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Liyanagama I, Oh S, Choi JH, Yi MH, Kim M, Yun S, Kang D, Kim SL, Ojeda Ayala MG, Odua F, Yong TS, Kim JY. Metabarcoding study of potential pathogens and zoonotic risks associated with dog feces in Seoul, South Korea. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012441. [PMID: 39196875 PMCID: PMC11355564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012441] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant portion of South Korea's population, approximately a quarter, owns pets, with dogs being the most popular choice among them. However, studies analyzing the fecal organism communities of dogs in South Korea are lacking, and limited efforts have been exerted to identify pathogens with potential zoonotic implications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate potential pathogens using metabarcoding analysis and evaluate the risk of zoonotic diseases in dog feces in Seoul, South Korea. METHODOLOGY Fecal samples were collected from both pet and stray dogs in the Mapo district of Seoul. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized, employing 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to identify prokaryotic pathogens, and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing for eukaryotic pathogens. The data obtained from the QIIME2 pipeline were subjected to various statistical analyses to identify different putative pathogens and their compositions. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Significant variations in microbiota composition were found between stray and pet dogs, and putative prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens were identified. The most prevalent putative bacterial pathogens were Fusobacterium, Helicobacter, and Campylobacter. The most prevalent putative eukaryotic pathogens were Giardia, Pentatrichomonas, and Cystoisospora. Interestingly, Campylobacter, Giardia, and Pentatrichomonas were found to be significantly more prevalent in stray dogs than in pet dogs. The variation in the prevalence of potential pathogens in dog feces could be attributed to environmental factors, including dietary variances and interactions with wildlife, particularly in stray dogs. These factors likely contributed to the observed differences in pathogen occurrence between stray and pet dogs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study offers valuable insights into the zoonotic risks associated with dog populations residing in diverse environments. By identifying and characterizing putative pathogens in dog feces, this research provides essential information on the impact of habitat on dog-associated pathogens, highlighting the importance of public health planning and zoonotic risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isuru Liyanagama
- Department of Global Health and Disease Control, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | - Singeun Oh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-hee Yi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungjun Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyeon Yun
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Kang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Lim Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Gloria Ojeda Ayala
- Department of Global Health and Disease Control, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Fred Odua
- Department of Global Health and Disease Control, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Production Department, Nakasongola, Uganda
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Yi MH, Choi JH, Kim M, Chavarria X, Yun S, Oh S, Kang D, Yong TS, Kim JY. Microbiome of lovebug ( Plecia longiforceps) in Seoul, South Korea. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0380923. [PMID: 38809007 PMCID: PMC11218492 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03809-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Lovebugs appeared in large numbers across a wide area in Seoul, South Korea, in June 2023. The sudden appearance of exotic insects not only discomforts people but also fosters anxiety, as their potential for pathogen transmission would be unknown. In this study, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene V4 region was performed using iSeq 100 to screen for bacteria in lovebugs. Forty-one lovebugs (20 females and 21 males) collected in Seoul, Korea, were identified as Plecia longiforceps based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 sequencing data using PCR. We analyzed the microbiome of the lovebugs and detected 453 species of bacteria. Among all bacteria screened based on NGS, Rickettsia was detected in all samples with an average relative abundance of 80.40%, followed by Pandoraea and Ewingella. Diversity (alpha and beta) between females and males did not differ; however, only Tumebacillus showed a higher relative abundance in females. Sequencing analysis of Rickettsia using a gltA gene-specific primer by PCR showed that it had higher sequence similarity to the Rickettsia symbiont of arthropods than to the spotted fever group rickettsiae. Eleven samples in which Pandoraea was detected by iSeq 100 were confirmed by PCR and exhibited 100% sequence identity to Pandoraea oxalativorans strain DSM 23570. Consequently, the likelihood of pathogen transmission to humans is low. The applied method may play a crucial role in swiftly identifying bacterial species in the event of future outbreaks of exotic insects that may be harmful to humans.IMPORTANCELovebugs have recently emerged in large numbers in Seoul, causing major concern regarding potential health risks. By performing the next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V4 region, we comprehensively examined the microbiome of these insects. We identified the presence of numerous bacteria, including Rickettsia and Pandoraea. Reassuringly, subsequent tests confirmed that these detected bacteria were not pathogenic. The present study addresses health concerns related to lovebugs and shows the accuracy and efficiency of our detection technique. Such methods prove invaluable for rapidly identifying bacterial species during potential outbreaks of unfamiliar insects, thereby ensuring public safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Hee Yi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myungjun Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Xavier Chavarria
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sohyeon Yun
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Singeun Oh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dongjun Kang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Hong S, Choi JH, Oh S, Yi MH, Kim SL, Kim M, Lee CW, Yang HJ, Chai JY, Yong TS, Jung BK, Kim JY. Gut microbiota differences induced by Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in stray cats in South Korea. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2413-2421. [PMID: 37596434 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
T. gondii is a highly prevalent parasite worldwide, with cats serving as its final host. However, few studies have investigated the impact of T. gondii infection on cat gut microbiota. Therefore, this study examined the influence of T. gondii infection on the gut microbiota of stray cats and identified potential pathogens in their feces. This study examined T. gondii infection through blood of stray cats and the influence of microbiota in their feces using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results revealed significant differences in gut microbiota composition and diversity between the T. gondii seropositive and seronegative groups. Seropositive samples displayed a lower number of operational taxonomic units and reduced Shannon index than the seronegative samples. The seropositive and seronegative groups exhibited enrichment of taxa, including Escherichia and Enterobacteriaceae and Collinsella, Bifidobacterium, and Roseburia, respectively. Furthermore, potential pathogen species, including Campylobacter, Escherichia, and Streptococcus, were identified in the fecal samples. These findings suggest that T. gondii infection significantly impacts gut microbiota composition and diversity in stray cats. Additionally, an increased potential pathogen load, represented by Escherichia spp., was observed. These results underscore the importance of monitoring the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in stray cats, as they can serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooji Hong
- MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, 07649, Korea
- Department of Parasitology and Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, 07084, Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Singeun Oh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Myung-Hee Yi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Soo Lim Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Myungjun Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | | | - Hyun-Jong Yang
- Department of Parasitology and Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, 07084, Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Bong-Kwang Jung
- MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, 07649, Korea.
| | - Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
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Oh S, Park SH, Choi JH, Kim SL, Kim M, Lee S, Yi MH, Lee IY, Yong TS, Kim JY. The microbiota in feces of domestic pigeons in Seoul, Korea. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14997. [PMID: 37095944 PMCID: PMC10121612 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In Korea, feral pigeons pose significant public health risks because they carry various zoonotic pathogens. Human population density is a significant factor in zoonotic disease events. Seoul is one of the largest cities by population density among developed countries and where most of the homeless population in Korea exists. We designed this study to compare the microbiota of pigeon feces by regional characteristics and the presence of homeless individuals. Therefore, this study used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to detect possible pathogenic microbes and assess the current risk of zoonosis in Seoul, South Korea. Pigeon fecal samples (n = 144) obtained from 19 public sites (86 and 58 fecal samples from regions in and outside Seoul, respectively) were examined. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were also detected in the fecal samples; Campylobacter spp. was found in 19 samples from 13 regions, Listeriaceae was found in seven samples, and Chlamydia spp. was found in three samples from two regions. Principal coordinates analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in bacterial composition between the regions in Seoul (n = 86) and outside Seoul (n = 58) and between the regions with (n = 81) and without (n = 63) homeless individuals. Overall, this study identified various potentially pathogenic microorganisms in pigeon feces at public sites in South Korea. Moreover, this study demonstrates that the microbial composition was influenced by regional characteristics and homelessness. Taken together, this study provides important information for public health strategic planning and disease control.
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Kim SL, Choi JH, Yi MH, Lee S, Kim M, Oh S, Lee IY, Jeon BY, Yong TS, Kim JY. Metabarcoding of bacteria and parasites in the gut of Apodemus agrarius. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:486. [PMID: 36564849 PMCID: PMC9789561 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05608-w] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius is a wild rodent commonly found in fields in Korea. It is a known carrier of various pathogens. Amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene is the most common technique used to analyze the bacterial microbiome. Although many bacterial microbiome analyses have been attempted using feces of wild animals, only a few studies have used NGS to screen for parasites. This study aimed to rapidly detect bacterial, fungal and parasitic pathogens in the guts of A. agrarius using NGS-based metabarcoding analysis. METHODS We conducted 18S/16S rDNA-targeted high-throughput sequencing on cecal samples collected from A. agrarius (n = 48) trapped in May and October 2017. Taxa of protozoa, fungi, helminths and bacteria in the cecal content were then identified. RESULTS Among the protozoa identified, the most prevalent was Tritrichomonas sp., found in all of the cecal samples, followed by Monocercomonas sp. (95.8% prevalence; in 46/48 samples) and Giardia sp. (75% prevalence; in 36/48 samples). For helminths, Heligmosomoides sp. was the most common, found in 85.4% (41/48) of samples, followed by Hymenolepis sp. (10.4%; 5/48) and Syphacia sp. (25%; 12/48). The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that the microbial composition of the cecal samples changed by season (P = 0.005), with the linear discriminant analysis effect size showing that in the spring Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus murinus were more abundant and Helicobacter rodentium was less abundant. Helicobacter japonicus was more abundant and Prevotella_uc was less abundant in males. The microbial composition changed based on the Heligmosomoides sp. infection status (P = 0.019); specifically, Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus intestinalis were more abundant in the Heligmosomoides sp.-positive group than in the Heligmosomoides sp.-negative group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that bacterial abundance changed based on the season and specific parasitic infection status of the trapped mice. These results highlight the advantages of NGS technology in monitoring zoonotic disease reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Lim Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-hee Yi
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Seogwon Lee
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Myungjun Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Singeun Oh
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - In-Yong Lee
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Young Jeon
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493 Republic of Korea
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Yeong Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
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Kim JY, Choi JH, Nam SH, Fyumagwa R, Yong TS. Parasites and blood-meal hosts of the tsetse fly in Tanzania: a metagenomics study. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:224. [PMID: 35733222 PMCID: PMC9215111 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tsetse flies can transmit various Trypanosoma spp. that cause trypanosomiasis in humans, wild animals, and domestic animals. Amplicon deep sequencing of the 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene can be used to detect mammalian tsetse hosts, and the 18S rRNA gene can be used to detect all associated eukaryotic pathogens, including Trypanosoma spp. Methods Tsetse flies were collected from the Serengeti National Park (n = 48), Maswa Game Reserve (n = 42), and Tarangire National Park (n = 49) in Tanzania in 2012–13. Amplicon deep sequencing targeting mammal-specific 12S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes was performed to screen the blood-feeding sources of tsetse flies and eukaryotic parasites in tsetse flies, respectively. Results 12S rRNA gene deep sequencing revealed that various mammals were blood-feeding sources of the tsetse flies, including humans, common warthogs, African buffalos, mice, giraffes, African elephants, waterbucks, and lions. Genes of humans were less frequently detected in Serengeti (P = 0.0024), whereas African buffaloes were detected more frequently as a blood-feeding source (P = 0.0010). 18S rRNA gene deep sequencing showed that six tsetse samples harbored the Trypanosoma gene, which was identified as Trypanosoma godfreyi and Trypanosoma simiae in subsequent ITS1 gene sequencing. Conclusions Through amplicon deep sequencing targeting the 12S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes, various mammalian animals were identified as blood-meal sources, and two Trypanosoma species were detected in tsetse flies collected from the Maswa Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, and Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. This study illustrates the patterns of parasitism of tsetse fly, wild animals targeted by the fly, and Trypanosoma spp. carried by the fly in Tanzania. It may provide essential data for formulating better strategies to control African trypanosomes. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05344-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hyun Nam
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert Fyumagwa
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P.O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Truong AT, Yun BR, Yoo MS, Lim J, Min S, Yoon SS, Yun YM, Kim JT, Cho YS. Utility of ultra-rapid real-time PCR for detection and prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:199. [PMID: 35624477 PMCID: PMC9137179 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03311-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rickettsia spp. are important tick-borne pathogens that cause various human and animal diseases worldwide. A tool for rapid and accurate detection of the pathogens from its vectors is necessary for prevention of Rickettsioses propagation in humans and animals, which are infested by ticks. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate a molecular tool, ultra-rapid real-time PCR (UR-qPCR), for rapid and accurate detection of Rickettsia spp. from 5644 ticks in 408 pools collected from livestock and their surrounding environments in Gangwon and Jeju province in South Korea. Results The UR-qPCR of Rickettsia DNA showed a limit of detection of 2.72 × 101 copies of Rickettsia DNA and no cross reaction with other tick-borne pathogens, namely Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. canis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Borrelia burgdorferi. In addition, the PCR assay also showed possibility of various Rickettsia species detection including R. monacensis, “Candidatus R. longicornii”, R. japonica, R. roultii, and R. tamurae. The collected ticks were identified with major species belonged to Haemaphysalis longicornis (81.62%), followed by H. flava (15.19%), and Ixodes nipponensis (3.19%). Rickettsia detection from tick samples using the UR-qPCR showed that the minimum infection rate (MIR) of Rickettsia in collected ticks was 1.24‰ and that all positive pools contained H. longicornis, equal to the MIR of 1.39‰ of this species. Additionally, MIR of Rickettsia spp. detected in ticks collected in Gangwon and Jeju was 1.53‰ and 0.84‰, respectively. Furthermore, the sequencing results of the 17 kDa protein antigen gene and ompA gene showed that Rickettsia spp. sequences from all pools were related to “Candidatus R. longicornii” and “Candidatus R. jingxinensis”. Conclusions The UR-qPCR system was demonstrated to be useful tool for accurate and rapid detection of Rickettsia from its vector, ixodid ticks, within 20 min. The data on Rickettsia spp. in ticks detected in this study provide useful information on the distribution of Rickettsia in previously unstudied Korean provinces, which are important for the prevention and control of the spread of rickettsioses in both animals and humans in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Tai Truong
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea.,Faculty of Biotechnology, Thai Nguyen University of Sciences, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | - Bo-Ram Yun
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Yoo
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Lim
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Min
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Seek Yoon
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Yun
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Wildlife Rescue Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Taek Kim
- Wildlife Rescue Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sang Cho
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea.
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