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Hoang MTT, Ngo VP, Stenos J, Ng-Nguyen D. The presence of Rickettsia felis in communities in the central highlands of Vietnam. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107034. [PMID: 37793492 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107034] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an emerging flea-borne spotted fever pathogen that causes febrile illness in humans. In Vietnam, R. felis was detected in hospitalized patients, but there is no information on its presence in the Vietnamese community. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the presence of R. felis in humans of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. A total of 158 blood and 213 serum samples were subjected to PCR and IFAT, respectively, to detect the presence of R. felis DNA and antibodies against R. felis. PCR assays detected R. felis DNA in four out of 158 blood samples, accounting for a prevalence of 2.53 % (95 % CI: 0.81 %-6.76 %). Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of R. felis and R. felis genotype RF2125 in the communities in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The result of IFAT identified seven out of 213 serum samples (3.29 %, 95 % CI: 1.45 %-6.93 %) positive for antibodies against R. felis. This study was the first to demonstrate the presence of active R. felis infections in the communities in the Central Highlands of Vietnam utilizing both molecular and serological methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Trang Thi Hoang
- Faculty of Medicine, Buon Ma Thuot Medical University, 298 Ha Huy Tap St., Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam
| | - Van-Phuong Ngo
- Faculty of Medicine, Buon Ma Thuot Medical University, 298 Ha Huy Tap St., Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Dinh Ng-Nguyen
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Tay Nguyen University, 567 Le Duan St., Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam.
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Huggins LG, Koehler AV, Gasser RB, Traub RJ. Advanced approaches for the diagnosis and chemoprevention of canine vector-borne pathogens and parasites-Implications for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 120:1-85. [PMID: 36948727 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) of canines are a diverse range of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and multicellular parasites, that are pernicious and potentially lethal to their hosts. Dogs across the globe are afflicted by canine VBPs, but the range of different ectoparasites and the VBPs that they transmit predominate in tropical regions. Countries within the Asia-Pacific have had limited prior research dedicated to exploring the epidemiology of canine VBPs, whilst the few studies that have been conducted show VBP prevalence to be high, with significant impacts on dog health. Moreover, such impacts are not restricted to dogs, as some canine VBPs are zoonotic. We reviewed the status of canine VBPs in the Asia-Pacific, with particular focus on nations in the tropics, whilst also investigating the history of VBP diagnosis and examining recent progress in the field, including advanced molecular methods, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). These tools are rapidly changing the way parasites are detected and discovered, demonstrating a sensitivity equal to, or exceeding that of, conventional molecular diagnostics. We also provide a background to the armoury of chemopreventive products available for protecting dogs from VBP. Here, field-based research within high VBP pressure environments has underscored the importance of ectoparasiticide mode of action on their overall efficacy. The future of canine VBP diagnosis and prevention at a global level is also explored, highlighting how evolving portable sequencing technologies may permit diagnosis at point-of-care, whilst further research into chemopreventives will be essential if VBP transmission is to be effectively controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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3
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Rickettsia felis and species of fleas parasitizing on household dogs in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 92:101926. [PMID: 36473364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101926] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an obligate intracellular gra m-negative bacterium that belongs to the family of Rickettsiaceae. Ctenocephalides felis, cat flea, is the primary vector of the bacteria. The flea is the most common ectoparasite in dogs and associated with flea-borne spotted fever in humans. Information on R. felis and flea species parasitizing on dogs in Vietnam is limited. This study aimed to identify the species of fleas collected from dogs in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and detected the existence of R. felis in these fleas utilizing molecular tools. Morphological identification of 1618 fleas and molecular confirmation revealed the predominance of C. felis orientis parasitizing on dogs in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Sixty-eight out of 100 fleas collected from household dogs were positive for spotted fever group rickettsiae; whilst R. felis was detected in 97.06 % (66/68) of C. felis orientis and C. felis felis. The results of this study indicate the potentially high risk of R. felis infection to humans and animals.
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Epidemiological Study of the Occurrence of Typhus Group Rickettsia Natural Infection in Domiciliated Dogs from a Rural Community in South-Eastern Mexico. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202885. [PMID: 36290270 PMCID: PMC9598504 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Rickettsioses are relevant emergent and reemergent zoonoses in the Americas, including Mexico. Murine typhus caused by typhus group (TG) Rickettsia is prevalent in humans and their companion animals, such as dogs. This study found that 23.9% of the dogs (34/142) were infected by TG Rickettsia in Maxcanú, Yucatan (southeastern Mexico). Statistical analyses showed that reduced outdoor activities, age, sex and previous antiparasitic treatment are associated factors with less risk of TG Rickettsia infection in the sampled dogs. Monitoring and controlling these factors could help to restrict the enzootic transmission risk and prevent the potential zoonotic transmission. Abstract The aim is to describe the Typhus group (TG) Rickettsia infection in dogs and to identify factors associated with this infection. We collected blood samples and gathered exposure and clinical data of 142 dogs from a rural community of Yucatan. The Rickettsia group was determined by semi-nested PCR. Generalized linear models with binomial error distribution were used to model the associated factors from the dog sample for risk ratio (RR) estimation. Thirty-four dogs (23.9%) showed molecular evidence of TG Rickettsia DNA. The multivariate model showed that mixed-breed dogs (RR = 0.06) and dogs that had received antiparasitic treatment (RR = 0.049) had a lower risk of getting infected, taking as reference the purebred group and the non-treated dogs, respectively. Looking at variable interactions, adult dogs without outdoor activities had a lower infection risk than puppies (RR = 0.26). Among dogs with antiparasitic treatment, females had a higher infection risk than male dogs (RR = 26.2). The results showed enzootic TG Rickettsia circulation in dogs of a rural community. The factors outdoor activities, age and previous antiparasitic treatment, as well as the clinical variables signs of hemorrhages and epistaxis, were associated with a less chance of natural infection in the studied dogs. Prevention and control of the enzootic transmission risk of TG Rickettsia should help to reduce the potential zoonotic transmission of this pathogen.
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Teng Z, Zhao N, Ren R, Zhang X, Du Z, Wang P, Qin T. Human Rickettsia felis infections in Mainland China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:997315. [PMID: 36211956 PMCID: PMC9537614 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.997315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified four flea-borne spotted fever cases caused by Rickettsia felis in a retrospective survey of 182 patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO) in China between 2021 and 2022. The clinical signs and symptoms of the patients were similar to those of other rickettsioses, including fever, rash, and liver and kidney dysfunction. All four patients in the present study developed pneumonia or lung lesions after R. felis infection. The cases of R. felis infection, a neglected infectious disease, were sporadic in multiple provinces of the country. The high prevalence (2.14%, 4/187) of R. felis among patients with FUO highlights the risk posed by this pathogen to public health in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Teng
- The State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ruotong Ren
- Foshan Branch, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Innovative Applications, MatriDx Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenshan Du
- Institute of Innovative Applications, MatriDx Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Tian Qin
- The State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Tian Qin,
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Riley T, Anderson NE, Lovett R, Meredith A, Cumming B. Zoonoses and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population: A One Health scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000921. [PMID: 36962569 PMCID: PMC10022344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
With limited access to animal health services, and high disease burdens among domesticated animals, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia face higher risk of disease including zoonoses. However, we lack understanding of the contribution of often preventable zoonoses to the health of these communities, which would enable us to enhance public health strategies and improve health outcomes. We conducted a scoping review to identify the current state of evidence on zoonoses in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. We examined the size, scope and characteristics of the evidence base and analysed the zoonoses detected in the studies within a One Health framework. We identified 18 studies that detected 22 zoonotic pathogens in animals, people, and the environment, with most studies detecting pathogens in a single One Health sector and no studies investigating pathogens in all three sectors. Findings indicate that despite the strong conceptual foundations of One Health throughout the evidence base, evidence is lacking in application of this concept. There is a need to undertake further research that prioritises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, considers the contribution of human, animal and environmental health factors, and investigates the prevalence and impact of zoonoses in communities through a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Riley
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Neil E Anderson
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond Lovett
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Anna Meredith
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bonny Cumming
- Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC), Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Do T, Inpankaew T, Duong DH, Bui KL. First Molecular Evidence of Pathogens in Fleas Collected from Dogs in Northern Vietnam. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091185. [PMID: 34578217 PMCID: PMC8472576 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091185] [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: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fleas are considered as hosts for a wide range of pathogens that cause emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases worldwide. Data on fleas and flea-borne pathogens (FBPs) in the international literature are limited in Vietnam. This study aimed to investigate the species of fleas and the presence of pathogens of interest in fleas in northern Vietnam using PCR and sequence analysis. Out of 200 dogs enrolled in this study, 20% were infested by the flea species Ctenocephalides felis felis. In total, 62 fleas (35 females and 27 males) collected from domestic dogs were molecularly screened for the detection of pathogens. Out of the screened fleas, 39 were positive for Rickettsia felis (62.9%), 9 for Candidatus Mycoplasma hemobos (14.52%), and 6 for Mycoplasma wenyonii (9.68%). This study shows the first molecular detection of the above-mentioned pathogens in fleas collected from the studied areas and the potential risk of infection with examined FBPs in northern Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thom Do
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Duc Hieu Duong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi 12406, Vietnam;
| | - Khanh Linh Bui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi 12406, Vietnam;
- Correspondence:
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Abreu-Yanes E, Abreu-Acosta N, Kosoy M, Foronda P. Molecular detection of Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Rickettsia felis in cat and dog fleas in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2020; 45:233-240. [PMID: 33207065 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis is the main vector of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae, the causative agents of cat-scratch disease (CSD) and the spotted-fever agent Rickettsia felis. In spite of their worldwide distribution, there are no data on the occurrence of CSD-causing Bartonella species or the prevalence of Rickettsia species in the Canary Islands, Spain. Therefore, the aim of our study was to screen cat and dog fleas for both pathogens. A total of 128 C. felis from cats and dogs were screened for Bartonella and Rickettsia by PCR. Bartonella henselae (2.3%) and B. clarridgeiae (3.9%) were found in fleas infesting cats, whereas R. felis was identified in both cat (36.6%) and dog (40.7%) fleas. Further, co-infections were observed. This work constitutes the first finding of CSD-causing Bartonella species and the first study on the prevalence of R. felis in fleas from domestic animals in the Canary Islands. These results indicate public health importance, as associated infections could be misdiagnosed in the Archipelago despite their clinical relevance. Establishing human and animal routine diagnosis procedures for these pathogens along with improving vector control in shelters is necessary in order to prevent the spread of the infections among animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Abreu-Yanes
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna. Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez, s/n, 38203, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
- Nertalab S.L. José Rodríguez Mouré, 38008, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- Departament Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Néstor Abreu-Acosta
- Nertalab S.L. José Rodríguez Mouré, 38008, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Foronda
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna. Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez, s/n, 38203, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
- Departament Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
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Huggins LG, Koehler AV, Ng-Nguyen D, Wilcox S, Schunack B, Inpankaew T, Traub RJ. Assessment of a metabarcoding approach for the characterisation of vector-borne bacteria in canines from Bangkok, Thailand. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:394. [PMID: 31395073 PMCID: PMC6686542 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3651-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, bacterial vector-borne disease (VBD) exerts a large toll on dogs in terms of morbidity and mortality but nowhere is this more pronounced than in the tropics. Tropical environments permit a burgeoning diversity and abundance of ectoparasites some of which can transmit an extensive range of infectious agents, including bacteria, amongst others. Although some of these vector-borne bacteria are responsible for both animal and human diseases in the tropics, there is a scarcity of epidemiological investigation into these pathogens' prevalence. The situation is further exacerbated by frequent canine co-infection, complicating symptomatology that regular diagnostic techniques may miss or be unable to fully characterise. Such limitations draw attention to the need to develop screening tools capable of detecting a wide range of pathogens from a host simultaneously. RESULTS Here, we detail the employment of a next-generation sequencing (NGS) metabarcoding methodology to screen for the spectrum of bacterial VBD that are infecting semi-domesticated dogs across temple communities in Bangkok, Thailand. Our NGS detection protocol was able to find high levels of Ehrlichia canis, Mycoplasma haemocanis and Anaplasma platys infection rates as well as less common pathogens, such as "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum", Mycoplasma turicensis and Bartonella spp. We also compared our high-throughput approach to conventional endpoint PCR methods, demonstrating an improved detection ability for some bacterial infections, such as A. platys but a reduced ability to detect Rickettsia. CONCLUSIONS Our methodology demonstrated great strength at detecting coinfections of vector-borne bacteria and rare pathogens that are seldom screened for in canines in the tropics, highlighting its advantages over traditional diagnostics to better characterise bacterial pathogens in environments where there is a dearth of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G. Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Anson V. Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Dinh Ng-Nguyen
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak 630000 Vietnam
| | - Stephen Wilcox
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | | | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900 Thailand
| | - Rebecca J. Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
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Moonga LC, Hayashida K, Nakao R, Lisulo M, Kaneko C, Nakamura I, Eshita Y, Mweene AS, Namangala B, Sugimoto C, Yamagishi J. Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis in dogs, rodents and cat fleas in Zambia. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:168. [PMID: 30975188 PMCID: PMC6460736 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Flea-borne spotted fever is a zoonosis caused by Rickettsia felis, a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium. The disease has a worldwide distribution including western and eastern sub-Saharan Africa where it is associated with febrile illness in humans. However, epidemiology and the public health risks it poses remain neglected especially in developing countries including Zambia. While Ctenocephalides felis (cat fleas) has been suggested to be the main vector, other arthropods including mosquitoes have been implicated in transmission and maintenance of the pathogen; however, their role in the epidemiological cycle remains to be elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to detect and characterize R. felis from animal hosts and blood-sucking arthropod vectors in Zambia. Methods Dog blood and rodent tissue samples as well as cat fleas and mosquitoes were collected from various areas in Zambia. DNA was extracted and screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting genus Rickettsia and amplicons subjected to sequence analysis. Positive samples were further subjected to R. felis-specific real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Results Rickettsia felis was detected in 4.7% (7/150) of dog blood samples and in 11.3% (12/106) of rodent tissue samples tested by PCR; this species was also detected in 3.7% (2/53) of cat fleas infesting dogs, co-infected with Rickettsia asembonensis. Furthermore, 37.7% (20/53) of cat flea samples tested positive for R. asembonensis, a member of spotted fever group rickettsiae of unknown pathogenicity. All the mosquitoes tested (n = 190 pools) were negative for Rickettsia spp. Conclusions These observations suggest that R. felis is circulating among domestic dogs and cat fleas as well as rodents in Zambia, posing a potential public health risk to humans. This is because R. felis, a known human pathogen is present in hosts and vectors sharing habitat with humans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3435-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavel Chinyama Moonga
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Malimba Lisulo
- The University of Edinburgh, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, 1 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Chiho Kaneko
- Project for Zoonoses Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-kibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakamura
- Unit of International Cooperation, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Yuki Eshita
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Aaron S Mweene
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.,African Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Human and Animals, University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Boniface Namangala
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.,African Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Human and Animals, University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan.,Global Station for Zoonosis Control, GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan. .,Global Station for Zoonosis Control, GI-CoRE, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Rickettsia rickettsii Whole-Cell Antigens Offer Protection against Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in the Canine Host. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00628-18. [PMID: 30396898 PMCID: PMC6346123 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00628-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease in people and dogs. RMSF is reported in the United States and several countries in North, Central, and South America. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease in people and dogs. RMSF is reported in the United States and several countries in North, Central, and South America. The causative agent of this disease, Rickettsia rickettsii, is transmitted by several species of ticks, including Dermacentor andersoni, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Amblyomma americanum. RMSF clinical signs generally include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, lack of appetite, and rash. If untreated, it can quickly progress into a life-threatening illness in people and dogs, with high fatality rates ranging from 30 to 80%. While RMSF has been known for over a century, recent epidemiological data suggest that the numbers of documented cases and the fatality rates remain high in people, particularly during the last two decades in parts of North America. Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent RMSF in either dogs or people. In this study, we investigated the efficacies of two experimental vaccines, a subunit vaccine containing two recombinant outer membrane proteins as recombinant antigens (RCA) and a whole-cell inactivated antigen vaccine (WCA), in conferring protection against virulent R. rickettsii infection challenge in a newly established canine model for RMSF. Dogs vaccinated with WCA were protected from RMSF, whereas those receiving RCA developed disease similar to that of nonvaccinated R. rickettsii-infected dogs. WCA also reduced the pathogen loads to nearly undetected levels in the blood, lungs, liver, spleen, and brain and induced bacterial antigen-specific immune responses. This study provides the first evidence of the protective ability of WCA against RMSF in dogs.
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Hudson EG, Brookes VJ, Ward MP. Demographic studies of owned dogs in the Northern Peninsula Area, Australia, to inform population and disease management strategies. Aust Vet J 2018; 96:487-494. [PMID: 30478842 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To generate domestic dog demographic information to aid population and disease management in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the Northern Peninsula Area, Queensland, Australia. METHODS Sight-resight surveys using standard and modified methods were conducted to estimate the free-roaming dog population size. A cross-sectional questionnaire of dog owners was used to gather dog demographic information and investigate owners' dog management behaviours. A survey was also conducted to estimate the total dog population size. RESULTS The mean total dog population size was estimated to be 813 (range, 770-868). The roaming dog population was 430 or 542 (95% confidence interval (CI) 254-608; 95% CI 405-680, standard and modified methods, respectively). Therefore, the roaming population represents 52.8% or 66.7% of the total population based on the sight-resight methodology. We surveyed 65 dog owners who owned 165 dogs (1 : 1 ratio of male : female dogs). Only 14% (95% CI 9-19) of dogs were sterilised and significantly more males were entire (P = 0.02). Although most dogs were pets (65%), hunting dogs were significantly more likely to be taken outside of the resident community (P < 0.001). The birth rate was 2.4 puppies/dog-owning house/year, which was higher than the death rate (1.7 dogs/dog-owning house/year). In the previous 12 months, 90% of the 109 deaths were dogs aged 0-2 years old. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that most of the dog population in the NPA is free-roaming and that the population has increased, likely because of a lack of population management strategies such as sterilisation. This information will be used to develop population and disease management strategies in the NPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Hudson
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - V J Brookes
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
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The epidemiology of Rickettsia felis infecting fleas of companion animals in eastern Australia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:138. [PMID: 29554953 PMCID: PMC5859732 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2737-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flea-borne spotted fever (FBSF) caused by Rickettsia felis is an arthropod-borne zoonosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, primary species and genotype(s) of R. felis infecting fleas from dogs and cats. RESULTS All fleas were identified as Ctenocephalides felis felis. All rickettsial DNA detected in fleas was identified as being 100% homologous to R. felis URRWXCal2, with positivity within tropical, subtropical and temperate regions noted at 6.7%, 13.2% and 15.5%, respectively. Toy/small breed dogs were found to be at a lower odds of harboring R. felis-positive fleas compared with large breed dogs on univariate analysis, while DMH and pedigree breed cats were at a lower odds compared to DSH cats. Cooler minimum temperature ranges of between 15 to 20 °C and between 8 to 15 °C increased the odds of R. felis positivity in fleas, as did a constrained maximum temperature range of between 27 to 30 °C on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS Environmental temperature may play a part in influencing R. felis prevalence and infectivity within its flea host. Regional climatic differences need to be considered when approaching public health risk mitigation strategies for FBSF.
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Kelly PJ, Köster L, Li J, Zhang J, Huang K, Branford GC, Marchi S, Vandenplas M, Wang C. Survey of vector-borne agents in feral cats and first report of Babesia gibsoni in cats on St Kitts, West Indies. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:331. [PMID: 29132371 PMCID: PMC5683591 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1230-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As there is little data on vector-borne diseases of cats in the Caribbean region and even around the world, we tested feral cats from St Kitts by PCR to detect infections with Babesia, Ehrlichia and spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) and surveyed them for antibodies to Rickettsia rickettsii and Ehrlichia canis. Results Whole blood was collected from apparently healthy feral cats during spay/ neuter campaigns on St Kitts in 2011 (N = 68) and 2014 (N = 52). Sera from the 52 cats from 2014 were used to detect antibodies to Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia rickettsii using indirect fluorescent antibody tests and DNA extracted from whole blood of a total of 119 cats (68 from 2011, and 51 from 2014) was used for PCRs for Babesia, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia. We could not amplify DNA of SFG Rickettsia in any of the samples but found DNA of E. canis in 5% (6/119), Babesia vogeli in 13% (15/119), Babesia gibsoni in 4% (5/119), mixed infections with B. gibsoni and B. vogeli in 3% (3/119), and a poorly characterized Babesia sp. in 1% (1/119). Overall, 10% of the 52 cats we tested by IFA for E. canis were positive while 42% we tested by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) for R. rickettsii antigens were positive. Conclusions Our study provides the first evidence that cats can be infected with B. gibsoni and also indicates that cats in the Caribbean may be commonly exposed to other vector-borne agents including SFGR, E. canis and B. vogeli. Animal health workers should be alerted to the possibility of clinical infections in their patients while public health workers should be alerted to the possibility that zoonotic SFGR are likely circulating in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick John Kelly
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Liza Köster
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis.,Glasgow University School of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Hospital, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Jing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jilei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gillian Carmichael Branford
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Silvia Marchi
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Michel Vandenplas
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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15
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Smout F, Schrieber L, Speare R, Skerratt LF. More bark than bite: Comparative studies are needed to determine the importance of canine zoonoses in Aboriginal communities. A critical review of published research. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 64:495-504. [PMID: 28342271 PMCID: PMC7159129 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this review was to identify and critique over forty years of peer-reviewed literature concerned with the transmission of canine zoonoses to Aboriginal people and determine the zoonotic organisms documented in dogs in Australian Aboriginal communities. A systematic literature search of public health, medical and veterinary databases identified 19 articles suitable for critical appraisal. Thirteen articles documented the occurrence of recognized zoonotic organisms in dogs in Aboriginal communities, including Toxocara canis, Dirofilaria immitis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Rickettsia felis, Sarcoptes scabiei and Giardia. Currently, there is definitive evidence indicating that dogs act as a reservoir for human scabies in Aboriginal communities. However, there is a need for large-scale, high-quality, comparative studies of dogs and humans from the same household to assess the occurrence and importance of transmission of S. scabiei and other diseases between dogs and humans. These studies should use current genetic and molecular techniques along with traditional techniques to identify and type organisms in order to better understand their epidemiology. This review has revealed that there is a lack of high-quality comparative studies to determine whether dogs are contributing to human disease by transmitting zoonoses. Our recommendations differ significantly from current public health policy and may have substantial implications for human and dog health.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Smout
- One Health Research GroupCollege of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary SciencesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (TESS) and College of Marine and Environmental SciencesJames Cook UniversityCairnsQldAustralia
| | - L. Schrieber
- One Health Research GroupCollege of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary SciencesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
- Faculty of Veterinary ScienceUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNSWAustralia
| | | | - L. F. Skerratt
- One Health Research GroupCollege of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary SciencesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
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16
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Shapiro AJ, Brown G, Norris JM, Bosward KL, Marriot DJ, Balakrishnan N, Breitschwerdt EB, Malik R. Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases of dogs in North-west New South Wales and the Northern Territory, Australia. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:238. [PMID: 28810870 PMCID: PMC5558717 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-borne diseases of dogs in Australian Aboriginal communities are relatively unexplored. These dogs represent a unique group with variable ecto- and endo-parasitic burdens, nutritional stresses and a general lack of veterinary intervention. We investigated haemoprotozoal and bacterial pathogen prevalences in relation to erythrocyte and platelet numbers in dogs from North-West New South Wales (N-W NSW) and the Northern Territory (NT; Central Australia). Methods Real-time PCR (qPCR) amplification of Anaplasma platys, Babesia vogeli, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Bartonella spp., serological screening for Coxiella burnetii, and Bartonella spp. and haematological analyses were performed on dogs from the two cohorts (96 dogs in total). Brucella suis serology was determined additionally for the N-W NSW cohort. Results Anaplasma platys (n = 26 dogs), Babesia vogeli (n = 7), Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (n = 10 dogs), and Mycoplasma haemocanis (n = 14) were detected in the sample population (n = 96) using qPCR. There were significant associations between (i) A. platys and anaemia (OR 8.7, CI 2.4–31.7; P < 0.001), thrombocytopenia (OR 12.1, CI 3.4–43.2; P < 0.001) and breed (OR 16.1, CI 2.1–121.5; P = 0.007), and (ii) between B. vogeli and anaemia (OR 11.8, CI 2.3–61.6; P = 0.003). Neither protozoal nor bacterial DNA loads, estimated using qPCR, were positively correlated with anaemia or thrombocytopenia. Haemotropic mycoplasmas were not associated with any haematologic abnormality. Four dogs from the NT were seropositive for Coxiella burnetii, while no dogs were seropositive for Brucella suis or to a panel of Bartonella spp. antigens. Despite directed efforts, Bartonella DNA was not detected in blood from any of the cohorts studied. A sample of dogs from the NT recruited specifically for Bartonella α-proteobacteria growth medium enrichment blood culture were also Bartonella PCR negative. Conclusions Vector-borne pathogens occur in dogs free ranging near Aboriginal communities, with higher detection rates in NT than N-W NSW. The preponderant haematologic abnormalities were anaemia and thrombocytopenia, likely attributable to A. platys and B. vogeli infections, but also probably affected by nutritional, parasitic, lactational and environmental stressors. The absence of Bartonella spp. is of importance to the Australian setting, and work needs to be extended to tropical coastal communities where fleas are present as well as ticks. Dogs living in and around Aboriginal communities may provide valuable sentinel information on disease infection status of human public health significance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1169-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Shapiro
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Graeme Brown
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M Norris
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Katrina L Bosward
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Debbie J Marriot
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Richard Malik
- University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Building B14, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia. .,School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia. .,Centre for Veterinary Education, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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17
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Bennett MD, Abdad MY, Stenos J. Serological Evidence of Rickettsia spp. in Western Australian Dogs. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:407-412. [PMID: 28722591 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been claimed that dogs can be useful sentinels for public health monitoring of vector-borne infectious diseases, including Rickettsia spp. We used 153 canine blood samples opportunistically collected at Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital and 156 canine sera collected from Aboriginal communities in northwest Western Australia to test for evidence of Rickettsia spp. exposure, using microimmunofluorescence (MIF) in the latter case, and both MIF and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the former. Conventional and real-time PCR failed to amplify any Rickettsia spp. DNA. The seroprevalence for spotted fever group/transitional group Rickettsia spp. in Western Australian dogs was 17.3% (54/312), and for typhus group (TG) Rickettsia spp., 18.4% (57/310), with a cut-off titer of 1:128. Young dogs (≤ 2 years) from Aboriginal communities had significantly lower seropositivity to TG Rickettsia spp. compared with all other groups, and young Perth dogs had a significantly higher seropositivity to TG Rickettsia spp. than all Aboriginal community dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Yazid Abdad
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Ehounoud C, Fenollar F, Dahmani M, N’Guessan J, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Bacterial arthropod-borne diseases in West Africa. Acta Trop 2017; 171:124-137. [PMID: 28365316 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods such as ticks, lice, fleas and mites are excellent vectors for many pathogenic agents including bacteria, protozoa and viruses to animals. Moreover, many of these pathogens can also be accidentally transmitted to humans throughout the world. Bacterial vector-borne diseases seem to be numerous and very important in human pathology, however, they are often ignored and are not well known. Yet they are in a phase of geographic expansion and play an important role in the etiology of febrile episodes in regions of Africa. Since the introduction of molecular techniques, the presence of these pathogens has been confirmed in various samples from arthropods and animals, and more rarely from human samples in West Africa. In this review, the aim is to summarize the latest information about vector-borne bacteria, focusing on West Africa from 2000 until today in order to better understand the epidemiological risks associated with these arthropods. This will allow health and veterinary authorities to develop a strategy for surveillance of arthropods and bacterial disease in order to protect people and animals.
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19
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Teoh YT, Hii SF, Stevenson MA, Graves S, Rees R, Stenos J, Traub RJ. Serological evidence of exposure to Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia typhi in Australian veterinarians. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:129. [PMID: 28285586 PMCID: PMC5346837 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2075-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia typhi are emerging arthropod-borne zoonoses causing fever and flu-like symptoms. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with exposure to these organisms was explored in Australian veterinarians. METHODS One hundred and thirty-one veterinarians from across Australia were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Veterinarians provided a single blood sample and answered a questionnaire on potential risk factors influencing their exposure to R. felis and R. typhi. Indirect microimmunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) was used to identify evidence of serological exposure of the participants to R. felis and R. typhi. Results were analyzed and a logistical regression model performed to predict risk factors associated with seropositivity. RESULTS In total, 16.0% of participants were seropositive to R. felis, 4.6% to R. typhi and 35.1% seropositive to both, where cross-reactivity of the IFAT between R. felis and R. typhi precluded a definitive diagnosis. Veterinarians residing within the south-eastern states of Victoria and Tasmania were at a higher risk of exposure to R. felis or generalised R. felis or R. typhi exposure. Older veterinarians and those that recommended flea treatment to their clients were found to be significantly protected from exposure. CONCLUSIONS The high exposure to R. felis amongst veterinary professionals suggests that flea-borne spotted fever is an important cause of undifferentiated fever conditions that may not be adequately recognized in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Thon Teoh
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Sze Fui Hii
- The Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Mark A Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen Graves
- The Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Robert Rees
- Bayer Animal Health, Tingalpa, QLD, 4173, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- The Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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20
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Teoh YT, Hii SF, Graves S, Rees R, Stenos J, Traub RJ. Evidence of exposure to Rickettsia felis in Australian patients. One Health 2016; 2:95-98. [PMID: 28616481 PMCID: PMC5441329 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an emerging zoonosis, causing flea-borne spotted fever (FBSF). Serological diagnosis is typically confounded by cross-reactivity with typhus group rickettsiae and prior to the development of specific serological methods, cases of FBSF in Australia were misdiagnosed. Patient sera tested between August 2010 and December 2013 and known to be seropositive to R. typhi by immunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) were subsequently retested against R. felis using an R. felis-specific IFAT. Sera of 49 patients were of a sufficient quality to be included in re-analysis. A classification of FBSF and murine typhus (MT) was attributed to fourteen and seven patients respectively, based on a minimum four-fold higher antibody titre to R. felis than to R. typhi and vice versa. Twenty-eight patients were classified as indeterminate for either R. felis or R. typhi (antibody titres within two-fold of one another). Historically, it is likely that Australian patients clinically ill with FBSF were misdiagnosed. It is important that medical practitioners consider FBSF as part of their differential diagnoses, and obtain relevant history with regard to patient's exposure to domestic pets and their fleas. Australian microbiology diagnostic laboratories should include serological testing for R. felis as part of the diagnostic panel for febrile diseases. Veterinarians are encouraged to increase their awareness of this emerging zoonosis and advocate flea control in pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Thon Teoh
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Sze Fui Hii
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Stephen Graves
- The Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Robert Rees
- Bayer Animal Health, Tingalpa, QLD 4173, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- The Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Rebecca J. Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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Inpankaew T, Hii SF, Chimnoi W, Traub RJ. Canine vector-borne pathogens in semi-domesticated dogs residing in northern Cambodia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:253. [PMID: 27161452 PMCID: PMC4862146 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1552-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Southeast Asia, the canine vector-borne pathogens Babesia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis, haemotropic mycoplasmas and Dirofilaria immitis cause significant morbidity and mortality in dogs. Moreover, dogs have also been implicated as natural reservoirs for Rickettsia felis, the agent of flea-borne spotted fever, increasingly implicated as a cause of undifferentiated fever in humans in Southeast Asia. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of canine vector-borne pathogens in 101 semi-domesticated dogs from rural Cambodia using molecular diagnostic techniques. Results The most common canine vector-borne pathogens found infecting dogs in this study were Babesia vogeli (32.7 %) followed by Ehrlichia canis (21.8 %), Dirofilaria immitis (15.8 %), Hepatozoon canis (10.9 %), Mycoplasma haemocanis (9.9 %) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” (2.9 %). A high level of co-infection with CVBD agents (23.8 %) was present, most commonly B. vogeli and E. canis. Naturally occurring R. felis infection was also detected in 10.9 % of dogs in support of their role as a natural mammalian reservoir for flea-borne spotted fever in humans. Conclusions This study reports for the first time, the prevalence and diversity of CVBD pathogens in dogs in Cambodia. In total, five species of CVBD pathogens were found infecting semi-domesticated dogs and many were co-infected with two or more pathogens. This study supports the role of dogs as natural mammalian reservoirs for R. felis, the agent of flea-borne spotted fever in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Sze Fui Hii
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Wissanuwat Chimnoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an emerging insect-borne rickettsial pathogen and the causative agent of flea-borne spotted fever. First described as a human pathogen from the USA in 1991, R. felis is now identified throughout the world and considered a common cause of fever in Africa. The cosmopolitan distribution of this pathogen is credited to the equally widespread occurrence of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), the primary vector and reservoir of R. felis. Although R. felis is a relatively new member of the pathogenic Rickettsia, limited knowledge of basic R. felis biology continues to hinder research progression of this unique bacterium. This is a comprehensive review examining what is known and unknown relative to R. felis transmission biology, epidemiology of the disease, and genetics, with an insight into areas of needed investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D. Brown
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Drive, SVM-3213, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
| | - Kevin R. Macaluso
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Drive, SVM-3213, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
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23
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Shapiro AJ, Norris JM, Heller J, Brown G, Malik R, Bosward KL. Seroprevalence ofCoxiella burnetiiin Australian dogs. Zoonoses Public Health 2016; 63:458-66. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Shapiro
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - J. M. Norris
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - J. Heller
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences; Charles Sturt University; Wagga NSW Australia
| | - G. Brown
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - R. Malik
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences; Charles Sturt University; Wagga NSW Australia
- Centre for Veterinary Education; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - K. L. Bosward
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Camden NSW Australia
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Špitalská E, Boldiš V, Mošanský L, Sparagano O, Stanko M. Rickettsia species in fleas collected from small mammals in Slovakia. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4333-9. [PMID: 26346455 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4713-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and epizootiological studies of Rickettsia felis and other Rickettsia spp. are very important, because their natural cycle has not yet been established completely. In total, 315 fleas (Siphonaptera) of 11 species of Ceratophyllidae, Hystrichopsyllidae and Leptopsyllidae families were tested for the presence of Rickettsia species and Coxiella burnetii with conventional and specific quantitative real-time PCR assays. Fleas were collected from five rodent hosts (Myodes glareolus, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus agrarius, Microtus subterraneus, Microtus arvalis) and three shrew species (Sorex araneus, Neomys fodiens, Crocidura suaveolens) captured in Eastern and Southern Slovakia. Overall, Rickettsia spp. was found in 10.8% (34/315) of the tested fleas of Ctenophthalmus agyrtes, Ctenophthalmus solutus, Ctenophthalmus uncinatus and Nosopsyllus fasciatus species. Infected fleas were coming from A. flavicollis, A. agrarius, and M. glareolus captured in Eastern Slovakia. C. burnetii was not found in any fleas. R. felis, Rickettsia helvetica, unidentified Rickettsia, and rickettsial endosymbionts were identified in fleas infesting small mammals in the Košice region, Eastern Slovakia. This study is the first report of R. felis infection in C. solutus male flea collected from A. agrarius in Slovakia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Vojtech Boldiš
- HPL (Ltd) Medical Laboratories, Istrijská 20, 841 07, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ladislav Mošanský
- Institute of Parasitology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Olivier Sparagano
- Vice-Chancellor Office, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Michal Stanko
- Institute of Parasitology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Zoology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Segura F, Pons I, Pla J, Nogueras MM. Shell-vial culture and real-time PCR applied to Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis detection. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 31:1747-54. [PMID: 26289162 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-015-1925-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Murine typhus is a zoonosis transmitted by fleas, whose etiological agent is Rickettsia typhi. Rickettsia felis infection can produces similar symptoms. Both are intracellular microorganisms. Therefore, their diagnosis is difficult and their infections can be misdiagnosed. Early diagnosis prevents severity and inappropriate treatment regimens. Serology can't be applied during the early stages of infection because it requires seroconversion. Shell-vial (SV) culture assay is a powerful tool to detect Rickettsia. The aim of the study was to optimize SV using a real-time PCR as monitoring method. Moreover, the study analyzes which antibiotics are useful to isolate these microorganisms from fleas avoiding contamination by other bacteria. For the first purpose, SVs were inoculated with each microorganism. They were incubated at different temperatures and monitored by real-time PCR and classical methods (Gimenez staining and indirect immunofluorescence assay). R. typhi grew at all temperatures. R. felis grew at 28 and 32 °C. Real-time PCR was more sensitive than classical methods and it detected microorganisms much earlier. Besides, the assay sensitivity was improved by increasing the number of SV. For the second purpose, microorganisms and fleas were incubated and monitored in different concentrations of antibiotics. Gentamicin, sufamethoxazole, trimethoprim were useful for R. typhi isolation. Gentamicin, streptomycin, penicillin, and amphotericin B were useful for R. felis isolation. Finally, the optimized conditions were used to isolate R. felis from fleas collected at a veterinary clinic. R. felis was isolated at 28 and 32 °C. However, successful establishment of cultures were not possible probably due to sub-optimal conditions of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Segura
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 1st Parc Taulí, 08208, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Immaculada Pons
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 1st Parc Taulí, 08208, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Júlia Pla
- Veterinary Clinic "Centre", 53th Colom St., 08201, Sabadell, Spain
| | - María-Mercedes Nogueras
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 1st Parc Taulí, 08208, Sabadell, Spain.
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Transmission potential of Rickettsia felis infection by Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:8088-93. [PMID: 26056256 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413835112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of recent reports have implicated Rickettsia felis as a human pathogen, paralleling the increasing detection of R. felis in arthropod hosts across the globe, primarily in fleas. Here Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, the primary malarial vectors in sub-Saharan Africa, were fed with either blood meal infected with R. felis or infected cellular media administered in membrane feeding systems. In addition, a group of mosquitoes was fed on R. felis-infected BALB/c mice. The acquisition and persistence of R. felis in mosquitoes was demonstrated by quantitative PCR detection of the bacteria up to day 15 postinfection. R. felis was detected in mosquito feces up to day 14. Furthermore, R. felis was visualized by immunofluorescence in salivary glands, in and around the gut, and in the ovaries, although no vertical transmission was observed. R. felis was also found in the cotton used for sucrose feeding after the mosquitoes were fed infected blood. Natural bites from R. felis-infected An. gambiae were able to cause transient rickettsemias in mice, indicating that this mosquito species has the potential to be a vector of R. felis infection. This is particularly important given the recent report of high prevalence of R. felis infection in patients with "fever of unknown origin" in malaria-endemic areas.
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Lawrence AL, Hii SF, Jirsová D, Panáková L, Ionică AM, Gilchrist K, Modrý D, Mihalca AD, Webb CE, Traub RJ, Šlapeta J. Integrated morphological and molecular identification of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) vectoring Rickettsia felis in central Europe. Vet Parasitol 2015; 210:215-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hii SF, Lawrence AL, Cuttell L, Tynas R, Abd Rani PAM, Šlapeta J, Traub RJ. Evidence for a specific host-endosymbiont relationship between 'Rickettsia sp. genotype RF2125' and Ctenocephalides felis orientis infesting dogs in India. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:169. [PMID: 25884425 PMCID: PMC4369868 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0781-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides serve as vectors for a number of rickettsial zoonoses, including Rickettsia felis. There are currently no published reports of the presence and distribution of R. felis in India, however, the ubiquitous distribution of its vector Ctenocephalides felis, makes it possible that the pathogen is endemic to the region. This study investigates the occurrence of Rickettsia spp. infection in various subspecies of C. felis infesting dogs from urban areas of Mumbai, Delhi and Rajasthan in India. Methods Individual fleas collected off 77 stray dogs from Mumbai, Delhi and Rajasthan were screened for Rickettsia spp. by a conventional PCR targeting the ompB gene. Further genetic characterisation of Rickettsia-positive fleas was carried out using nested PCR and phylogenetic analysis of partial DNA sequences of the gltA and ompA genes. Ctenocephalides spp. were morphologically and genetically identified by PCR targeting a fragment of cox1 gene. Results Overall, 56/77 fleas (72.7%), including 22/24 (91.7%) from Delhi, 32/44 (72.7%) from Mumbai and 2/9 (22.2%) from Rajasthan were positive for Rickettsia DNA at the ompB gene. Sequences of gltA fragments confirmed the amplification of Rickettsia sp. genotype RF2125. The ompA gene of Rickettsia sp. genotype RF2125 was characterised for the first time and shown 96% identical to R. felis. Three species of Ctenocephalides were identified, with the Ctenocephalides felis orientis being the dominant flea species (69/77; 89.6%) in India, followed by Ctenocephalides felis felis (8/77; 10.4%). Conclusions High occurrence of Rickettsia sp. genotype RF2125 in C. felis orientis and the absence of R. felis suggests a specific vector-endosymbiont adaptation and coevolution of the Rickettsia felis-like sp. within subspecies of C. felis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze-Fui Hii
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia. .,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Andrea L Lawrence
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Leigh Cuttell
- Safe Food Production Queensland, PO Box 440, Spring Hill, Queensland, 4004, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Tynas
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
| | | | - Jan Šlapeta
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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Zhang J, Lu G, Kelly P, Zhang Z, Wei L, Yu D, Kayizha S, Wang C. First report of Rickettsia felis in China. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:682. [PMID: 25510419 PMCID: PMC4297373 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0682-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rickettsia felis is a recently described flea-borne spotted fever group Rickettsia that is an emerging human pathogen. Although there is information on the organism from around the world, there is no information on the organism in China. Methods We used a commercial ELISA to detect antibodies reactive against R. felis in blood samples and developed a PCR to detect the gltA of the organism in blood samples and external parasites. Results We found reactive antibodies in people (16%; 28/180), dogs (47%; 128/271) and cats (21%; 19/90) and positive PCRs with DNA from people (0.1%; 1/822), dogs (0.8%; 8/1,059), mice (10%; 1/10), ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus; 10%; 15/146), lice (Linognathus setosus; 16%; 6/37), fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis; 95%; 57/60) and mosquitoes (Anopheles sinensis, Culex pipiens pallens; 6%; 25/428), but not from cats (0/135) or canine fecal swabs (0/43). Conclusions This is the first report of R. felis in China where there is serological and/ or PCR evidence of the organism in previously reported [people, dogs, cats, ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) and mosquitoes (Anopheles sinensis, Culex pipiens pallens)] and novel species [mice and lice (Linognathus setosus)]. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0682-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guangwu Lu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.
| | | | - Lanjing Wei
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Duonan Yu
- Yangzhou University School of Medicine, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shayilan Kayizha
- Institute of Veterinary Science, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, China.
| | - Chengming Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Wei Y, Luo L, Jing Q, Li X, Huang Y, Xiao X, Liu L, Wu X, Yang Z. A city park as a potential epidemic site of scrub typhus: a case-control study of an outbreak in Guangzhou, China. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:513. [PMID: 25403988 PMCID: PMC4240828 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0513-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scrub typhus is an important public health problem in China, especially in Guangzhou city. Typical outbreaks of scrub typhus have been previously reported in rural areas, affecting mainly farmers. We describe an atypical outbreak of the disease with case fatalities, from a park in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, that could turn out to be a potential scrub typhus epidemic site. METHODS From May 2012 to June 2012, a case-control study was conducted to identify source and risk factors of this outbreak. Reported cases of scrub typhus in Xiaogang Park were confirmed by Weil-Felix test or a nested polymerase chain reaction (NPCR). Controls were matched with their neighbors by gender and age. Multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to identify risk factors and protective factors. RESULTS A total of 29 cases were confirmed by Weil-Felix test, including 4 deaths by both Weil-Felix test and NPCR. All patients presented with fever (100%), while 28 (96.6%) cases had eschars, 10 (34.5%) headache, 10 (34.5%) chills, 6 (20.7%) lymphadenopathy, 5 (17.2%) rash, 2 (6.9%) vomiting and 1 (3.5%) presented with conjunctival congestion. The proportion of cases with activity history in Xiaogang Park was much higher than the control group (72.4% vs 24.1%, P < 0.001), and morning exercise in park or field was also as a risk factor for scrub typhus (adjusted OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1-8.2). Four factors were significantly associated with the risk of developing scrub typhus: sitting on the lawn (adjusted OR = 8.0, 95% CI: 1.4-44.5), close contact with rats (adjusted OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.2-9.6), sitting near the rat holes (OR = 6.8, 95% CI: 1.2-38.1) and wearing long-sleeved clothing when outside (adjusted OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.7). CONCLUSIONS We confirmed an atypical outbreak of scrub typhus in a park in Guangzhou city, which has the potential to develop into an important epidemic site. This public health risk should not be neglected and requires more attention from authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Wei
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Lei Luo
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Qinlong Jing
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Xiaoning Li
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Yong Huang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Xincai Xiao
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Lan Liu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Xinwei Wu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Zhicong Yang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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Hii SF, Abdad MY, Kopp SR, Stenos J, Rees RL, Traub RJ. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Rickettsia felis exposure in dogs from Southeast Queensland and the Northern Territory, Australia. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:159. [PMID: 23731951 PMCID: PMC3679791 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The recent detection of Rickettsia felis DNA in dogs in Australia suggests that dogs are potential mammalian reservoir hosts for this emerging rickettsia. To date, there is no published report addressing the seroprevalence of R. felis in dogs in Australia. Methods Antigens for R. felis were produced by inoculating confluent XTC-2 monolayer cell cultures with three pools of cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) homogenates. Infection was confirmed by real-time (qPCR), conventional or nested PCRs targeting the ompB, gltA, 17 kDa and ompA genes. Two hundred and ninety-two dogs from Southeast Queensland and the Northern Territory were tested for the presence of R. felis antibodies using a microimmunofluorescence (IF) test and the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for exposure were determined using both uni- and multi-variate analyses. Results Rickettsia felis was successfully isolated in cell culture from all three cat-flea pools. One hundred and forty-eight dogs (50.7%) showed seropositivity with titres ≥64 and 54 (18.5%) with titres ≥128. At antibody titres ≥64, dogs with active ectoparasite control were less likely to be seropositive to R. felis (OR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.20 - 5.56). Conclusions This first reported isolation of R. felis in cell culture in Australia allowed for the production of antigen for serological testing of dogs. Results of this serological testing reflects the ubiquitous exposure of dogs to R. felis and advocate for owner vigilance with regards to ectoparasite control on domestic pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze-Fui Hii
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia.
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Vilhena H, Martinez-Díaz VL, Cardoso L, Vieira L, Altet L, Francino O, Pastor J, Silvestre-Ferreira AC. Feline vector-borne pathogens in the north and centre of Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:99. [PMID: 23587366 PMCID: PMC3633069 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, several clinical cases and epidemiological studies of feline vector-borne diseases (FVBD) have been reported worldwide. Nonetheless, information on FVBD agents and their prevalence in Portugal is scarce. Methods Three-hundred and twenty domestic cats presented to 30 veterinary medical centres in the north and centre regions of Portugal were randomly sampled. Blood was assayed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for genera Anaplasma/Ehrlichia, genus Babesia, Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon felis, Leishmania infantum and the genus Rickettsia. Babesia-positive samples were further tested for Babesia canis and Babesia vogeli. Results Eighty (25.0%) out of the 320 cats were positive to at least one vector-borne agent, including seven (2.2%) cats co-infected with two agents. Two cats (0.6%) were infected with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., four (1.3%) with B. canis, 26 (8.1%) with B. vogeli, 50 (15.6%) with H. felis, one (0.3%) with L. infantum and four (1.3%) with Rickettsia spp. No cat tested positive for H. canis. One cat (0.3%) was co-infected with B. canis and B. vogeli, three (0.9%) with B. vogeli and H. felis, one (0.3%) with H. felis and L. infantum, and two (0.6%) with H. felis and Rickettsia spp. Conclusions A considerable prevalence of infection with vector-borne pathogens among the domestic feline population of the north and centre of Portugal has been revealed by the present study. Additionally, this is the first detection of B. vogeli in cats from Europe and of H. felis in cats from Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Vilhena
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama,Coimbra, Portugal
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Socolovschi C, Pages F, Ndiath MO, Ratmanov P, Raoult D. Rickettsia species in African Anopheles mosquitoes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48254. [PMID: 23118963 PMCID: PMC3484133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is higher rate of R. felis infection among febrile patients than in healthy people in Sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly in the rainy season. Mosquitoes possess a high vectorial capacity and, because of their abundance and aggressiveness, likely play a role in rickettsial epidemiology. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Quantitative and traditional PCR assays specific for Rickettsia genes detected rickettsial DNA in 13 of 848 (1.5%) Anopheles mosquitoes collected from Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, and Senegal. R. felis was detected in one An. gambiae molecular form S mosquito collected from Kahin, Côte d'Ivoire (1/77, 1.3%). Additionally, a new Rickettsia genotype was detected in five An. gambiae molecular form S mosquitoes collected from Côte d'Ivoire (5/77, 6.5%) and one mosquito from Libreville, Gabon (1/88, 1.1%), as well as six An. melas (6/67, 9%) mosquitoes collected from Port Gentil, Gabon. A sequence analysis of the gltA, ompB, ompA and sca4 genes indicated that this new Rickettsia sp. is closely related to R. felis. No rickettsial DNA was detected from An. funestus, An. arabiensis, or An. gambiae molecular form M mosquitoes. Additionally, a BLAST analysis of the gltA sequence from the new Rickettsia sp. resulted in a 99.71% sequence similarity to a species (JQ674485) previously detected in a blood sample of a Senegalese patient with a fever from the Bandafassi village, Kedougou region. CONCLUSION R. felis was detected for the first time in An. gambiae molecular form S, which represents the major African malaria vector. The discovery of R. felis, as well as a new Rickettsia species, in mosquitoes raises new issues with respect to African rickettsial epidemiology that need to be investigated, such as bacterial isolation, the degree of the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes, the animal reservoirs, and human pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Pavel Ratmanov
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
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