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León-Sosa A, Orlando SA, Mora-Jaramillo N, Calderón J, Rodriguez-Pazmino AS, Carvajal E, Guizado-Herrera D, Narváez Y, Sánchez E, Arreaga A, Zevallos JC, Carrillo C, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. First report of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae carriage in stray cats from Ecuador and its link to a cat scratch disease outbreak in 2022. Acta Trop 2024; 257:107278. [PMID: 38851625 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The genus Bartonella includes species and subspecies of fastidious, facultative intracellular Gram-negative bacilli that infect a wide variety of mammalian reservoirs including cats and humans. In 2022, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health reported an outbreak of cat scratch disease caused by B. henselae in the city of Guayaquil. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the presence of Bartonella spp. in domestic and stray cats from the area of Guayaquil where the outbreak happened in 2022. METHODS Whole blood samples of 100 domestic and stray cats were collected. Riboflavin synthase (ribC) and 16S rRNA genes detection was performed by PCR using Bartonella spp. specific primers, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS 14 cats were positive for Bartonella spp. carriage. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of 12 cats infected with B. henselae and 2 cats with B. clarridgeiae. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of Bartonella spp. carriage in cats in the city of Guayaquil within the area where a recent cat scratch disease outbreak happened. Considering the high presence of cats and other domestic and stray animals in the city of Guayaquil, a One Health approach for surveillance and prevention of zoonotic diseases like cat scratch disease is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana León-Sosa
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Solon Alberto Orlando
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Naomi Mora-Jaramillo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Joselyn Calderón
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Elsy Carvajal
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - David Guizado-Herrera
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Yolanda Narváez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Eusebio Sánchez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Alma Arreaga
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Miao Y, Guo W, Zhang W, Chen Z, Mian D, Li R, Xu A, Chen M, Li D. Detection of Bartonella spp. in farmed deer (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) using multiplex assays in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0412023. [PMID: 38785439 PMCID: PMC11218516 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04120-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the prevalence of Bartonella in deer from Qilian County, Qinghai Province, China. Blood samples were collected from 69 red deer, 40 white-lipped deer, and 27 sika deer. The detection of Bartonella spp. has been conducted. The overall prevalence of Bartonella was 33.6% (46/135). Species-specific prevalence was 50.72% in red deer (35/69), 20.00% in white-lipped deer (8/40), and 11.11% in sika deer (3/27). There were significant differences in the prevalence rates among the different species of deer. The amplicon sequence comparison revealed a high homology of the ruminant-associated Bartonella spp. Nanopore sequencing further confirmed the results. Bartonella reads were presented in each of the qPCR-positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Bartonella sequences detected in deer blood were closely related to ruminant-borne Bartonella spp. In summary, we reported the Bartonella prevalence of different deer species in Qinghai, and there were at least one species of ruminant-associated Bartonella, B. schoenbuchensis. IMPORTANCE This is the first report about Bartonella infections in the deer population from China. We found that there were two species of Bartonella and an unidentified species of Bartonella among the unculturing strains carried by these deer populations. We first used Nanopore sequencing to detect Bartonella from deer blood samples and indicated that Nanopore sequencing is beneficial to detect pathogens due to its advantage of real-time and high sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Miao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wentao Guo
- Qinghai Provincial Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention, Xining, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhizheng Chen
- Qilian County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qilian, China
| | - Delan Mian
- Qilian County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qilian, China
| | - Ruixiao Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ailing Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Min Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Zhou S, Nian Y, Zeng Z, Han T, Liu W, Zheng K, Xiao F. Epidemiological survey and genetic diversity of Bartonella in fleas collected from rodents in Fujian Province, Southeast China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:264. [PMID: 38890667 PMCID: PMC11186106 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06305-6] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fleas, considered to be the main transmission vectors of Bartonella, are highly prevalent and show great diversity. To date, no investigations have focused on Bartonella vectors in Southeast China. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Bartonella in fleas in Southeast China. METHODS From 2016 to 2022, flea samples (n = 1119) were collected from 863 rodent individuals in seven inland and coastal cities in Southeast China. Flea species, region, gender, host species and habitat were recorded. The DNA samples from each individual flea were screened by real-time PCR for the Bartonella ssrA gene. All positive samples were confirmed by PCR based on the presence of the gltA gene and sequenced. The factors associated with Bartonella infection were analyzed by the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. ANOVA and the t-test were used to compare Bartonella DNA load. RESULTS Bartonella DNA was detected in 26.2% (293/1119) of the flea samples, including in 27.1% (284/1047) of Xenopsylla cheopis samples, 13.2% (5/38) of Monopsyllus anisus samples, 8.3% (2/24) of Leptopsylla segnis samples and 20.0% (2/10) of other fleas (Nosopsyllus nicanus, Ctenocephalides felis, Stivalius klossi bispiniformis and Neopsylla dispar fukienensis). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of Bartonella among flea species, sex, hosts, regions and habitats. Five species of Bartonella fleas were identified based on sequencing and phylogenetic analyses targeting the gltA gene: B. tribocorum, B. queenslandensis, B. elizabethae, B. rochalimae and B. coopersplainsensis. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence and diversity of Bartonella infection in the seven species of fleas collected in Southeast China. The detection of zoonotic Bartonella species in this study, including B. tribocorum, B. elizabethae and B. rochalimae, raises public health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuheng Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yuwei Nian
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- The School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiwei Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Tengwei Han
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kuicheng Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
- The School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Fangzhen Xiao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
- The School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Springer A, Schütte K, Brandes F, Reuschel M, Fehr M, Dobler G, Margos G, Fingerle V, Sprong H, Strube C. Potential drivers of vector-borne pathogens in urban environments: European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) in the spotlight. One Health 2024; 18:100764. [PMID: 38855195 PMCID: PMC11157281 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are considered as (re-)emerging, but information on the transmission cycles and wildlife reservoirs is often incomplete, particularly with regard to urban areas. The present study investigated blood samples from European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) presented at wildlife rehabilitation centres in the region of Hanover. Past exposure to B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was assessed by serological detection of antibodies, while current infections with Borrelia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Bartonella spp., Babesia spp. and Spiroplasma ixodetis were investigated by (q)PCR. Of 539 hedgehogs tested for anti-Borrelia antibodies, 84.8% (457/539) were seropositive, with a higher seropositivity rate in adult than subadult animals, while anti-TBEV antibodies were detected in one animal only (0.2%; 1/526). By qPCR, 31.2% (168/539) of hedgehog blood samples were positive for Borrelia spp., 49.7% (261/525) for A. phagocytophilum, 13.0% (68/525) for Bartonella spp., 8.2% for S. ixodetis (43/525), 8.0% (42/525) for Rickettsia spp. and 1.3% (7/525) for Babesia spp., while N. mikurensis was not detected. While further differentiation of Borrelia spp. infections was not successful, 63.2% of the A. phagocytophilum infections were assigned to the zoonotic ecotype I and among Rickettsia spp. infections, 50.0% to R. helvetica by ecotype- or species-specific qPCR, respectively. Sequencing revealed the presence of a Rickettsia sp. closely related to Rickettsia felis in addition to a Bartonella sp. previously described from hedgehogs, as well as Babesia microti and Babesia venatorum. These findings show that hedgehogs from rehabilitation centres are valuable sources to identify One Health pathogens in urban areas. The hedgehogs are not only exposed to pathogens from fleas and ticks in urban areas, but they also act as potent amplifiers for these vectors and their pathogens, relevant for citizens and their pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Karolin Schütte
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center Sachsenhagen, Hohe Warte 1, 31553 Sachsenhagen, Germany
| | - Florian Brandes
- Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center Sachsenhagen, Hohe Warte 1, 31553 Sachsenhagen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reuschel
- Department of Small Mammal, Reptile and Avian Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Buenteweg 9, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Michael Fehr
- Department of Small Mammal, Reptile and Avian Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Buenteweg 9, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Margos
- National Reference Center for Borrelia, Bavarian Food and Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinärstraße 2, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Volker Fingerle
- National Reference Center for Borrelia, Bavarian Food and Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinärstraße 2, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute of Public Health and Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
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Han PY, Xu FH, Tian JW, Zhao JY, Yang Z, Kong W, Wang B, Guo LJ, Zhang YZ. Molecular Prevalence, Genetic Diversity, and Tissue Tropism of Bartonella Species in Small Mammals from Yunnan Province, China. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1320. [PMID: 38731324 PMCID: PMC11083988 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091320] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Bartonella is an intracellular parasitic zoonotic pathogen that can infect animals and cause a variety of human diseases. This study investigates Bartonella prevalence in small mammals in Yunnan Province, China, focusing on tissue tropism. A total of 333 small mammals were sampled from thirteen species, three orders, four families, and four genera in Heqing and Gongshan Counties. Conventional PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were utilized for detection and quantification, followed by bioinformatic analysis of obtained DNA sequences. Results show a 31.5% detection rate, varying across species. Notably, Apodemus chevrieri, Eothenomys eleusis, Niviventer fulvescens, Rattus tanezumi, Episoriculus leucops, Anourosorex squamipes, and Ochotona Thibetana exhibited infection rates of 44.4%, 27.7%, 100.0%, 6.3%, 60.0%, 23.5%, and 22.2%, respectively. Genetic analysis identified thirty, ten, and five strains based on ssrA, rpoB, and gltA genes, with nucleotide identities ranging from 92.1% to 100.0%. Bartonella strains were assigned to B. grahamii, B. rochalimae, B. sendai, B. koshimizu, B. phoceensis, B. taylorii, and a new species identified in Episoriculus leucops (GS136). Analysis of the different tissues naturally infected by Bartonella species revealed varied copy numbers across different tissues, with the highest load in spleen tissue. These findings underscore Bartonella's diverse species and host range in Yunnan Province, highlighting the presence of extensive tissue tropism in Bartonella species naturally infecting small mammalian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Han
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-Pathogenic Plant Resources from Western Yunnan, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease Cross-Border Prevention and Quarantine, Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; (P.-Y.H.); (F.-H.X.); (J.-W.T.); (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Fen-Hui Xu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-Pathogenic Plant Resources from Western Yunnan, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease Cross-Border Prevention and Quarantine, Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; (P.-Y.H.); (F.-H.X.); (J.-W.T.); (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Jia-Wei Tian
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-Pathogenic Plant Resources from Western Yunnan, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease Cross-Border Prevention and Quarantine, Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; (P.-Y.H.); (F.-H.X.); (J.-W.T.); (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Jun-Ying Zhao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-Pathogenic Plant Resources from Western Yunnan, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease Cross-Border Prevention and Quarantine, Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; (P.-Y.H.); (F.-H.X.); (J.-W.T.); (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Ze Yang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-Pathogenic Plant Resources from Western Yunnan, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease Cross-Border Prevention and Quarantine, Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; (P.-Y.H.); (F.-H.X.); (J.-W.T.); (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Wei Kong
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-Pathogenic Plant Resources from Western Yunnan, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease Cross-Border Prevention and Quarantine, Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; (P.-Y.H.); (F.-H.X.); (J.-W.T.); (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
| | - Li-Jun Guo
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-Pathogenic Plant Resources from Western Yunnan, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease Cross-Border Prevention and Quarantine, Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; (P.-Y.H.); (F.-H.X.); (J.-W.T.); (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Yun-Zhi Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research on Anti-Pathogenic Plant Resources from Western Yunnan, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease Cross-Border Prevention and Quarantine, Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali 671000, China; (P.-Y.H.); (F.-H.X.); (J.-W.T.); (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (W.K.)
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Kim MM, Shea G, Šlapeta J. Detection of tick-borne bacterial DNA (Rickettsia sp.) in reptile ticks Amblyomma moreliae from New South Wales, Australia. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:89. [PMID: 38194190 PMCID: PMC10776464 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08108-7] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are major arthropod vectors of disease, transmitting tick-borne pathogens during blood meal episodes. Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. are two tick-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern previously identified in DNA isolates from the tick genera Amblyomma and Bothriocroton associated with reptilian hosts in Australia. Some reports suggest that these reptile ticks bite and attach to humans via accidental parasitism and transmit disease, with the tick Bothriocroton hydrosauri known to transmit Rickettsia honei or Flinders Island Spotted Fever Rickettsia to humans. This descriptive study aims to identify the ticks collected from wild reptiles submitted to veterinary clinics and captured by snake rescuers from New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and detect the presence of tick-borne bacterial DNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. and conventional nested-PCR to detect Borrelia spp. Morphological identification revealed ticks removed from one eastern blue-tongued lizard (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides) from North-Eastern NSW (Lismore), one eastern blue-tongued lizard from the Greater Sydney area (Canley Heights), one diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota) from the Greater Sydney area (Woronora Heights) and one red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) from the Greater Sydney Area (Cronulla) in New South Wales were Amblyomma moreliae. No ticks were positive for Bartonella spp. and Borrelia spp. DNA using real-time PCR targeting ssrA gene and nested PCR targeting Borrelia-specific 16S rRNA gene, respectively. Real-time PCR targeting gltA, ompA, ompB and 17kDa gene of Rickettsia spp. revealed 14 out of 16 ticks were positive. The undescribed Rickettsia sp. DNA was identical to that previously recovered from reptile ticks in Australia and closely related to Rickettsia tamurae and Rickettsia monacensis, both of which are aetiologic pathogens of the Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis (SFGR). These results accentuate the ongoing need for increased study efforts to understand zoonotic potential of bacteria from reptile ticks and the tick-reptile-human relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Misong Kim
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Glenn Shea
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- Australian Museum Research Institute, The Australian Museum, Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
- The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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Pekker E, Priskin K, Szabó-Kriston É, Csányi B, Buzás-Bereczki O, Adorján L, Szukacsov V, Pintér L, Rusvai M, Cooper P, Kiss-Tóth E, Haracska L. Development of a Large-Scale Pathogen Screening Test for the Biosafety Evaluation of Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Biol Proced Online 2023; 25:33. [PMID: 38097939 PMCID: PMC10720183 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-023-00226-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The action of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is the subject of intense research in the field of regenerative medicine, including their potential use in companion animals, such as dogs. To ensure the safety of canine MSC batches for their application in regenerative medicine, a quality control test must be conducted in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Based on guidance provided by the European Medicines Agency, this study aimed to develop and validate a highly sensitive and robust, nucleic acid-based test panel for the detection of various canine pathogens. Analytical sensitivity, specificity, amplification efficiency, and linearity were evaluated to ensure robust assessment. Additionally, viable spike-in controls were used to control for optimal nucleic acid extraction. The conventional PCR-based and real-time PCR-based pathogen assays were evaluated in a real-life setting, by direct testing MSC batches. RESULTS The established nucleic acid-based assays displayed remarkable sensitivity, detecting 100-1 copies/reaction of template DNA. They also exhibited high specificity and efficiency. Moreover, highly effective nucleic acid isolation was confirmed by the sensitive detection of spike-in controls. The detection capacity of our optimized and validated methods was determined by direct pathogen testing of nine MSC batches that displayed unusual phenotypes, such as reduced cell division or other deviating characteristics. Among these MCS batches of uncertain purity, only one tested negative for all pathogens. The direct testing of these samples yielded positive results for important canine pathogens, including tick-borne disease-associated species and viral members of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). Notably, samples positive for the etiological agents responsible for enteritis (CPV), leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans), and neosporosis (Neospora caninum) were also identified. Furthermore, we conducted biosafety evaluation of 12 MSC batches intended for therapeutic application. Eleven MSC batches were found to be free of extraneous agents, and only one tested positive for a specific pathogen, namely, canine parvovirus. CONCLUSION In this study, we established and validated reliable, highly sensitive, and accurate nucleic acid-based testing methods for a broad spectrum of canine pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emese Pekker
- HCEMM-HUN-REN BRC Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 10, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary
- Delta Bio 2000 Ltd., Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Valéria Szukacsov
- HUN-REN BRC Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Endre Kiss-Tóth
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, S10 2RX, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lajos Haracska
- HCEMM-HUN-REN BRC Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary.
- Delta Bio 2000 Ltd., Szeged, H-6726, Hungary.
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar tudósok krt. 2. H-1117, Budapest, Hungary.
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Bai Y, Osikowicz LM, Hojgaard A, Eisen RJ. Development of a quadruplex PCR amplicon next generation sequencing assay for detection and differentiation of Bartonella spp. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1243471. [PMID: 38130946 PMCID: PMC10733521 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1243471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Bartonella includes a group of species that are associated with a wide range of mammalian species, including human. It is challenging to detect all Bartonella species using a single molecular target due to its high genetic diversity. To solve this issue, we developed a quadruplex PCR amplicon sequencing assay using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology for the detection and differentiation of Bartonella species. Our objective was to obtain the specific sequences of a minimum of two of the four target genes as confirmation of the identity of a particular Bartonella species using the assay. Four pairs of primers targeting specific regions on gltA, groEL, rpoB, and ssrA were evaluated for their capability of differentiating Bartonella species individually and collectively by performing singular PCR amplicon sequencing and quadruplex PCR amplicon sequencing. Using the quadruplex PCR amplicon sequencing, 24 Bartonella reference species were tested, all of which were successfully differentiated by at least two targets. Bartonella species were accurately identified from the artificially mixed DNA templates developed to simulate coinfections. The limit of detection was determined to be 1 fg based on testing a series of 10-fold dilutions of DNA from the Bartonella species. Testing of high DNA concentrations of 19 non-Bartonella species showed high specificity with none of the non-Bartonella species misclassified as Bartonella. Finally, the assay was evaluated by testing DNA extracts from field-collected body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus): Bartonella quintana was detected and confirmed by three targets in the lice and Bartonella tribocorum was detected and confirmed by two targets in the rats. These results demonstrated that Bartonella species could be accurately and rapidly detected and differentiated into different tissue types using the quadruplex sequencing assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Bai
- Bacterial Disease Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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9
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Can H, Güvendi M, Sürgeç E, Köseoğlu AE, Erkunt Alak S, Karakavuk M, Gül A, Döşkaya M, Gürüz AY, Ün C, Değirmenci Döşkaya A. Genetic characterization of Bartonella henselae samples isolated from stray cats by multi-locus sequence typing. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:195. [PMID: 37805521 PMCID: PMC10559530 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03748-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bartonella henselae is one of the most commonly identified Bartonella species associated with several human diseases. Although B. henselae was detected in humans and cats in Turkey, they have not been genotyped previously. Therefore, this study aimed to genotype B. henselae samples (n = 44) isolated from stray cats using the multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) method. For this aim, eight different housekeeping markers were amplified by nested PCR and then sequenced to reveal sequence types (STs) of B. henselae samples. RESULTS Allelic profiles obtained from 40 B. henselae isolates (90.9%) were compatible with available allelic profiles in the MLST online database. However, allelic profiles obtained from the remaining 4 B. henselae isolates (9.1%) were incompatible with the database. Among B. henselae isolates with compatible allelic profiles, 5 different STs including ST1, ST5, ST9, ST35 and ST36 were identified according to the B. henselae MLST online database. ST35 was the most prevalent ST with a prevalence rate of 29.5% (13/44), followed by ST36 with a prevalence rate of 22.7% (10/44). In addition, ST5 (16%, 7/44) and ST9 (18.2%, 8/44) were also among the prevalent STs. The prevalence of ST1 was 4.5% (2/44). For B. henselae isolates with incompatible allelic profiles, we recommended a new ST called ST38. CONCLUSION The present study genotyped B. henselae samples isolated from stray cats in Turkey for the first time and ST1, ST5, ST9, ST35, and ST36 as well as a new sequence type named ST38 were identified among these B. henselae isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Can
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mervenur Güvendi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ecem Sürgeç
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Zoology Section, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biruni University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
- Ege University Ödemiş Vocational School, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aytül Gül
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
- Department of Bioengineering, Ege University Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey.
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10
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Teng Z, Shi Y, Zhao N, Zhang X, Jin X, He J, Xu B, Qin T. Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Bacterial and Protozoan Pathogens in Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks from Free-Ranging Domestic Sheep in Hebei Province, China. Pathogens 2023; 12:763. [PMID: 37375453 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060763] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens significantly threaten human and animal health worldwide. Haemaphysalis longicornis is one of the dominant tick species in East Asia, including China. In the present study, 646 Ha. longicornis ticks were collected from free-ranging domestic sheep in the southern region of Hebei Province, China. Tick-borne pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance (i.e., Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon spp.) were detected in the ticks using PCR assays and sequence analysis. The prevalence rates of these pathogens were 5.1% (33/646), 15.9% (103/646), 1.2% (8/646), 17.0% (110/646), 0.15% (1/646), and 0.15% (1/646), respectively. For Rickettsia spp., R. japonica (n = 13), R. raoultii (n = 6), and Candidatus R. jingxinensis (n = 14) were detected for the first time in the province, while several Anaplasma spp. were also detected in the ticks, including A. bovis (n = 52), A. ovis (n = 31), A. phagocytophilum (n = 10), and A. capra (n = 10). A putative novel Ehrlichia spp. was also found with a prevalence of 1.2% in the area. The present study provides important data for effectively controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Hebei Province region of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Teng
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Na Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiaojing Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jia He
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baohong Xu
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Tian Qin
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
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11
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Zarea AAK, Tempesta M, Fouad EA, Ndiana LA, Mahmoud MS, Mrenoshki D, Martella V, Decaro N, Chomel B, Greco G. Prevalence of Bartonella spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and others vector-borne pathogens in private-owned dogs and cats, Egypt. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106857. [PMID: 36775003 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens have been increasingly investigated for their impact on dog and cat health and their zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence estimates of selected vector-borne pathogens in client-owned pets from the Giza and Cairo governorates, Egypt. Out of 200 dogs and 100 cats, 94 (47%) and 23 (23%) were positive for at least one of the tested pathogens (P<0.0001). In particular, 84 (42%) dogs and 3 (3%) cats tested PCR-positive for Bartonella spp. (P<0.0001). A significantly higher prevalence of Bartonella spp. was detected in dogs from the rural areas of the Giza governorate (60/77, 79.2%, P<0.0001) compared to those from Cairo governorate. Bartonella henselae was the dominant species infecting dogs (81/200, 40.5%) followed by Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii (3/200, 1.5%), while B. henselae (2/100, 2%) and B. clarridgeiae were rare in cats. Haemoplasma DNA was detected in 17% (34/200) of dogs and 20% (20/100) of cats with increased risk in dogs from Giza rural areas (21/77, 27.27%, P=0.002) and from both dogs (16/63, 25.40%, P=0.03) and cats (7/14, 50%, P<0.002) with anemia. Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (30/200, 15%) and Mycoplasma haemocanis (4/200, 2%) in dogs and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (18/100, 18%) and M. haemofelis (2/100, 2%) in cats were detected. Additionally, 2 dogs were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coinfections were detected in dogs, with the majority (23/200, 11.5%) including B. henselae and C.M. haematoparvum, followed by Mycoplasma haemocanis and C.M. haematoparvum (2/200, 1%) and B. henselae, CMhp and C. burnetii (2/200, 1%). Haemoplasma infection was high in Egyptian dogs and cats with a high prevalence for zoonotic Bartonella spp. in dogs with anemia, highlighting the need to investigate these agents in the diagnostic algorithm of anemia and to adopt preventive measures to protect both animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A K Zarea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - E A Fouad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - L A Ndiana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - M S Mahmoud
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - D Mrenoshki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - V Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - N Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - G Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
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12
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Čisovská Bazsalovicsová E, Víchová B, Oboňa J, Radačovská A, Blažeková V, Králová-Hromadová I. Bird Louse Flies Ornithomya spp. (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) as Potential Vectors of Mammalian Babesia and Other Pathogens. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:275-283. [PMID: 36944122 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0088] [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: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Birds and mammals share various ectoparasites, which are responsible for the transmission of a wide range of pathogens. The louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) are ectoparasitic dipterans feeding strictly on the blood of mammals and birds. Both sexes of the louse flies are obligatory hematophagous and are known to act as the vectors of infectious agents. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 specimens of Ornithomya sp. were collected by hand on birds caught in nets or by hand from humans in two localities in Eastern Slovakia in 2021. The DNA samples were individually screened by species-specific PCRs for the presence of selected vector-borne pathogens. Results: Taxonomic identification folowed by molecular analyses revealed two louse fly species of Ornithomya spp. (O. avicularia and O. biloba). The molecular screening provided negative PCR results for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., and Hepatozoon canis. In contrast, positive PCR results were obtained for Babesia spp., Wolbachia spp., and Trypanosoma corvi. Conclusions: Of epidemiological importance is that the louse flies can presumably spread Babesia and other pathogens by host switching which facilitates the transmission and spread of numerous pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jozef Oboňa
- Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Prešov, Prešov, Slovakia
| | | | - Veronika Blažeková
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Košice, Slovakia
- The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
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13
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Nabeshima K, Sato S, Brinkerhoff RJ, Amano M, Kabeya H, Itou T, Maruyama S. Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Bartonella Spp. in Northern Bats (Eptesicus nilssonii) and Their Blood-Sucking Ectoparasites in Hokkaido, Japan. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:298-306. [PMID: 34981145 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01935-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the prevalence of Bartonella in 123 northern bats (Eptesicus nilssonii) and their ectoparasites from Hokkaido, Japan. A total of 174 bat fleas (Ischnopsyllus needhami) and two bat bugs (Cimex japonicus) were collected from the bats. Bartonella bacteria were isolated from 32 (26.0%) of 123 bats. Though Bartonella DNA was detected in 79 (45.4%) of the bat fleas, the bacterium was isolated from only one bat flea (0.6%). The gltA sequences of the isolates were categorized into genotypes I, II, and III, which were found in both bats and their fleas. The gltA sequences of genotypes I and II showed 97.6% similarity with Bartonella strains from a Finnish E. nilssonii and a bat flea from a E. serotinus in the Netherlands. The rpoB sequences of the genotypes showed 98.9% similarity with Bartonella strain 44722 from E. serotinus in Republic of Georgia. The gltA and rpoB sequences of genotype III showed 95.9% and 96.7% similarity with Bartonella strains detected in shrews in Kenya and France, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Bartonella isolates of genotypes I and II clustered with Bartonella strains from Eptesicus bats in Republic of Georgia and Finland, Myotis bats in Romania and the UK, and a bat flea from an Eptesicus bat in Finland. In contrast, genotype III formed a clade with B. florencae, B. acomydis, and B. birtlesii. These data suggest that northern bats in Japan harbor two Bartonella species and the bat flea serves as a potential vector of Bartonella transmission among the bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nabeshima
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866, Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
- Ecological Risk Assessment and Control Section Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Shingo Sato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866, Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - R Jory Brinkerhoff
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA, 23173, USA
| | - Murasaki Amano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866, Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Hidenori Kabeya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Food Hygiene, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866, Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Takuya Itou
- Veterinary Research Center, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Soichi Maruyama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866, Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
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14
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Carbonara M, Mendonza-Roldan JA, Perles L, Alfaro-Alarcon A, Romero LM, Murillo DB, Piche-Ovares M, Corrales-Aguilar E, Iatta R, Walochnik J, Santoro M, Otranto D. Parasitic fauna of bats from Costa Rica. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 20:63-72. [PMID: 36655207 PMCID: PMC9841367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Bats are important reservoirs and spreaders of pathogens, including those of zoonotic concern. Though Costa Rica hosts one of the highest bat species' diversity, no information is available about their parasites. In order to investigate the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of chiropterans from this neotropical area, ectoparasites (n = 231) and stools (n = 64) were collected from 113 bats sampled in Santa Cruz (site 1) and Talamanca (site 2). Mites, fleas and ticks were morphologically and molecularly identified, as well as pathogens transmitted by vectors (VBPs, i.e., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp.) and from feces, such as Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Eimeria spp. were molecularly investigated. Overall, 21 bat species belonging to 15 genera and 5 families were identified of which 42.5% were infested by ectoparasites, with a higher percentage of mites (38.9%, i.e., Cameronieta sp. and Mitonyssoides sp.) followed by flies (2.6%, i.e., Joblingia sp.) and tick larvae (1.7%, i.e., Ornithodoros sp.). Rickettsia spp. was identified in one immature tick and phylogenetically clustered with two Rickettsia species of the Spotted Fever Group (i.e., R. massiliae and R. rhipicephali). The frequency of GI parasite infection was 14%, being 3.1% of bats infected by Giardia spp. (un-identified non-duodenalis species), 1.5% by Eimeria spp. and 9.4% by Cryptosporidium spp. (bat and rodent genotypes; one C. parvum-related human genotype). The wide range of ectoparasites collected coupled with the detection of Rickettsia sp., Giardia and Cryptosporidium in bats from Costa Rica highlight the role these mammals may play as spreaders of pathogens and the need to further investigate the pathogenic potential of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lívia Perles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniel Barrantes Murillo
- Pathology Department, National University, Heredia, Costa Rica,Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Alabama, USA
| | - Marta Piche-Ovares
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica,Department of Virology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National University, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | | | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran,Corresponding author. Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy.
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15
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Cuperus T, de Vries A, Jaarsma RI, Sprong H, Maas M. Occurrence of Rickettsia spp., Hantaviridae, Bartonella spp. and Leptospira spp. in European Moles ( Talpa europaea) from the Netherlands. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010041. [PMID: 36677332 PMCID: PMC9861085 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The European mole (Talpa europaea) has a widespread distribution throughout Europe. However, little is known about the presence of zoonotic pathogens in European moles. We therefore tested 180 moles from the middle and the south of the Netherlands by (q)PCR for the presence of multiple (tick-borne) zoonotic pathogens. Spotted fever Rickettsia was found in one (0.6%), Leptospira spp. in three (1.7%), Bartonella spp. in 69 (38.3%) and Hantaviridae in 89 (49.4%) of the 180 moles. Infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia spp., Spiroplasma spp. and Francisella tularensis were not found. In addition, in a subset of 35 moles no antibodies against Tick-borne encephalitis virus were found. The obtained sequences of Bartonella spp. were closely related to Bartonella spp. sequences from moles in Spain and Hungary. The Hantaviridae were identified as the mole-borne Nova virus, with high sequence similarity to sequences from other European countries, and Bruges virus. Though the zoonotic risk from moles appears limited, our results indicate that these animals do play a role in multiple host-pathogen cycles.
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16
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Huggins LG, Colella V, Atapattu U, Koehler AV, Traub RJ. Nanopore Sequencing Using the Full-Length 16S rRNA Gene for Detection of Blood-Borne Bacteria in Dogs Reveals a Novel Species of Hemotropic Mycoplasma. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0308822. [PMID: 36250862 PMCID: PMC9769565 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03088-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs across the globe are afflicted by diverse blood- and vector-borne bacteria (VBB), many of which cause severe disease and can be fatal. Diagnosis of VBB infections can be challenging due to the low concentration of bacteria in the blood, the frequent occurrence of coinfections, and the wide range of known, emerging, and potentially novel VBB species encounterable. Therefore, there is a need for diagnostics that address these challenges by being both sensitive and capable of detecting all VBB simultaneously. We detail the first employment of a nanopore-based sequencing methodology conducted on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION device to accurately elucidate the "hemobacteriome" from canine blood through sequencing of the full-length 16S rRNA gene. We detected a diverse range of important canine VBB, including Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Bartonella clarridgeiae, "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum", a novel species of hemotropic mycoplasma, and Wolbachia endosymbionts of filarial worms, indicative of filariasis. Our nanopore-based protocol was equivalent in sensitivity to both quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Illumina sequencing when benchmarked against these methods, achieving high agreement as defined by the kappa statistics (k > 0.81) for three key VBB. Utilizing the ability of the ONT' MinION device to sequence long read lengths provides an excellent alternative diagnostic method by which the hemobacteriome can be accurately characterized to the species level in a way previously unachievable using short reads. We envision our method to be translatable to multiple contexts, such as the detection of VBB in other vertebrate hosts, including humans, while the small size of the MinION device is highly amenable to field use. IMPORTANCE Blood- and vector-borne bacteria (VBB) can cause severe pathology and even be lethal for dogs in many regions across the globe. Accurate characterization of all the bacterial pathogens infecting a canine host is critical, as coinfections are common and emerging and novel pathogens that may go undetected by traditional diagnostics frequently arise. Deep sequencing using devices from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) provides a solution, as the long read lengths achievable provide species-level taxonomic identification of pathogens that previous short-read technologies could not accomplish. We developed a protocol using ONT' MinION sequencer to accurately detect and classify a wide spectrum of VBB from canine blood at a sensitivity comparable to that of regularly used diagnostics, such as qPCR. This protocol demonstrates great potential for use in biosurveillance and biosecurity operations for the detection of VBB in a range of vertebrate hosts, while the MinION sequencer's portability allows this method to be used easily in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G. Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ushani Atapattu
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anson V. Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca J. Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Technical Evaluation of qPCR Multiplex Assays for the Detection of Ixodes ricinus-Borne Pathogens. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112222. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The extent to which infections with Ixodes ricinus-borne pathogens (TBPs), other than Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), cause disease in humans remains unclear. One of the reasons is that adequate diagnostic modalities are lacking in routine or research settings. Methods: We evaluated the analytical specificity, sensitivity and robustness of qPCR assays for the detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Spiroplasma ixodetis, several Babesia species and Spotted Fever Rickettsia species as well as Bartonella species in human samples. Results: The qPCRs were found to perform well, given the difficulties of dealing with microorganisms for which confirmed patient materials are scarce or non-existent, a hurdle that was partially overcome by using synthetic controls. Spiking blood samples with the tested microorganisms showed that the detection of the TBPs was not inhibited by the presence of blood. The acceptable sensitivity when multiplexing the different pathogens, the good inter-assay variability and the absence of cross-reactivity make them potentially suitable as human diagnostics. Conclusions: The qPCRs evaluated in this study are technically suitable for the laboratory diagnostic assessment of clinical samples for infection with tick-borne pathogens. However, clinical validation and independent confirmation are still needed, pending the availability of sufficient human samples for testing in different laboratories.
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de Cock M, Fonville M, de Vries A, Bossers A, van den Bogert B, Hakze-van der Honing R, Koets A, Sprong H, van der Poel W, Maas M. Screen the unforeseen: Microbiome-profiling for detection of zoonotic pathogens in wild rats. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3881-3895. [PMID: 36404584 PMCID: PMC10099244 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Wild rats can host various zoonotic pathogens. Detection of these pathogens is commonly performed using molecular techniques targeting one or a few specific pathogens. However, this specific way of surveillance could lead to (emerging) zoonotic pathogens staying unnoticed. This problem may be overcome by using broader microbiome-profiling techniques, which enable broad screening of a sample's bacterial or viral composition. In this study, we investigated if 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing would be a suitable tool for the detection of zoonotic bacteria in wild rats. Moreover, we used virome-enriched (VirCapSeq) sequencing to detect zoonotic viruses. DNA from kidney samples of 147 wild brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) and 42 black rats (Rattus rattus) was used for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region. Blocking primers were developed to reduce the amplification of rat host DNA. The kidney bacterial composition was studied using alpha- and beta-diversity metrics and statistically assessed using PERMANOVA and SIMPER analyses. From the sequencing data, 14 potentially zoonotic bacterial genera were identified from which the presence of zoonotic Leptospira spp. and Bartonella tribocorum was confirmed by (q)PCR or Sanger sequencing. In addition, more than 65% of all samples were dominated (>50% reads) by one of three bacterial taxa: Streptococcus (n = 59), Mycoplasma (n = 39) and Leptospira (n = 25). These taxa also showed the highest contribution to the observed differences in beta diversity. VirCapSeq sequencing in rat liver samples detected the potentially zoonotic rat hepatitis E virus in three rats. Although 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was limited in its capacity for species level identifications and can be more difficult to interpret due to the influence of contaminating sequences in these low microbial biomass samples, we believe it has potential to be a suitable pre-screening method in the future to get a better overview of potentially zoonotic bacteria that are circulating in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke de Cock
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Manoj Fonville
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ankje de Vries
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Bossers
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ad Koets
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van der Poel
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Maas
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Kejíková R, McKee C, Straková P, Šikutová S, Mendel J, Rudolf I. First detection of Bartonella spp. in bat bugs Cimex pipistrelli (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), Central Europe. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3341-3345. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07668-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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20
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Köseoğlu AE, Can H, Güvendi M, Karakavuk M, Manyatsi P, Erkunt Alak S, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Gül A, Döşkaya M, Gürüz AY, Ün C. Molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in stray cats of İzmir, Turkey. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:305. [PMID: 36038877 PMCID: PMC9422166 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05431-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bartonella spp. are vector-borne pathogens that cause zoonotic infections in humans. One of the most well-known of these is cat-scratch disease caused by Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae, with cats being the major reservoir for these two bacteria. Izmir, Turkey is home to many stray cats, but their potential role as a reservoir for the transmission of Bartonella to humans has not been investigated yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella species and their genetic diversity in stray cats living in Izmir. Methods Molecular prevalence of Bartonella spp. in stray cats (n = 1012) was investigated using a PCR method targeting the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer gene (ITS), species identification was performed by sequencing and genetic diversity was evaluated by haplotype analysis. Results Analysis of the DNA extracted from 1012 blood samples collected from stray cats revealed that 122 samples were Bartonella-positive, which is a molecular prevalence of 12.05% (122/1012; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.1–14.2%). Among the Bartonella-positive specimens, 100 (100/122; 81.96%) were successfully sequenced, and B. henselae (45/100; 45%), B. clarridgeiae (29/100; 29%) and Bartonella koehlerae (26/100; 26%) were identified by BLAST and phylogenetic analyses. High genetic diversity was detected in B. clarridgeiae with 19 haplotypes, followed by B. henselae (14 haplotypes) and B. koehlerae (8 haplotypes). Conclusions This comprehensive study analyzing a large number of samples collected from stray cats showed that Bartonella species are an important source of infection to humans living in Izmir. In addition, high genetic diversity was detected within each Bartonella species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05431-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Mervenur Güvendi
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Pumla Manyatsi
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Aytül Gül
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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21
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Byers KA, Lee MJ, Hill JE, Fernando C, Speerin L, Donovan CM, Patrick DM, Himsworth CG. Culling of Urban Norway Rats and Carriage of Bartonella spp. Bacteria, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1659-1663. [PMID: 35876624 PMCID: PMC9328906 DOI: 10.3201/eid2808.211164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of culling on Bartonella spp. bacteria carriage among urban rats in Canada. We found that the odds of Bartonella spp. carriage increased across city blocks except those in which culling occurred. Removing rats may have prevented an increase in Bartonella spp. prevalence, potentially lowering human health risks.
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22
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Kidd L, Hamilton H, Stine L, Qurollo B, Breitschwerdt EB. Vector-borne disease and its relationship to hematologic abnormalities and microalbuminuria in retired racing and show-bred greyhounds. Vet Med (Auckl) 2022; 36:1287-1294. [PMID: 35816034 PMCID: PMC9308419 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Reference intervals for platelets and white blood cell (WBCs) counts are lower in greyhounds than other breeds. Proteinuria is common. Vector‐borne diseases (VBD) cause thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and proteinuria. Racing greyhounds are commonly exposed to vectors that carry multiple organisms capable of chronically infecting clinically healthy dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives Vector‐borne disease prevalence is higher in retired racing greyhounds than in show‐bred greyhounds. Occult infection contributes to breed‐related laboratory abnormalities. Animals Thirty National Greyhound Association (NGA) retired racing and 28 American Kennel Club (AKC) show‐bred greyhounds. Methods Peripheral blood was tested for Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia species using PCR. Antibodies to Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species and Borrelia burgdorferi were detected using immunofluorescence and ELISA assays. Complete blood counts, semiquantitative platelet estimates, and microalbuminuria concentration were determined. Results Seven of 30 NGA and 1/28 AKC greyhounds tested positive for ≥1 VBD (P = .05). More positive tests were documented in NGA (10/630) than in AKC dogs (1/588; P = .02). Exposure to Bartonella species (3/30), Babesia vogeli (2/30), Ehrlichia canis (1/30), and infection with Mycoplasma hemocanis (3/30) occurred in NGA dogs. Platelet counts or estimates were >170 000/μL. White blood cell counts <4000/μL (4/28 AKC; 5/30 NGA, P > .99; 1/8 VBD positive; 8/51 VBD negative, P = .99) and microalbuminuria (10/21 AKC; 5/26 NGA, P = .06; 1/8 VBD positive; 14/25 VBD negative, P = .41) were not associated with VBD. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The prevalence of thrombocytopenia and B. vogeli exposure was lower than previously documented. Larger studies investigating the health impact of multiple VBD organisms are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Kidd
- Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, Pomona, California, USA
| | | | - Lisa Stine
- Independent Contractor, Scio, Oregon, USA
| | - Barbara Qurollo
- Vector-Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Vector-Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Prevalence and Risk Factors for Bartonella spp. and Haemoplasma Infections in Cats from Greece. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070337. [PMID: 35878354 PMCID: PMC9315813 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bartonellosis and haemoplasmosis are diseases with global impact on the health of domestic cats and of zoonotic importance. This is the first study investigating the risk factors for Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species infections in cats from Greece. In addition, this study determined the serologic and molecular prevalence of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species infections in different populations of cats living in different regions of Greece. A total of 452 cats were enrolled into the study. Blood was collected from each cat for the serological detection of Bartonella henselae antibodies and the molecular detection of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species infections. Overall, the seroprevalence of B. henselae was 35.4%, while the molecular prevalence of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species was 2.9% and 19%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that cats with partial or exclusive outdoor access and cats with flea infestation are at the greatest risk for B. henselae seropositivity. Furthermore, cats living in warmer regions such as Attica and Crete are at the greatest risk. Lack of ectoparasiticide use was identified as a risk factor for haemoplasma species infection. This suggests that the use of ectoparasiticides in cats may be an effective means of preventing haemoplasma species infection in cats. Abstract Bartonellosis and haemoplasmosis are vector-borne diseases with global impact on the health of domestic cats and of zoonotic importance. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological aspects of various populations of cats infected with Bartonella spp. or haemoplasma species. The populations evaluated included client-owned cats, stray cats and cats that live in breeding catteries in Greece. A total of 452 cats were prospectively enrolled into the study. A commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testkit was used for the detection of Bartonella henselae IgG antibodies in serum. PCRs for the detection of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species DNA in the blood were also performed in a subgroup of 242 of the 452 cats. Risk factors for B. henselae seropositivity and infection with the haemoplasma species were determined using multivariable analysis. Overall, 160 (35.4%) of the 452 cats were seropositive for B. henselae. Seven (2.9%) and 46 (19%) of the 242 cats were PCR-positive for Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species, respectively. The factors associated with B. henselae seropositivity, based on multivariate analysis, included older age, outdoor access, living region and flea infestation. Non-administration of ectoparasiticides was associated with haemoplasma species infection. This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for B. henselae and a relatively high prevalence of infection with haemoplasma species. Therefore, it is necessary to establish optimal strategies for the prevention of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species infections, considering the high-risk groups of cats identified in this study.
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Izenour K, Zohdy S, Kalalah A, Starkey L, Blagburn B, Sundermann C, Salib F. Detection of zoonotic vector-borne pathogens in domestic dogs in Giza, Egypt. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 32:100744. [PMID: 35725107 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The public health implications of zoonotic vector-borne pathogens are numerous because domestic animals, such as dogs, live in close proximity to humans. Blood was collected from 116 domestic dogs in Cairo, Egypt from three different settings at the human-animal interface. The three settings the dogs came from were: privately owned animals seeking care at the Cairo University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Clinic, non-laboratory reared research dogs maintained at the Cairo University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and an urban private animal rescue in Shabramont, Giza, Egypt. Enrolled animals were visually inspected for presence of flea or tick ectoparasites, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks were recovered from 56 enrolled animals and a flea identified as Ctenocephalides felis was recovered from one animal. To test for past and/or current infection with vector-borne pathogens, conventional PCR and IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® Plus were performed on whole blood. Pathogen targets included: Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Dirofilaria spp., and Rickettsia spp. Among dogs sampled across all locations, one dog was positive for Babesia sp. infection and one dog was positive for Anaplasma sp. infection as detected by PCR and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Three additional dogs were positive for infection but had incomplete sequences obtained: two for Ehrlichia sp. and one for Borrelia sp. The SNAP® test results for all sampled dogs included: eight dogs positive for Anaplasma spp., 14 dogs positive for Ehrlichia spp., and five additional dogs positive for both Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. SNAP® test results by sampling location showed that 66% of the dogs at the animal rescue were positive for Anaplasma spp. and/or Ehrlichia spp., 17% of the privately owned dogs at the Faculty of Veterinary medicine were positive for Anaplasma spp. and/or Ehrlichia spp., and none of the research dogs were positive for any of the targets on the SNAP® test. This high proportion of seropositivity in the animals sampled indicates a vector population which is not well controlled and a need for continued owner education and promotion of consistent use of preventive medications and the risk for zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Izenour
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 166 Greene Hall Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America.
| | - Sarah Zohdy
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 166 Greene Hall Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; College of Forestry, Wildlife and Evironment, Auburn University, 600 Duncan Drive, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Anwar Kalalah
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 166 Greene Hall Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Lindsay Starkey
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 166 Greene Hall Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Byron Blagburn
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 166 Greene Hall Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Christine Sundermann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University College of Science and Mathematics, 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Fayez Salib
- Cairo University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Giza Governorate, Cairo, Egypt
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Yu J, Xie B, Bi GY, Zuo HH, Du XY, Bi LF, Li DM, Rao HX. Prevalence and diversity of small rodent-associated Bartonella species in Shangdang Basin, China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010446. [PMID: 35648747 PMCID: PMC9159596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Bartonella infections in small rodents in the Shangdang Basin, China. Small rodents were captured using snap traps, and their liver, spleen, and kidney tissues were harvested for Bartonella detection and identification using a combination of real-time PCR of the ssrA gene (296 bp) and conventional PCR and sequencing of the gltA gene (379 bp). Results showed that 55 of 147 small rodents to be positive for Bartonella, with a positivity rate of 37.41%, and 95% confidence interval of 29.50%- 45.33%. While the positivity rate across genders (42.62% in males and 33.72% in females, χ2 = 1.208, P = 0.272) and tissues (28.57% in liver, 33.59% in spleen, and 36.76% in kidney, χ2 = 2.197, P = 0.333) of small rodents was not statistically different, that in different habitats (5.13% in villages, 84.44% in forests, and 54.17% in farmlands, χ2 = 80.105, P<0.001) was statistically different. There were 42 Bartonella sequences identified in six species, including 30 B. grahamii, three B. phoceensis, two B. japonica, two B. queenslandensis, one B. fuyuanensis and four unknown Bartonella species from Niviventer confucianus, Apodemus agrarius and Tscherskia triton. In addition to habitat, Bartonella species infection could be affected by the rodent species as well. Among the Bartonella species detected in this area, B. grahamii was the dominant epidemic species (accounting for 71.43%). B. grahamii exhibited four distinct clusters, and showed a certain host specificity. In addition, 11 haplotypes of B. grahamii were observed using DNASP 6.12.03, among which nine haplotypes were novel. Overall, high occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella were observed among small rodents in the Shangdang Basin; this information could potentially help the prevention and control of rodent-Bartonella species in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Department of Nursing, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Ge-Yue Bi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Hui-Hui Zuo
- Department of Teaching and Scientific Research, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Xia-Yan Du
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Li-Fang Bi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Dong-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (DML); (HXR)
| | - Hua-Xiang Rao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
- * E-mail: (DML); (HXR)
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Conway KL, Jasuja RM, Hauser NE, Foley JE. Benefits, companion animal zoonotic disease prevalence and public perceptions of pet ownership among people experiencing homelessness in northern California. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:806-815. [PMID: 35603643 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
California has the highest proportion of unhoused individuals in the country, and up to 25% of unhoused individuals own pets, providing substantial benefits but unique challenges including access to housing, transportation and unfounded grounds for social stigmatization. Unhoused individuals and pets may also be at risk for diseases due to impaired access to sanitation facilities. The purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to evaluate differences in perceived benefits, challenges and public perceptions among pet owners of varying housing security and the prevalence of diseases among their pets. Questionnaires were administered to housed and unhoused pet owners and pet blood screened for rickettsiosis, bartonellosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, borreliosis, West Nile fever and heartworm. Among 147 canine and 16 feline blood samples, seropositivity of ectoparasitic diseases did not vary by housing status. Among 45 housed and 56 unhoused owners, unhoused owners were significantly more likely to report protective benefits, challenges obtaining housing, finding a flea on their pet, using bottled water for their pet and their pet sleeping in their bed. Housed owners were significantly more likely to report companionship and entertainment benefits, challenges with pet sitting and consistently administering parasite preventatives. Similar (96-98%) percentages stated they would not give up their pet for better housing and 31% of housed pet owners believed that people should not own pets if they do not have secure housing. Social stigma against unhoused pet owners is present within the community, requiring education to change public perception and guide policy regarding housing for pet owners experiencing homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Lynn Conway
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Raina Marie Jasuja
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Naomi Elisabeth Hauser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Janet Elizabeth Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Zarea AAK, Bezerra-Santos MA, Nguyen VL, Colella V, Dantas-Torres F, Halos L, Beugnet F, Tempesta M, Otranto D, Greco G. Occurrence and bacterial loads of Bartonella and haemotropic Mycoplasma species in privately owned cats and dogs and their fleas from East and Southeast Asia. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:704-720. [PMID: 35545848 PMCID: PMC9544368 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas are pathogens of veterinary and medical interest with ectoparasites mainly involved in their transmission. This study aimed at molecular detection of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas in cats (n = 93) and dogs (n = 96), and their related fleas (n = 189) from countries in East and Southeast Asia. Ctenocephalides felis was the dominant flea species infesting both cats (97.85%) and dogs (75%) followed by Ctenocephalides orientis in dogs (18.75%) and rarely in cats (5.2%). Bartonella spp. DNA was only detected in blood samples of flea‐infested cats (21.51%) (p < .0001, OR = 27.70) with Bartonella henselae more frequently detected than Bartonella clarridgeiae in cat hosts (15.05%, 6.45%) and their associated fleas (17.24%, 13.79%). Out of three Bartonella‐positive fleas from dogs, two Ct. orientis fleas carried Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and Bartonella clarridgeiae, while the 3rd flea (Ct. felis) carried Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii. Felines represented a risk factor for Bartonella spp. infections, where fleas collected from cats (32.25%) presented an increased likelihood for Bartonella spp. occurrence (p < .0001, OR = 14.76) than those from dogs (3.13%). Moreover, when analysing infectious status, higher Bartonella spp. DNA loads were detected in fleas from bacteraemic cats compared to those from non‐bacteraemic ones (p < .05). The haemoplasma occurrence was 16.13% (15/93) and 4.17% (4/96) in cat and dog blood samples from different countries (i.e. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand), with cats more at risk of infection (p < .01, OR = 5.96) than dogs. Unlike Bartonella spp., there was no evidence for flea involvement in the hemoplasmas' transmission cycle, thus supporting the hypothesis of non‐vectorial transmission for these pathogens. In conclusion, client‐owned cats and dogs living in East and Southeast Asia countries are exposed to vector‐borne pathogens with fleas from cats playing a key role in Bartonella spp. transmission, thus posing a high risk of infection for humans sharing the same environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Attia Koraney Zarea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Lenaig Halos
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Lyon, France.,Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Maria Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Grazia Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Fitte B, Kosoy M. Presence of Leptospira spp. and absence of Bartonella spp. in urban rodents of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Pathog Glob Health 2022; 116:185-192. [PMID: 34338622 PMCID: PMC9090354 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1959793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Big cities of Argentina are characterized by a strong social and economic fragmentation. This context enables the presence of urban rodents in close contact to the human population, mostly in the peripheral areas of the cities. Urban rodents can harbor a large variety of zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize Leptospira spp. and Bartonella spp. in urban rodents from the area of Gran La Plata, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The species of urban rodents captured and tested were Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, and Mus musculus. Leptospira interrogans and L. borgpetersenii were detected in R. norvegicus and M. musculus respectively. Bartonella spp. DNA was not detected in any of the kidney samples tested. No significant differences were observed between the prevalence of bacteria and rodent and environmental variables such as host sex, presence of stream and season by Generalized Linear Model analysis. These results confirm the role of urban rodents as infection sources of Leptospira spp., suggesting the need to implement public health measures to prevent the transmission of Leptospira spp. and other zoonotic pathogens from rodents to humans. Bartonella was not detected in this set of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fitte
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, CEPAVE (CCT La Plata CONICET UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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29
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Liu H, Han T, Liu W, Xu G, Zheng K, Xiao F. Epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in rodents from southeastern China. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:224-234. [PMID: 35040279 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Rodents are the primary hosts of Bartonella species and carry more than 22 Bartonella species. However, the information on epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in rodents in southeastern China is limited. From 2015 to 2020, 1,137 rodents were captured. Bartonella-positive DNA was detected in 14.9% (169/1,137) of rodents by PCR for both the ssrA and gltA genes. A highest Bartonella prevalence was detected in Apodemus agrarius (33.5%) and lowest in B. indica (1.8%). The probability of Bartonella infection in summer (20.1%) was higher than in spring (14.6%; p = .011, OR = 1.756). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that nine known Bartonella species were identified in rodents, including B. tribocorum, B. grahamii, B. rattimassiliensis, B. queenslandensis, B. elizabethae, B. phoceensis, B. coopersplainsensis, B. japonica and B. rochalimae. In our study, Bartonella species exhibited a strong association with their hosts. Zoonotic B. tribocorum, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae and B. rochalimae were found in synanthropic rodent species in southeastern China, which pose a potential threat to the public health. To prevent the spread of zoonotic Bartonella species to humans, preventive and control measures should be implemented, and more research is needed to confirm the pathogen's association with human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Tengwei Han
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Guoying Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kuicheng Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Fangzhen Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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30
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Nivy R, Lavi-Ginzberg Y, de Sousa KCM, Golani Y, Kuzi S, Nachum-Biala Y, Harrus S. Treatment of a cat with presumed Bartonella henselae-associated immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, fever, and lymphadenitis. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:1106-1112. [PMID: 35385154 PMCID: PMC9151487 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16415] [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: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A 2.5‐year‐old castrated male cat presented with fever and marked generalized lymphadenopathy of 4‐months duration, despite treatment with amoxicillin‐clavulanate/marbofloxacin. Abnormalities were not detected on complete blood count, serum chemistry, and FIV/FeLV test apart from a borderline, non‐regenerative anemia. Peripheral lymph node fine needle aspirations revealed a marked increase in the percentage of intermediate‐ and lymphoblastic‐lymphocytes in addition to reactive macrophages. Three weeks after presentation, the cat developed a severe, regenerative, immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) which responded to immunosuppressive therapy. Fever and lymphadenopathy persisted. Peripheral lymph nodes tested positive for Bartonella henselae DNA in real‐time PCR assay and sequencing. Treatment with pradofloxacin and doxycycline resulted in resolution of clinical signs, and negative PCR tests. Despite its reported low pathogenicity, B. henselae infection should also be considered in cats with protracted unexplained fever, lymphadenitis, and IMHA. Furthermore, a combination of pradofloxacin and doxycycline might be considered in cats with bartonellosis given its apparent clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Nivy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Ben-Shemen Specialist Referral Center, Ben-Shemen Youth Village, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Sharon Kuzi
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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31
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Huang HHH, Power RI, Mathews KO, Ma GC, Bosward KL, Šlapeta J. Cat fleas ( Ctenocephalides felis clade 'Sydney') are dominant fleas on dogs and cats in New South Wales, Australia: Presence of flea-borne Rickettsia felis, Bartonella spp. but absence of Coxiella burnetii DNA. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 1:100045. [PMID: 35284882 PMCID: PMC8906117 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the most common flea species parasitising both domestic cats and dogs globally. Fleas are known vectors of zoonotic pathogens such as vector-borne Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. and could theoretically transmit Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. A total of 107 fleas were collected from 21 cats and 14 dogs in veterinary clinics, a feline rescue organisation and a grooming salon in New South Wales, Australia, to undergo PCR detection of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp. and C. burnetii DNA. Morphological identification confirmed that the cat flea (C. felis) is the most common flea in New South Wales, Australia, with only a single stick fast flea, Echidnophaga gallinacea recorded. The examined fleas (n = 35) at the cox1 locus revealed five closely related C. felis haplotypes (inter-haplotype distance < 0.5%). Multiplex TaqMan qPCR targeting the gltA (Rickettsia spp.) and ssrA (Bartonella spp.) genes was positive in 22.9% (95% CI: 11.8–39.3%) and 11.4% (95% CI: 3.9–26.6%) of samples, respectively. None of the DNA isolated from fleas was positive on TaqMan qPCRs targeting the C. burnetii IS1111, Com1 and htpAB genes. Co-infection of C. felis with Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae was demonstrated using gltA and ssrA Illumina next-generation amplicon sequencing. These findings reinforce the importance of flea control on domestic dogs and cats to effectively control the transmission of Rickettsia felis and Bartonella spp. The flea, however, is unlikely to be a vector of C. burnetii between companion animals and humans. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the flea species on cats and dogs in New South Wales Australia. Absence of Coxiella burnetii DNA in flea extract, but presence of Rickettsia felis. Detection of Bartonella DNA using gltA and ssrA Illumina next-generation amplicon sequencing.
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Łysakowska ME, Szybka M, Olga B, Moskwa S, Konieczka M, Makowska J, Pastuszak-Lewandoska D. Cytokine and LL-37 gene expression levels in Bartonella spp. seropositive and seronegative patients of a rheumatology clinic. Adv Med Sci 2022; 67:163-169. [PMID: 35279619 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The variation in the immune response to Bartonella spp. infection in humans remains unclear. The present study compares the expression of selected interleukins, cytokines and cathelicidin (LL-37) in rheumatology clinic patients suffering from musculoskeletal symptoms with healthy blood donors. The patients had previously been tested for the presence of Bartonella henselae antibodies. METHODS Gene expression of LL-37, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, interferon-(IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)-α was determined in blood samples using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Statistical analysis was prepared with STATISTICA. RESULTS Statistically significant differences in the mRNA levels of the tested cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12; p<0.0001) were observed between the healthy controls and patients; however, no difference was observed for LL37 mRNA (p = 0.1974). No significant differences in mRNA expression were observed between IgG in anti-Bartonella seropositive and seronegative individuals (p>0.05). The only significant differences between the Bartonella spp. DNA positive and negative patients, indicated by PCR, were observed for TNF-α and IL-12 mRNA (p = 0.0045 and p = 0.0255, respectively). CONCLUSION A broadly similar immune response to the tested cytokines was observed among the participants irrespective of anti-Bartonella spp. IgG seropositivity. However, the Bartonella DNA-positive participants demonstrated significantly lower expression of IL-12 and TNF-α mRNA; this may indicate that these bacteria have a suppressive influence on the immune system.
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33
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Yu J, Zhang XY, Chen YX, Cheng HB, Li DM, Rao HX. Molecular detection and genetic characterization of small rodents associated Bartonella species in Zhongtiao Mountain, China. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264591. [PMID: 35226692 PMCID: PMC8884503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and molecular characteristics of Bartonella infections in small rodents in the Zhongtiao Mountain, China have been explored. In this study, the liver, spleen and kidney tissues of captured rodents were used for Bartonella spp. detection and identification by combination of real-time PCR of transfer-mRNA (ssrA) gene and traditional PCR and sequencing of citrate synthase (gltA) gene. It was shown that 49.52% of the rodents (52/105) were positive for Bartonella spp.. The infection rate in different gender (χ2 = 0.079, P = 0.778) and tissues (χ2 = 0.233, P = 0.890) of small rodents did not have statistical difference, but that in different small rodents (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.001) and habitats (χ2 = 5.483, P = 0.019) had statistical difference. And, the sequencing data suggests that Bartonella sequences (n = 31) were identified into three species, including 14 of B. grahamii, 3 of B. queenslandensis and 14 of unknown Bartonella species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that B. grahamii sequences were clustered with the isolates from South Korea and China, and B. queenslandensis sequences were mainly closely related to the isolates from China and Thailand. The genetic diversity analysis showed that B. grahamii and B. queenslandensis sequences exhibited noticeable intraspecies diversity. Taken together our data demonstrates the high prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella infections in small rodents in the Zhongtiao Mountain, especially a potential novel Bartonella specie was detected, which could benefit the prevention and control of rodent-Bartonella species in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiong-Ying Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, China
| | - Yun-Xia Chen
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, China
| | - Hong-Bing Cheng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, China
| | - Dong-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hua-Xiang Rao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, China
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34
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Evaluation of ssrA-targeted real time PCR for the detection of Bartonella species in human clinical samples and reflex sequencing for species-level identification. Pathology 2022; 54:449-452. [PMID: 35125201 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The genus Bartonella includes species capable of causing disease in animals and humans. Due to its fastidious nature, direct detection of Bartonella causing human infection relies largely on molecular microbiological methods. Thus, it is imperative that diagnostic assays in use have the ability to detect a range of Bartonella species associated with human disease. In this study, we compared the performance of a real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the ssrA gene to conventional rpoB-targeted PCR and sequencing for detection and differentiation of Bartonella species in human clinical samples. The real time ssrA PCR performed better for non-Bartonella henselae species, detecting B. clarridgeiae and B. quintana DNA in heart valve specimens that were not detected by rpoB PCR, and improved the sensitivity of B. henselae detection in blood specimens. Our findings suggest the real time ssrA PCR assay is suitable for detection and identification of Bartonella species in human clinical specimens.
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35
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Lu X, Peng Y, Geng Y, Zhao H, Shen X, Li D, Li Z, Lu L, Fan M, Xu W, Wang J, Xia L, Zhang Z, Kan B. Co-Localization of Sampling and Sequencing for Zoonotic Pathogen Identification in the Field Monitoring Using Mobile Laboratories. China CDC Wkly 2022; 4:259-263. [PMID: 35433082 PMCID: PMC9005490 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2022.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methods Results Discussion
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hongqun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaona Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Mengguang Fan
- General Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Huhhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wenbin Xu
- Siziwang Banner Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Siziwang Banner Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lianxu Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Biao Kan,
| | - Zhongbing Zhang
- General Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Huhhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
- Lianxu Xia,
| | - Biao Kan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China; National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
- Zhongbing Zhang,
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PARASITES OF AN ENDANGERED HARVEST MOUSE (REITHRODONTOMYS RAVIVENTRIS HALICOETES) IN A NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MARSH. J Wildl Dis 2021; 58:122-136. [PMID: 34814173 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Disease may limit recovery of endangered species. We surveyed parasites in the federally endangered salt marsh harvest mouse (SMHM; Reithrodontomys raviventris halicoetes) and sympatric rodents in Suisun Marsh (Solano County, California, USA) from April 2018 through March 2019. We investigated individual SMHM risk factors (age, sex, reproductive status, and body condition) for infection and relationships among the estimated parasite prevalence and season and habitat management (natural tidal habitats versus diked, nontidal habitats). We captured 625 individual rodents, including 439 SMHM, and tested these for infection with Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Francisella tularensis, Leptospira spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Toxoplasma gondii by PCR. Over one-third (34.6%, confidence interval [CI], 30.2%-39.3%) of SMHM tested positive for at least one parasite. Four percent (CI, 2.8%-6.3%) of SMHM were infected with F. tularensis holarctica, a virulent bacterium that causes mortality in rodents shortly after infection. Additionally, we detected three species of Bartonella (B. henselae, B. rochalimae, B. vinsonii arupensis), Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Ballum, Cryptosporidium sp. (deer mouse [Peromyscus maniculatus] genotype), Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia intestinalis, and an unidentified Borrelia sp. The only parasite that was associated with habitat management was Bartonella spp., which was more prevalent in diked than tidal areas. Male SMHM were more likely to be parasitized than females, and individuals in modestly poor body condition were most likely to be infected with Bartonella spp. The estimated sample prevalence of multiple parasites varied by season and by host species. This is the first major parasite assessment in a long-endangered species, and these results will assist managers to incorporate parasitic disease into recovery planning and provide a critical baseline for future investigations, including how climatically induced habitat and species composition changes could alter disease dynamics.
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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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38
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Power RI, Calvani NED, Nachum-Biala Y, Salant H, Harrus S, Šlapeta J. Adaptation of gltA and ssrA assays for diversity profiling by Illumina sequencing to identify Bartonella henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. koehlerae. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70. [PMID: 34296984 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Bartonellosis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella. Mixed Bartonella infections are a well-documented phenomenon in mammals and their ectoparasites. The accurate identification of Bartonella species in single and mixed infections is valuable, as different Bartonella species have varying impacts on infected hosts.Gap Statement. Current diagnostic methods are inadequate at identifying the Bartonella species present in mixed infections.Aim. The aim of this study was to adopt a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach using Illumina sequencing technology to identify Bartonella species and demonstrate that this approach can resolve mixed Bartonella infections.Methodology. We used Illumina PCR amplicon NGS to target the ssrA and gltA genes of Bartonella in fleas collected from cats, dogs and a hedgehog in Israel. We included artificially mixed Bartonella samples to demonstrate the ability for NGS to resolve mixed infections and we compared NGS to traditional Sanger sequencing.Results. In total, we identified 74 Ctenocephalides felis, two Ctenocephalides canis, two Pulex irritans and three Archaeopsylla e. erinacei fleas. Real-time PCR of a subset of 48 fleas revealed that twelve were positive for Bartonella, all of which were cat fleas. Sanger sequencing of the ssrA and gltA genes confirmed the presence of Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella koehlerae. Illumina NGS of ssrA and gltA amplicons further confirmed the Bartonella species identity in all 12 flea samples and unambiguously resolved the artificially mixed Bartonella samples.Conclusion. The adaptation and multiplexing of existing PCR assays for diversity profiling via NGS is a feasible approach that is superior to traditional Sanger sequencing for Bartonella speciation and resolving mixed Bartonella infections. The adaptation of other PCR primers for Illumina NGS will be useful in future studies where mixed bacterial infections may be present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemonde Isabella Power
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | | | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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Lashnits E, Neupane P, Bradley JM, Richardson T, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Comparison of Serological and Molecular Assays for Bartonella Species in Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070794. [PMID: 34201572 PMCID: PMC8308881 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, a gold standard diagnostic test for Bartonella infection in dogs is lacking. This represents a critical limitation for the development and evaluation of new diagnostic tests, as well as for the diagnosis of, and research on, bartonellosis in dogs. This retrospective observational study aims to compare the results of commonly performed and newly-reported Bartonella spp. diagnostic tests in banked clinical specimens from 90 dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) using composite reference standard (CRS) and random effects latent class analysis (RE-LCA) techniques. Samples from each dog were tested using six serological or molecular diagnostic assays, including indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and Western blot (WB) for the detection of antibodies in serum, and qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in blood and fresh frozen tissue biopsy samples (mainly splenic HSA tumors and histopathologically normal spleen or skin/adipose tissue). Bartonella infection prevalence was estimated to be 78% based on the CRS (parallel testing with all six assays), and 64% based on the RE-LCA model. The assay with the highest diagnostic accuracy was qPCR performed on fresh frozen tissue biopsy samples (sensitivity: 94% by RE-LCA and 80% by CRS; specificity: 100%). When comparing newly-reported to traditional Bartonella diagnostic assays, ddPCR was more sensitive for the detection of Bartonella DNA than qPCR when testing blood samples (36% vs. 0%, p < 0.0001). Dogs that were positive on serological assays alone with negative molecular assays were highly unlikely (<3%) to be classified as infected by the RE-LCA model. These data indicate that Bartonella spp. DNA can be PCR amplified from fresh frozen tissues from a majority of dogs with HSA using both qPCR and ddPCR, supporting the use of these methods for future controlled studies comparing the prevalence of Bartonella spp. DNA in the tissue of dogs with HSA to that of unaffected controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53713, USA;
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Julie M. Bradley
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Toni Richardson
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; (P.N.); (J.M.B.); (T.R.); (R.G.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
- Correspondence:
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Sato S, Brinkerhoff RJ, Hollis E, Funada S, Shannon AB, Maruyama S. Detection of Zoonotic Bartonella Pathogens in Rabbit Fleas, Colorado, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:778-781. [PMID: 32186497 PMCID: PMC7101129 DOI: 10.3201/eid2604.191161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected 3 Bartonella species in wild rabbit fleas from Colorado, USA: B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (n = 16), B. alsatica (n = 5), and B. rochalimae (n = 1). Our results support the establishment of the zoonotic agent B. alsatica in North America.
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Huggins LG, Colella V, Koehler AV, Schunack B, Traub RJ. A multipronged next-generation sequencing metabarcoding approach unearths hyperdiverse and abundant dog pathogen communities in Cambodia. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1933-1950. [PMID: 34096687 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent surveys in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, have identified canine vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), including those with zoonotic potential, as highly prevalent. The lack of veterinary care alongside the close association semidomesticated dogs have with humans in the region exacerbates these zoonotic risks. Nonetheless, the number of studies investigating such pathogens and the threats they pose to dog and human health is limited. Here, we utilize a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based metabarcoding protocol to conduct an assumption-free characterization of the bacterial, apicomplexan, and kinetoplastid blood-borne pathogens of free-roaming dogs from across Cambodia. From 467 dogs at five field sites, 62% were infected with one of eight confirmed pathogens, comprising Anaplasma platys (32%), Ehrlichia canis (20%), Hepatozoon canis (18%), Babesia vogeli (14%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (13%), the zoonotic pathogen Bartonella clarridgeiae (3%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (0.2%), and Trypanosoma evansi (0.2%). Coinfections of between two and four VBPs were common with 28% of dogs found to have a mixed infection. Moreover, DNA from putatively infectious agents belonging to the bacterial family and genera Coxiella, Mycobacterium, Neisseria, Rickettsiaceae, Treponema, and two uncharacterized Mycoplasma species were identified, in addition to protozoan genera Colpodella, Parabodo, and Bodo. Using a multiple logistic regression model, the presence of ectoparasites, abnormal mucous membranes, anemia, and total protein were found as predictors of canine VBP exposure. This study represents the first time an NGS metabarcoding technique has been used to holistically detect the bacterial and protozoan hemoparasites communities of dogs through an in-depth survey, highlighting the power of such methods to unearth a wide spectrum of pathogenic organisms in an unbiased manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Tufa TB, Wölfel S, Zubriková D, Víchová B, Andersson M, Rieß R, Rutaihwa L, Fuchs A, Orth HM, Häussinger D, Feldt T, Poppert S, Dobler G, Bakkes DK, Chitimia-Dobler L. Tick species from cattle in the Adama Region of Ethiopia and pathogens detected. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 84:459-471. [PMID: 33909190 PMCID: PMC8190025 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00623-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ticks will diminish productivity among farm animals and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a study to identify tick species infesting slaughter bulls from Adama City and to screen them for tick-borne pathogens. In 2016, 291 ticks were collected from 37 bulls in Adama, which were ready for slaughter. Ticks were identified morphologically. Total genomic DNA was extracted from ticks and used to test for Rickettsia spp. with real-time PCR. Species identification was done by phylogenetic analysis using sequencing that targeted the 23S-5S intergenic spacer region and ompA genes. Four tick species from two genera, Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus, were identified. Amblyomma cohaerens was the dominant species (n = 241, 82.8%), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (n = 22, 7.5%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (n = 19, 6.5%), and Rhipicephalus decoloratus (n = 9, 3.0%). Among all ticks, 32 (11%) were positive for Rickettsia spp. and 15 (5.2%) of these were identified as R. africae comprising at least two genetic clades, occurring in A. variegatum (n = 10) and A. cohaerens (n = 5). The remainder of Rickettsia-positive samples could not be amplified due to low DNA yield. Furthermore, another 15 (5.2%) samples carried other pathogenic bacteria: Ehrlichia ruminantium (n = 9; 3.1%) in A. cohaerens, Ehrlichia sp. (n = 3; 1%) in Rh. pulchellus and A. cohaerens, Anaplasma sp. (n = 1; 0.5%) in A. cohaerens, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (n = 2; 0.7%) in A. cohaerens. All ticks were negative for Bartonella spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Hepatozoon spp. We reported for the first time E. ruminatium, N. mikurensis, Ehrlichia sp., and Anaplasma sp. in A. cohaerens. Medically and veterinarily important pathogens were mostly detected from A. variegatum and A. cohaerens. These data are relevant for a One-health approach for monitoring and prevention of tick-borne disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafese Beyene Tufa
- College of Health Science, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia.
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Silke Wölfel
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
- Amedes MVZ for Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Dana Zubriková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice, Slovakia
| | | | | | - Ramona Rieß
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | | | - André Fuchs
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans Martin Orth
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Häussinger
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven Poppert
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Hedgehogs and Squirrels as Hosts of Zoonotic Bartonella Species. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060686. [PMID: 34205901 PMCID: PMC8229113 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060686] [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: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living animals frequently play a key role in the circulation of various zoonotic vector-borne pathogens. Bacteria of the genus Bartonella are transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods and infect a large range of mammals. Although only several species have been identified as causative agents of human disease, it has been proposed that any Bartonella species found in animals may be capable of infecting humans. Within a wide-ranging survey in various geographical regions of the Czech Republic, cadavers of accidentally killed synurbic mammalian species, namely Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), were sampled and tested for Bartonella presence using multiple PCR reaction approach targeting several DNA loci. We demonstrate that cadavers constitute an available and highly useful source of biological material for pathogen screening. High infection rates of Bartonella spp., ranging from 24% to 76%, were confirmed for all three tested mammalian species, and spleen, ear, lung and liver tissues were demonstrated as the most suitable for Bartonella DNA detection. The wide spectrum of Bartonella spp. that were identified includes three species with previously validated zoonotic potential, B. grahamii, B. melophagi and B. washoensis, accompanied by ‘Candidatus B. rudakovii’ and two putative novel species, Bartonella sp. ERIN and Bartonella sp. SCIER.
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Köseoğlu AE, Can H, Güvendi M, Erkunt Alak S, Kandemir Ç, Taşkın T, Demir S, Akgül G, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Karakavuk M, Döşkaya M, Gürüz AY, Ün C. Molecular investigation of bacterial and protozoal pathogens in ticks collected from different hosts in Turkey. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:270. [PMID: 34016174 PMCID: PMC8138928 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04779-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The emergence of tick-borne disease is increasing because of the effects of the temperature rise driven by global warming. In Turkey, 19 pathogens transmitted by ticks to humans and animals have been reported. Based on this, this study aimed to investigate tick-borne pathogens including Hepatozoon spp., Theileria spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., and Bartonella spp. in tick samples (n = 110) collected from different hosts (dogs, cats, cattle, goats, sheep, and turtles) by molecular methods. Methods To meet this objective, ticks were identified morphologically at the genus level by microscopy; after DNA isolation, each tick sample was identified at the species level using the molecular method. Involved pathogens were then investigated by PCR method. Results Seven different tick species were identified including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. turanicus, R. bursa, Hyalomma marginatum, H. anatolicum, H. aegyptium, and Haemaphysalis erinacei. Among the analyzed ticks, Hepatozoon spp., Theileria spp., Babesia spp., and Anaplasma spp. were detected at rates of 6.36%, 16.3%, 1.81%, and 6.36%, respectively while Borrelia spp. and Bartonella spp. were not detected. Hepatozoon spp. was detected in R. sanguineus ticks while Theileria spp., Babesia spp., and Anaplasma spp. were detected in R. turanicus and H. marginatum. According to the results of sequence analyses applied for pathogen positive samples, Hepatozoon canis, Theileria ovis, Babesia caballi, and Anaplasma ovis were identified. Conclusion Theileria ovis and Anaplasma ovis were detected for the first time to our knowledge in H. marginatum and R. turanicus collected from Turkey, respectively. Also, B. caballi was detected for the first time to our knowledge in ticks in Turkey. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Mervenur Güvendi
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Çağrı Kandemir
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Turğay Taşkın
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Samiye Demir
- Zoology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gülşah Akgül
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey
| | | | | | - Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Evaluating Transmission Paths for Three Different Bartonella spp. in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Using Artificial Feeding. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050901. [PMID: 33922378 PMCID: PMC8146832 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellae are facultative intracellular alpha-proteobacteria often transmitted by arthropods. Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector for arthropod-borne pathogens in Europe. However, its vector competence for Bartonella spp. is still unclear. This study aimed to experimentally compare its vector competence for three Bartonella species: B. henselae, B. grahamii, and B. schoenbuchensis. A total of 1333 ticks (1021 nymphs and 312 adults) were separated into four groups, one for each pathogen and a negative control group. Ticks were fed artificially with bovine blood spiked with the respective Bartonella species. DNA was extracted from selected ticks to verify Bartonella-infection by PCR. DNA of Bartonella spp. was detected in 34% of nymphs and females after feeding. The best engorgement results were obtained by ticks fed with B. henselae-spiked blood (65.3%) and B. schoenbuchensis (61.6%). Significantly more nymphs fed on infected blood (37.3%) molted into adults compared to the control group (11.4%). Bartonella DNA was found in 22% of eggs laid by previously infected females and in 8.6% of adults molted from infected nymphs. The transovarial and transstadial transmission of bartonellae suggest that I. ricinus could be a potential vector for three bacteria.
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Greco G, Zarea AAK, Sgroi G, Tempesta M, D'Alessio N, Lanave G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Iatta R, Veneziano V, Otranto D, Chomel B. Zoonotic Bartonella species in Eurasian wolves and other free-ranging wild mammals from Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:316-326. [PMID: 33779044 PMCID: PMC8251765 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bartonellae are emerging vector-borne pathogens infecting humans, domestic mammals and wildlife. Ninety-seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 8 European badgers (Meles meles), 6 Eurasian wolves (Canis lupus), 6 European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), 3 beech martens (Martes foina) and 2 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Italian Nature Conservatory Parks were investigated for Bartonella infection. Several Bartonella species (9.84%; 95% CI: 4.55-15.12), including zoonotic ones, were molecularly detected among wolves (83.3%; 95% CI: 51-100.00), foxes (4.12%; 95% CI: 0.17-8.08), hedgehogs (33.33%; 95% CI: 0.00-71.05) and a roe deer. Bartonella rochalimae was the most common Bartonella species (i.e. in 4 foxes and 2 wolves) detected. Candidatus B. merieuxii and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii were identified for the first time in wolves. Furthermore, Bartonella schoenbuchensis was identified in a roe deer and a new clone with phylogenetic proximity to B. clarridgeiae was detected in European hedgehogs. Zoonotic and other Bartonella species were significantly more frequent in Eurasian wolves (p < .0001), than in other free-ranging wild mammals, representing a potential reservoir for infection in humans and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Greco
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Aya Attia Koraney Zarea
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Tempesta
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Iatta
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Bruno Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Aleksandravičienė A, Paulauskas A, Stanko M, Fričová J, Radzijevskaja J. New Records of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in Lice Collected from Small Rodents. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:342-350. [PMID: 33728990 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lice are blood-sucking insects that are of medical and veterinary significance as parasites and vectors for various infectious agents. More than half of described blood-sucking lice species are found on rodents. Rodents are important hosts of several Bartonella and Rickettsia species, and some of these bacteria are characterized as human pathogens in Europe. Rodent ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks, are important vectors of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp., but knowledge about the presence of these bacteria in lice is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Bartonella and Rickettsia bacteria in lice collected from rodents in Slovakia. The ectoparasites were collected from small rodents captured from 2010 to 2015 at four different sites in eastern Slovakia. The presence of Bartonella and Rickettsia species in lice samples was screened by real-time PCR, targeting ssrA and gltA genes, respectively. The molecular characterization of the Bartonella strains was based on sequence analysis of partial rpoB and intergenic spacer (ITS) genes, and of the Rickettsia species on sequence analysis of the gltA gene. A total of 1074 lice of seven species were collected from six rodent species. Bartonella DNA was detected in Hoplopleura affinis (collected from Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, and Myodes glareolus), Polyplax serrata (from A. agrarius), and Hoplopleura sp. (from A. flavicollis). Sequence analysis revealed that the Bartonella strains belonged to the Bartonella coopersplainsensis, Bartonella tribocorum, and Bartonella taylorii genogroups. Rickettsia DNA was detected in H. affinis and P. serrata collected from A. agrarius. Sequence analysis revealed two Rickettsia species: Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia sp. The results of the study confirm the presence of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in lice collected from rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michal Stanko
- Department of Vector-Borne Diseases, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Fričová
- Department of Vector-Borne Diseases, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
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Otiang E, Chen D, Jiang J, Maina AN, Farris CM, Luce-Fedrow A, Richards AL. Pathogen Carriage by Peri-Domestic Fleas in Western Kenya. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:256-263. [PMID: 33481673 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fleas are carriers for many largely understudied zoonotic, endemic, emerging, and re-emerging infectious disease agents, but little is known about their prevalence and role as a vector in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of fleas and the prevalence of infectious agents in them collected from human dwellings in western Kenya. A total of 306 fleas were collected using light traps from 33 human dwellings; 170 (55.56%) were identified as Ctenocephalides spp., 121 (39.54%) as Echidnophaga gallinacea, 13 (4.25%) as Pulex irritans, and 2 (0.65%) as Xenopsylla cheopis. Of the 306 individual fleas tested, 168 (54.9%) tested positive for rickettsial DNA by a genus-specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay based on the 17-kDa antigen gene. Species-specific qPCR assays and sequencing revealed presence of Rickettsia asembonensis in 166 (54.2%) and Rickettsia felis in 2 (0.7%) fleas. Borrelia burgdorferi, normally known to be carried by ticks, was detected in four (1.3%) flea DNA preparations. We found no evidence of Yersinia pestis, Bartonella spp., or Orientia spp. Not only were Ctenocephalides spp. the most predominant flea species in the human dwellings, but also almost all of them were harboring R. asembonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elkanah Otiang
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Daniel Chen
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Ju Jiang
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Alice N Maina
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina M Farris
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Alison Luce-Fedrow
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Department of Biology, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allen L Richards
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Alanazi AD, Alouffi AS, Alyousif MS, Alshahrani MY, Abdullah HHAM, Abdel-Shafy S, Calvani NED, Ansari-Lari M, Sazmand A, Otranto D. Molecular Survey of Vector-Borne Pathogens of Dogs and Cats in Two Regions of Saudi Arabia. Pathogens 2020; 10:25. [PMID: 33396491 PMCID: PMC7823254 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats play an important role as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens, yet reports of canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Blood samples were collected from 188 free-roaming dogs and cats in Asir (70 dogs and 44 cats) and Riyadh (74 dogs), Saudi Arabia. The presence of Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp. was detected using a multiplex tandem real-time PCR. PCR-positive samples were further examined with specific conventional and real-time PCR followed by sequencing. Dogs from Riyadh tested negative for all pathogens, while 46 out of 70 dogs (65.7%) and 17 out of 44 cats (38.6%) from Asir were positive for at least one pathogen. Positive dogs were infected with Anaplasma platys (57.1%), Babesia vogeli (30%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (15.7%), and Bartonella henselae (1.4%), and cats were infected with Mycoplasma haemofelis (13.6%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (13.6%), B. henselae (9.2%), and A. platys (2.27%), all of which are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Co-infection with A. platys and B. vogeli was detected in 17 dogs (24.28%), while coinfections were not detected in cats. These results suggest that effective control and public awareness strategies for minimizing infection in animals are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah D. Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi 11911, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohamed S. Alyousif
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Y. Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 61413, Abha 9088, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hend H. A. M. Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (H.H.A.M.A.); (S.A.-S.)
| | - Sobhy Abdel-Shafy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (H.H.A.M.A.); (S.A.-S.)
| | - Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Maryam Ansari-Lari
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz 7144169155, Iran;
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517658978, Iran;
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd 8915173160, Iran
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517658978, Iran;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy
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Goodrich I, McKee C, Kosoy M. Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) diversity in rodents and lagomorphs of New Mexico with a focus on epizootological aspects of infection in Southern Plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244803. [PMID: 33382847 PMCID: PMC7775056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma infect a broad diversity of vertebrates and several species cause significant illness in humans. However, understanding of the phylogenetic diversity, host associations, and infection dynamics of Trypanosoma species in naturally infected animals is incomplete. This study investigated the presence of Trypanosoma spp. in wild rodents and lagomorphs in northern New Mexico, United States, as well as phylogenetic relationships among these parasites. A total of 458 samples from 13 rodent and one lagomorph species collected between November 2002 and July 2004 were tested by nested PCR targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA). Trypanosoma DNA was detected in 25.1% of all samples, with the highest rates of 50% in Sylvilagus audubonii, 33.1% in Neotoma micropus, and 32% in Peromyscus leucopus. Phylogenetic analysis of Trypanosoma sequences revealed five haplotypes within the subgenus Herpetosoma (T. lewisi clade). Focused analysis on the large number of samples from N. micropus showed that Trypanosoma infection varied by age class and that the same Trypanosoma haplotype could be detected in recaptured individuals over multiple months. This is the first report of Trypanosoma infections in Dipodomys ordii and Otospermophilus variegatus, and the first detection of a haplotype phylogenetically related to T. nabiasi in North America in S. audubonii. This study lends important new insight into the diversity of Trypanosoma species, their geographic ranges and host associations, and the dynamics of infection in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Goodrich
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Clifton McKee
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michael Kosoy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
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