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Dao TTH, Takács N, Tran TN, Truong AN, Skinner K, Kontschán J, Farkas R, Hornok S. Detection of tick-borne pathogens in the pangolin tick, Amblyomma javanense, from Vietnam and Laos, including a novel species of Trypanosoma. Acta Trop 2024; 260:107384. [PMID: 39265756 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107384] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Two species of Southeast Asian pangolins (the Chinese pangolin, Manis pentadactyla and the Malayan or Sunda pangolin, Manis javanica) are critically endangered species. Therefore, knowledge on their parasitic infections is very important, especially considering ticks that can transmit which pathogens. In this study, 32 pangolin ticks (Amblyomma javanense), that were collected in Vietnam and Laos, were analyzed with molecular methods for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. Two members of the family Anaplasmataceae were shown to be present in 14 pangolin ticks, i.e., Candidatus Anaplasma pangolinii and an Ehrlichia sp. In three ticks, a single Rickettsia genotype was also detected, and in seven ticks four 18S rRNA sequence variants of a Babesia sp. Most importantly, a novel protozoan agent, tentatively called here Trypanosoma sp. "PAT14" was detected in one A. javanense nymph. These results imply the first molecular finding of any species of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Babesia in pangolin ticks from Vietnam and Laos. On the other hand, detection of a new tick-associated Trypanosoma sp. in A. javanense from Southeast Asia is not only important from a taxonomic point of view, but it is also the first finding of any trypanosomes in the genus Amblyomma in Eurasia and adds pangolins to the potential placental mammalian hosts of any trypanosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Thi Ha Dao
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi, , Viet Nam.
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary; HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change, New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary.
| | - Trieu Nam Tran
- Save Vietnam's Wildlife, Cuc Phuong National Park, , Viet Nam.
| | - Anh Ngoc Truong
- Save Vietnam's Wildlife, Cuc Phuong National Park, , Viet Nam.
| | - Kelsey Skinner
- Save Vietnam's Wildlife, Cuc Phuong National Park, , Viet Nam.
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Plant Sciences, Albert Kázmér Faculty of Mosonmagyaróvár, Széchenyi István University, Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary.
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary; HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change, New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary.
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Kolangath SM, Pawshe MD, Upadhye SV, Dhoot VM, Patil MS, Kolangath RM. Molecular evidence of hepatozoonosis in tigers of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State of India. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:387. [PMID: 39223528 PMCID: PMC11367827 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatozoonosis has been reported in many species around the world. Few incidences have been reported in various species of wild felids. Tigers are endangered large cats and are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 under Schedule I. The study was carried out to estimate the positivity rate of hepatozoonosis in tigers of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. METHODS Blood (n = 21) or tissue samples (n = 5) were collected from 26 wild captured / zoo-born or dead tigers during the quarantine period/post-mortem examination. Blood smear examination along with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) studies were conducted for the detection of hepatozoonosis. All the amplicons from the positive samples were purified and sequenced, and the sequences were subjected to nBLAST analysis to detect the species of Hepatozoon. The sequences were deposited into public domain database of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and accession numbers were allotted. A phylogenetic study was undertaken to understand the evolutionary lineage of the pathogen. Tissue distribution studies were carried out on tissue samples received during post mortem. A clinical case in a tiger cub was managed and sub-clinical cases were monitored for relapse. Age-wise, sex-wise, region-wise and captive time-wise positivity rate was estimated. The data was analyzed using statistical tools. RESULTS A total of 12 tigers were found positive for H. felis during the screening. A clinical case was diagnosed and successfully treated. The age group of 0-3 years reported a positivity rate of 66.66%, and all the cases found positive were reported between the age group of 0-7 years. Males reported a positivity rate of 58.33 per cent, while females reported 35.71%. Taboba and Andhari Tiger Reserve of the state had a positivity rate of 52.94 per cent. However, the statistical analysis for blood parameters and positivity rate by 't' test and Chi-squared test were found to be non-significant. CONCLUSIONS An overall positivity rate of 46.15% indicates the wide distribution of hepatozoonosis among wild tigers of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India, which is strategically important considering the gene flow and migration of tigers. Hepatozoonosis can progress to clinical outcomes in young animals and require veterinary intervention. Molecular tools and phylogenetic studies can supplement important data on circulating species of Hepatozoon in the field. Further studies on the clinical management and epidemiology of the infection in wild felids will comprehend the cause of wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Kolangath
- Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Opp. Hindustan Lever Godown Square, Mahurzhari Road, Gorewada, Nagpur, Fetri, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 441501, India.
| | - M D Pawshe
- Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Opp. Hindustan Lever Godown Square, Mahurzhari Road, Gorewada, Nagpur, Fetri, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 441501, India
| | - S V Upadhye
- Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Opp. Hindustan Lever Godown Square, Mahurzhari Road, Gorewada, Nagpur, Fetri, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 441501, India
| | - V M Dhoot
- Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Opp. Hindustan Lever Godown Square, Mahurzhari Road, Gorewada, Nagpur, Fetri, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 441501, India
| | - M S Patil
- Nagpur Veterinary College, Seminary Hills, Nagpur, 440013, India
| | - R M Kolangath
- Department of Biotechnology & Biochemistry, Saint Francis DeSales College, Seminary Hills, Nagpur, 440006, India
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Mechouk N, Ionică AM, Cazan CD, Deak G, Boucheikhchoukh M, Bendjeddou ML, Bouslama Z, Mihalca AD. Molecular evidence of Borrelia lusitaniae from questing Ixodes ticks in Algeria. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 53:101062. [PMID: 39025546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are hematophagous arthropods acting as important vectors for several microorganisms. Ticks have an important role in the epidemiology of numerous diseases from a public health standpoint. In Algeria, knowledge of tick-borne associated microorganisms is limited. This paper aimed to investigate the presence of microorganisms in Ixodes ticks in Ain Kerma El Tarf region. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ticks were collected from the environment using the flagging method in El Hannachir, Ain kerma (El Tarf province), conserved in 70% ethanol, and morphologically identified. DNA was individually isolated from the ticks and screened for the presence of Piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp., Borrelia spp., Spotted fever group Rickettsia, Bartonella spp., Mycoplasma spp., Anaplasmataceae, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Francisella tularensis. RESULTS Adult ticks of the genus Ixodes (n = 51) were collected. Due to their pronounced morphological resemblance, the sampled ticks are referenced as: I. ricinus/ I.inopinatus (n = 51, 26 males, 25 females). The following pathogens were identified in the tested ticks: Borrelia lusitaniae (n = 17; 33.33%), Rickettsia monacensis (n = 10; 19.60%), and R. helvetica (n = 5; 9.80%). In addition, five ticks (9.80%) were found to be coinfected with Borrelia lusitaniae and R. monacensis/ heletica. All ticks were negative for Piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp., Bartonella spp., Mycoplasma spp., Anaplasmataceae, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Francisella tularensis. CONCLUSION Questing Ixodes ticks from Algeria are carriers of various pathogens, with Borrelia lusitaniae posing a potential risk in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noureddine Mechouk
- Laboratory of Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatics Systems (EcoSTAq), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Badji Mokhtar University, BP 12, 23200 Annaba, Algeria; Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 23 Iuliu Moldovan, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Mehdi Boucheikhchoukh
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, PB 73, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria.
| | - Mohammed Lamine Bendjeddou
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zihad Bouslama
- National Environmental Research Center, Sidi Amar Campus, BP N° 2024, 23005 Annaba, Algeria
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Konecka E, Szymkowiak P. Wolbachia supergroup A in Enoplognatha latimana (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Poland as an example of possible horizontal transfer of bacteria. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7486. [PMID: 38553514 PMCID: PMC10980700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57701-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia (phylum Pseudomonadota, class Alfaproteobacteria, order Rickettsiales, family Ehrlichiaceae) is a maternally inherited bacterial symbiont infecting more than half of arthropod species worldwide and constituting an important force in the evolution, biology, and ecology of invertebrate hosts. Our study contributes to the limited knowledge regarding the presence of intracellular symbiotic bacteria in spiders. Specifically, we investigated the occurrence of Wolbachia infection in the spider species Enoplognatha latimana Hippa and Oksala, 1982 (Araneae: Theridiidae) using a sample collected in north-western Poland. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Wolbachia infection in E. latimana. A phylogeny based on the sequence analysis of multiple genes, including 16S rRNA, coxA, fbpA, ftsZ, gatB, gltA, groEL, hcpA, and wsp revealed that Wolbachia from the spider represented supergroup A and was related to bacterial endosymbionts discovered in other spider hosts, as well as insects of the orders Diptera and Hymenoptera. A sequence unique for Wolbachia supergroup A was detected for the ftsZ gene. The sequences of Wolbachia housekeeping genes have been deposited in publicly available databases and are an important source of molecular data for comparative studies. The etiology of Wolbachia infection in E. latimana is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Konecka
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Paweł Szymkowiak
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
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Hayashi N, Hosokawa K, Yamamoto Y, Kodama S, Kurokawa A, Nakao R, Nonaka N. A filarial parasite potentially associated with the health burden on domestic chickens in Japan. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6316. [PMID: 38491072 PMCID: PMC10943242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Chickens in free-range environments are at risk of exposure to various pathogens, such as filarioids transmitted via hematophagous vectors. However, the study of filarioids in poultry has been largely neglected compared to the extensive studies focused on viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Here, we performed histological and molecular investigations of the filarioids detected in domestic chickens from two different flocks in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In the first case, adult worms were present in the pulmonary artery and right ventricle, and microfilariae were present in multiple organs of deceased chickens. In the second case, similar filarioids were detected in the organs and blood of one necropsied layer. Phylogenetic analysis using 18S rRNA gene fragments positioned the filarioid in the same clade as that of Onchocercidae sp., previously identified in a deceased chicken from Chiba Prefecture, Japan, that is located 500 km away from Hiroshima Prefecture. Based on 28S rRNA and mitochondrial COI gene fragments, the filarioid was positioned distinctly from previously reported genera of avian filarioids. These results suggest that the filarioids are potentially associated with the health burden on domestic chickens and belong to the genus Paronchocerca. Furthermore, we developed a nested PCR assay targeting mitochondrial COI and detected the parasite DNA from the biting midge Culicoides arakawae captured near the flock, suggesting that it serves as a vector. Our findings fill the knowledge gap regarding avian filarioids, laying the groundwork for future studies examining the epidemiology, life cycle, and species diversity of this neglected parasite group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Hayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kumiko Hosokawa
- Western Center for Livestock Hygiene Service, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
| | - Yu Yamamoto
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
| | - Sachiko Kodama
- Western Center for Livestock Hygiene Service, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
| | - Aoi Kurokawa
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
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Ligda P, Gizzarelli M, Kostopoulou D, Foglia Manzillo V, Saratsis A, Saratsi K, Michler S, Ringeisen H, Boegel A, Schunack B, Pollmeier M, Kontrafouris M, Tsatsaki O, Oliva G, Sotiraki S. Determination of the effect of collars containing 10% w/w imidacloprid and 4.5% w/w flumethrin (Seresto®) on the incidence of Leishmania and other canine vector-borne pathogen infections in Greece. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:89. [PMID: 36882870 PMCID: PMC9990277 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05678-4] [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: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this field study was to assess the effect of treating a considerable portion of a dog population naturally exposed to canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) in endemic areas with a 10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin collar (Seresto®) on the transmission of CVBPs and the resulting incidence of infection. METHODS A total of 479 dogs from two sites were enrolled in the study. Collars were placed on all dogs continuously for 21 months, with replacement of the collar every 7 months. All dogs were examined, including body weight and blood/conjunctival swab collections, every 7 months. Serum samples were analysed for the presence of antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. PCR assays were also performed on blood samples and conjunctival swab collected from the dogs for the presence of L. infantum, and on blood samples only for the presence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Sand flies were collected, identified to species level and molecularly tested for L. infantum throughout two vector activity seasons. RESULTS The results showed that the Seresto collar was safe with continuous use. At study inclusion, 419, 370 and 453 dogs tested negative for L. infantum, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp., respectively (353 dogs tested negative for any pathogen). Overall, 90.2% of the dogs were protected from L. infantum infection on both sites combined. The entomological survey confirmed the presence of competent vectors of L. infantum at all monitored locations, namely the sand flies Phlebotomus neglectus and Phlebotomus tobbi, both of which are regarded as the most important competent vectors in the Mediterranean basin. All captured sand flies tested negative for L. infantum. Protection against ticks and fleas was high, with only two dogs showing a low number of ticks and seven dogs having low numbers of fleas at single evaluation time points. Across the entire study population, a number of dogs became infected with tick-transmitted pathogens, but prevention of transmission was 93% for E. canis and 87.2% for Anaplasma spp. when all cases from both sites were combined. CONCLUSIONS The Seresto® (10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin) collar significantly reduced the risk of CVBP transmission when compared to previously observed incidences of CVBP infections in two highly endemic areas under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Ligda
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization–Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Despoina Kostopoulou
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization–Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Anastasios Saratsis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization–Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Katerina Saratsi
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization–Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gaetano Oliva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization–Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki Greece
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Hornok S, Boldogh SA, Takács N, Sándor AD, Tuska-Szalay B. Zoonotic ecotype-I of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in sympatric wildcat, pine marten and red squirrel - Short communication. Acta Vet Hung 2022; 70:215-219. [PMID: 36018752 DOI: 10.1556/004.2022.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, dogs, cats, horses and tick-borne fever in ruminants. In Europe, its main vector is the tick species Ixodes ricinus. In this study, spleen and liver samples, as well as ticks from 18 wild-living mammals (belonging to seven species) were analysed for the presence of A. phagocytophilum with molecular methods. The zoonotic ecotype-I of A. phagocytophilum was identified in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris) and its tick, a European pine marten (Martes martes) and a Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). All PCR-positive samples were collected in 2019 and originated in the same geographic area. These results indicate that taxonomically diverse mammalian species can maintain the local enzootic cycle of the same genotype of A. phagocytophilum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the zoonotic variant of A. phagocytophilum in the wildcat and in the European pine marten in a broad geographical context, as well as in the red squirrel in Hungary. Since all these host species are well known for their urban and peri-urban presence, the results of this study verify their role in the synanthropic enzootic cycle of granulocytic anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
- 2 ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary
| | - Sándor A Boldogh
- 3 Department of Nature Conservation, Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Jósvafő, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
- 2 ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary
| | - Attila D Sándor
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
- 2 ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary
- 4 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Barbara Tuska-Szalay
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
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Alreshidi M, Dunstan H, Roberts T, Bardakci F, Badraoui R, Adnan M, Saeed M, Alreshidi F, Albulaihed Y, Snoussi M. Changes in Amino Acid Metabolism of Staphylococcus aureus following Growth to the Stationary Phase under Adjusted Growth Conditions. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081503. [PMID: 35893561 PMCID: PMC9331416 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The sharp increase in infections due to Staphylococcus aureus is associated with its ability to adapt to changes in its habitat. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the cytoplasmic amino acid profiles of a clinical strain of S. aureus under five combinations of stress-induced conditions representative of a wound site by varying temperature 35-37 °C, adding 0-5% NaCl and adjusting pH 6-8. The results indicated that aspartic acid, lysine, glutamic acid and histidine were the most abundant cytoplasmic amino acids in the control samples grown under optimal growth conditions. However, the magnitudes and levels of these amino acids were altered under the various wound site conditions, which led to differential cytoplasmic amino acid profiles as characterized by multivariate analyses (PLS-DA). The total cytoplasmic amino acid content was significantly reduced in the cells grown with 2.5% NaCl added at pH 7 and 37 °C relative to the control samples and other growth regimes. However, all combinations of enhanced stress conditions showed unique and characteristic changes in the concentration profiles of the cytoplasmic amino acids. These outcomes supported the hypothesis that bacterial cells of S. aureus maintain different metabolic homeostasis under various stress-induced conditions. The potent capability of S. aureus to constantly and rapidly acclimatize to variations within the environment may reflect the crucial feature supporting its virulence as an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium to invade the wound site. Understanding the control systems governing these marked changes in amino acids during the adaptation to the potential wound site conditions of this dangerous bacterium may offer new clinical controls to combat infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousa Alreshidi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (R.B.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
- Molecular Diagnostic and Personalized Therapeutics Unit, University of Ha’il, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +96-65-0549-8890
| | - Hugh Dunstan
- InnovAAte Pty Ltd., 45 Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia;
| | - Tim Roberts
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Fevzi Bardakci
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (R.B.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Riadh Badraoui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (R.B.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
- Section of Histology-Cytology, Medicine Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, La Rabta, Tunis 1017, Tunisia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (R.B.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (R.B.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Fayez Alreshidi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ha’il, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Yazeed Albulaihed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (R.B.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Mejdi Snoussi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia; (F.B.); (R.B.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (Y.A.); (M.S.)
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biodiversity and Valorisation of Bioresources, High Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia
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Sparkes J, Körtner G, Ballard G, Fleming PJ. Spatial and temporal activity patterns of owned, free-roaming dogs in coastal eastern Australia. Prev Vet Med 2022; 204:105641. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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10
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Moustafa MAM, Mohamed WMA, Lau AC, Chatanga E, Qiu Y, Hayashi N, Naguib D, Sato K, Takano A, Mastuno K, Nonaka N, Taylor D, Kawabata H, Nakao R. Novel symbionts and potential human pathogens excavated from argasid tick microbiomes that are shaped by dual or single symbiosis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1979-1992. [PMID: 35521555 PMCID: PMC9062450 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on vector-associated microbiomes has been expanding due to increasing emergence of vector-borne pathogens and awareness of the importance of symbionts in the vector physiology. However, little is known about microbiomes of argasid (or soft-bodied) ticks due to limited access to specimens. We collected four argasid species (Argas japonicus, Carios vespertilionis, Ornithodoros capensis, and Ornithodoros sawaii) from the nests or burrows of their vertebrate hosts. One laboratory-reared argasid species (Ornithodoros moubata) was also included. Attempts were then made to isolate and characterize potential symbionts/pathogens using arthropod cell lines. Microbial community structure was distinct for each tick species. Coxiella was detected as the predominant symbiont in four tick species where dual symbiosis between Coxiella and Rickettsia or Coxiella and Francisella was observed in C. vespertilionis and O. moubata, respectively. Of note, A. japonicus lacked Coxiella and instead had Occidentia massiliensis and Thiotrichales as alternative symbionts. Our study found strong correlation between tick species and life stage. We successfully isolated Oc. massiliensis and characterized potential pathogens of genera Ehrlichia and Borrelia. The results suggest that there is no consistent trend of microbiomes in relation to tick life stage that fit all tick species and that the final interpretation should be related to the balance between environmental bacterial exposure and endosymbiont ecology. Nevertheless, our findings provide insights on the ecology of tick microbiomes and basis for future investigations on the capacity of argasid ticks to carry novel pathogens with public health importance.
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11
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Egan SL, Taylor CL, Banks PB, Northover AS, Ahlstrom LA, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ, Oskam CL. The bacterial biome of ticks and their wildlife hosts at the urban-wildland interface. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34913864 PMCID: PMC8767321 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in sequencing technologies have revealed the complex and diverse microbial communities present in ticks (Ixodida). As obligate blood-feeding arthropods, ticks are responsible for a number of infectious diseases that can affect humans, livestock, domestic animals and wildlife. While cases of human tick-borne diseases continue to increase in the northern hemisphere, there has been relatively little recognition of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in Australia. Over the past 5 years, studies using high-throughput sequencing technologies have shown that Australian ticks harbour unique and diverse bacterial communities. In the present study, free-ranging wildlife (n=203), representing ten mammal species, were sampled from urban and peri-urban areas in New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WA). Bacterial metabarcoding targeting the 16S rRNA locus was used to characterize the microbiomes of three sample types collected from wildlife: blood, ticks and tissue samples. Further sequence information was obtained for selected taxa of interest. Six tick species were identified from wildlife: Amblyomma triguttatum, Ixodes antechini, Ixodes australiensis, Ixodes holocyclus, Ixodes tasmani and Ixodes trichosuri. Bacterial 16S rRNA metabarcoding was performed on 536 samples and 65 controls, generating over 100 million sequences. Alpha diversity was significantly different between the three sample types, with tissue samples displaying the highest alpha diversity (P<0.001). Proteobacteria was the most abundant taxon identified across all sample types (37.3 %). Beta diversity analysis and ordination revealed little overlap between the three sample types (P<0.001). Taxa of interest included Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella, Borrelia, Coxiellaceae, Francisella, Midichloria, Mycoplasma and Rickettsia. Anaplasmataceae bacteria were detected in 17.7% (95/536) of samples and included Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Neoehrlichia species. In samples from NSW, 'Ca. Neoehrlichia australis', 'Ca. Neoehrlichia arcana', Neoehrlichia sp. and Ehrlichia sp. were identified. A putative novel Ehrlichia sp. was identified from WA and Anaplasma platys was identified from QLD. Nine rodent tissue samples were positive for a novel Borrelia sp. that formed a phylogenetically distinct clade separate from the Lyme Borrelia and relapsing fever groups. This novel clade included recently identified rodent-associated Borrelia genotypes, which were described from Spain and North America. Bartonella was identified in 12.9% (69/536) of samples. Over half of these positive samples were obtained from black rats (Rattus rattus), and the dominant bacterial species identified were Bartonella coopersplainsensis and Bartonella queenslandensis. The results from the present study show the value of using unbiased high-throughput sequencing applied to samples collected from wildlife. In addition to understanding the sylvatic cycle of known vector-associated pathogens, surveillance work is important to ensure preparedness for potential zoonotic spillover events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon L Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Casey L Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Peter B Banks
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Amy S Northover
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Liisa A Ahlstrom
- Elanco Animal Health, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, 2113, Australia
| | - Una M Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter J Irwin
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Charlotte L Oskam
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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12
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Hornok S, Kontschán J, Takács N, Chaber AL, Halajian A, Szekeres S, Sándor AD, Plantard O. Rickettsiaceae in two reptile-associated tick species, Amblyomma exornatum and Africaniella transversale: First evidence of Occidentia massiliensis in hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101830. [PMID: 34624588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
All species of hard ticks associated with reptiles as hosts throughout their life cycle, are currently assigned to genera including Amblyomma and Africaniella. Among these species, based on literature data, Africaniella transversale has never been investigated for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. In this study, seven DNA extracts (two from A. transversale and five from Amblyomma exornatum) were screened for the presence of important tick-borne protozoa (piroplasms) and bacteria (Anaplasmataceae and Rickettsiaceae) with conventional PCRs and sequencing. A new heat shock protein chaperonin (groEL) gene-specific PCR was also developed to identify Occidentia spp. in these samples. In A. transversale, Occidentia massiliensis (previously detected in rodent-associated soft ticks) and Rickettsia hoogstraalii were present. While the latter was molecularly identical with formerly reported sequences of this rickettsia, the genotype of O. massiliensis was new based on sequence and phylogenetic analyses of its groEL gene. In A. exornatum, a Rickettsia genotype closely related to R. tamurae and R. monacensis, was detected. The ompA sequence of this genotype was identical to that of Rickettsia sp. Ae-8 reported from A. exornatum in a reptile breeding facility in the USA. These results show that A. transversale might carry O. massiliensis which (unless having a symbiotic nature in ticks) may originate either from the reptile host of this hard tick species or the rodent prey of reptiles. This is also the first detection of the reptile tick-associated Rickettsia sp. Ae-8 (phylogenetically aligning with R. tamurae, R. monacensis) in Africa, i.e. within the original geographical range of A. exornatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ali Halajian
- Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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13
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Norte AC, Harris DJ, Silveira D, Nunes CS, Núncio MS, Martínez EG, Giménez A, de Sousa R, Lopes de Carvalho I, Perera A. Diversity of microorganisms in Hyalomma aegyptium collected from spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) in North Africa and Anatolia. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1951-1962. [PMID: 34125999 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ticks carry a diverse community of microorganisms including non-pathogenic symbionts, commensals, and pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and fungi. The assessment of tick-borne microorganisms (TBM) in tortoises and their ticks is essential to understand their eco-epidemiology, and to map and monitor potential pathogens to humans and other animals. The aim of this study was to characterize the diversity of microorganisms found in ticks collected from the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) in North Africa and Anatolia. Ticks feeding on wild T. graeca were collected, and pathogens were screened by polymerase chain reaction using group-specific primers. In total, 131 adult Hyalomma aegyptium ticks were collected from 92 T. graeca in Morocco (n = 48), Tunisia (n = 2), Algeria (n = 70), and Turkey (n = 11). Bacteria and protozoa detected included Hemolivia mauritanica (22.9%), Midichloria mitochondrii (11.4%), relapsing-fever borreliae (8.4%), Ehrlichia spp. (7.6%), Rickettsia spp. (3.4%), Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (0.9%), Francisella spp. (0.9%), and Wolbachia spp. (0.8%). The characterization of Rickettsia included R. sibirica mongolitimonae (Algeria), R. aeschlimannii (Turkey), and R.africae (Morocco). Hemolivia mauritanica and Ehrlichia spp. prevalence varied significantly with the sampling region/country. We did not detect significant associations in microorganism presence within ticks, nor between microorganism presence and tick mitochondrial DNA haplogroups. This is the first report of Francisella persica-like, relapsing fever borreliae, M. mitochondrii, and Wolbachia spp. in H. aegyptium ticks collected from wild hosts from the South and Eastern Mediterranean region, and of R. sibirica mongolitimonae and R. africae in H. aegyptium from Algeria and Morocco, respectively. Given that T. graeca is a common species in commercial and non-commercial pet trade, the evaluation of the role of this species and its ticks as hosts for TBM is particularly relevant for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Norte
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - David James Harris
- CIBIO/InBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Diogo Silveira
- CIBIO/InBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Carolina Saramago Nunes
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Maria Sofia Núncio
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Eva Graciá Martínez
- Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain.,Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Andrés Giménez
- Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain.,Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Rita de Sousa
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes de Carvalho
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - Ana Perera
- CIBIO/InBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
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14
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Far D, Takács N, Gyurkovszky M, Solymosi N, Farkas R. Ticks and Tick-Borne Infections of Dogs in Two Jordanian Shelters. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:573-578. [PMID: 34077691 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Shelters in Jordan accommodate a huge number of dogs, which are rescued as stray dogs from different cities of the country, but their health receives almost no attention. The aim of this study was to examine tick infestation as well as tick-borne protozoa and bacteria of 80 randomly sampled dogs in two Jordanian shelters. Ticks identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato were found on 14 out of 27 animals in a shelter. No ticks were found on dogs in the other shelter. A total of 42 (52.5% [95% confidence interval: 41.7-63.1]) dogs were infected with one or two pathogens. The DNA of three protozoal (Hepatozoon canis, Babesia vogeli, and Babesia negevi) and two bacterial (Anaplasma platys and Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii) species were detected in the blood samples. To the best of the authors' knowledge, except for H. canis, these species are reported for the first time from Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima Far
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mónika Gyurkovszky
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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15
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Konecka E, Olszanowski Z. Wolbachia supergroup E found in Hypochthonius rufulus (Acari: Oribatida) in Poland. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 91:104829. [PMID: 33794350 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Data on the spread of intracellular bacteria in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) are scarce. Our work fills a gap in the research on endosymbionts in this group of invertebrates and provides information on Wolbachia infection in Hypochthonius rufulus (Acari: Oribatida) from soil, litter and moss sample collected in south-eastern Poland. This is the first report of Wolbachia in H. rufulus. Phylogeny based on the analysis of the 16S rRNA, gatB, fbpA, gltA, ftsZ and hcpA gene sequences revealed that Wolbachia from H. rufulus represented supergroup E and was related to bacterial endosymbionts of Collembola. The unique sequence within Wolbachia supergroup E was detected for the 16S rRNA gene of the bacteria from H. rufulus. The sequences of Wolbachia 16S rRNA and housekeeping genes have been deposited in publicly available databases and are an important source of molecular data for comparative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Konecka
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Ziemowit Olszanowski
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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16
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Absence of blood parasites and other vector-borne pathogens in Alpine marmots (Marmota marmota) in Western Austria. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1125-1129. [PMID: 33452588 PMCID: PMC7889533 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
The importance of vectors and vector-borne diseases (VBDs) is increasing on a global scale. Many vectors and pathogens benefit from global warming and can spread to novel habitats where they were formerly not present, including higher altitudes. Various vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum, have been reported in, for instance, red foxes and wild ungulates in the Western Austrian Alps. However, these animals are known to migrate to lower regions in the winter season, and therefore, it is of interest to investigate if VBPs are also present in mammals faithful to their higher altitude alpine habitat all year round. Blood parasites and other VBPs, namely. Trypanosomatidae, piroplasms, Hepatozoon spp., filarioid helminths, Anaplasmataceae, and Rickettisa spp., were thus analysed with PCR in 148 alpine marmots (Marmota marmota). None of the marmots' blood samples was positive for these VBPs, indicating a low abundance or absence of competent vectors in the alpine region. Alpine marmots seem to be naïve for VBPs (at least in our study area). An overview of VBD agents in other marmot species is given.
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17
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Beard D, Stannard HJ, Old JM. Parasites of wombats (family Vombatidae), with a focus on ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:395-409. [PMID: 33409643 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07036-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Ticks (Arachnida: Acari) are vectors for pathogens and the biggest threat to animal health. Many Australian ticks are associated with pathogens that impact humans, domestic animals and livestock. However, little is known about the presence or impact of tick-borne pathogens in native Australian wildlife. Wombats are particularly susceptible to the effects of the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei which causes sarcoptic mange, the reason for which is unknown. Factors such as other ectoparasites and their associated pathogens may play a role. A critical understanding of the species of ectoparasites that parasitise wombats and their pathogens, and particularly ticks, is therefore warranted. This review describes the ectoparasites of wombats, pathogens known to be associated with those ectoparasites, and related literature gaps. Pathogens have been isolated in most tick species that typically feed on wombats; however, there are minimal molecular studies to determine the presence of pathogens in any other wombat ectoparasites. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies allows us to explore entire microbial communities in ectoparasite samples, allowing fast and accurate identification of potential pathogens in many samples at once. These new techniques have highlighted the diversity and uniqueness of native ticks and their microbiomes, including pathogens of potential medical and veterinary importance. An increased understanding of all ectoparasites that parasitise wombats, and their associated pathogens, requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Beard
- School of Science, Hawkesbury, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Hayley J Stannard
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Julie M Old
- School of Science, Hawkesbury, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
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18
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Fuehrer HP, Alho AM, Kayikci FN, Shahi Barogh B, Rosa H, Tomás J, Rocha H, Harl J, Madeira de Carvalho L. Survey of Zoonotic and Non-zoonotic Vector-Borne Pathogens in Military Horses in Lisbon, Portugal. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:591943. [PMID: 33195629 PMCID: PMC7593411 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.591943] [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: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases of zoonotic and/or veterinary relevance have been increasingly reported in horses globally, although data regarding working and military horses is lacking. Portuguese military horses may constitute a risk group for these pathogens, as they frequently work outdoors in various regions of the country. This study included 101 apparently healthy horses belonging to the Portuguese National Republican Guard. Blood samples were analyzed to determine the presence and prevalence of piroplasms, Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia spp., and filarioid helminths. Overall 32.7% of the horses gave positive results for Theileria equi. Two genotypes of T. equi were verified. No positive results were recorded for Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., filarioid helminthes, and Babesia caballi. As equine piroplasmosis is a severe infectious tick-borne disease responsible for significant losses in equine production and with numerous impacts in the international movement of horses, adequate treatment, and preventive measures are needed to reduce exposure to vectors and future infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Feodora Natalie Kayikci
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bita Shahi Barogh
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hugo Rosa
- Guarda Nacional Republicana, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Tomás
- Guarda Nacional Republicana, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hugo Rocha
- Guarda Nacional Republicana, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Josef Harl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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19
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Analysis of Cytoplasmic and Secreted Proteins of Staphylococcus aureus Revealed Adaptive Metabolic Homeostasis in Response to Changes in the Environmental Conditions Representative of the Human Wound Site. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8071082. [PMID: 32698515 PMCID: PMC7409162 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8071082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus is mainly attributed to its capability to adjust to changes in environmental conditions, including those present on human skin or within a wound site. This study investigated the changes in the cytoplasmic and secreted proteins in S. aureus that occurred in response to alterations in the environmental parameters that could be found in the human wound site. In total, sixty differentially regulated cytoplasmic proteins were detected using a label-free quantification approach, and these proteins were classified into ten molecular functions: protein biosynthesis, glycolysis, signal transduction, metabolism, cell cycle, transport, energy generation, cell anchorage, nucleotide biosynthesis and unknown. These changes represented characteristic protein profiles when evaluated by principal component analysis. The bacterium responded to elevated NaCl at pH 6 by decreasing the abundance of the majority of cytoplasmic proteins, while at pH 8 there was an increase in the levels of cytoplasmic proteins in comparison to the untreated cells. The analysis of the secreted proteins showed that there was a high degree of difference in both the intensity and the distribution of many individual protein bands in response to environmental challenges. From these results, it was deduced that specific metabolic homeostasis occurred under each combination of defined environmental conditions.
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20
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Kostopoulou D, Gizzarelli M, Ligda P, Foglia Manzillo V, Saratsi K, Montagnaro S, Schunack B, Boegel A, Pollmeier M, Oliva G, Sotiraki S. Mapping the canine vector-borne disease risk in a Mediterranean area. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:282. [PMID: 32493470 PMCID: PMC7268178 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to determine exposure to vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in populations of dogs living on Greek islands in the Ionian and Aegean seas. Methods In total, 1154 dogs with different lifestyles and of varying ages and breeds were randomly sampled and examined for the presence of clinical signs compatible with canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs). Blood was collected from each individual animal. For the detection of antibodies against Leishmania spp., the WITNESS® Leishmania test was performed, and positive samples were further examined with indirect enzymatic immunoassay (ELISA). Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis or E. ewingii, as well as Anaplasma phagocytophilum or A. platys were investigated using the Snap® 4Dx® Plus test. Positive Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. samples were further examined using an indirect ELISA for further identification of the species. Results In total, 25.6% of dogs were exposed to at least one of the pathogens investigated, with seroprevalences varying regionally. Of these seropositive dogs, 27.4% displayed clinical signs suggestive of CVBDs, such as cutaneous lesions, enlarged lymph nodes, pale mucous membranes, onychogryphosis and weight loss. The overall seroprevalence detected using the rapid tests was 15.3% for Leishmania spp., whereas 2.3% of the examined dogs were found to be positive for Anaplasma spp. and 7.5% for Ehrlichia spp. while B. burgdorferi was not detected. Twenty-four samples positive to A. phagocytophilum by ELISA were analysed by PCR for the presence of Anaplasma DNA. PCR and sequencing results showed the presence of A. platys DNA in 4 samples and E. canis DNA in 4 samples. The remaining samples (66.7%) were negative. Conclusions In the present study, exposure of dogs to VBPs was shown in the geographical areas investigated. Results confirm that on Greek islands VBPs represent a constant health risk for both native and visiting dogs, suggesting the presence of distinct “hot-spots” of VBP infections on different islands. In order to reduce the risk of transmission and the spread to non-endemic regions, the protection of dogs through use of repellents and vaccines, together with owner education, seem to be of paramount importance.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Kostopoulou
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Panagiota Ligda
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Katerina Saratsi
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gaetano Oliva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Alreshidi MM. Selected Metabolites Profiling of Staphylococcus aureus Following Exposure to Low Temperature and Elevated Sodium Chloride. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:834. [PMID: 32457719 PMCID: PMC7225588 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main foodborne pathogens that can cause food poisoning. Due to this reason, one of the essential aspects of food safety focuses on bacterial adaptation and proliferation under preservative conditions. This study was aimed to determine the metabolic changes that can occur following the exposure of S. aureus to either low temperature conditions or elevated concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl). The results revealed that most of the metabolites measured were reduced in cold-stressed cells, when compared to reference controls. The major reduction was observed in nucleotides and organic acids, whereas mannitol was significantly increased in response to low temperature. However, when S. aureus was exposed to elevated NaCl, a significant increase was observed in the metabolite levels, particularly purine and pyrimidine bases along with organic acids. The majority of carbohydrates remained constant in the cells grown under ideal conditions and those exposed to elevated NaCl concentrations. Partial least square discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) of the metabolomic data indicated that both, prolonged cold stress and osmotic stress conditions, generated cells with different metabolic profiles, in comparison to the reference controls. These results provide evidence that, when bacterial cells exposed to low temperatures or high concentrations of NaCl, experience in situ homeostatic alterations to adapt to new environmental conditions. These data supported the hypothesis that changes in metabolic homeostasis were critical to the adaptive processes required for survival under alterations in the environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousa M Alreshidi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Hail, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Duscher GG, Battisti E, Hodžić A, Wäber K, Steinbach P, Stubbe M, Heddergott M. First detection and molecular identification of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in an introduced population of Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) in United Kingdom. Mol Cell Probes 2020; 52:101582. [PMID: 32334005 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2020.101582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated blood samples of 196 invasive Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and 91 native roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) originating from the same area in Thetford Forest in Eastern England for the occurrence of blood pathogens such as Anaplasmatacae, Rickettsiales and Piroplasmida (Babesia spp., Theileria spp.) by using PCR. Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Theileria spp. were not detected. Only two male (1%) Reeve's muntjacs and six (6.6%) roe deer were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum with 100% identity among their sequences. However, it is not clear whether Reeve's muntjac is less susceptible to infection, less susceptible to infestation by I. ricinus, or an infection in Reeve's muntjac is more lethal and therefore less positive animals are taken during hunting events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg G Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Moedling, Austria.
| | - Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristin Wäber
- Forestry Commission, East England, Santon Downham, Brandon, UK
| | - Peter Steinbach
- University of Göttingen, Faculty of Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Michael Stubbe
- Institute of Biology, Department of Zoology/Molecular Ecology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
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23
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Hornok S, Boldogh SA, Takács N, Juhász A, Kontschán J, Földi D, Koleszár B, Morandini P, Gyuranecz M, Szekeres S. Anaplasmataceae closely related to Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Neorickettsia helminthoeca from birds in Central Europe, Hungary. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2020; 113:1067-1073. [PMID: 32318980 PMCID: PMC7272389 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-020-01415-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Increasing amount of data attest that (in the context of vector-borne infections) birds are not only important as hosts of blood-sucking arthropod vectors, but also as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens. From 2015 to 2019 cadavers of 100 birds (from 45 species, nine orders) were collected in Hungary, and their organs were screened for DNA from a broad range of vector-borne bacteria with PCR and sequencing. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of Anaplasmataceae, and sequencing identified bacteria closely related to Neorickettsia helminthoeca and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in a Eurasian teal (Anas crecca) and a song thrush (Turdus philomelos), respectively. All samples were PCR negative for rickettsiae, borreliae, Francisella and Coxiella spp., as well as for piroplasms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a Neorickettsia and an Ehrlichia sp., which belong to the phylogenetic groups of N. helminthoeca and E. chaffeensis, respectively, from Europe. The potential presence of these two vector-borne bacteria needs to be taken into account during future studies on the eco-epidemiology of Anaplasmataceae in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary.
| | - Sándor A Boldogh
- Department of Nature Conservation, Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Jósvafő, 3758, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Juhász
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, 1022, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Földi
- Zoonotic Bacteriology and Mycoplasmatology Research Team, Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, 1143, Hungary
| | - Balázs Koleszár
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Pál Morandini
- Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society, Budapest, 1125, Hungary
| | - Miklós Gyuranecz
- Zoonotic Bacteriology and Mycoplasmatology Research Team, Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, 1143, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary.
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24
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Hodžić A, Georges I, Postl M, Duscher GG, Jeschke D, Szentiks CA, Ansorge H, Heddergott M. Molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens reveals a high prevalence and low genetic variability of Hepatozoon canis in free-ranging grey wolves (Canis lupus) in Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101389. [PMID: 32008999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Wild carnivores are important hosts for ixodid ticks and presumed reservoirs for several tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of medical and veterinary importance. However, little is known about the role that the European grey wolf (Canis lupus) plays in the enzootic cycle of TBPs. The recent recolonization of Central European lowland, including some regions in Germany, by the grey wolf, opened up an excellent opportunity for studying the impact of the wolf population on pathogen diversity and transmission dynamics. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated spleen samples collected from 276 grey wolves in 11 federal states in Germany for common TBPs by molecular methods. In total, 127 grey wolves (46.0 %) were found to be positive for Hepatozoon canis. Only two genetic variants of this protozoan parasite (herein designated as G1 and G2) were found to circulate among the grey wolves, which can be potentially shared between populations of domestic and other wild carnivores in the country. Two grey wolves were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.7 %), and both were co-infected with H. canis G1 genotype. The presence of other pathogens could not be confirmed by PCR and sequencing. This study represents the first one reporting H. canis in a grey wolf population worldwide, and it provides highly relevant information, which may contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of TBPs and the pathogen transmission dynamics among the reintroduced population of grey wolves and other carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabell Georges
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Postl
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Moedling, Austria.
| | - Diana Jeschke
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Görlitz, Germany
| | | | - Hermann Ansorge
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Görlitz, Germany; International Institute Zittau, Technische Universität Dresden, Zittau, Germany
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Alreshidi MM, Dunstan RH, Macdonald MM, Gottfries J, Roberts TK. The Uptake and Release of Amino Acids by Staphylococcus aureus at Mid-Exponential and Stationary Phases and Their Corresponding Responses to Changes in Temperature, pH and Osmolality. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3059. [PMID: 32038532 PMCID: PMC6990410 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen that is associated with nosocomial infections, as well as food poisoning. This bacterium is resistant to antimicrobial agents and can survive in a wide range of environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to measure the uptake and release of amino acids by S. aureus at mid-exponential and stationary phases of growth following exposure to a combination of conditions including variations in temperature, pH and NaCl. Bacterial cells were grown up to mid-exponential and stationary phases in tryptic soy broth (TSB), where the supernatants were collected for analyses of amino acids to determine the uptake and release characteristics. The uptake/release of amino acids was estimated by subtracting the initial levels of the free amino acids in the media from those measured at mid-exponential and stationary phases of growth. When cells were grown at ideal conditions, the analyses revealed that significant uptake of amino acids had occurred by stationary phase compared with the mid-exponential phase. A substantial release of valine and tyrosine into the external media was observed by cells at stationary phase. At both phases, the uptake and release patterns were significantly different between cells grown under ideal control conditions, when compared with those grown under various combinations of sub-optimal environmental conditions. The analyses of the supernatants harvested from controls and treatment groups at exponential phase indicated that the total uptake of amino acids was reduced approximately five times by cells grown with addition of 2.5% NaCl or with pH6 at 35°C, and 2-fold by cells grown at pH8 at 35°C. However, the final quantities of amino acids taken up by cells grown to stationary phase did not significantly alter between control and treated samples. Valine was found to be the most abundant amino acid that was significantly released into the media at stationary phase by both control and treated samples. It was evident that diverse environmental conditions resulted in differential patterns of amino acid uptake and release during adaptation to designated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousa M Alreshidi
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - R Hugh Dunstan
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret M Macdonald
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Johan Gottfries
- Department of Chemistry, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tim K Roberts
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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26
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Battisti E, Zanet S, Boraso F, Minniti D, Giacometti M, Duscher GG, Ferroglio E. Survey on tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from humans in Northwestern Italy. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 18:100352. [PMID: 31796169 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are able to transmit several pathogens to the host while feeding, and thus are considered the most important vectors of infectious agents together with mosquitos. The global incidence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) is rising, due to increased interactions between pathogens, hosts and vectors, linked to global changes. Given that information about the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from humans in Italy are scarce, the aim of the present study was to identify the species of ticks biting humans in Northwestern Italy and tick-borne pathogens they harbour. An overall number of 128 ticks from 92 patients were collected from April to October 2018, almost 98% of which belonging to the Ixodes ricinus species. Molecular analysis showed the presence of Babesia spp. in 29 out of 93 analysed tick pools, with a Minimum Infection Rate (MIR) of 31.18% (29/93; CI95% 22.67-41.19%), while 1 out of 93 pools tested positive for SFG Rickettsiae (MIR = 1.08%; CI95% 0.19-5.84%). No samples tested positive for A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp. Sequencing revealed the presence of Babesia venatorum (28 pools), Theileria buffeli/orientalis complex (1 pool) and Rickettsia monacensis. Among these, B. venatorum and R. monacensis are zoonotic pathogens able to cause from moderate to severe infections in humans. These data highlight the importance of passive surveillance to assess the epidemiology of TBDs that pose a threat to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Italy.
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Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Anaplasma Spp. in Cattle in Al-Qadisiyah Province of Iraq. MACEDONIAN VETERINARY REVIEW 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/macvetrev-2019-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Anaplasma spp. are widely spread rickettsial bacteria transmitted by ticks and placing high impacts on veterinary and public health. A limited number of studies have been carried out on Anaplasmosis in the central part of Iraq. This study was conducted to determine the presence of Anaplasma spp. in cattle in Al-Qadisiyah province, Iraq. A total of 400 blood specimens were collected from cattle suffering from heavy tick infestation. Cattle were blood-sampled from four hyper-endemic areas with ticks. Blood samples were screened using microscopic and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Diff-quick stained blood smears revealed Anaplasma-like inclusion bodies in 254 (63.5%) samples. According to the 16S rRNA-gene-based PCR analysis, Anaplasma spp. was detected in 124 of the 400 (31%) samples, divided as 96/254 (37.8%) among the microscopical positive samples and 28/146 (19.17%) among the microscopical negative samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing of ten-PCR positive samples were 99–97% identical to sequences deposited in the GenBank, revealing presence of A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale and unnamed Anaplasma spp. in 40%, 20%, and 40% samples, respectively. Relationships among Anaplasma spp. infections and cattle breed, age, and sex were analyzed. Calves less than one year old showed significantly higher rates (p<0.005) than those from other age groups, whereas sex and breed demonstrated no significant differences (p˃0.001). This study shows that a variety of Anaplasma spp., were endemic in central part of Iraq and is still a hidden problem in cattle in the hyperendemic areas of tick, which requires serious control strategies.
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Screening of wild ruminants from the Kaunertal and other alpine regions of Tyrol (Austria) for vector-borne pathogens. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2735-2740. [PMID: 31375956 PMCID: PMC6700037 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06412-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge about vector-borne pathogens important for human and veterinary medicine in wild ruminants in Tyrol (Austria) is scarce. Blood samples from Alpine ibex (Capra ibex; n = 44), Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra; n = 21), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; n = 18) and red deer (Cervus elaphus; n = 6) were collected over a period of 4 years (2015–2018) in four regions in North Tyrol, with a primary focus on the Kaunertal. Blood spots on filter paper were tested for the presence of DNA of vector-borne pathogens (Anaplasmataceae, Piroplasmida, Rickettsia and filarioid helminths). Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia capreoli were detected in two of 89 (2.3%) blood samples. Rickettsia spp., Theileria spp. and filarioid helminths were not documented. One Alpine chamois was positive for A. phagocytophilum and B. capreoli. Moreover, an ibex from the Kaunertal region was positive for A. phagocytophilum. While the ibex was a kid less than 1 year old, the chamois was an adult individual. Further research is recommended to evaluate effects of climate change on infection rates of North Tyrolean wild ruminants by these pathogens and the distribution of their vectors.
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Chandra S, Smith K, Alanazi AD, Alyousif MS, Emery D, Slapeta J. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato from dogs and dromedary camels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: low prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in dogs detected using multiplexed tandem PCR panel. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2019; 66. [PMID: 31332102 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2019.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite the global distribution of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) sensu lato (s.l.), limited information exists about their identity from the Arabian Peninsula. Ticks from free roaming urban dogs and dromedary camels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were morphologically identified, confirmed with scanning electron microscopy and characterised at mitochondrial DNA (cox1, 12S rDNA and 16S rDNA). A total of 186 ticks were collected from 65 free roaming dogs (n = 73) and 84 dromedary camels (n = 113). Morphologically, 5.9% (11/186) were R. sanguineus s.l. and Hyalomma spp. (93.5%, 174/186). From within R. sanguineus s.l., the presence of Rhipicephalus cf. camicasi Morel, Mouchet et Rodhain, 1976 (1 dog, 2 camels) and Rhipicephalus turanicus Pomerantsev, 1936 (1 camel) is reported. The examined R. cf. camicasi form a sister group to R. sanguineus s.l. tropical lineage at all DNA markers. Dogs were parasitised by Hyalomma dromedarii Koch, 1844 (n = 59), Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze et Schlottke, 1930 (n = 1), Hyalomma excavatum Koch, 1844 (n = 2), Hyalomma turanicum Pomerantsev, 1946 (n = 1) and Hyalomma rufipes Koch,1844 (n = 1). DNA from dog blood (n = 53) from Riyadh confirmed a low prevalence of canine vector-borne pathogens that does not exceed 5.7% for Babesia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis using multiplexed tandem PCR (MT-PCR) and diagnostic PCR. Low prevalence of R. sanguineus s.l. on dogs likely contributed to the low level of canine vector-borne pathogens in Saudi Arabia. We demonstrate that dogs in the central Arabian Peninsula are more commonly parasitised by Hyalomma spp. than R. sanguineus s.l.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona Chandra
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Smith
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Ad-Dawadimi, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S Alyousif
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Emery
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jan Slapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Alreshidi MM, Dunstan RH, Macdonald MM, Smith ND, Gottfries J, Roberts TK. Amino acids and proteomic acclimation of Staphylococcus aureus when incubated in a defined minimal medium supplemented with 5% sodium chloride. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e00772. [PMID: 30739392 PMCID: PMC6562129 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile bacterium that can adapt to survive and grow in a wide range of salt concentrations. This study investigated whether the cells could mount a response to survive a challenge of 5% NaCl in a minimal incubation medium that would not support cell replication. Cells were grown in liquid culture, washed and then incubated for 90 min at 37°C in a medium that contained only glycine and glucose as substrates in PBS plus trace elements. The control cells were compared with a treatment group which was incubated with an additional 5% NaCl. Significantly more glycine was taken up by the cells exposed to 5% NaCl compared with control cells, and both groups consumed 99% of the glucose supplied. The NaCl treated cells had significantly higher cytoplasmic levels of proline and glutamic acid as well as lower levels of alanine and methionine compared with the controls (p < 0.05). The levels of the two major cytoplasmic amino acids, aspartic acid and glycine, remained constant in control and treated cells. Proteomic analyses revealed that 10 proteins showed differential responses between the control and treatment groups. The reductions in proteins were primarily associated with processes of protein biosynthesis, pathogenicity, and cell adhesion. Since cell numbers remained constant during the incubation period in minimal medium, it was concluded that there was no cell division to support population growth. The results provided evidence that the cells in the minimal medium exposed to the NaCl treatment underwent in situ homeostatic changes to adjust to the new environmental conditions. It was proposed that this represented a phenotypic shift to form cells akin to small colony variants, with lower metabolic rates and lower levels of key proteins associated with pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousa M. Alreshidi
- Department of Biology, College of ScienceUniversity of HailHailSaudi Arabia
| | - R. Hugh Dunstan
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Margaret M. Macdonald
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Nathan D. Smith
- Analytical and Biomolecular Research Facility (ABRF)University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Johan Gottfries
- Department of ChemistryGothenburg UniversityGothenburgSweden
| | - Tim K. Roberts
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life SciencesCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
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Hofmann M, Hodžić A, Pouliou N, Joachim A. Vector-borne pathogens affecting shelter dogs in eastern Crete, Greece. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1661-1666. [PMID: 30868293 PMCID: PMC6478633 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06284-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Canine pathogens transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods are of significant importance for veterinary and, in some cases, human health. However, they are still underestimated and rarely investigated in many parts of the Mediterranean region, mostly due to financial reasons. Therefore, in the present paper, we investigated the occurrence of blood-associated pathogens affecting dogs in Crete, Greece. For this purpose, blood samples from 103 shelter dogs were screened for the pathogens by PCR and serological tests. Overall, samples from 43 dogs scored positive for at least one pathogen (41.8%). In particular, antibodies to Leishmania infantum were detected in 26 dogs (25.2%), and 15 and 11 animals were positive for Hepatozoon canis (14.6%) and Mycoplasma haemocanis (10.7%) by PCR, respectively. Co-infections were recorded in nine animals. Clinical signs indicative of infection (alterations of skin or coat or reduced body condition) were detected in 10 animals, four of which were infected with one pathogen, three with two pathogens. Based on the results obtained, dogs from Crete appear to be frequently exposed to several blood-borne pathogens, including agents of zoonotic concern. Given that some of the pathogens were reported for the first time in this area, results presented in our study should improve the awareness of the local veterinarians and of dog rescue organisations in order to reduce disease burden on stray and owned dogs and to control the spread of canine vector-borne diseases from Greece to non-endemic areas by travelling or exported infected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Niki Pouliou
- Animal Medical Center, Kýprou 61, 722 00 Ierapetra, Greece
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Detection of a new bacterium of the family Holosporaceae (Alphaproteobacteria: Holosporales) associated with the oribatid mite Achipteria coleoptrata. Biologia (Bratisl) 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-019-00251-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWe detected an unknown bacterium in Achipteria coleoptrata (Acari: Oribatida). Its 16S rDNA gene sequence showed 89% identity to the endosymbiont “Candidatus Nucleicultrix amoebiphila” from amoebae and “Candidatus Gortzia sp.” from ciliates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the microorganism is a member of the family Holosporaceae, order Holosporales of Alphaproteobacteria. Its occurrence in Oribatida is enigmatic. It cannot be excluded that it is a symbiont of Oribatida as well as it is an endosymbiont of a smaller, even unicellular, organisms living inside the mite. The issue of the occurrence of this microorganism is interesting and further research is needed to gain the knowledge of its role and the nature of bacterium-host interaction.
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Konecka E, Olszanowski Z. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rDNA, gltA, gatB, and hcpA gene sequences of Wolbachia from the novel host Ceratozetes thienemanni (Acari: Oribatida). INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 70:175-181. [PMID: 30708135 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We determined the occurrence of intracellular endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Cardinium, Arsenophonus, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, Hamiltonella, flavobacteria, and microsporidia) in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) with the use of PCR technique. For the first time we looked for and detected Wolbachia in parthenogenetic oribatid mite Ceratozetes thienemanni Willmann, 1943. The 16S rDNA, gatB, hcpA, and gltA sequences of Wolbachia in C. thienemanni showed the highest similarity (≥ 90%) to the genes of Wolbachia from springtails (Collembola) and oribatid mite Gustavia microcephala. We found the unique sequence 5'-GGGGTAATGGCC-3' in 16S rDNA of Wolbachia from C. thienemanni and collembolan representing group E. The phylogeny of Wolbachia based on the analysis of single genes as well as concatenated alignments of four bacterial loci showed that the bacteria from C. thienemanni belonged to Wolbachia group E, like the endosymbionts from springtail hosts and G. microcephala. Considering coexisting of representatives of Oribatida and Collembola in the same soil habitat and similar food, it is possible that the source of Wolbachia infection was the same. Residues of dead invertebrates could be in organic matter of their soil food, so the scenario of infection transferred by eating of remains of soil cohabitates is also possible. It could explain the similarity and relationship of the Wolbachia in these two arthropod groups. Oribatid mite C. thienemanni is a parthenogenetic mite which is a unique feature in the genus Ceratozetes. Moreover, this species, within the entire genus Ceratozetes, is characterized by the most northerly distribution. It is difficult to determine either it is parthenogenesis or the presence of endosymbionts that are in some way responsible for this kind of evolutionary success. Maybe we are dealing here with a kind of synergy of both factors?
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Konecka
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Ziemowit Olszanowski
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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A new Cardinium group of bacteria found in Achipteria coleoptrata (Acari: Oribatida). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2018; 131:64-71. [PMID: 30391314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The understanding of the biology of arthropods requires an understanding of their bacterial associates. We determined the distribution of bacteria Wolbachia sp., Rickettsia sp., Cardinium sp., Spiroplasma sp., Arsenophonus sp., Hamiltonella sp., and Flavobacterium in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida). We identified Cardinium sp. in Achipteria coleoptrata. This is the first report of this bacterium in A. coleoptrata. Approximately 30% of the mite population was infected by Cardinium sp. The Cardinium 16S rDNA was examined for the presence of two sequences unique for this microorganism. One of them was noted in Cardinium sp. of A. coleoptrata. In the second sequence, we found nucleotide substitution in the 7th position: A instead of T. In our opinion, this demonstrated the unique nature of Cardinium sp. of A. coleoptrata. We also determined phylogenetic relationship between Cardinium sp., including the strain found in A. coleoptrata by studying the 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences. It revealed that Cardinium from A. coleoptrata did not cluster together with strains from groups A, B, C or D, and constituted a separate clade E. These observations make A. coleoptrata a unique Cardinium host in terms of the distinction of the strain.
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Hornok S, Horváth G, Takács N, Farkas R, Szőke K, Kontschán J. Molecular evidence of a badger-associated Ehrlichia sp., a Candidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris-like genotype and Anaplasma marginale in dogs. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1302-1309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Carslake RJ, Hill KE, Sjölander K, Hii SF, Prattley D, Acke E. Cross-sectional survey of health management and prevalence of vector-borne diseases, endoparasites and ectoparasites in Samoan dogs. Aust Vet J 2018; 95:462-468. [PMID: 29243242 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of selected canine vector-borne diseases (Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis) and endo- and ectoparasites in Samoan dogs presenting for surgical sterilisation and to report on the general health management of the dogs. METHODS This study was a prospective serological cross-sectional survey. Management data were obtained for 242 dogs by interview with their owners. Blood samples were collected from 237 dogs and screened for the canine vector-borne diseases using point-of-care qualitative ELISA assays. Anaplasma spp. positive samples were screened by PCR and sequenced for species identification. Rectal faecal samples were collected from 204 dogs for faecal flotation and immunofluorescent antibody tests were performed for Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. on a subset of 93 faecal samples. The skin and coat of 221 dogs were examined for presence of ectoparasites. RESULTS The D. immitis antigen was detected in 46.8% (111/237) of dogs. Seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 8.4% (20/237); A. platys was confirmed by PCR. Prevalence of hookworm was 92.6% (185/205) and Giardia was 29.0% (27/93). Ectoparasites were detected on 210/221 (95.0%) of dogs examined and 228/242 dogs (94.2%) had previously never received any preventative medication. CONCLUSIONS There was a very high prevalence of D. immitis, hookworm and external parasites in Samoan dogs, and prophylactic medication is rarely administered. This is the first report confirming A. platys in Samoa and the South Pacific islands. The public health implications of poor management of the dogs should be considered and investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Carslake
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K E Hill
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K Sjölander
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S F Hii
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - D Prattley
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - E Acke
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Hodžić A, Alić A, Duscher GG. High diversity of blood-associated parasites and bacteria in European wild cats in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A molecular study. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:589-593. [PMID: 29422447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.01.017] [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: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Wild felids may play a significant role in the transmission of various pathogens to domestic cats, in particular, but also to other animals and humans. However, since data on the occurrence of blood-borne organisms in European wild cats (Felis silvestris silvestris) are scarce, the present study aimed to provide an insight into the genetic diversity of the agents carried by this sylvatic species in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to elucidate their pathogenic impact. Tissue samples from 18 adult wild cats were collected and examined by PCR and histopathology. Five species of apicomplexan parasites belonging to three genera (Babesia sp., Cytauxzoon sp., Hepatozoon silvestris, H. felis, Hepatozoon sp.), as well as two different sequence types of undescribed hemotropic mycoplasmas (designated as type A and type B), were identified in 15 animals (83%). Histopathology revealed no relevant lesions associated with any of the agents detected. The results clearly showed that European wild cats can harbour a broad range of blood-associated parasites and bacteria. However, further studies are required to investigate the possible implication of hematophagous arthropod vectors in their transmission and to clarify the true pathogenic significance of these organisms. Direct transmission of the agents by bites should also be considered as an alternative, non-vectorial route of transmission in wild cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amer Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Chalada MJ, Stenos J, Vincent G, Barker D, Bradbury RS. A Molecular Survey of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Ticks Collected in Central Queensland, Australia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:151-163. [PMID: 29336689 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Central Queensland (CQ) is a large and isolated, low population density, remote tropical region of Australia with a varied environment. The region has a diverse fauna and several species of ticks that feed upon that fauna. This study examined 518 individual ticks: 177 Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick), 123 Haemaphysalis bancrofti (wallaby tick), 102 Rhipicephalus australis (Australian cattle tick), 47 Amblyomma triguttatum (ornate kangaroo tick), 57 Ixodes holocyclus (paralysis tick), 9 Bothriocroton tachyglossi (CQ short-beaked echidna tick), and 3 Ornithodoros capensis (seabird soft tick). Tick midguts were pooled by common host or environment and screened for four genera of tick-borne zoonoses by PCR and sequencing. The study examined a total of 157 midgut pools of which 3 contained DNA of Coxiella burnetii, 13 Rickettsia gravesii, 1 Rickettsia felis, and 4 other Rickettsia spp. No Borrelia spp. or Babesia spp. DNA were recovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Judith Chalada
- 1 School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University , North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- 2 Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory , Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gemma Vincent
- 2 Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory , Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dayana Barker
- 3 School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard Stewart Bradbury
- 1 School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University , North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
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Hornok S, Ágh N, Takács N, Kontschán J, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Haematospirillum and insect Wolbachia DNA in avian blood. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2017; 111:479-483. [PMID: 29063344 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In this study, blood samples of 259 Acrocephalus sp. warblers were molecularly analysed for Anaplasmataceae and Rhodospirillaceae based on PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene fragments. One bird blood sample (from Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus) yielded a sequence with 99.8% identity to Haematospirillum jordaniae. This is the first molecular evidence for the occurrence of this species in the blood of any vertebrate other than human. Another bird blood sample (from Marsh Warbler: Acrocephalus palustris) yielded a Wolbachia sequence, closely related to a moth endosymbiont with 99.8% identity. A nematode origin of Wolbachia DNA detected here in avian blood can be excluded, because results of phylogenetic analysis showed its closest alignment with insect wolbachiae. This is the first finding of insect Wolbachia DNA in the circulatory system of birds, which can be explained either by the inoculation of wolbachiae by blood-sucking vectors, or passing of Wolbachia DNA from the gut into the blood of this insectivorous bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary.
| | - Nóra Ágh
- Department of Biomathematics and Informatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1022, Hungary
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zürich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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Occurrence and diversity of arthropod-transmitted pathogens in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in western Austria, and possible vertical (transplacental) transmission of Hepatozoon canis. Parasitology 2017; 145:335-344. [PMID: 28835291 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most abundant wild canid species in Austria, and it is a well-known carrier of many pathogens of medical and veterinary concern. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and diversity of protozoan, bacterial and filarial parasites transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods in a red fox population in western Austria. Blood (n = 351) and spleen (n = 506) samples from foxes were examined by PCR and sequencing and the following pathogens were identified: Babesia canis, Babesia cf. microti (syn. Theileria annae), Hepatozoon canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. and Bartonella rochalimae. Blood was shown to be more suitable for detection of Babesia cf. microti, whilst the spleen tissue was better for detection of H. canis than blood. Moreover, extremely low genetic variability of H. canis and its relatively low prevalence rate observed in this study may suggest that the parasite has only recently been introduced in the sampled area. Furthermore, the data presented here demonstrates, for the first time, the possible vertical transmission of H. canis from an infected vixen to the offspring, and this could explain the very high prevalence in areas considered free of its main tick vector(s).
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Shapiro AJ, Brown G, Norris JM, Bosward KL, Marriot DJ, Balakrishnan N, Breitschwerdt EB, Malik R. Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases of dogs in North-west New South Wales and the Northern Territory, Australia. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:238. [PMID: 28810870 PMCID: PMC5558717 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-borne diseases of dogs in Australian Aboriginal communities are relatively unexplored. These dogs represent a unique group with variable ecto- and endo-parasitic burdens, nutritional stresses and a general lack of veterinary intervention. We investigated haemoprotozoal and bacterial pathogen prevalences in relation to erythrocyte and platelet numbers in dogs from North-West New South Wales (N-W NSW) and the Northern Territory (NT; Central Australia). Methods Real-time PCR (qPCR) amplification of Anaplasma platys, Babesia vogeli, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Bartonella spp., serological screening for Coxiella burnetii, and Bartonella spp. and haematological analyses were performed on dogs from the two cohorts (96 dogs in total). Brucella suis serology was determined additionally for the N-W NSW cohort. Results Anaplasma platys (n = 26 dogs), Babesia vogeli (n = 7), Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (n = 10 dogs), and Mycoplasma haemocanis (n = 14) were detected in the sample population (n = 96) using qPCR. There were significant associations between (i) A. platys and anaemia (OR 8.7, CI 2.4–31.7; P < 0.001), thrombocytopenia (OR 12.1, CI 3.4–43.2; P < 0.001) and breed (OR 16.1, CI 2.1–121.5; P = 0.007), and (ii) between B. vogeli and anaemia (OR 11.8, CI 2.3–61.6; P = 0.003). Neither protozoal nor bacterial DNA loads, estimated using qPCR, were positively correlated with anaemia or thrombocytopenia. Haemotropic mycoplasmas were not associated with any haematologic abnormality. Four dogs from the NT were seropositive for Coxiella burnetii, while no dogs were seropositive for Brucella suis or to a panel of Bartonella spp. antigens. Despite directed efforts, Bartonella DNA was not detected in blood from any of the cohorts studied. A sample of dogs from the NT recruited specifically for Bartonella α-proteobacteria growth medium enrichment blood culture were also Bartonella PCR negative. Conclusions Vector-borne pathogens occur in dogs free ranging near Aboriginal communities, with higher detection rates in NT than N-W NSW. The preponderant haematologic abnormalities were anaemia and thrombocytopenia, likely attributable to A. platys and B. vogeli infections, but also probably affected by nutritional, parasitic, lactational and environmental stressors. The absence of Bartonella spp. is of importance to the Australian setting, and work needs to be extended to tropical coastal communities where fleas are present as well as ticks. Dogs living in and around Aboriginal communities may provide valuable sentinel information on disease infection status of human public health significance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1169-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Shapiro
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Graeme Brown
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M Norris
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Katrina L Bosward
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Debbie J Marriot
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Richard Malik
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia. .,School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia. .,Centre for Veterinary Education, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Licari E, Takács N, Solymosi N, Farkas R. First detection of tick-borne pathogens of dogs from Malta. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:396-399. [PMID: 28143697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge about the vector-borne infections in domestic dogs has been increasing worldwide. However no studies have been done on hard tick infestation and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of dogs present in Malta. Therefore, a total of 99 dogs was selected and inspected between March and July 2013 in 18 urban and 17 rural areas on the islands of Malta and Gozo. All ticks were removed from the dogs and identified. Blood samples were taken and tested for protozoa (Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp.) and bacteria (Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp.) by conventional PCR. All of the ticks collected from 34 (34.3%; 95% CI: 26-44) dogs belong to the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Tick infestation on the farm dogs was significantly higher than that of dogs kept outdoors as pets (OR: 15.19, 95% CI: 2.72-118.92, p<0.001) or in a sanctuary (OR: 35.11, 95% CI: 3.20-1986.67, p<0.001). Altogether 22 animals were infected with one or two TBPs, most of them with Hepatozoon canis (16/22; 72.7%). Anaplasma platys and Babesia vogeli were detected in 5 and 4 dogs, respectively. Three dogs had co-infections caused by H. canis and A. platys. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on tick infestation and TBPs of dogs in Malta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Licari
- The Veterinary Clinic' Triq Frangisk Xerri, Birkirkara, BKR1020, 27692277, Malta.
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary H-1078 Budapest István u 2., Hungary.
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Biometeorology Research Group, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary H-1078 Budapest István u 2., Hungary.
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary H-1078 Budapest István u 2., Hungary.
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Schwameis M, Auer J, Mitteregger D, Simonitsch-Klupp I, Ramharter M, Burgmann H, Lagler H. Anaplasmataceae-Specific PCR for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Guidance for Symptomatic Neoehrlichiosis in Immunocompetent Host. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:281-4. [PMID: 26811875 PMCID: PMC4734524 DOI: 10.3201/eid2202.141762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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
Candidatus Neoehrlichia is increasingly being recognized worldwide as a tickborne pathogen. We report a case of symptomatic neoehrlichiosis in an immunocompetent Austria resident who had recently returned from travel in Tanzania. The use of Anaplasmataceae-specific PCR to determine the duration of antimicrobial therapy seems reasonable to avert recrudescence.
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Alreshidi MM, Dunstan RH, Gottfries J, Macdonald MM, Crompton MJ, Ang CS, Williamson NA, Roberts TK. Changes in the Cytoplasmic Composition of Amino Acids and Proteins Observed in Staphylococcus aureus during Growth under Variable Growth Conditions Representative of the Human Wound Site. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159662. [PMID: 27442022 PMCID: PMC4956324 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for a high proportion of nosocomial infections. This study was conducted to assess the bacterial responses in the cytoplasmic composition of amino acids and ribosomal proteins under various environmental conditions designed to mimic those on the human skin or within a wound site: pH6-8, temperature 35–37°C, and additional 0–5% NaCl. It was found that each set of environmental conditions elicited substantial adjustments in cytoplasmic levels of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, alanine and glycine (P< 0.05). These alterations generated characteristic amino acid profiles assessed by principle component analysis (PCA). Substantial alterations in cytoplasmic amino acid and protein composition occurred during growth under conditions of higher salinity stress implemented via additional levels of NaCl in the growth medium. The cells responded to additional NaCl at pH 6 by reducing levels of ribosomal proteins, whereas at pH 8 there was an upregulation of ribosomal proteins compared with the reference control. The levels of two ribosomal proteins, L32 and S19, remained constant across all experimental conditions. The data supported the hypothesis that the bacterium was continually responding to the dynamic environment by modifying the proteome and optimising metabolic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousa M. Alreshidi
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Biology, University Drive, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, P.O. 2440, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - R. Hugh Dunstan
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Biology, University Drive, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Johan Gottfries
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg University, Sweden
| | - Margaret M. Macdonald
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Biology, University Drive, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Marcus J. Crompton
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Biology, University Drive, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Williamson
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Tim K. Roberts
- Metabolic Research Group, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Biology, University Drive, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia
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Cézanne R, Mrowietz N, Eigner B, Duscher GG, Glawischnig W, Fuehrer HP. Molecular analysis of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Western Austria. Mol Cell Probes 2016; 31:55-58. [PMID: 27417532 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Wild ungulates may act as reservoirs of various vector borne pathogens that can infect humans and domestic animals. In the present study, blood samples from 196 red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Western Austria (Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Salzburg) were collected on filter paper and tested for Anaplasmataceae, Piroplasmida, Rickettsia and filarioid helminths using molecular tools. Babesia divergens was detected in ten (5.1%) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in three (1.5%) of the 196 samples. Filarioid helminths, Rickettsia spp. and Theileria spp. were not detected. These findings indicate that red deer may serve as reservoirs of Babesia divergens and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Western Austria. Further investigations are needed to assess the presence of these pathogens in ticks in this geographical region, and the significance of these pathogens in both animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Cézanne
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Naike Mrowietz
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Eigner
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Glawischnig
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Technikerstraße 70, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Lai TH, Parraga ME, Alvarez E, Rikihisa Y. Anaplasma platys Immunoblot Test Using Major Surface Antigens. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:581-7. [PMID: 27327629 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma platys is an uncultivable tick-borne obligatory intracellular bacterium, which is known to infect platelets of dogs. A. platys causes infectious canine cyclic thrombocytopenia in subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Several cases of human infection with A. platys infection have also been reported. However, seroprevalence of A. platys exposure and infection has not been determined in most of the regions, in part, due to lack of a simple and reliable assay method. Furthermore, A. platys antigens recognized by dogs are unknown. We previously sequenced gene encoding A. platys major outer membrane proteins P44 and Omp-1X. In the present study, we obtained purified recombinant A. platys P44 and Omp-1X proteins, and using them as antigens in immunoblotting examined seroreactivity in dogs. Of 34 specimens from Venezuela where A. platys infection was previously reported, 25 specimens (73.5%) reacted to rAplP44 and/or rAplOMP-1X. Neither Anaplasma phagocytophilum-seropositive (N = 10) nor A. phagocytophilum-seronegative canine specimens (N = 10) from the geographic regions where A. platys infection has never been reported, reacted rAplP44 or rAplOMP-1X. The result indicates a high A. platys seroprevalence rate in tested dogs from Venezuela and suggests that the immunoblot analysis based on recombinant A. platys major outer membrane proteins can provide a simple and defined tool to enlighten the prevalence of A. platys infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzung-Huei Lai
- 1 Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Maria E Parraga
- 2 Departamento Médico-Quirúrgico, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Central de Venezuela , Maracay, Estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Elizabeth Alvarez
- 3 Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Yasuko Rikihisa
- 1 Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
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Inpankaew T, Hii SF, Chimnoi W, Traub RJ. Canine vector-borne pathogens in semi-domesticated dogs residing in northern Cambodia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:253. [PMID: 27161452 PMCID: PMC4862146 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1552-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Southeast Asia, the canine vector-borne pathogens Babesia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis, haemotropic mycoplasmas and Dirofilaria immitis cause significant morbidity and mortality in dogs. Moreover, dogs have also been implicated as natural reservoirs for Rickettsia felis, the agent of flea-borne spotted fever, increasingly implicated as a cause of undifferentiated fever in humans in Southeast Asia. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of canine vector-borne pathogens in 101 semi-domesticated dogs from rural Cambodia using molecular diagnostic techniques. Results The most common canine vector-borne pathogens found infecting dogs in this study were Babesia vogeli (32.7 %) followed by Ehrlichia canis (21.8 %), Dirofilaria immitis (15.8 %), Hepatozoon canis (10.9 %), Mycoplasma haemocanis (9.9 %) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” (2.9 %). A high level of co-infection with CVBD agents (23.8 %) was present, most commonly B. vogeli and E. canis. Naturally occurring R. felis infection was also detected in 10.9 % of dogs in support of their role as a natural mammalian reservoir for flea-borne spotted fever in humans. Conclusions This study reports for the first time, the prevalence and diversity of CVBD pathogens in dogs in Cambodia. In total, five species of CVBD pathogens were found infecting semi-domesticated dogs and many were co-infected with two or more pathogens. This study supports the role of dogs as natural mammalian reservoirs for R. felis, the agent of flea-borne spotted fever in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Sze Fui Hii
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Wissanuwat Chimnoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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Greay TL, Oskam CL, Gofton AW, Rees RL, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ. A survey of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of companion animals in Australia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:207. [PMID: 27160149 PMCID: PMC4862205 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are among the most important vectors of pathogens affecting companion animals, and also cause health problems such as tick paralysis, anaemia, dermatitis, and secondary infections. Twenty ixodid species have previously been recorded on dogs, cats, and horses in Australia, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes holocyclus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, which transmit tick-borne diseases. A survey of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) was conducted during 2012-2015 to investigate tick species that infest dogs, cats, and horses in Australia. METHODS Individual tick specimens were collected from dogs, cats and horses across Australia and sample collection locations were mapped using QGIS software. Ticks were morphologically examined to determine species, instar and sex. The companion animal owners responded to questionnaires and data collected were summarised with SPSS software. RESULTS A total of 4765 individual ticks were identified in this study from 7/8 states and territories in Australia. Overall, 220 larvae, 805 nymphs, 1404 males, and 2336 females of 11 tick species were identified from 837 companion animal hosts. One novel host record was obtained during this study for Ixodes myrmecobii, which was found on Felis catus (domestic cat) in the town of Esperance, Western Australia. The most common tick species identified included R. sanguineus on dogs (73 %), I. holocyclus on cats (81 %) and H. longicornis on horses (60 %). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Australia and our results contribute to the understanding of the species and distribution of ticks that parasitise dogs, cats, and horses in Australia. Records of R. sanguineus outside of the recorded distribution range emphasise the need for a systematic study of the habitat range of this species. Several incomplete descriptions of ixodid species encountered in this study hindered morphological identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telleasha L. Greay
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Alexander W. Gofton
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | | | - Una M. Ryan
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- />Vector and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
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Silva CBD, Santos HA, Navarrete MG, Ribeiro CCDU, Gonzalez BC, Zaldivar MF, Pires MS, Peckle M, Costa RLD, Vitari GLV, Massard CL. Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma platys in dogs and ticks in Cuba. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:938-944. [PMID: 27132516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, an infectious disease caused by Anaplasma platys is a worldwide dog health problem. This study aimed to detect and characterize A. platys deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in dogs and ticks from Cuba using molecular methods. The study was conducted in four cities of Cuba (Habana del Este, Boyeros, Cotorro and San José de las Lajas). Blood samples were collected from 100 dogs in these cities. The animals were inspected for the detection of tick infestation and specimens were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from dog blood and ticks using a commercial kit. Genomic DNA samples from blood and ticks were tested by a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) to amplify 678 base pairs (bp) from the 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of A. platys. Positive samples in nPCR were also subjected to PCR to amplify a fragment of 580bp from the citrate synthase (gltA) gene and the products were sequenced. Only Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) was found on dogs, and 10.20% (n=5/49) of these ticks plus sixteen percent (16.0%, n=16/100) of dogs were considered positive for A. platys by nPCR targeting the 16S rDNA gene. All analyzed gltA and 16S rDNA sequences showed a 99-100% identity with sequences of A. platys reported in around the world. Phylogenetic analysis showed two defined clusters for the 16S rDNA gene and three defined clusters for the gltA gene. Based on the gltA gene, the deduced amino acid sequence showed two mutations at positions 88 and 168 compared with the sequence DQ525687 (GenBank ID from Italian sample), used as a reference in the alignment. A preliminary study on the epidemiological aspects associated with infection by A. platys showed no statistical association with the variables studied (p>0.05). This is the first evidence of the presence of A. platys in dogs and ticks in Cuba. Further studies are needed to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of A. platys infection in Cuban dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bezerra da Silva
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil.
| | - Huarrisson Azevedo Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Maylín González Navarrete
- Department of Animal Prevention, Veterinary Medicine College, Agrarian University of Habana, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Carla Carolina Dias Uzedo Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Belkis Corona Gonzalez
- Department of Microbiology, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | | | - Marcus Sandes Pires
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Maristela Peckle
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Lins da Costa
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Lopes Vivas Vitari
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos Luiz Massard
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Br 465, km 7, Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
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50
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Matei IA, D'Amico G, Yao PK, Ionică AM, Kanyari PWN, Daskalaki AA, Dumitrache MO, Sándor AD, Gherman CM, Qablan M, Modrý D, Mihalca AD. Molecular detection of Anaplasma platys infection in free-roaming dogs and ticks from Kenya and Ivory Coast. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:157. [PMID: 26984538 PMCID: PMC4794861 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1443-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma platys is a bacterium parasitic in the canine platelets, representing the causative agent of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, with a worldwide distribution, mainly in tropical countries. The agent has zoonotic potential, being reported in several human clinical cases. The suspected vector is the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato), widely distributed in animals and humans in the tropical regions of South America, Africa, Asia and Australia, but also in southern Europe. Only few scattered data concerning the epidemiology of A. platys in sub-Saharan Africa are available. The aim of our study was to evaluate the epidemiological status of A. platys in dogs and cats from rural communities in eastern and western Africa, where dogs and their ticks live in close contact with humans. Methods A total of 216 canine and 22 feline blood samples and ticks feeding on them were collected in 2013 and 2014 from eight localities in Ivory Coast and four localities in Kenya. PCR was performed using specific primers targeting a portion of the 16S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing. Results The main results highlight the high prevalence of A. platys infection in dogs in both Eastern and Western Africa and report it for the first time in Eastern Africa and in Rhipicephalus camicasi. Conclusions The presence of A. platys DNA in R. camicasi feeding on negative hosts together with the relatively high prevalence of A. platys, correlated with the absence of the probable vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) in Kenyan Island suggest the involvement of other tick species in the transmission of A. platys. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1443-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Patrick K Yao
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université de Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul W N Kanyari
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Aikaterini Alexandra Daskalaki
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Moneeb Qablan
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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