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Ulsenheimer BC, Tonin AA, von Laer AE, Dos Santos HF, Sangioni LA, Fighera R, Dos Santos MY, Brayer DI, de Avila Botton S. Leptospira borgptersenii and Leptospira interrogans identified in wild mammals in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:1941-1948. [PMID: 38691328 PMCID: PMC11153429 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01348-4] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospira spp. are bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease with considerable impacts on the economy, animal health, and public health. This disease has a global distribution and is particularly prevalent in Brazil. Both rural and urban environments are habitats for Leptospira spp., which are primarily transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals. Consequently, domestic and wild species can harbor these prokaryotes and serve as infection sources for other hosts. In the context of wild animals, there is a dearth of molecular studies elucidating the roles of various animal and bacterial species in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA in different species of free-living and captive wild animals and to assess the phylogenetic relationships of the identified microorganisms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The samples were evaluated for the presence of the gene lipL32 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the amplified fragment after which phylogenetic analyzes were carried out. DNA from Leptospira spp. was extracted from kidney tissue from wild animals (Mammalia class). Pathogenic Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in 9.6% (11/114) of the samples, originating from nine species of wild animals, including the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris), skunk (Conepatus chinga), geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), margay (Leopardus wiedii), pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis), and european hare (Lepus europaeus). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of Leptospira borgpetersenii and Leptospira interrogans in these animals. This research is the first study contributing to the epidemiology of leptospirosis by identifying L. borgpetersenii and L. interrogans in free-living and captive wild animals in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, potentially acting as bacterial reservoirs. Additionally, our findings can inform sanitary measures for controlling and preventing the disease, thereby safeguarding public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Carolina Ulsenheimer
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária (PPGMV), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 97105-900, Brasil
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Laboratório de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Leptospirose (LabLepto), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brasil
| | - Alexandre Alberto Tonin
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Laboratório de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Leptospirose (LabLepto), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brasil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Amazonas (IFAM), Campus Manaus, Manaus, Amazonas, CEP 69083-000, Brasil
| | - Ana Eucares von Laer
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Laboratório de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Leptospirose (LabLepto), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brasil
| | - Helton Fernandes Dos Santos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária (PPGMV), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 97105-900, Brasil
| | - Luís Antônio Sangioni
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária (PPGMV), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 97105-900, Brasil
| | - Rafael Fighera
- Departamento de Patologia. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 97105-900, Brasil
| | - Matheus Yuri Dos Santos
- Departamento de Patologia. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 97105-900, Brasil
| | - Daniela Isabel Brayer
- Instituto de Biologia (IB), Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 96010-900, Brasil
| | - Sônia de Avila Botton
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária (PPGMV), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 97105-900, Brasil.
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Laboratório de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Leptospirose (LabLepto), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Brasil.
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Tian S, Jiang BG, Liu WS, Chen HR, Gao ZH, Pu EN, Li YQ, Chen JJ, Fang LQ, Wang GL, Du CH, Wei YH. Zoonotic pathogens identified in rodents and shrews from four provinces, China, 2015-2022. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e174. [PMID: 37675640 PMCID: PMC10600915 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001450] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents and shrews are major reservoirs of various pathogens that are related to zoonotic infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate co-infections of zoonotic pathogens in rodents and shrews trapped in four provinces of China. We sampled different rodent and shrew communities within and around human settlements in four provinces of China and characterised several important zoonotic viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens by PCR methods and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 864 rodents and shrews belonging to 24 and 13 species from RODENTIA and EULIPOTYPHLA orders were captured, respectively. For viral pathogens, two species of hantavirus (Hantaan orthohantavirus and Caobang orthohantavirus) were identified in 3.47% of rodents and shrews. The overall prevalence of Bartonella spp., Anaplasmataceae, Babesia spp., Leptospira spp., Spotted fever group Rickettsiae, Borrelia spp., and Coxiella burnetii were 31.25%, 8.91%, 4.17%, 3.94%, 3.59%, 3.47%, and 0.58%, respectively. Furthermore, the highest co-infection status of three pathogens was observed among Bartonella spp., Leptospira spp., and Anaplasmataceae with a co-infection rate of 0.46%. Our results suggested that species distribution and co-infections of zoonotic pathogens were prevalent in rodents and shrews, highlighting the necessity of active surveillance for zoonotic pathogens in wild mammals in wider regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Tian
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wan-Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Hou Gao
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Epidemic Disease Prevention and Control technology, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - En-Nian Pu
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Epidemic Disease Prevention and Control technology, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Qiong Li
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Epidemic Disease Prevention and Control technology, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Li-Qun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Hong Du
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Epidemic Disease Prevention and Control technology, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Hong Wei
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Xu J, Chen J, Xiong C, Qin L, Hu B, Liu M, Ren Y, Li Y, Cai K, Chen L, Hou W. Pathogenic Leptospira Infections in Hubei Province, Central China. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010099. [PMID: 36677392 PMCID: PMC9865294 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010099] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an important zoonosis that is caused by pathogenic Leptospira, which is considered to be a re-emerging infectious disease in many countries. Rodents are the most important reservoirs for both human and animal infection. An epidemiological survey of pathogenic Leptospira in rodents is important for the prevention and control of leptospirosis. In this study, a total of 964 rodents were captured from six cities in Hubei Province, and two pathogenic Leptospira species (L. interrogans and L. borgpetersenii) were detected using nested PCR with an overall prevalence of 4.8%. L. interrogans was distributed in five sampling sites, which may be the dominant species of pathogenic Leptospira in Hubei Province. In addition, Rattus norvegicus showed a relatively high infection rate, which may play an important role in the transmission and infection of pathogenic Leptospira. This study reveals the prevalence of pathogenic Leptospira in wild rodents in Hubei Province, suggesting that the risk of leptospirosis infection in Hubei Province still exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jintao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chaorui Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lingxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 6 Zuodaoquan Road, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Manqing Liu
- Division of Virology, Wuhan Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 288 Machang Road, Wuhan 430015, China
| | - Yuting Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yirong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kun Cai
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 6 Zuodaoquan Road, Wuhan 430079, China
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (L.C.); (W.H.)
| | - Liangjun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (L.C.); (W.H.)
| | - Wei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (L.C.); (W.H.)
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Zeng Z, Zhou S, Xu G, Liu W, Han T, Liu J, Wang J, Deng Y, Xiao F. Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia parasites in reservoir host species in Fujian province, Southeast China. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:915-924. [PMID: 35819239 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12988] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that mainly affects small mammals and has been reported in at least five provinces in China. However, the host range and geographical distribution of the parasite in Fujian province are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Babesia in Fujian province, Southeast China, between 2015 and 2020. Rodent blood samples were collected from 26 different surveillance sites across Fujian province. Genomic DNA was extracted to screen for Babesia infection using polymerase chain reaction based on 18S rRNA. DNA samples from 316 domestic goats, 85 water buffalo, 56 domestic dogs and 18 domestic pigs were examined. The prevalence of Babesia was statistically analysed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Babesia infections were detected in 3.96% (43/1,087; 95%CI: 2.80%, 5.12%) of rodents and 1.26% (6/475; 95%CI: 0.26%, 2.26%) of other mammals. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that irrigated cropland, shrubs and forests were risk factors for Babesia microti infections. The infection rates among domestic pigs, dogs and goats were 5.56%, 1.79% and 1.27%, respectively, with no infection found in water buffalo. The 18S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that rodents were infected with Babesia (sensu lato), whereas other mammals were infected with Babesia (sensu stricto). The geographical distribution and phylogenetic relationship of Babesia was determined in Southeast China. Mammals, particularly wild rodents, maybe the main natural hosts of Babesia in Fujian. Our findings provide a foundation for public health officials to develop prevention and control measures for Babesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zeng
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuheng Zhou
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guoying Xu
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tengwei Han
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanqin Deng
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fangzhen Xiao
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
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First Molecular Detection of Pathogens Leptospira in Common Rodent Captured in North Algeria Urban Areas. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7110335. [DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an anthropozoonosis disease of worldwide distribution caused by mobile spirochetes of the genus Leptospira and rodents, mainly rats, are described as its primary reservoir. In Algeria, there is limited data about the prevalence of Leptospira spp. in humans and animals, as well as Leptospira carriage in wild rodents. The study aimed to highlight the importance of rodents as a reservoir of Leptospira bacterium in Blida city in Algeria by detecting and identifying circulating Leptospira species in the rodent population. A total of 101 rodents, 95 Rattus Norvegicus, 5 Rattus Rattus, and 1 Mus Musculus were captured and tested for pathogenic Leptospira spp. byreal-time PCR targeting the Leptospira 16S rRNA (rrs) gene, revealing a total prevalence of 40.6%, 95% IC [30.9–50.8%]. Positive samples were subjected to species-specific real-time PCR assays targeting L. interrogans, L. noguchii, L. borgpetersenii, and L. kirschneri for species identification. However, positive samples for which Leptospira-species could not be determined were subjected to conventional PCR targeting the partial 16S rRNA (rrs) gene, and amplified DNA was subjected to sequencing. Leptospira spp. was detected in 36 kidney, 16 urine, and three lung specimens. L. interrogans was identified in 39 rodents and L. borpetersenii in one rodent; however, one rodent with renal carriage could not be typed due to poor DNA quality. This study provides the first description of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in wild rodents in Algeria. These findings suggest a high potential risk of leptospirosis transmission from rodents to humans and animals in Algeria and therefore imply the adoption of prophylactic measures. In addition, further studies, including different animals and rodent species, should be conducted to clarify the epidemiology of this disease in Algeria.
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