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Richardson EA, Roe RM, Apperson CS, Ponnusamy L. Rickettsia amblyommatis in Ticks: A Review of Distribution, Pathogenicity, and Diversity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020493. [PMID: 36838458 PMCID: PMC9960904 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia amblyommatis is a potentially pathogenic species of Rickettsia within the spotted fever group vectored by ticks. While many studies have been published on this species, there is debate over its pathogenicity and the inhibitory role it plays in diagnosing illnesses caused by other spotted fever group Rickettsia species. Many publications have recorded the high infection prevalence of R. amblyommatis in tick populations at a global scale. While this species is rather ubiquitous, questions remain over the epidemiological importance of this possible human pathogen. With tick-borne diseases on the rise, understanding the exact role that R. amblyommatis plays as a pathogen and inhibitor of infection relative to other tick-borne pathogens will help public health efforts. The goal of this review was to compile the known literature on R. amblyommatis, review what we know about its geographic distribution, tick vectors, and pathogenicity, assess relatedness between various international strains from ticks by phylogenetic analysis and draw conclusions regarding future research needed.
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Mediannikov O, Bechah Y, Amanzougaghene N, Lepidi H, Bassene H, Sambou M, Lienhard C, Benkacimi L, Dieme C, Sokhna C, Fenollar F, Raoult D. Booklice Liposcelis bostrychophila naturally infected by Rickettsia felis cause fever and experimental pneumonia in mammals. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:1075-1083. [PMID: 35776143 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac282] [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: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rickettsia felis is emergent in tropical areas. Despite its high morbidity, its natural history has not yet been fully determined. We investigated the role of the common household booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila, recently found to harbour R. felis. METHODS Blood samples from 372 febrile patients from Senegalese villages, as well as nasal and skin samples from 264 asymptomatic individuals, were tested for cat flea-associated and booklice-associated strains of R. felis. Dust samples from beds were collected to isolate booklice and R. felis. Mice were infected with aerosol of R. felis strain from naturally infected booklice. RESULTS Forty febrile patients (11%) were infected by R. felis, including 26 (7%) by the booklice-associated strain. Nine nasal samples (3.4%) and 28 skin samples (10.6%) contained R. felis, including seven and 24, respectively, with the booklice-associated strain. The presence of live L. bostrychophila was observed in 32 dust samples (16.8%); R. felis was identified in 62 dust samples (32.5%). Several mice samples were positive for R. felis; interstitial lymphohistiocytic infiltrates were identified in lungs. CONCLUSIONS L. bostrychophila may be a reservoir of R. felis. The booklice-associated strain is pathogenic in mammals causing pneumonia. Human infection may be acquired via inhalation of infected booklice particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHII, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Yassina Bechah
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHII, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHII, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Hubert Lepidi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHII, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Masse Sambou
- VITROME, Campus International UCAD-IRD, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Linda Benkacimi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | | | - Cheikh Sokhna
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHII, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Victoria Rombot D, Yermia Semuel M. The Metagenomic Analysis of Potential Pathogenic Emerging Bacteria in Fleas. Pak J Biol Sci 2021; 24:1084-1090. [PMID: 34842379 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2021.1084.1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
<b>Background and Objective:</b> At present many pathogenic microbes that cause disease in humans are transmitted through animals. <i>Ctenocephalides felis</i>is specific ectoparasites in cats. Metagenomic research on the digestive tract and body surface of <i>C. felis</i>has been conducted. DNA genomics was extracted from the body surface and digestive tract of <i>C. felis</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Metagenomic analysis has used the 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 region). Sequencing was carried out using New Generation Sequencing at the First BASE Laboratory, Singapore. <b>Results:</b> Wolbachia has the most significant bacterial composition in <i>C. felis</i> (94.4%), we were found bacteria with a composition >1% that have never been reported to be associated with <i>C. felis</i>. Also, there were 0.2% of bacteria whose taxonomic status cannot be determined. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results of this study become a vital reference pathogenic bacteria that can be transmitted to humans and animals through <i>C. felis</i>. It is necessary to study the resistance of bacteria isolated from<i>C. felis</i>to antibiotics in the future.
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Moonga LC, Hayashida K, Mulunda NR, Nakamura Y, Chipeta J, Moonga HB, Namangala B, Sugimoto C, Mtonga Z, Mutengo M, Yamagishi J. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Rickettsia asembonensis in Human Blood, Zambia. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2237-2239. [PMID: 34287134 PMCID: PMC8314825 DOI: 10.3201/eid2708.203467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia asembonensis is a flea-related Rickettsia with unknown pathogenicity to humans. We detected R. asembonensis DNA in 2 of 1,153 human blood samples in Zambia. Our findings suggest the possibility of R. asembonensis infection in humans despite its unknown pathogenicity.
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Durden LA, Bermúdez S, Vargas GA, Sanjur BE, Gillen L, Brown LD, Greiman SE, Eremeeva ME. Fleas (Siphonaptera) Parasitizing Peridomestic and Indigenous Mammals in Panamá and Screening of Selected Fleas for Vector-Borne Bacterial Pathogens. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1316-1321. [PMID: 33215205 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa253] [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: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In total, 341 fleas belonging to 16 species were collected from 78 host mammals belonging to 10 species in Panamá from 2010 to 2016. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) predominated on domestic dogs and was also recorded from domestic cats, the raccoon, Procyon lotor (Linnaeus) and the common opossum, Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus. The largest number of flea species (7) was recorded from D. marsupialis and the most common flea on that host was the ctenophthalmid, Adoratopsylla intermedia copha Jordan. One Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild), was collected from D. marsupialis. Native rodents were parasitized by indigenous ceratophyllid, rhopalopsyllid, and stephanocircid fleas. The Mexican deermouse, Peromyscus mexicanus (Saussure), was parasitized by six species of ceratophyllids belonging to the mostly Central American genera, Baculomeris, Jellisonia, Kohlsia and Plusaetis. The long-tailed singing mouse, Scotinomys xerampelinus (Bangs), was parasitized by Plocopsylla scotinomi Tipton and Méndez, the only species of stephanocircid flea known from Central America. Twenty-six pools of extracted flea DNA representing 5 flea species (C. felis, Pulex echidnophagoides (Wagner), Pulex simulans Baker, A. intermedia copha, and P. scotinomi) and 79 individual fleas were all real-time polymerase chain reaction negative for Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, and Bartonella henselae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | | | - Géminis A Vargas
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactes, Universidad de Chiriqui, University City, El Cabrero, David, Chiriqui, Panamá
| | - Boris E Sanjur
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactes, Universidad de Chiriqui, University City, El Cabrero, David, Chiriqui, Panamá
| | - Laura Gillen
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | - Lisa D Brown
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | | | - Marina E Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
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6
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Hamzaoui BE, Zurita A, Cutillas C, Parola P. Fleas and flea-borne diseases of North Africa. Acta Trop 2020; 211:105627. [PMID: 32652054 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
North Africa has an interesting and rich wildlife including hematophagous arthropods, and specifically fleas, which constitute a large part of the North African fauna, and are recognised vectors of several zoonotic bacteria. Flea-borne organisms are widely distributed throughout the world in endemic disease foci, where components of the enzootic cycle are present. Furthermore, flea-borne diseases could re-emerge in epidemic form because of changes in the vector-host ecology due to environmental and human behaviour modifications. We need to know the real incidences of flea-borne diseases in the world due to this incidence could be much greater than are generally recognized by physicians and health authorities. As a result, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed by health care professionals who are unaware of the presence of these infections and thus do not take them into consideration when attempting to determine the cause of a patient's illness. In this context, this bibliographic review aims to summarise the main species of fleas present in North Africa, their geographical distribution, flea-borne diseases, and their possible re-emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma El Hamzaoui
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME; IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME; IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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7
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Ferreira FC, Fonseca DM, Hamilton G, Price D. Metagenomic analysis of human-biting cat fleas in urban northeastern United States of America reveals an emerging zoonotic pathogen. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15611. [PMID: 32973327 PMCID: PMC7519146 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72956-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An infestation of cat fleas in a research center led to the detection of two genotypes of Ctenocephalides felis biting humans in New Jersey, USA. The rarer flea genotype had an 83% incidence of Rickettsia asembonensis, a recently described bacterium closely related to R. felis, a known human pathogen. A metagenomics analysis developed in under a week recovered the entire R. asembonensis genome at high coverage and matched it to identical or almost identical (> 99% similarity) strains reported worldwide. Our study exposes the potential of cat fleas as vectors of human pathogens in crowded northeastern U.S, cities and suburbs where free-ranging cats are abundant. Furthermore, it demonstrates the power of metagenomics to glean large amounts of comparative data regarding both emerging vectors and their pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco C Ferreira
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, 20008, USA.
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - George Hamilton
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Dana Price
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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8
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Maina AN, Jiang J, Luce-Fedrow A, St John HK, Farris CM, Richards AL. Worldwide Presence and Features of Flea-Borne Rickettsia asembonensis. Front Vet Sci 2019; 5:334. [PMID: 30687724 PMCID: PMC6338025 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia asembonensis, the most well-characterized rickettsia of the Rickettsia felis-like organisms (RFLO), is relatively unknown within the vector-borne diseases research community. The agent was initially identified in peri-domestic fleas from Asembo, Kenya in an area in which R. felis was associated with fever patients. Local fleas collected from domestic animals and within homes were predominately infected with R. asembonensis with < 10% infected with R. felis. Since the identification of R. asembonensis in Kenya, it has been reported in other locations within Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and South America. With the description of R. asembonensis-like genotypes across the globe, a need exists to isolate these R. asembonensis genotypes in cell culture, conduct microscopic, and biological analysis, as well as whole genome sequencing to ascertain whether they are the same species. Additionally, interest has been building on the potential of R. asembonensis in infecting vertebrate hosts including humans, non-human primates, dogs, and other animals. The current knowledge of the presence, prevalence, and distribution of R. asembonensis worldwide, as well as its arthropod hosts and potential as a pathogen are discussed in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice N Maina
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Ju Jiang
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Alison Luce-Fedrow
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Department of Biology, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, United States
| | - Heidi K St John
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Christina M Farris
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Allen L Richards
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Department of Preventative Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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9
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Fenollar F, Mediannikov O. Emerging infectious diseases in Africa in the 21st century. New Microbes New Infect 2018; 26:S10-S18. [PMID: 30402238 PMCID: PMC6205565 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many infectious diseases have emerged or reemerged in Africa in the 21st century. Some of them are associated with newly discovered microorganisms such as Rickettsia felis and Tropheryma whipplei; others are known, historical diseases such as plague and cholera. In addition are diseases related to previously known microorganisms which recently have been involved for the first time in massive outbreaks with worldwide impacts (such as Ebola virus, Zika virus and Chikungunya virus). Research on emerging infectious diseases needs to be identified as a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - O Mediannikov
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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10
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Mediannikov O, Abat C, Sokhna C, Raoult D. Parallel Decline of Malaria and Rickettsia felis Infections in Senegal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:360-361. [PMID: 29869598 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is a common emerging pathogen in sub-Saharan Africa. Comparing dynamics of morbidities due to malaria and R. felis infections in two Senegalese villages, we found a strong and significant correlation between them. Malaria morbidity is strongly decreasing because of the implementation of long-lasting insecticidal nets, so we hypothesize that the same measure may decrease the R. felis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann Maristes, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Cédric Abat
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann Maristes, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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11
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McDermott EG, Mullens BA. The Dark Side of Light Traps. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:251-261. [PMID: 29211869 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Light-baited suction traps are one of the most widely used tools for vector surveillance. Their popularity stems from ease of use even in remote locations, range and abundance of species caught, and low cost. The availability of smaller, portable models, like the CDC miniature light trap, have further increased their ubiquity in entomological field studies. However, when researchers have looked, light trap collections are usually biased in ways that may affect data interpretation for epidemiological studies. If used alone, light traps may fail to collect important or infected vectors, and light traps are inefficient or ineffective when competing ambient light is present. In this article, we discuss these biases and limitations in terms of their effect on collection efficiency, population data, and pathogen detection. While light trap data certainly have a purpose, an over-reliance on light trapping risks drawing false conclusions about vector populations and vector-borne disease epidemiology. These concerns are especially troubling when light trap data are used to inform policy decisions meant to protect human and animal health. Particularly when a species' response to light is unknown or poorly characterized, light traps should be used in conjunction with supplemental sampling methods. Researchers conducting vector surveillance field studies should carefully consider their study design and objectives when deciding on a trapping method or methods, and specifically endeavor to understand the limitations of their data. Only then can researchers take advantage of the best attributes of light traps while avoiding their dark side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G McDermott
- Vector and Parasite Biology, Entomology Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
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12
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Silva AB, Vizzoni VF, Costa AP, Costa FB, Moraes-Filho J, Labruna MB, Gazêta GS, de Maria Seabra Nogueira R. First report of a Rickettsia asembonensis related infecting fleas in Brazil. Acta Trop 2017; 172:44-49. [PMID: 28427962 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study was performed in a non-endemic area for spotted fever (SF) in Imperatriz microregion, state of Maranhão, Brazil. Blood samples and ectoparasites were collected from 300 dogs of the Imperatriz microregion. Canine serum samples were tested individually by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), using five Rickettsia isolates from Brazil. Antibodies reactive to at least one of the five species of Rickettsia were detected in 1.6% of the dogs (5/300). These sera were considered reactive to Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia amblyommatis or very closely related species. The ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Latreille), and the fleas, identified as Ctenocephalides felis, were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of rickettsial DNA. More than 78% (83/106) of the C. felis fleas were found to be infected with Rickettsia species using gltA as rickettsial PCR targets, whereas no evidence of Rickettsia spp. was found in R. sanguineus s. l. Genetic analysis based on genes gltA, htrA and ompB showed that the detected strain, is most closely related to Rickettsia asembonensis (formerly Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis). The present study is the first report of a R. asembonensis related infecting C. felis fleas in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arannadia Barbosa Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação do Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, MA, Brazil; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ/IOC), Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses (LIRN), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Figueiredo Vizzoni
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ/IOC), Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses (LIRN), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andréa Pereira Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação do Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, MA, Brazil
| | - Francisco Borges Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação do Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, MA, Brazil
| | - Jonas Moraes-Filho
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Salles Gazêta
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ/IOC), Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Vetores das Riquetsioses (LIRN), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rita de Maria Seabra Nogueira
- Programa de Pós-graduação do Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, MA, Brazil.
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13
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Ehounoud C, Fenollar F, Dahmani M, N’Guessan J, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Bacterial arthropod-borne diseases in West Africa. Acta Trop 2017; 171:124-137. [PMID: 28365316 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods such as ticks, lice, fleas and mites are excellent vectors for many pathogenic agents including bacteria, protozoa and viruses to animals. Moreover, many of these pathogens can also be accidentally transmitted to humans throughout the world. Bacterial vector-borne diseases seem to be numerous and very important in human pathology, however, they are often ignored and are not well known. Yet they are in a phase of geographic expansion and play an important role in the etiology of febrile episodes in regions of Africa. Since the introduction of molecular techniques, the presence of these pathogens has been confirmed in various samples from arthropods and animals, and more rarely from human samples in West Africa. In this review, the aim is to summarize the latest information about vector-borne bacteria, focusing on West Africa from 2000 until today in order to better understand the epidemiological risks associated with these arthropods. This will allow health and veterinary authorities to develop a strategy for surveillance of arthropods and bacterial disease in order to protect people and animals.
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14
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Sansyzbayev Y, Nurmakhanov T, Berdibekov A, Vilkova A, Yeskhodzhayev O, St John HK, Jiang J, Farris CM, Richards AL. Survey for Rickettsiae Within Fleas of Great Gerbils, Almaty Oblast, Kazakhstan. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 17:172-178. [PMID: 27992288 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known of the endemicity of flea-borne rickettsiae in Kazakhstan. Thus, a survey for rickettsiae within great gerbil fleas was conducted in Almaty oblast. High prevalence of Rickettsia asembonensis was detected among Xenopsylla gerbilli, demonstrating that flea-borne rickettsiae are endemic to southeastern Kazakhstan. Interestingly, no Rickettsia typhi were detected in these same fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerlan Sansyzbayev
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Talgat Nurmakhanov
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Almas Berdibekov
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Anna Vilkova
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Olzhas Yeskhodzhayev
- 1 Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Disease , Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Ju Jiang
- 2 Naval Medical Research Center , Silver Spring, Maryland
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Abat C, Colson P, Chaudet H, Rolain JM, Bassene H, Diallo A, Mediannikov O, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Sokhna C. Implementation of Syndromic Surveillance Systems in Two Rural Villages in Senegal. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005212. [PMID: 27926917 PMCID: PMC5167408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases still represent a major challenge for humanity. In this context, their surveillance is critical. From 2010 to 2016, two Point-Of-Care (POC) laboratories have been successfully implemented in the rural Saloum region of Senegal. In parallel, a homemade syndromic surveillance system called EPIMIC was implemented to monitor infectious diseases using data produced by the POC laboratory of the Timone hospital in Marseille, France. The aim of this study is to describe the steps necessary for implementing EPIMIC using data routinely produced by two POC laboratories (POC-L) established in rural Senegal villages. After improving EPIMIC, we started to monitor the 15 pathogens routinely diagnosed in the two POC-L using the same methodology we used in France. In 5 years, 2,577 deduplicated patients-samples couples from 775 different patients have been tested in the Dielmo and Ndiop POC-L. 739 deduplicated patients-samples couples were found to be positive to at least one of the tested pathogens. The retrospective analysis of the Dielmo and Ndiop POC data with EPIMIC allowed to generate 443 alarms. Since January 2016, 316 deduplicated patients-samples couples collected from 298 different patients were processed in the Niakhar POC laboratory. 56 deduplicated patients-samples couples were found to be positive to at least one of the tested pathogens. The retrospective analysis of the data of the Niakhar POC laboratory with EPIMIC allowed to generate 14 alarms. Although some improvements are still needed, EPIMIC has been successfully spread using data routinely produced by two rural POC-L in Senegal, West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Abat
- Aix-Marseille Univ., URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille CEDEX 05, France
- Campus IRD d' Hann Maristes, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Philippe Colson
- Aix-Marseille Univ., URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille CEDEX 05, France
| | - Hervé Chaudet
- Aix-Marseille Univ., URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille CEDEX 05, France
| | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- Aix-Marseille Univ., URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille CEDEX 05, France
| | | | | | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix-Marseille Univ., URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille CEDEX 05, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix-Marseille Univ., URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille CEDEX 05, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ., URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille CEDEX 05, France
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- Aix-Marseille Univ., URMITE UM 63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille CEDEX 05, France
- Campus IRD d' Hann Maristes, Dakar, Sénégal
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16
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Maina AN, Luce-Fedrow A, Omulo S, Hang J, Chan TC, Ade F, Jima DD, Ogola E, Ge H, Breiman RF, Njenga MK, Richards AL. Isolation and characterization of a novel Rickettsia species (Rickettsia asembonensis sp. nov.) obtained from cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:4512-4517. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alice N. Maina
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Alison Luce-Fedrow
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
- Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257, USA
| | | | - Jun Hang
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Teik-Chye Chan
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | | | - Dereje D. Jima
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Eric Ogola
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Hong Ge
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | | | | | - Allen L. Richards
- Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
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Yiguan W, Jie T, Qiyong L, Cannan S, Wenlong K, Henglu D, Cheng X, Wenzhu Z, Fajun C, Fengxia M. Influence of Bloodmeal Host on Blood Feeding, Egg Production, and Offspring Sex Ratio of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:888-893. [PMID: 27106931 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché), feeds on different host species, causing annoyance or transmitting disease agents. In this study, the influence of the host of the cat flea on blood feeding, egg production, and sex ratio of the offspring was investigated. Two strains of C. felis were domesticated on either rats or mice for >10 yr in the laboratory, and in this study, these fleas were placed in the following groups and fed on rats or mice continuously: Group A (rat-domesticated C. felis with rats as host); Group B (rat-domesticated C. felis with mice as host); Group C (mouse-domesticated C. felis with rats as host); and Group D (mouse-domesticated C. felis with mice as host). In total, 240 adult fleas were in each group at a sex ratio of female:male = 1.7:1. The mean egg production per flea of Groups A, B, C, and D was 55.0, 19.2, 62.5, and 13.2, respectively. A significant correlation between egg production and the volume of blood consumed was detected for Groups A, B, C, and D. The sex ratio (F:M) of the offspring in Groups A and C was 2.07 and 2.11, respectively, whereas in Groups B and D, the ratio was 1.04 and 1.03, respectively. In conclusion, the C. felis with rats as host consumed more blood, produced more eggs, and had higher sex ratios of the offspring than those with mice as the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yiguan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Rd., Changping District, Beijing, China 102206 (; ; ; ; ; ; )
| | - Tian Jie
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Rd., Changping District, Beijing, China 102206 (; ; ; ; ; ; )
- The Base for Control and Prevention of Plague and Brucellosis, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 85 Haiming West Rd, Baicheng, Jilin Province, China 137000
| | - Liu Qiyong
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Rd., Changping District, Beijing, China 102206 (; ; ; ; ; ; )
| | - Shi Cannan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Rd., Changping District, Beijing, China 102206 (; ; ; ; ; ; )
| | - Kai Wenlong
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Rd., Changping District, Beijing, China 102206 (; ; ; ; ; ; )
| | - Duan Henglu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Rd., Changping District, Beijing, China 102206 (; ; ; ; ; ; )
| | - Xu Cheng
- The Base for Control and Prevention of Plague and Brucellosis, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 85 Haiming West Rd, Baicheng, Jilin Province, China 137000
| | - Zhang Wenzhu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Office of Laboratory Management, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China 102206
| | - Chen Fajun
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China 210095 , and
| | - Meng Fengxia
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Rd., Changping District, Beijing, China 102206 (; ; ; ; ; ; ),
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18
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Mourembou G, Lekana-Douki JB, Mediannikov O, Nzondo SM, Kouna LC, Essone JCBB, Fenollar F, Raoult D. Possible Role of Rickettsia felis in Acute Febrile Illness among Children in Gabon. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 21:1808-15. [PMID: 26402580 PMCID: PMC4593428 DOI: 10.3201/eid2110.141825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection is widespread but most prevalent among young, rural residents with fever. Rickettsia felis has been reported to be a cause of fever in sub-Saharan Africa, but this association has been poorly evaluated in Gabon. We assessed the prevalence of this bacterium among children <15 years of age in 4 areas of Gabon; the locations were in urban, semiurban, and rural areas. DNA samples from 410 febrile children and 60 afebrile children were analyzed by quantitative PCR. Overall, the prevalence of R. felis among febrile and afebrile children was 10.2% (42/410 children) and 3.3% (2/60 children), respectively. Prevalence differed among febrile children living in areas that are urban (Franceville, 1.3% [1/77]), semiurban (Koulamoutou, 2.1% [3/141]), and rural (Lastourville, 11.2% [15/134]; Fougamou, 39.7% [23/58]). Furthermore, in a rural area (Fougamou), R. felis was significantly more prevalent in febrile (39.7% [23/58]) than afebrile children (5.0% [1/20]). Additional studies are needed to better understand the pathogenic role of R. felis in this part of the world.
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Angelakis E, Mediannikov O, Parola P, Raoult D. Rickettsia felis: The Complex Journey of an Emergent Human Pathogen. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:554-564. [PMID: 27155905 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is different from other officially recognized rickettsial species. It has multiple genes of different origins, an incubation temperature of less than 32°C, and a conjugative plasmid. This Rickettsia is commonly detected in febrile patients in sub-Saharan Africa. R. felis is frequently detected in cat fleas, but recently mosquitoes have been suspected to be able to transmit the bacterium. However, many aspects of the ecology and epidemiology of R. felis are not completely understood and remain to be uncovered. We aim here to give an update of the current knowledge about this fascinating organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Angelakis
- URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Aix Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France.
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Aix Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Aix Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Aix Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France
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20
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Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an emerging insect-borne rickettsial pathogen and the causative agent of flea-borne spotted fever. First described as a human pathogen from the USA in 1991, R. felis is now identified throughout the world and considered a common cause of fever in Africa. The cosmopolitan distribution of this pathogen is credited to the equally widespread occurrence of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), the primary vector and reservoir of R. felis. Although R. felis is a relatively new member of the pathogenic Rickettsia, limited knowledge of basic R. felis biology continues to hinder research progression of this unique bacterium. This is a comprehensive review examining what is known and unknown relative to R. felis transmission biology, epidemiology of the disease, and genetics, with an insight into areas of needed investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D. Brown
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Drive, SVM-3213, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Kevin R. Macaluso
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Drive, SVM-3213, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
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21
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Transmission potential of Rickettsia felis infection by Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:8088-93. [PMID: 26056256 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413835112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of recent reports have implicated Rickettsia felis as a human pathogen, paralleling the increasing detection of R. felis in arthropod hosts across the globe, primarily in fleas. Here Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, the primary malarial vectors in sub-Saharan Africa, were fed with either blood meal infected with R. felis or infected cellular media administered in membrane feeding systems. In addition, a group of mosquitoes was fed on R. felis-infected BALB/c mice. The acquisition and persistence of R. felis in mosquitoes was demonstrated by quantitative PCR detection of the bacteria up to day 15 postinfection. R. felis was detected in mosquito feces up to day 14. Furthermore, R. felis was visualized by immunofluorescence in salivary glands, in and around the gut, and in the ovaries, although no vertical transmission was observed. R. felis was also found in the cotton used for sucrose feeding after the mosquitoes were fed infected blood. Natural bites from R. felis-infected An. gambiae were able to cause transient rickettsemias in mice, indicating that this mosquito species has the potential to be a vector of R. felis infection. This is particularly important given the recent report of high prevalence of R. felis infection in patients with "fever of unknown origin" in malaria-endemic areas.
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22
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Rzotkiewicz S, Gutiérrez R, Krasnov BR, Morick D, Khokhlova IS, Nachum-Biala Y, Baneth G, Harrus S. Novel evidence suggests that a 'Rickettsia felis-like' organism is an endosymbiont of the desert flea, Xenopsylla ramesis. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:1364-73. [PMID: 25677805 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fleas are acknowledged vectors and reservoirs of various bacteria that present a wide range of pathogenicity. In this study, fleas collected from wild rodents from the Negev desert in southern Israel were tested for RickettsiaDNA by targeting the 16S rRNA (rrs) gene. Thirty-eight Xenopsylla ramesis, 91 Synosternus cleopatrae and 15 Leptopsylla flea pools (a total of 568 fleas) were screened. RickettsiaDNA was detected in 100% of the X. ramesis and in one S. cleopatrae flea pools. None of L. algira flea pools was found positive. All positive flea pools were further characterized by sequencing of five additional genetic loci (gltA, ompB, ompA, htrA and fusA). The molecular identification of the positive samples showed all sequences to be closely related to the 'Rickettsia felis-like' organisms (99-100% similarities in the six loci). To further investigate the association between 'R. felis-like' and X. ramesis fleas, ten additional single X. ramesis adult fleas collected from the wild and five laboratory-maintained X. ramesis imago, five larva pools (2-18 larvae per pool) and two egg pools (18 eggs per pool) were tested for the presence of 'R. felis-like' DNA. All samples were found positive by a specific ompAPCR assay, confirming the close association of this Rickettsia species with X. ramesis in all its life stages. These results suggest a symbiotic association between 'Rickettsia felis-like' and X. ramesis fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Rzotkiewicz
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O Box 12, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
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23
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Mediannikov O, Aubadie-Ladrix M, Raoult D. Candidatus 'Rickettsia senegalensis' in cat fleas in Senegal. New Microbes New Infect 2014; 3:24-8. [PMID: 25755888 PMCID: PMC4337942 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of Rickettsia felis and related bacteria are very important, because the natural cycle of this important infection has not yet been established. The recent emergence of R. felis-associated febrile diseases in West and East Africa demands insightful epidemiological studies of the vectors and reservoirs of this bacterium in Africa. Twenty-nine cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis, were tested for the presence of rickettsiae, including R. felis, bartonellae, and borreliae, with specific quantitative real-time PCR assays. Supporting our previous studies, R. felis was not detected in the fleas collected. In addition, neither Bartonella nor Borrelia was found. In five (17%) examined fleas, we found another species of rickettsia. We isolated three rickettsial strains, and genetic analysis demonstrated that these strains represent a probable new species, provisionally called Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis here.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Mediannikov
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France ; Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Dakar, Senegal
| | - M Aubadie-Ladrix
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Dakar, Senegal
| | - D Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
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Mediannikov O, Socolovschi C, Million M, Sokhna C, Bassene H, Diatta G, Fenollar F, Raoult D. Molecular identification of pathogenic bacteria in eschars from acute febrile patients, Senegal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 91:1015-9. [PMID: 25200258 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Fever caused by Rickettsia felis was recently shown to play an important role in infectious diseases morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. We collected 68 cotton swabs from fever-associated eschars in four different regions of Senegal. In 5 of 68 eschar samples (7.4%), we have identified DNA from R. felis. In 49 of 68 eschar samples (72.1%), we have identified DNA from Staphylococcus aureus. In 35 of 68 eschar samples (51.5%), we have identified DNA from Streptococcus pyogenes, and in 4 of 68 eschar samples (5.9%), we have identified DNA from Streptococcus pneumoniae. In 34 cases, S. aureus was found together with S. pyogenes. DNA from R. felis was also found in swabs from the skin of the healthy Senegalese villagers (3 of 60; 5%) but not French urbanites. The presence of S. aureus and S. pyogenes was significantly associated with the presence of eschars in febrile patients compared with the healthy skin from the control group. Finally, we confirmed that Senegal is an endemic region for R. felis, which is found in both eschars and healthy skin swabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Mediannikov
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes Institut de Recherche pour le Développement 198, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique 7278, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Campus Commun Université Cheikh Anta Diop-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement of Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Cristina Socolovschi
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes Institut de Recherche pour le Développement 198, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique 7278, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Campus Commun Université Cheikh Anta Diop-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement of Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Matthieu Million
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes Institut de Recherche pour le Développement 198, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique 7278, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Campus Commun Université Cheikh Anta Diop-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement of Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes Institut de Recherche pour le Développement 198, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique 7278, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Campus Commun Université Cheikh Anta Diop-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement of Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Hubert Bassene
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes Institut de Recherche pour le Développement 198, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique 7278, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Campus Commun Université Cheikh Anta Diop-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement of Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Georges Diatta
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes Institut de Recherche pour le Développement 198, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique 7278, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Campus Commun Université Cheikh Anta Diop-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement of Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes Institut de Recherche pour le Développement 198, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique 7278, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Campus Commun Université Cheikh Anta Diop-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement of Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Didier Raoult
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes Institut de Recherche pour le Développement 198, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique 7278, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Campus Commun Université Cheikh Anta Diop-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement of Hann, Dakar, Senegal
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25
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Merhej V, Angelakis E, Socolovschi C, Raoult D. Genotyping, evolution and epidemiological findings of Rickettsia species. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 25:122-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Odhiambo AM, Maina AN, Taylor ML, Jiang J, Richards AL. Development and validation of a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay specific for the detection of Rickettsia felis and not Rickettsia felis-like organisms. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:476-81. [PMID: 24918658 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human infections with Rickettsia felis have been reported worldwide. Recent studies have revealed the presence of many closely related but unique rickettsiae, referred to as Rickettsia felis-like organisms (RFLO), identified in various arthropods. Due to the recent discovery of the lack of specificity of earlier R. felis-specific assays, there has become a need to develop a new generation of R. felis-specific molecular assays that will differentiate R. felis not only from other rickettsiae but more importantly from other members of the R. felis genogroup that may not be pathogenic to humans. This new generation of assays is essential for determining the true risk for flea-borne spotted fever (FBSF) by surveying arthropod vectors/hosts. Because of the lack of specificity of previous assays developed to detect R. felis infections, prior surveys may have overestimated the prevalence of R. felis in arthropod vectors and thus the perceived risk of FBSF. We have developed a specific quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to detect R. felis (RfelB). Specificity of the assay was determined by testing it with a panel of 17 related Rickettsia species and 12 nonrickettsial bacterial DNA preparations. The RfelB qPCR assay was positive for R. felis DNA and negative for all of the 17 related Rickettsia species and 12 nonrickettsia bacterial DNA preparations. The limit of detection of the RfelB qPCR assay was determined to be two copies (two genoequivalents) per microliter of R. felis target ompB fragment-containing plasmid. Validation of the RfelB qPCR assay was accomplished by testing 83 previously sequence-confirmed R. felis and RFLOs containing DNA preparations from human and flea samples collected from different geographical locations around the world. This assay will be useful for rapid detection, identification, and enumeration of R. felis, an emerging human pathogen of worldwide importance, from both clinical and environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony M Odhiambo
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center , Silver Spring, Maryland
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Croxatto A, Rieille N, Kernif T, Bitam I, Aeby S, Péter O, Greub G. Presence of Chlamydiales DNA in ticks and fleas suggests that ticks are carriers of Chlamydiae. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:359-65. [PMID: 24698831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Chlamydiales order includes the Chlamydiaceae, Parachlamydiaceae, Waddliaceae, Simkaniaceae, Criblamydiaceae, Rhabdochlamydiaceae, Clavichlamydiaceae, and Piscichlamydiaceae families. Members of the Chlamydiales order are obligate intracellular bacteria that replicate within eukaryotic cells of different origins including humans, animals, and amoebae. Many of these bacteria are pathogens or emerging pathogens of both humans and animals, but their true diversity is largely underestimated, and their ecology remains to be investigated. Considering their potential threat on human health, it is important to expand our knowledge on the diversity of Chlamydiae, but also to define the host range colonized by these bacteria. Thus, using a new pan-Chlamydiales PCR, we analyzed the prevalence of Chlamydiales DNA in ticks and fleas, which are important vectors of several viral and bacterial infectious diseases. To conduct this study, 1340 Ixodes ricinus ticks prepared in 192 pools were collected in Switzerland and 55 other ticks belonging to different tick species and 97 fleas belonging to different flea species were harvested in Algeria. In Switzerland, the prevalence of Chlamydiales DNA in the 192 pools was equal to 28.1% (54/192) which represents an estimated prevalence in the 1340 individual ticks of between 4.0% and 28.4%. The pan-Chlamydiales qPCR was positive for 45% (25/55) of tick samples collected in Algeria. The sequencing of the positive qPCR amplicons revealed a high diversity of Chlamydiales species. Most of them belonged to the Rhabdochlamydiaceae and Parachlamydiaceae families. Thus, ticks may carry Chlamydiales and should thus be considered as possible vectors for Chlamydiales propagation to both humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Croxatto
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Rieille
- Institut Central des Hôpitaux Valaisans, Infectious Diseases, Sion, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Sébastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Péter
- Institut Central des Hôpitaux Valaisans, Infectious Diseases, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Mediannikov O, Socolovschi C, Edouard S, Fenollar F, Mouffok N, Bassene H, Diatta G, Tall A, Niangaly H, Doumbo O, Lekana-Douki JB, Znazen A, Sarih M, Ratmanov P, Richet H, Ndiath MO, Sokhna C, Parola P, Raoult D. Common epidemiology of Rickettsia felis infection and malaria, Africa. Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 19:1775-83. [PMID: 24188709 PMCID: PMC3837673 DOI: 10.3201/eid1911.130361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the epidemiology of Rickettsia felis infection and malaria in France, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa and to identify a common vector. Blood specimens from 3,122 febrile patients and from 500 nonfebrile persons were analyzed for R. felis and Plasmodium spp. We observed a significant linear trend (p<0.0001) of increasing risk for R. felis infection. The risks were lowest in France, Tunisia, and Algeria (1%), and highest in rural Senegal (15%). Co-infections with R. felis and Plasmodium spp. and occurrences of R. felis relapses or reinfections were identified. This study demonstrates a correlation between malaria and R. felis infection regarding geographic distribution, seasonality, asymptomatic infections, and a potential vector. R. felis infection should be suspected in these geographical areas where malaria is endemic. Doxycycline chemoprophylaxis against malaria in travelers to sub-Saharan Africa also protects against rickettsioses; thus, empirical treatment strategies for febrile illness for travelers and residents in sub-Saharan Africa may require reevaluation.
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Jiang J, Maina AN, Knobel DL, Cleaveland S, Laudisoit A, Wamburu K, Ogola E, Parola P, Breiman RF, Njenga MK, Richards AL. Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis and Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis in fleas from human habitats, Asembo, Kenya. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:550-8. [PMID: 23675818 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The flea-borne rickettsioses murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi) and flea-borne spotted fever (FBSF) (Rickettsia felis) are febrile diseases distributed among humans worldwide. Murine typhus has been known to be endemic to Kenya since the 1950s, but FBSF was only recently documented in northeastern (2010) and western (2012) Kenya. To characterize the potential exposure of humans in Kenya to flea-borne rickettsioses, a total of 330 fleas (134 pools) including 5 species (Xenopsylla cheopis, Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Pulex irritans, and Echidnophaga gallinacea) were collected from domestic and peridomestic animals and from human dwellings within Asembo, western Kenya. DNA was extracted from the 134 pooled flea samples and 89 (66.4%) pools tested positively for rickettsial DNA by 2 genus-specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays based upon the citrate synthase (gltA) and 17-kD antigen genes and the Rfelis qPCR assay. Sequences from the 17-kD antigen gene, the outer membrane protein (omp)B, and 2 R. felis plasmid genes (pRF and pRFd) of 12 selected rickettsia-positive samples revealed a unique Rickettsia sp. (n=11) and R. felis (n=1). Depiction of the new rickettsia by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) targeting the 16S rRNA (rrs), 17-kD antigen gene, gltA, ompA, ompB, and surface cell antigen 4 (sca4), shows that it is most closely related to R. felis but genetically dissimilar enough to be considered a separate species provisionally named Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis. Subsequently, 81 of the 134 (60.4%) flea pools tested positively for Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis by a newly developed agent-specific qPCR assay, Rasemb. R. felis was identified in 9 of the 134 (6.7%) flea pools, and R. typhi the causative agent of murine typhus was not detected in any of 78 rickettsia-positive pools assessed using a species-specific qPCR assay, Rtyph. Two pools were found to contain both R. felis and Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis DNA and 1 pool contained an agent, which is potentially new.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Jiang
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Point-of-care laboratory of pathogen diagnosis in rural Senegal. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e1999. [PMID: 23350001 PMCID: PMC3547848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In tropical Africa, where the spectrum of the bacterial pathogens that cause fevers is poorly understood and molecular-based diagnostic laboratories are rare, the time lag between test results and patient care is a critical point for treatment of disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We implemented POC laboratory in rural Senegal to resolve the time lag between test results and patient care. During the first year of the study (February 2011 to January 2012), 440 blood specimens from febrile patients were collected in Dielmo and Ndiop villages. All samples were screened for malaria, dengue fever, Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Tropheryma whipplei, Rickettsia conorii, R. africae, R. felis, and Bartonella spp. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We identified DNA from at least one pathogenic bacterium in 80/440 (18.2%) of the samples from febrile patients. B. crocidurae was identified in 35 cases (9.5%), and R. felis DNA was found in 30 cases (6.8%). The DNA of Bartonella spp. was identified in 23/440 cases (4.3%), and DNA of C. burnetii was identified in 2 cases (0.5%). T. whipplei (0.2%) was diagnosed in one patient. No DNA of R. africae or R. conorii was identified. Among the 7 patients co-infected by two different bacteria, we found R. felis and B. crocidurae in 4 cases, B. crocidurae and Bartonella spp. in 2 cases, and B. crocidurae and C. burnetii in 1 case. Malaria was diagnosed in 54 cases. In total, at least one pathogen (bacterium or protozoa) was identified in 127/440 (28.9%) of studied samples. Here, the authors report the proof of concept of POC in rural tropical Africa. Discovering that 18.2% of acute infections can be successfully treated with doxycycline should change the treatment strategy for acute fevers in West Africa.
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Keita AK, Mediannikov O, Ratmanov P, Diatta G, Bassene H, Roucher C, Tall A, Sokhna C, Trape JF, Raoult D, Fenollar F. Looking for Tropheryma whipplei source and reservoir in rural Senegal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 88:339-43. [PMID: 23249690 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropheryma whipplei, the bacterium linked to Whipple's disease, is involved in acute infections and asymptomatic carriage. In rural Senegal, the prevalence of T. whipplei is generally high but is not homogeneous throughout households in the same village. We studied environmental samples collected in two Senegalese villages and conducted the survey to investigate the difference between households. Overall, the comparison between five households with very high T. whipplei prevalence and three households without any registered cases showed that the only difference was the presence of toilets in the latter (1/5 versus 3/3; P = 0.01423). Among the 1,002 environmental specimens (including domestic and synanthropic animals and dust sampled in households) tested for T. whipplei DNA, only four specimens were slightly positive. Humans are currently the predominant identified reservoir and source of T. whipplei in these populations. Limited access to toilets and exposure to human feces facilitate the fecal-oral transmission of T. whipplei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpha Kabinet Keita
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité des Rickettsies, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, 13005 Marseille, France.
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Socolovschi C, Pages F, Ndiath MO, Ratmanov P, Raoult D. Rickettsia species in African Anopheles mosquitoes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48254. [PMID: 23118963 PMCID: PMC3484133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is higher rate of R. felis infection among febrile patients than in healthy people in Sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly in the rainy season. Mosquitoes possess a high vectorial capacity and, because of their abundance and aggressiveness, likely play a role in rickettsial epidemiology. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Quantitative and traditional PCR assays specific for Rickettsia genes detected rickettsial DNA in 13 of 848 (1.5%) Anopheles mosquitoes collected from Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, and Senegal. R. felis was detected in one An. gambiae molecular form S mosquito collected from Kahin, Côte d'Ivoire (1/77, 1.3%). Additionally, a new Rickettsia genotype was detected in five An. gambiae molecular form S mosquitoes collected from Côte d'Ivoire (5/77, 6.5%) and one mosquito from Libreville, Gabon (1/88, 1.1%), as well as six An. melas (6/67, 9%) mosquitoes collected from Port Gentil, Gabon. A sequence analysis of the gltA, ompB, ompA and sca4 genes indicated that this new Rickettsia sp. is closely related to R. felis. No rickettsial DNA was detected from An. funestus, An. arabiensis, or An. gambiae molecular form M mosquitoes. Additionally, a BLAST analysis of the gltA sequence from the new Rickettsia sp. resulted in a 99.71% sequence similarity to a species (JQ674485) previously detected in a blood sample of a Senegalese patient with a fever from the Bandafassi village, Kedougou region. CONCLUSION R. felis was detected for the first time in An. gambiae molecular form S, which represents the major African malaria vector. The discovery of R. felis, as well as a new Rickettsia species, in mosquitoes raises new issues with respect to African rickettsial epidemiology that need to be investigated, such as bacterial isolation, the degree of the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes, the animal reservoirs, and human pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Pavel Ratmanov
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
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Description of "yaaf", the vesicular fever caused by acute Rickettsia felis infection in Senegal. J Infect 2012; 66:536-40. [PMID: 23068450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia felis is an emerging infection in Africa and may account for 3-4% of ambulatory febrile fevers. We report herein a case of R. felis infection, for which we propose the name "yaaf", meaning vesicle, in an 8-month-old girl who was diagnosed in the field by real-time PCR analysis of a skin lesion; these PCR analysis was performed at a local experimental point-of-care laboratory. The clinical presentation was polymorphous skin lesions, including papules, vesicles, erosions and ulcers. The patient did not produce antibodies against Rickettsia. We suggest that this disease may be a primary infection caused by R. felis.
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