Frequencies of Blood Group Systems MNS, Diego, and Duffy and Clinical Phases of Carrion's Disease in Amazonas, Peru

Molecular identification of Bartonella bacilliformis in ticks collected from two species of wild mammals in Madre de Dios: Peru

Objective

To study the presence of Bartonella bacilliformis in ticks collected from two wild mammals in Madre de Dios, Peru.

Results

A total of 110 ticks were collected. Among the 43 Amblyomma spp. extracted from the 3 Tapirus terrestris only 3 were positive for B. bacilliformis. In addition, 12 out of the 67 Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus obtained from the 3 Pecari tajacu were positive for B. bacilliformis. For the first time B. bacilliformis have been detected in arthropods other than Lutzomyia spp. Further studies are required to elucidate the possible role of ticks in the spread of South American Bartonellosis.

Blood Groups in Infection and Host Susceptibility

Blood group antigens represent polymorphic traits inherited among individuals and populations. At present, there are 34 recognized human blood groups and hundreds of individual blood group antigens and alleles. Differences in blood group antigen expression can increase or decrease host susceptibility to many infections. Blood groups can play a direct role in infection by serving as receptors and/or coreceptors for microorganisms, parasites, and viruses. In addition, many blood group antigens facilitate intracellular uptake, signal transduction, or adhesion through the organization of membrane microdomains. Several blood groups can modify the innate immune response to infection. Several distinct phenotypes associated with increased host resistance to malaria are overrepresented in populations living in areas where malaria is endemic, as a result of evolutionary pressures. Microorganisms can also stimulate antibodies against blood group antigens, including ABO, T, and Kell. Finally, there is a symbiotic relationship between blood group expression and maturation of the gastrointestinal microbiome.