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Berny PJ, Belhadj D, España B, Lécu A. Fecal elimination of fluralaner in different carnivore species after oral administration. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1279844. [PMID: 39220768 PMCID: PMC11362066 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1279844] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluralaner is a recent external parasiticide, first of a new class of drugs (isoxazoline parasiticides). It is widely used in companion animals both for its wide spectrum (fleas, ticks and other mites) but also for its ease of use (oral tablets given once for 1 to three months). It is known to be eliminated primarily via the feces (>90%) as the unchanged compound. In zoo carnivores, controlling external parasites is also important and there are no specific products with a marketing authorization to control them. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of fluralaner in zoo carnivores. The second objective was to demonstrate that fluralaner can be eliminated over a prolonged period of time, thereby raising questions about its potential impact on non-target species such as arthropods. After adjusting the oral dose using allometric equations, animals were dosed and fecal samples were collected on a regular basis for up to three months to determine the fecal elimination curve of fluralaner as a surrogate of plasma kinetics (for ethical and safety reasons, plasma samples were not considered). All samples were analyzed with a validated LC-MSMS technique. Our results show that, despite limitations and a limited number of animals included, most carnivores eliminate fluralaner in their feces for several weeks to months (in Lions, fluralaner was still detectable after 89 days). To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating such a long elimination period in animals. Further studies would be required to investigate the risk associated with the presence of active residues in other carnivore feces for the environment, especially in dogs and cats, considering the large use of this class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexis Lécu
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
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2
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Miarinjara A, Raveloson AO, Mugel SG, An N, Andriamiadanarivo A, Rajerison ME, Randremanana RV, Girod R, Gillespie TR. Socio-ecological risk factors associated with human flea infestations of rural household in plague-endemic areas of Madagascar. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012036. [PMID: 38452122 PMCID: PMC10950221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Plague is a flea-borne fatal disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which persists in rural Madagascar. Although fleas parasitizing rats are considered the primary vectors of Y. pestis, the human flea, Pulex irritans, is abundant in human habitations in Madagascar, and has been found naturally infected by the plague bacterium during outbreaks. While P. irritans may therefore play a role in plague transmission if present in plague endemic areas, the factors associated with infestation and human exposure within such regions are little explored. To determine the socio-ecological risk factors associated with P. irritans infestation in rural households in plague-endemic areas of Madagascar, we used a mixed-methods approach, integrating results from P. irritans sampling, a household survey instrument, and an observational checklist. Using previously published vectorial capacity data, the minimal P. irritans index required for interhuman bubonic plague transmission was modeled to determine whether household infestations were enough to pose a plague transmission risk. Socio-ecological risk factors associated with a high P. irritans index were then identified for enrolled households using generalized linear models. Household flea abundance was also modeled using the same set of predictors. A high P. irritans index occurred in approximately one third of households and was primarily associated with having a traditional dirt floor covered with a plant fiber mat. Interventions targeting home improvement and livestock housing management may alleviate flea abundance and plague risk in rural villages experiencing high P. irritans infestation. As plague-control resources are limited in developing countries such as Madagascar, identifying the household parameters and human behaviors favoring flea abundance, such as those identified in this study, are key to developing preventive measures that can be implemented at the community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Miarinjara
- Departments of Environmental Sciences and Environmental Health, Emory University and Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Annick Onimalala Raveloson
- Medical Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Ecole Doctorale Science de la Vie et de l’Environnement, Université d’Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Stephen Gilbert Mugel
- Departments of Environmental Sciences and Environmental Health, Emory University and Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Nick An
- Departments of Environmental Sciences and Environmental Health, Emory University and Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Romain Girod
- Medical Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Thomas Robert Gillespie
- Departments of Environmental Sciences and Environmental Health, Emory University and Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, United States of America
- Centre Valbio, Ranomafana, Madagascar
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Boucheikhchoukh M, Mechouk N, Leulmi H, Aouadi A, Benakhla A. Fleas (Siphonaptera) of domestic and wild animals in extreme northeastern Algeria: first inventory, hosts, and medical and veterinary importance. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2022; 47:81-87. [PMID: 36629359 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-47.1.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fleas are an important member of the North African entomofauna. An understanding of the risks of flea-borne diseases to public and veterinary health can be gained with surveys of their abundance, distribution, and hosts. The aims of this study were to make an initial assessment of flea (Siphonaptera) species collected from a selected number of mammalian hosts in Algeria and debate their medical and veterinary importance. To do so, an entomological survey was conducted on several animal species (goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, hedgehogs, and mongooses) in six localities of El Tarf region located in extreme northeastern Algeria. During the survey, flea specimens were collected from hosts, stored in alcohol, and identified using a taxonomic key. More than 1,200 specimens were collected and identified; including four species: Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Pulex irritans, and Archaeopsylla erinacei (s.l.). Goats and dogs were the most infested animals, followed by cats and hedgehogs. Ctenocephalides felis was the most prevalent flea among all infested animals, with 631 collected specimens, followed by Pulex irritans with 433 samples. Overall, this study is an initial assessment of flea species recovered from selected common mammals in northeastern Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Boucheikhchoukh
- Biodiversity and Ecosystems Pollution Laboratory, Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, Algeria,
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, Algeria
| | - Noureddine Mechouk
- Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatics Systems Laboratory (EcoSTAq), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Badji Mokhtar University, Algeria
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Qista Techno Bam, Avenue Philibert Aix-En-Provence 13100, France
| | - Atef Aouadi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Mohamed Cherif Messaadia University, Souk Ahras 41000, Algeria
| | - Ahmed Benakhla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, Algeria
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Samuel PP, Rajamannar V, Govindarajan R, Kumar A. A review of public health important fleas (Insecta, Siphonaptera) and flea-borne diseases in India. J Vector Borne Dis 2022; 59:12-21. [DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.328977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Molecular Evidence for Flea-Borne Rickettsiosis in Febrile Patients from Madagascar. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111482. [PMID: 34832637 PMCID: PMC8621948 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiae may cause febrile infections in humans in tropical and subtropical regions. From Madagascar, no molecular data on the role of rickettsioses in febrile patients are available. Blood samples from patients presenting with fever in the area of the capital Antananarivo were screened for the presence of rickettsial DNA. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) blood from 1020 patients presenting with pyrexia > 38.5 °C was analyzed by gltA-specific qPCR. Positive samples were confirmed by ompB-specific qPCR. From confirmed samples, the gltA amplicons were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. From five gltA-reactive samples, two were confirmed by ompB-specific qPCR. The gltA sequence in the sample taken from a 38-year-old female showed 100% homology with R. typhi. The other sample taken from a 1.5-year-old infant was 100% homologous to R. felis. Tick-borne rickettsiae were not identified. The overall rate of febrile patients with molecular evidence for a rickettsial infection from the Madagascan study site was 0.2% (2/1020 patients). Flea-borne rickettsiosis is a rare but neglected cause of infection in Madagascar. Accurate diagnosis may prompt adequate antimicrobial treatment.
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Jiang J, Farris CM, Yeh KB, Richards AL. International Rickettsia Disease Surveillance: An Example of Cooperative Research to Increase Laboratory Capability and Capacity for Risk Assessment of Rickettsial Outbreaks Worldwide. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:622015. [PMID: 33738293 PMCID: PMC7960665 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.622015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cooperative research that addresses infectious disease surveillance and outbreak investigations relies heavily on availability and effective use of appropriate diagnostic tools, including serological and molecular assays, as exemplified by the current COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we stress the importance of using these assays to support collaborative epidemiological studies to assess risk of rickettsial disease outbreaks among international partner countries. Workforce development, mentorship, and training are important components in building laboratory capability and capacity to assess risk of and mitigate emerging disease outbreaks. International partnerships that fund cooperative research through mentoring and on-the-job training are successful examples for enhancing infectious disease surveillance. Cooperative research studies between the Naval Medical Research Center's Rickettsial Diseases Research Program (RDRP) and 17 institutes from nine countries among five continents were conducted to address the presence of and the risk for endemic rickettsial diseases. To establish serological and molecular assays in the collaborative institutes, initial training and continued material, and technical support were provided by RDRP. The laboratory methods used in the research studies to detect and identify the rickettsial infections included (1) group-specific IgM and IgG serological assays and (2) molecular assays. Twenty-six cooperative research projects performed between 2008 and 2020 enhanced the capability and capacity of 17 research institutes to estimate risk of rickettsial diseases. These international collaborative studies have led to the recognition and/or confirmation of rickettsial diseases within each of the partner countries. In addition, with the identification of specific pathogen and non-pathogen Rickettsia species, a more accurate risk assessment could be made in surveillance studies using environmental samples. The discoveries from these projects reinforced international cooperation benefiting not only the partner countries but also the scientific community at large through presentations (n = 40) at international scientific meetings and peer-reviewed publications (n = 18). The cooperative research studies conducted in multiple international institutes led to the incorporation of new SOPs and trainings for laboratory procedures; biosafety, biosurety, and biosecurity methods; performance of rickettsia-specific assays; and the identification of known and unknown rickettsial agents through the introduction of new serologic and molecular assays that complemented traditional microbiology methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Jiang
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christina M. Farris
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | | | - Allen L. Richards
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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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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Tsai KH, Yen TY, Wu WJ, Carvalho R, Raoult D, Fournier PE. Investigation of Ctenocephalides felis on domestic dogs and Rickettsia felis infection in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:892-902. [PMID: 33145971 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12776] [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: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium which causes flea-borne spotted fever in humans. In the past decades, R. felis has been detected worldwide in Ctenocephalides felis fleas and various other arthropods. However, due to its shared symptoms with other common vector-borne diseases, human infection is prone to be underestimated or misdiagnosed, especially in the malaria-endemic areas including sub-Saharan Africa, where confirmatory laboratory diagnoses are not usually available. In this study, a 'One Health' approach was adopted to explore potential vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (DRSTP), an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea. By collaborating with local veterinarians, 1,187 fleas were collected from 95 domestic dogs across the country and later identified as Ct. felis using taxonomic keys. A cytochrome oxidase gene-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that all collected fleas belonged to a single haplotype and were identical to isolates from Ivory Coast and Brazil that clustered into a clade of tropical distribution. Additional samples of 14 chigoe fleas (Tunga penetrans) were collected from the surrounding environment of the dogs' resting spots. Rickettsia felis infection in fleas was examined by molecular methods targeting the citrate synthase (gltA)- and outer membrane protein A (ompA)-coding genes as well as the R. felis-specific pRF plasmid. The bacterial DNA was detected in 21.01% (146/695) of cat fleas but none of the chigoe fleas. Microimmunofluorescence assay was then performed to assess pathogen exposure of the residents. Of 240 dried blood spots from participants with dog contacts, 8 (3.33%) exhibited R. felis antibodies. Our findings demonstrated the presence of R. felis in DRSTP. Further extensive epidemiological studies regarding its prevalence and its role in causing febrile illness while the nation is entering pre-elimination stage of malaria will be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Entomology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jer Wu
- Department of Entomology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ronalg Carvalho
- Taiwanese Medical Mission, Sao Tome, Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,French Reference Center for Rickettsioses, Q fever and Bartonelloses, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,French Reference Center for Rickettsioses, Q fever and Bartonelloses, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
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Dhawan S, Robinson MT, Stenos J, Graves SR, Wangrangsimakul T, Newton PN, Day NPJ, Blacksell SD. Selection of Diagnostic Cutoffs for Murine Typhus IgM and IgG Immunofluorescence Assay: A Systematic Review. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:55-63. [PMID: 32274984 PMCID: PMC7356422 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine typhus is a neglected but widespread infectious disease that results in acute fever. The immunofluorescence assay (IFA) is the "gold standard" to identify IgM or IgG antibodies, although there is a lack of standardization in methodologies. The objective of this review is to summarize 1) the differences in published methodologies, 2) the diagnostic cutoff titers, and 3) the justification of diagnostic cutoffs. Searches were performed by combining the following search terms: "murine typhus," "rickettsia typhi," "immunofluorescence," "IFA," and "serologic" with restrictions (i.e., "rickettsia typhi" or "murine typhus," and "IFA" or "immunofluorescence," or "serologic*"). The search identified 78 studies that used IFA or immunoperoxidase assay (IIP) antibody cutoffs to diagnose murine typhus, 39 of which were case series. Overall, 45 studies (57.7%) provided little to no rationale as to how the cutoff was derived. Variation was seen locally in the cutoff titers used, but a 4-fold or greater increase was often applied. The cutoffs varied depending on the antibody target. No consensus was observed in establishing a cutoff, or for a single-value diagnostic cutoff. In conclusion, there is a lack of consensus in the establishment of a single-value cutoff. Further studies will need to be executed at each distinct geographic location to identify region-specific cutoffs, while also considering background antibody levels to distinguish between healthy and infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Dhawan
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Matthew T. Robinson
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Australia
| | - Stephen R. Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Australia
| | - Tri Wangrangsimakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N. Newton
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Nicholas P. J. Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart D. Blacksell
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
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Ehlers J, Krüger A, Rakotondranary SJ, Ratovonamana RY, Poppert S, Ganzhorn JU, Tappe D. Molecular detection of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Yersinia pestis in ectoparasites of endemic and domestic animals in southwest Madagascar. Acta Trop 2020; 205:105339. [PMID: 31935354 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the presence of vector-borne bacteria in southwest Madagascar. Anthropogenic alteration of natural habitats represents an important driver for the emergence of new diseases. Especially the involvement of livestock and the involuntary maintaining of invasive synanthropic animals (particularly rats) facilitate disease transmission from wildlife to humans and associated animals and vice versa. The dissemination or acquisition of ectoparasites is most likely in regions where human/wildlife contact is increasing. Little is known about the presence of vector-borne bacteria in southwest Madagascar. In 2016 and 2017, ectoparasites were collected from various introduced (cattle and goats, cats, dogs and chicken, rats and mice) and native animal species (mouse lemurs [Microcebus griseorufus], Grandidier's mongooses [Galidictis grandidieri], bastard big-footed mice [Macrotarsomys bastardi], greater hedgehog tenrecs [Setifer setosus] and lesser hedgehog tenrecs [Echinops telfairi]) in the northern portion of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park and the adjacent littoral region. Thirteen species of blood-feeding ectoparasites (235 individuals of ticks [5 species], 414 lice [4 spp.] and 389 fleas [4 spp.]) were investigated for the presence and identity of rickettsiae, borreliae, bartonellae and Yersinia pestis using PCR techniques. Rickettsia spp. were detected in every single ectoparasite species (Amblyomma variegatum, A. chabaudi, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis simplex, Argas echinops, Ctenocephalides felis, Echidnophaga gallinacea, Pulex irritans, Xenopsylla cheopis, Haematopinus quadripertusus, Linognathus africanus, L. vituli, Lemurpediculus verruculosus). Lice and ticks were found harboring rickettsiae identified as Rickettsia africae, while Rickettsia felis-like bacteria were associated with fleas. Borrelia spp. were detected in 5% of H. simplex and 1% of R. microplus ticks. Bartonella spp. were detected in 40% of H. quadripertusus pools and in 5% of L. verruculosus pools. Y. pestis was detected in X. cheopis and E. gallinacea fleas collected from a rat. This study presents the detection of a broad spectrum of vector-borne bacteria including potential pathogens, and an unexpected finding of Y. pestis far off the known plague foci in Madagascar.
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Salmon-Mulanovich G, Simons MP, Flores-Mendoza C, Loyola S, Silva M, Kasper M, Rázuri HR, Canal LE, Leguia M, Bausch DG, Richards AL. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Rickettsia and Leptospira Infection in Four Ecologically Distinct Regions of Peru. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 100:1391-1400. [PMID: 30938281 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia and Leptospira spp. are under-recognized causes of acute febrile disease worldwide. Rickettsia species are often placed into the spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) and typhus group rickettsiae (TGR). We explored the antibody prevalence among humans for these two groups of rickettsiae in four regions of Peru (Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, and Tumbes) and for Leptospira spp. in Puerto Maldonado and Tumbes. We also assessed risk factors for seropositivity and collected serum samples and ectoparasites from peri-domestic animals from households in sites with high human seroprevalence. In total, we tested 2,165 human sera for antibodies (IgG) against SFGR and TGR by ELISA and for antibodies against Leptospira by a microscopic agglutination test. Overall, human antibody prevalence across the four sites was 10.6% for SFGR (ranging from 6.2% to 14.0%, highest in Tumbes) and 3.3% for TGR (ranging from 2.6% to 6.4%, highest in Puerto Maldonado). Factors associated with seroreactivity against SFGR were male gender, older age, contact with backyard birds, and working in agriculture or with livestock. However, exposure to any kind of animal within the household decreased the odds ratio by half. Age was the only variable associated with higher TGR seroprevalence. The prevalence of Leptospira was 11.3% in Puerto Maldonado and 5.8% in Tumbes, with a borderline association with keeping animals in the household. We tested animal sera for Leptospira and conducted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Rickettsia species among ectoparasites collected from domestic animals in 63 households of seropositive participants and controls. We did not find any association between animal infection and human serostatus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark P Simons
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Callao, Peru
| | | | - Steev Loyola
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Callao, Peru
| | - María Silva
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Callao, Peru
| | - Matthew Kasper
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Hugo R Rázuri
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Callao, Peru
| | | | | | - Daniel G Bausch
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Callao, Peru.,Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Allen L Richards
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland
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12
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Ectoparasites of endemic and domestic animals in southwest Madagascar. Acta Trop 2019; 196:83-92. [PMID: 31082365 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human encroachment of natural habitats bears the threat of disease transmission between native and introduced species that had not come into contact before, thus promoting the spread of new diseases in both directions. This is a matter of concern especially in areas where human-wildlife contact has not been intense in the recent past. In southwest Madagascar, we collected ectoparasites from various mammalian hosts and chicken, and examined their host preferences and their prevalence in relation to season and habitat degradation. Field-work took place in the northern portion of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park and the adjacent coastal strip (littoral) in the dry and in the rainy season of 2016/2017. Endemic mammals were trapped with live traps placed in habitats of different degrees of degradation: 1) relatively pristine forest, 2) degraded forest, 3) cultivated and shrub land. Rats and mice were also trapped in 4) villages. We identified 17 species of ectoparasites (296 individuals of ticks [5 species], 535 lice [7 spp.], 389 fleas [4 spp.] and 13 mites [1 sp.]) collected from 15 host species. There was no indication for seasonal or habitat effects on parasite infection. A large portion of the parasites was host-specific. Some ectoparasite species were shared either by several endemic or by several introduced species, but apart from the introduced flea species Echidnophaga gallinacea (collected from six different hosts including the endemic carnivore Galidictis grandidieri) no other ectoparasite species was shared between endemic and introduced host species.
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13
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Gérardin P, Zemali N, Bactora M, Camuset G, Balleydier E, Pascalis H, Guernier V, Mussard C, Bertolotti A, Koumar Y, Naze F, Picot S, Filleul L, Pages F, Tortosa P, Jaubert J. Seroprevalence of typhus group and spotted fever group Rickettsia exposures on Reunion island. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:387. [PMID: 31288833 PMCID: PMC6617902 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Murine typhus has been increasingly reported on Reunion island, Indian ocean, following documentation of eight autochthonous infections in 2012-2013. We conducted a serosurvey to assess the magnitude of the seroprevalence of rickettsioses in the population. Two hundred and forty-one stored frozen sera taken from the 2009 Copanflu-RUN cohort were analysed using an immunofluorescence assay allowing to distinguish typhus group (TGR) and spotted fever group Rickesttsiae (SFGR). Seropositivity was defined for a dilution titre of Rickettsia IgG antibodies ≥ 1:64. Seroprevalence was weighted to account for the discrepancy between the Copanflu-RUN subset and the general population, as to infer prevalence at community level. Prevalence proportion ratios (PPR) were measured using log-binomial models. RESULTS The weighted seroprevalences of typhus group rickettsioses and spotted fever group rickettsioses were of 12.71% (95% CI 8.84-16.58%) and 17.68% (95% CI 13.25-22.11%), respectively. Pooled together, data suggested that a fifth of the population had been exposed at least to one Rickettsia group. Youths (< 20 years) were less likely seropositive than adults (adjusted PPR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01-0.91). People living in the western dryer part of the island were more exposed (adjusted PPR 2.53, 95% CI 1.07-5.97). Rickettsioses are endemic on Reunion island and circulated before their first identification as murine typhus in year 2011. Surprisingly, since isolation of Rickettsia africae from Amblyomma variegatum in year 2004 or isolation of Rickettsia felis from Amblyomma loculosum, no autochthonous cases of African tick-bite fever or flea-borne spotted fever has yet been diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Gérardin
- INSERM Centre d’Investigation Clinique 1410 Epidémiologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Groupe Hospitalier Sud Réunion, BP 350, 97448 Saint Pierre Cedex, Reunion France
- UM 134 PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, CYROI, Université de La Réunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion France
| | - Naël Zemali
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion France
| | - Marie Bactora
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion France
| | - Guillaume Camuset
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion France
| | - Elsa Balleydier
- Cellule d’Intervention Régionale et d’Epidémiologie, Océan Indien, Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Saint Denis, Reunion France
| | - Hervé Pascalis
- UM 134 PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, CYROI, Université de La Réunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion France
| | - Vanina Guernier
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC Australia
| | - Corinne Mussard
- INSERM Centre d’Investigation Clinique 1410 Epidémiologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Groupe Hospitalier Sud Réunion, BP 350, 97448 Saint Pierre Cedex, Reunion France
| | - Antoine Bertolotti
- INSERM Centre d’Investigation Clinique 1410 Epidémiologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Groupe Hospitalier Sud Réunion, BP 350, 97448 Saint Pierre Cedex, Reunion France
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion France
| | - Yatrika Koumar
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion France
| | - Florence Naze
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion France
| | - Sandrine Picot
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion France
| | - Laurent Filleul
- Cellule d’Intervention Régionale et d’Epidémiologie, Océan Indien, Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Saint Denis, Reunion France
| | - Frédéric Pages
- Cellule d’Intervention Régionale et d’Epidémiologie, Océan Indien, Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Saint Denis, Reunion France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- UM 134 PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, CYROI, Université de La Réunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion France
| | - Julien Jaubert
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion France
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14
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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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15
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Guillebaud J, Bernardson B, Randriambolamanantsoa TH, Randrianasolo L, Randriamampionona JL, Marino CA, Rasolofo V, Randrianarivelojosia M, Vigan-Womas I, Stivaktas V, Venter M, Piola P, Héraud JM. Study on causes of fever in primary healthcare center uncovers pathogens of public health concern in Madagascar. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006642. [PMID: 30011274 PMCID: PMC6062140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing use of malaria diagnostic tests reveals a growing proportion of patients with fever but no malaria. Clinicians and health care workers in low-income countries have few tests to diagnose causes of fever other than malaria although several diseases share common symptoms. We propose here to assess etiologies of fever in Madagascar to ultimately improve management of febrile cases. METHODOLOGY Consenting febrile outpatients aged 6 months and older were recruited in 21 selected sentinel sites throughout Madagascar from April 2014 to September 2015. Standard clinical examinations were performed, and blood and upper respiratory specimens were taken for rapid diagnostic tests and molecular assays for 36 pathogens of interest for Madagascar in terms of public health, regardless of clinical status. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 682 febrile patients were enrolled. We detected at least one pathogen in 40.5% (276/682) of patients and 6.2% (42/682) with co-infections. Among all tested patients, 26.5% (181/682) had at least one viral infection, 17.0% (116/682) had malaria and 1.0% (7/682) presented a bacterial or a mycobacterial infection. None or very few of the highly prevalent infectious agents in Eastern Africa and Asia were detected in this study, such as zoonotic bacteria or arboviral infections. CONCLUSIONS These results raise questions about etiologies of fever in Malagasy communities. Nevertheless, we noted that viral infections and malaria still represent a significant proportion of causes of febrile illnesses. Interestingly our study allowed the detection of pathogens of public health interest such as Rift Valley Fever Virus but also the first case of laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis infection in Madagascar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Guillebaud
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Barivola Bernardson
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | | | - Jane Léa Randriamampionona
- Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Direction de la Veille Sanitaire et de la Surveillance Epidémiologique, Ministry of Public Health 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Voahangy Rasolofo
- Mycobacterial Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Ines Vigan-Womas
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Voula Stivaktas
- Emerging and Respiratory Virus Program, Centre for Viral Zoonoses, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marietjie Venter
- Emerging and Respiratory Virus Program, Centre for Viral Zoonoses, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Patrice Piola
- Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Jean-Michel Héraud
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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16
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López-Pérez AM, Gage K, Rubio AV, Montenieri J, Orozco L, Suzan G. Drivers of flea (Siphonaptera) community structure in sympatric wild carnivores in northwestern Mexico. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2018; 43:15-25. [PMID: 29757526 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Host identity, habitat type, season, and interspecific interactions were investigated as determinants of the community structure of fleas on wild carnivores in northwestern Mexico. A total of 540 fleas belonging to seven species was collected from 64 wild carnivores belonging to eight species. We found that the abundances of some flea species are explained by season and host identity. Pulex irritans and Echidnophaga gallinacea abundances were significantly higher in spring than in fall season. Flea communities on carnivore hosts revealed three clusters with a high degree of similarity within each group that was explained by the flea dominance of E. gallinacea, P. simulans, and P. irritans across host identity. Flea abundances did not differ statistically among habitat types. Finally, we found a negative correlation between the abundances of three flea species within wild carnivore hosts. Individual hosts with high loads of P. simulans males usually had significantly lower loads of P. irritans males or tend to have lower loads of E. gallinacea fleas and vice-versa. Additionally, the logistic regression model showed that the presence of P. simulans males is more likely to occur in wild carnivore hosts in which P. irritans males are absent and vice-versa. These results suggest that there is an apparent competitive exclusion among fleas on wild carnivores. The study of flea community structure on wild carnivores is important to identify the potential flea vectors for infectious diseases and provide information needed to design programs for human health and wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés M López-Pérez
- Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F., México
- Fundación para el Manejo y la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre FMCOVIS A.C. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Kenneth Gage
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, U.S.A
| | - Andre V Rubio
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile
| | - John Montenieri
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, U.S.A
| | - Libertad Orozco
- Fundación para el Manejo y la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre FMCOVIS A.C. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gerardo Suzan
- Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F., México
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17
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Oguntomole O, Nwaeze U, Eremeeva ME. Tick-, Flea-, and Louse-Borne Diseases of Public Health and Veterinary Significance in Nigeria. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:E3. [PMID: 30274402 PMCID: PMC6136614 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are common high-impact diseases in tropical and subtropical areas. However, other non-mosquito vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) may share their geographic distribution, seasonality, and clinical manifestations, thereby contributing their share to the morbidity and mortality caused by febrile illnesses in these regions. The purpose of this work was to collect and review existing information and identify knowledge gaps about tick, flea-, and louse-borne diseases of veterinary and public health significance in Nigeria. Full-length articles about VBPs were reviewed and relevant information about the vectors, their hosts, geographic distribution, seasonality, and association(s) with human or veterinary diseases was extracted. Specific laboratory tools used for detection and identification of VBPs in Nigeria were also identified. A total of 62 original publications were examined. Substantial information about the prevalence and impacts of ticks and fleas on pet and service dogs (18 articles), and livestock animals (23 articles) were available; however, information about their association with and potential for causing human illnesses was largely absent despite the zoonotic nature of many of these peri-domestic veterinary diseases. Recent publications that employed molecular methods of detection demonstrated the occurrence of several classic (Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia africae, Bartonella sp.) and emerging human pathogens (R. aeschlimannii, Neoehrlichia mikurensis) in ticks and fleas. However, information about other pathogens often found in association with ticks (R. conorii) and fleas (R. typhi, R. felis) across the African continent was lacking. Records of louse-borne epidemic typhus in Nigeria date to 1947; however, its current status is not known. This review provides an essential baseline summary of the current knowledge in Nigeria of non-mosquito VBPs, and should stimulate improvements in the surveillance of the veterinary and human diseases they cause in Nigeria. Due to increasing recognition of these diseases in other African countries, veterinary and public health professionals in Nigeria should expand the list of possible diseases considered in patients presenting with fever of unknown etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Oguntomole
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458-8015, USA.
| | - Ugochukwu Nwaeze
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458-8015, USA.
| | - Marina E Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458-8015, USA.
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