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Li SA, Huang LY, Guo XD, Miao WY, Lin YS, Zhou DH. First identified Toxoplasma gondii Type I in market-sold ducks in Fujian province, China: a significant for public health. Poult Sci 2024; 103:104024. [PMID: 39013296 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104024] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular protozoan that can cause toxoplasmosis in all warm-blooded hosts. This study focused on the prevalence and genetic characterize of T. gondii in ducks from Fujian province, China. Genomic DNA was extracted from duck tissue samples (heart, liver, lung, and muscle). To assess the genetic diversity of the T. gondii isolates, it was determined by using multilocus polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technology. A total of 586 ducks from 5 cities in Fujian province were tested, and 35 (6.0%) of which were found to be positive for the T. gondii B1 gene. Further genotyping of these positive samples at 10 genetic markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico) using PCR-RFLP revealed that one tissue samples (heart samples from Fuzhou ducks) were identified as Type I (ToxoDB#10). This study is the first report on the prevalence and genetic characterization of T. gondii in ducks in Fujian province, and Type I (ToxoDB#10) is found in ducks in China for the first time. The findings document the genetic characterization of T. gondii in free-range ducks from Fujian Province, thereby enriching the understanding of T. gondii genetic diversity in China. Moreover, these results provide essential data support for further prospective studies and underscores the "One Health" concept, emphasizing the integral link among human, animal, and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Ang Li
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Li-Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xu-Dong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wen-Yuan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ying-Sheng Lin
- Zhangzhou Animal Husbandry Technical Service Station, Zhangzhou, 363000, China
| | - Dong-Hui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Zhou S, Nian Y, Zeng Z, Han T, Liu W, Zheng K, Xiao F. Epidemiological survey and genetic diversity of Bartonella in fleas collected from rodents in Fujian Province, Southeast China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:264. [PMID: 38890667 PMCID: PMC11186106 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06305-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fleas, considered to be the main transmission vectors of Bartonella, are highly prevalent and show great diversity. To date, no investigations have focused on Bartonella vectors in Southeast China. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Bartonella in fleas in Southeast China. METHODS From 2016 to 2022, flea samples (n = 1119) were collected from 863 rodent individuals in seven inland and coastal cities in Southeast China. Flea species, region, gender, host species and habitat were recorded. The DNA samples from each individual flea were screened by real-time PCR for the Bartonella ssrA gene. All positive samples were confirmed by PCR based on the presence of the gltA gene and sequenced. The factors associated with Bartonella infection were analyzed by the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. ANOVA and the t-test were used to compare Bartonella DNA load. RESULTS Bartonella DNA was detected in 26.2% (293/1119) of the flea samples, including in 27.1% (284/1047) of Xenopsylla cheopis samples, 13.2% (5/38) of Monopsyllus anisus samples, 8.3% (2/24) of Leptopsylla segnis samples and 20.0% (2/10) of other fleas (Nosopsyllus nicanus, Ctenocephalides felis, Stivalius klossi bispiniformis and Neopsylla dispar fukienensis). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of Bartonella among flea species, sex, hosts, regions and habitats. Five species of Bartonella fleas were identified based on sequencing and phylogenetic analyses targeting the gltA gene: B. tribocorum, B. queenslandensis, B. elizabethae, B. rochalimae and B. coopersplainsensis. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence and diversity of Bartonella infection in the seven species of fleas collected in Southeast China. The detection of zoonotic Bartonella species in this study, including B. tribocorum, B. elizabethae and B. rochalimae, raises public health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuheng Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yuwei Nian
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- The School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiwei Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Tengwei Han
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kuicheng Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
- The School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Fangzhen Xiao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
- The School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Tahmasebi Ashtiani Z, Ahmadinezhad M, Bagheri Amiri F, Esmaeili S. Geographical distribution of Bartonella spp in the countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO-EMRO). J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:612-618. [PMID: 38417187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.02.009] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals. However, there is no complete data about the geographical distribution of different species of Bartonella, as well as the status of its reservoirs, vectors, and human cases in most parts of the world. In this study, published reports related to Bartonella species from WHO-EMRO region countries were searched in different databases until October 2023. The eighteens different species of Bartonella were reported in WHO-EMRO countries including Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana, Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella bovis, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Bartonella vinsonii, Bartonella doshiae, Bartonella taylorii, Bartonella rochalimae, Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella rattimassiliensis, candidatus Bartonella merieuxii, candidatus Bartonella dromedarii, Bartonella acomydis, Bartonella jaculi, Bartonella coopersplainsensis and Bartonella koehlerae. Also, only human cases of B. henselae and B. quintana infections were reported from WHO-EMRO countries. The infections of Bartonella are important in the WHO-EMRO region, but they have been neglected by clinicians and healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Tahmasebi Ashtiani
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Ahmadinezhad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Bagheri Amiri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran.
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Špitalská E, Ševčík M, Peresh YY, Benda P. Bartonella in bat flies from the Egyptian fruit bat in the Middle East. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:144. [PMID: 38411931 PMCID: PMC10899309 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08165-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In the family of fruit bats, Pteropodidae Gray, 1821, as in the third most diverse group of bats (Chiroptera), the bacterium of the genus Bartonella was detected in several species as well as in a few species of their insect ectoparasites in some tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Old World. The Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus (Geoffroy, 1810), is one of the most widespread fruit bats, occurring between South Africa, Senegal, and Pakistan. In this bat species, Candidatus Bartonella rousetti has been detected in three African populations in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia. This fruit bat, however, also occurs in the Palaearctic, an area isolating the species geographically and phylogenetically from the Afrotropical part of its distribution range. We screened the blood-sucking bat flies (family Nycteribiidae) from R. aegyptiacus for the presence of the Bartonella bacteria. A rich material of bat fly Eucampsipoda aegyptia (Macquart, 1850), a monoxenous ectoparasite of the Egyptian fruit bats, was collected at 26 localities in seven countries (Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen) of the Middle East in 2007-2013. The DNA isolates from the bat flies were subjected to a three-marker (gltA, ssrA, and intergenic spacer region, ITS) multilocus sequence analysis. Based on the amplification of the fragment of ssrA gene by a real-time PCR, 65 E. aegyptia samples from 19 localities in all seven countries were positive for the bacteria. One to five Bartonella-positive individuals of E. aegyptia were collected per one individual of R. aegyptiacus. An analysis of the ITS and gltA genes indicated the presence of an uncultured Bartonella sp., belonging to the Cand. B. rousetti genogroup, identified from populations of the Egyptian fruit bat in Africa. These results support the hypothesis that Bartonella's diversity corresponds to its host's diversity (and phylogenetic structure). Specific lineages of pathogens are present in specific phylogenetic groups of bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Martin Ševčík
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Yevheniy-Yuliy Peresh
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petr Benda
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Praha 2, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, National Museum (Natural History), Václavské nám. 68, 115 79, Praha 1, Czech Republic
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Bartoš O, Klimešová B, Volfová K, Chmel M, Dresler J, Pajer P, Kabíčková H, Adamík P, Modrý D, Fučíková AM, Votýpka J. Two novel Bartonella (sub)species isolated from edible dormice ( Glis glis): hints of cultivation stress-induced genomic changes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1289671. [PMID: 38033559 PMCID: PMC10684924 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1289671] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonelloses are neglected emerging infectious diseases caused by facultatively intracellular bacteria transmitted between vertebrate hosts by various arthropod vectors. The highest diversity of Bartonella species has been identified in rodents. Within this study we focused on the edible dormouse (Glis glis), a rodent with unique life-history traits that often enters households and whose possible role in the epidemiology of Bartonella infections had been previously unknown. We identified and cultivated two distinct Bartonella sub(species) significantly diverging from previously described species, which were characterized using growth characteristics, biochemical tests, and various molecular techniques including also proteomics. Two novel (sub)species were described: Bartonella grahamii subsp. shimonis subsp. nov. and Bartonella gliris sp. nov. We sequenced two individual strains per each described (sub)species. During exploratory genomic analyses comparing two genotypes ultimately belonging to the same species, both factually and most importantly even spatiotemporally, we noticed unexpectedly significant structural variation between them. We found that most of the detected structural variants could be explained either by prophage excision or integration. Based on a detailed study of one such event, we argue that prophage deletion represents the most probable explanation of the observed phenomena. Moreover, in one strain of Bartonella grahamii subsp. shimonis subsp. nov. we identified a deletion related to Bartonella Adhesin A, a major pathogenicity factor that modulates bacteria-host interactions. Altogether, our results suggest that even a limited number of passages induced sufficient selective pressure to promote significant changes at the level of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oldřich Bartoš
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Běla Klimešová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Karolina Volfová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Chmel
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Dresler
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Pajer
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Hana Kabíčková
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Prague, Czechia
| | - Peter Adamík
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
- Museum of Natural History, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - David Modrý
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
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First Molecular Detection of Bartonella bovis and Bartonella schoenbuchensis in European Bison ( Bison bonasus). Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010121. [PMID: 36611730 PMCID: PMC9817727 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella bacteria infect the erythrocytes and endothelial cells of mammalians. The spread of the Bartonella infection occurs mainly via bloodsucking arthropod vectors. Studies on Bartonella infection in European bison, the largest wild ruminant in Europe, are lacking. They are needed to clarify their role in the maintenance and transmission of Bartonella spp. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the Bartonella pathogen in European bison and their ticks in Lithuania. A total of 38 spleen samples from bison and 258 ticks belonging to the Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus species were examined. The bison and tick samples were subjected to ssrA, 16S-23S rRNA ITS, gltA, and rpoB partial gene fragment amplification using various variants of PCR. Bartonella DNA was detected in 7.9% of the tissue samples of European bison. All tick samples were negative for Bartonella spp. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S-23S rRNA ITS, gltA, and rpoB partial gene fragment revealed that European bison were infected by B. bovis (2.6%) and B. schoenbuchensis (5.3%). This is the first report addressing the occurrence of B. bovis and B. schoenbuchensis in European bison in Europe.
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Kaminskienė E, Paulauskas A, Balčiauskas L, Radzijevskaja J. Bartonella spp. detection in laelapid (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) mites collected from small rodents in Lithuania. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2022; 47:195-201. [PMID: 36314674 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-47.2.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The genus Bartonella contains facultative Gram-negative intracellular bacteria from the family Bartonellaceae that can cause diseases in humans and animals. Various Bartonella species have been detected in rodents' ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. However, the role of laelapid mites (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) as carriers of Bartonella spp. needs to be confirmed. We aimed to investigate the presence of Bartonella spp. in laelapid mites collected from small rodents in Lithuania using real-time PCR targeting the transfer-messenger RNA/tmRNA (ssrA) gene and to characterize Bartonella strains using nested PCR and sequence analysis of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer region (ITS). A total of 271 laelapid mites of five species (Laelaps agilis, Haemogamasus nidi, Eulaelaps stabularis, Myonyssus gigas, and Hyperlaelaps microti) were collected from five rodent species (Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus agrarius, Clethrionomys glareolus, Micromys minutus, and Microtus oeconomus) during 2015-2016. Bartonella DNA was detected in three mite species L. agilis, M. gigas, and Hg. nidi with an overall prevalence of 11.4%. Sequence analysis of the 16S-23S rRNA ITS region revealed the presence of Bartonella taylorii in L. agilis, Hg. nidi, and M. gigas, and Bartonella grahamii in L. agilis. Our results suggest that laelapid mites are involved in the maintenance of rodent-associated Bartonella spp. in nature. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the presence of Bartonella spp. DNA in laelapid mites from small rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Kaminskienė
- Vytautas Magnus University, Donelaičio str. 58, LT- 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Linas Balčiauskas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos str. 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jana Radzijevskaja
- Vytautas Magnus University, Donelaičio str. 58, LT- 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania,
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Pangjai D, Nimsuphan B, Petkanchanapong W, Wootta W, Boonyareth M, Rodkvamtook W, Boonmar S. First report of three novel Bartonella species isolated in rodents and shrews from nine provinces of Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:1624-1631. [PMID: 36185510 PMCID: PMC9394139 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1624-1631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative zoonotic bacteria that are transmitted to humans by several types of animal hosts, including rodents. Several studies have been conducted on the prevalence of Bartonella infections in rodents. However, the risk of rodent-associated Bartonella spp. infection in humans remains unclear. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and genetic heterogeneity of Bartonella spp. in rodents and shrews from nine provinces of Thailand using culture and molecular techniques. Materials and Methods: A total of 860 blood samples from rodents and shrews across nine provinces of Thailand were collected from January 2013 to June 2016. Bartonella spp. were isolated from all samples using conventional culture techniques and polymerase chain reaction. Phylogenetic tree analysis was used to align the Bartonella sequences obtained from this study. Results: The prevalence of Bartonella spp. in rodents and shrews was 11.5% (99/860, 95% confidence interval: 9.38–13.64%). The following nine species of Bartonella were detected: Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella rattimassiliensis, Bartonella queenslandensis, Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella chanthaburi spp. nov., Bartonella satun spp. nov., Bartonella coopersplainsensis, Bartonella ranong spp. nov., and Bartonella henselae. The prevalence of Bartonella-positive animals differed significantly among provinces. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the three novel Bartonella spp. isolated from rodents and shrews across Thailand were detected for the first time in this study. Further studies on the epidemiology of Bartonella infection in rodents and its interaction with human health should be conducted in accordance with the Thai government’s “One Health” approach to humans, animals, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decha Pangjai
- Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Burin Nimsuphan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Wimol Petkanchanapong
- Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Wattanapong Wootta
- Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Maskiet Boonyareth
- Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Wuttikon Rodkvamtook
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Royal Thai Army, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sumalee Boonmar
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
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Yu J, Xie B, Bi GY, Zuo HH, Du XY, Bi LF, Li DM, Rao HX. Prevalence and diversity of small rodent-associated Bartonella species in Shangdang Basin, China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010446. [PMID: 35648747 PMCID: PMC9159596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Bartonella infections in small rodents in the Shangdang Basin, China. Small rodents were captured using snap traps, and their liver, spleen, and kidney tissues were harvested for Bartonella detection and identification using a combination of real-time PCR of the ssrA gene (296 bp) and conventional PCR and sequencing of the gltA gene (379 bp). Results showed that 55 of 147 small rodents to be positive for Bartonella, with a positivity rate of 37.41%, and 95% confidence interval of 29.50%- 45.33%. While the positivity rate across genders (42.62% in males and 33.72% in females, χ2 = 1.208, P = 0.272) and tissues (28.57% in liver, 33.59% in spleen, and 36.76% in kidney, χ2 = 2.197, P = 0.333) of small rodents was not statistically different, that in different habitats (5.13% in villages, 84.44% in forests, and 54.17% in farmlands, χ2 = 80.105, P<0.001) was statistically different. There were 42 Bartonella sequences identified in six species, including 30 B. grahamii, three B. phoceensis, two B. japonica, two B. queenslandensis, one B. fuyuanensis and four unknown Bartonella species from Niviventer confucianus, Apodemus agrarius and Tscherskia triton. In addition to habitat, Bartonella species infection could be affected by the rodent species as well. Among the Bartonella species detected in this area, B. grahamii was the dominant epidemic species (accounting for 71.43%). B. grahamii exhibited four distinct clusters, and showed a certain host specificity. In addition, 11 haplotypes of B. grahamii were observed using DNASP 6.12.03, among which nine haplotypes were novel. Overall, high occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella were observed among small rodents in the Shangdang Basin; this information could potentially help the prevention and control of rodent-Bartonella species in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Department of Nursing, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Ge-Yue Bi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Hui-Hui Zuo
- Department of Teaching and Scientific Research, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Xia-Yan Du
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Li-Fang Bi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Dong-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (DML); (HXR)
| | - Hua-Xiang Rao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
- * E-mail: (DML); (HXR)
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Liu H, Han T, Liu W, Xu G, Zheng K, Xiao F. Epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in rodents from southeastern China. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:224-234. [PMID: 35040279 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Rodents are the primary hosts of Bartonella species and carry more than 22 Bartonella species. However, the information on epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in rodents in southeastern China is limited. From 2015 to 2020, 1,137 rodents were captured. Bartonella-positive DNA was detected in 14.9% (169/1,137) of rodents by PCR for both the ssrA and gltA genes. A highest Bartonella prevalence was detected in Apodemus agrarius (33.5%) and lowest in B. indica (1.8%). The probability of Bartonella infection in summer (20.1%) was higher than in spring (14.6%; p = .011, OR = 1.756). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that nine known Bartonella species were identified in rodents, including B. tribocorum, B. grahamii, B. rattimassiliensis, B. queenslandensis, B. elizabethae, B. phoceensis, B. coopersplainsensis, B. japonica and B. rochalimae. In our study, Bartonella species exhibited a strong association with their hosts. Zoonotic B. tribocorum, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae and B. rochalimae were found in synanthropic rodent species in southeastern China, which pose a potential threat to the public health. To prevent the spread of zoonotic Bartonella species to humans, preventive and control measures should be implemented, and more research is needed to confirm the pathogen's association with human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Tengwei Han
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Guoying Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kuicheng Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Fangzhen Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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Occhibove F, McKeown NJ, Risley C, Ironside JE. Eco-epidemiological screening of multi-host wild rodent communities in the UK reveals pathogen strains of zoonotic interest. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:278-287. [PMID: 35309039 PMCID: PMC8927908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Wild rodent communities represent ideal systems to study pathogens and parasites shared among sympatric species. Such studies are useful in the investigation of eco-epidemiological dynamics, improving disease management strategies and reducing zoonotic risk. The aim of this study was to investigate pathogen and parasites shared among rodent species (multi-host community) in West Wales in an area where human/wildlife disease risk was not previously assessed. West Wales is predominantly rural, with human settlements located alongside to grazing areas and semi-natural landscapes, creating a critical human-livestock-wildlife interface. Ground-dwelling wild rodent communities in Wales were live-trapped and biological samples – faeces and ectoparasites – collected and screened for a suite of pathogens and parasites that differ in types of transmission and ecology. Faecal samples were examined to detect Herpesvirus, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium microti. Ticks and fleas were collected, identified to species based on morphology and genetic barcodes, and then screened for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Bartonella sp. All the pathogens and parasites screened pose a characteristic epidemiological challenge, such as variable level of generalism, unknown zoonotic potential, and lack of data. The results showed that the bank vole Myodes glareolus had the highest prevalence of all pathogens and parasites. Higher flea species diversity was detected than in previous studies, and at least two Bartonella species were found circulating, one of which has not previously been detected in the UK. These key findings offer new insights into the distribution of selected pathogen and parasites and subsequent zoonotic risk, and provide new baselines and perspectives for further eco-epidemiological research. Ixodes trianguliceps dominated tick species found on sampled rodent populations. A zoonotic Babesia microti strain was isolated in ticks parasitising UK rodents. High flea diversity varied seasonally, harbouring at least two Bartonella species. Candidatus Bartonella rudovakii was isolated for the first time in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Occhibove
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
- Corresponding author. UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK.
| | | | - Claire Risley
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
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Krügel M, Król N, Kempf VAJ, Pfeffer M, Obiegala A. Emerging rodent-associated Bartonella: a threat for human health? Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:113. [PMID: 35361285 PMCID: PMC8969336 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Species of the genus Bartonella are facultative intracellular alphaproteobacteria with zoonotic potential. Bartonella infections in humans range from mild with unspecific symptoms to life threatening, and can be transmitted via arthropod vectors or through direct contact with infected hosts, although the latter mode of transmission is rare. Among the small mammals that harbour Bartonella spp., rodents are the most speciose group and harbour the highest diversity of these parasites. Human–rodent interactions are not unlikely as many rodent species live in proximity to humans. However, a surprisingly low number of clinical cases of bartonellosis related to rodent-associated Bartonella spp. have thus far been recorded in humans. Methods The main purpose of this review is to determine explanatory factors for this unexpected finding, by taking a closer look at published clinical cases of bartonellosis connected with rodent-associated Bartonella species, some of which have been newly described in recent years. Thus, another focus of this review are these recently proposed species. Conclusions Worldwide, only 24 cases of bartonellosis caused by rodent-associated bartonellae have been reported in humans. Possible reasons for this low number of cases in comparison to the high prevalences of Bartonella in small mammal species are (i) a lack of awareness amongst physicians of Bartonella infections in humans in general, and especially those caused by rodent-associated bartonellae; and (ii) a frequent lack of the sophisticated equipment required for the confirmation of Bartonella infections in laboratories that undertake routine diagnostic testing. As regards recently described Bartonella spp., there are presently 14 rodent-associated Candidatus taxa. In contrast to species which have been taxonomically classified, there is no official process for the review of proposed Candidatus species and their names before they are published. This had led to the use of malformed names that are not based on the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Researchers are thus encouraged to propose Candidatus names to the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes for approval before publishing them, and only to propose new species of Bartonella when the relevant datasets allow them to be clearly differentiated from known species and subspecies. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05162-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Krügel
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,National Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Selmi R, Belkahia H, Dhibi M, Abdelaali H, Lahmar S, Ben Said M, Messadi L. Zoonotic vector-borne bacteria in wild rodents and associated ectoparasites from Tunisia. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 95:105039. [PMID: 34438095 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Wild rodents are considered as potential carriers of several zoonotic vector-borne bacteria but their epidemiology is poorly understood in Tunisia. A total of 305 biological samples (100 spleens, 100 livers, 100 kidneys, and 5 pooled ectoparasites (Xenopsylla cheopis, Laelaps echidninus, Ornithonyssus sp., Hoplopleura sp. and eggs of the rat fleas)) were collected from 100 wild rodents from three Tunisian governorates. Molecular screening was performed to reveal infections with main vector-borne bacteria. Captured rodents belonged to three rodent genera and species including Rattus rattus (n = 51, 51%), Meriones shawi (n = 24, 24%) and Mus musculus (n = 25, 25%). Examined rodents were found to be heavily infested by the rat flea X. cheopis (n = 32, 47%) and the rat mite L. echidninus (n = 22, 32.3%). However, the rat mite Ornithonyssus sp. (n = 13, 19.1%) and the rat lice Hoplopleura sp. (n = 1, 1.5%) were rarely identified. Based on 16S rRNA and msp4 genes, infection with Anaplasmataceae bacteria was detected in six specimens of R. rattus and one M. shawi. Pathogenic A. phagocytophilum (n = 1), A. phagocytophilum-like 1 (Anaplasma sp. Japan) (n = 1), and A. ovis (n = 5) were identified. On the basis of ompB, ompA and gltA genes, infection with Rickettsia spp. was identified in three specimens of R. rattus and one of M. shawi. Five Rickettsia species of the spotted fever group, corresponding to R. monacensis, R. helvetica, R. massiliae, R. africae, and R. aeschlimannii, were detected in mixed infections. Bartonella henselae DNA was also found in two R. rattus, based on rpoB partial sequences. All revealed Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Bartonella bacteria were detected in spleen samples. Ehrlichia, Coxiella and Borrelia spp. were not identified in any of the tested samples. In Tunisia, this is the first report indicating infections with Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Bartonella spp. in wild rodents, particularly present alongside domestic livestock and human. This represents a serious risk of potential bacterial transmission. Thus, controlling rodent population in animal herds, residential areas and sensitizing local people to this risk seem absolutely necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Selmi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Hanène Belkahia
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Mokhtar Dhibi
- Service de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Hedi Abdelaali
- Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Samia Lahmar
- Service de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie.
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie.
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Divari S, Danelli M, Pregel P, Ghielmetti G, Borel N, Bollo E. Biomolecular Investigation of Bartonella spp. in Wild Rodents of Two Swiss Regions. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101331. [PMID: 34684280 PMCID: PMC8539893 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents represent a natural reservoir of several Bartonella species, including zoonotic ones. In this study, small wild rodents, collected from two sites in rural areas of Switzerland, were screened for Bartonella spp. using molecular detection methods. In brief, 346 rodents were trapped in two rural sites in the Gantrisch Nature Park of Switzerland (Plasselb, canton of Fribourg, and Riggisberg, canton of Bern). Pools of DNA originating from three animals were tested through a qPCR screening and an end-point PCR, amplifying the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer region and citrate synthase (gltA) loci, respectively. Subsequently, DNA was extracted from spleen samples belonging to single animals of gltA positive pools, and gltA and RNA polymerase subunit beta (rpoB) were detected by end-point PCR. Based on PCR results and sequencing, the prevalence of infection with Bartonella spp. in captured rodents, was 21.10% (73/346): 31.78% in Apodemus sp. (41/129), 10.47% in Arvicola scherman (9/86), 17.05% in Myodes glareolus (22/129), and 50% in Microtus agrestis (1/2). A significant association was observed between Bartonella spp. infection and rodent species (p < 0.01) and between trapping regions and positivity to Bartonella spp. infection (p < 0.001). Similarly, prevalence of Bartonella DNA was higher (p < 0.001) in rodents trapped in woodland areas (66/257, 25.68%) compared to those captured in open fields (9/89, 10.11%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the extracted Bartonella DNA belonged mainly to B. taylorii and also to Candidatus “Bartonella rudakovii”, B. grahamii, B. doshiae, and B. birtlesii. In conclusion, the present study could rise public health issues regarding Bartonella infection in rodents in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Divari
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Danelli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Paola Pregel
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Giovanni Ghielmetti
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Enrico Bollo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
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Hedgehogs and Squirrels as Hosts of Zoonotic Bartonella Species. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060686. [PMID: 34205901 PMCID: PMC8229113 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living animals frequently play a key role in the circulation of various zoonotic vector-borne pathogens. Bacteria of the genus Bartonella are transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods and infect a large range of mammals. Although only several species have been identified as causative agents of human disease, it has been proposed that any Bartonella species found in animals may be capable of infecting humans. Within a wide-ranging survey in various geographical regions of the Czech Republic, cadavers of accidentally killed synurbic mammalian species, namely Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), were sampled and tested for Bartonella presence using multiple PCR reaction approach targeting several DNA loci. We demonstrate that cadavers constitute an available and highly useful source of biological material for pathogen screening. High infection rates of Bartonella spp., ranging from 24% to 76%, were confirmed for all three tested mammalian species, and spleen, ear, lung and liver tissues were demonstrated as the most suitable for Bartonella DNA detection. The wide spectrum of Bartonella spp. that were identified includes three species with previously validated zoonotic potential, B. grahamii, B. melophagi and B. washoensis, accompanied by ‘Candidatus B. rudakovii’ and two putative novel species, Bartonella sp. ERIN and Bartonella sp. SCIER.
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16
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Aleksandravičienė A, Paulauskas A, Stanko M, Fričová J, Radzijevskaja J. New Records of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in Lice Collected from Small Rodents. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:342-350. [PMID: 33728990 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2722] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lice are blood-sucking insects that are of medical and veterinary significance as parasites and vectors for various infectious agents. More than half of described blood-sucking lice species are found on rodents. Rodents are important hosts of several Bartonella and Rickettsia species, and some of these bacteria are characterized as human pathogens in Europe. Rodent ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks, are important vectors of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp., but knowledge about the presence of these bacteria in lice is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Bartonella and Rickettsia bacteria in lice collected from rodents in Slovakia. The ectoparasites were collected from small rodents captured from 2010 to 2015 at four different sites in eastern Slovakia. The presence of Bartonella and Rickettsia species in lice samples was screened by real-time PCR, targeting ssrA and gltA genes, respectively. The molecular characterization of the Bartonella strains was based on sequence analysis of partial rpoB and intergenic spacer (ITS) genes, and of the Rickettsia species on sequence analysis of the gltA gene. A total of 1074 lice of seven species were collected from six rodent species. Bartonella DNA was detected in Hoplopleura affinis (collected from Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, and Myodes glareolus), Polyplax serrata (from A. agrarius), and Hoplopleura sp. (from A. flavicollis). Sequence analysis revealed that the Bartonella strains belonged to the Bartonella coopersplainsensis, Bartonella tribocorum, and Bartonella taylorii genogroups. Rickettsia DNA was detected in H. affinis and P. serrata collected from A. agrarius. Sequence analysis revealed two Rickettsia species: Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia sp. The results of the study confirm the presence of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in lice collected from rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michal Stanko
- Department of Vector-Borne Diseases, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Fričová
- Department of Vector-Borne Diseases, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
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Szewczyk T, Werszko J, Slivinska K, Laskowski Z, Karbowiak G. Molecular Detection of Bartonella spp. in Rodents in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:222-227. [PMID: 32948932 PMCID: PMC7985104 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00276-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Bacteria of the genus Bartonella are obligate parasites of vertebrates. Their distribution range covers almost the entire world, from the Americas to Europe and Asia. Many Bartonella species use rodents as reservoirs, and while much is known about Bartonella infection of rodents in central Europe, its extent is poorly understood in Eastern Europe. METHODS The present study examines five rodent species (Apodemus flavicollis, Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus sylvaticus) in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine. Total of 36 small mammals were captured in September 2017. RESULTS The overall prevalence of Bartonella spp. was 38.9% (14/36) in rodents. Obtained four sequences from Apodemus flavicollis, were identical to Bartonella grahamii and B. taylorii. CONCLUSION This is the first report to confirm the presence of Bartonella spp. in rodents in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine by molecular methods. The sequences show similarity to Bartonella strains occurring in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Szewczyk
- W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Werszko
- W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kateryna Slivinska
- I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vul. B. Khmelnytskogo, 15, Kiev, 01030 Ukraine
| | - Zdzisław Laskowski
- W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Karbowiak
- W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
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Molecular analysis of the blood meals and bacterial communities of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) to assess interactions with alternative hosts. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1209-1217. [PMID: 33559752 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07079-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Common bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) are hematophagous pests present in urban environments across the globe. It is widely established that they have a strong host preference for humans. However, there are records of C. lectularius feeding upon a range of mammalian and avian hosts, including rodents, in the field. There is little information available about how frequently common bed bugs feed on alternative hosts in residential settings, but understanding this phenomenon has implications for both management of infestations and public health. Here, we examined cohorts of C. lectularius collected from 13 different dwellings in the state of New Jersey, USA, that were known to be simultaneously infested with house mice (Mus musculus domesticus). Host-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to determine if blood meals were taken from mice, while 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to screen the bed bugs for the presence of zoonotic bacterial pathogens. We found no evidence that any of the bed bugs we collected fed on mice. Furthermore, the insects harbored depauperate bacterial communities that did not include known human pathogens. However, host-specific qPCR detected feline DNA in a pool of bed bugs from one dwelling, suggesting that interaction with domestic pets should be further investigated. Although sampling in this study was limited, the approach described herein will be useful for additional studies of the interactions between bed bugs and alternative blood meal hosts.
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Obiegala A, Pfeffer M, Kiefer D, Kiefer M, Król N, Silaghi C. Bartonella spp. in Small Mammals and Their Fleas in Differently Structured Habitats From Germany. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:625641. [PMID: 33537358 PMCID: PMC7848210 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.625641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most Bartonella spp. are transmitted by fleas and harbored by small mammals which serve as reservoirs. However, little is known about the composition of fleas and their Bartonella spp. from small mammals in Central Europe. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate flea communities on small mammals from three differently structured sites (urban, sylvatic, renatured) in Germany as well as the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in small mammals and their parasitizing fleas. In total, 623 small mammals belonging to 10 different species (the majority were Myodes glareolus and Apodemus flavicollis) were available. Fleas were removed from the small mammals' fur, morphologically identified and DNA was extracted. To detect Bartonella spp., two conventional PCRs targeting the gltA gene and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer were carried out followed by sequencing. Obtained sequences were compared to those in GenBank. In total, 1,156 fleas were collected from 456 small mammals. Altogether, 12 different flea species (the majority were Ctenophthalmus agyrtes, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, and Megabothris turbidus) were detected. At the urban site mostly Leptopsylla segnis and N. fasciatus were collected which may be vectors of zoonotic pathogens to companion animals. The overall prevalence for Bartonella in small mammals was 43.3% and in fleas 49.1%. Five different Bartonella spp. were detected in small mammals namely B. grahamii, B. taylorii, B. doshiae, Bartonella sp. N40 and uncultured Bartonella sp. whereas in fleas four Bartonella spp. were found which were with the exception of B. doshiae identical to the Bartonella species detected in their small mammal hosts. While B. grahamii was the only zoonotic Bartonella sp. most Bartonella strains found in fleas and small mammals belonged to uncultured Bartonella spp. with unknown zoonotic potential. This study showed a high diversity of flea species on small mammals from Germany. Further, high prevalence rates of Bartonella species were detected both in fleas and in their mammalian hosts. Several different Bartonella species with a high genetic variability were discovered. Especially at the urban study sites, this may pose a risk for Bartonella transmission to companion animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Obiegala
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Kiefer
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Infectiology (IMED), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
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Polat C, Çelebi B, Irmak S, Karataş A, Çolak F, Matur F, Sözen M, Öktem IMA. Characterization of Bartonella taylorii Strains in Small Mammals of the Turkish Thrace. ECOHEALTH 2020; 17:477-486. [PMID: 33788082 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01518-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rodents play role as a reservoir for some Bartonella species which cause different clinical manifestations in humans. Bartonella spp. existence in rodents of Turkish Thrace has been detected for the first time, and the risky habitat types were evaluated for the infection. Ninety individuals belonging to three small rodent species were screened by PCR, and the overall prevalence of Bartonella infection was 22.2%. The strains were characterized molecularly based on the phylogenetic analyses of two housekeeping genes, rpoB and gltA. They clustered with B. taylorii. The significant effects of habitat types and rodent species on Bartonella infections were observed. It was detected that B. taylorii prevalence was the highest in the swamp forest habitat and A. flavicollis species. The present study demonstrates that A. flavicollis is the reservoir of B. taylorii in the European part of Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceylan Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Bekir Çelebi
- Department of Zoonotic and Vector Disease, General Directorate of Public Health, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sercan Irmak
- Science and Technology Application and Research Center, Balıkesir University, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Karataş
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Faruk Çolak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Matur
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sözen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
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Buhler KJ, Maggi RG, Gailius J, Galloway TD, Chilton NB, Alisauskas RT, Samelius G, Bouchard É, Jenkins EJ. Hopping species and borders: detection of Bartonella spp. in avian nest fleas and arctic foxes from Nunavut, Canada. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:469. [PMID: 32928287 PMCID: PMC7490881 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a warmer and more globally connected Arctic, vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic importance may be increasing in prevalence in native wildlife. Recently, Bartonella henselae, the causative agent of cat scratch fever, was detected in blood collected from arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) that were captured and released in the large goose colony at Karrak Lake, Nunavut, Canada. This bacterium is generally associated with cats and cat fleas, which are absent from Arctic ecosystems. Arctic foxes in this region feed extensively on migratory geese, their eggs, and their goslings. Thus, we hypothesized that a nest flea, Ceratophyllus vagabundus vagabundus (Boheman, 1865), may serve as a vector for transmission of Bartonella spp. METHODS We determined the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in (i) nest fleas collected from 5 arctic fox dens and (ii) 37 surrounding goose nests, (iii) fleas collected from 20 geese harvested during arrival at the nesting grounds and (iv) blood clots from 57 adult live-captured arctic foxes. A subsample of fleas were identified morphologically as C. v. vagabundus. Remaining fleas were pooled for each nest, den, or host. DNA was extracted from flea pools and blood clots and analyzed with conventional and real-time polymerase chain reactions targeting the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer region. RESULTS Bartonella henselae was identified in 43% of pooled flea samples from nests and 40% of pooled flea samples from fox dens. Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffii was identified in 30% of pooled flea samples collected from 20 geese. Both B. vinsonii berkhoffii (n = 2) and B. rochalimae (n = 1) were identified in the blood of foxes. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that B. henselae, B. vinsonii berkhoffii and B. rochalimae circulate in the Karrak Lake ecosystem and that nest fleas contain B. vinsonii and B. henselae DNA, suggesting that this flea may serve as a potential vector for transmission among Arctic wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Julie Gailius
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Terry D Galloway
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Neil B Chilton
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Ray T Alisauskas
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
- Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X4, Canada
| | - Gustaf Samelius
- Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside Ave North, Suite 325, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
| | - Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Emily J Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
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Gonçalves LR, Harrus S, Herrera HM, Gutiérrez R, Pedrassani D, Nantes WAG, Santos FM, Porfírio GEDO, Barreto WTG, de Macedo GC, Assis WDO, Campos JBV, da Silva TMV, Biolchi J, de Sousa KCM, Nachum-Biala Y, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, André MR. Low occurrence of Bartonella in synanthropic mammals and associated ectoparasites in peri-urban areas from Central-Western and Southern Brazil. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105513. [PMID: 32371220 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, Bartonella species are known to infect a wide range of mammalian and arthropod hosts, including humans. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in synanthropic mammals captured in peri-urban areas from Central-Western and Southern Brazil and their ectoparasites. For this aim, 160 mammals belonging to four species, and 218 associated arthropods were sampled. DNA was extracted and subjected to different Bartonella screening assays. Additionally, blood samples from 48 small rodents were submitted to liquid BAPGM culture followed by qPCR assay and solid culture. Two out of 55 Rattus captured in Santa Catarina state were PCR-positive for Bartonella when targeting the nuoG, 16S, and ITS loci. Sequences showed high homology with Bartonella coopersplainsensis. Conversely, all 48 small rodents, 14 capybaras and 43 opossum DNA samples from animals trapped in Mato Grosso do Sul were Bartonella negative in the HRM real time PCR assays targeting the ITS locus and gltA gene. Additionally, all mammal-associated ectoparasites showed negativity results based on HRM real time PCR assays. The present study showed, for the first time, the occurrence of B. coopersplainsensis in Brazil, shedding some light on the distribution of rats-related Bartonella in South America. In addition, the majority of rodents and marsupials were negative for Bartonella spp. Since B. coopersplainsensis reservoirs - Rattus spp. - are widely dispersed around the globe, their zoonotic potential should be further investigated.
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Ernst E, Qurollo B, Olech C, Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonella rochalimae, a newly recognized pathogen in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1447-1453. [PMID: 32415797 PMCID: PMC7379054 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bartonella spp. comprise a genus of bacteria that frequently cause persistent, often subclinical infection. Although many Bartonella spp. have been implicated in a variety of clinical presentations, Bartonella rochalimae has yet to be documented in association with a clinical presentation other than infectious endocarditis (IE) in dogs. Objectives To document a spectrum of clinical presentations accompanied by mild hematological abnormalities in B rochalimae‐infected dogs from the United States. Animals Eight dogs with documented B rochalimae infection. Methods Retrospective 10‐year study of B rochalimae naturally infected dogs. Clinical and clinicopathologic data, including medical history, CBC, serum biochemistry panel, urinalysis, echocardiogram, and comprehensive vector‐borne disease diagnostic panel results, were reviewed. Results Eight dogs were diagnosed with B rochalimae via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Five dogs were diagnosed with IE. Three dogs, PCR positive for B rochalimae, were diagnosed with seizures or antibiotic responsive lameness or during routine screening of a military working dog. Conclusions This case series provides support for an association between B rochalimae and IE and provides documentation of dogs infected with B rochalimae with other clinical diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah Ernst
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Barbara Qurollo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carolyn Olech
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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