Novel variants of the newly emerged Anaplasma capra from Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) in South Korea

Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Kumasi: With a First Report of Zoonotic Pathogens in Abattoir Workers

Tick-borne pathogens continue to infect humans and animals worldwide. By adapting to the movement of livestock, ticks facilitate the spread of these infectious pathogens. Humans in close contact with animals that could be amplifying hosts are especially at risk of being infected with tick-borne pathogens. This study involved the collection of dry blood spots (DBSs) to determine tick-borne pathogens occurring in slaughtered livestock and abattoir workers in Kumasi. This study employed the use of conventional PCR, RT-PCR, and Sanger sequencing to detect and identify the tick-borne pathogens. The resulting data was analysed using Stata version 13. A total of 175 DBSs were collected from goats (76), cattle (54), and sheep (45) in the Kumasi abattoir (130, 74.29%) and Akwatia Line slaughter slab (45, 25.71%). The pathogens identified were mostly bacterial including Anaplasma capra (9.71%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.14%), and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (0.57.%). The only parasite identified was Theileria ovis (9.14%). A significant association was seen between A. capra (p < 0.001) infection and female sheep sampled from the Akwatia Line slaughter slab. Again, there was a significant association between T. ovis (p < 0.001) infections and female sheep from the Kumasi abattoir. From the human DBS (63) screened, the pathogens identified were all bacterial including Coxiella burnetii (1.89%), Rickettsia africae (1.89%), and R. aeschlimannii (1.89%). This study reports the first detection of R. aeschlimannii in livestock as well as the occurrence of the above-mentioned pathogens in humans in Ghana. Animals can serve as amplifying hosts for infectious pathogens; hence, there is an increased risk of infections among the abattoir workers. Continuous surveillance effort is essential, and abattoir workers need to protect themselves from tick bites and infectious tick-borne pathogens.

Anaplasma capra: a new emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen

The genus Anaplasma includes A. marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. platys, and A. phagocytophilum transmitted by ticks, some of which are zoonotic and cause anaplasmosis in humans and animals. In 2012, a new species was discovered in goats in China. In 2015, the same agent was detected in humans in China, and it was provisionally named Anaplasma capra, referring to 2012. The studies conducted to date have revealed the existence of A. capra in humans, domestic animals, wild animals, and ticks from three different continents (Asia, Europe, and Africa). Phylogenetic analyses based on gltA and groEL sequences show that A. capra clearly includes two different genotypes (A. capra genotype-1 and A. capra genotype-2). Although A. capra human isolates are in the genotype-2 group, goat, sheep, and cattle isolates are in both groups, making it difficult to establish a host genotype-relationship. According to current data, it can be thought that human isolates are genotype-2 and while only genotype-1 is found in Europe, both genotypes are found in Asia. Anaplasma capra causes clinical disease in humans, but the situation is not yet sufficient to understand the zoonotic importance and pathogenicity in animals. In the present review, the history, hosts (vertebrates and ticks), molecular prevalence, pathogenic properties, and genetic diversity of A. capra were evaluated from a broad perspective.

Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Rickettsia infections in Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus), Hebei, China

Rodents have been confirmed as hosts of various vector-borne zoonotic pathogens and are important for the maintenance of these microbes in nature. However, surveillance for zoonotic pathogens is limited for many wild rodent species in China, so our knowledge of pathogen ecology, genetic diversity, and the risk of cross-species transmission to humans is limited. In this study, 165 spleen samples of Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) were collected from Weichang Manchu and the Mongolian Autonomous County of Hebei Province, China, and Rickettsia, Bartonella, and Anaplasma were identified by DNA detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis identified eight bacterial pathogens: R. raoultii, R. sibirica, Candidatus R. longicornii, B. washoensis, B. grahamii, B. jaculi, A. capra, and Candidatus Anaplasma cinensis. Co-infection of B. grahamii and R. raoultii in one sample was observed. Our results demonstrated the genetic diversity of bacteria in Daurian ground squirrels and contributed to the distribution of these pathogens. Six species, A. capra, R. raoultii, R. sibirica, Candidatus R. longicornii, B. washoensis, and B. grahamii, are known to be pathogenic to humans, indicating a potential public health risk to the local human population, especially to herders who frequently have close contact with Daurian ground squirrels and are thus exposed to their ectoparasites.

Epidemiological and phylogenetic characteristics of emerging Anaplasma capra: A systematic review with modeling analysis

Anaplasma capra, an emerging tick-borne pathogen, has caused a lot of concern since initially recognized in goats and patients in China in 2015, and has been reported in a wide range of domestic and wild animals as well as ticks worldwide, posing a threat to public health. In this systematic review, we established a comprehensive database to acquire the distribution and prevalence status of this pathogen, and collected all sequences of A. capra to summarize the details of genetic diversity by phylogenetic analysis. We also predicted the possible global distribution of A. capra by using ecological niche model. A. capra has been known to distribute in 18 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa. A total of 19 species of mammals from seven families have been reported as hosts, and domestic ruminants including goats, sheep and cattle were the major hosts. At least 8 tick species of 4 genera have been reported to carry A. capra, and Haemaphysalis longicornis was most commonly infected. Sheep and Rhipicephalus microplus had the highest positive rates among animals and ticks. Phylogenetic analysis based on gltA and groEL genes revealed that A. capra could primarily be divided into two clusters related to geographic location and animal hosts. The predictive model showed that the most suitable habitats for presence of A. capra were mainly located in Asia and eastern Europe. These cumulative data regarding A. capra of our study lay a foundation for the subsequent exploration of this emerging tick-borne pathogen.

Genomic Characteristics of Emerging Intraerythrocytic Anaplasma capra and High Prevalence in Goats, China

Anaplasma capra is an emerging tickborne human pathogen initially recognized in China in 2015; it has been reported in ticks and in a wide range of domestic and wild animals worldwide. We describe whole-genome sequences of 2 A. capra strains from metagenomic sequencing of purified erythrocytes from infected goats in China. The genome of A. capra was the smallest among members of the genus Anaplasma. The genomes of the 2 A. capra strains contained comparable G+C content and numbers of pseudogenes with intraerythrocytic Anaplasma species. The 2 A. capra strains had 54 unique genes. The prevalence of A. capra was high among goats in the 2 endemic areas. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the A. capra strains detected in this study were basically classified into 2 subclusters with those previously detected in Asia. Our findings clarify details of the genomic characteristics of A. capra and shed light on its genetic diversity.

Molecular survey of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in livestock ticks from Kassena-Nankana, Ghana; with a first report of Anaplasma capra and Ehrlichia minasensis

Tick-borne pathogens harm livestock production and pose a significant risk to public health. To combat these effects, it is necessary to identify the circulating pathogens to create effective control measures. This study identified Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in ticks collected from livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts between February 2020 and December 2020. A total of 1550 ticks were collected from cattle, sheep and goats. The ticks were morphologically identified, pooled and screened for pathogens using primers that amplify a 345 bp fragment of the 16SrRNA gene and Sanger sequencing. The predominant tick species collected was Amblyomma variegatum (62.98%). From the 491 tick pools screened, 34 (6.92%) were positive for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. The pathogens identified were Ehrlichia canis (4.28%), Ehrlichia minasensis (1.63%), Anaplasma capra (0.81%) and Anaplasma marginale (0.20%). This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species in ticks from Ghana. With the association of human infections with the zoonotic pathogen A. capra, livestock owners are at risk of infections, calling for the development of effective control measures.

First molecular identification of multiple tick-borne pathogens in livestock within Kassena-Nankana, Ghana

The risk of pathogen transmission continues to increase significantly in the presence of tick vectors due to the trade of livestock across countries. In Ghana, there is a lack of data on the incidence of tick-borne pathogens that are of zoonotic and veterinary importance. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence of such pathogens in livestock using molecular approaches. A total of 276 dry blood spots were collected from cattle (100), sheep (95) and goats (81) in the Kassena-Nankana Districts. The samples were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and conventional assays and Sanger sequencing that targeted pathogens including Rickettsia, Coxiella, Babesia, Theileria, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. An overall prevalence of 36.96% was recorded from the livestock DBS, with mixed infections seen in 7.97% samples. Furthermore, the prevalence of infections in livestock was recorded to be 19.21% in sheep, 14.13% in cattle, and 3.62% in goats. The pathogens identified were Rickettsia spp. (3.26%), Babesia sp. Lintan (8.70%), Theileria orientalis (2.17%), Theileria parva (0.36%), Anaplasma capra (18.48%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.81%), Anaplasma marginale (3.26%) and Anaplasma ovis (7.25%). This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned pathogens in livestock in Ghana and highlights the use of dry blood spots in resource-limited settings. In addition, this research provides an update on tick-borne pathogens in Ghana, suggesting risks to livestock production and human health. Further studies will be essential to establish the distribution and epidemiology of these pathogens in Ghana.

Diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in five species of ticks collected from Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, China in 2021-2022

The order Rickettsiales in the class Alphaproteobacteria comprises vector-borne pathogens of both medical and veterinary importance. Ticks, as a group, are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of pathogens to humans, playing a critical role in the transmission of rickettsiosis. In the present study, 880 ticks collected from Jinzhai County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, China in 2021-2022 were identified as belonging to five species from three genera. DNA extracted from individual ticks was examined using nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene (rrs), and the gene fragments amplified were sequenced to detect and identify Rickettsiales bacteria in the ticks. For further identification, the rrs-positive tick samples were further amplified by PCR targeting the gltA and groEL gene and sequenced. As a result, 13 Rickettsiales species belonging to the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia were detected, including three tentative species of Ehrlichia. Our results reveal the extensive diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in ticks from Jinzhai County, Anhui Province. There, emerging rickettsial species may be pathogenic and cause under-recognized diseases. Detection of several pathogens in ticks that are closely related to human diseases may indicate a potential risk of infection in humans. Therefore, additional studies to assess the potential public health risks of the Rickettsiales pathogens identified in the present study are warranted.

The detection and phylogenetic analysis of Anaplasma phagocytophilum-like 1, A. ovis and A. capra in sheep: A. capra divides into two genogroups

In this study, the presence, prevalence, and genotypes of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. ovis, and A. capra in sheep were investigated based on 16 S SSU rRNA, groEL, and gtlA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. The sequences of the genes were used for detection of the phylogenetic position of the species. Additionally, a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were carried out for discrimination of A. phagocytophilum and related variants (A. phagocytophilum-like 1 and 2). The prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was found as 25.8% (101/391), while it was found that A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum-like 1, and A. capra are circulating in the sheep herds in Kyrgyzstan, according to the PCRs, RFLP and the partial DNA sequencing results. The positivity rates of A. phagocytophilum-like 1, A. ovis, and A. capra genotype-1 were 6.9, 22.5, and 5.3%, respectively. A total of 32 (8.2%) sheep were found to be mix infected. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses and sequence comparison with those available in the GenBank showed that A. capra formed two distinct genetic groups (A. capra genotype-1 and A. capra genotype-2). Considering the zoonotic potential of these species, it may be necessary to make changes in the interpretation of anaplasmosis cases in animals and there is a need for further studies to determine the pathogenicity of the species/genotypes circulating in animals.

Buffaloes as new hosts for Anaplasma capra: Molecular prevalence and phylogeny based on gtlA, groEL, and 16S rRNA genes

Anaplasma capra is a tick-borne pathogen that was discovered for the first time in goats in China in 2012. The studies carried out from the first detection in China to the present have revealed the presence of this species in eight countries including Angola, France, Iranian, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Spain, and Türkiye in three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe). It has also been determined that humans, sheep, cattle, dog, and wild animals are the hosts of A. capra. It was investigated whether water buffaloes were the host of A. capra using nested-PCR and DNA sequencing in this study. The prevalence of A. capra in Turkish water buffalo herds was investigated and phylogenetic analyzes were performed on the basis of gltA, groEL, and 16S rRNA genes. A total of 364 water buffalo blood samples were examined in terms of A. capra using gltA gene species-specific nested-PCR. A. capra were detected in 52 of 364 (14.28%) blood samples. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence, gender, and age parameters. The gltA, groEL, and 16S rRNA genes in randomly selected three positive samples were sequenced. A. capra isolates obtained from water buffaloes in this study shared 85.20-100%(gltA), 89.84-100%(groEL), and 99.82-100%(16S rRNA) nucleotide similarity with A.capra isolates present in GeneBank. Phylogenetic analyses of gtlA and groEL genes revealed that A. capra divided in two different genogroups. In conclusion, this study revealed that water buffalo is a new host of A. capra. However, comprehensive studies are needed to determine the pathogenicity, vectors, and biological properties of A. capra in this new host.

The Use and Limitations of the 16S rRNA Sequence for Species Classification of Anaplasma Samples

With the advent of cheaper, high-throughput sequencing technologies, the ability to survey biodiversity in previously unexplored niches and geographies has expanded massively. Within Anaplasma, a genus containing several intra-hematopoietic pathogens of medical and economic importance, at least 25 new species have been proposed since the last formal taxonomic organization. Given the obligate intracellular nature of these bacteria, none of these proposed species have been able to attain formal standing in the nomenclature per the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes rules. Many novel species’ proposals use sequence data obtained from targeted or metagenomic PCR studies of only a few genes, most commonly the 16S rRNA gene. We examined the utility of the 16S rRNA gene sequence for discriminating Anaplasma samples to the species level. We find that while the genetic diversity of the genus Anaplasma appears greater than appreciated in the last organization of the genus, caution must be used when attempting to resolve to a species descriptor from the 16S rRNA gene alone. Specifically, genomically distinct species have similar 16S rRNA gene sequences, especially when only partial amplicons of the 16S rRNA are used. Furthermore, we provide key bases that allow classification of the formally named species of Anaplasma.

First molecular detection of Anaplasma species in cattle from Kyrgyzstan; molecular identification of human pathogenic novel genotype Anaplasma capra and Anaplasma phagocytophilum related strain

Anaplasmosis is a rickettsial infection with significant effects on human and animal health, and the discovery of new species or genotypes with zoonotic potential in recent years has increased this importance. The aim of this study was to provide the first assessment of the molecular etiology and prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis in Kyrgyzstan (specifically in the Chuy, Talas, Djalal-Abad, Naryn, and Issyk-Kul regions). The prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis was determined as 1.7% (6/358). PCR and partial DNA sequencing results of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene revealed that Anaplasma centrale, A. phagocytophilum like-1, and the human pathogenic novel genotype A. capra are circulating in cattle herds in Kyrgyzstan. Six DNA nucleotide sequences obtained in this study were deposited in GenBank under the following accession numbers: A. centrale (MW672117, MW672118, MW672119, MW672120), A. phagocytophilum (MW672121), and A. capra (MW672115).

Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Four Anaplasma Species With Veterinary and Public Health Significance Identified in Tibetan Sheep (Ovis aries) and Yaks (Bos grunniens) in Qinghai, China

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) can cause serious economic losses and are very important to animal and public health. To date, research on TBDs has been limited in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. This epidemiological investigation was conducted to evaluate the distribution and risk factors of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in livestock in Qinghai. A total of 566 blood samples, including 330 yaks (Bos grunniens) and 236 Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) were screened. Results showed that A. bovis (33.3%, 110/330) and A. phagocytophilum (29.4%, 97/330) were most prevalent in yaks, followed by A. ovis (1.2%, 4/330), A. capra (0.6%, 2/330), and E. chaffeensis (0.6%, 2/330). While A. ovis (80.9%, 191/236) and A. bovis (5.1%, 12/236) infection was identified in Tibetan sheep. To our knowledge, it is the first time that A. capra and E. chaffeensis have been detected in yaks in China. Apart from that, we also found that co-infection of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum is common in yaks (28.2%, 93/330). For triple co-infection, two yaks were infected with A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and A. capra, and two yaks were infected with A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and E. chaffeensis. Risk analysis shows that infection with A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and A. ovis was related to region and altitude. This study provides new data on the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. and E. chaffeensis in Qinghai, China, which may help to develop new strategies for active responding to these pathogens.

The first detection of Anaplasma capra, an emerging zoonotic Anaplasma sp., in erythrocytes

An emerging infectious disease caused by “Anaplasma capra” was reported in a 2015 survey of 477 hospital patients with a tick-bite history in China. However, the morphological characteristics and parasitic location of this pathogen are still unclear, and the pathogen has not been officially classified as a member of the genus Anaplasma. Anaplasma capra-positive blood samples were collected, blood cells separated, and DNA of whole blood cells, erythrocytes, and leukocytes extracted. Multiplex PCR detection assay was used to detect whole blood cell, erythrocytes and leukocytes, DNA samples, and PCR identification, nucleic acid sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses based on A. capra groEL, 16S rRNA, gltA, and msp4 genes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Wright–Giemsa staining, chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH), immunocytochemistry, and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) were used to identify the location and morphological characteristics of A. capra. Multiple gene loci results demonstrated that erythrocyte DNA samples were A. capra-positive, while leukocyte DNA samples were A. capra-negative. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. capra is in the same clade with the A. capra sequence reported previously. SEM and TEM showed one or more pathogens internally or on the outer surface of erythrocytes. Giemsa staining, CISH, immunocytochemistry, and IFA indicated that erythrocytes were A. capra-positive. This study is the first to identify the novel zoonotic tick-borne Anaplasma sp., “Anaplasma capra,” in host erythrocytes. Based on our results, we suggest revision of Genus Anaplasma and formally name “A. capra” as Anaplasma capra sp. nov.

Genetic characterization and phylogenetic of Anaplasma capra in Persian onagers (Equus hemionus onager)

Anaplasma spp. are among the most recognized arthropod-borne infectious agents. Although the novel A. capra has been isolated from wildlife, livestock, and hard ticks from many parts of the world, there is no report regarding the identification of this pathogen from equines and little is known about the epidemiology of A. capra in Equidae. In this study, A. capra was identified in two out of ten blood specimens of wild onagers (Equus hemionus onager) during a routine health check-up in Semnan, Iran by light microscopy and molecular analyses while other pathogens were not detected. First, inclusions on RBC's were observed in two blood smears by light microscopy. Then, the blood specimens of both animals were analyzed by realtime-PCR for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Theileria infections. A 1400 bp sequence of 16S rRNA belonging to Anaplasmataceae and 874 bp fragment for groEL gene for A. capra were amplified in Anaplasma positive samples and sequenced. Preliminary BLAST analysis of sequenced fragments showed high homology to A. capra strains in GenBank database. Finally, nested PCR and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism techniques confirmed the pathogen as A. capra. To the best of our knowledge, this study has reported the occurrence of A. capra in wild onagers for the first time and suggests that equines could be infected with this pathogen and act as reservoirs for A. capra.

Genetic diversity of Anaplasma bacteria: Twenty years later

The genus Anaplasma (family Anaplasmataceae, order Rickettsiales) includes obligate intracellular alphaproteobacteria that multiply within membrane-bound vacuoles and are transmitted by Ixodidae ticks to vertebrate hosts. Since the last reclassification of Anaplasmataceae twenty years ago, two new Anaplasma species have been identified. To date, the genus includes eight Anaplasma species (A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. centrale, A. ovis, A. bovis, A. platys, A. odocoilei, and A. capra) and a large number of unclassified genovariants that cannot be assigned to known species. Members of the genus can cause infection in humans and a wide range of domestic animals with different degrees of severity. Long-term persistence which, in some cases, is manifested as cyclic bacteremia has been demonstrated for several Anaplasma species. Zoonotic potential has been shown for A. phagocytophilum, the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and for some other Anaplasma spp. that suggests a broader medical relevance of this genus. Genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp. has been intensively studied in recent years, and it has been shown that some Anaplasma spp. can be considered as a complex of genetically distinct lineages differing by geography, vectors, and host tropism. The aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge concerning the natural history, pathogenic properties, and genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp. and some unclassified genovariants with particular attention to their genetic characteristics. The high genetic variability of Anaplasma spp. prompted us to conduct a detailed phylogenetic analysis for different Anaplasma species and unclassified genovariants, which were included in this review. The genotyping of unclassified genovariants has led to the identification of at least four distinct clades that might be considered in future as new candidate species.

Molecular detection of Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia tamurae, and associated pathogens from ticks parasitizing water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) in South Korea

Most defined Rickettsiales, which can be transmitted by ticks, are known to be important zoonotic pathogens. Some of these pathogens can cause severe diseases in humans, including anaplasmosis, rickettsioses, and ehrlichiosis. Previous studies in South Korea have investigated tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) residing in ticks found on grassy vegetation and animals. However, there is limited phylogenetic information on TBPs in ticks parasitizing Korean water deer (KWD; Hydropotes inermis argyropus). This study evaluated the prevalence, risk factors (regions, tick stages, and tick species), and coinfections of TBPs in ticks parasitizing KWD. Were collected a total of 283 hard ticks, including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis flava, and Ixodes nipponensis from KWD in South Korea from 2013 to 2017. In 173 tested tick pools, genes for seven TBPs, namely Rickettsia raoultii (20 %), Rickettsia tamurae (1 %), Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (31 %), Ehrlichia canis (3 %), Anaplasma capra (3 %), Anaplasma bovis (2 %), and Anaplasma sp. (1 %), were detected. The unidentified Anaplasma sp. isolates revealed a 98.4 %-99.3 % sequence identity with Anaplasma sp. in GenBank sequences obtained from ticks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the presence of the emerging human pathogen R. tamurae in South Korea. These results should increase awareness about the need for continued development of epidemiological control measures, and medical and veterinary communities must be informed of their high infection potential and clinical complexity in humans.

Identification of Anaplasma spp. in Tian Shan wapiti deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus) in Xinjiang, China

Anaplasma spp. are important zoonotic tick-borne pathogens that impact on human health. There are few reports on the prevalence and molecular genetic characteristics of Cervidae species in China. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to investigate the presence of Anaplasma spp. in blood samples of Tian Shan wapiti (Cervus elaphus songaricus) in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, and conduct phylogenetic analyses. A total of 50 blood samples (wild deer n = 26, and captive deer n = 24) were collected from the deer. PCR was used to detect Anaplasma spp. in the blood samples. Forty percent (20) of the samples were found to contain Anaplasma spp. Three Anaplasma species DNA were detected in deer blood samples: A. bovis (n = 13), A. ovis (n = 18), and A. phagocytophilum (n = 11). Among the 20 Anaplasma spp. positive samples, 14 were mixed infection of two or three pathogens. The prevalence of Anaplasma species in wild deer was significantly higher than that of captive deer, 73.1% (19) vs 4.2% (1) respectively, (p < 0.01). Two A. ovis sequence types (AB1, and AB2), three A. ovis sequence types (AO1-AO3), and one A. phagocytophilum sequence type (AP1) were obtained in this study. The sequences of AO1 shared 100% identity with a human isolate from Cyprus. Our results suggest that wild deer are more likely to become infected with Anaplasma spp. than captive individuals, and thus, could potentially transmit pathogens to humans.

Novel Anaplasma Variants in Small Ruminants From Central China

Anaplasma capra is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that pose a risk to the health of human and veterinary animal. Numerous variants in a variety of domestic and wild animals had been reported since its discovery and confirmation in humans in 2015 and its first detection from goat blood during 2012-2013. In order to find out more A. capra variants data of A. capra in central China, 16S rRNA, gltA, groEL, and msp4 genes of this pathogen were amplified from sheep and goat samples collected during 2011-2015 and phylogenetic analysis of these sequences were conducted. The results of 16S rRNA and gltA manifested that partial sequences obtained in this study were 100% identical with A. capra isolates, while phylogenetic analysis results of groEL and msp4 showed that the obtained sequences were independent with all other Anaplasmas, formed separate branches on the evolutionary trees. What needed to be emphasized was that the 16S rRNA and gltA gene sequences of X51 (KX505302 and KX450269), a sample from Shandong in 2011, were found to be 100% identical with A. capra. Therefore, we could speculate that the occurrence of A. capra may be earlier than its first discovery and report. And the A. capra isolates in central China were novel variants which were different from known genotypes.

Identification of Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens from Korean Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus)

Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) are widespread in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Mostly, Korean water deer are essential hosts for maintaining ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Here, we investigated the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) among rescued Korean water deer. Anaplasma phagocytophilum (21.4%, 6/28), Anaplasma capra (14.3%, 4/28), Babesia capreoli (3.6%, 1/28), and Coxiella burnetii (3.6%, 1/28) were detected, but Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Theileria infections were not found. A. phagocytophilum was the most commonly detected pathogen, and co-infection with A. capra and B. capreoli was also noted in one Korean water deer. To our knowledge, this is the first article of B. capreoli infection in Korean water deer in the ROK. The infecting isolate of A. phagocytophilum was genetically characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and ankyrin-related protein (ankA) gene. Although the 16S rRNA gene alone may not be informative enough to delineate distinct host species, ankA-based phylogeny revealed a high identity of Korean water deer sequences with those of the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis. A. capra was detected by using citrate synthase gene (gltA), heat-shock protein (groEL), and major surface protein 4 (msp4) genes. Phylogenetic tree based on these gene markers revealed that there were at least two distinct variants within A. capra circulating in the ROK. One variant originated from different hosts including humans, ticks, goats, and sheep, whereas the other variant was reported recently in Korean water deer in the ROK. Consequently, these sequences were identified to belong to a zoonotic species. Sequencing analysis of the 18S rRNA gene revealed that our isolate belonged to B. capreoli and was distinct from Babesia divergens and Babesia venatorum. Moreover, our isolate showed 92.2% homology with B. capreoli sequences, indicating that these differences may be attributed to the different tick species that transmit B. capreoli or to different host species. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of C. burnetii based on 16S rRNA and IS1111 genes revealed that our isolate was grouped with several strains of C. burnetii and was genetically distant from Coxiella-like bacteria isolates. The present results highlight that Korean water deer act as potential reservoir hosts for zoonotic TBPs, and thus play an important role in the transmission of TBDs in humans, animals, and livestock.

Genotypic Analysis of Piroplasms and Associated Pathogens from Ticks Infesting Cattle in Korea

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) impose an important limitation to livestock production worldwide, especially in subtropical and tropical areas. Earlier studies in Korea have examined TBPs residing in ticks and animals; however, information on multiple TBPs in ticks infesting cattle is lacking. This study assessed the prevalence of TBPs in ticks parasitizing cattle. A total of 576 ticks, including 340 adults and 236 nymphs, were collected from cattle in Korea between 2014 and 2018. All ticks collected were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. Among piroplasms and other tick-associated pathogens, seven TBP genes, namely Theileria orientalis (5.0%), Anaplasma bovis (2.3%), Anaplasma capra (4.7%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum-like Anaplasma spp. (APL) clades A (1.9%) and B (0.5%), Ehrlichia canis (1.6%), and Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (17.5%), were detected. Bartonella spp. and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus were not found. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the presence of the pathogens T. orientalis major piroplasm surface protein genotypes 3 and 7, A. capra, and APL in ticks from Korea. Cattle ticks may be maintenance hosts for many TBPs, and veterinary and medical clinicians should be aware of their high probability of infection and clinical complexity in humans.

First detection and molecular identification of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in an introduced population of Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) in United Kingdom

In the present study, we investigated blood samples of 196 invasive Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and 91 native roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) originating from the same area in Thetford Forest in Eastern England for the occurrence of blood pathogens such as Anaplasmatacae, Rickettsiales and Piroplasmida (Babesia spp., Theileria spp.) by using PCR. Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Theileria spp. were not detected. Only two male (1%) Reeve's muntjacs and six (6.6%) roe deer were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum with 100% identity among their sequences. However, it is not clear whether Reeve's muntjac is less susceptible to infection, less susceptible to infestation by I. ricinus, or an infection in Reeve's muntjac is more lethal and therefore less positive animals are taken during hunting events.

Duplex TaqMan real-time PCR assay for simultaneous detection and quantification of Anaplasma capra and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection

Anaplasma capra and A. phagocytophilum, two species of the family Anaplasmataceae, are zoonotic tick-borne obligate intracellular bacteria affecting wild and domestic ruminants, dogs, cats, horses and humans. A. capra and A. phagocytophilum infections have been steadily increasing in both number and geographic distribution, and the accurate diagnosis of these infections is challenging. This study aimed to develop a rapid, sensitive and reliable duplex real-time PCR assay for the specific detection and differentiation of these Anaplasma species. We designed primers and probes against the conserved regions of A. capra groEL and A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA genes. A range of PCR-related parameters were evaluated such as the dosage of primers and probes, and annealing temperature. The specificity, sensitivity and repeatability of this assay were evaluated. Assay performance was further evaluated using samples collected from 124 goats in four regions of Henan, China. This set of samples was also tested using conventional PCR under conditions previously described. The developed duplex real-time PCR assay allowed the simultaneous detection of A. capra and A. phagocytophilum in a reasonably short time at levels as small as 10² copies/μL, respectively, with optimal specificity and reproducibility. In addition, this duplex real-time PCR assay is the first DNA-based method designed to detect A. capra and A. phagocytophilum, and will be valuable for timely diagnosis and treatment of these infections.