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Moore CO, Lashnits E, Lappin M, Hawley J, Breitschwerdt EB. A case of mistaken identity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and reinvestigation of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea). Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:209. [PMID: 38720359 PMCID: PMC11078739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06292-8] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline-associated hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasmas) are believed to be transmitted by two primary mechanisms: (1) direct transmission via fighting and (2) vector-borne transmission by the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). While the efficiency of transmission by C. felis appears low, most manuscripts focus on the prevalence of hemoplasmas in wild-caught fleas and report either a very low (< 3%) or a high (> 26%) prevalence. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of sample processing and PCR methods on C. felis hemoplasma infection prevalence. METHODS A systemic review of PubMed articles identified 13 manuscripts (1,531 fleas/flea pools) that met the inclusion criteria (performed PCR for >1 hemoplasma on C. felis collected from cats). Risk of bias was assessed utilizing the ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis performed in R of these manuscripts found that not washing samples and a common set of 16S rRNA primers first published in Jensen et al. 2001 were associated with increased hemoplasma prevalence. To evaluate the influence of washing on newly collected fleas, we assessed the hemoplasma status of 20 pools of 5 C. felis each, half of which were washed and half not washed. RESULTS Flea washing did not influence the detection of hemoplasma but instead amplified Spiroplasma. To assess non-specific amplification with the Jensen et al. 2001 primers, 67 C. felis samples (34% previously reported hemoplasma infected) were subject to PCR and sequencing. By this method, hemoplasma was detected in only 3% of samples. In the remaining "hemoplasma infected" fleas, PCR amplified Spiroplasma or other bacteria. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, we concluded that hemoplasma infection in C. felis is rare, and future flea prevalence studies should sequence all positive amplicons to validate PCR specificity. Further investigation of alternative methods of feline-associated hemoplasma transmission and the ability of C. felis to maintain hemoplasma infection is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O Moore
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Hawley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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2
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Zarea AAK, Tempesta M, Fouad EA, Ndiana LA, Mahmoud MS, Mrenoshki D, Martella V, Decaro N, Chomel B, Greco G. Prevalence of Bartonella spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and others vector-borne pathogens in private-owned dogs and cats, Egypt. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106857. [PMID: 36775003 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens have been increasingly investigated for their impact on dog and cat health and their zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence estimates of selected vector-borne pathogens in client-owned pets from the Giza and Cairo governorates, Egypt. Out of 200 dogs and 100 cats, 94 (47%) and 23 (23%) were positive for at least one of the tested pathogens (P<0.0001). In particular, 84 (42%) dogs and 3 (3%) cats tested PCR-positive for Bartonella spp. (P<0.0001). A significantly higher prevalence of Bartonella spp. was detected in dogs from the rural areas of the Giza governorate (60/77, 79.2%, P<0.0001) compared to those from Cairo governorate. Bartonella henselae was the dominant species infecting dogs (81/200, 40.5%) followed by Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii (3/200, 1.5%), while B. henselae (2/100, 2%) and B. clarridgeiae were rare in cats. Haemoplasma DNA was detected in 17% (34/200) of dogs and 20% (20/100) of cats with increased risk in dogs from Giza rural areas (21/77, 27.27%, P=0.002) and from both dogs (16/63, 25.40%, P=0.03) and cats (7/14, 50%, P<0.002) with anemia. Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (30/200, 15%) and Mycoplasma haemocanis (4/200, 2%) in dogs and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (18/100, 18%) and M. haemofelis (2/100, 2%) in cats were detected. Additionally, 2 dogs were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coinfections were detected in dogs, with the majority (23/200, 11.5%) including B. henselae and C.M. haematoparvum, followed by Mycoplasma haemocanis and C.M. haematoparvum (2/200, 1%) and B. henselae, CMhp and C. burnetii (2/200, 1%). Haemoplasma infection was high in Egyptian dogs and cats with a high prevalence for zoonotic Bartonella spp. in dogs with anemia, highlighting the need to investigate these agents in the diagnostic algorithm of anemia and to adopt preventive measures to protect both animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A K Zarea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - E A Fouad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - L A Ndiana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - M S Mahmoud
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - D Mrenoshki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - V Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - N Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - G Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
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Klement-Frutos E, Mediannikov O, Fournier PE, Haroche J, Leblond V, Caumes E. Mycoplasma haemohominis as a cause of fever of unknown origin in a traveller. J Travel Med 2023; 30:6798399. [PMID: 36331263 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taac129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Candidatus mycoplasma haemohominis (cMh) is the most human-adapted and lethal haemoplasma. Bats are the common reservoir worldwide. cMh should be suspected in fever of unknown origin associated with splenomegaly, and haemolytic anaemia or haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, above all in Asia Pacific travellers. Doxycycline should be started preemptively as diagnosis can be retrospectively confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Klement-Frutos
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Department of Internal Medicine, Agen Hospital, Agen, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Haroche
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Leblond
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Eric Caumes
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, AP-HP, Paris, France
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Madder M, Day M, Schunack B, Fourie J, Labuschange M, van der Westhuizen W, Johnson S, Githigia SM, Akande FA, Nzalawahe JS, Tayebwa DS, Aschenborn O, Marcondes M, Heylen D. A community approach for pathogens and their arthropod vectors (ticks and fleas) in cats of sub-Saharan Africa. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:321. [PMID: 36085039 PMCID: PMC9461260 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly studied in companion animals. Given their socioeconomic importance, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. Methods In six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Namibia) in both rural and urban settings, 160 infested cats were sampled to assess their ectoparasite community (ticks and fleas), as well as the micro-parasite prevalence within those ectoparasites (60 and 118 pools of ticks and fleas, respectively) and blood (276 cats, including 116 non-infested). Results Almost two thirds of all infested cats originated from Tanzania and Kenya. Despite the large macro-geographical variation, no consistent difference was found in ectoparasite diversity and numbers between East and West Africa. Far more flea-infested than tick-infested cats were found. The most dominant ectoparasite was Ctenocephalides felis. Among the ticks, the exophilic Haemaphysalis spp. were the commonest, including species that are not typically linked with companion animals (Haemaphysalis spinulosa and Haemaphysalis elliptica). The most prevalent pathogens found in the blood and fleas were Bartonella henselae and Mycoplasma haemofelis. In the ticks, the dog-associated Hepatozoon canis was most commonly found. A high degree of co-parasitism was found in all countries and habitats. Conclusions Our continent-wide standardized field study highlights the cat’s potential to serve as a reservoir of pathogens that can be transmitted to humans or livestock, especially when cats are expected to become more commonly kept in African villages and towns. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05436-y.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Day
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Sherry Johnson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, CBAS, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Maina Githigia
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology & Parasitology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Foluke Adedayo Akande
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | | | - Dickson Stuart Tayebwa
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ortwin Aschenborn
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Ondekaremba, Namibia
| | | | - Dieter Heylen
- Eco-Epidemiology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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5
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Zarea AAK, Bezerra-Santos MA, Nguyen VL, Colella V, Dantas-Torres F, Halos L, Beugnet F, Tempesta M, Otranto D, Greco G. Occurrence and bacterial loads of Bartonella and haemotropic Mycoplasma species in privately owned cats and dogs and their fleas from East and Southeast Asia. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:704-720. [PMID: 35545848 PMCID: PMC9544368 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas are pathogens of veterinary and medical interest with ectoparasites mainly involved in their transmission. This study aimed at molecular detection of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas in cats (n = 93) and dogs (n = 96), and their related fleas (n = 189) from countries in East and Southeast Asia. Ctenocephalides felis was the dominant flea species infesting both cats (97.85%) and dogs (75%) followed by Ctenocephalides orientis in dogs (18.75%) and rarely in cats (5.2%). Bartonella spp. DNA was only detected in blood samples of flea‐infested cats (21.51%) (p < .0001, OR = 27.70) with Bartonella henselae more frequently detected than Bartonella clarridgeiae in cat hosts (15.05%, 6.45%) and their associated fleas (17.24%, 13.79%). Out of three Bartonella‐positive fleas from dogs, two Ct. orientis fleas carried Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and Bartonella clarridgeiae, while the 3rd flea (Ct. felis) carried Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii. Felines represented a risk factor for Bartonella spp. infections, where fleas collected from cats (32.25%) presented an increased likelihood for Bartonella spp. occurrence (p < .0001, OR = 14.76) than those from dogs (3.13%). Moreover, when analysing infectious status, higher Bartonella spp. DNA loads were detected in fleas from bacteraemic cats compared to those from non‐bacteraemic ones (p < .05). The haemoplasma occurrence was 16.13% (15/93) and 4.17% (4/96) in cat and dog blood samples from different countries (i.e. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand), with cats more at risk of infection (p < .01, OR = 5.96) than dogs. Unlike Bartonella spp., there was no evidence for flea involvement in the hemoplasmas' transmission cycle, thus supporting the hypothesis of non‐vectorial transmission for these pathogens. In conclusion, client‐owned cats and dogs living in East and Southeast Asia countries are exposed to vector‐borne pathogens with fleas from cats playing a key role in Bartonella spp. transmission, thus posing a high risk of infection for humans sharing the same environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Attia Koraney Zarea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Lenaig Halos
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Lyon, France.,Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Maria Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Grazia Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Mateus T, Seppanen EJ, de Gier C, Clark S, Coates H, Vijayasekaran S, Prosser K, Wiertsema SP, Fuery A, Kirkham LAS, Richmond PC, Thornton RB. Sleep Disordered Breathing and Recurrent Tonsillitis Are Associated With Polymicrobial Bacterial Biofilm Infections Suggesting a Role for Anti-Biofilm Therapies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:831887. [PMID: 35295756 PMCID: PMC8918577 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.831887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe underlying pathogenesis of pediatric obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and recurrent tonsillitis (RT) are poorly understood but need to be elucidated to develop less invasive treatment and prevention strategies.MethodsChildren aged between 1- and 16-years undergoing adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy for SDB (n=40), RT alone (n=18), or both SDB and RT (SDB+RT) (n=17) were recruited with age-matched healthy controls (n=33). Total bacterial load and species-specific densities of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis were measured by qPCR in nasopharyngeal swabs, oropharyngeal swabs, adenoid and tonsillar tissue from children with SDB, SDB+RT and RT, and in naso- and oro- pharyngeal swabs from healthy children. A subset of tonsil biopsies were examined for biofilms using 16S rRNA FISH (n=3/group).ResultsThe 5 bacterial species were detected in naso- and oro- pharyngeal samples from all children. These species were frequently detected in adenotonsillar tissue (except S. aureus, which was absent in adenoids) from children with SDB, SDB+RT and RT. NTHi and S. aureus were observed in tonsils from 66.7-88.2% and 33.3-58.8% of children respectively. Similar total and species-specific bacterial densities were observed in adenotonsillar tissue from children with SDB, SDB+RT or RT. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were more likely to have multiple bacterial species co-detected than adenotonsillar tissue where one or two targeted species predominated. Polymicrobial biofilms and intracellular bacteria were observed in tonsils from children with adenotonsillar disease.ConclusionsAntimicrobials, particularly anti-biofilm therapies, may be a strategy for managing children with SDB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulia Mateus
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Elke J. Seppanen
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Camilla de Gier
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sharon Clark
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Harvey Coates
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Shyan Vijayasekaran
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Selma P. Wiertsema
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Angela Fuery
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lea-Ann S. Kirkham
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Peter C. Richmond
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ruth B. Thornton
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Ruth B. Thornton,
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A community approach of pathogens and their arthropod vectors (ticks and fleas) in dogs of African Sub-Sahara. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:576. [PMID: 34784947 PMCID: PMC8594167 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well-studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly in companion animals. Given the socio-economic importance of companion animals, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. METHODS Macro-geographic variation in ectoparasite (ticks and fleas) and pathogen communities in dogs was assessed through molecular screening of approximately 100 infested dogs in each of six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia), both in rural and urban settings. The most important intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors within the subpopulation of infested dogs were evaluated. RESULTS Despite the large macro-geographic variation in the dogs screened, there was no consistent difference between East and West Africa in terms of the diversity and numbers of ticks. The highest and lowest numbers of ticks were found in Nigeria and Namibia, respectively. Most often, there was a higher diversity of ticks in rural habitats than in urban habitats, although the highest diversity was observed in an urban Uganda setting. With the exception of Namibia, more fleas were collected in rural areas. We identified tick species (including Haemaphysalis spinulosa) as well as zoonotic pathogens (Coxiella burnetti, Trypanosoma spp.) that are not classically associated with companion animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most abundant tick, with a preference for urban areas. Exophilic ticks, such as Haemaphysalis spp., were more often found in rural areas. Several multi-host ticks occurred in urban areas. For R. sanguineus, housing conditions and additional pets were relevant factors in terms of infestation, while for a rural tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica), free-roaming dogs were more often infested. Tick occurrence was associated to the use of endoparasiticide, but not to the use of ectoparasiticide. The most prevalent tick-borne pathogen was Hepatozoon canis followed by Ehrlichia canis. High levels of co-parasitism were observed in all countries and habitats. CONCLUSIONS As dogs share a common environment with people, they have the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. Our study will help epidemiologists to provide recommendations for surveillance and prevention of pathogens in dogs and humans.
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Alcorn K, Gerrard J, Cochrane T, Graham R, Jennison A, Irwin PJ, Barbosa AD. First Report of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis Infection in Australia Causing Persistent Fever in an Animal Carer. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:634-640. [PMID: 32006025 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) infect animals and humans and can lead to clinical syndromes mainly characterized by hemolytic anemia. A novel pathogen, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis, was recently associated with a case of human hemoplasmosis in Europe. Here we report the first detection of this pathogen in an Australian patient exhibiting persistent fever, hemolytic anemia, and pancytopenia over a 10-month period. METHODS After exhaustive negative testing for human infectious diseases, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the patient's bone marrow aspirate, using an Illumina NextSeq500 platform. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by Sanger sequencing, was then performed on blood samples using novel Mycoplasma-specific primers targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. In addition, a Mycoplasma-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay was developed to differentiate Mycoplasma cells from other erythrocyte inclusions (eg, Pappenheimer and Howell-Jolly bodies) which are morphologically similar to bacterial cocci by light microscopy. RESULTS WGS analysis revealed that approximately 0.04% of the total number of unmapped reads to human genome corresponded to Mycoplasma species. A 1-kb Mycoplasma 16S fragment was successfully amplified by conventional PCR, and sequence analyses revealed 100% identity with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis. FISH confirmed that several (approximately 2%) epierythrocytic inclusions initially observed by light microscopy corresponded to Mycoplasma cells. CONCLUSIONS This represents the second report of hemolytic anemia associated with hemoplasma infection in a human, and the first report of human hemoplasmosis in Australia. This study highlights the importance of new and emerging diagnostic approaches and need for further investigations on the epidemiology of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Alcorn
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Gold Coast Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John Gerrard
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Gold Coast Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tara Cochrane
- Department of Haematology, Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffiths University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Rikki Graham
- Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Department of Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amy Jennison
- Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Department of Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter J Irwin
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia.,CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília, Brazil
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Hattori N, Kuroda M, Katano H, Takuma T, Ito T, Arai N, Yanai R, Sekizuka T, Ishii S, Miura Y, Tokunaga T, Watanabe H, Nomura N, Eguchi J, Hasegawa H, Nakamaki T, Wakita T, Niki Y. Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis in Human, Japan. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:11-19. [PMID: 31855136 PMCID: PMC6924906 DOI: 10.3201/eid2601.190983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [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
Hemotropic mycoplasmas are common pathogens in animals, but it remains unclear what role these pathogens play in human infections. We report clinical and biologic characterization of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis infection in a 42-year-old man in Japan. The patient had severe hemophagocytic syndrome 1 month after an accidental needlestick injury. Metagenomic deep sequencing identified Candidatus M. haemohominis and determined its draft genome for an isolate from serum of the patient. A high copy number of the Candidatus M. haemohominis genome was detected in serum and bone marrow samples. Electron microscopy examination showed morphologic characteristics of Candidatus M. haemohominis. Levofloxacin monotherapy induced resistance caused by a gyrase A gene mutation in the quinolone resistance–determining region, but a combination treatment with moxifloxacin and minocycline was effective. We identified Candidatus M. haemohominis in a patient who had life-threatening symptoms related to multiple organ infection. Human infection with this mycoplasma might occur more frequently than has been generally recognized.
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Retief L, Bennett NC, Bastos ADS. Molecular detection and characterization of novel haemotropic Mycoplasma in free-living mole rats from South Africa. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 89:104739. [PMID: 33535089 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The importance of haemotropic Mycoplasma (haemoplasma) infections to animal and human health is increasingly recognised. Although wild rodents are known to host these bacteria, haemoplasma prevalence and diversity in small mammals is under-documented, globally. This is due to the reliance on molecular approaches to detect these unculturable, obligate bacteria and to a paucity of assays targeting informative gene regions. We attempted to address these challenges by evaluating the performance of three 16S rRNA PCR assays for detecting Mycoplasma in four African mole-rat species of the family Bathyergidae. This was achieved by screening DNA samples prepared from lung and liver samples of 260 bathyergids, sampled from natural and urban landscapes in the Western Cape Province with one published and two novel conventional PCR assays. Sequence-confirmed Mycoplasma presence guided calculations of the relative sensitivity and specificity of the assays and revealed that 26.5% of the rodents were haemoplasma-positive. Bathyergus suillus sampled near an informal human settlement had a significantly higher infection rate (42%) than the three bathyergid species sampled from natural settings, for which PCR-positivity ranged from 0% to 36%. The 16S rRNA gene phylogeny identified the presence of six Mycoplasma strains in bathyergids that form a novel monophyletic lineage belonging to the haemofelis group, with 16S rRNA and Rnase P gene phylogenies indicating that the bathyergid-associated haemoplasmas were novel and closely related to Mycoplasma coccoides. Assay sensitivity ranged from 60.3% to 76.8% and specificity from 94.8% to 100% and both were highest for the novel assay targeting a ~ 300 bp region of the 16S rRNA gene. Results confirm the presence of novel haemoplasma strains in bathyergid species from South Africa and emphasise the need for expanded studies on haemoplama prevalence, diversity, and transmission routes in other small mammal species from this biodiverse region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liezl Retief
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; South African Research Chair of Mammal Behavioural Ecology and Physiology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa.
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11
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Barbosa MV, Paulino PG, Camilo TA, Martins D, Paulis L, Senne NA, Ramirez OLH, Angelo IC, Massard CL, Santos HA. Spatial distribution and molecular epidemiology of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Mycoplasma haemocanis infection in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 87:104660. [PMID: 33276147 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the epidemiology and spatial distribution of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Mycoplasma haemocanis in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Blood samples were collected at random from 437 household dogs. An epidemiological questionnaire was completed concerning the host characteristics as well as the environments in which they lived. A positivity frequency of 17.84% (78/437) was found for Mycoplasma spp. and 2% (9/437) for M. haemocanis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, through molecular detection based on the 16S rRNA sequence. According to the present study, dogs that live in households with the presence of rodents (odds ratio [OR] = 9.93; p-value = 0.02; confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-73.66) and wild animals (OR = 1.91; p-value = 0.03; CI: 1.06-3.42) are more likely to be infected with Mycoplasma spp.. Also, dogs with tick infestation (OR = 6.47; p-value = 0.007; CI: 1.63-25.60) have more chances to become infected with M. haemocanis. The spatial analysis disclosed a positive correlation between the Mycoplasma presence and tick infestation (global Moran index = 0.82; pseudo-p-value =0.001). The epidemiological findings support the hypothesis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. as the vector of M. haemocanis in the studied region and provide insightful information to prevent the Mycoplasma spp. infection in dogs from Rio de Janeiro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marllon V Barbosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia G Paulino
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tays A Camilo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Débora Martins
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leo Paulis
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nathália A Senne
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Olga Lucia H Ramirez
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabele C Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos L Massard
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Huarrisson A Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil.
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12
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Descloux E, Mediannikov O, Gourinat AC, Colot J, Chauvet M, Mermoud I, Desoutter D, Cazorla C, Klement-Frutos E, Antonini L, Levasseur A, Bossi V, Davoust B, Merlet A, Goujart MA, Oedin M, Brescia F, Laumond S, Fournier PE, Raoult D. Flying Fox Hemolytic Fever, Description of a New Zoonosis Caused by Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 73:e1445-e1453. [PMID: 33119064 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic mycoplasmas, previously classified in the genus Eperythrozoon, have been reported as causing human infections in Brazil, China, Japan, and Spain. METHODS In 2017, we detected DNA from Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis in the blood of a Melanesian patient from New Caledonia presenting with febrile splenomegaly, weight loss, life-threatening autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and hemophagocytosis. The full genome of the bacterium was sequenced from a blood isolate. Subsequently, we retrospectively (2011-2017) and prospectively (2018-2019) tested patients who had been hospitalized with a similar clinico-biological picture. In addition, as these patients had been in contact with frugivorous bats (authorized under conditions for hunting and eating in New Caledonia), we investigated the role of these animals and their biting flies by testing them for hemotropic mycoplasmas. RESULTS There were 15 patients found to be infected by this hemotropic mycoplasma. Among them, 4 (27%) died following splenectomy performed either for spontaneous spleen rupture or to cure refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The bacterium was cultivated from the patient's blood. The full genome of the Neocaledonian Candidatus M. haemohominis strain differed from that of a recently identified Japanese strain. Of 40 tested Pteropus bats, 40% were positive; 100% of collected bat flies Cyclopodia horsfieldi (Nycteribiidae, Diptera) were positive. Human, bat, and dipteran strains were highly similar. CONCLUSIONS The bacterium being widely distributed in bats, Candidatus M. haemohominis, should be regarded as a potential cause of severe infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Descloux
- Service de Médecine Interne et Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Territorial Gaston Bourret, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille University, Institut pour la recherche et le développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection, Institut hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Ann-Claire Gourinat
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Centre Hospitalier Territorial Gaston Bourret, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Julien Colot
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Centre Hospitalier Territorial Gaston Bourret, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie.,Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Institut Pasteur, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Martine Chauvet
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Centre Hospitalier Territorial Gaston Bourret, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Isabelle Mermoud
- Laboratoire de Nouvelle Calédonie, Direction des Affaires Vétérinaires, Alimentaires et Rurales, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Denise Desoutter
- Laboratoire de Nouvelle Calédonie, Direction des Affaires Vétérinaires, Alimentaires et Rurales, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Cécile Cazorla
- Service de Médecine Interne et Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Territorial Gaston Bourret, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Elise Klement-Frutos
- Service de Médecine Interne et Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Territorial Gaston Bourret, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Luca Antonini
- Service de Médecine Interne, Centre Hospitalo-universitaire de Caen, Caen, France
| | - Anthony Levasseur
- Aix Marseille University, Institut pour la recherche et le développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection, Institut hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Bossi
- Aix Marseille University, Institut pour la recherche et le développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection, Institut hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille University, Institut pour la recherche et le développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection, Institut hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Merlet
- Service de Médecine Interne et Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Territorial Gaston Bourret, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Marie-Amélie Goujart
- Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier Territorial Gaston Bourret, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Malik Oedin
- Institut Agronomique Néo-Calédonien, Equipe Agriculture Biodiversité et Valorisation (ARBOREAL), Païta, Nouvelle-Calédonie
| | - Fabrice Brescia
- Institut Agronomique Néo-Calédonien, Equipe Agriculture Biodiversité et Valorisation (ARBOREAL), Païta, Nouvelle-Calédonie
| | - Sylvie Laumond
- Service de Santé Publique, Direction des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales de Nouvelle Calédonie, Noumea, Nouvelle Calédonie
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, service de santé des armées, Vecteurs - Infections Tropicales et Méditeranéennes, Institut hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille University, Institut pour la recherche et le développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection, Institut hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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13
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Fritschi J, Marti H, Seth-Smith HMB, Aeby S, Greub G, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Mühldorfer K, Stokar-Regenscheit N, Wiederkehr D, Pilo P, Van Den Broek PR, Borel N. Prevalence and phylogeny of Chlamydiae and hemotropic mycoplasma species in captive and free-living bats. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:182. [PMID: 32590949 PMCID: PMC7318495 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01872-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bats are hosts for a variety of microorganisms, however, little is known about the presence of Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas. This study investigated 475 captive and free-living bats from Switzerland, Germany, and Costa Rica for Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas by PCR to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of these organisms. RESULTS Screening for Chlamydiales resulted in a total prevalence of 31.4%. Positive samples originated from captive and free-living bats from all three countries. Sequencing of 15 samples allowed the detection of two phylogenetically distinct groups. These groups share sequence identities to Chlamydiaceae, and to Chlamydia-like organisms including Rhabdochlamydiaceae and unclassified Chlamydiales from environmental samples, respectively. PCR analysis for the presence of hemotropic mycoplasmas resulted in a total prevalence of 0.7%, comprising free-living bats from Germany and Costa Rica. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three sequences related to other unidentified mycoplasmas found in vampire bats and Chilean bats. CONCLUSIONS Bats can harbor Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas and the newly described sequences in this study indicate that the diversity of these bacteria in bats is much larger than previously thought. Both, Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas are not restricted to certain bat species or countries and captive and free-living bats can be colonized. In conclusion, bats represent another potential host or vector for novel, previously unidentified, Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Fritschi
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Helena M B Seth-Smith
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marina L Meli
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kristin Mühldorfer
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Danja Wiederkehr
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Paola Pilo
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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14
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Stadler J, Ade J, Ritzmann M, Hoelzle K, Hoelzle LE. Detection of a novel haemoplasma species in fattening pigs with skin alterations, fever and anaemia. Vet Rec 2020; 187:66. [PMID: 32332105 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a fattening farm in Southern Germany, skin alterations (urticaria, haemorrhagic diathesis) and high fever were observed in 30% of the pigs 2 weeks after arrival. Feed intake was severely compromised in affected pigs. METHODS After detailed clinical observation, blood samples from affected pigs were collected for haematological, PCR and serological investigations. In addition, pathological investigations were performed on one pig. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Analysis of blood parameters revealed a normocytic, normochromic anaemia. A novel porcine haemoplasma species was detected in blood samples of affected pigs and spleen sample of the necropsied pig by PCR. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rDNA showed 99% identity to a novel porcine haemoplasma ('Candidatus (Ca.) M. haemosuis') species which has recently been described in China. Interestingly, this is the first report of 'Ca. M. haemosuis' in pigs with clinical signs resembling those of Mycoplasma (M) suis and the first description of this novel haemoplasma species outside Asia. On-farm affected pigs were treated with oxytetracycline and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clinical signs improved after implementation of treatment and optimisation of management procedures. This case might indicate that other porcine haemoplasma species than M suis can induce fever and skin alterations and may have an economic impact on affected farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stadler
- Clinic for Swine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Oberschleissheim, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Julia Ade
- Institute of Animal Science, Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Medicine, University of Hohenheim Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Ritzmann
- Clinic for Swine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Oberschleissheim, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Katharina Hoelzle
- Institute of Animal Science, Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Medicine, University of Hohenheim Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Ludwig E Hoelzle
- Institute of Animal Science, Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Medicine, University of Hohenheim Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
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15
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Hartline CB, Conner RL, James SH, Potter J, Gray E, Estrada J, Tector M, Tector AJ, Prichard MN. Xenotransplantation panel for the detection of infectious agents in pigs. Xenotransplantation 2019; 25:e12427. [PMID: 30264882 PMCID: PMC6166664 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Recent advances in xenotransplantation have produced organs from pigs that are well tolerated in primate models because of genetic changes engineered to delete major antigens from donor animals. To ensure the safety of human transplant recipients, it will be essential to understand both the spectrum of infectious agents in donor pigs and their potential to be transmitted to immunocompromised transplant recipients. Equally important will be the development of new highly sensitive diagnostic methods for use in the detection of these agents in donor animals and for the monitoring of transplant recipients. Methods Herein, we report the development of a panel of 30 quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for infectious agents with the potential to be transmitted to the human host. The reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity of each assay were evaluated and were found to exhibit analytic sensitivity that was similar to that of quantitative assays used to perform viral load testing of human viruses in clinical laboratories. Results This analytical approach was used to detect nucleic acids of infectious agents present in specimens from 9 sows and 22 piglets derived by caesarean section. The most commonly detected targets in adult animals were Mycoplasma species and two distinct herpesviruses, porcine lymphotrophic herpesvirus 2 and 3. A total of 14 piglets were derived from three sows infected with either or both herpesviruses, yet none tested positive for the viruses indicating that vertical transmission of these viruses is inefficient. Conclusions The data presented demonstrate that procedures in place are highly sensitive and can specifically detect nucleic acids from target organisms in the panel, thus ensuring the safety of organs for transplantation as well as the monitoring of patients potentially receiving them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroll B Hartline
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ra'Shun L Conner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Scott H James
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jennifer Potter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Edward Gray
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jose Estrada
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mathew Tector
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - A Joseph Tector
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mark N Prichard
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
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16
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Cohen C, Shemesh M, Garrido M, Messika I, Einav M, Khokhlova I, Tasker S, Hawlena H. Haemoplasmas in wild rodents: Routes of transmission and infection dynamics. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:3714-3726. [PMID: 30074652 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The way that some parasites and pathogens persist in the hostile environment of their host for long periods remains to be resolved. Here, longitudinal field surveys were combined with laboratory experiments to investigate the routes of transmission and infection dynamics of such a pathogen-a wild rodent haemotropic bacterium, specifically a Mycoplasma haemomuris-like bacterium. Fleaborne transmission, direct rodent-to-rodent transmission and vertical transmission from fleas or rodents to their offspring were experimentally quantified, and indications were found that the main route of bacterial transmission is direct, although its rate of successful transmission is low (~20%). The bacterium's temporal dynamics was then compared in the field to that observed under a controlled infection experiment in field-infected and laboratory-infected rodents, and indications were found, under all conditions, that the bacterium reached its peak infection level after 25-45 days and then decreased to low bacterial loads, which persist for the rodent's lifetime. These findings suggest that the bacterium relies on persistency with low bacterial loads for long-term coexistence with its rodent host, having both conceptual and applied implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Cohen
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Merav Shemesh
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Mario Garrido
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Irit Messika
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Monica Einav
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Irina Khokhlova
- Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Séverine Tasker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Hadas Hawlena
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
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17
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Fu Y, Shi T, Xu L, Wei W, Lu F, Zhang X, Yuan X, Li J, Lv J, Fang W. Identification of a novel Hemoplasma species from pigs in Zhejiang province, China. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:864-870. [PMID: 28381682 PMCID: PMC5447974 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.16-0545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemoplasmas belong to Mycoplasmataceae (Mollicutes: Mycoplasmatales) and are able to infect a broad range of mammalian species. We investigated prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma species in pig farms in the
region of Zhejiang by a PCR scheme using universal primers targeting 16S rRNA and RNase P RNA gene (rnpB). Representative positive samples from different farms were selected for sequencing of 16S rRNA and the
219bp rnpB gene fragments for phylogenetic analysis. Sequencing analysis of PCR products from first samples identified a novel hemoplasma species present in several pig farms in the region with highest nucleotide
identity of 92% to Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. A duplex PCR assay was then designed for differential detection of the novel hemoplasma from Mycoplasma parvum/M. suis in
field samples. Of 324 blood samples from clinically healthy pigs, 26.5% was positive for this novel hemoplasma species and 50% positive for M. suis/M. parvum, indicating that the novel hemotropic
mycoplasma species were of considerably high prevalence in Zhejiang province, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Fu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China
| | - Tuanyuan Shi
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China
| | - Lihua Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China.,College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Fuzhuang Lu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China
| | - Xuejuan Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China
| | - Xiufang Yuan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China
| | - Junxing Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China
| | - Jinhui Lv
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China
| | - Weihuan Fang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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18
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Sugiarto S, Spiri AM, Riond B, Novacco M, Oestmann A, de Miranda LHM, Meli ML, Boretti FS, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Willi B. Passive immunization does not provide protection against experimental infection with Mycoplasma haemofelis. Vet Res 2016; 47:79. [PMID: 27496124 PMCID: PMC4975915 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-016-0361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) is the most pathogenic feline hemotropic mycoplasma. Cats infected with Mhf that clear bacteremia are protected from Mhf reinfection, but the mechanisms of protective immunity are unresolved. In the present study we investigated whether the passive transfer of antibodies from Mhf-recovered cats to naïve recipient cats provided protection against bacteremia and clinical disease following homologous challenge with Mhf; moreover, we characterized the immune response in the recipient cats. Ten specified pathogen-free (SPF) cats were transfused with pooled plasma from cats that had cleared Mhf bacteremia; five control cats received plasma from naïve SPF cats. After homologous challenge with Mhf, cats were monitored for 100 days using quantitative PCR, hematology, blood biochemistry, Coombs testing, flow cytometry, DnaK ELISA, and red blood cell (RBC) osmotic fragility (OF) measurement. Passively immunized cats were not protected against Mhf infection but, compared to control cats, showed significantly higher RBC OF and B lymphocyte (CD45R/B220+) counts and occasionally higher lymphocyte, monocyte and activated CD4+ T lymphocyte (CD4+CD25+) counts; they also showed higher bilirubin, total protein and globulin levels compared to those of control cats. At times of peak bacteremia, a decrease in eosinophils and lymphocytes, as well as subsets thereof (B lymphocytes and CD5+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes), and an increase in monocytes were particularly significant in the passively immunized cats. In conclusion, passive immunization does not prevent bacteremia and clinical disease following homologous challenge with Mhf, but enhances RBC osmotic fragility and induces a pronounced immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sugiarto
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea M Spiri
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marilisa Novacco
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angelina Oestmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luisa H Monteiro de Miranda
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonosis in Domestic Animals, National Institute of Infectiology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felicitas S Boretti
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Willi
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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19
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Aquino LC, Kamani J, Haruna AM, Paludo GR, Hicks CA, Helps CR, Tasker S. Analysis of risk factors and prevalence of haemoplasma infection in dogs. Vet Parasitol 2016; 221:111-7. [PMID: 27084481 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (CMhp) are canine haemoplasma species that can induce anaemia in immunocompromised and/or splenectomised dogs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of canine haemoplasma species in dogs from Nigeria and describe any risk factors for infection. Canine haemoplasma species-specific and generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were used. The species-specific qPCR assays found Mhc infection in 18 of 245 dogs (7.3%), and CMhp infection in only one dog (0.4%). The generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were positive in 44 of 245 (17.9%) dogs. Twenty-five dogs had discordant qPCR results in that they were generic haemoplasma qPCR positive but species-specific qPCR negative. Further evaluation of these dogs by 16S rDNA sequencing gave limited results but 5 were confirmed to be infected with non-haemoplasma species: 2 Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 1 Anaplasma ovis, 1 Serratia marcescens and 1 Aerococcus spp. The 16S rRNA gene sequences from Mhc species showed>99.8% identity with each other and>99.6% identity with GenBank sequences, and resided in a single clade with other global Mhc and Mycoplasma haemofelis sequences, indicating low 16S rRNA genetic variability amongst this canine haemoplasma species.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Aquino
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil.
| | - J Kamani
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - A M Haruna
- State Veterinary Hospital Jos, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - G R Paludo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil
| | - C A Hicks
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - C R Helps
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Veterinary Services, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - S Tasker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Veterinary Services, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
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20
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Conrado FDO, do Nascimento NC, dos Santos AP, Zimpel CK, Messick JB, Biondo AW. Occurrence and identification of hemotropic mycoplasmas (Hemoplasmas) in free ranging and laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) from two Brazilian zoos. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:286. [PMID: 26597041 PMCID: PMC4657260 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0601-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), bacteria belonging to the class Mollicutes, are obligatory red blood cell pathogens of a variety of animal species. They may cause acute anemia that is life-threatening or chronic disease that is clinically silent, but may interfere with results of experimental studies when using infected animals. Since these bacteria cannot be cultivated, molecular techniques are the gold standard for diagnosing an infection, investigating its prevalence, and describing new species. Mycoplasma coccoides and M. haemomuris are the most commonly recognized hemoplasmas in the blood of wild and laboratory rodents. Neither the epidemiology nor clinical and molecular characterization of hemoplasma infection in free-ranging rodents in Brazil has been previously reported. The aims of this study were to investigate the occurrence of hemoplasmas in free-ranging rats (Rattus norvegicus) captured in the Passeio Público and Curitiba Zoo and compare hematologic parameters of infected and non-infected animals. RESULTS Anti-coagulated blood samples collected from 43 free-ranging and 20 nursery rats were included in the study. Overall 63.5% were positive using SYBR® Green quantitative PCR (qPCR) of the 16S rRNA gene to screen for hemoplasma infection (72% among free-ranging rats; 45% among laboratory-raised rats). Sequencing of the qPCR products showed that all but one sample had >98% identity to M. haemomuris. Phylogenetic analysis based on a fragment of approximately 1300 bp of the 16S rRNA gene showed 99% identity to a new hemoplasma from European rats and 98% identity to a hemotropic mycoplasma described infecting a European harvest mouse (Micromys minutus). No statistically significant changes in hematologic parameters between infected and non-infected rats were found, confirming the low pathogenicity and/or silent characteristics of the infection. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that hemoplasmas are likely endemic in rodent species in this region. The epidemiology, especially as it relates to the mode of transmission, needs to be further investigated as well as the possibility that other animal species, including humans, might become infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco de Oliveira Conrado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Avenida Coronel Francisco H dos Santos, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, Paraná, CEP 81531-900, Brazil. .,Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Zoonoses e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários 1540, Bairro Juvevê, Curitiba, Paraná, CEP 80035-050, Brazil.
| | - Naíla Cannes do Nascimento
- Hemoplasma Laboratory, Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, VPRB, Room 109, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47905, USA.
| | - Andrea Pires dos Santos
- Hemoplasma Laboratory, Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, VPRB, Room 109, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47905, USA.
| | - Cristina Kraemer Zimpel
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Zoonoses e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários 1540, Bairro Juvevê, Curitiba, Paraná, CEP 80035-050, Brazil.
| | - Joanne Belle Messick
- Hemoplasma Laboratory, Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, VPRB, Room 109, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47905, USA.
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Avenida Coronel Francisco H dos Santos, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, Paraná, CEP 81531-900, Brazil. .,Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Zoonoses e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários 1540, Bairro Juvevê, Curitiba, Paraná, CEP 80035-050, Brazil. .,Director of Animal Services, Curitiba Secretary of Environment, Passeio Público, Rua Luíz Leão S/N, Centro, Curitiba, Paraná, CEP 80030-010, Brazil.
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Rediscovery of Trypanosoma (Pycnomonas) suis, a tsetse-transmitted trypanosome closely related to T. brucei. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 36:381-388. [PMID: 26477932 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The African tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes are considered to be a well-known group of parasitic protozoa, but in 2008 a novel and distinctive trypanosome related to Trypanosoma brucei was discovered among tsetse isolates from Msubugwe in Tanzania. The host range, distribution and potential pathogenicity of this new trypanosome remain to be elucidated; such studies would be facilitated by a sensitive and specific identification method. Here, we identified two highly repetitive elements in the genome of the new trypanosome: a 177 bp repeat, which was located predominantly on the highly abundant minichromosomes, and a 138 bp repeat, which was widely dispersed in the genome. A PCR test based on each repeat was specific for the new trypanosome and sensitive to <0.1 trypanosome equivalent. These PCR tests were used to identify trypanosomes in archival pig blood smears from the 1950's, confirming the identity of the Msubugwe trypanosome as Trypanosoma (Pycnomonas) suis. We also present data on the molecular karyotype and spliced leader (SL, miniexon) repeat of the new trypanosome, both of which distinguish T. suis from other, better-known African tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes. The rediscovery of T. suis opens new lines of research into the evolution and biology of the African trypanosomes.
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Aquino LC, Hicks CAE, Scalon MC, Lima MGDM, Lemos MDS, Paludo GR, Helps CR, Tasker S. Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of haemoplasmas from cats infected with multiple species. J Microbiol Methods 2015; 107:189-96. [PMID: 25447887 PMCID: PMC4263531 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (CMhm) and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ (CMt) are agents of feline haemoplasmosis and can induce anaemia in cats. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of haemoplasma species in cats from Brazil's capital and surrounding areas, and whether correlation with haematological abnormalities existed. Feline haemoplasmas were found in 13.8% of 432 cats. CMhm was the most prevalent species (in 13.8% of cats), followed by Mhf (11.1%) and CMt (4.4%). Over 80% of haemoplasma-infected cats harboured two or more feline haemoplasma species: 7.1% of cats were co-infected with Mhf/CMhm, 0.4% with CMhm/CMt and 3.9% with Mhf/CMhm/CMt. Male gender was significantly associated with haemoplasma infections. No association was found between qPCR haemoplasma status and haematological variables, however CMhm relative copy numbers were correlated with red blood cell (RBC) numbers and packed cell volume (PCV). Haemoplasma 16S rRNA gene sequences (> 1 Kb) were derived from co-infected cats using novel haemoplasma species-specific primers. This allowed 16S rRNA gene sequences to be obtained despite the high level of co-infection, which precluded the use of universal 16S rRNA gene primers. Within each species, the Mhf, CMhm and CMt sequences showed > 99.8%, > 98.5% and > 98.8% identity, respectively. The Mhf, CMhm and CMt sequences showed > 99.2%, > 98.4% and > 97.8% identity, respectively, with GenBank sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed all Mhf sequences to reside in a single clade, whereas the CMhm and CMt sequences each grouped into three distinct subclades. These phylogeny findings suggest the existence of different CMhm and CMt strains. Over 80% of haemoplasma-infected cats had more than one haemoplasma species. The use of species-specific primers allowed derivation of 16S rDNA sequences from co-infected cats. Male gender was significantly associated with haemoplasma infection. Phylogenetic analysis showed subclade formation within two of the haemoplasma species sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Campos Aquino
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil.
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Hornok S, Földvári G, Rigó K, Meli ML, Gönczi E, Répási A, Farkas R, Papp I, Kontschán J, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Synanthropic rodents and their ectoparasites as carriers of a novel haemoplasma and vector-borne, zoonotic pathogens indoors. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:27. [PMID: 25589174 PMCID: PMC4299477 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0630-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite their close association with human dwellings, the role of synanthropic rodents in the epidemiology of vector-borne infections is seldom studied. The aim of the present study was to compensate for this lack of information, by the molecular investigation of vector-borne bacteria in peridomestic rodents and their ectoparasites. Findings Fifty-two rodents (mainly house mice and brown rats) were caught alive in buildings and checked for blood-sucking ectoparasites; followed by molecular analysis of these, together with spleen samples, for the presence of vector-borne agents. Haemoplasma infection was significantly more prevalent among brown rats, than among house mice. A novel haemoplasma genotype (with only 92-93% similarity to Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis and M. coccoides in its 16S rRNA gene) was detected in a harvest mouse and a brown rat. Sporadic occurrence of Rickettsia helvetica, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Bartonella sp. was also noted in rodents and/or their ectoparasites. Conclusions These results indicate that synanthropic rodents, although with low prevalence, may carry zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens indoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Cytomegalovirus, and possibly Epstein-Barr virus, shedding in breast milk is associated with HIV-1 transmission by breastfeeding. AIDS 2015; 29:145-53. [PMID: 25535751 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Postnatal HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) occurs in spite of antiretroviral therapy. Co-infections in breast milk with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are associated with increased HIV-1 shedding in this compartment. We investigated CMV levels and EBV detection in breast milk as potential risk factors for MTCT of HIV-1 via breastfeeding. METHODS Cell-free HIV-1 RNA, cell-associated HIV-1 DNA, CMV and EBV DNA were quantified in breast milk from 62 HIV-infected mothers and proven postnatal MTCT of HIV-1 via breastfeeding. Controls were 62 HIV-positive mothers with HIV-uninfected infants. RESULTS Median (interquartile range) CMV DNA viral load was significantly higher in cases [88,044 (18,586-233,904)] than in controls [11,167 (3221-31,152)] copies/10 breast milk cells (P < 0.001). Breast milk CMV DNA level correlated positively with breast milk HIV-1 RNA level in cases and controls. EBV DNA was detectable in a higher proportion of breast milk samples of cases (37.1%) than controls (16.1%; P = 0.009). HIV-1 MTCT was strongly associated with HIV-1 RNA shedding in breast milk and plasma. In multivariable analysis, every 1 log10 increase in breast milk CMV DNA was associated with a significant 2.5-fold greater odds of MTCT of HIV-1, independent of breast milk and plasma HIV-1 levels; the nearly three-fold increased risk of HIV-1 MTCT with breast milk EBV DNA detection did not reach significance. CONCLUSION We provide the first evidence of an independent association between CMV in breast milk, and postnatal MTCT of HIV-1. This association could fuel persistent shedding of HIV-1 in breast milk in women receiving antiretroviral therapy. EBV DNA detection in breast milk may also be associated with MTCT of HIV-1, but only marginally so.
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Santos APD, Conrado FDO, Messick JB, Biondo AW, Oliveira STD, Guimaraes AMS, Nascimento NCD, Pedralli V, Lasta CS, González FHD. Hemoplasma prevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with infection in three different cat populations from Southern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2014; 23:428-34. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612014079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’, 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, but not with ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.
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Hornok S, Földvári G, Rigó K, Meli ML, Tóth M, Molnár V, Gönczi E, Farkas R, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Vector-borne agents detected in fleas of the northern white-breasted hedgehog. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 14:74-6. [PMID: 24359423 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first large-scale molecular investigation of fleas from a geographically widespread and highly urbanized species, the northern white-breasted hedgehog. In this study, 759 fleas (the majority were Archaeopsylla erinacei) collected from 134 hedgehogs were molecularly analyzed individually or in pools for the presence of three groups of vector-borne pathogens. All flea samples were positive for rickettsiae: In two samples (1.5%) Rickettsia helvetica and in 10% of the others a novel rickettsia genotype were identified. Additionally, Bartonella henselae (the causative agent of cat scratch disease in humans) was demonstrated in one flea (0.7%), and hemoplasmas of the hemofelis group were identified in seven other samples (5.2%). The findings of vector-borne agents not detected before in A. erinacei fleas broaden the range of those diseases of veterinary-medical importance, of which hedgehogs may play a role in the epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University , Budapest, Hungary
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Reppas G, Fyfe J, Foster S, Smits B, Martin P, Jardine J, Lam A, O'Brien C, Malik R. Detection and identification of mycobacteria in fixed stained smears and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues using PCR. J Small Anim Pract 2013; 54:638-46. [DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Reppas
- Vetnostics; North Ryde New South Wales 2113 Australia
| | - J. Fyfe
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory; North Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - S. Foster
- Vetnostics; North Ryde New South Wales 2113 Australia
| | - B. Smits
- Gribbles Veterinary; Hamilton New Zealand
| | - P. Martin
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; B14 New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - J. Jardine
- Vetpath; Ascot Western Australia 6104 Australia
| | - A. Lam
- Small Animal Specialist Hospital; Richardson Place North Ryde New South Wales Australia
| | - C. O'Brien
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - R. Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, Conference Centre B22; The University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
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28
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Mycoplasmas and their host: emerging and re-emerging minimal pathogens. Trends Microbiol 2013; 21:196-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Abstract
The haemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are a group of bacteria that can induce anaemia in a wide variety of mammals, including domestic cats and wild felids. Different feline haemoplasma species of varying pathogenicity exist, with the more pathogenic Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) capable of inducing severe haemolytic anaemia, whilst 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (CMt) are infrequently associated with clinical disease. Chronic haemoplasma infections are common and cats are frequently infected by two or more haemoplasmas, complicating the clinical picture. The natural route of transmission of haemoplasma infection between cats has not yet been determined; however, experimental transmission has been demonstrated via both oral and parenteral administration of infected blood. To date the haemoplasmas have been unable to be cultured in vitro, and accurate diagnosis is currently reliant on detection of bacterial DNA using PCR assays. Treatment of clinical haemoplasmosis is focussed on supportive care in combination with empirical treatment with antimicrobials (tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones). A significant number of asymptomatic cats are positive for haemoplasma infection. These cats may play a role in the maintenance of haemoplasma infection within a population, and need to be considered when choosing potential blood donors. Use of PCR assays has provided an accurate method of diagnosing haemoplasma infection and quantifying response to therapy, including in non-feline host animals, as presumed zoonotic haemoplasma infections are now being documented. Recent advances in genome sequencing techniques have allowed the whole genome sequences of the feline haemoplasmas Mhf and CMhm to be derived, as well as a number of non-feline haemoplasma species. These data have aided the identification of antigens for use in the development of serological tests, allowed the proteomic study of haemoplasmas and provided clues as to how the haemoplasmas can persist within the host. Future areas of study include investigation of their zoonotic potential, mechanisms of immune system evasion and transmission of these emerging pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Barker
- University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, UK.
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Sashida H, Sasaoka F, Suzuki J, Watanabe Y, Fujihara M, Nagai K, Kobayashi S, Furuhama K, Harasawa R. Detection of hemotropic mycoplasmas in free-living brown sewer rats (Rattus norvegicus). J Vet Med Sci 2013; 75:979-83. [PMID: 23428775 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasmas in wild rodents is largely unknown. Here, we report the presence of hemoplasmas in blood samples collected from brown sewer rats (Rattus norvegicus) trapped during rodent control around an animal hospital in Morioka, Japan. We examined nine rats using real-time PCR and end-point PCR, and found one rat (11.1%) that was positive for a hemoplasma infection. The 16S rRNA gene and 16S to 23S rRNA intergenic spacer region of the hemoplasma detected in a wild-caught rat were amplified using PCR. The nucleotide sequences of the PCR products were further determined and compared to those of other hemoplasmas. Our examinations revealed the presence of a hemoplasma that has not previously been described in rodents. The pathogenic traits of this hemoplasma remain unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinako Sashida
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka 020-8550, Japan
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31
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Ndirangu J, Viljoen J, Bland RM, Danaviah S, Thorne C, Van de Perre P, Newell ML. Cell-free (RNA) and cell-associated (DNA) HIV-1 and postnatal transmission through breastfeeding. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51493. [PMID: 23284701 PMCID: PMC3532207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transmission through breastfeeding remains important for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in resource-limited settings. We quantify the relationship between cell-free (RNA) and cell-associated (DNA) shedding of HIV-1 virus in breastmilk and the risk of postnatal HIV-1 transmission in the first 6 months postpartum. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six HIV-positive mothers who transmitted HIV-1 by breastfeeding were matched to 36 non-transmitting HIV-1 infected mothers in a case-control study nested in a cohort of HIV-infected women. RNA and DNA were quantified in the same breastmilk sample taken at 6 weeks and 6 months. Cox regression analysis assessed the association between cell-free and cell-associated virus levels and risk of postnatal HIV-1 transmission. RESULTS There were higher median levels of cell-free than cell-associated HIV-1 virus (per ml) in breastmilk at 6 weeks and 6 months. Multivariably, adjusting for antenatal CD4 count and maternal plasma viral load, at 6 weeks, each 10-fold increase in cell-free or cell-associated levels (per ml) was significantly associated with HIV-1 transmission but stronger for cell-associated than cell-free levels [2.47 (95% CI 1.33-4.59) vs. aHR 1.52 (95% CI, 1.17-1.96), respectively]. At 6 months, cell-free and cell-associated levels (per ml) in breastmilk remained significantly associated with HIV-1 transmission but was stronger for cell-free than cell-associated levels [aHR 2.53 (95% CI 1.64-3.92) vs. 1.73 (95% CI 0.94-3.19), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that cell-associated virus level (per ml) is more important for early postpartum HIV-1 transmission (at 6 weeks) than cell-free virus. As cell-associated virus levels have been consistently detected in breastmilk despite antiretroviral therapy, this highlights a potential challenge for resource-limited settings to achieve the UNAIDS goal for 2015 of eliminating vertical transmission. More studies would further knowledge on mechanisms of HIV-1 transmission and help develop more effective drugs during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ndirangu
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa
- * E-mail: (JN); (JV)
| | - Johannes Viljoen
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa
- * E-mail: (JN); (JV)
| | - Ruth M. Bland
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa
- University of Glasgow School of Medicine, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Siva Danaviah
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa
| | - Claire Thorne
- MRC Centre of Epidemiology for Child Health, University College London Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- INSERM U, Montpellier, France
- Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Département de Bactériologie-Virologie et Département d’Information Médicale, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Louise Newell
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa
- MRC Centre of Epidemiology for Child Health, University College London Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
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Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Mycoplasma haemocanis infections in dogs from the United States. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 35:557-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Huang DS, Guan P, Wu W, Shen TF, Liu HL, Cao S, Zhou H. Infection rate of Eperythrozoon spp. in Chinese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis since the first Chinese case reported in 1991. BMC Infect Dis 2012; 12:171. [PMID: 22849309 PMCID: PMC3458953 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-12-171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eperythrozoonosis is an important animal health problem worldwide, it not only has a major impact on the economic viability, but also makes a significant impact on public health issues. The present systemic review intends to collate all relevant published data to assess the burden of Eperythrozoon infection in Chinese population and discuss the implications of these findings for public health policy. METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted to review the published studies that reported Eperythrozoon spp. in Chinese population. Inclusion criteria comprised of the use of microscopic venous blood smear examination for Eperythrozoon detection and a detailed description of sampling techniques. RESULTS Twenty-four cross-sectional studies with 52,433 participants and 14,951 positive cases, within the range of China mainland, were included in the present analysis. The infection rate of Eperythrozoon varied from 0 to 97.29% with geographical and seasonal variations, people with mild infection intensity contributed the major part (68.93%). The infection rates were highest in the children and adolescents group, significantly increased risk of Eperythrozoon infection was found among herdsmen. CONCLUSIONS The current study raises awareness about the human eperythrozoonosis in China, which is a newly emerging zoonosis. The majority of Eperythrozoon infection intensity was asymptomatic mild infection. The infection rate of Eperythrozoon in Chinese population varied by geographical region, season, age and occupation. These factors need to be considered when conducting health education campaigns and comparing the surveillance results from different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Sheng Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Department of Mathematics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Peng Guan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Tie-Feng Shen
- Huludao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huludao, 125000, China
| | - He-Ling Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Shuang Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
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Occurrence of hemotrophic mycoplasmas in horses with correlation to hematological findings. Vet Microbiol 2012; 160:43-52. [PMID: 22664221 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (HM) are small, cell wall-less bacteria and infections are known for a wide range of animals. One possible indication of equine HM infection was given in 1978, when a 'haemobartonellosis' outbreak was diagnosed in Nigerian horses by microscopy. However the first molecular proof of HM in horses was not reported until 2010, when a fragment of about 900 bp of the 16S rRNA of the equine HM was obtained. This sequence was used for the development of a SYBR green I real-time PCR assay specific for equine HM. The lower detection limit of the PCR was ten 16S rDNA copy numbers per ml of blood. The newly designed assay was successfully applied for the detection and quantification of HM in horses in Germany. A high sample prevalence of 26.5% (95% CI: 18.8-35.5%) was found (31 out of 117 horses). The mean bacterial load was 1.10×10(6) 16S rDNA copy number/ml blood (range: minimum 1.05×10(3), maximum 1.27×10(7)). Equine HM were also detected by microscopy (Giemsa and acridine orange stained blood smears), but results do not correlate very well with PCR results, as microscopy proved rather unspecific and not sensitive. In horses younger than one year, a significant correlation between PCR positive status and anemia was found. No correlation was found in PCR-positive animals older than one year. Therefore we assume that HM infection has a higher clinical relevance in young animals.
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35
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Barker EN, Langton DA, Helps CR, Brown G, Malik R, Shaw SE, Tasker S. Haemoparasites of free-roaming dogs associated with several remote Aboriginal communities in Australia. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:55. [PMID: 22584120 PMCID: PMC3489665 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne haemoparasites Babesia vogeli and Anaplasma platys are common among the free-roaming canine populations associated with Aboriginal communities in Australia, whilst the prevalence of haemoplasmas, which are also suspected to be tick-borne, remained unexplored. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma infection in these populations, and to identify any correlation with other haemoparasites. Blood was collected from 39 dogs associated with four Aboriginal communities and screened for infection using PCR and serology. DNA was purified and PCR analyses for piroplasms, Anaplasmataceae family bacteria and haemoplasmas performed. Serum was analysed using a commercial haemoparasite ELISA. Prevalence of infection was compared between communities. RESULTS Seventeen dogs (44%) were infected (PCR positive) with Mycoplasma haemocanis, eight (21%) with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum', 20 (51%) with A. platys, and 17 (44%) with B. vogeli. Two dogs were infected with a novel haemoplasma as determined by DNA amplification and sequencing. Two dogs (5%) were serologically positive for Dirofilaria immitis antigens, one (3%) was positive for Ehrlichia canis antibodies and nine (24nbsp;%) were positive for A. platys antibodies. Co-infections were frequent. Haemoplasma prevalence was highest (73%, 16/22) in Central Australia and lowest (22%, 2/9) in Western Australia (p = 0.017). In contrast, B. vogeli prevalence was low in Central Australia (18%, 4/22) but higher (78%, 7/9) in Western Australia (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS This is the first time haemoplasma infections, including a novel species, have been molecularly documented in Australian dogs. The wide regional variation in prevalence of some of the haemoparasite infections detected in this study warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Barker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
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Abstract
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) with generalized sclerodermiform skin lesions developed over a 19-month period in a previously healthy 23-year-old man. Although we confirmed EF by skin histology and laboratory tests, the recurrent fevers and the clinical observation of sclerotic prepuce with urethritis indicated further bacteriological analysis by conventional microbiological and DNA-based tests. Urethra cultures were positive for an arginine-hydrolyzing mycoplasma and Ureaplasma urealyticum. The patient also had serum IgM antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based qualitative detection. Mycoplasma arginini was isolated from two independent venous blood serum samples and was identified by conventional microbiological tests and sequencing of the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes (GenBank sequence accession numbers HM179555 and HM179556, respectively). M. arginini genomic DNA also was detected by species-specific PCR in the skin lesion biopsy sample. Treatment with corticosteroids and long-term courses of selected antibiotics led to remission of skin symptoms and normalization of laboratory values. This report provides the first evidence of EF associated with mycoplasma infection and the second report of human infection with M. arginini and therefore suggests that this mycoplasma infection might have contributed to the pathogenesis of the disease.
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RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) gene and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer region (ITS) as complementary molecular markers in addition to the 16S rRNA gene for phylogenetic analysis and identification of the species of the family Mycoplasmataceae. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2011; 62:515-28. [PMID: 22115576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 10/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Conventional classification of the species in the family Mycoplasmataceae is mainly based on phenotypic criteria, which are complicated, can be difficult to measure, and have the potential to be hampered by phenotypic deviations among the isolates. The number of biochemical reactions suitable for phenotypic characterization of the Mycoplasmataceae is also very limited and therefore the strategy for the final identification of the Mycoplasmataceae species is based on comparative serological results. However, serological testing of the Mycoplasmataceae species requires a performance panel of hyperimmune sera which contains anti-serum to each known species of the family, a high level of technical expertise, and can only be properly performed by mycoplasma-reference laboratories. In addition, the existence of uncultivated and fastidious Mycoplasmataceae species/isolates in clinical materials significantly complicates, or even makes impossible, the application of conventional bacteriological tests. The analysis of available genetic markers is an additional approach for the primary identification and phylogenetic classification of cultivable species and uncultivable or fastidious organisms in standard microbiological laboratories. The partial nucleotide sequences of the RNA polymerase β-subunit gene (rpoB) and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) were determined for all known type strains and the available non-type strains of the Mycoplasmataceae species. In addition to the available 16S rRNA gene data, the ITS and rpoB sequences were used to infer phylogenetic relationships among these species and to enable identification of the Mycoplasmataceae isolates to the species level. The comparison of the ITS and rpoB phylogenetic trees with the 16S rRNA reference phylogenetic tree revealed a similar clustering patterns for the Mycoplasmataceae species, with minor discrepancies for a few species that demonstrated higher divergence of their ITS and rpoB in comparison to their neighbor species. Overall, our results demonstrated that the ITS and rpoB gene could be useful complementary phylogenetic markers to infer phylogenetic relationships among the Mycoplasmataceae species and provide useful background information for the choice of appropriate metabolic and serological tests for the final classification of isolates. In summary, three-target sequence analysis, which includes the ITS, rpoB, and 16S rRNA genes, was demonstrated to be a reliable and useful taxonomic tool for the species differentiation within the family Mycoplasmataceae based on their phylogenetic relatedness and pairwise sequence similarities. We believe that this approach might also become a valuable tool for routine analysis and primary identification of new isolates in medical and veterinary microbiological laboratories.
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Steer JA, Tasker S, Barker EN, Jensen J, Mitchell J, Stocki T, Chalker VJ, Hamon M. A novel hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasma) in a patient with hemolytic anemia and pyrexia. Clin Infect Dis 2011; 53:e147-51. [PMID: 22021921 PMCID: PMC3205199 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cir666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A patient with chronic moderate neutropenia, acute hemolysis, and pyrexia was found to be infected with a novel hemoplasma species. A clinical response to doxycyline was noted, and moxifloxacin was added subsequently to aid infection clearance. This represents the first report of hemolysis in association with confirmed hemoplasma infection in a human. A patient with chronic moderate neutropenia, acute hemolysis, and pyrexia was found to be infected with a novel hemoplasma species. A clinical response to doxycyline was noted, and moxifloxacin was added subsequently to aid infection clearance. This represents the first report of hemolysis in association with confirmed hemoplasma infection in a human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A Steer
- Department of Microbiology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, United Kingdom
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39
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Kuan TC, Yang TH, Wen CH, Chen MY, Lee IL, Lin CS. Identifying the regulatory element for human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in human cardiofibroblasts. Peptides 2011; 32:1832-9. [PMID: 21864606 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been proposed as a potential target for cardioprotection in regulating cardiovascular functions, owing to its key role in the formation of the vasoprotective peptides angiotensin-(1-7) from angiotensin II (Ang II). The regulatory mechanism of ace2 expression, however, remains to be explored. In this study, we investigated the regulatory element within the upstream of ace2. The human ace2 promoter region, from position -2069 to +20, was cloned and a series of upstream deletion mutants were constructed and cloned into a luciferase reporter vector. The reporter luciferase activity was analyzed by transient transfection of the constructs into human cardiofibroblasts (HCFs) and an activating domain was identified in the -516/-481 region. Deletion or reversal of this domain within ace2 resulted in a significant decrease in promoter activity. The nuclear proteins isolated from the HCFs formed a DNA-protein complex with double stranded oligonucleotides of the -516/-481 domain, as detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Site-directed mutagenesis of this region identified a putative protein binding domain and a potential binding site, ATTTGGA, homologous to that of an Ikaros binding domain. This regulatory element was responsible for Ang II stimulation via the Ang II-Ang II type-1 receptor (AT1R) signaling pathway, but was not responsible for pro-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β1 and TNF-α. Our results suggest that the nucleotide sequences -516/-481 of human ace2 may be a binding domain for an as yet unidentified regulatory factor(s) that regulates ace2 expression and is associated with Ang II stimulation.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II/metabolism
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
- Base Sequence
- Binding Sites
- Blotting, Western
- Cells, Cultured
- Cloning, Molecular
- Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay
- Fibroblasts/cytology
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/enzymology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
- Genome, Human
- Humans
- Luciferases/metabolism
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Protein Binding
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism
- Regulatory Elements, Transcriptional
- Sequence Deletion
- Signal Transduction
- Transcriptional Activation
- Transfection
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/genetics
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang-Ching Kuan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, No. 75 Po-Ai Street, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
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Barker EN, Helps CR, Neimark H, Peters IR, Peters W, Tasker S. A novel haemoplasma species identified in archived primate blood smears. Vet Microbiol 2011; 149:478-81. [PMID: 21145673 PMCID: PMC3075546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In order to confirm a microscopic diagnosis of 'eperythrozoonosis' made over 40 years ago in a captive owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus), DNA was extracted from archived fixed and stained blood smears and subjected to generic haemotropic mycoplasma (haemoplasma) quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and a human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase qPCR as an amplification control. The qPCRs confirmed the extraction of host DNA from the samples and the presence of a haemoplasma species. Partial 16S rRNA and ribonuclease P ribosomal gene fragments were amplified by PCR, cloned and sequenced. Sequence data and phylogeny showed the owl monkey haemoplasma to lie in the haemominutum clade of haemoplasmas, most closely related to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma kahaneii'. This study confirms the use of generic haemoplasma qPCRs to successfully amplify haemoplasma DNA from fixed, stained and archived blood smears from the early 1970s and provides molecular confirmation of the existence of a novel haemoplasma species in an owl monkey, for which the name 'Candidatus Mycoplasma aoti' sp. nov. is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Barker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, United Kingdom.
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SASAOKA F, SUZUKI J, WATANABE Y, FUJIHARA M, HARASAWA R. Rapid Identification of Hemoplasma Species by Palindromic Nucleotide Substitutions at the GAAA Tetraloop Helix in the Specificity Domain of Ribonuclease P RNA. J Vet Med Sci 2011; 73:1517-20. [DOI: 10.1292/jvms.11-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fumina SASAOKA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University
| | - Jin SUZUKI
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University
| | - Yusaku WATANABE
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University
- Department of Applied Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
| | - Masatoshi FUJIHARA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University
- Department of Applied Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
| | - Ryô HARASAWA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University
- Department of Applied Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
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