substantial to almost perfect serological agreement was found between the three Bartonella species. Colony cats were more likely to be Bartonella spp.-seroreactive than owned cats. Moreover, cats aged ≤ 2 years were more likely to be Bartonella spp.-seroreactive. Bartonella spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 11.9% (n = 16) of cats. Cats were infected with B. henselae (n = 12), B. clarridgeiae (n = 3), and B. koehlerae (n = 1). Mycoplasma spp. DNA was amplified from 14% (n = 19) of cat blood specimens. Cats were infected with Mycoplasma haemofelis (n = 8), Candidatus M. haemominutum (n = 6), Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (n = 4), and Mycoplasma wenyonii (n = 1). Anaplasma, Babesia, Cytauxzoon, Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon, and Theileria spp. DNA was not amplified from any blood sample. Of the 16 Bartonella spp.-infected cats based on PCR results, six (37%) were co-infected with Mycoplasma spp. Conclusions Bartonella spp. and hemoplasma infections are prevalent in cats from the Barcelona area, whereas infection with Anaplasma spp., Babesia, Cytauxzoon, Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon, and Theileria infections were not detected. Co-infection with hemotropic Mycoplasma appears to be common in Bartonella-infected cats. To our knowledge, this study is the first to document M. wenyonii is infection in cats. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Gerard Eduard Martín-Valls
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
| | - Marta Baxarias
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
| | - Edward Bealmear Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain.
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12
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Molecular survey and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in domestic cats from Paraguay. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 97:105181. [PMID: 34896287 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although Bartonella spp. is described in cats worldwide, little is known about the occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in cats from South America. To date, it has only been detected in cats from Brazil, Chile and Argentina. This study aimed to undertake a molecular survey and explore the genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in domestic cats from Paraguay. A TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the nuoG gene (83 bp) for Bartonella spp. was used to screen 125 blood samples from cats in Asuncion, Paraguay. nuoG qPCR-positive samples were further submitted to conventional PCR assays based on the ITS (453- 717 bp), gltA (767 bp), ftsZ (515 bp), rpoB (333 bp), ribC (585-588 bp), and pap-31 (564 bp) loci. Positive samples were sequenced for species identification, phylogenetic, and haplotype analyses. Bartonella D.N.A. was present in 20.8% (26/125) cat blood samples, with low levels of Bartonella nuoG D.N.A. cPCR products targeting gltA, ftsZ, ITS, and rpoB loci from sixteen cats were successfully sequenced. However, all nouG qPCR-positive samples were negative for the ribC and pap-31 genes. Bartonella henselae [62.5% (10/16)] and Bartonella clarridgeiae [37.5% (6/16)] were identified among the sequenced samples. Upon phylogenetic analysis, B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae from Paraguay clustered with sequences detected in domestic and wild cats, dogs, and cat fleas worldwide. Two to four haplotypes of B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae in cats from Paraguay were observed, with some being exclusive and others shared with worldwide distributed haplotypes. Here, we report B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae for the first time in cats from Paraguay. Its circulation in cats suggests the need to consider Bartonellae when testing clinical samples from suspected infectious diseases in humans from Paraguay.
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13
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Molecular Survey and Genetic Diversity of Bartonella spp. in Small Indian Mongooses ( Urva auropunctata) and Their Fleas on Saint Kitts, West Indies. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071350. [PMID: 34206636 PMCID: PMC8306750 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to molecularly survey and evaluate the genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in mongooses and their fleas from St. Kitts. Spleen (n = 54), blood (n = 71), and pooled flea samples, all identified as Ctenocephalides felis (n = 53), were submitted to TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting Bartonella-nuoG fragment (84 bp). Positive samples underwent further conventional PCR assays targeting five loci (gltA, rpoB, fstZ, nuoG, and ITS), subsequent sequencing, and phylogenetic and haplotype analyses. The overall occurrence of Bartonella spp. in mongooses and fleas was 51.2% (64/125 [95% CI (42.1–60.2%)]) and 62.3% (33/53) [95% CI (47.9–75.2%)]), respectively. From samples sequenced across the five loci, 50.8% (33/65) were identified as Bartonella henselae, 26.2% (17/65) were 96.74–99.01% similar by BLAST analysis to an unidentified Bartonella sp. previously reported in Japanese badgers (Meles anakuma), and 23.1% (15/65) were co-infected with both species. Nucleotide polymorphism analysis showed low diversity amongst haplotypes but did concur with phylogenetic analysis, placing the unidentified species in a separate clade from B. henselae by multiple mutational events. Our data confirms that mongooses and Ctenocephalides felis fleas collected from them are not only potential reservoirs for B. henselae but also a novel Bartonella sp. which we propose be called ‘Candidatus Bartonella kittensis’.
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14
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Saengsawang P, Kaewmongkol G, Inpankaew T. Molecular Detection of Bartonella spp. and Hematological Evaluation in Domestic Cats and Dogs from Bangkok, Thailand. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050503. [PMID: 33922245 PMCID: PMC8146774 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative, facultative, intracellular bacteria transmitted by hematophagous insects. Several species cause zoonotic diseases such as cat-scratch disease. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae are the main species found in Thailand, however, there have been few studies on Bartonella spp. In addition, the hematological evaluation of Bartonella-infected animals is limited in Thailand. The aims of this study were prevalence investigation and hematological evaluation of Bartonella-infected dogs and cats residing in Bangkok, Thailand. (2) Methods: In total, 295 dogs and 513 cats were molecularly evaluated to detect Bartonella spp. using PCR with primers targeting the partial gltA, rpoB, ftsZ, ribC, and groEL genes. In total, 651 domestic animals were evaluated for hematological parameters compared between Bartonella-positive and Bartonella-negative animals. (3) Results: Overall, the prevalence of Bartonella spp. was 1.61% which was found only in free-ranging cats (2.83%). Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae were confirmed from a concatenated phylogenetic tree of partial gltA and ribC genes, with 100% bootstrapping replication. For other housekeeping gene sequences, mixed infection was expected from the amplicons of rpoB, ftsZ, and groEL. Importantly, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly increased in Bartonella-positive cats. (4) Conclusions: We suggest that B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae are important species and are still circulating in domestic animals, especially cats. The evaluation of blood parameters, especially a raised MCV, should be of concern in Bartonella infection in asymptomatic cats. Additionally, the knowledge of how to prevent Bartonella-related diseases should be promoted with people in at-risk situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phirabhat Saengsawang
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand
| | - Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Correspondence: or
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15
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Sepúlveda-García P, Raffo E, Medina-Vogel G, Muñoz F, Muñoz P, Alabí A, Navarrete-Talloni MJ, Gonçalves LR, Califre de Mello VV, Machado RZ, André MR, Bittencourt P, Müller A. Molecular survey of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas in American minks (Neovison vison). Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:2094-2110. [PMID: 32985137 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a molecular survey and characterize Bartonella spp. and haemotropic Mycoplasma (haemoplasmas) in invasive American minks (Neovison vison) from Southern Chile. Additionally, we addressed risk factors for positivity in both groups of agents. Blood and/or tissue samples from 246 minks were analysed by qPCR targeting the nuoG gene for Bartonella spp. and conventional (c)PCR for 16S rRNA for haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. nuoG qPCR-positive Bartonella spp. samples were submitted to cPCR assays (ITS, ribC, gltA, rpoB, pap-31 and ftsZ genes) to perform phylogenetic inferences. Haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. 16S-positive samples were further amplified by cPCR targeting RNaseP gene (160-210 bp) and by two overlapping 16S rRNA cPCR assays to amplify a larger portion of the gene (1,200bp) for phylogenetics. Bartonella DNA was detected in 8.9% of minks (22/246). Out of 22 nuoG qPCR-positive samples, one and two showed positive results in cPCR assays based on ITS and ribC, respectively. Consistent sequencing results were obtained for only one ITS sample (464 bp sequence), which shared 99.6% identity with B. clarridgeiae. Two per cent of minks (5/246) were positive for 16S rRNA haemotropic Mycoplasma-cPCR assay. Two concatenated sequences of 16S rRNA (1,176 and 1,230 bp) were obtained: one sample shared 97.87% identity with haemotropic Mycoplasma sp. from a wild rodent, and the other 96.49% identity with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' from a dog. All BLAST results were supported by phylogenetic analysis. One haemoplasma RNase P sequence shared 94.86% identity with Mycoplasma haemofelis from a cat. No risk factors for PCR positivity were identified. In a nutshell, Bartonella clarridgeiae and a potentially novel haemoplasma closely related to haemoplasmas previously reported in rodents, dogs, domestic and wild cats were described for the first time in American minks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gonzalo Medina-Vogel
- Centro de investigación para la sustentabilidad, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Muñoz
- Centro de investigación para la sustentabilidad, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Muñoz
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Amir Alabí
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Departament of Pathology, Theriogenology and One Health, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | | | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departament of Pathology, Theriogenology and One Health, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departament of Pathology, Theriogenology and One Health, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Pedro Bittencourt
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Ananda Müller
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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16
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Müller A, Sepúlveda P, Di Cataldo S, Cevidanes A, Lisón F, Millán J. Molecular investigation of zoonotic intracellular bacteria in Chilean bats. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101541. [PMID: 32911380 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens were investigated for the first time in 55 Chilean bats belonging to six species. Using a conventional PCR protocol targeting a fragment of the ITS region, 21 bats (38 %) were positive for DNA of Bartonella sp. Molecular characterization of fragments of the gltA, rpoB and fstZ genes and subsequent phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of diverse genotypes related to Bartonella from bats worldwide. DNA from C. burnetii was investigated using a real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol targeting the IS1111 gene and yielded positive results for 5 individuals (9%), being the first report of C. burnetii in wildlife in Chile. All bats were negative for Rickettsia sp., evaluated by qPCR for the gltA gene, confirming that bats do not act as important reservoirs for Rickettsia. This preliminary survey calls for more comprehensive studies on the epidemiology of these agents, including larger sample sizes, the evaluation of potential transmission routes and spillover potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda Müller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies, Cote d'Ivoire; Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Paulina Sepúlveda
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sophia Di Cataldo
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fulgencio Lisón
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Conservación, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, P.D. Box 45-D, Temuco, Chile; Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lab, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
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17
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Johnson A. Ocular complications of cat scratch disease. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 104:1640-1646. [PMID: 32122915 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-315239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cat scratch disease (CSD) in humans is caused by infection with Bartonella henselae or other Bartonella spp. The name of the disease reflects the fact that patients frequently have a history of contact (often involving bites or scratches) with infected cats. Patients with CSD typically develop lesions at the site where the skin is broken together with regional lymphadenopathy but may go on to exhibit systemic symptoms and with deep-seated infections at a range of sites including the eye. Patients with CSD may present with a range of inflammatory eye conditions, including Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome, neuroretinitis, multifocal retinitis, uveitis and retinal artery occlusion. Bartonella spp. are fastidious bacteria that are difficult to culture from clinical specimens so microbiological diagnosis is frequently made on the basis of positive serology for anti-Bartonella antibodies or detection of bacterial DNA by PCR. Due to the lack of clinical trials, the evidence base for optimal management of patients with CSD-associated eye infections (including the role of antibiotics) is weak, being derived from single reports or small, uncontrolled case series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Johnson
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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18
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Weinborn-Astudillo RM, Pau N, Tobar BZ, Jaffe DA, Boulouis HJ, Sepúlveda P, Müller A, Chomel BB. Bartonella Infection in Stray Dogs from Central and Southern Chile (Linares and Puerto Montt). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 20:187-192. [PMID: 31660786 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellae are emerging zoonotic vector-borne pathogens causing a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms in humans and animals, including life-threatening endocarditis. Dogs are infected with a wide range of Bartonella species and infection has been reported in free-roaming dogs from various South American countries. We report a high Bartonella seroprevalence in 82 Chilean stray dogs. More than half of the dogs from Linares (72.7%, n = 66) and Puerto Montt (56.2%, n = 16) were seropositive for Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii ssp. berkhoffii, or Bartonella clarridgeiae with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. Three dogs (3.6%) were PCR positive for Bartonella sp. Partial sequencing of the gltA gene indicated that two dogs were infected with B. henselae, and one with a strain close to Bartonella vinsonii ssp. vinsonii. Exposure to Bartonella species was common in stray Chilean dogs, as for other South American countries, likely associated with heavy ectoparasite infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy M Weinborn-Astudillo
- Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Talca, Chile.,Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.,Escuela de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Natalia Pau
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Bret Z Tobar
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - David A Jaffe
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Paulina Sepúlveda
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,One Health Center for Zoonosis and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre, West Indies
| | - Bruno B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
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19
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Sacristán I, Sieg M, Acuña F, Aguilar E, García S, López MJ, Cevidanes A, Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Cabello J, Vahlenkamp TW, Millán J, Poulin E, Napolitano C. Molecular and serological survey of carnivore pathogens in free-roaming domestic cats of rural communities in southern Chile. J Vet Med Sci 2019; 81:1740-1748. [PMID: 31611482 PMCID: PMC6943315 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.19-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Owned, free-roaming domestic cats are abundant in the Chilean countryside, having high
probability of contact with wildlife and potentially participating as reservoirs of
zoonotic pathogens. In the present study, 131 cats from two remote study areas (Valdivia
and Chiloe Island) in southern Chile were analyzed for infection/exposure to eight
pathogens. Serum samples from 112 cats were tested for antigens against feline leukemia
virus (FeLV antigen-ELISA) and antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus
(FIV-ELISA) and canine distemper virus (CDV-serum neutralization), yielded occurrence of
8.9, 1.7 and 0.8% respectively. The presence of DNA of five vector-borne pathogens,
piroplasmids, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp.,
Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. was investigated
in thirty cats. Overall observed occurrence was 6.6% (2/30) for both
Anaplasma platys, and B. henselae, and 3.3% (1/30) for
both Bartonella sp. and Theileria equi. Observed
occurrence for all vector-borne pathogens in Valdivia area was significantly higher than
in Chiloe Island (5/15 vs 0/15; P=0.04). Our results represent the first
description of exposure to CDV and DNA detection of T. equi and
A. platys in domestic cats in Chile. The results highlight the
importance of performing pathogen screening in owned, free-roaming rural cats to evaluate
their potential role as reservoirs of infection and vectors for disease transmission to
wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Sacristán
- PhD Programe in Conservation Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Michael Sieg
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Francisca Acuña
- Faculty of Veterinary and Livestock Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emilio Aguilar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Livestock Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián García
- Faculty of Veterinary and Livestock Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - María José López
- Faculty of Veterinary and Livestock Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- PhD Programe in Conservation Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Javier Cabello
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad San Sebastián, Patagonia Campus, Lago Panguipulli 1390, Puerto Montt, Chile.,Center of Biodiversity Conservation Chiloé Silvestre, Ancud, 5710000, Chile
| | - Thomas W Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Javier Millán
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elie Poulin
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile.,Laboratory of Molecular Ecology, Department of Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Napolitano
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Biological Sciences and Biodiversity, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno, Chile
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20
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Moreno Salas L, Espinoza-Carniglia M, Lizama Schmeisser N, Torres LG, Silva-de la Fuente MC, Lareschi M, González-Acuña D. Fleas of black rats ( Rattus rattus) as reservoir host of Bartonella spp. in Chile. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7371. [PMID: 31396444 PMCID: PMC6679904 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rattus rattus is a widely distributed, invasive species that presents an important role in disease transmission, either directly or through vector arthropods such as fleas. These black rats can transmit a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria of the genus Bartonella, which can cause diseases in humans and animals. In Chile, no data are available identifying fleas from synanthropic rodents as Bartonella vectors. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in the fleas of R. rattus in areas with different climate conditions and featuring different human population densities. Methods In all, 174 fleas collected from 261 R. rattus captured from 30 localities with different human densities (cities, villages, and wild areas) across five hydrographic zones of Chile (hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, and hyper-humid) were examined. Bartonella spp. presence was determined through polymerase chain reaction, using gltA and rpoB genes, which were concatenated to perform a similarity analysis with BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Results Overall, 15 fleas species were identified; Bartonella gltA and rpoB fragments were detected in 21.2% (37/174) and 19.5% (34/174) of fleas, respectively. A total of 10 of the 15 fleas species found were positive for Bartonella DNA. Leptopsylla segnis was the most commonly collected flea species (n = 55), and it also presented a high prevalence of Bartonella DNA (P% = 34.5%). The highest numbers of fleas of this species were collected in villages of the arid zone. There were no seasonal differences in the prevalence of Bartonella DNA. The presence of Bartonella DNA in fleas was recorded in all hydrographic areas, and the arid zone presented the highest prevalence of this species. Regarding areas with different human densities, the highest prevalence was noted in the villages (34.8% gltA and 31.8% rpoB), followed by cities (14.8% gltA and 11.1% rpoB) and wild areas (7.4% gltA and 14.8% rpoB). The BLAST analysis showed a high similitude (>96%) with four uncharacterized Bartonella genotypes and with two species with zoonotic potential: B. mastomydis and B. tribocorum. The phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship with B. elizabethae and B. tribocorum. This is the first study to provide evidence of the presence of Bartonella in fleas of R. rattus in Chile, indicating that the villages and arid zone correspond to areas with higher infection risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Moreno Salas
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mario Espinoza-Carniglia
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicol Lizama Schmeisser
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - L Gonzalo Torres
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Facultad de Ciencias, Programa de Magíster en Ciencias mención Ecología Aplicada, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - María Carolina Silva-de la Fuente
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Parásitos y Enfermedades de Fauna Silvestre, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Marcela Lareschi
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores CEPAVE (CONICET CCT-La Plata-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Parásitos y Enfermedades de Fauna Silvestre, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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21
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Domínguez I, Cartes C, Sabat P, Ortiz O, Matus G, Traipe L. Isolated conjunctival granuloma as a first manifestation of Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome: A case report. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2019; 14:58-60. [PMID: 30886938 PMCID: PMC6402948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Parinaud's oculo-glandular syndrome (POGS) is the most frequent manifestation of ocular bartonellosis, and usually presents with local lymphadenopathies and systemic symptoms. We present a case of isolated conjunctival granuloma as the sole manifestation of ocular bartonellosis. Observations A 67-year-old female presented to the authors’ eye clinic with complaints of a 2-week history of unilateral red eye and chemosis. Slit lamp examination revealed an isolated bulbar conjunctival granuloma. The remainder of the eye examination was unremarkable. Topical treatment with gatifloxacin and prednisolone acetate was started. Etiological work-up was performed. General laboratory tests revealed only a mild leukocytosis, and interferon gamma-release assay and chest computed tomography were normal. Serological testing for Bartonella henselae was positive at titers of 1:1024. Three weeks after initial symptoms, lymphadenopathies, malaise, and fever appeared. Systemic azithromycin was added, which resulted in complete regression of the disease. Conclusion and importance Conjunctival granulomas present a wide range of differential diagnoses to the practitioner. Ocular bartonellosis is a relevant cause of conjunctival granuloma. POGS should be suspected in cases of conjunctival granulomata non-responsive to local therapy. It is important to consider that other agents to treat POGS have been described and are available, and that appropriate serological tests should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristian Cartes
- Centro de la Visión Filial Clínica las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Sabat
- Centro de la Visión Filial Clínica las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Oscar Ortiz
- Centro de la Visión Filial Clínica las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Matus
- Centro de la Visión Filial Clínica las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonidas Traipe
- Centro de la Visión Filial Clínica las Condes, Santiago, Chile
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22
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Álvarez-Fernández A, Breitschwerdt EB, Solano-Gallego L. Bartonella infections in cats and dogs including zoonotic aspects. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:624. [PMID: 30514361 PMCID: PMC6280416 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that can infect humans and a large number of mammals including small companion animals (cats and dogs). In recent years, an increasing number of studies from around the world have reported Bartonella infections, although publications have predominantly focused on the North American perspective. Currently, clinico-pathological data from Europe are more limited, suggesting that bartonellosis may be an infrequent or underdiagnosed infectious disease in cats and dogs. Research is needed to confirm or exclude Bartonella infection as a cause of a spectrum of feline and canine diseases. Bartonella spp. can cause acute or chronic infections in cats, dogs and humans. On a comparative medical basis, different clinical manifestations, such as periods of intermittent fever, granulomatous inflammation involving the heart, liver, lymph nodes and other tissues, endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatis, uveitis and vasoproliferative tumors have been reported in cats, dogs and humans. The purpose of this review is to provide an update and European perspective on Bartonella infections in cats and dogs, including clinical, diagnostic, epidemiological, pathological, treatment and zoonotic aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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23
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Müller A, Rodríguez E, Walker R, Bittencourt P, Pérez-Macchi S, Gonçalves LR, Machado RZ, André MR. Occurrence and Genetic Diversity of Bartonella spp. (Rhizobiales: Bartonellaceae) and Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in Cat Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) From Chile. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1627-1632. [PMID: 30085290 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a molecular survey and determine the genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. (Rhizobiales: Bartonellaceae) and Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in cat fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) from Southern Chile. Fleas (n = 251) were collected from 150 cats in Valdivia city and identified using morphological keys. Fleas belonging to the same cat were pooled (two to seven fleas per pool). DNA was purified from individual (n = 92) and pooled (n = 58) fleas and submitted to conventional polymerase chain reaction assays targeting Bartonella spp. (gltA) and Rickettsia spp. (ompA). Selected positive samples were sequenced for Bartonella gltA (n = 19), Rickettsia ompA (n = 14), and Rickettsia gltA (n = 11) for speciation, phylogenetic, and diversity analyses. All fleas (n = 251) were identified as Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). Bartonella and Rickettsia occurrences in C. felis felis were 39.3% (59/150) and 76.6% (115/150), respectively. From sequenced Bartonella spp., 47.3% (9/19) were identified as Bartonella clarridgeiae, 42.1% (8/19) as Bartonella henselae, 5.3% (1/19) as Bartonella koehlerae, and 5.3% (1/19) as Bartonella sp. Rickettsia felis was the only Rickettsiaceae species identified in both ompA (14/14) and gltA (11/11) products. B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae presented five genotypes. R. felis ompA sequences presented seven genotypes. On the other hand, R. felis gltA sequences showed only one genotype. Bartonella spp. and R. felis are described for the first time in C. felis felis fleas from Southern Chile, highlighting the importance of these vectors as a source of zoonotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Elsa Rodríguez
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Romina Walker
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pedro Bittencourt
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Temuco, Chile
| | - Sandra Pérez-Macchi
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
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24
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Cevidanes A, Di Cataldo S, Vera F, Lillo P, Millán J. Molecular Detection of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Rural Dogs and Associated Ctenocephalides felis Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) in Easter Island (Chile). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1659-1663. [PMID: 30165658 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The presence of vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and public health interest have received little attention in Chile. In Easter Island, in particular, a Chilean territory in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, no information is available. To fill this gap, 153 rural dogs were inspected for ectoparasites during a sterilization campaign carried out in 2016. Fleas were observed in 46% of the dogs, and Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1835) was the only species present. Morphological identification of fleas was genetically confirmed using conventional polymerase chain reaction targeting the cox2 gene. No tick was observed in any dog. The presence of DNA of Rickettsia sp. (gltA and ompA fragment genes), Anaplasmataceae (16S rRNA), and Bartonella sp. (16S-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer) was investigated in blood samples of 70 of the dogs and in 126 fleas analyzed in 68 pools that included 1-5 fleas. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 97% (n = 66) of the flea pools. Of these, 57 showed between 99 and 100% identity for both genes with published sequences of Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis (CRa), six with Rickettsia felis, and one with Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. For two pools, gltA amplicons were identical to CRa but ompB amplicions showed 99-100% identity with R. felis. Anaplasmataceae DNA was detected in 16% (n = 11) pools. Sequenced amplicons showed highest identity with the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Bartonella DNA, showing 99% identity to Bartonella clarridgeiae, was detected in one pool (1.4%). No positive reaction was observed for any dog. This is the first detection of members of the 'R. felis-like' group other than R. felis in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Cevidanes
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sophia Di Cataldo
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernanda Vera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Lillo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
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