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Pustijanac E, Buršić M, Millotti G, Paliaga P, Iveša N, Cvek M. Tick-Borne Bacterial Diseases in Europe: Threats to public health. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:1261-1295. [PMID: 38676855 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04836-5] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases, caused by bacterial pathogens, pose a growing threat to public health in Europe. This paper provides an overview of the historical context of the discovery of the most impactful pathogens transmitted by ticks, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Understanding the historical context of their discovery provides insight into the evolution of our understanding of these pathogens. METHODS AND RESULTS Systematic investigation of the prevalence and transmission dynamics of these bacterial pathogens is provided, highlighting the intricate relationships among ticks, host organisms, and the environment. Epidemiology is explored, providing an in-depth analysis of clinical features associated with infections. Diagnostic methodologies undergo critical examination, with a spotlight on technological advancements that enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, the paper discusses available treatment options, addressing existing therapeutic strategies and considering future aspects. CONCLUSIONS By integrating various pieces of information on these bacterial species, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and healthcare professionals addressing the impact of bacterial tick-borne diseases in Europe. This review underscores the importance of understanding the complex details influencing bacterial prevalence and transmission dynamics to better combat these emerging public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Pustijanac
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia.
| | - Moira Buršić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Gioconda Millotti
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Paolo Paliaga
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Neven Iveša
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Maja Cvek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Region of Istria, Nazorova 23, 52100, Pula, Croatia
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2
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Cotes-Perdomo AP, Sánchez-Vialas A, Thomas R, Jenkins A, Uribe JE. New insights into the systematics of the afrotropical Amblyomma marmoreum complex (Acari: Ixodidae) and the genome of a novel Rickettsia africae strain using morphological and metagenomic approaches. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102323. [PMID: 38387163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The Amblyomma marmoreum complex includes afrotropical species, such as Amblyomma sparsum, a three-host tick that parasitizes reptiles, birds, and mammals, and is a recognized vector of Ehrlichia ruminantium. However, the lack of morphological, genetic and ecological data on A. sparsum has caused considerable confusion in its identification. In this study, we used microscopy and metagenomic approaches to analyze A. sparsum ticks collected from a puff adder snake (Bitis arietans) in southwest Senegal (an endemic rickettsioses area) in order to supplement previous morphological descriptions, provide novel genomic data for the A. marmoreum complex, and describe the genome of a novel spotted fever group Rickettsia strain. Based on stereoscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological evaluations, we provide high-quality images and new insights about punctation and enameling in the adult male of A. sparsum to facilitate identification for future studies. The metagenomic approach allowed us assembly the complete mitochondrial genome of A. sparsum, as well as the nearly entire chromosome and complete plasmid sequences of a novel Rickettsia africae strain. Phylogenomic analyses demonstrated a close relationship between A. sparsum and Amblyomma nuttalli for the first time and confirmed the position of A. sparsum within the A. marmoreum complex. Our results provide new insights into the systematics of A. sparsum and A. marmoreum complex, as well as the genetic diversity of R. africae in the Afrotropical region. Future studies should consider the possibility that A. sparsum may be a vector for R. africae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea P Cotes-Perdomo
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-Eastern, Norway; Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 2José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Vialas
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 2José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Richard Thomas
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Andrew Jenkins
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-Eastern, Norway
| | - Juan E Uribe
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), 2José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid 28006, Spain.
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Tian J, Liu J, Liu J, Lu M, Chen X, Li K. Survey of Rickettsia species in hematophagous arthropods from endemic areas for Japanese spotted fever in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1384284. [PMID: 38725451 PMCID: PMC11079133 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1384284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese spotted fever (JSF) is caused by Rickettsia japonica, mainly vectored by hard ticks. However, whether R. japonica can be transmitted by other arthropods remains unknown. Moreover, it is of interest to investigate whether other Rickettsia species cause spotted fever in endemic areas. In this study, a survey of Rickettsia species was performed in hematophagous arthropods (mosquitoes, tabanids, and ticks) from endemic areas for JSF in Hubei Province, central China. The results showed that the diversity and prevalence of Rickettsia species in mosquitoes are low, suggesting that mosquitoes may not be the vector of zoonotic Rickettsia species. A novel Rickettsia species showed a high prevalence (16.31%, 23/141) in tabanids and was named "Candidatus Rickettsia tabanidii." It is closely related to Rickettsia from fleas and mosquitoes; however, its pathogenicity in humans needs further investigation. Five Rickettsia species were identified in ticks. Rickettsia japonica, the agent of JSF, was detected only in Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haemaphysalis hystricis, suggesting that they may be the major vectors of R. japonica. Notably, two novel species were identified in H. hystricis ticks, one belonging to the spotted fever group and the other potentially belonging to the ancestral group. The latter one named "Candidatus Rickettsia hubeiensis" may provide valuable insight into the evolutionary history of Rickettsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Tian
- Affiliation of Disinfection and Vector Control, Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Affiliation of Disinfection and Vector Control, Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, Jiangxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Affiliation of Disinfection and Vector Control, Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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4
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De Jesus CE, Harman MEA, Sutton A, Bredin S, Romagosa CM, Wisely SM. Spatially limited pathogen pollution in an invasive tick and host system. Biol Invasions 2024; 26:2037-2047. [PMID: 38947421 PMCID: PMC11213802 DOI: 10.1007/s10530-024-03291-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Expansion of global commerce has facilitated pathogen pollution via the transportation and translocation of invasive species and their associated parasites and pathogens. In Florida, imported cane toads (Rhinella horribilis) were accidentally and intentionally released on multiple occasions. Early populations were found to be infested with the invasive tick, Amblyomma rotundatum, yet it is unknown if these ticks dispersed with their hosts as cane toads spread throughout much of the state. The objectives of our investigation were to (1) determine if there are fewer tick infestations on toads at the periphery than at the core of their distribution as predicted by founder effect events, and (2) identify if ticks were infected with exotic pathogens. We captured toads from 10 populations across Florida. We collected ticks, vent tissue, and tick attachment site tissue from each toad, then tested samples for bacteria in the genus, Rickettsia. We found that 3/10 populations had toads that were infested with A. rotundatum, and infested individuals were in the earliest introduced populations at the core of their distribution. Pathogen testing confirmed Rickettisa bellii in ticks, but not in toad tissues. Haplotype networks could not clearly distinguish if R. bellii in Florida was more closely related to North or South American strains, but host-tick associations suggest that the pathogen was exotic to Florida. Our investigation demonstrated that an invasive species facilitated the introduction of parasites and pathogens into Florida, yet the invasive tick species encountered limitations to dispersal on this host species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-024-03291-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E. De Jesus
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Madison E. A. Harman
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Amber Sutton
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Stephen Bredin
- Biology Department, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA USA
| | - Christina M. Romagosa
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
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Majid A, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Tanaka T, Yen TY, Tsai KH, Ali A. First report of spotted fever group Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma turanicum, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi infesting domestic animals: updates on the epidemiology of tick-borne Rickettsia aeschlimannii. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1283814. [PMID: 38163073 PMCID: PMC10756324 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1283814] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne Rickettsia spp. have long been known as causative agents for zoonotic diseases. We have previously characterized Rickettsia spp. in different ticks infesting a broad range of hosts in Pakistan; however, knowledge regarding Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma ticks is missing. This study aimed to obtain a better understanding about R. aeschlimannii in Pakistan and update the knowledge about its worldwide epidemiology. Among 369 examined domestic animals, 247 (66%) were infested by 872 ticks. Collected ticks were morphologically delineated into three genera, namely, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Haemaphysalis. Adult females were the most prevalent (number ₌ 376, 43.1%), followed by nymphs (303, 34.74%) and males (193, 22.13%). Overall, genomic DNA samples of 223 tick were isolated and screened for Rickettsia spp. by the amplification of rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB partial genes using conventional PCR. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 8 of 223 (3.58%) ticks including nymphs (5 of 122, 4.0%) and adult females (3 of 86, 3.48%). The rickettsial gltA, ompA, and ompB sequences were detected in Hyalomma turanicum (2 nymphs and 1 adult female), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (1 nymph and 1 adult female), and Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (2 nymphs and 1 adult female). These rickettsial sequences showed 99.71-100% identity with R. aeschlimannii and phylogenetically clustered with the same species. None of the tested Rhipicephalus microplus, Hyalomma isaaci, Hyalomma scupense, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, and Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks were found positive for rickettsial DNA. Comprehensive surveillance studies should be adopted to update the knowledge regarding tick-borne zoonotic Rickettsia species, evaluate their risks to humans and livestock, and investigate the unexamined cases of illness after tick bite among livestock holders in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Majid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
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Su S, Hong M, Cui MY, Gui Z, Ma SF, Wu L, Xing LL, Mu L, Yu JF, Fu SY, Gao RJ, Qi DD. Microbial diversity of ticks and a novel typhus group Rickettsia species (Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b) in Inner Mongolia, China. Parasite 2023; 30:58. [PMID: 38084939 PMCID: PMC10714680 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks can carry multiple pathogens, and Inner Mongolia's animal husbandry provides excellent environmental conditions for ticks. This study characterized the microbiome of ticks from different geographical locations in Inner Mongolia; 905 Dermacentor nuttalli and 36 Ixodes persulcatus were collected from sheep in three main pasture areas and from bushes within the forested area. Mixed DNA samples were prepared from three specimens from each region and tick species. Microbial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and α and β diversity were determined. The predominant bacterial genera were Rickettsia (54.60%), including Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b (19.33%) and other Rickettsia (35.27%), Arsenophonus (11.21%), Candidatus Lariskella (10.84%), and Acinetobacter (7.17%). Rickettsia bellii was identified in I. persulcatus, while Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b was found in D. nuttalli from Ordos and Chifeng. Potential Rickettsia and Anaplasma coinfections were observed in the Ordos region. Tick microbial diversity analysis in Inner Mongolia suggests that sheep at the sampling sites were exposed to multiple pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Su
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Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010059 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Mei Hong
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Meng-Yu Cui
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Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010059 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Zheng Gui
- First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun 130021 China
| | - Shi-Fa Ma
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Hulunbuir Mental Health Center Hulunbuir 022150 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Lin Wu
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Beijing Guoke Biotechnology Co., Ltd 102200 Beijing China
| | - Li-Li Xing
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Department of Infection Control, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010000 China
| | - Lan Mu
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Jing-Feng Yu
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Shao-Yin Fu
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Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Science Hohhot 010031 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Rui-Juan Gao
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School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Dong-Dong Qi
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Hulunbuir Mental Health Center Hulunbuir 022150 Inner Mongolia China
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Cambrea SC, Badiu D, Ionescu C, Penciu R, Pazara L, Mihai CM, Cambrea MA, Mihai L. Boutonneuse Fever in Southeastern Romania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2734. [PMID: 38004746 PMCID: PMC10673018 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112734] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Boutonneuse fever (BF) is an eruptive disease and is classified as a spotted fever, which is endemic in the Mediterranean basin (i.e., Marseille fever or Mediterranean spotted fever) and the Black Sea, caused by Rickettsia conorii, with dog ticks being a vector (i.e., Rhipicephalus sanguineus). In Romania, although the first reported outbreak of BF occurred during the summer of 1931 in Constanta, the disease was discovered in 1910. Although the disease has occurred most frequently in the two counties of the Dobruja region (Constanta and Tulcea), a region of the Balkan Peninsula, during the last few years, other counties in southeastern Romania have started to report BF cases. In a period of 9 years, 533 cases were registered in Constanta county, while in a period of 11 years, 339 cases were registered in Bucharest county. In this review, we describe the bacterial tick-borne disease caused by R. conorii in southeastern Romania, focusing on its history and epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures in the context of climate changes. Although R. conorii is the principal etiologic agent of BF in southeastern Romania, we should take into consideration that other Rickettsia spp. could be present and involved in disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Claudia Cambrea
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 900178 Constanta, Romania
| | - Diana Badiu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Constantin Ionescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Roxana Penciu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Loredana Pazara
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Cristina Maria Mihai
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Mara Andreea Cambrea
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Larisia Mihai
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
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Perfilyeva YV, Berdygulova ZA, Mashzhan AS, Zhigailov AV, Ostapchuk YO, Naizabayeva DA, Cherusheva AS, Bissenbay AO, Kuatbekova SA, Abdolla N, Nizkorodova AS, Kulemin MV, Shapiyeva ZZ, Sayakova ZZ, Perfilyeva AV, Akhmetollayev IA, Maltseva ER, Skiba YA, Mamadaliyev SM, Dmitrovskiy AM. Molecular and seroepidemiological investigation of Сoxiella burnetii and spotted fever group rickettsiae in the southern region of Kazakhstan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102240. [PMID: 37647811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102240] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are involved in the circulation of a number of human pathogens, including spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii. Little is known about the occurrence of these microorganisms in the southern region of Kazakhstan. In 2018-2022, a total of 726 ticks were collected from bitten humans, livestock, and vegetation in four oblasts of the southern region of Kazakhstan and subjected to DNA extraction. The overall infection rate of Coxiella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in the ticks was 3.3% (24/726) and 69.9% (300/429), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of ompA and gltA genes revealed the presence of three pathogenic SFG rickettsiae: Candidatus R. tarasevichiae, R. aeschlimannii and R. raoultii in ticks collected from bitten humans. In addition, Candidatus R. barbariae was detected in six Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks for the first time in Kazakhstan. To determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii infection, we performed a serological analysis of samples collected from 656 domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) in the region. Overall, 23.5% (154/656) of the animals tested were positive for IgG against C. burnetii. Seroprevalence at the herd level was 54% (28/52). Goats (43%; 12/28; odds ratio (OD) = 28.9, p < 0.05) and sheep (31.9%; 137/430; OD = 18.1, p < 0.05) had higher seroprevalence than cattle (2.5%; 5/198). Among the risk factors considered in this study, age (p = 0.003) and the oblast in which the animals were sampled (p = 0.049) were statistically associated with seropostivity for Q fever in sheep, according to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Seroprevalence ranged from 0% to 55.5% in animals in different districts of the southern region of Kazakhstan. Active C. burnetii bacteremia was detected in four of 154 (2.6%) seropositive animals. The data obtained provide strong evidence of the presence of pathogenic rickettsiae and C. burnetii in the southern region of Kazakhstan and emphasize the need to improve epidemiological surveillance in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya V Perfilyeva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanna A Berdygulova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan.
| | - Akzhigit S Mashzhan
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan.
| | - Andrey V Zhigailov
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Yekaterina O Ostapchuk
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara A Naizabayeva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Alena S Cherusheva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Akerke O Bissenbay
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Saltanat A Kuatbekova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Nurshat Abdolla
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Anna S Nizkorodova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan
| | - Maxim V Kulemin
- Anti-Plague Station, 114 Dulati St., Shymkent 160013, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanna Zh Shapiyeva
- Scientific Practical Center of Sanitary-Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, 84 Auezov St., Almaty 050008, Kazakhstan
| | - Zaure Z Sayakova
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M. Aikimbayev National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Elina R Maltseva
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan; Tethys Scientific Society, 9 Microdisctrict 1/72, Almaty 050036, Kazakhstan
| | - Yuriy A Skiba
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M.A. Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 86 Dosmukhamedov St., Almaty 050012, Kazakhstan; Tethys Scientific Society, 9 Microdisctrict 1/72, Almaty 050036, Kazakhstan
| | - Seidigapbar M Mamadaliyev
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
| | - Andrey M Dmitrovskiy
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Central Reference Laboratory, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan; M. Aikimbayev National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, 14 Zhahanger St., Almaty 050054, Kazakhstan
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9
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Barbieri ARM, Suzin A, Rezende LM, Tognolli MH, Vogliotti A, Nunes PH, Pascoli GT, Ramos VDN, Yokosawa J, Azevedo Serpa MCD, Adami SF, Labruna MB, Szabó MPJ. Rickettsia communities and their relationship with tick species within and around the national park of Iguaçu, Brazil. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:339-358. [PMID: 37768388 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00839-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
We report Rickettsia species from 2,334 ticks collected from environment (1,939 ticks) and animals (395 ticks) in the largest inland fragment of the Atlantic rainforest of southern Brazil and its fragments. Additionally, the DNA infection rates of Amblyomma ovale tick populations in the Neotropics with Rickettsia bellii and Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest were calculated using data from scientific publications, and their correlation was evaluated. From 11 tick species Rickettsia DNA was detected in seven (Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma incisum, Amblyomma longirostre, A. ovale, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes fuscipes) and was not detected in four species (Amblyomma dubitatum, Ixodes loricatus, Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato). DNA of five Rickettsia species was detected (R. bellii, Rickettsia amblyommatis, Rickettsia rhipicephali, Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia sp. Aragaoi). To determine the prevalence of Rickettsia DNA positivity according to vector species, ticks were processed individually or in pools of 2-10 individuals (samples). The most prevalent Rickettsia species was R. bellii, found in 112 samples, followed by R. amblyommatis, R. rhipicephali, R. felis and Rickettsia sp. Aragaoi, found in 16, five, two and one sample, respectively. Rickettsia bellii DNA was found in five tick species with the highest infection rate in A. ovale and A. brasiliense. Absence of R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest in A. ovale ticks was an unexpected result. Furthermore, a negative correlation was identified between the infection rates (DNA) of R. bellii and/or R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest within A. ovale tick populations in the Neotropics. Putting together current knowledge, it can be proposed that, within natural settings, the diversity of rickettsiae and ticks creates a buffering effect on the overgrowth of rickettsiae and episodes of bacteremia in the hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amália Regina Mar Barbieri
- Companhia integrada de desenvolvimento agrícola de Santa Catarina, Iomerê, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriane Suzin
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lais Miguel Rezende
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Matheus Henrique Tognolli
- Postgraduate Program in Environment and Society at the State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Vogliotti
- Latin American Institute of Life and Nature Sciences, Federal University of Latin American Integration, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Pablo Henrique Nunes
- Latin American Institute of Life and Nature Sciences, Federal University of Latin American Integration, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jonny Yokosawa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Samuel Fernando Adami
- Latin American Institute of Technology, Infrastructure and Territory, Federal University of Latin American Integration, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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10
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Shehla S, Ullah F, Alouffi A, Almutairi MM, Khan Z, Tanaka T, Labruna MB, Tsai KH, Ali A. Association of SFG Rickettsia massiliae and Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii with Different Hard Ticks Infesting Livestock Hosts. Pathogens 2023; 12:1080. [PMID: 37764888 PMCID: PMC10536372 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ixodid ticks are responsible for the transmission of various intracellular bacteria, such as the Rickettsia species. Little Information is available about the genetic characterization and epidemiology of Rickettsia spp. The current study was designed to assess the tick species infesting various livestock hosts and the associated Rickettsia spp. in Pakistan. Ticks were collected from different livestock hosts (equids, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and camels); morphologically identified; and screened for the genetic characterization of Rickettsia spp. by the amplification of partial fragments of the gltA, ompA and ompB genes. Altogether, 707 ticks were collected from 373 infested hosts out of 575 observed hosts. The infested hosts comprised 105 cattle, 71 buffaloes, 70 sheep, 60 goats, 34 camels, and 33 equids. The overall occurrence of Rickettsia spp. was 7.6% (25/330) in the tested ticks. Rickettsia DNA was detected in Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (9/50, 18.0%), followed by Rhipicephalus turanicus (13/99, 13.1%), Haemaphysalis cornupunctata (1/18, 5.5%), and Rhipicephalus microplus (2/49, 4.1%); however, no rickettsial DNA was detected in Hyalomma anatolicum (71), Hyalomma dromedarii (35), and Haemaphysalis sulcata (8). Two Rickettsia agents were identified based on partial gltA, ompA, and ompB DNA sequences. The Rickettsia species detected in Rh. haemaphysaloides, Rh. turanicus, and Rh. microplus showed 99-100% identity with Rickettsia sp. and Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii, and in the phylogenetic trees clustered with the corresponding Rickettsia spp. The Rickettsia species detected in Rh. haemaphysaloides, Rh. turanicus, Rh. microplus, and Ha. cornupunctata showed 100% identity with R. massiliae, and in the phylogenetic trees it was clustered with the same species. Candidatus R. shennongii was characterized for the first time in Rh. haemaphysaloides, Rh. turanicus, and Rh. microplus. The presence of SFG Rickettsia spp., including the human pathogen R. massiliae, indicates a zoonotic risk in the study region, thus stressing the need for regular surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehla Shehla
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (S.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Farman Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (S.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zaibullah Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (S.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil;
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100025, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan; (S.S.); (Z.K.)
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11
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Beliavskaia A, Tan KK, Sinha A, Husin NA, Lim FS, Loong SK, Bell-Sakyi L, Carlow CKS, AbuBakar S, Darby AC, Makepeace BL, Khoo JJ. Metagenomics of culture isolates and insect tissue illuminate the evolution of Wolbachia, Rickettsia and Bartonella symbionts in Ctenocephalides spp. fleas. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001045. [PMID: 37399133 PMCID: PMC10438800 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001045] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While fleas are often perceived simply as a biting nuisance and a cause of allergic dermatitis, they represent important disease vectors worldwide, especially for bacterial zoonoses such as plague (transmitted by rodent fleas) and some of the rickettsioses and bartonelloses. The cosmopolitan cat (Ctenocephalides felis ) and dog (Ctenocephalides canis ) fleas, as well as Ctenocephalides orientis (restricted to tropical and subtropical Asia), breed in human dwellings and are vectors of cat-scratch fever (caused by Bartonella spp.) and Rickettsia spp., including Rickettsia felis (agent of flea-borne spotted fever) and Rickettsia asembonensis , a suspected pathogen. These Rickettsia spp. are members of a phylogenetic clade known as the ‘transitional group’, which includes both human pathogens and arthropod-specific endosymbionts. The relatively depauperate flea microbiome can also contain other endosymbionts, including a diverse range of Wolbachia strains. Here, we present circularized genome assemblies for two C. orientis -derived pathogens (Bartonella clarridgeiae and R. asembonensis ) from Malaysia, a novel Wolbachia strain (w Cori), and the C. orientis mitochondrion; all were obtained by direct metagenomic sequencing of flea tissues. Moreover, we isolated two Wolbachia strains from Malaysian C. felis into tick cell culture and recovered circularized genome assemblies for both, one of which (w CfeF) is newly sequenced. We demonstrate that the three Wolbachia strains are representatives of different major clades (‘supergroups’), two of which appear to be flea-specific. These Wolbachia genomes exhibit unique combinations of features associated with reproductive parasitism or mutualism, including prophage WO, cytoplasmic incompatibility factors and the biotin operon of obligate intracellular microbes. The first circularized assembly for R. asembonensis includes a plasmid with a markedly different structure and gene content compared to the published plasmid; moreover, this novel plasmid was also detected in cat flea metagenomes from the USA. Analysis of loci under positive selection in the transitional group revealed genes involved in host–pathogen interactions that may facilitate host switching. Finally, the first B. clarridgeiae genome from Asia exhibited large-scale genome stability compared to isolates from other continents, except for SNPs in regions predicted to mediate interactions with the vertebrate host. These findings highlight the paucity of data on the genomic diversity of Ctenocephalides -associated bacteria and raise questions regarding how interactions between members of the flea microbiome might influence vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Beliavskaia
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Kim-Kee Tan
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Amit Sinha
- New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Massachusetts, 01938, USA
| | - Nurul Aini Husin
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Fang Shiang Lim
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Shih Keng Loong
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | | | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Alistair C. Darby
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Benjamin L. Makepeace
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Jing Jing Khoo
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
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12
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Ballados-González GG, Bravo-Ramos JL, Grostieta E, Andrade-López AN, Ramos-Vázquez JR, Chong-Guzmán LA, Moctezuma-Díaz LÁ, Colunga-Salas P, Miranda-Caballero CI, Álvarez-Castillo L, Cruz-Romero A, Aguilar-Domínguez M, Becker I, Sánchez-Montes S. Confirmation of the presence of Rickettsia felis infecting Ornithodoros puertoricensis in Mexico. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:219-227. [PMID: 36346249 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Soft ticks are neglected competent vectors of a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, among which bacteria of the genera Rickettsia and Borrelia stand out. In Mexico, previous studies have shown the presence of a member of the Ornithodoros talaje complex in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae Kerr) from southeastern Mexico. However, its specific identification has not been achieved. Two D. virginiana were treated in a private clinic during the period of April-May 2022. Tick larvae were manually removed, DNA extraction was performed, and some genes from various bacterial and parasitic pathogens were amplified and sequenced. A total of 96 larvae were recovered, which were morphologically identified as Ornithodoros puertoricensis (Ixodida: Argasidae Fox); the 16 S sequences showed a similarity of 96.79%-99.51% with sequences of O. puertoricensis from Panama and Colombia. The presence of Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae Bouyer et al.) was detected in 15 specimens from one host. The soft tick O. puertoricensis is recorded for the first time as an ectoparasite of the Virginia opossum in America and represents the second report for this soft tick in Mexico since 1963. This represents the most northern record of this tick species in its geographic distribution and brings a new soft tick-Rickettsia association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José L Bravo-Ramos
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Estefania Grostieta
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Pablo Colunga-Salas
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Ecología Aplicada, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Carlos I Miranda-Caballero
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lucía Álvarez-Castillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Anabel Cruz-Romero
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | | | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Túxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Mexico
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13
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Occi JL, Price DC, Hall M, Campbell V, Stronsick S, Sullivan CF, Pesapane R, Gonzalez J, Toledo A, Fonseca DM. Rickettsia and relapsing fever Borrelia in Alectorobius kelleyi (Ixodida: Argasidae) from peri domestic bats in the northeastern United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102157. [PMID: 36917863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
The soft ticks (Argasidae) are known vectors of human and animal pathogens around the globe and are relatively understudied. Our aim was to assess the presence of Rickettsia and Borrelia bacteria in Alectorobius kelleyi (Argasidae) parasitizing synanthropic bats in the highly urbanized northeastern United States. By collaborating with parasitologists, bat scientists and wildlife rehabilitators we were successful in obtaining A. kelleyi from five states. Since Argasid larvae will attach to their hosts for many days, most A. kelleyi examined (92%) were larvae collected from sick or injured big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus, undergoing care at rehabilitation centers. In addition, we obtained adult A. kelleyi captured in residential living areas and trapped in attics. An in-depth analysis of a A. kelleyi found to be infected with a spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) revealed a dual infection with a R. belli-like taxon (ancestral group) as well as an SFGR closely related to R. peacockii, likely the same previously found in A. kelleyi from Iowa and Kansas. We found that 36% of the A. kelleyi tested carried the SFGR. Furthermore, we detected a relapsing fever spirochete, likely Candidatus Borrelia johnsonii, in 25% of the A. kelleyi from Pennsylvania. While it is unclear if these bacteria constitute a health risk to either bats or humans, our study indicates that human exposure to ectoparasites infesting peridomestic wildlife should be considered in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Occi
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Dana C Price
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - MacKenzie Hall
- New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species Program, Lebanon, NJ, USA.
| | | | | | - Cheryl F Sullivan
- University of Vermont, Entomology Research Laboratory, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Risa Pesapane
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Julia Gonzalez
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Alvaro Toledo
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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14
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Halter T, Köstlbacher S, Rattei T, Hendrickx F, Manzano-Marín A, Horn M. One to host them all: genomics of the diverse bacterial endosymbionts of the spider Oedothorax gibbosus. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen000943. [PMID: 36757767 PMCID: PMC9997750 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial endosymbionts of the groups Wolbachia, Cardinium and Rickettsiaceae are well known for their diverse effects on their arthropod hosts, ranging from mutualistic relationships to reproductive phenotypes. Here, we analysed a unique system in which the dwarf spider Oedothorax gibbosus is co-infected with up to five different endosymbionts affiliated with Wolbachia, 'Candidatus Tisiphia' (formerly Torix group Rickettsia), Cardinium and Rhabdochlamydia. Using short-read genome sequencing data, we show that the endosymbionts are heterogeneously distributed among O. gibbosus populations and are frequently found co-infecting spider individuals. To study this intricate host-endosymbiont system on a genome-resolved level, we used long-read sequencing to reconstruct closed genomes of the Wolbachia, 'Ca. Tisiphia' and Cardinium endosymbionts. We provide insights into the ecology and evolution of the endosymbionts and shed light on the interactions with their spider host. We detected high quantities of transposable elements in all endosymbiont genomes and provide evidence that ancestors of the Cardinium, 'Ca. Tisiphia' and Wolbachia endosymbionts have co-infected the same hosts in the past. Our findings contribute to broadening our knowledge about endosymbionts infecting one of the largest animal phyla on Earth and show the usefulness of transposable elements as an evolutionary 'contact-tracing' tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Halter
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna. Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.,Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, University of Vienna. Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Köstlbacher
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna. Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.,Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, University of Vienna. Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria.,Current address: Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6700 EH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Rattei
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna. Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Frederik Hendrickx
- OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. Rue Vautier/Vautierstraat 29,, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alejandro Manzano-Marín
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna. Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Horn
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna. Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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15
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Minahan NT, Wu WJ, Tsai KH. Rickettsia felis is an emerging human pathogen associated with cat fleas: A review of findings in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2023; 56:10-19. [PMID: 36585292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an emerging rickettsial agent principally associated with cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), formerly discovered in 1990. Since then, clinical cases of R. felis infection have been identified globally by specific DNA sequences in patients with undifferentiated febrile illness, including in Taiwan, but such evidence is limited. R. felis rickettsiosis is self-limiting and easily treated with doxycycline, but its diagnosis remains a challenge. Environmental risk factors for R. felis rickettsiosis have yet to be clearly demonstrated, and its transmission biology is incompletely understood. Cat fleas are naturally infected with R. felis at varying rates, and vector competence in the transmission of R. felis has been demonstrated in animal models, including dogs, which may serve as reservoir hosts. In northern Taiwan, despite ∼20% of cat fleas infesting companion animals consistently found to be infected with R. felis, only a few cases of potential R. felis infection have been identified through a retrospective serological investigation, though without molecular confirmation. Ecological studies have identified divergent R. felis-like organisms in different arthropod hosts, but these strains appear to serve as nonpathogenic endosymbionts. Although its association with disease is limited, we believe cat flea-borne R. felis warrants increased recognition in an aging population due to immunosenescence and the proximity of companion animals to the elderly. Adopting a One Health approach involving collaboration and communication between clinicians, veterinarians, public health practitioners, and environmental scientists will improve our knowledge about this neglected pathogen and promote the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T Minahan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jer Wu
- Department of Entomology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Entomology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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16
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Lu M, Meng C, Li Y, Zhou G, Wang L, Xu X, Li N, Ji Y, Tian J, Wang W, Li K. Rickettsia sp. and Anaplasma spp. in Haemaphysalis longicornis from Shandong province of China, with evidence of a novel species "Candidatus Anaplasma Shandongensis". Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102082. [PMID: 36403321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis is one of the most dominant and widespread tick species in China. This species mainly infests wild animals and occasionally attacks humans, and has been associated with the transmission of a variety of zoonotic pathogens including spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR), severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.. Although there are increasing reports of various pathogens associated with H. longicornis, some neglected pathogens in certain areas still need to be studied. In this study, a total of 171 H. longicornis ticks were collected from goats in three locations of Shandong Province, Eastern China (Zibo, Linyi, and Qingdao cities), and subsequently screened for the presence of Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia bacteria. A total of four bacterial species were identified and characterized. "Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis" was detected in one tick specimen from Zibo city. Of 98 ticks from Linyi city, 63.27% (62/98) were tested positive for Anaplasma capra and 5.10% (5/98) were positive for Anaplasma bovis. Interestingly, a novel Anaplasma species was detected and characterized in one tick specimen from Zibo and one other from Linyi, respectively. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S, gltA, groEL, and msp4 genes indicated that it was divergent from all known Anaplasma species but mostly related to A. phagocytophilum and "Cadidatus Anaplasma boleense". Based on where it was first detected, we named it "Candidatus Anaplasma shandongensis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing city, China
| | - Chao Meng
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yilin Li
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guangyi Zhou
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Laoshan No.3 middle school, 266061, Qingdao city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Na Li
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuqi Ji
- College of life sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Taian city, Shandong Province, China
| | - Junhua Tian
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 430024, Wuhan city, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wen Wang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing city, China
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 102206, Changping District, Beijing city, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Commerce, 300134, Beichen District, Tianjin City, China.
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17
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Lock and Key: Why Rickettsia Endosymbionts Do Not Harm Vertebrate Hosts? Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121494. [PMID: 36558828 PMCID: PMC9781603 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Are tick endosymbionts transmitted to and able to injure vertebrate hosts [...].
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18
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Kidd L. Emerging Spotted Fever Rickettsioses in the United States. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1305-1317. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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19
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Morganella Phage Mecenats66 Utilizes an Evolutionarily Distinct Subtype of Headful Genome Packaging with a Preferred Packaging Initiation Site. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091799. [PMID: 36144401 PMCID: PMC9503643 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091799] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Both recognized species from the genus Morganella (M. morganii and M. psychrotolerans) are Gram-negative facultative anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria that have been documented as sometimes being implicated in human disease. Complete genomes of seven Morganella-infecting phages are publicly available today. Here, we report on the genomic characterization of an insect associated Morganella sp. phage, which we named Mecenats66, isolated from dead worker honeybees. Phage Mecenats66 was propagated, purified, and subjected to whole-genome sequencing with subsequent complete genome annotation. After the genome de novo assembly, it was noted that Mecenats66 might employ a headful packaging with a preferred packaging initiation site, although its terminase amino acid sequence did not fall within any of the currently recognized headful packaging subtype employing phage (that had their packaging strategy experimentally verified) with clusters on a terminase sequence phylogenetic tree. The in silico predicted packaging strategy was verified experimentally, validating the packaging initiation site and suggesting that Mecenats66 represents an evolutionarily distinct headful genome packaging with a preferred packaging initiation site strategy subtype. These findings can possibly be attributed to several of the phages already found within the public biological sequence repositories and could aid newly isolated phage packaging strategy predictions in the future.
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20
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Onyiche TE, Labruna MB, Saito TB. Unraveling the epidemiological relationship between ticks and rickettsial infection in Africa. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.952024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are emerging and re-emerging diseases of public health concern caused by over 30 species of Rickettsia. Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods with over 700 species of Ixodid ticks known worldwide. The escalating geographical dispersal of tick vectors and concomitant increase in the incidences of tick-borne diseases have fueled interest in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens. This review focuses on aspects of the Rickettsia pathogen, including biology, taxonomy, phylogeny, genetic diversity, epidemiology of the disease, and the role of vertebrate host in the perpetuation of rickettsioses in Africa. Our review also highlights some of the species of Rickettsia that are responsible for disease, the role of tick vectors (both hard and soft ticks) and the species of Rickettsia associated with diverse tick species across the continent. Additionally, this article emphasizes the evolutionary perspective of rickettsiae perpetuation and the possible role of amplifying vertebrate host and other small mammals, domestic animals and wildlife in the epidemiology of Rickettsia species. We also specifically, discussed the role of avian population in the epidemiology of SFG rickettsiae. Furthermore, we highlighted tick-borne rickettsioses among travelers due to African tick-bite fever (ATBF) and the challenges to surveillance of rickettsial infection, and research on rickettsiology in Africa. Our review canvasses the need for more rickettsiologists of African origin based within the continent to further research towards understanding the biology, characterization, and species distribution, including the competent tick vectors involved in their transmission of rickettsiae across the continent in collaboration with established researchers in western countries. We further highlighted the need for proper funding to encourage research despite competing demands for resources across the various sectors. We finalize by discussing the similarities between rickettsial diseases around the world and which steps need to be taken to help foster our understanding on the eco-epidemiology of rickettsioses by bridging the gap between the growing epidemiological data and the molecular characterization of Rickettsia species.
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21
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Guo L, Tang C, Gao C, Li Z, Cheng Y, Chen J, Wang T, Xu J. Bacterial and fungal communities within and among geographic samples of the hemp pest Psylliodes attenuata from China. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:964735. [PMID: 36147860 PMCID: PMC9485832 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.964735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The hemp flea beetle Psylliodes attenuata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Psylliodes) is a common pest of Cannabis sativa, including cultivars of both medicinal marijuana and industrial hemp. Both the larval and adult stages of this beetle can cause significant damages to C. sativa, resulting in substantial crop losses. At present, little is known about the bacterial and fungal community diversity among populations of this pest insect. In the present study, we obtained P. attenuata samples from nine field sites representing broad industrial hemp productions in China and analyzed their microbial communities using DNA metabarcoding. Bacterial sequences of all the samples were assigned to 3728 OTUs, which belonged to 45 phyla, 1058 genera and 1960 known species. The most common genera were Rickettsia, Wolbachia, and Candidatus_Brownia. Fungal sequences of all the samples were assigned to 910 OTUs, which belonged to 9 phyla, 308 genera and 464 known species. The most common fungal genera were Cladosporium, Cutaneotrichosporon, and Aspergillus. Principal coordinate analysis revealed a significant difference in the bacterial and fungal community structure among the nine P. attenuata populations. Understanding the microbial symbionts may provide clues to help develop potential biocontrol techniques against this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Litao Guo
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Litao Guo,
| | - Chao Tang
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Tuhong Wang
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Jianping Xu, ; 0000-0003-2915-2780
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22
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Incidence of tick-borne spotted fever group Rickettsia species in rodents in two regions in Kazakhstan. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14872. [PMID: 36050456 PMCID: PMC9437098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19145-0] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Records on the distribution of Rickettsia spp. in their natural hosts in Central Asia are incomplete. Rodents and small mammals are potential natural reservoirs for Rickettsiae in their natural lifecycle. Studies about the maintenance of Rickettsia in wild animals are available for Western nations, but—to our knowledge—no studies and data are available in the Republic of Kazakhstan so far. The first case description of Rickettsioses in Kazakhstan was made in the 1950ies in the Almaty region and now Kyzylorda, East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and North Kazakhstan are endemic areas. The existence of murine and endemic typhus was proven in arthropod vectors in the regions Kyzylorda and Almaty. Here we show for the first time investigations on tick-borne Rickettsia species detected by a pan-rickettsial citrate synthase gene (gltA) real-time PCR in ear lobes of small mammals (n = 624) in Kazakhstan. From all analysed small mammals 2.72% were positive for Rickettsia raoultii, R. slovaca or R. conorii. Sequencing of the rickettsial gene OmpAIV and the 23S–5S interspacer region revealed a similar heritage of identified Rickettsia species that was observed in ticks in previous studies from the region. In summary, this study proves that rodents in Kazakhstan serve as a natural reservoir of Rickettsia spp.
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23
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Assembly and Comparison of Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis Genomes. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061134. [PMID: 35744652 PMCID: PMC9227406 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061134] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis is widely prevalent in I. ricinus across Europe and has been associated with human disease. However, diagnostic modalities are limited, and much is still unknown about its biology. Here, we present the first complete Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis genomes directly derived from wildlife reservoir host tissues, using both long- and short-read sequencing technologies. This pragmatic approach provides an alternative to obtaining sufficient material from clinical cases, a difficult task for emerging infectious diseases, and to expensive and challenging bacterial isolation and culture methods. Both genomes exhibit a larger chromosome than the currently available Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis genomes and expand the ability to find new targets for the development of supportive laboratory diagnostics in the future. Moreover, this method could be utilized for other tick-borne pathogens that are difficult to culture.
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Brown Dog Tick ( Rhipicephalus sanguineus Sensu Lato) Infection with Endosymbiont and Human Pathogenic Rickettsia spp., in Northeastern México. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106249. [PMID: 35627785 PMCID: PMC9141927 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Of the documented tick-borne diseases infecting humans in México, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, is responsible for most fatalities. Given recent evidence of brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., as an emerging vector of human RMSF, we aimed to evaluate dogs and their ticks for rickettsiae infections as an initial step in assessing the establishment of this pathosystem in a poorly studied region of northeastern México while evaluating the use of dogs as sentinels for transmission/human disease risk. We sampled owned dogs living in six disadvantaged neighborhoods of Reynosa, northeastern México to collect whole blood and ticks. Of 168 dogs assessed, tick infestation prevalence was 53%, composed of exclusively Rh. sanguineus s. l. (n = 2170 ticks). Using PCR and sequencing, we identified an overall rickettsiae infection prevalence of 4.1% (n = 12/292) in ticks, in which eight dogs harbored at least one infected tick. Rickettsiae infections included Rickettsia amblyommatis and Rickettsia parkeri, both of which are emerging human pathogens, as well as Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae. This is the first documentation of pathogenic Rickettsia species in Rh. sanguineus s.l. collected from dogs from northeastern México. Domestic dog infestation with Rickettsia-infected ticks indicates ongoing transmission; thus, humans are at risk for exposure, and this underscores the importance of public and veterinary health surveillance for these pathogens.
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25
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Dally M, Izraeli Y, Belausov E, Mozes-Daube N, Coll M, Zchori-Fein E. Rickettsia association with two Macrolophus (Heteroptera: Miridae) species: A comparative study of phylogenies and within-host localization patterns. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1107153. [PMID: 36909844 PMCID: PMC9998071 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1107153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Many arthropods host bacterial symbionts, some of which are known to influence host nutrition and diet breadth. Omnivorous bugs of the genus Macrolophus (Heteroptera: Miridae) are mainly predatory, but may also feed on plants. The species M. pygmaeus and M. melanotoma (=M. caliginosus) are key natural enemies of various economically important agricultural pests, and are known to harbor two Rickettsia species, R. bellii and R. limoniae. To test for possible involvement of symbiotic bacteria in the nutritional ecology of these biocontrol agents, the abundance, phylogeny, and distribution patterns of the two Rickettsia species in M. pygmaeus and M. melanotoma were studied. Both of the Rickettsia species were found in 100 and 84% of all tested individuals of M. pygmaeus and M. melanotoma, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that a co-evolutionary process between Macrolophus species and their Rickettsia is infrequent. Localization of R. bellii and R. limoniae has been detected in both female and male of M. pygmaeus and M. melanotoma. FISH analysis of female gonads revealed the presence of both Rickettsia species in the germarium of both bug species. Each of the two Rickettsia species displayed a unique distribution pattern along the digestive system of the bugs, mostly occupying separate epithelial cells, unknown caeca-like organs, the Malpighian tubules and the salivary glands. This pattern differed between the two Macrolophus species: in M. pygmaeus, R. limoniae was distributed more broadly along the host digestive system and R. bellii was located primarily in the foregut and midgut. In contrast, in M. melanotoma, R. bellii was more broadly distributed along the digestive system than the clustered R. limoniae. Taken together, these results suggest that Rickettsia may have a role in the nutritional ecology of their plant-and prey-consuming hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dally
- Department of Entomology, RH Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Entomology, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, ARO, Ramat-Yishay, Israel
| | - Yehuda Izraeli
- Department of Entomology, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, ARO, Ramat-Yishay, Israel.,Department of Evolution and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eduard Belausov
- The Institute of Plant Sciences, The Volcani Center, ARO, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Netta Mozes-Daube
- Department of Entomology, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, ARO, Ramat-Yishay, Israel
| | - Moshe Coll
- Department of Entomology, RH Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Einat Zchori-Fein
- Department of Entomology, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, ARO, Ramat-Yishay, Israel
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