1
|
Aranda-Domene R, Sandoval E, Cuervo G, Fernández-Pittol M, de la María CG, Quintana E. Bartonella quintana pulmonary native valve endocarditis. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024; 40:150-154. [PMID: 38827541 PMCID: PMC11139838 DOI: 10.1007/s12055-024-01727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bartonella quintana is a well-known cause of blood culture-negative endocarditis; however, pulmonary valve involvement is rare. The case of a 40-year-old African male who presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain, cardiac failure, and a 2-week history of fever is presented. Transoesophageal echocardiography confirmed an atrial septal defect, severe pulmonary insufficiency with large vegetations, severe mitral regurgitation due to anterior leaflet prolapse, and right ventricular dysfunction. Empirical antibiotic therapy was started, and urgent surgical intervention was decided. There were vegetations on the three pulmonary valve leaflets and the mitral valve. Closure of the atrial septal defect, mitral and tricuspid valve repair, pulmonary valve replacement with a biological prosthesis, and infundibuloplasty of the right ventricle were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Preoperative blood cultures were negative, and B. quintana was detected through 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing in mitral and pulmonary implants. Serology showed positive titers of 1/1260 for both B. quintana and B. henselae. Ceftriaxone and gentamicin were administered for 10 days, followed by oral doxycycline for 12 weeks. A one-year echocardiogram showed normal functioning of the pulmonary prosthesis and the mitral and tricuspid repair. Infection caused by B. quintana is a rare cause of endocarditis with negative blood cultures, and multivalvular and pulmonary valve involvement is exceptional. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-024-01727-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Aranda-Domene
- Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sandoval
- Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Cuervo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariana Fernández-Pittol
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Eduard Quintana
- Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tufa TB, Margos G, Fingerle V, Hartberger C, Poppert S, Birtles RJ, Kraiczy P, Kempf VAJ, Frickmann H, Feldt T. Evidence for Bartonella quintana in Lice Collected from the Clothes of Ethiopian Homeless Individuals. Pathogens 2023; 12:1299. [PMID: 38003765 PMCID: PMC10675803 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human lice, Pediculus humanus, can transmit various pathogens, including Bartonella quintana, Borrelia recurrentis, and Rickettsia prowazekii. Xenosurveillance is an epidemiological approach to assessing human infection risks performed by screening vectors of infectious disease agents. In the proof-of-principle study reported herein, the DNA of 23 human lice was collected from the clothes of 30 homeless Ethiopian individuals. These samples were assessed using 16S rRNA gene-specific pan-eubacterial PCR for screening, followed by Bartonella genus 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence-specific PCR, Bartonella genus gltA gene-specific PCR, and 16S rRNA gene PCR with specificity for relapsing-fever-associated Borrelia spp. with subsequent sequencing of the amplicons. In one sample, the pan-eubacterial 16S rRNA gene-specific screening PCR, the Bartonella genus 16S-23S ITS sequence-specific PCR, and the Bartonella genus gltA gene-specific PCR allowed for the sequencing of B. quintana-specific amplicons. In two additional samples, Bartonella genus gltA gene-specific PCR also provided sequences showing 100% sequence identity with B. quintana. In total, 3/23 (13.0%) of the assessed lice were found to be positive for B. quintana. Correlating clinical data were not available; however, the assessment confirmed the presence of B. quintana in the local louse population and thus an associated infection pressure. Larger-sized cross-sectional studies seem advisable to more reliably quantify the infection risk of lice-infested local individuals. The need for prevention by providing opportunities to maintain standard hygiene for Ethiopian homeless individuals is stressed by the reported findings, especially in light of the ongoing migration of refugees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tafese Beyene Tufa
- Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia;
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine (HITM), Heinrich-Heine University, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gabriele Margos
- National Reference Center for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Branch Oberschleißheim, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (G.M.); (V.F.); (C.H.)
| | - Volker Fingerle
- National Reference Center for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Branch Oberschleißheim, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (G.M.); (V.F.); (C.H.)
| | - Christine Hartberger
- National Reference Center for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Branch Oberschleißheim, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (G.M.); (V.F.); (C.H.)
| | - Sven Poppert
- Diagnostic Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine Hamburg, 20239 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Richard J. Birtles
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Peter Kraiczy
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control and Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella Infections (Appointed by the Robert Koch Institute), University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.K.); (V.A.J.K.)
| | - Volkhard A. J. Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control and Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella Infections (Appointed by the Robert Koch Institute), University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.K.); (V.A.J.K.)
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine (HITM), Heinrich-Heine University, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feldmeier H. Head lice as vectors of pathogenic microorganisms. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:53. [PMID: 37730694 PMCID: PMC10510260 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Body lice and head lice are the most common ectoparasites of humans. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) occur worldwide in children and their caretakers, irrespective of their social status. In contrast, body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) are confined to marginalized population groups in countries of the Global South, homeless people, and refugees. Body lice are known to transmit an array of bacterial pathogens, such as R. prowazekii, R. rickettsii, C. burneti, B. quintana, B. recurrentis, and Y. pestis. The vector capacity of head lice is still a matter of debate. The objective of the review was to scrutinize the existing evidence on the vector capacity of head lice for the transmission of bacterial pathogens. The PUBMED database was searched using a combination of the terms "pediculus humanus" OR "body lice" OR "head lice" AND "pathogen" OR "Rickettsia prowazekii" OR "Bartonella quintana" OR "Borrelia recurrentis" OR "Coxiella burneti" without a time limit. Data from epidemiological studies as well as historical observations demonstrate that body lice and head lice can carry the same array of pathogens. Since the presence of a bacterial pathogen in an arthropod is not sufficient to state that it can be transmitted to humans, and since experimental models are lacking, as yet one cannot conclude with certainty that head lice serve as vectors, although this review presents circumstantial evidence that they do. Adequately designed experimental and epidemiological studies are needed to ascertain the exact transmission potential of head lice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Deng YP, Fu YT, Yao C, Shao R, Zhang XL, Duan DY, Liu GH. Emerging bacterial infectious diseases/pathogens vectored by human lice. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 55:102630. [PMID: 37567429 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Human lice have always been a major public health concern due to their vector capacity for louse-borne infectious diseases, like trench fever, louse-borne relapsing fever, and epidemic fever, which are caused by Bartonella quintana, Borrelia recurrentis, and Rickettsia prowazekii, respectively. Those diseases are currently re-emerging in the regions of poor hygiene, social poverty, or wars with life-threatening consequences. These louse-borne diseases have also caused outbreaks among populations in jails and refugee camps. In addition, antibodies and DNAs to those pathogens have been steadily detected in homeless populations. Importantly, more bacterial pathogens have been detected in human lice, and some have been transmitted by human lice in laboratories. Here, we provide a comprehensive review and update on louse-borne infectious diseases/bacterial pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ping Deng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Tian Fu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Renfu Shao
- Centre for Bioinnovation, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Xue-Ling Zhang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - De-Yong Duan
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sarsiat L, Garrigos T, Houhamdi L, Dauwalder O, Kuli B, Braunberger E, Belmonte O, Fournier PE, Miltgen G. Case series of 12 Bartonella quintana endocarditis from the Southwest Indian Ocean. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011606. [PMID: 37676863 PMCID: PMC10508605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bartonella spp. are fastidious bacteria frequently identified as the cause of blood culture-negative (BCN) endocarditis. However, Bartonella infections are difficult to diagnose in routine laboratory testing and their incidence is probably underestimated. We investigated the epidemiological and clinical features of Bartonella endocarditis cases diagnosed between 2009 and 2021 on Reunion Island (Southwest Indian Ocean). METHOD We retrospectively included all patients diagnosed with Bartonella endocarditis at Reunion Island University Hospital during this period. Endocarditis was diagnosed on the basis of microbiological findings, including serological tests (IFA) and PCR on cardiac valves, and the modified Duke criteria. We used then the multispacer typing (MST) method to genotype the available Bartonella strains. FINDINGS We report 12 cases of B. quintana endocarditis on Reunion Island (83.3% in men, median patient age: 32 years). All the patients originated from the Comoros archipelago. The traditional risk factors for B. quintana infection (homelessness, alcoholism, exposure to body lice) were absent in all but two of the patients, who reported head louse infestations in childhood. Previous heart disease leading to valve dysfunction was recorded in 50% of patients. All patients underwent cardiac valve surgery and antimicrobial therapy with a regimen including doxycycline. All patients presented high C-reactive protein concentrations, anemia and negative blood cultures. The titer of IgG antibodies against Bartonella sp. exceeded 1:800 in 42% of patients. Specific PCR on cardiac valves confirmed the diagnosis of B. quintana endocarditis in all patients. Genotyping by the MST method was performed on four strains detected in preserved excised valves and was contributive for three, which displayed the MST6 genotype. CONCLUSIONS Bartonella quintana is an important cause of infective endocarditis in the Comoros archipelago and should be suspected in patients with mitral valve dysfunction and BCN from this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Sarsiat
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Thomas Garrigos
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
- UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), CNRS 9192, INSERM U1187, IRD 249, Université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Linda Houhamdi
- CNR des Rickettsies, Coxiella et Bartonella, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Dauwalder
- Plateau de Microbiologie Moléculaire Spécialisé et de Séquençage, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Nord, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Barbara Kuli
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Eric Braunberger
- Service de Chirurgie Cardio-thoracique, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Olivier Belmonte
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- CNR des Rickettsies, Coxiella et Bartonella, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- UMR Vecteurs—Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (VITROME), Université d’Aix-Marseille, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Miltgen
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
- UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), CNRS 9192, INSERM U1187, IRD 249, Université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
- Centre Régional en Antibiothérapie (CRAtb) de La Réunion, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Silva-Ramos CR, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Serna-Rivera CC, Mattar S, Hidalgo M. Etiologies of Zoonotic Tropical Febrile Illnesses That Are Not Part of the Notifiable Diseases in Colombia. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2154. [PMID: 37763998 PMCID: PMC10535066 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In Colombia, tropical febrile illnesses represent one of the most important causes of clinical attention. Febrile illnesses in the tropics are mainly zoonotic and have a broad etiology. The Colombian surveillance system monitors some notifiable diseases. However, several etiologies are not monitored by this system. In the present review, we describe eleven different etiologies of zoonotic tropical febrile illnesses that are not monitored by the Colombian surveillance system but have scientific, historical, and contemporary data that confirm or suggest their presence in different regions of the country: Anaplasma, Arenavirus, Bartonella, relapsing fever group Borrelia, Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia, Hantavirus, Mayaro virus, Orientia, Oropouche virus, and Rickettsia. These could generate a risk for the local population, travelers, and immigrants, due to which they should be included in the mandatory notification system, considering their importance for Colombian public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
| | - Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
- Servicio de Infectología, Hospital Militar Central, Bogotá 110110, Colombia;
- Servicios y Asesorías en Infectología—SAI, Bogotá 110110, Colombia
| | - Cristian C. Serna-Rivera
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias (CENTAURO), Línea de Investigación Zoonosis Emergentes y Re-Emergentes, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050034, Colombia;
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales 170004, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230001, Colombia;
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
A system for transposon mutagenesis of Bartonella bacilliformis. J Microbiol Methods 2022; 203:106623. [PMID: 36400246 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2022.106623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bartonella bacilliformis is the etiologic agent of Carrión's disease in South America. Lack of a system for random mutagenesis has significantly hampered research on the pathogen's molecular biology. Here, we describe a transposon (Tn)-based mutagenesis strategy for B. bacilliformis using pSAM_Rl; a Tn-mariner delivery vector originally constructed for members of the Rhizobiaceae family. Following electroporation of the vector, five candidate mutant strains were selected based on aberrant colony morphologies, and four mutations confirmed and identified using arbitrarily-primed PCR coupled with Sanger sequencing. One mutant strain, 4B2, was found to have a disrupted flgI gene, encoding the P-ring component of the flagellar motor. We therefore investigated the flgI strain's motility phenotype in a novel motility medium and found that insertional mutagenesis produced a non-motile mutant. Taken as a whole, the results show that: 1) pSAM_R1 is a practical Tn delivery vector for B. bacilliformis, 2) the plasmid can be used to create random Tn mariner mutants, 3) arbitrarily-primed PCR coupled with Sanger sequencing is a rapid and simple method for identifying and locating mutations generated by this Tn, and 4) in silico-predicted mutant phenotypes can be verified in vitro following mutagenesis. This system of Tn mutagenesis and mutation identification provides a novel and straightforward approach to investigate the molecular biology of B. bacilliformis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fu YT, Yao C, Deng YP, Elsheikha HM, Shao R, Zhu XQ, Liu GH. Human pediculosis, a global public health problem. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:58. [PMID: 35619191 PMCID: PMC9134731 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human pediculosis is caused by hematophagous lice, which are transmitted between individuals via direct and/or indirect contact. Despite the public health importance of louse infestation, information concerning the global burden of pediculosis and the epidemiological landscape of louse-borne diseases is limited. The aim of this review was to summarize the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of lice infestation in humans. We also discussed the latest advances in molecular taxonomy and molecular genetics of lice. Methods We searched five electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, CNKI, VIP Chinese Journal Database, and Wanfang Data) and followed a standard approach for conducting scoping reviews to identify studies on various aspects of human lice. Relevant information reported in the identified studies were collated, categorized, and summarized. Results A total of 282 studies were eligible for the final review. Human pediculosis remains a public health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that head lice and body lice should be considered conspecific, with different genotypes and ecotypes. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (mt) cytb gene sequences identified six distinct clades of lice worldwide. In addition to the direct effect on human health, lice can serve as vectors of disease-causing pathogens. The use of insecticides plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of louse infestation. Genome sequencing has advanced our knowledge of the genetic structure and evolutionary biology of human lice. Conclusions Human pediculosis is a public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. More progress can be made if emphasis is placed on the use of emerging omics technologies to elucidate the mechanisms that underpin the physiological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of lice. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tian Fu
- Research Center for Parasites and Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Yuan-Ping Deng
- Research Center for Parasites and Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Renfu Shao
- Centre for Bioinnovation, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China. .,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites and Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sricharern W, Kaewchot S, Saengsawang P, Kaewmongkol S, Inpankaew T. Molecular Detection of Bartonella quintana among Long-Tailed Macaques ( Macaca fascicularis) in Thailand. Pathogens 2021; 10:629. [PMID: 34069707 PMCID: PMC8160695 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella quintana is a zoonotic pathogen with a worldwide distribution. Humans and non-human primates are considered to be natural reservoir hosts for B. quintana. However, information on the molecular epidemiology of this organism is very limited in regard to long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Thailand. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. among long-tailed macaques in Thailand. In total, 856 blood samples were collected from long-tailed macaques in Thailand. All specimens were screened for Bartonella spp. using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the 16S rRNA, gltA and ftsZ genes. All positive samples were further analyzed based on nucleotide sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignment analysis. Only one macaque showed a positive result in the PCR assays based on the 16S rRNA, gltA and ftsZ genes. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the obtained sequences were closely related to B. quintana previously detected in non-human primates. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in the gltA and ftsZ gene sequences. This study revealed that long-tailed macaques in Thailand carried B. quintana. Despite the low infection rate detected, long-tailed macaques may be a reservoir of B. quintana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanat Sricharern
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kamphaengsaen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhonpathom 73140, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology, Science and Technology Postgraduate Education and Research Development Office, Commission on Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Science, Research Innovation (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Supakarn Kaewchot
- Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Phirabhat Saengsawang
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand;
| | - Sarawan Kaewmongkol
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kamphaengsaen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhonpathom 73140, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology, Science and Technology Postgraduate Education and Research Development Office, Commission on Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Science, Research Innovation (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Okaro U, George S, Anderson B. What Is in a Cat Scratch? Growth of Bartonella henselae in a Biofilm. Microorganisms 2021; 9:835. [PMID: 33919891 PMCID: PMC8070961 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) is a gram-negative bacterium that causes cat scratch disease, bacteremia, and endocarditis, as well as other clinical presentations. B. henselae has been shown to form a biofilm in vitro that likely plays a role in the establishment and persistence of the bacterium in the host. Biofilms are also known to form in the cat flea vector; hence, the ability of this bacterium to form a biofilm has broad biological significance. The release of B. henselae from a biofilm niche appears to be important in disease persistence and relapse in the vertebrate host but also in transmission by the cat flea vector. It has been shown that the BadA adhesin of B. henselae is critical for adherence and biofilm formation. Thus, the upregulation of badA is important in initiating biofilm formation, and down-regulation is important in the release of the bacterium from the biofilm. We summarize the current knowledge of biofilm formation in Bartonella species and the role of BadA in biofilm formation. We discuss the evidence that defines possible mechanisms for the regulation of the genes required for biofilm formation. We further describe the regulation of those genes in the conditions that mimic both the arthropod vector and the mammalian host for B. henselae. The treatment for persistent B. henselae infection remains a challenge; hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which this bacterium persists in its host is critical to inform future efforts to develop drugs to treat such infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Udoka Okaro
- Foundational Sciences Directorate, Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Sierra George
- Department of Molecular Medicine, MDC7, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Burt Anderson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, MDC7, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Barbieri R, Drancourt M, Raoult D. The role of louse-transmitted diseases in historical plague pandemics. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 21:e17-e25. [PMID: 33035476 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The rodent-murine ectoparasite-human model of plague transmission does not correspond with historical details around plague pandemics in Europe. New analysis of ancient genomes reveal that Yersinia pestis was unable to be transmitted by rat fleas until around 4000 Before Present, which challenges the rodent-murine ectoparasite-human model of plague transmission and historical details around plague pandemics in Europe. In this Review, we summarise data regarding Y pestis transmission by human lice in the context of genomic evolution and co-transmission of other major epidemic deadly pathogens throughout human history, with the aim of broadening our view of plague transmission. Experimental models support the efficiency of human lice as plague vectors through infected faeces, which suggest that Y pestis could be a louse-borne disease, similar to Borrelia recurrentis, Rickettsia prowazekii, and Bartonella quintana. Studies have shown that louse-borne outbreaks often involve multiple pathogens, and several cases of co-transmission of Y pestis and B quintana have been reported. Furthermore, an exclusive louse-borne bacterium, namely B recurrentis, was found to be circulating in northern Europe during the second plague pandemic (14th-18th century). Current data make it possible to attribute large historical pandemics to multiple bacteria, and suggests that human lice probably played a preponderant role in the interhuman transmission of plague and pathogen co-transmission during previous large epidemics, including plague pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Barbieri
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Établissement Français du Sang, Anthropologie Bio-culturelle, Droit, Éthique et Santé, Marseille, France; Fondation Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Drancourt
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Fondation Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ectoparasites. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 82:551-569. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
13
|
Łysakowska ME, Brzezińska O, Szybka M, Konieczka M, Moskwa S, Brauncajs M, Makowska J, Pastuszak-Lewandoska D, Grzegorczyk J. The seroprevalence of Bartonella spp. in the blood of patients with musculoskeletal complaints and blood donors, Poland: a pilot study. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:2691-2698. [PMID: 31115789 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bartonella spp. can cause a variety of diseases, such as lymphadenopathies, cat scratch disease, and trench fever, but can also give rise to many non-specific symptoms. No data exists regarding the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in patients with musculoskeletal complaints, nor among blood donors in Poland. METHODS The presence of anti-Bartonella IgM and IgG in the serum of blood donors (n = 65) (Lodz, Poland) and in the patients of the Department of Rheumatology Clinic (n = 40) suffering from musculoskeletal symptoms was tested by immunofluorescence. Blood samples were cultured on enriched media. Epidemiological questionnaires were used to identify key potential risk factors, such as sex, age, contact with companion animals, and bites from insects or animals. RESULTS Altogether, 27 of the 105 tested subjects were seropositive for Bartonella henselae IgG (23%) and three for Bartonella quintana IgG (2.85%); IgMs against B. henselae were found in three individuals (2.85%), and IgMs against B. quintana were found in one (1.54%). No statistically significant difference was found between the prevalence of B. henselae in the blood of donors or patients and the presence of unexplained musculoskeletal complaints (23% vs 30%). Individuals who had kept or been scratched by cats were not more likely to be B. henselae seropositive (p > 0.01). Tick bites were more commonly reported in patients, but insignificantly (p > 0.01). CONCLUSION This is the first report of a high seroprevalence of anti-Bartonella IgG in patients with musculoskeletal symptoms and in blood donors in Poland. The obtained results indicate that such seroprevalence may have a possible significance in the development of musculoskeletal symptoms, although it should be confirmed on a larger group of patients. Asymptomatic bacteremia might occur and pose a threat to recipients of blood from infected donors. Hence, there is a need for more detailed research, including molecular biology methods, to clarify the potential risk of Bartonella spp. being spread to immunocompromised individuals. KEY POINTS • This is the first study presenting high seroprevalence of Bartonella spp. in Poland. • IgG and IgM antibodies against B. quintana were found in blood samples of blood donors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika E Łysakowska
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-231, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Olga Brzezińska
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, Pieniny 30, 92-115, Lodz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Szybka
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-231, Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Konieczka
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-231, Lodz, Poland
| | - Sylwia Moskwa
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-231, Lodz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Brauncajs
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-231, Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Makowska
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, Pieniny 30, 92-115, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dorota Pastuszak-Lewandoska
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-231, Lodz, Poland
| | - Janina Grzegorczyk
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-231, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|