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Nguyen TT, Mai TN, Dang-Xuan S, Nguyen-Viet H, Unger F, Lee HS. Emerging zoonotic diseases in Southeast Asia in the period 2011-2022: a systematic literature review. Vet Q 2024; 44:1-15. [PMID: 38229485 PMCID: PMC10795789 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2300965] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
As COVID-19 has shown, pandemics and outbreaks of emerging infections such as Zika, Nipah, monkeypox and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, especially emerging zoonotic diseases, continue to occur and may even be increasing in Southeast Asia. In addition, these infections often result from environmental changes and human behaviour. Overall, public health surveillance to identify gaps in the literature and early warning signs are essential in this region. A systematic review investigated the prevalence of emerging zoonotic diseases over 11 years from 2011 to 2022 in Southeast Asia to understand the status of emerging zoonotic diseases, as well as to provide necessary actions for disease control and prevention in the region. During the 2011-2022 period, studies on pigs, poultry, ruminants, companion animals and wildlife in Southeast Asia were reviewed thoroughly to assess the quality of reporting items for inclusion in the systematic review. The review was performed on 26 studies of pigs, 6 studies of poultry, 21 studies of ruminants, 28 studies of companion animals and 25 studies of wildlife in Southeast Asia, which provide a snapshot of the prevalence of the emerging zoonotic disease across the country. The findings from the review showed that emerging zoonotic diseases were prevalent across the region and identified a few zoonotic diseases associated with poultry, mainly stemming from Cambodia and Vietnam, as high priority in Southeast Asia.Clinical relevance: Appropriate prevention and control measures should be taken to mitigate the emerging zoonotic diseases in Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Trung Nguyen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Ngan Mai
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Sinh Dang-Xuan
- International Livestock Research Institute, Regional Office for East and Southeast Asia, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hung Nguyen-Viet
- International Livestock Research Institute, Regional Office for East and Southeast Asia, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Fred Unger
- International Livestock Research Institute, Regional Office for East and Southeast Asia, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hu Suk Lee
- International Livestock Research Institute, Regional Office for East and Southeast Asia, Hanoi, Vietnam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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Yean S, Prasetyo DB, Marcombe S, Hadi UK, Kazim AR, Tiawsirisup S, Chinh VD, Matsuno K, Low VL, Bonnet S, Boulanger N, Lam TTY, Abdad MY, Herbreteau V, Chavatte JM, Sum S, Ren T, Sakuntabhai A, Maquart PO, Rakotonirina A, Boyer S. Challenges for ticks and tick-borne diseases research in Southeast Asia: Insight from the first international symposium in Cambodia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012269. [PMID: 38985826 PMCID: PMC11236135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks, as critical vectors of a variety of pathogens, pose a significant public health challenge globally. In Southeast Asia (SEA), ticks are responsible for transmitting a diverse array of pathogens affecting humans and animals. The geographical and ecological diversity of SEA provides a unique environment that supports a wide range of tick species, which complicates the management and study of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This article synthesizes findings from the first international symposium on ticks and TBDs in Southeast Asia, held in Phnom Penh on June 22 and 23, 2023. It highlights regional efforts to understand tick ecology and pathogen transmission. This paper proposes to present a summary of the various presentations given during the symposium following 3 main parts. The first one is devoted to the state of knowledge regarding ticks and TBDs in SEA countries, with presentations from 6 different countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The second part focuses on the development of new research approaches on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and TBDs. The last part is a summary of the round table discussion held on the final day, with the aim of defining the most important challenges and recommendations for researches on TBP and TBD in the SEA region. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Key topics discussed include advancements in diagnostic tools, such as MALDI-TOF MS and proteomics, and the development of sustainable strategies for tick management and disease prevention. The symposium facilitated the exchange of knowledge and collaborative networks among experts from various disciplines, promoting a unified approach to tackling TBDs in the region. The symposium underscored the need for enhanced surveillance, diagnostics, and inter-regional cooperation to manage the threat of TBDs effectively. Recommendations include the establishment of a regional database for tick identification and the expansion of vector competence studies. These initiatives are crucial for developing targeted interventions and understanding the broader implications of climate change and urbanization on the prevalence of TBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sony Yean
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Didot Budi Prasetyo
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Upik Kesumawati Hadi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Abdul Rahman Kazim
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Vu Duc Chinh
- National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Keita Matsuno
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sarah Bonnet
- Ecology and Emergence of Arthropod-borne pathogens Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 2000, INRAE USC 1510, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Boulanger
- University of Strasbourg and French Reference Center Lyme, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Marc Chavatte
- National Public Health Laboratory–National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Singapore
| | - Samuth Sum
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Theary Ren
- National Animal Health and Production Research Institute, General Directorate of Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Anavaj Sakuntabhai
- Ecology and Emergence of Arthropod-borne pathogens Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 2000, INRAE USC 1510, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Maquart
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Antsa Rakotonirina
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Sebastien Boyer
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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Mullins K, Canal E, Ouch P, Prasetyo D, Tagoe J, Attram N, Yeboah C, Kumordjie S, Fox A, Letizia AG, Rachlin A, Nguyen HM, Robinson MT, Vongsouvath M, Davong V, Maxay M, Simons MP, Caranci A, Newton PN, Richards AL, Farris CM. Bartonella Species in Cambodia, Ghana, Laos, and Peru: Results from Vector and Serosurveys. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:9-17. [PMID: 36633562 PMCID: PMC7614129 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0090] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Bartonella species are fastidious gram-negative vector-borne bacteria with a wide range of mammalian reservoirs. While it is understood that some species of Bartonella are human pathogens, the extent of human exposure to Bartonella species (both pathogenic and nonpathogenic) is yet to be fully understood. Materials and Methods: To this end, residual sera from participants enrolled in undifferentiated fever studies in Cambodia, Ghana, Laos, and Peru were screened for the presence of IgG antibodies against Bartonella quintana and Bartonella henselae, using the FOCUS diagnostics Dual Spot- Bartonella IgG Immunofluorescence assay. Forty-eight patients with suspected or confirmed Bartonella bacilliformis exposure or infection in Peru were screened to assess cross-reactivity of the FOCUS assay for IgG against other Bartonella species. Results: Ten of 13 patients with confirmed B. bacilliformis infection were Bartonella-specific IgG positive, and overall, 36/48 of the samples were positive. In addition, 79/206, 44/200, 101/180, and 57/100 of the samples from Peru, Laos, Cambodia, and Ghana, respectively, were Bartonella-specific IgG positive. Furthermore, ectoparasite pools from Cambodia, Laos, and Peru were tested using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for the presence of Bartonella DNA. Of the sand fly pools collected in Peru, 0/196 were qPCR positive; 15/140 flea pools collected in Cambodia were qPCR positive; while 0/105 ticks, 0/22 fleas, and 0/3 louse pools collected in Laos tested positive for Bartonella DNA. Conclusion: Evidence of Bartonella in fleas from Cambodia supports the possibility that humans are exposed to Bartonella through this traditional vector. However, Bartonella species were not found in fleas, ticks, or lice from Laos, or sand flies from Peru. This could account for the lower positive serology among the population in Laos and the strictly localized nature of B. bacilliformis infections in Peru. Human exposure to the Bartonella species and Bartonella as a human pathogen warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Mullins
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Pidor Ouch
- Naval Medical Research Unit-2, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Janice Tagoe
- Naval Medical Research Unit-3 Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Naiki Attram
- Naval Medical Research Unit-3 Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Clara Yeboah
- Naval Medical Research Unit-3 Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Anne Fox
- Naval Medical Research Unit-3 Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Audrey Rachlin
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Hung Manh Nguyen
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Matthew T Robinson
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
- Center for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manivanh Vongsouvath
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
- Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Qua Fa Ngum, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Viengmon Davong
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
- Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Qua Fa Ngum, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Mayfong Maxay
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
- Center for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute of Research and Education Development, University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Mark P Simons
- Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Angela Caranci
- Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District, Corona, California, USA
| | - Paul N Newton
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
- Center for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Allen L Richards
- Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Aouadi N, Benkacimi L, Zan Diarra A, Laroche M, Bérenger JM, Bitam I, Parola P. Microorganisms associated with the North African hedgehog Atelerix algirus and its parasitizing arthropods in Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 80:101726. [PMID: 34933167 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101726] [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: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehogs are small mammals. They are potential reservoirs of various zoonotic agents. This study was conducted in Bouira, a north-central region of Algeria. A total of 21 Atelerix algirus corpses were picked up on roadsides and gardens. Hedgehog kidneys, spleens and ectoparasites were collected. Twelve hedgehogs were infested with ectoparasites, including Archaeopsylla erinacei, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Haemaphysalis erinacei. Hedgehog organs and randomly selected arthropods were screened for microorganisms using molecular methods. Coxiella burnetii was detected in kidneys, spleens, A. erinacei, Hae. erinacei and Rh. sanguineus s.l. Leptospira interrogans was detected in kidneys. Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia massiliae were detected respectively in A. erinacei and in Rh. sanguineus s.l. DNA of an uncultivated Rickettsia spp. was found in Hae. erinacei. Wolbachia spp. DNA was detected in fleas. The DNA of potential new Bartonella and Ehrlichia species were found respectively in fleas and ticks. This study highlights the presence of DNA from a broad range of microorganisms in hedgehogs and their ectoparasites that may be responsible for zoonoses in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Aouadi
- Laboratoire de Valorisation et Conservation des Ressources Biologiques (VALCOR), Faculté des Sciences, Université M'Hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Linda Benkacimi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Adama Zan Diarra
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Maureen Laroche
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Michel Bérenger
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; École Supérieure en Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaires (ESSAIA), El Harrach, Alger, Algeria
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France.
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Saengsawang P, Kaewmongkol G, Phoosangwalthong P, Chimnoi W, Inpankaew T. Detection of zoonotic Bartonella species in ticks and fleas parasitizing free-ranging cats and dogs residing in temples of Bangkok, Thailand. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 25:100612. [PMID: 34474805 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic bacteria known as Bartonella spp. The potential vectors that transmit Bartonella spp. are fleas, ticks, sand flies, and lice. Several Bartonella spp. cause diseases in humans; however, there is few molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. in vectors in Thailand. The objectives of this study were to investigate Bartonella spp. and to evaluate the spatial distribution of Bartonella spp. prevalence in the ectoparasites parasitizing free-ranging cats and dogs in temple clusters of Bangkok, Thailand. In total, 343 ectoparasites were studied to extract their genomic DNA. Species of all specimens were identified using an identification key and conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) was applied to confirm flea and tick species. Extracted DNA samples were processed using primers that targeted the gltA, rpoB, ftsZ, and ribC genes of Bartonella spp. Then, PCR-positive amplicons were sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. Recorded data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and the odds ratio. Area data were analyzed and a prevalence distribution map was plotted. The major parasitizing ticks and fleas in this study were Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in ectoparasites was 7.00%. The gltA amplicons revealed the presence of B. henselae (4.78%) and B. clarridgeiae (4.78%) in C. felis, and B. koehlerae (1.25%) and B. phoceensis (1.25%) in R. sanguineus. Bartonella DNA was encountered in 16/39 (41.03%) districts and 28.57% of the temple clusters. Bang Khun Thian district had the highest positive proportion and Bang Bon district showed co-evidence of different Bartonella species. In addition, the intervening zones were a risk factor of Bartonella (p < 0.05), and the distribution map showed a scattered pattern of Bartonella-positive clusters. Finally, fleas showed to be important vector reservoirs for Bartonella spp., especially zoonotic species, however, experimental studies are needed to prove the Bartonella transmission in ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phirabhat Saengsawang
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand
| | - Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Pornkamol Phoosangwalthong
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Wissanuwat Chimnoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
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Caravedo Martinez MA, Ramírez-Hernández A, Blanton LS. Manifestations and Management of Flea-Borne Rickettsioses. Res Rep Trop Med 2021; 12:1-14. [PMID: 33574726 PMCID: PMC7873028 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s274724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine typhus and flea-borne spotted fever are undifferentiated febrile illnesses caused by Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis, respectively. These organisms are small obligately intracellular bacteria and are transmitted to humans by fleas. Murine typhus is endemic to coastal areas of the tropics and subtropics (especially port cities), where rats are the primary mammalian host and rat fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis) are the vector. In the United States, a cycle of transmission involving opossums and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are the presumed reservoir and vector, respectively. The incidence and distribution of murine typhus appear to be increasing in endemic areas of the US. Rickettsia felis has also been reported throughout the world and is found within the ubiquitous cat flea. Flea-borne rickettsioses manifest as an undifferentiated febrile illness. Headache, malaise, and myalgia are frequent symptoms that accompany fever. The incidence of rash is variable, so its absence should not dissuade the clinician to consider a rickettsial illness as part of the differential diagnosis. When present, the rash is usually macular or papular. Although not a feature of murine typhus, eschar has been found in 12% of those with flea-borne spotted fever. Confirmatory laboratory diagnosis is usually obtained by serology; the indirect immunofluorescence assay is the serologic test of choice. Antibodies are seldom present during the first few days of illness. Thus, the diagnosis requires acute- and convalescent-phase specimens to document seroconversion or a four-fold increase in antibody titer. Since laboratory diagnosis is usually retrospective, when a flea-borne rickettsiosis is considered, empiric treatment should be initiated. The treatment of choice for both children and adults is doxycycline, which results in a swift and effective response. The following review is aimed to summarize the key clinical, epidemiological, ecological, diagnostic, and treatment aspects of flea-borne rickettsioses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Caravedo Martinez
- Department of Internal Medicine – Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Lucas S Blanton
- Department of Internal Medicine – Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Nguyen HM, Theppannga W, Vongphayloth K, Douangngeun B, Blacksell SD, Robinson MT. Screening of ectoparasites from domesticated dogs for bacterial pathogens in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:862-868. [PMID: 32649049 PMCID: PMC7983881 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod-borne diseases are widespread worldwide and are a complex interaction between animals, humans and ectoparasites. The understanding of the diversity and epidemiology of organisms transmitted by arthropod vectors, and the role of hosts and vectors in transmission of infections remain limited in Lao PDR. What knowledge does exist is primarily focused on more rural regions of the country. This study screened ectoparasites from domestic dogs in Vientiane city for the presence of bacterial pathogens of zoonotic importance. A total of 3,511 arthropod vectors were collected from 112 dogs. Vectors collected were Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, Ctenocephalides felis felis and Ctenocephalides felis orientis fleas and Heterodoxus spiniger lice. A sub-sample of vectors from each dog was analysed by PCR to identify the potential bacteria. From 129 vector pools, Rickettsia spp. was detected in 6.7% (7/105) pools of ticks, 86.4% (19/22) pools of fleas and both pools of lice. Sequencing analysis confirmed Rickettsia felis in 13 flea pools and one louse pool and Rickettsia asembonensis in six flea pools. Anaplasmataceae was identified in 14.3% (15/105) tick pools and 100% (22/22) flea pools. Sequencing revealed the presence of Anaplasma platys in ticks and Wolbachia pipientis in fleas. Leptospira spp. was detected in one tick and one louse pool, and Brucella spp. was detected in 12.4% (13/105) tick pools. All samples were negative for Bartonella spp., Coxiella burnetii and Borrelia burgdorferi. This is the first study providing evidence of R. asembonensis in fleas in Laos. Results from this study show arthropods are potential vectors to transmit zoonotic infection in Vientiane city, suggesting humans are at risk of zoonotic infections in the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Manh Nguyen
- Lao Tropical and Public Health InstituteVientianeLaos
- Present address:
Faculty of MedicineFaculty of Nursing SciencesUniversité LavalQuébecQCCanada
| | | | | | | | - Stuart D. Blacksell
- Mahidol‐Oxford Tropical Medicine Research UnitBangkokThailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Matthew T. Robinson
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Lao‐Oxford‐Mahosot Hospital‐Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology LaboratoryMahosot HospitalVientianeLaos
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