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Moore CO, André MR, Šlapeta J, Breitschwerdt EB. Vector biology of the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:324-337. [PMID: 38458883 PMCID: PMC11168582 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.02.006] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is among the most prevalent and widely dispersed vectors worldwide. Unfortunately, research on C. felis and associated pathogens (Bartonella and Rickettsia spp.) lags behind that of other vectors and vector-borne pathogens. Therefore, we aimed to review fundamental aspects of C. felis as a vector (behavior, epidemiology, phylogenetics, immunology, and microbiome composition) with an emphasis on key techniques and research avenues employed in other vector species. Future laboratory C. felis experimental infections with Bartonella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia species/strains should examine the vector-pathogen interface utilizing contemporary visualization, transcriptomic, and gene-editing techniques. Further environmental sampling will inform the range and prevalence of C. felis and associated pathogens, improving the accuracy of vector and pathogen modeling to improve infection/infestation risk assessment and diagnostic recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O Moore
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, North Carolina State University, NC, USA
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, North Carolina State University, NC, USA.
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Stepanić M, Duvnjak S, Reil I, Hađina S, Kempf VAJ, Špičić S, Mihaljević Ž, Beck R. Epidemiology of Bartonella henselae infection in pet and stray cats in Croatia with risk factors analysis. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:48. [PMID: 38303085 PMCID: PMC10832190 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06117-8] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats are the primary reservoirs of the bacterium Bartonella henselae, the main cause of cat-scratch disease in humans. The main vector of the bacterium is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. In southeastern Europe, data are lacking on the prevalence of B. henselae infection in cats, the strains of B. henselae involved and the risk factors associated with the infection. METHODS Blood samples collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-containing tubes from 189 domestic cats (156 pet cats and 33 stray cats) from Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, and 10 counties throughout Croatia were cultured for Bartonella spp. Following culture, bacterial isolates were genotyped at eight loci after using PCR to amplify 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and the internal transcribed spacer region between the 16S and 23S rRNA sequences. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for B. henselae infection in cats. RESULTS Bartonella spp. was detected in 31 cats (16.4%), and subsequent genotyping at the eight loci revealed B. henselae in all cases. Thirty complete multilocus sequence typing profiles were obtained, and the strains were identified as four sequence types that had been previously reported, namely ST5 (56.7%), ST6 (23.3%), ST1 (13.3%) and ST24 (3.3%), as well as a novel sequence type, ST33 (3.3%). The univariate analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of B. henselae infection in cats residing in coastal areas of Croatia (odds ratio [OR] 2.592, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.150-5.838; P = 0.0191) and in cats with intestinal parasites (OR 3.207, 95% CI 1.088-9.457; P = 0.0279); a significantly lower risk was identified in cats aged > 1 year (OR 0.356, 95% CI 0.161-0.787; P = 0.0247) and in cats sampled between April and September (OR 0.325, 95% CI 0.147-0.715; P = 0.005). The multivariate analysis that controlled for age showed a positive association with the presence of intestinal parasites (OR 4.241, 95% CI 1.243-14.470; P = 0.0119) and coastal residence (OR 2.567, 95% CI 1.114-5.915; P = 0.0216) implying increased risk of infection, and a negative association with sampling between April and September (OR 0.379, 95% CI 0.169-0.848; P = 0.018) implying a decreased risk of infection. After controlling for the season, an increased risk of infection remained for the coastal region (OR 2.725, 95% CI 1.200-6.186; P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Bartonella henselae is prevalent throughout Croatia and is a public health threat. Environmental and host factors can significantly affect the risk of infection, and these should be explored in more detail. The presence of intestinal parasites highlights the need to eliminate the flea vector, Ctenocephalides felis, as the most effective approach to control infections in cats and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Stepanić
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sanja Duvnjak
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Reil
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suzana Hađina
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene and Consulting Laboratory for Bartonella Infections, University Hospital Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 40, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Silvio Špičić
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željko Mihaljević
- Department of Pathology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Khonde P, Byrnes K. The Brief Case: Granulomatous hepatitis in an immunocompromised patient. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0189222. [PMID: 37732747 PMCID: PMC10512784 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01892-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Khonde
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kathleen Byrnes
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Bush JC, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Viability and Desiccation Resistance of Bartonella henselae in Biological and Non-Biological Fluids: Evidence for Pathogen Environmental Stability. Pathogens 2023; 12:950. [PMID: 37513797 PMCID: PMC10383451 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen environmental stability is an often-neglected research priority for pathogens that are known to be vector-transmitted. Bartonella henselae, the etiologic agent of Cat Scratch Disease, has become a "pathogen of interest" in several serious human illnesses, which include neoplastic, cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and rheumatologic conditions. Survival in the flea gut and feces as well as the association with a biofilm in culture-negative endocarditis provides insight into this organism's ability to adjust to environmental extremes. The detection of B. henselae DNA in blood and tissues from marine mammals also raises questions about environmental stability and modes of pathogen transmission. We investigated the ability of B. henselae to survive in fluid matrices chosen to mimic potential environmental sources of infective materials. Feline whole blood, serum and urine, bovine milk, and physiologic saline inoculated with a laboratory strain of B. henselae San Antonio 2 were subsequently evaluated by culture and qPCR at specified time intervals. Bacterial viability was also assessed following desiccation and reconstitution of each inoculated fluid matrix. Bartonella henselae SA2 was cultured from feline urine up to 24 h after inoculation, and from blood, serum, cow's milk, and physiologic saline for up to 7 days after inoculation. Of potential medical importance, bacteria were cultured following air-desiccation of all fluid inoculates. The viability and stability of Bartonella within biological and non-biological fluids in the environment may represent a previously unrecognized source of infection for animals and human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice C Bush
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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Feeding on a Bartonella henselae Infected Host Triggers Temporary Changes in the Ctenocephalides felis Microbiome. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030366. [PMID: 36986288 PMCID: PMC10056022 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of Bartonella henselae on the microbiome of its vector, Ctenocephalides felis (the cat flea) is largely unknown, as the majority of C. felis microbiome studies have utilized wild-caught pooled fleas. We surveyed the microbiome of laboratory-origin C. felis fed on B. henselae-infected cats for 24 h or 9 days to identify changes to microbiome diversity and microbe prevalence compared to unfed fleas, and fleas fed on uninfected cats. Utilizing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on the Illumina platform, we documented an increase in microbial diversity in C. felis fed on Bartonella-infected cats for 24 h. These changes returned to baseline (unfed fleas or fleas fed on uninfected cats) after 9 days on the host. Increased diversity in the C. felis microbiome when fed on B. henselae-infected cats may be related to the mammalian, flea, or endosymbiont response. Poor B. henselae acquisition was documented with only one of four infected flea pools having B. henselae detected by NGS. We hypothesize this is due to the use of adult fleas, flea genetic variation, or lack of co-feeding with B. henselae-infected fleas. Future studies are necessary to fully characterize the effect of endosymbionts and C. felis diversity on B. henselae acquisition.
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Madder M, Day M, Schunack B, Fourie J, Labuschange M, van der Westhuizen W, Johnson S, Githigia SM, Akande FA, Nzalawahe JS, Tayebwa DS, Aschenborn O, Marcondes M, Heylen D. A community approach for pathogens and their arthropod vectors (ticks and fleas) in cats of sub-Saharan Africa. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:321. [PMID: 36085039 PMCID: PMC9461260 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly studied in companion animals. Given their socioeconomic importance, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. Methods In six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Namibia) in both rural and urban settings, 160 infested cats were sampled to assess their ectoparasite community (ticks and fleas), as well as the micro-parasite prevalence within those ectoparasites (60 and 118 pools of ticks and fleas, respectively) and blood (276 cats, including 116 non-infested). Results Almost two thirds of all infested cats originated from Tanzania and Kenya. Despite the large macro-geographical variation, no consistent difference was found in ectoparasite diversity and numbers between East and West Africa. Far more flea-infested than tick-infested cats were found. The most dominant ectoparasite was Ctenocephalides felis. Among the ticks, the exophilic Haemaphysalis spp. were the commonest, including species that are not typically linked with companion animals (Haemaphysalis spinulosa and Haemaphysalis elliptica). The most prevalent pathogens found in the blood and fleas were Bartonella henselae and Mycoplasma haemofelis. In the ticks, the dog-associated Hepatozoon canis was most commonly found. A high degree of co-parasitism was found in all countries and habitats. Conclusions Our continent-wide standardized field study highlights the cat’s potential to serve as a reservoir of pathogens that can be transmitted to humans or livestock, especially when cats are expected to become more commonly kept in African villages and towns. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05436-y.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Day
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Sherry Johnson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, CBAS, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Maina Githigia
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology & Parasitology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Foluke Adedayo Akande
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | | | - Dickson Stuart Tayebwa
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ortwin Aschenborn
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Ondekaremba, Namibia
| | | | - Dieter Heylen
- Eco-Epidemiology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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Fromm K, Boegli A, Ortelli M, Wagner A, Bohn E, Malmsheimer S, Wagner S, Dehio C. Bartonella taylorii: A Model Organism for Studying Bartonella Infection in vitro and in vivo. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:913434. [PMID: 35910598 PMCID: PMC9336547 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.913434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogens that infect diverse mammals and cause a long-lasting intra-erythrocytic bacteremia in their natural host. These bacteria translocate Bartonella effector proteins (Beps) into host cells via their VirB/VirD4 type 4 secretion system (T4SS) in order to subvert host cellular functions, thereby leading to the downregulation of innate immune responses. Most studies on the functional analysis of the VirB/VirD4 T4SS and the Beps were performed with the major zoonotic pathogen Bartonella henselae for which efficient in vitro infection protocols have been established. However, its natural host, the cat, is unsuitable as an experimental infection model. In vivo studies were mostly confined to rodent models using rodent-specific Bartonella species, while the in vitro infection protocols devised for B. henselae are not transferable for those pathogens. The disparities of in vitro and in vivo studies in different species have hampered progress in our understanding of Bartonella pathogenesis. Here we describe the murine-specific strain Bartonella taylorii IBS296 as a new model organism facilitating the study of bacterial pathogenesis both in vitro in cell cultures and in vivo in laboratory mice. We implemented the split NanoLuc luciferase-based translocation assay to study BepD translocation through the VirB/VirD4 T4SS. We found increased effector-translocation into host cells if the bacteria were grown on tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates and experienced a temperature shift immediately before infection. The improved infectivity in vitro was correlating to an upregulation of the VirB/VirD4 T4SS. Using our adapted infection protocols, we showed BepD-dependent immunomodulatory phenotypes in vitro. In mice, the implemented growth conditions enabled infection by a massively reduced inoculum without having an impact on the course of the intra-erythrocytic bacteremia. The established model opens new avenues to study the role of the VirB/VirD4 T4SS and the translocated Bep effectors in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Fromm
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Boegli
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Université de Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Erwin Bohn
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Silke Malmsheimer
- Section of Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Wagner
- Section of Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Excellence Cluster “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), Tübingen, Germany
- Partner-site Tübingen, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Dehio
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Christoph Dehio,
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André MR, Neupane P, Lappin M, Herrin B, Smith V, Williams TI, Collins L, Bai H, Jorge GL, Balbuena TS, Bradley J, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Using Proteomic Approaches to Unravel the Response of Ctenocephalides felis felis to Blood Feeding and Infection With Bartonella henselae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:828082. [PMID: 35155282 PMCID: PMC8831700 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.828082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the Ctenocephalides felis felis-borne pathogens, Bartonella henselae, the main aetiological agent of cat scratch disease (CSD), is of increasing comparative biomedical importance. Despite the importance of B. henselae as an emergent pathogen, prevention of the diseases caused by this agent in cats, dogs and humans mostly relies on the use of ectoparasiticides. A vaccine targeting both flea fitness and pathogen competence is an attractive choice requiring the identification of flea proteins/metabolites with a dual effect. Even though recent developments in vector and pathogen -omics have advanced the understanding of the genetic factors and molecular pathways involved at the tick-pathogen interface, leading to discovery of candidate protective antigens, only a few studies have focused on the interaction between fleas and flea-borne pathogens. Taking into account the period of time needed for B. henselae replication in flea digestive tract, the present study investigated flea-differentially abundant proteins (FDAP) in unfed fleas, fleas fed on uninfected cats, and fleas fed on B. henselae-infected cats at 24 hours and 9 days after the beginning of blood feeding. Proteomics approaches were designed and implemented to interrogate differentially expressed proteins, so as to gain a better understanding of proteomic changes associated with the initial B. henselae transmission period (24 hour timepoint) and a subsequent time point 9 days after blood ingestion and flea infection. As a result, serine proteases, ribosomal proteins, proteasome subunit α-type, juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase 1, vitellogenin C, allantoinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, glycinamide ribotide transformylase, secreted salivary acid phosphatase had high abundance in response of C. felis blood feeding and/or infection by B. henselae. In contrast, high abundance of serpin-1, arginine kinase, ribosomal proteins, peritrophin-like protein, and FS-H/FSI antigen family member 3 was strongly associated with unfed cat fleas. Findings from this study provide insights into proteomic response of cat fleas to B. henselae infected and uninfected blood meal, as well as C. felis response to invading B. henselae over an infection time course, thus helping understand the complex interactions between cat fleas and B. henselae at protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Michael Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for Companion Animal Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Brian Herrin
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Vicki Smith
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Taufika Islam Williams
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Leonard Collins
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Hongxia Bai
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Gabriel Lemes Jorge
- Departmento de Biotecnologia Agropecuária e Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Tiago Santana Balbuena
- Departmento de Biotecnologia Agropecuária e Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Julie Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Edward B. Breitschwerdt,
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Wechtaisong W, Bonnet SI, Chomel BB, Lien YY, Chuang ST, Tsai YL. Investigation of Transovarial Transmission of Bartonella henselae in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato Ticks Using Artificial Feeding. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122501. [PMID: 34946103 PMCID: PMC8705908 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella henselae is a slow-growing, Gram-negative bacterium that causes cat scratch disease in humans. A transstadial transmission of the bacteria from larvae to nymphs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks, suspected to be a potential vector of the bacteria, has been previously demonstrated. The present study aims to investigate transovarial transmission of B. henselae from R. sanguineus s.l. adults to their instars. Adult ticks (25 males and 25 females) were fed through an artificial feeding system on B. henselae-infected goat blood for 14 days, and 300 larvae derived from the experimentally B. henselae-infected females were fed on noninfected goat blood for 7 days. Nested PCR and culture were used to detect and isolate B. henselae in ticks and blood samples. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in midguts, salivary glands, and carcasses of the semi-engorged adults and pooled tick feces (during feeding and post-feeding periods). After the oviposition period, B. henselae DNA was detected in salivary glands of females (33.3%), but not in pooled eggs or larvae derived from the infected females. However, B. henselae DNA was detected by nested PCR from the blood sample during larval feeding, while no viable B. henselae was isolated by culture. According to our findings, following infected blood meal, B. henselae could remain in the tick midguts, move to other tissues including salivary glands, and then be shed through tick feces with limited persistency. The presence of bacterial DNA in the blood during larval feeding shows the possibility of transovarial transmission of B. henselae in R. sanguineus s.l. ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wittawat Wechtaisong
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; (W.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
| | - Sarah I. Bonnet
- Animal Health Department, INRAE, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
- Functional Genetics of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Bruno B. Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Yi-Yang Lien
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; (W.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
| | - Shih-Te Chuang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Lun Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; (W.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-8-774-0226
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A community approach of pathogens and their arthropod vectors (ticks and fleas) in dogs of African Sub-Sahara. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:576. [PMID: 34784947 PMCID: PMC8594167 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well-studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly in companion animals. Given the socio-economic importance of companion animals, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. METHODS Macro-geographic variation in ectoparasite (ticks and fleas) and pathogen communities in dogs was assessed through molecular screening of approximately 100 infested dogs in each of six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia), both in rural and urban settings. The most important intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors within the subpopulation of infested dogs were evaluated. RESULTS Despite the large macro-geographic variation in the dogs screened, there was no consistent difference between East and West Africa in terms of the diversity and numbers of ticks. The highest and lowest numbers of ticks were found in Nigeria and Namibia, respectively. Most often, there was a higher diversity of ticks in rural habitats than in urban habitats, although the highest diversity was observed in an urban Uganda setting. With the exception of Namibia, more fleas were collected in rural areas. We identified tick species (including Haemaphysalis spinulosa) as well as zoonotic pathogens (Coxiella burnetti, Trypanosoma spp.) that are not classically associated with companion animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most abundant tick, with a preference for urban areas. Exophilic ticks, such as Haemaphysalis spp., were more often found in rural areas. Several multi-host ticks occurred in urban areas. For R. sanguineus, housing conditions and additional pets were relevant factors in terms of infestation, while for a rural tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica), free-roaming dogs were more often infested. Tick occurrence was associated to the use of endoparasiticide, but not to the use of ectoparasiticide. The most prevalent tick-borne pathogen was Hepatozoon canis followed by Ehrlichia canis. High levels of co-parasitism were observed in all countries and habitats. CONCLUSIONS As dogs share a common environment with people, they have the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. Our study will help epidemiologists to provide recommendations for surveillance and prevention of pathogens in dogs and humans.
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Furquim MEC, do Amaral R, Dias CM, Gonçalves LR, Perles L, Lima CADP, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, André MR. Genetic diversity and Multilocus Sequence Typing Analysis of Bartonella henselae in domestic cats from Southeastern Brazil. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106037. [PMID: 34224716 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella henselae is the causative agent for the infectious disease Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), which can be fatal. Domestic and wild felines are known to be its main mammal reservoirs. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in cats sampled in São Paulo (SP) and Minas Gerais (MG) States, Southeastern Brazil. Based on a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, a Bartonella sp. nuoG gene fragment was detected in 39.9% (122/306) of the blood samples (46/151 cats of SP; 76/155 cats of MG). The blood samples were submitted to a pre-enrichment culture technique that allowed the detection of 12 additional positive samples, which showed to be negative in the qPCR using DNA blood samples as templates. Furthermore, five B. henselae isolates were obtained from qPCR-negative samples for both blood and pre-enrichment culture. Seven out of 24 Ctenocephalides felis fleas were positive for Bartonella spp. in the qPCR assay; 4/7 positive fleas were collected from Bartonella-negative cats. Twenty-three rpoB B. henselae cloned sequences were obtained from nine cats' blood samples, showing the occurrence of 13 different genotypes. Median-joining network and SplitsTree distance analysis showed that the obtained sequences represented distinct B. henselae genotypes when compared to those previously deposited in GenBank. Intra-host diversity was found, since different rpoB genotypes of B. henselae were detected in individual single cats. Bartonella henselae isolates showed two allelic profiles (ST37 in cats from MG state and ST9 in SP state) by MLST (Multilocus Sequence Typing) based on sequencing of eight molecular markers. The present study is the first molecular report of Bartonella sp. in cats from Minas Gerais State. In summary, this body of work showed the occurrence of different B. henselae rpoB genotypes at an intra-reservoir host level. Based on qPCR from blood samples and pre-enrichment liquid culture and isolation, occurrence of 33.1% (50/151) and 56.8% (88/155) for Bartonella sp. was found in cats from SP and MG states, respectively. Two different allelic profiles of B. henselae were found in cats from the states of São Paulo (ST9) and Minas Gerais (ST37), suggesting a clonal evolution of Bartonellae in a certain geographical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Chiaradia Furquim
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Renan do Amaral
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Clara Morato Dias
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Livia Perles
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Cirilo Antonio de Paula Lima
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil.
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Durden LA, Bermúdez S, Vargas GA, Sanjur BE, Gillen L, Brown LD, Greiman SE, Eremeeva ME. Fleas (Siphonaptera) Parasitizing Peridomestic and Indigenous Mammals in Panamá and Screening of Selected Fleas for Vector-Borne Bacterial Pathogens. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1316-1321. [PMID: 33215205 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In total, 341 fleas belonging to 16 species were collected from 78 host mammals belonging to 10 species in Panamá from 2010 to 2016. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) predominated on domestic dogs and was also recorded from domestic cats, the raccoon, Procyon lotor (Linnaeus) and the common opossum, Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus. The largest number of flea species (7) was recorded from D. marsupialis and the most common flea on that host was the ctenophthalmid, Adoratopsylla intermedia copha Jordan. One Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild), was collected from D. marsupialis. Native rodents were parasitized by indigenous ceratophyllid, rhopalopsyllid, and stephanocircid fleas. The Mexican deermouse, Peromyscus mexicanus (Saussure), was parasitized by six species of ceratophyllids belonging to the mostly Central American genera, Baculomeris, Jellisonia, Kohlsia and Plusaetis. The long-tailed singing mouse, Scotinomys xerampelinus (Bangs), was parasitized by Plocopsylla scotinomi Tipton and Méndez, the only species of stephanocircid flea known from Central America. Twenty-six pools of extracted flea DNA representing 5 flea species (C. felis, Pulex echidnophagoides (Wagner), Pulex simulans Baker, A. intermedia copha, and P. scotinomi) and 79 individual fleas were all real-time polymerase chain reaction negative for Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, and Bartonella henselae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | | | - Géminis A Vargas
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactes, Universidad de Chiriqui, University City, El Cabrero, David, Chiriqui, Panamá
| | - Boris E Sanjur
- Departmento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactes, Universidad de Chiriqui, University City, El Cabrero, David, Chiriqui, Panamá
| | - Laura Gillen
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | - Lisa D Brown
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | | | - Marina E Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
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13
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Okaro U, George S, Anderson B. What Is in a Cat Scratch? Growth of Bartonella henselae in a Biofilm. Microorganisms 2021; 9:835. [PMID: 33919891 PMCID: PMC8070961 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) is a gram-negative bacterium that causes cat scratch disease, bacteremia, and endocarditis, as well as other clinical presentations. B. henselae has been shown to form a biofilm in vitro that likely plays a role in the establishment and persistence of the bacterium in the host. Biofilms are also known to form in the cat flea vector; hence, the ability of this bacterium to form a biofilm has broad biological significance. The release of B. henselae from a biofilm niche appears to be important in disease persistence and relapse in the vertebrate host but also in transmission by the cat flea vector. It has been shown that the BadA adhesin of B. henselae is critical for adherence and biofilm formation. Thus, the upregulation of badA is important in initiating biofilm formation, and down-regulation is important in the release of the bacterium from the biofilm. We summarize the current knowledge of biofilm formation in Bartonella species and the role of BadA in biofilm formation. We discuss the evidence that defines possible mechanisms for the regulation of the genes required for biofilm formation. We further describe the regulation of those genes in the conditions that mimic both the arthropod vector and the mammalian host for B. henselae. The treatment for persistent B. henselae infection remains a challenge; hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which this bacterium persists in its host is critical to inform future efforts to develop drugs to treat such infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udoka Okaro
- Foundational Sciences Directorate, Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Sierra George
- Department of Molecular Medicine, MDC7, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Burt Anderson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, MDC7, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Fourie JJ, Lorusso V, Varloud M, Gradoni L, Drake J, Geurden T, Kaminsky R, Heckeroth AR, Schunack B, Pollmeier M, Beugnet F, Holdsworth P. World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) guidelines for studies evaluating the efficacy of parasiticides in reducing the risk of vector-borne pathogen transmission in dogs and cats. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109369. [PMID: 33548595 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
These guidelines are intended to provide an in-depth review of current knowledge and assist the planning and implementation of studies for evaluating the efficacy of parasiticides in reducing transmission of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) to dogs and cats. At present, the prevention of VBP transmission in companion animals is generally achieved through the administration of products that can repel or rapidly kill arthropods, thus preventing or interrupting feeding before transmission occurs. The present guidelines complement existing guidelines, which focus on efficacy assessment of parasiticides for the treatment, prevention and control of flea and tick infestations, but also give guidance for studies focused on other vectors (i.e. mosquitoes and phlebotomine sand flies). The efficacy of parasiticides in reducing VBP transmission can be evaluated through laboratory or field studies. As such, the present guidelines provide recommendations for these studies, representing a tool for researchers, pharmaceutical companies and authorities involved in the research, development and registration of products with claims for reducing VBP transmission in dogs and cats, respecting the overall principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement). Gaps in our current understanding of VBP transmission times are herein highlighted and the need for further basic research on related topics is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (Fiocruz-PE), Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Vincenzo Lorusso
- Global Research and Intellectual Property, Vetoquinol, 37 Rue de la Victoire, 75009, Paris, France; School of Science, Engineering and Environment, Peel Building, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Luigi Gradoni
- Unit of Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Thomas Geurden
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Hoge Wei 10, B-1930, Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Ronald Kaminsky
- ParaC-Consulting for Parasitology and Drug Discovery, 79685, Haeg-Ehrsberg, Germany
| | - Anja R Heckeroth
- MSD Animal Health Innovation GmbH, Zur Propstei, 55270, Schwabenheim, Germany
| | - Bettina Schunack
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH: an Elanco Animal Health Company, 51368, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Matthias Pollmeier
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH: an Elanco Animal Health Company, 51368, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Frédéric Beugnet
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 Av Tony Garnier, Lyon, 69007, France
| | - Peter Holdsworth
- PAH Consultancy Pty Ltd, Wanniassa, 2903, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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15
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Baak-Baak C, Garcia-Rejon J, Tzuc-Dzul J, Nuñez-Corea D, Arana-Guardia R, Cetina-Trejo R, Machain-Williams C, Jimenez-Coello M, Acosta-Viana K, Torres-Chable O, Pietri JE, Cigarroa-Toledo N. Four Species of Under-reported Parasitic Arthropods in Mexico and their Potential Role as Vectors of Pathogens. J Parasitol 2021; 106:835-842. [PMID: 33378530 DOI: 10.1645/20-58] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous arthropod taxa are important in human and veterinary medicine. The salivary secretions and feces of arthropods can cause allergic reactions in host vertebrates or harbor pathogens. Also, bites can be a risk factor for secondary infections. Documenting the diversity of arthropods of medical and veterinary importance remains an important aspect of disease control and prevention. We provide new records of ectoparasitic arthropods from Mexico that are of potential medical or veterinary relevance. Scanning electron microscopy along with amplification and sequencing of a fragment of the mitochondrial gene (16S rRNA) was used to confirm some species identities. We report the cat louse Felicola subrostratus from cats and the chewing louse Heterodoxus spiniger from dogs, which are common ectoparasites but largely not reported in Mexico. The chigger Eutrombicula alfreddugesi is common on wild lizards (Squamata). For the first time, E. alfreddugesi is reported on Hemidactylus frenatus (common house gecko). This reptile has a close relationship with humans and its chiggers can cause dermatitis (i.e., trombiculiasis) or transmit pathogens. In addition, the common bed bug Cimex lectularius is reported for the first time in the state of Yucatan, an atypical area for its natural distribution. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Cimex lectularius from Yucatan is closely related to genetic sequences of Cimex lectularius from China. Knowing the regional distribution of arthropods allows the design and implementation of prevention strategies for those that have potential roles as reservoirs or vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Baak-Baak
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Calle 43 s/n x 96, Col. Paseo de las Fuentes, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97225, México
| | - Julian Garcia-Rejon
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Calle 43 s/n x 96, Col. Paseo de las Fuentes, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97225, México
| | - Julio Tzuc-Dzul
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Calle 43 s/n x 96, Col. Paseo de las Fuentes, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97225, México
| | - David Nuñez-Corea
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Calle 43 s/n x 96, Col. Paseo de las Fuentes, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97225, México
| | - Roger Arana-Guardia
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Calle 43 s/n x 96, Col. Paseo de las Fuentes, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97225, México
| | - Rosa Cetina-Trejo
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Calle 43 s/n x 96, Col. Paseo de las Fuentes, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97225, México
| | - Carlos Machain-Williams
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Calle 43 s/n x 96, Col. Paseo de las Fuentes, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97225, México
| | - Matilde Jimenez-Coello
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Avenida Itzaes, No. 490 x Calle 59, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97000, México
| | - Karla Acosta-Viana
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Avenida Itzaes, No. 490 x Calle 59, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97000, México
| | - Oswaldo Torres-Chable
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vector, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, C.P. 86040, México
| | - Jose E Pietri
- University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, 414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069
| | - Nohemi Cigarroa-Toledo
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular. Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Avenida Itzaes, No. 490 x Calle 59, Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97000, México
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Hamzaoui BE, Zurita A, Cutillas C, Parola P. Fleas and flea-borne diseases of North Africa. Acta Trop 2020; 211:105627. [PMID: 32652054 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
North Africa has an interesting and rich wildlife including hematophagous arthropods, and specifically fleas, which constitute a large part of the North African fauna, and are recognised vectors of several zoonotic bacteria. Flea-borne organisms are widely distributed throughout the world in endemic disease foci, where components of the enzootic cycle are present. Furthermore, flea-borne diseases could re-emerge in epidemic form because of changes in the vector-host ecology due to environmental and human behaviour modifications. We need to know the real incidences of flea-borne diseases in the world due to this incidence could be much greater than are generally recognized by physicians and health authorities. As a result, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed by health care professionals who are unaware of the presence of these infections and thus do not take them into consideration when attempting to determine the cause of a patient's illness. In this context, this bibliographic review aims to summarise the main species of fleas present in North Africa, their geographical distribution, flea-borne diseases, and their possible re-emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma El Hamzaoui
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME; IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME; IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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Selmi R, Ben Said M, Ben Yahia H, Abdelaali H, Boulouis HJ, Messadi L. First report on Bartonella henselae in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 85:104496. [PMID: 32777455 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bartonellosis is one of the clinically underdiagnosed emerging bacterial diseases among domestic livestock, particularly in camels. Until now, the natural infection of camels with Bartonella species was not investigated in Tunisia. In the attempt of filling this gap in knowledge, a total of 412 dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) as well as 300 associated ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii (160; 53.4%), H. impeltatum (131; 43.6%) and H. excavatum (9; 3%) were screened for the presence of Bartonella spp. by PCR followed by a sequencing step through the amplification of the rpoB gene. Positive samples were then tested and further characterized by the combined use of the ftsZ and gltA genes. Fifteen camels (3.6%) were found to be positive to Bartonella spp. However, there was no evidence of Bartonella DNA in any of the analyzed ticks. Risk factors' analysis shows that camels derived from arid and semi-arid bioclimatic areas were more infected than those originated from desert area. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis revealed the occurrence of novel B. henselae genotypes closely related to those isolated from humans, cats, and lions. By combining the characteristics of each single gene with those of concatenated sequences, we report here the first molecular detection of B. henselae in the dromedary camel suggesting a possible involvement of camelids as hosts or reservoirs in the transmission cycle of this emerging bacterium in arid and saharan areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Selmi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie; Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie
| | - Houcine Ben Yahia
- Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Hedi Abdelaali
- Ministère de la Défense Nationale, Direction Générale de la Santé Militaire, Service Vétérinaire, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR), Biologie Moléculaire et Immunologie Parasitaire (BIPAR), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire Alfort, France
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Service de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisie.
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Maluki A, Breitschwerdt E, Bemis L, Greenberg R, Mozayeni BR, Dencklau J, Ericson M. Imaging analysis of Bartonella species in the skin using single-photon and multi-photon (second harmonic generation) laser scanning microscopy. Clin Case Rep 2020; 8:1564-1570. [PMID: 32884796 PMCID: PMC7455430 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate Bartonella spp are abundant in skin lesions resembling striae distensae. These striae distensae-like lesions, coincidental with sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, indicate testing for suspected Bartonella spp. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azar Maluki
- DermatologyUniversity of Minnesota Medical School ‐ Twin CitiesMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- DermatologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of KufaKufaIraq
| | - Edward Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research LaboratoryCenter for Comparative Medicine and Translational ResearchCollege of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State University(NCSU)RaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Lynne Bemis
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Minnesota Medical School ‐ Duluth CampusDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | | | - Bobak Robert Mozayeni
- Founder and General Medical Director Translational Medicine Group PCNorth BethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Jamie Dencklau
- DermatologyUniversity of Minnesota Medical School ‐ Twin CitiesMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Marna Ericson
- DermatologyUniversity of Minnesota Medical School ‐ Twin CitiesMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
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19
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Driscoll TP, Verhoeve VI, Gillespie JJ, Johnston JS, Guillotte ML, Rennoll-Bankert KE, Rahman MS, Hagen D, Elsik CG, Macaluso KR, Azad AF. A chromosome-level assembly of the cat flea genome uncovers rampant gene duplication and genome size plasticity. BMC Biol 2020; 18:70. [PMID: 32560686 PMCID: PMC7305587 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00802-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) are small flightless parasites of birds and mammals; their blood-feeding can transmit many serious pathogens (i.e., the etiological agents of bubonic plague, endemic and murine typhus). The lack of flea genome assemblies has hindered research, especially comparisons to other disease vectors. Accordingly, we sequenced the genome of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, an insect with substantial human health and veterinary importance across the globe. RESULTS By combining Illumina and PacBio sequencing of DNA derived from multiple inbred female fleas with Hi-C scaffolding techniques, we generated a chromosome-level genome assembly for C. felis. Unexpectedly, our assembly revealed extensive gene duplication across the entire genome, exemplified by ~ 38% of protein-coding genes with two or more copies and over 4000 tRNA genes. A broad range of genome size determinations (433-551 Mb) for individual fleas sampled across different populations supports the widespread presence of fluctuating copy number variation (CNV) in C. felis. Similarly, broad genome sizes were also calculated for individuals of Xenopsylla cheopis (Oriental rat flea), indicating that this remarkable "genome-in-flux" phenomenon could be a siphonapteran-wide trait. Finally, from the C. felis sequence reads, we also generated closed genomes for two novel strains of Wolbachia, one parasitic and one symbiotic, found to co-infect individual fleas. CONCLUSION Rampant CNV in C. felis has dire implications for gene-targeting pest control measures and stands to complicate standard normalization procedures utilized in comparative transcriptomics analysis. Coupled with co-infection by novel Wolbachia endosymbionts-potential tools for blocking pathogen transmission-these oddities highlight a unique and underappreciated disease vector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria I Verhoeve
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph J Gillespie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - J Spencer Johnston
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mark L Guillotte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristen E Rennoll-Bankert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Sayeedur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Darren Hagen
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Christine G Elsik
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kevin R Macaluso
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Abdu F Azad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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20
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Bartonella species in medically important mosquitoes, Central Europe. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2713-2717. [PMID: 32506253 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06732-1] [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: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Here, we provide the first mass molecular screening of medically important mosquitoes for Bartonella species using multiple genetic markers. We examined a total of 72,115 mosquito specimens, morphologically attributed to Aedes vexans (61,050 individuals), Culex pipiens (10,484 individuals) and species of the Anopheles maculipennis complex (581 individuals) for Bartonella spp. The initial screening yielded 63 Bartonella-positive A. vexans mosquitoes (mean prevalence 0.1%), 34 Bartonella-positive C. pipiens mosquitoes (mean prevalence 0.3%) and 158 Bartonella-positive A. maculipennis group mosquitoes (mean prevalence 27.2%). Several different Bartonella ITS sequences were recovered. This study highlights the need for molecular screening of mosquitoes, the most important vectors of arthropod-borne pathogens, for potential bacterial agents.
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21
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Okaro U, George S, Valdes S, Macaluso K, Anderson B. A non-coding RNA controls transcription of a gene encoding a DNA binding protein that modulates biofilm development in Bartonella henselae. Microb Pathog 2020; 147:104272. [PMID: 32464301 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bartonella henselae (Bh) is a Gram-negative zoonotic bacterium that can grow as large aggregates and form biofilms in vitro dependent upon the adhesin BadA. Previously, we reported that the Houston-1 strain of Bh has a family of nine small, highly-expressed intergenic transcripts called Bartonellaregulatory transcripts, Brt1-9. Each of the Brts bears a stem and loop structure on the 3' end followed by a gene encoding a DNA binding protein called the Transcriptional regulatory proteins, Trp1-9. RNA-seq analysis of laboratory-grown bacteria revealed the trps were poorly transcribed suggesting that the 3' stem and loop on the Brts results in transcript termination upstream of the trp genes under these conditions. Here we demonstrate that transcription of brt1 continues into trp1 when Bh is grown in a biofilm. Deletion of brt1, or just the 3' terminus of brt1 (containing the stem and loop structure), resulted in increased transcription of both trp1 and badA and increased biofilm formation. Trp1 was shown to directly bind the putative badA promoter region as demonstrated by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Our data suggest that the 3' end of brt1 responds to a stimulus generated by growth of Bh in an in vitro biofilm to allow increased trp1 transcription. We further show that transcription of trp1 increases under conditions consistent with the mammalian host but is not highly expressed in the cat flea vector until the bacterium is excreted into the flea feces. Based on these data, we hypothesize that the 3' end of Brt1 functions to control trp1 transcription and Trp1 in turn results in increased badA expression and enhanced biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udoka Okaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Fl, 33612, USA
| | - Sierra George
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Fl, 33612, USA
| | - Sabrina Valdes
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Kevin Macaluso
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Burt Anderson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Fl, 33612, USA.
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22
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Flatau R, Segoli M, Khokhlova I, Hawlena H. Wolbachia's role in mediating its flea's reproductive success differs according to flea origin. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2019; 94:5068685. [PMID: 30107579 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endosymbionts-microbes that live within and engage in prolonged and intimate associations with their hosts-are gaining recognition for their direct impact on plant and animal reproduction. Here we used the overlooked Wolbachia-flea system to explore the possibility that endosymbionts may also play a role as mediators in shaping the reproductive success of their hosts. We simultaneously quantified the Wolbachia density in field- and laboratory-originated fleas that fed and mated on rodents for either 5 or 10 days and assessed their body size and current reproductive success. By combining multigroup analysis and model selection approaches, we teased apart the contribution of the direct effects of the flea's physiological age and body size and the mediation effect of its Wolbachia endosymbionts on flea reproductive success, and we showed that the latter was stronger than the former. However, interestingly, the mediation effect was manifested only in laboratory-originated fleas, for which the increase in Wolbachia with age translated into lower reproductive success. These results suggest that some well-supported phenomena, such as aging effects, may be driven by endosymbionts and show once again that the role of endosymbionts in shaping the reproductive success of their host depends on their selective environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Flatau
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer campus, 84990, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Michal Segoli
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer campus, 84990, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Irina Khokhlova
- Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer campus, 84990, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Hadas Hawlena
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer campus, 84990, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
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23
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Barradas PF, de Sousa R, Vilhena H, Oliveira AC, Luz MF, Granada S, Cardoso L, Lopes AP, Gonçalves H, Mesquita JR, Ferreira P, Amorim I, Gärtner F. Serological and molecular evidence of Bartonella henselae in cats from Luanda city, Angola. Acta Trop 2019; 195:142-144. [PMID: 30995436 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A total of 100 domestic cats from Luanda (Angola) were tested for the presence of antibodies against Bartonella henselae and spotted fever group of Rickettsia (SFGR) using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Molecular screening targeting the riboflavin synthase (ribC) gene for Bartonella and outer membrane protein B (ompB) gene for Rickettsia, using conventional PCR and sequencing was also performed in cat´s blood samples. Sixty-six percent of the cats from Luanda had IgG antibodies against Bartonella species but none of them had antibodies against SFGR. Of the total seroreactive cats for Bartonella henselae, 4.5% had an IgG titre of 64 (cut-off), 60.6% a titre of 128, 28.8% a titre of 256 and 6.1% a titre of 512. A statistically significant association was observed between seropositivity for Bartonella henselae and the lack of access to prophylaxis against ectoparasites (p = 0.018). Molecular detection and further sequence analysis of the positive amplicons allowed identification of Bartonella henselae in a 2-year old male cat. To the best of our knowledge this study confirms for the first time, the presence of Bartonela henselae circulating in domestic cats from Luanda. This fact call the attention for the possible cases of cat-scratch disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia F Barradas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - Rita de Sousa
- National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hugo Vilhena
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal; Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal; Baixo Vouga Veterinary Hospital, Águeda, Portugal
| | | | | | - Sara Granada
- Casa dos Animais Veterinary Clinic, Luanda, Angola
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Hernâni Gonçalves
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- EpiUnit, Epidemiology Research Unit, Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto, Portugal; EpiUnit, Epidemiology Research Unit, Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Ferreira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal; Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, Portugal (i3S), Oporto, Portugal; Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), Oporto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal; Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, Portugal (i3S), Oporto, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS)Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal; EpiUnit, Epidemiology Research Unit, Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS)Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto.
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24
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Okaro U, Green R, Mohapatra S, Anderson B. The trimeric autotransporter adhesin BadA is required for in vitro biofilm formation by Bartonella henselae. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2019; 5:10. [PMID: 30886729 PMCID: PMC6418236 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-019-0083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella henselae (Bh) is a Gram-negative rod transmitted to humans by a scratch from the common house cat. Infection of humans with Bh can result in a range of clinical diseases including lymphadenopathy observed in cat-scratch disease and more serious disease from persistent bacteremia. It is a common cause of blood-culture negative endocarditis as the bacterium is capable of growing as aggregates, and forming biofilms on infected native and prosthetic heart valves. The aggregative growth requires a trimeric autotransporter adhesin (TAA) called Bartonella adhesin A (BadA). TAAs are found in all Bartonella species and many other Gram-negative bacteria. Using Bh Houston-1, Bh Houston-1 ∆badA and Bh Houston-1 ∆badA/pNS2PTrc badA (a partial complement of badA coding for a truncated protein of 741 amino acid residues), we analyze the role of BadA in adhesion and biofilm formation. We also investigate the role of environmental factors such as temperature on badA expression and biofilm formation. Real-time cell adhesion monitoring and electron microscopy show that Bh Houston-1 adheres and forms biofilm more efficiently than the Bh Houston-1 ∆badA. Deletion of the badA gene significantly decreases adhesion, the first step in biofilm formation in vitro, which is partially restored in Bh Houston-1 ∆badA/pNS2PTrc badA. The biofilm formed by Bh Houston-1 includes polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA components and is susceptible to enzymatic degradation of these components. Furthermore, both pH and temperature influence both badA expression and biofilm formation. We conclude that BadA is required for optimal adhesion, agglutination and biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udoka Okaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ryan Green
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Subhra Mohapatra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Burt Anderson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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25
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McKee CD, Osikowicz LM, Schwedhelm TR, Maes SE, Enscore RE, Gage KL, Kosoy MY. Acquisition of Bartonella elizabethae by Experimentally Exposed Oriental Rat Fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis; Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) and Excretion of Bartonella DNA in Flea Feces. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1292-1298. [PMID: 29860325 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have been able to provide experimental evidence of the ability of fleas to maintain rodent-associated Bartonella infections and excrete these bacteria. These data are important for understanding the transmission cycles and prevalence of these bacteria in hosts and vectors. We used an artificial feeding approach to expose groups of the oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis Rothschild; Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) to rat blood inoculated with varying concentrations of Bartonella elizabethae Daly (Bartonellaceae: Rhizobiales). Flea populations were maintained by membrane feeding on pathogen-free bloodmeals for up to 13 d post infection. Individual fleas and pools of flea feces were tested for the presence of Bartonella DNA using molecular methods (quantitative and conventional polymerase chain reaction [PCR]). The threshold number of Bartonellae required in the infectious bloodmeal for fleas to be detected as positive was 106 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). Individual fleas were capable of harboring infections for at least 13 d post infection and continuously excreted Bartonella DNA in their feces over the same period. This experiment demonstrated that X. cheopis are capable of acquiring and excreting B. elizabethae over several days. These results will guide future work to model and understand the role of X. cheopis in the natural transmission cycle of rodent-borne Bartonella species. Future experiments using this artificial feeding approach will be useful for examining the horizontal transmission of B. elizabethae or other rodent-associated Bartonella species to naïve hosts and for determining the viability of excreted bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifton D McKee
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Lynn M Osikowicz
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Teresa R Schwedhelm
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Sarah E Maes
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Russell E Enscore
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Kenneth L Gage
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Michael Y Kosoy
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
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26
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Donovan TA, Balakrishnan N, Carvalho Barbosa I, McCoy T, Breitschwerdt EB, Fox PR. Bartonella spp. as a Possible Cause or Cofactor of Feline Endomyocarditis-Left Ventricular Endocardial Fibrosis Complex. J Comp Pathol 2018; 162:29-42. [PMID: 30060840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Endomyocarditis is a commonly detected post-mortem finding in domestic cats presenting for sudden onset cardiovascular death, yet the aetiology remains unresolved. Cats are documented reservoir hosts for Bartonella henselae, the infectious cause of cat scratch disease in man. Various Bartonella spp. have been associated with culture-negative endocarditis, myocarditis and sudden death in man and animals. We hypothesized that Bartonella spp. DNA could be amplified more often from the hearts of cats with feline endomyocarditis-left ventricular endocardial fibrosis (FEMC-LVEF) complex compared with cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or cats with grossly and microscopically unremarkable hearts (designated non-cardiac disease controls). Formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded, cardiac tissues from 60 domestic and purebred cats aged 3 months to 18 years were examined, and histological features were recorded. Cardiac tissue sections were tested for Bartonella DNA using multiple 16-23S intergenic transcribed spacer region polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer sets, including two Bartonella genera, a Bartonella koehlerae species-specific and a Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii-specific assay, followed by DNA sequence confirmation of the species or genotype. Special precautions were taken to avoid DNA cross-contamination between tissues. Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified by PCR and sequenced from 18 of 36 cats (50%) with FEMC-LVEF and 1/12 (8.3%) cats with HCM. Bartonella spp. DNA was not amplified from any non-cardiac disease control hearts. Based on PCR/DNA sequencing, one Bartonella spp. was amplified from 10 cats, while the remaining eight were coinfected with more than one Bartonella spp. To our knowledge, this study represents the first documentation of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype I infection in cats (n = 11). Fluorescence in-situ hybridization testing facilitated visualization of Bartonella bacteria within the myocardium of four of seven PCR-positive FEMC-LVEF hearts. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that Bartonella spp. may play a primary role or act as a cofactor in the pathogenesis of FEMC-LVEF. Studies involving cats from other geographical regions and definitive demonstration of Bartonella spp. within regions of inflammation are needed to confirm an association between Bartonella spp. and FEMC-LVEF induced morbidity and mortality in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Donovan
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, The Animal Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
| | - N Balakrishnan
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, State Laboratory of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - I Carvalho Barbosa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - T McCoy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - E B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - P R Fox
- Department of Cardiology, The Animal Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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27
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Mozayeni BR, Maggi RG, Bradley JM, Breitschwerdt EB. Rheumatological presentation of Bartonella koehlerae and Bartonella henselae bacteremias: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e0465. [PMID: 29703000 PMCID: PMC5944489 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000010465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic Bartonella spp. infections are being increasingly reported in association with complex medical presentations. Individuals with frequent arthropod exposures or animal contact appear to be at risk for acquiring long standing infections with Bartonella spp. CASE REPORT This case report describes infections with Bartonella koehlerae and Bartonella henselae in a female veterinarian whose symptoms were predominantly rheumatologic in nature. Infection was confirmed by serology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enrichment blood culture, and DNA sequencing of amplified B koehlerae and B henselae DNA. Long-term medical management with antibiotics was required to achieve elimination of these infections and was accompanied by resolution of the patient's symptoms. Interestingly, the patient experienced substantial improvement in the acquired joint hypermobility mimicking Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) type III. CONCLUSION To facilitate early and directed medical interventions, systemic bartonellosis should potentially be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with incalcitrant rheumatological symptoms and frequent arthropod exposures or extensive animal contact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo Guillermo Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Julie Meredith Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Edward Bealmear Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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28
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Contreras M, Villar M, Artigas-Jerónimo S, Kornieieva L, Mуtrofanov S, de la Fuente J. A reverse vaccinology approach to the identification and characterization of Ctenocephalides felis candidate protective antigens for the control of cat flea infestations. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:43. [PMID: 29347954 PMCID: PMC5774092 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2618-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the abundance of the domestic cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1835) and disease risks associated with them, flea control is difficult and requires the development of new control interventions such as vaccines. In this study, a reverse vaccinology approach was designed to achieve a rational selection of cat flea candidate protective antigens. Methods Based on transcriptomics and proteomics data from unfed adult fleas it was possible to select more specific candidate protective antigens based on highly represented and functionally relevant proteins present in the predicted exoproteome. The protective capacity of the recombinant antigens was evaluated for the control of C. felis infestations in vaccinated cats. Results Vaccination with recombinant antigens induced an antibody response in immunized cats. Furthermore, a correlation was obtained between the effect of vaccination (antibody levels) and vaccine efficacy on flea phenotype (egg hatchability). The results suggested that the main effect of vaccination with these antigens was on reducing cat flea egg hatchability and fertility, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 32–46%. Although vaccination with these antigens did not have an effect on flea infestations, vaccines affecting reproductive capacity could reduce cat flea populations, particularly under conditions of direct insect transmission between cats. Conclusions These results support the development of vaccines with protective antigens affecting flea reproduction and development after feeding on immunized animals for the control of cat flea infestations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2618-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinela Contreras
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sara Artigas-Jerónimo
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lidiia Kornieieva
- Acro Veterinary Laboratories, 15a Privokzalna Street, Pilipovichi village, Kyiv region, Ukraine
| | - Sergіі Mуtrofanov
- Acro Veterinary Laboratories, 15a Privokzalna Street, Pilipovichi village, Kyiv region, Ukraine
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain. .,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
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Abstract
Since the reclassification of the genus Bartonella in 1993, the number of species has grown from 1 to 45 currently designated members. Likewise, the association of different Bartonella species with human disease continues to grow, as does the range of clinical presentations associated with these bacteria. Among these, blood-culture-negative endocarditis stands out as a common, often undiagnosed, clinical presentation of infection with several different Bartonella species. The limitations of laboratory tests resulting in this underdiagnosis of Bartonella endocarditis are discussed. The varied clinical picture of Bartonella infection and a review of clinical aspects of endocarditis caused by Bartonella are presented. We also summarize the current knowledge of the molecular basis of Bartonella pathogenesis, focusing on surface adhesins in the two Bartonella species that most commonly cause endocarditis, B. henselae and B. quintana. We discuss evidence that surface adhesins are important factors for autoaggregation and biofilm formation by Bartonella species. Finally, we propose that biofilm formation is a critical step in the formation of vegetative masses during Bartonella-mediated endocarditis and represents a potential reservoir for persistence by these bacteria.
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Delcombel R, Karembe H, Nare B, Burton A, Liebenberg J, Fourie J, Varloud M. Synergy between dinotefuran and fipronil against the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis): improved onset of action and residual speed of kill in adult cats. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:341. [PMID: 28724438 PMCID: PMC5517796 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2272-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (C. felis), is a cosmopolitan hematophagous ectoparasite, and is considered to be the most prevalent flea species in both Europe and the USA. Clinical signs frequently associated with flea bites include pruritus, dermatitis and in severe cases even pyodermatitis and alopecia. Ctenocephalides felis is also a vector for several pathogens and is an intermediate host for the cestode Dipylidium caninum. Treatment of cats with a fast-acting pulicide, that is persistently effective in protecting the animal against re-infestation, is therefore imperative to their health. In addition, a rapid onset of activity ("speed of kill") may also reduce the risks of disease transmission and flea allergic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro insecticidal activity and potential synergism between dinotefuran and fipronil against C. felis. A further aim was to evaluate the onset of activity and residual speed of kill of the combination in vivo on cats artificially infested with C. felis. METHODS In the first study, the insecticidal activity of dinotefuran and fipronil separately and dinotefuran/fipronil (DF) in combination, at a fixed ratio (2:1), was evaluated using an in vitro coated-vial bioassay. In the second study, the onset of activity against existing flea infestations and residual speed of kill of DF against artificial flea infestations on cats was assessed in vivo. Onset of activity against existing flea infestations was assessed in terms of knock-down effect within 2 h post-treatment and onset of speed of kill assessed at 3 h, 6 h and 12 h post-treatment. Residual speed of kill was evaluated 6 h and 48 h after infestation, over a period of six weeks post-treatment. RESULTS In vitro results revealed that the DF combination was synergistic and more potent against fleas than either compound alone. The combination also proved effective when tested in vivo. Efficacy was > 97% [geometric mean (GM) and arithmetic mean (AM)] at 3 h after treatment, and ≥ 99.8% (GM and AM) at 6 h and 12 h post-treatment. At 6 h after flea re-infestations, the efficacy of DF remained ≥ 90.8% (GM and AM) for up to 28 days, and at 42 days post-treatment persistent efficacy was still ≥ 54.3% (GM and AM). At 48 h after flea re-infestations, DF remained almost fully effective for up to 28 days, with efficacies ≥ 99.4% (GM and AM) and was persistently ≥ 93.0% (GM and AM) effective for up to 42 days post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS The combination of dinotefuran and fipronil in a single formulation exhibited strong synergistic insecticidal activity against C. felis in vitro, and also proved effective on artificially infested cats. This activity had a rapid onset that persisted for 6 weeks against re-infestations of C. felis on cats. The rapid curative insecticidal effect was observed as early as 3 h after treatment, and as early as 6 h after re-infestations for up to 6 weeks post-treatment. The insecticidal activity profile of DF makes it an optimal candidate for the protection of cats against flea infestations, and possibly also associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Delcombel
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 avenue de la Ballastière, 33500 Libourne, France
| | - Hamadi Karembe
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 avenue de la Ballastière, 33500 Libourne, France
| | - Bakela Nare
- Avista Pharma Solutions, 3501-C TriCenter Blvd, Durham, NC 27713 USA
| | - Audrey Burton
- Avista Pharma Solutions, 3501-C TriCenter Blvd, Durham, NC 27713 USA
| | - Julian Liebenberg
- Clinvet International (Pty) Ltd, Uitzich Road, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Josephus Fourie
- Clinvet International (Pty) Ltd, Uitzich Road, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Marie Varloud
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 avenue de la Ballastière, 33500 Libourne, France
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Barros S, de Andrade GC, Cavalcanti C, Nascimento H. Cat Scratch Disease: Not a Benign Condition. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2017; 26:1115-1122. [PMID: 28665750 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2017.1327077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Describe a case series of ocular Cat-scratch-disease (CSD) with vision-threatening findings and poor outcomes, indicating severity of disease. METHODS Retrospective case series from the Uveitis Department of São Paulo Federal University from 2011 to 2015. RESULTS In this period, six eyes of four patients had confirmed diagnosis of CSD. Two were male and two female. Mean age was 24.8 years old [7-45]. Two had bilateral disease. Visual acuity at presentation ranged from no light perception to 20/25. Three patients were treated with doxycycline and one with clarithromycin and prednisone. Visual outcome after treatment ranged from counting fingers to 20/20: 5/6 eyes had final visual acuity of less than 20/40 and 3/6 had final visual acuity equal or less than 20/400. CONCLUSION Although usually described as a benign disease with spontaneous resolution, CSD can present with atypical manifestations such as vascular angiomatous lesions, serous retinal detachment, and vascular occlusion syndromes, carrying a severe course and guarded prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Barros
- a Ophthalmology Department , Hospital Garcia de Orta , Almada , Portugal
| | - Gabriel Costa de Andrade
- b Uveitis Clinic of the Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Department, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo Escola Paulista de Medicina , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | - Cecilia Cavalcanti
- b Uveitis Clinic of the Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Department, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo Escola Paulista de Medicina , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | - Heloisa Nascimento
- b Uveitis Clinic of the Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Department, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo Escola Paulista de Medicina , Sao Paulo , Brazil
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Schorderet-Weber S, Noack S, Selzer PM, Kaminsky R. Blocking transmission of vector-borne diseases. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2017; 7:90-109. [PMID: 28189117 PMCID: PMC5302141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are responsible for significant health problems in humans, as well as in companion and farm animals. Killing the vectors with ectoparasitic drugs before they have the opportunity to pass on their pathogens could be the ideal way to prevent vector borne diseases. Blocking of transmission might work when transmission is delayed during blood meal, as often happens in ticks. The recently described systemic isoxazolines have been shown to successfully prevent disease transmission under conditions of delayed pathogen transfer. However, if the pathogen is transmitted immediately at bite as it is the case with most insects, blocking transmission becomes only possible if ectoparasiticides prevent the vector from landing on or, at least, from biting the host. Chemical entities exhibiting repellent activity in addition to fast killing, like pyrethroids, could prevent pathogen transmission even in cases of immediate transfer. Successful blocking depends on effective action in the context of the extremely diverse life-cycles of vectors and vector-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary importance which are summarized in this review. This complexity leads to important parameters to consider for ectoparasiticide research and when considering the ideal drug profile for preventing disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Noack
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health GmbH, Binger Str. 173, 55216 Ingelheim, Germany.
| | - Paul M Selzer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health GmbH, Binger Str. 173, 55216 Ingelheim, Germany.
| | - Ronald Kaminsky
- ParaC Consulting for Parasitology and Drug Discovery, Altenstein 13, 79685 Haeg-Ehrsberg, Germany.
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33
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Abstract
Bartonella henselae is the main causative agent of cat scratch disease. In this report, we present the draft genome sequences of 12 strains of Bartonella henselae originating from the United States, Denmark, and France. These strains were isolated from cats and belonged to either 16S rRNA genotype I or 16S rRNA genotype II.
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34
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Regier Y, O Rourke F, Kempf VAJ. Bartonella spp. - a chance to establish One Health concepts in veterinary and human medicine. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:261. [PMID: 27161111 PMCID: PMC4862191 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1546-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases remain a remarkable health threat for humans and animals. In the past, the epidemiology, etiology and pathology of infectious agents affecting humans and animals have mostly been investigated in separate studies. However, it is evident, that combined approaches are needed to understand geographical distribution, transmission and infection biology of “zoonotic agents”. The genus Bartonella represents a congenial example of the synergistic benefits that can arise from such combined approaches: Bartonella spp. infect a broad variety of animals, are linked with a constantly increasing number of human diseases and are transmitted via arthropod vectors. As a result, the genus Bartonella is predestined to play a pivotal role in establishing a One Health concept combining veterinary and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Regier
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Fiona O Rourke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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35
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Silva MN, Vieira-Damiani G, Ericson ME, Gupta K, Gilioli R, de Almeida AR, Drummond MR, Lania BG, de Almeida Lins K, Soares TCB, Velho PENF. Bartonella henselae transmission by blood transfusion in mice. Transfusion 2016; 56:1556-9. [PMID: 26968530 DOI: 10.1111/trf.13545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bartonella spp. are neglected fastidious Gram-negative bacilli. We isolated Bartonella henselae from 1.2% of 500 studied blood donors and demonstrated that the bacteria remain viable in red blood cell units after 35 days of experimental infection. Now, we aim to evaluate the possibility of B. henselae transmission by blood transfusion in a mouse model. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Eight BALB/c mice were intraperitoneal inoculated with a 30 µL of suspension with 10(4) CFU/mL of B. henselae and a second group of eight mice were inoculated with saline solution and used as control. After 96 hours of inoculation, the animals were euthanized. We collected blood and tissue samples from skin, liver, and spleen. Thirty microliters of blood from four Bartonella-inoculated animals were transfused into a new group (n = 4). Another group received blood from the control animals. B. henselae infection was investigated by conventional and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Blood samples from all 24 mice were negative by molecular tests though half of the tissue samples were positive by nested PCR in the intraperitoneal Bartonella-investigated animals. Tissues from two of the four mice that received blood transfusions from Bartonella-inoculated animals were also nested PCR positives. CONCLUSIONS Transmission of B. henselae by transfusion is possible in mice even when donor animals have undetectable bloodstream infection. The impact of human Bartonella sp. transmission through blood transfusion recipients must be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilene Neves Silva
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Vieira-Damiani
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Jaguariaiva, PR, Brazil
| | - Marna Elise Ericson
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Rovilson Gilioli
- Laboratory of Animal Quality Control, Multidisciplinary Center of Biological Investigation (CEMIB), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda Roberta de Almeida
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Rovani Drummond
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Grosselli Lania
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Karina de Almeida Lins
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Tânia Cristina Benetti Soares
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Bland DM, Hinnebusch BJ. Feeding Behavior Modulates Biofilm-Mediated Transmission of Yersinia pestis by the Cat Flea, Ctenocephalides felis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004413. [PMID: 26829486 PMCID: PMC4734780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is prevalent worldwide, will parasitize animal reservoirs of plague, and is associated with human habitations in known plague foci. Despite its pervasiveness, limited information is available about the cat flea's competence as a vector for Yersinia pestis. It is generally considered to be a poor vector, based on studies examining early-phase transmission during the first week after infection, but transmission potential by the biofilm-dependent proventricular-blocking mechanism has never been systematically evaluated. In this study, we assessed the vector competence of cat fleas by both mechanisms. Because the feeding behavior of cat fleas differs markedly from important rat flea vectors, we also examined the influence of feeding behavior on transmission dynamics. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Groups of cat fleas were infected with Y. pestis and subsequently provided access to sterile blood meals twice-weekly, 5 times per week, or daily for 4 weeks and monitored for infection, the development of proventricular biofilm and blockage, mortality, and the ability to transmit. In cat fleas allowed prolonged, daily access to blood meals, mimicking their natural feeding behavior, Y. pestis did not efficiently colonize the digestive tract and could only be transmitted during the first week after infection. In contrast, cat fleas that were fed intermittently, mimicking the feeding behavior of the efficient vector Xenopsylla cheopis, could become blocked and regularly transmitted Y. pestis for 3-4 weeks by the biofilm-mediated mechanism, but early-phase transmission was not detected. CONCLUSIONS The normal feeding behavior of C. felis, more than an intrinsic resistance to infection or blockage by Y. pestis, limits its vector competence. Rapid turnover of midgut contents results in bacterial clearance and disruption of biofilm accumulation in the proventriculus. Anatomical features of the cat flea foregut may also restrict transmission by both early-phase and proventricular biofilm-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Bland
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - B. Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
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Mazur-Melewska K, Jończyk-Potoczna K, Mania A, Kemnitz P, Szydłowski J, Służewski W, Figlerowicz M. The significance of Bartonella henselae bacterias for oncological diagnosis in children. Infect Agent Cancer 2015; 10:30. [PMID: 26379764 PMCID: PMC4568588 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-015-0025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a common infection in children; however, the wide spectrum of its clinical picture may lead to delayed diagnosis. An unusual presentation of CSD includes in the differential diagnosis malignant diseases, Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus infections, tuberculosis, and mycobacterioses. The diagnostic procedure is difficult, and it is important to consider CSD as the etiology of untypical lesion. Patients and method We present the analysis of 22 immunocompetent children treated with the clinical diagnosis of CSD in our hospital. Their ages were 2 to 16 years (mean 9.15 ± 2.2 years). Four of them presented classical papulas at admission time. Asymmetric, local lymphadenopathy was present in 16 patients. Five children, who presented an untypical course of CSD mimicking the oncological process, were analysed carefully. There were 3 patients with skull osteomyelitis, 1 with inflammation of the parotid gland, and 1 with an extra peripharyngeal mass. The diagnosis in these children was based on epidemiological, radiological, serological, and histological factors. Results About 25 % of children with bartonellosis present an untypical spectrum of symptoms, including the lack of documented cat contact, primary lesions, or peripheral lymphadenopathy. Radiological methods like USG, CT, MRI present the unspecific masses, but they are not enough to distinguish the Bartonella inflammatory and oncological process. The final diagnosis was based on a histological method with additional polymerase chain reaction test. Conclusion CSD should be considered in differential diagnosis of any patient with untypical lesions located on the head, neck, and upper extremities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Mazur-Melewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna Street 27/33, 60-578 Poznań, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Jończyk-Potoczna
- Pediatric Radiology Department Chair of Radiology Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna Street 27/33, 60-578 Poznań, Poland
| | - Anna Mania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna Street 27/33, 60-578 Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Kemnitz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna Street 27/33, 60-578 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jarosław Szydłowski
- Pediatric ENT Department, Karol Marcinkowski Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna Street 27/33, 60-578 Poznań, Poland
| | - Wojciech Służewski
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna Street 27/33, 60-578 Poznań, Poland
| | - Magdalena Figlerowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna Street 27/33, 60-578 Poznań, Poland
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Cat-scratch disease: a wide spectrum of clinical pictures. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2015; 32:216-20. [PMID: 26161064 PMCID: PMC4495109 DOI: 10.5114/pdia.2014.44014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to present an emerging zoonotic disease caused by Bartonella henselae. The wide spectrum of diseases connected with these bacteria varies from asymptomatic cases, to skin inflammation, fever of unknown origin, lymphadenopathy, eye disorders, encephalitis and endocarditis. The reservoirs of B. henselae are domestic animals like cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and occasionally dogs. Diagnosis is most often based on a history of exposure to cats and a serologic test with high titres of the immunoglobulin G antibody to B. henselae. Most cases of cat-scratch disease are self-limited and do not require antibiotic treatment. If an antibiotic is chosen, however, azithromycin has been shown to speed recovery.
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Varloud M, Fourie JJ. Onset of efficacy and residual speed of kill over one month of a topical dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen combination (Vectra ® 3D) against the adult cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) on dogs. Vet Parasitol 2015; 211:89-92. [PMID: 25997647 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to assess the onset of therapeutic and residual insecticidal efficacy of a topical ectoparasiticide (Vectra(®)3D, DPP) on dogs over one month against the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis. Adult dogs (n=32, 11.0-18.7 kg) were infested with 100 adult fleas on days -6, -2, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Based on flea retention, the dogs were allocated in two groups and were treated topically on day 0 with a control solution (CS) or DPP. Each group was divided in two subgroups in which live fleas were counted by combing the dogs 2 or 6h after treatment and at each re-infestation. The insecticidal efficacy was calculated using arithmetic and geometric means at each time point. The flea retention rate ranged from 64.0 to 86.5% in the CS group throughout the study. Based on arithmetic means, the therapeutic efficacy was 96.4% 6h post-treatment and residual efficacies ranged from 96.8 to 99.9% 2h after each re-infestation. The residual speed of killing effectiveness, >96% at 2h, persisted for one month after treatment. DPP administration was well tolerated. This study confirms that DPP starts killing fleas within 2h after treatment and reaches efficacy levels >95% at 6h. We have shown that DPP kills >96.8% of fleas for one month after treatment within 2h after infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Varloud
- Ceva Santé Animale S. A., 10 Avenue de la Ballastière, 33500 Libourne, France.
| | - Josephus J Fourie
- ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd., P.O. Box 11186, Universitas 9321, South Africa
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40
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Varloud M, Fourie JJ, Blagburn BL, Deflandre A. Expellency, anti-feeding and speed of kill of a dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen spot-on (Vectra®3D) in dogs weekly challenged with adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) for 1 month-comparison to a spinosad tablet (Comfortis®). Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2649-57. [PMID: 25869961 PMCID: PMC4478438 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4470-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to compare the efficacy of two ectoparasiticides against adult fleas on dogs: a topical (DPP, dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen) and a systemic (S, spinosad). Dogs (n = 48; 10.21–22.86 kg BW) were allocated to six groups of eight dogs each (C1, C4, DPP1, DPP4, S1, S4). Dogs in the treated groups were administered a topical (3.6 mL of DPP) or a tablet (665 or 1040 mg of S) on day 0. Infestations with 100 unfed fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) occurred on days −6, −1, 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28. An additional untreated group (QC, n = 6) was involved to evaluate the flea-anti-feeding efficacy. These dogs were infested once with 150 fleas prior to combing of at least 50 live fleas from each dog 5 or 10 min after infestation. In the treated group, dislodged dead and moribund fleas were collected from dogs 5, 10, 15 and 60 min (DPP1, S1) or 5, 10, 30 and 240 min (DPP4, S4) post-treatment and subsequent flea infestations on pans placed underneath the cages. Fleas were counted and removed from dogs by combing 1 (C1, DPP1, S1) or 4 h (C4, DPP4, S4) post-treatment and subsequent infestations. Quantitative PCR analysis of the canine cytochrome b gene was conducted on dislodged fleas collected from treated and control (QC) dogs 5 and 10 min after post-treatment infestations. The number of gene copies was used as a marker of blood volume ingested by fleas. Dislodgeability and insecticidal efficacy were calculated using arithmetic means. A rapid onset of killing was observed for DPP with 12.7 % of dead and moribund fleas being dislodged in average from dogs as soon as 5 min after infestation. DPP exhibited a significantly higher and sustained speed of kill than S. The average insecticidal efficacy was 86 ± 8.8 and 95.3 ± 2.1 % with DPP, whereas it was only 33.7 ± 19.9 and 57.6 ± 18.6 % with S at respectively 1 and 4 h after weekly reinfestations. The DPP combination significantly inhibited the feeding of fleas (89 % reduction) up to onset of flea mortality for 1-month post-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Varloud
- Ceva Santé Animale S. A, 10 Avenue de la Ballastière, 33500, Libourne, France,
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Bouhsira E, Franc M, Lienard E, Bouillin C, Gandoin C, Geurden T, Becskei C, Jacquiet P, Thomas A, Boulouis HJ. The efficacy of a selamectin (Stronghold ®) spot on treatment in the prevention of Bartonella henselae transmission by Ctenocephalides felis in cats, using a new high-challenge model. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1045-50. [PMID: 25582566 PMCID: PMC4336412 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4271-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease in humans, which is recognized as an emerging zoonotic disease. Ctenocephalides felis is the main vector, and transmission of B. henselae infection between cats and humans occurs mainly through infected flea feces. Control of feline infestation with this arthropod vector therefore provides an important strategy for the prevention of infection of both humans and cats. In the present study, a new challenge model is used to evaluate the efficacy of selamectin (Stronghold® spot on) in the prevention of B. henselae transmission by C. felis. In this new challenge model, domestic cats were infected by direct application of B. henselae-positive fleas. The fleas used for infestation were infected by feeding on blood that contained in vitro-cultured B. henselae. The direct application of the fleas to the animals and the use of different B. henselae strains ensured a high and consistent challenge. Two groups of six cats were randomly allocated on pre-treatment flea counts to either control (untreated cats) or the selamectin-treated group with one pipette per cat according to the label instruction. Stronghold (selamectin 6 % spot on solution) was administered on days 0 and 32. On days 3, 10, 19, 25, and 31, each cat was infested by direct application of 20 fleas that fed on blood inoculated with B. henselae. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on pooled fleas confirmed that the fleas were infected. Blood samples were collected from each cat on days −3 (prior to flea infestation and treatment), 9, 17, 24, 30, 37, and 44 and assayed for B. henselae antibodies using an indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), for the presence of bacteria by bacterial culture and for B. henselae DNA presence by PCR. Cats were also assessed on a daily basis for general health. There were no abnormal health observations during the study and none of the animals required concomitant treatment. None of the cats displayed any clinical signs of bartonellosis during the study. In the untreated group, all cats became bacteremic within 17 to 44 days. None of the selamectin-treated cats became positive during the study. It was concluded that Stronghold® spot on administered to cats was efficacious in the prevention of the transmission of B. henselae by fleas to cats in a high-challenge model.
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Nasereddin A, Risheq A, Harrus S, Azmi K, Ereqat S, Baneth G, Salant H, Mumcuoglu KY, Abdeen Z. Bartonella species in fleas from Palestinian territories: prevalence and genetic diversity. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2014; 39:261-270. [PMID: 25424254 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Bartonellosis is an infectious bacterial disease. The prevalence and genetic characteristics of Bartonella spp. in fleas of wild and domestic animals from Palestinian territories are described. Flea samples (n=289) were collected from 121 cats, 135 dogs, 26 hyraxes and seven rats from northern (n=165), central (n=113), and southern Palestinian territories (n=11). The prevalent flea species were: Ctenocephalides felis (n=119/289; 41.2%), Ctenocephalides canis (n=159/289; 55%), and Xenopsylla sp. (n=7/289; 2.4%). Targeting the Intergenic Transcribed Spacer (ITS) locus, DNA of Bartonella was detected in 22% (64/289) of all fleas. Fifty percent of the C. felis and 57% of the Xenopsylla sp. contained Bartonella DNA. DNA sequencing showed the presence of Bartonella clarridgeiae (50%), Bartonella henselae (27%), and Bartonella koehlerae (3%) in C. felis. Xenopsylla sp. collected from Rattus rattus rats were infected with Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella elizabethae, and Bartonella rochalimae. Phylogenetic sequence analysis using the 16S ribosomal RNA gene obtained four genetic clusters, B. henselae and B. koehlerae as subcluster 1, B. clarridgeiae as cluster 2, while the rat Bartonella species (B. tribocorum and B. elizabethae) were an outgroup cluster. These findings showed the important role of cat and rat fleas as vectors of zoonotic Bartonella species in Palestinian territories. It is hoped that this publication will raise awareness among physicians, veterinarians, and other health workers of the high prevalence of Bartonella spp. in fleas in Palestinian territories and the potential risk of these pathogens to humans and animals in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nasereddin
- Al-Quds Nutrition and Health Research Institute (ANAHRI), Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestinian Authority.
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Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonellosis: One Health Perspectives for an Emerging Infectious Disease. ILAR J 2014; 55:46-58. [DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilu015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Kernif T, Leulmi H, Socolovschi C, Berenger JM, Lepidi H, Bitam I, Rolain JM, Raoult D, Parola P. Acquisition and excretion ofBartonella quintanaby the cat flea,Ctenocephalides felis felis. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:1204-12. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tahar Kernif
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
- Institut Pasteur d'Algérie; Algiers 16015 Algeria
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Jean-Michel Berenger
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Hubert Lepidi
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
- Département de Biologie; Faculté des sciences; Université M'hamed Bougara Boumerdes; Boumerdes 35000 Algérie
| | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
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