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Gray J, Kahl O, Zintl A. Pathogens transmitted by Ixodes ricinus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102402. [PMID: 39368217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102402] [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: 08/08/2024] [Revised: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus is the most important tick vector in central and western Europe and one of the most researched parasites. However, in the published literature on the tick and the pathogens it transmits, conjecture about specific transmission cycles and the clinical significance of certain microbes is not always clearly separated from confirmed facts. This article aims to present up-to-date, evidence-based information about the well-researched human pathogens tick-borne encephalitis virus, louping-ill virus, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and several Babesia species, with a focus on their development in the tick, transmission dynamics and the competent reservoir hosts that support their circulation in the environment. Borrelia miyamotoi, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia monacensis, which are much less common causes of disease but may affect immunocompromised patients, are also briefly discussed. Finally, the possible role of I. ricinus in the transmission of Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Bartonella spp. and Spiroplasma ixodetis is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Gray
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | | | - Annetta Zintl
- UCD School of Veterinary Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Mertens-Scholz K, Hoffmann B, Gethmann JM, Brangsch H, Pletz MW, Klaus C. Prevalence of tick-borne bacterial pathogens in Germany-has the situation changed after a decade? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1429667. [PMID: 39091677 PMCID: PMC11291221 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1429667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tick-borne pathogens, such as Borreliella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp., are frequently detected in Germany. They circulate between animals and tick vectors and can cause mild to severe diseases in humans. Knowledge about distribution and prevalence of these pathogens over time is important for risk assessment of human and animal health. Methods Ixodes ricinus nymphs were collected at different locations in 2009/2010 and 2019 in Germany and analyzed for tick-borne pathogens by real-time PCR and sequencing. Results Borreliella spp. were detected with a prevalence of 11.96% in 2009/2010 and 13.10% in 2019 with B. afzelii and B. garinii as dominant species. Borrelia miyamotoi was detected in seven ticks and in coinfection with B. afzelii or B. garinii. Rickettsia spp. showed a prevalence of 8.82% in 2009/2010 and 1.68% in 2019 with the exclusive detection of R. helvetica. The prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 1.00% in 2009/2010 and 7.01% in 2019. A. phagocytophilum was detected in seven tick samples. None of the nymphs were positive for C. burnetii. Discussion Here, observed changes in prevalence were not significant after a decade but require longitudinal observations including parameters like host species and density, climatic factors to improve our understanding of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut – Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Jena, Germany
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut – Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jörn M. Gethmann
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut – Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Hanka Brangsch
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut – Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Mathias W. Pletz
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Klaus
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut – Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI), Jena, Germany
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Brown TL, Morgan ER. Helminth Prevalence in European Deer with a Focus on Abomasal Nematodes and the Influence of Livestock Pasture Contact: A Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2024; 13:378. [PMID: 38787230 PMCID: PMC11123710 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050378] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Deer are susceptible to infection with parasitic helminths, including species which are of increasing economic concern to the livestock industry due to anthelmintic drug resistance. This paper systematically collates helminth prevalence data from deer across Europe and explores patterns in relation to host and parasite species, as well as landscape factors. A livestock pasture contact index (LPCI) is developed to predict epidemiological overlap between deer and livestock, and hence to examine deer helminth fauna in the context of their surrounding environment. Fifty-eight studies comprising fallow (Dama dama), red (Cervus elaphus), roe (Capreolus capreolus) and sika (Cervus nippon) deer were identified. Deer populations in "likely" contact with livestock pasture had a higher mean prevalence of the abomasal nematodes Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus axei (p = 0.01), which are common in livestock and not primarily associated with deer. Roe deer populations had a higher prevalence of T. circumcincta (p = 0.02) and T. axei (p = 0.01) than fallow deer and a higher prevalence of H. contortus than both red (p = 0.01) and fallow deer (p = 0.02). Liver fluke and lungworm species were present sporadically at low prevalence, while the abomasal nematode Ashworthius sidemi occurred locally at high prevalence. Insights from this research suggest that deer helminth fauna is reflective of their surrounding environment, including the livestock species which inhabit areas of shared grazing. This is explored from an epidemiological perspective, and the prospect of helminth transmission between wild and domestic hosts is discussed, including drug-resistant strains, alongside the role of helminths as indicators relevant to the transmission of other pathogens at the wildlife-livestock interface.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric R. Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
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Mukhtar MU, Mahmood MA, Fayyaz Z, Klinpakdee K, Abdullah M. Opening the Black Box of Host Range, Vectorial Diversity, and Genetic Variants of Genus Anaplasma: The Contributing Factors Toward Its Zoonosis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:265-273. [PMID: 38227393 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0043] [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] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Genus Anaplasma of the family Anaplasmataceae possesses bacteria of hematopoietic origin, which are obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria transmitted mainly by tick vectors. The members of this group of infectious agents are not new as etiological agents of animal diseases worldwide. However, now, reports of their zoonotic potential have gained currency to study these pathogens. The emergence of new species of Anaplasma and the spread of existing species to new areas and hosts highlight the importance of monitoring and improving diagnostic and treatment options for zoonotic diseases caused by Anaplasma. Conclusion: This review focuses on the general and distinctive characteristics of Anaplasma spp., with particular emphasis on the novel species and their diverse spectrum of hosts as potential risk factors impacting its emerging zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Uzair Mukhtar
- Department of Medical Entomology and Parasitology, Institute of Public Health, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif Mahmood
- Department of Medical Entomology and Parasitology, Institute of Public Health, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zahra Fayyaz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kanoknaphat Klinpakdee
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Muhammad Abdullah
- Department of Paramedical Education, Institute of Public Health, Lahore, Pakistan
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Le Dortz LL, Rouxel C, Leroy Q, Ducongé F, Boulouis HJ, Haddad N, Deshuillers PL, Lagrée AC. Aptamer selection against cell extracts containing the zoonotic obligate intracellular bacterium, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2465. [PMID: 38291133 PMCID: PMC10828505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52808-8] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
A. phagocytophilum is a zoonotic and tick-borne bacterium, threatening human and animal health. Many questions persist concerning the variability of strains and the mechanisms governing the interactions with its different hosts. These gaps can be explained by the difficulty to cultivate and study A. phagocytophilum because of its strict intracellular location and the lack of specific tools, in particular monoclonal antibodies, currently unavailable. The objective of our study was to develop DNA aptamers against A. phagocytophilum, or molecules expressed during the infection, as new study and/or capture tools. Selecting aptamers was a major challenge due to the strict intracellular location of the bacterium. To meet this challenge, we set up a customized selection protocol against an enriched suspension of A. phagocytophilum NY18 strain, cultivated in HL-60 cells. The implementation of SELEX allowed the selection of three aptamers, characterized by a high affinity for HL-60 cells infected with A. phagocytophilum NY18 strain. Interestingly, the targets of these three aptamers are most likely proteins expressed at different times of infection. The selected aptamers could contribute to increase our understanding of the interactions between A. phagocytophilum and its hosts, as well as permit the development of new diagnostic, therapeutic or drug delivery appliances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Lucie Le Dortz
- Anses, INRAe, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratory of Animal Health, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Clotilde Rouxel
- Anses, INRAe, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratory of Animal Health, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Quentin Leroy
- Anses, INRAe, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratory of Animal Health, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Frédéric Ducongé
- CEA, Fundamental Research Division (DRF), Institute of Biology François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center, CNRS UMR9199, Paris-Saclay University, 92265, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- Anses, INRAe, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratory of Animal Health, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nadia Haddad
- Anses, INRAe, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratory of Animal Health, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Pierre Lucien Deshuillers
- Anses, INRAe, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratory of Animal Health, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne-Claire Lagrée
- Anses, INRAe, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratory of Animal Health, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Briggs C, Smith E, Vansandt J, Carr B, Loftin K, McDermott EG. PREVALENCE OF EHRLICHIA AND ANAPLASMA SPP. IN TICKS COLLECTED FROM CATTLE AND DEER IN ARKANSAS, USA. J Parasitol 2023; 109:530-536. [PMID: 37903502 DOI: 10.1645/23-53] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma marginale, is widespread in cattle in the southeast United States. The pathogen is biologically transmitted by Dermacentor spp. ticks, and mechanically transmitted by biting flies and via fomites. Despite high reported regional seroprevalence, Dermacentor spp. are rare on cattle in the southeast. To identify other putative An. marginale vectors, and to characterize cattle exposure to other tick-borne pathogens, we collected ticks from Arkansas cattle herds in 2020-2022. Recognizing that deer are important hosts for some of the same tick species that parasitize cattle, we also collected ticks from hunter-killed deer in the fall and winter of 2021. Ticks were screened for bacteria in the family Anaplasmataceae using qPCR. Positive samples were further amplified using a PCR assay targeting the groEL gene, and the resulting amplicons were sequenced for identification. A total of 3,794 ticks were collected, the majority of which were Amblyomma americanum. Amblyomma americanum was the most common species on cattle, and Ixodes scapularis was most common on deer. No ticks were positive for An. marginale, though Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in deer-collected I. scapularis, as well as in a single engorged Am. americanum from cattle. Amblyomma americanum from cattle were infected with Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrilichia chaffeensis, and Panola Mountain Ehrlichia. Cattle in Arkansas are exposed to several ehrlichial pathogens and may also be exposed to An. phagocytophilum. The importance of these pathogens, particularly Panola Mountain Ehrlichia, in causing cattle disease in Arkansas deserves further study, as does the importance of mechanical transmission of An. marginale in bovine anaplasmosis epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cierra Briggs
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Elizabeth Smith
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Jordan Vansandt
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Brandon Carr
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Kelly Loftin
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
| | - Emily G McDermott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
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Fröhlich J, Fischer S, Bauer B, Hamel D, Kohn B, Ahlers M, Obiegala A, Overzier E, Pfeffer M, Pfister K, Răileanu C, Rehbein S, Skuballa J, Silaghi C. Host-pathogen associations revealed by genotyping of European strains of Anaplasma phagocytophilum to describe natural endemic cycles. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:289. [PMID: 37587504 PMCID: PMC10433637 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05900-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The zoonotic intracellular alpha-proteobacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-transmitted pathogen. The associations between vertebrate reservoirs and vectors are described as wide-ranging, and it was previously shown that the pathogenicity of A. phagocytophilum differs depending on the combination of pathogen variant and infected host species. This leads to the question of whether there are variations in particular gene loci associated with different virulence. Therefore, this study aims at clarifying existing host-variant combinations and detecting possible reservoir hosts. To understand these interactions, a complex toolset for molecular epidemiology, phylogeny and network theory was applied. METHODS Sequences of up to four gene loci (msp4, msp2, groEL and 16S rRNA) were evaluated for different isolates from variable host species, including, for example, dogs, cattle and deer. Variant typing was conducted for each gene locus individually, and combinations of different gene loci were analysed to gain more detailed information about the genetic plasticity of A. phagocytophilum. Results were displayed as minimum spanning nets and correlation nets. RESULTS The highest diversity of variants for all gene loci was observed in roe deer. In cattle, a reduced number of variants for 16S rRNA [only 16S-20(W) and 16S-22(Y)] but multiple variants of msp4 and groEL were found. For dogs, two msp4 variants [m4-20 and m4-2(B/C)] were found to be linked to different variants of the other three gene loci, creating two main combinations of gene loci variants. Cattle are placed centrally in the minimum spanning net analyses, indicating a crucial role in the transmission cycles by possibly bridging the vector-wildlife cycle to infections of humans and domestic animals. The minimum spanning nets confirmed previously described epidemiological cycles of the bacterium in Europe, showing separation of variants originating from wildlife animals only and a set of variants shared by wild and domestic animals. CONCLUSIONS In this comprehensive study of 1280 sequences, we found a high number of gene variants only occurring in specific hosts. Additionally, different hosts show unique but also shared variant combinations. The use of our four gene loci expand the knowledge of host-pathogen interactions and may be a starting point to predict future spread and infection risks of A. phagocytophilum in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fröhlich
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17943 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Benjamin Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dietmar Hamel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Walchenseestr. 8-12, 83101 Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Clinic for Small Animals, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19B, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marion Ahlers
- agro prax GmbH, Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 2, 49577 Ankum, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Evelyn Overzier
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kurt Pfister
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17943 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Steffen Rehbein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Walchenseestr. 8-12, 83101 Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Jasmin Skuballa
- Chemical and Veterinary Investigations Office Karlsruhe (CVUA Karlsruhe), Weissenburger Str. 3, 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17943 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Apaa TT, McFadzean H, Gandy S, Hansford K, Medlock J, Johnson N. Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ecotype Analysis in Cattle from Great Britain. Pathogens 2023; 12:1029. [PMID: 37623989 PMCID: PMC10459425 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is the aetiological agent of tick-borne fever in cattle and sheep, and granulocytic anaplasmosis in human and dogs. Livestock, companion animal and human infections with A. phagocytophilum have been reported globally. Across England and Wales, two isolates (called ecotypes) have been reported in ticks. This study examined A. phagocytophilum isolates present in livestock and wildlife in Great Britain (GB), with a particular focus on cattle. Clinical submissions (EDTA blood) from cattle (n = 21) and sheep (n = 3) were received by APHA for tick-borne disease testing and the animals were confirmed to be infected with A. phagocytophilum using a PCR targeting the Msp2 gene. Further submissions from roe deer (n = 2), red deer (n = 2) and Ixodes ricinus ticks (n = 22) were also shown to be infected with A. phagocytophilum. Subsequent analysis using a nested PCR targeting the groEL gene and sequencing confirmed the presence of ecotype I in cattle, sheep, red deer and Ixodes ricinus, and ecotype II in roe deer and I. ricinus removed from deer carcasses. Despite the presence of two ecotypes, widely distributed in ticks from England and Wales, only ecotype I was detected in cattle in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ternenge Thaddaeus Apaa
- Vector Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Harriet McFadzean
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Staplake Mount, Starcross, Exeter EX6 8PE, UK
| | - Sara Gandy
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Kayleigh Hansford
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Jolyon Medlock
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Vector Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
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McFadzean H, Johnson N, Phipps LP, Swinson V, Boden LA. Surveillance and Risk Analysis for Bovine Babesiosis in England and Wales to Inform Disease Distribution. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2118. [PMID: 37443916 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesia divergens is a zoonotic piroplasm that infects both cattle and humans in Europe. Disease transmission occurs through Ixodes ricinus tick bites, a species that is increasing in abundance and distribution across Europe in response to climate and land-use changes. Developments in agri-environment policy and changing consumer demands may also have unintended consequences on tick-borne disease rates. Currently, B. divergens surveillance in British cattle is limited, rendering temporal trend analysis and the detection of potential zoonotic hotspots impossible. The objective of this study was to assess syndromic surveillance as a means of determining babesiosis distribution in British cattle, and to evaluate the intrinsic disease risk factors in order to respond to disease threats posed by changing environments. Samples from 95 clinically affected cattle on 70 unique holdings were screened for Babesia spp., using established blood smear examination techniques and a B. divergens-specific PCR method, between April and December 2021. B. divergens was detected in 45/95 animals (47.4%), with PCR offering the advantage of identification at species level. Infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 19/95 animals (20%). Co-infection was detected in five animals. The cases were recorded across multiple geographic regions and throughout the sampling period. Univariate logistic regression analysis failed to identify any statistically significant risk factors for B. divergens presence. This study demonstrates that bovine babesiosis is geographically widespread throughout England and Wales, placing a large proportion of the cattle population at risk of infection, with the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Vector Borne Diseases, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Surrey KT17 3NB, UK
| | - L Paul Phipps
- Vector Borne Diseases, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Surrey KT17 3NB, UK
| | - Vanessa Swinson
- Animal and Plant Health Agency Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 1PZ, UK
| | - Lisa A Boden
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
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Adjadj NR, Cargnel M, Ribbens S, Quinet C, Malandrin L, Mignon B, Mori M. Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. in cattle serum and questing ticks from Belgium. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102146. [PMID: 37044019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102146] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasmosis, borreliosis, rickettsiosis and babesiosis are tick-borne diseases of medical, veterinary and economic importance. In Belgium, little is known on the prevalence of these diseases in animals and previous screenings relate only to targeted geographic regions, clinical cases or a limited number of tested samples. We therefore performed the first nationwide seroprevalence study of Anaplasma spp., A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. in Belgian cattle. We also screened questing ticks for the aforementioned pathogens. METHODS ELISAs and IFATs were performed on a representative sample set of cattle sera stratified proportionally to the number of cattle herds per province. Questing ticks were collected in areas where the highest prevalence for the forenamed pathogens in cattle serum were observed. Ticks were analyzed by quantitative PCR for A. phagocytophilum (n = 783), B. burgdorferi sensu lato (n = 783) and Rickettsia spp. (n = 715) and by PCR for Babesia spp. (n = 358). RESULTS The ELISA screening for antibodies to Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia spp. in cattle sera showed an overall seroprevalence of 15.6% (53/339) and 12.9% (52/402), respectively. The IFAT screening for antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. resulted in an overall seroprevalence of 34.2% (116/339), 31.2% (99/317) and 3.4% (14/412), respectively. At the provincial level, the provinces of Liege and Walloon Brabant harboured the highest seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. (44.4% and 42.7% respectively) and A. phagocytophilum (55.6% and 71.4%). East Flanders and Luxembourg exhibited the highest seroprevalence of Borrelia spp. (32.4%) and Rickettsia spp. (54.8%) respectively. The province of Antwerp showed the highest seroprevalence of Babesia spp. (11%). The screening of field-collected ticks resulted in a prevalence of 13.8% for B. burgdorferi s.l., with B. afzelii and B. garinii being the most common genospecies (65.7% and 17.1%, respectively). Rickettsia spp. was detected in 7.1% of the tested ticks and the only identified species was R. helvetica. A low prevalence was found for A. phagocytophilum (0.5%) and no Babesia positive tick was detected. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence data in cattle indicate hot spots for tick-borne pathogens in specific provinces and highlights the importance of veterinary surveillance in anticipating the emergence of diseases among humans. The detection of all pathogens, with the exception of Babesia spp. in questing ticks, underlines the need of raising awareness among public and professionals on other tick-borne diseases along with lyme borreliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadjah Radia Adjadj
- Sciensano, Bacterial zoonoses unit, Veterinary bacteriology, Brussels, Belgium; Sciensano, Unit of exotic viruses and vector-borne diseases, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Mickaël Cargnel
- Sciensano, Department of epidemiology and public health, service of veterinary epidemiology, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - Christian Quinet
- Association Regionale de Sante et d'Identification Animales (ARSIA), Ciney, Belgium.
| | | | - Bernard Mignon
- University of Liège, department of infectious and parasitic diseases, Liège, FARAH (Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health) Belgium.
| | - Marcella Mori
- Sciensano, Bacterial zoonoses unit, Veterinary bacteriology, Brussels, Belgium.
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11
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Bauer BU, Runge M, Schneider M, Könenkamp L, Steffen I, Rubel W, Ganter M, Schoneberg C. Co-exposure to Anaplasma spp., Coxiella burnetii and tick-borne encephalitis virus in sheep in southern Germany. Acta Vet Scand 2023; 65:6. [PMID: 36793116 PMCID: PMC9933384 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-022-00659-6] [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: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular bacteria Anaplasma spp. and Coxiella burnetii and the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are tick-transmitted pathogens circulating in the southern German sheep population. Knowledge of interaction among Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV in sheep is lacking, but together they might promote and reinforce disease progression. The current study aimed to identify co-exposure of sheep to Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV. For this purpose, 1,406 serum samples from 36 sheep flocks located in both southern German federal states, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria, were analysed by ELISAs to determine the antibody levels of the three pathogens. Inconclusive and positive results from the TBEV ELISA were additionally confirmed by a serum neutralisation assay. The proportion of sheep with antibodies against Anaplasma spp. (47.2%), C. burnetii (3.7%) and TBEV (4.7%) differed significantly. Significantly more flocks with Anaplasma spp. seropositive sheep (91.7%) were detected than flocks with antibodies against TBEV (58.3%) and C. burnetii (41.7%), but there was no significant difference between the number of flocks which contained TBEV and C. burnetii seropositive sheep. Seropositivity against at least two pathogens was detected in 4.7% of sheep from 20 flocks. Most co-exposed sheep had antibodies against Anaplasma spp./TBEV (n = 36), followed by Anaplasma spp./C. burnetii (n = 27) and Anaplasma spp./C. burnetii/TBEV (n = 2). Only one sheep showed an immune response against C. burnetii and TBEV. Flocks with sheep being positive against more than one pathogen were widely distributed throughout southern Germany. The descriptive analysis revealed no association between the antibody response of the three pathogens at animal level. Taking the flocks as a cluster variable into account, the exposure to TBEV reduced the probability of identifying C. burnetii antibodies in sheep significantly (odds ratio 0.46; 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.85), but the reason for this is unknown. The presence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies did not influence the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii and TBEV. Studies under controlled conditions are necessary to evaluate any possible adverse impact of co-exposure to tick-borne pathogens on sheep health. This can help to clarify rare disease patterns. Research in this field may also support the One Health approach due to the zoonotic potential of Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ulrich Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Martin Runge
- grid.500064.7Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Schneider
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Könenkamp
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Biochemistry and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Imke Steffen
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Biochemistry and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Wiebke Rubel
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Clara Schoneberg
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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12
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Karshima SN, Ahmed MI, Mohammed KM, Pam VA, Momoh-Abdullateef H, Gwimi BP. Worldwide meta-analysis on Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in animal reservoirs: Prevalence, distribution and reservoir diversity. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 38:100830. [PMID: 36725159 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100830] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of vertebrate species are competent reservoirs of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, where the pathogen is maintained in the enzootic cycle and transmitted to humans through activities of tick vectors. An insight into the role and diversity of these reservoirs is vital in understanding the epidemiology of this pathogen. Here, we determined the prevalence, distribution and reservoir diversity of A. phagocytophilum using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data pooling was performed by the random-effects model, heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran's Q-test and publication bias by Egger's regression test. Eighty-nine studies from 33 countries across 5 continents revealed A. phagocytophilum pooled prevalence of 15.18% (95% CI: 11.64, 19.57). Continental estimates varied significantly (p < 0.0001), with a range of 2.88% (95% CI: 0.25, 26.20) in South America to 19.91% (95% CI: 13.57, 28.24) in Europe. Country-based estimates ranged between 2.93% (95% CI: 1.17, 7.16) in Slovakia and 71.58% (95% CI: 25.91, 94.77) in Norway. Studies on A. phagocytophilum were concentrated in Europe (51.69%; 46/89) by continent and the USA (22.47%; 20/89) by country. Prevalence in wildlife (17.64%; 95% CI: 12.21-28.59) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that among domestic animals (10.68%; 95% CI: 6.61-16.83). Diverse species of wildlife, domestic animals and birds were infected by A. phagocytophilum. To curtail the public health, veterinary and economic consequences of A. phagocytophilum infections, we recommend an all-inclusive epidemiological approach that targets the human, animal and environmental components of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Ngutor Karshima
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, PMB 28 Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
| | - Musa Isiyaku Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, PMB 28 Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | - Kaltume Mamman Mohammed
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, PMB 28 Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | - Victoria Adamu Pam
- Department of Zoology, Federal University Lafia, Lafia PMB 146, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
| | - Habiba Momoh-Abdullateef
- Department of Animal Health, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, PMB 001, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Bulus Peter Gwimi
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, PMB 28 Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
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13
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Presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ecotype I in UK Ruminants and Associated Zoonotic Risk. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020216. [PMID: 36839488 PMCID: PMC9966478 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020216] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of tick-borne fever in sheep, pasture fever in cattle, and granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans. The increasing prevalence and transboundary spread of A. phagocytophilum in livestock, ticks, and wildlife in the UK poses a potential zoonotic risk that has yet to be estimated. Several ecotypes of A. phagocytophilum show variable zoonotic potential. To evaluate the possible risk associated with the transmission of A. phagocytophilum from ruminants to humans, the ecotype was determined by sequencing the groEL gene from 71 positive blood and tissue samples from UK ruminants. Thirty-four groEL sequences were obtained, fourteen of which were identified in multiple samples. Of the 13 nucleotide polymorphisms identified through pairwise comparison, all corresponded to synonymous substitutions. The subsequent phylogenetic estimation of the relationship with other European/world isolates indicated that all the groEL sequences clustered with other ecotype I sequences. The presence of ecotype I closely reflects that observed in ruminants in continental Europe and suggests a lower risk of zoonotic transmission from this reservoir.
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14
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A Quantum Vaccinomics Approach for the Design and Production of MSP4 Chimeric Antigen for the Control of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10121995. [PMID: 36560405 PMCID: PMC9784196 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum Major surface protein 4 (MSP4) plays a role during infection and multiplication in host neutrophils and tick vector cells. Recently, vaccination trials with the A. phagocytophilum antigen MSP4 in sheep showed only partial protection against pathogen infection. However, in rabbits immunized with MSP4, this recombinant antigen was protective. Differences between rabbit and sheep antibody responses are probably associated with the recognition of non-protective epitopes by IgG of immunized lambs. To address this question, we applied quantum vaccinomics to identify and characterize MSP4 protective epitopes by a microarray epitope mapping using sera from vaccinated rabbits and sheep. The identified candidate protective epitopes or immunological quantum were used for the design and production of a chimeric protective antigen. Inhibition assays of A. phagocytophilum infection in human HL60 and Ixodes scapularis tick ISE6 cells evidenced protection by IgG from sheep and rabbits immunized with the chimeric antigen. These results supported that the design of new chimeric candidate protective antigens using quantum vaccinomics to improve the protective capacity of antigens in multiple hosts.
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15
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Transmission Cycle of Tick-Borne Infections and Co-Infections, Animal Models and Diseases. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111309. [PMID: 36365060 PMCID: PMC9696261 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens such as species of Borrelia, Babesia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Ehrlichia are widespread in the United States and Europe among wildlife, in passerines as well as in domestic and farm animals. Transmission of these pathogens occurs by infected ticks during their blood meal, carnivorism, and through animal bites in wildlife, whereas humans can become infected either by an infected tick bite, through blood transfusion and in some cases, congenitally. The reservoir hosts play an important role in maintaining pathogens in nature and facilitate transmission of individual pathogens or of multiple pathogens simultaneously to humans through ticks. Tick-borne co-infections were first reported in the 1980s in white-footed mice, the most prominent reservoir host for causative organisms in the United States, and they are becoming a major concern for public health now. Various animal infection models have been used extensively to better understand pathogenesis of tick-borne pathogens and to reveal the interaction among pathogens co-existing in the same host. In this review, we focus on the prevalence of these pathogens in different reservoir hosts, animal models used to investigate their pathogenesis and host responses they trigger to understand diseases in humans. We also documented the prevalence of these pathogens as correlating with the infected ticks’ surveillance studies. The association of tick-borne co-infections with other topics such as pathogens virulence factors, host immune responses as they relate to diseases severity, identification of vaccine candidates, and disease economic impact are also briefly addressed here.
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16
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Detection of Tick-Borne Bacterial and Protozoan Pathogens in Ticks from the Zambia–Angola Border. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050566. [PMID: 35631087 PMCID: PMC9144998 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, are of public health importance worldwide; however, TBDs tend to be overlooked, especially in countries with fewer resources, such as Zambia and Angola. Here, we investigated Rickettsia, Anaplasmataceae, and Apicomplexan pathogens in 59 and 96 adult ticks collected from dogs and cattle, respectively, in Shangombo, a town at the Zambia–Angola border. We detected Richkettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschilimannii in 15.6% of Amblyomma variegatum and 41.7% of Hyalomma truncatum ticks, respectively. Ehrlichia minasensis was detected in 18.8% of H. truncatum, and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii was determined in Hyalomma marginatum. We also detected Babesia caballi and Theileria velifera in A. variegatum ticks with a 4.4% and 6.7% prevalence, respectively. In addition, Hepatozoon canis was detected in 6.5% of Rhipicephalus lunulatus and 4.3% of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Coinfection of R. aeshilimannii and E. minasensis were observed in 4.2% of H. truncatum. This is the first report of Ca. M. mitochondrii and E. minasensis, and the second report of B. caballi, in the country. Rickettsia africae and R. aeschlimannii are pathogenic to humans, and E. minasensis, B. caballi, T. velifera, and H. canis are pathogenic to animals. Therefore, individuals, clinicians, veterinarians, and pet owners should be aware of the distribution of these pathogens in the area.
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17
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Gandy S, Hansford K, McGinley L, Cull B, Smith R, Semper A, Brooks T, Fonville M, Sprong H, Phipps P, Johnson N, Medlock JM. Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs across twenty recreational areas in England and Wales. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101965. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Glass A, Springer A, Strube C. A 15-year monitoring of Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp.) in questing ticks in the city of Hanover, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101975. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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19
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Athanasiou LV, Tsokana CN, Katsogiannou EG, Boutsini S, Katsoulos PD. Evaluation of an Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay for the Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Antigen in Ovine Buffy Coat Smears. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020276. [PMID: 35208729 PMCID: PMC8876794 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of anaplasmosis is challenging considering the great variation in clinical signs and the limitations of the available diagnostic assays, while the detection of carrier animals that play a significant role in disease epidemiology as reservoirs is of great significance. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a newly developed indirect immunofluorescent assay (Ag-IFAT) for the detection of A. phagocytophilum antigens in buffy coat specimens, alone and in combination with cytology, using PCR as a reference. Blood samples were collected from 138 sheep of the Chios breed from six farms in Greece. A buffy coat was extruded from the centrifuged blood. Buffy coat smears were used for cytological examination and the Ag-IFAT assay. The Ag-IFAT assay presented excellent specificity (100%) and high sensitivity (85.4%) for the detection of A. phagocytophilum antigens in buffy coats, and it has an almost perfect agreement with PCR and cytology (κ value = 0.88 and 0.85, respectively). A. phagocytophilum antigens are likely to be detected using Ag-IFAT in a PCR-positive animal, as indicated by the good performance of the assay. Overall, this assay presents high diagnostic accuracy, and it could be used for the detection of animals during the early stage of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Labrini V. Athanasiou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (L.V.A.); (C.N.T.); (E.G.K.)
| | - Constantina N. Tsokana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (L.V.A.); (C.N.T.); (E.G.K.)
| | - Eleni G. Katsogiannou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (L.V.A.); (C.N.T.); (E.G.K.)
| | - Sofia Boutsini
- Parasitology–Parasitic Diseases, Entomology and Bee Health Department, Veterinary Centre of Athens, General Directorate of Veterinary Services, 15341 Athens, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis D. Katsoulos
- Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2310-994-455; Fax: +30-2310-994-455
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20
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Atif FA, Mehnaz S, Qamar MF, Roheen T, Sajid MS, Ehtisham-ul-Haque S, Kashif M, Ben Said M. Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Control of Canine Infectious Cyclic Thrombocytopenia and Granulocytic Anaplasmosis: Emerging Diseases of Veterinary and Public Health Significance. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120312. [PMID: 34941839 PMCID: PMC8705095 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the diagnostic methods used, the control strategies adopted, and the global epidemiological status of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia and granulocytic anaplasmosis at the animal–human interface. Canine anaplasmosis is an important worldwide disease, mainly caused by Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum with zoonotic implications. A. platys chiefly infects platelets in canids, while A. phagocytophilum is the most common zoonotic pathogen infecting neutrophils of various vertebrate hosts. Diagnosis is based on the identification of clinical signs, the recognition of intracellular inclusions observed by microscopic observation of stained blood smear, and/or methods detecting antibodies or nucleic acids, although DNA sequencing is usually required to confirm the pathogenic strain. Serological cross-reactivity is the main problem in serodiagnosis. Prevalence varies from area to area depending on tick exposure. Tetracyclines are significant drugs for human and animal anaplasmosis. No universal vaccine is yet available that protects against diverse geographic strains. The control of canine anaplasmosis therefore relies on the detection of vectors/reservoirs, control of tick vectors, and prevention of iatrogenic/mechanical transmission. The control strategies for human anaplasmosis include reducing high-risk tick contact activities (such as gardening and hiking), careful blood transfusion, by passing immunosuppression, recognizing, and control of reservoirs/vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Ahmad Atif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.M.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: or (F.A.A.); or (M.B.S.); Tel.: +92-47-7671270 (F.A.A.); +216-58-964147 (M.B.S.)
| | - Saba Mehnaz
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.M.); (M.K.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Fiaz Qamar
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (M.F.Q.); (S.E.-u.-H.)
| | - Taleeha Roheen
- Department of Chemistry (Biochemistry), University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Sohail Sajid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Syed Ehtisham-ul-Haque
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (M.F.Q.); (S.E.-u.-H.)
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Correspondence: or (F.A.A.); or (M.B.S.); Tel.: +92-47-7671270 (F.A.A.); +216-58-964147 (M.B.S.)
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21
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Vaughn B, Abu Kwaik Y. Idiosyncratic Biogenesis of Intracellular Pathogens-Containing Vacuoles. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:722433. [PMID: 34858868 PMCID: PMC8632064 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.722433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While most bacterial species taken up by macrophages are degraded through processing of the bacteria-containing vacuole through the endosomal-lysosomal degradation pathway, intravacuolar pathogens have evolved to evade degradation through the endosomal-lysosomal pathway. All intra-vacuolar pathogens possess specialized secretion systems (T3SS-T7SS) that inject effector proteins into the host cell cytosol to modulate myriad of host cell processes and remodel their vacuoles into proliferative niches. Although intravacuolar pathogens utilize similar secretion systems to interfere with their vacuole biogenesis, each pathogen has evolved a unique toolbox of protein effectors injected into the host cell to interact with, and modulate, distinct host cell targets. Thus, intravacuolar pathogens have evolved clear idiosyncrasies in their interference with their vacuole biogenesis to generate a unique intravacuolar niche suitable for their own proliferation. While there has been a quantum leap in our knowledge of modulation of phagosome biogenesis by intravacuolar pathogens, the detailed biochemical and cellular processes affected remain to be deciphered. Here we discuss how the intravacuolar bacterial pathogens Salmonella, Chlamydia, Mycobacteria, Legionella, Brucella, Coxiella, and Anaplasma utilize their unique set of effectors injected into the host cell to interfere with endocytic, exocytic, and ER-to-Golgi vesicle traffic. However, Coxiella is the main exception for a bacterial pathogen that proliferates within the hydrolytic lysosomal compartment, but its T4SS is essential for adaptation and proliferation within the lysosomal-like vacuole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Vaughn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Yousef Abu Kwaik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Center for Predictive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
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22
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Calleja-Bueno L, Sainz Á, García-Sancho M, González-Martín JV, Díaz-Regañón D, Rodríguez-Franco F, Agulla B, Tormo B, Villaescusa A. First detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens and high infection rates of Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina in cattle in extensive grazing systems of Central Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e1090-e1100. [PMID: 34792293 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14394] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Bovine vector-borne diseases have a considerable economic impact worldwide and affect health of humans and animals. However, different aspects of their epidemiology and their pathogenesis remain unclear. Despite the frequent description of clinical cases reported by practitioners attending cattle from Madrid, Central Spain, molecular prevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. has not been described. The aim of this study was to assess the positivity rate of A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. centrale, B. bigemina and B. divergens in livestock of this area and to evaluate the existence of associations between these pathogens and haematological, biochemical and epidemiological data. Babesia divergens and A. phagocytophilum were detected for the first time in cattle from Madrid. Their positivity percentages were low (2.2% ± 1.4% and 1.8% ± 1.2%, respectively), but this description is of special interest, as these agents are potentially zoonotic. Both agents were found in areas of higher altitude and relative humidity and lower temperature. The detection of ticks in livestock during the moment of sampling was confirmed as a risk factor for these infections. Anaplasma marginale showed the highest molecular infection rate (30% ± 4.1%) in this study, followed by B. bigemina (21.9% ± 3.7%). Higher positivity rates of A. marginale and B. bigemina were found in the areas of mountain climate and warm-summer continental Mediterranean climate. The use of ectoparasiticide treatment was found as a risk factor for infection by A. marginale and B. bigemina. This finding could lead to reconsider the ectoparasiticide protocols that are used nowadays. Grazing on pastures with domestic or wild ruminants and the presence of wild carnivores were associated with higher rates of infection by these four agents and coinfections were frequently found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Calleja-Bueno
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Sainz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes García-Sancho
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan V González-Martín
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Díaz-Regañón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Franco
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Agulla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Tormo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Villaescusa
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Razanske I, Rosef O, Radzijevskaja J, Krikstolaitis R, Paulauskas A. Impact of tick-borne Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in calves of moose (Alces alces) in southern Norway. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2021; 68. [PMID: 34782490 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2021.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Gram-negative, obligate intracellular tick-transmitted pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum can cause acute febrile diseases in humans and domestic animals. The expansion of the tick Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) in northern Europe due to climate change is of serious concern for animal and human health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of A. phagocytophilum infection in moose Alces alces (Linnaeus) calves by evaluating the carcass weights of infected and non-infected animals and examining animal tissues samples for co-infections with either species of Babesia Starcovici, 1893 or bacteria of the genus Bartonella. The carcasses of 68 free-ranging moose calves were weighed by hunters during the hunting seasons from 2014 to 2017 in two regions in southern Norway and spleen samples were collected. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in moose sampled from locations infected with ticks with a prevalence of 82% (n = 46). The carcass weights of A. phagocytophilum-infected calves (n = 46) and non-infected (n = 22) calves were compared. Although the average weight of infected calves (45.6 kg) was lower than that of non-infected calves (46.5 kg), the difference was not statistically significant. Three different variants of the bacterium 16S rRNA gene were identified. The average weight of animals infected with variant I was 49.9 kg, whereas that of animals infected with variant III was 42.0 kg, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.077). Co-infections of A. phagocytophilum with Bartonella spp. or with Babesia spp. were found in 20 and two calves, respectively. A triple infection was found in two calves. Sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia-positive samples revealed the presence of Babesia cf. odocoilei (Emerson et Wright, 1970). Strains of Bartonella closely related to Bartonella bovis (Bermond, Boulouis, Heller, Laere, Monteil, Chomel, Sander, Dehio et Piemont, 2002) were identified based on phylogenetic analysis of the gltA and rpoB genes. The loss of body mass in moose calves in the tick-infected site was probably influenced by multiple factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olav Rosef
- Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Rosef Field Research Station, Mjavatn, Norway
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Environmental determinants of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in cattle using a kernel density function. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101814. [PMID: 34416566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101814] [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: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The study of vector-borne zoonotic diseases often relies on partial data, because of the constraints associated with observing various elements of the transmission cycle: the pathogen, the vector, the host - wild or domestic. Each angle comes with its own practical challenges, leading to data reflecting poorly either on spatial or temporal dynamics, or both. In this study, we investigated the effect of landscape on the presence of bovine ehrlichiosis infection in Walloon cattle. This disease is transmitted to cattle through the bite of a tick infected by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The first case of bovine ehrlichiosis in the southern region of Belgium (Wallonia) was detected in 2005 and the high seroprevalence found in herds suggests that the disease is endemic. The presence of antibodies of A. phagocytophilum in one cow selected in each of 1445 herds in 2010 and 2011 was detected using indirect immunofluorescence. Samples were geolocated at the farm. However, the precise location of infection remains uncertain. To account for the data sparsity, we elaborated a spatial index for the intensity of the presence of seropositive animals, based on a non-parametric kernel density estimation. We examined this index with the landscape surrounding the pastures, using multiple regressions. Landscape factors were selected using a conceptual framework based on the ecological resources needed for the transmission cycle of A. phagocytophilum. Results suggest that our spatial index adequately reflected infection presence in cattle in Wallonia, which was highest in central regions, corresponding to more forested and fragmented landscapes. We noticed that the presence of large hosts, wild or domestic, as well as the composition and configuration of the landscape of the pasture, influenced the capacity of the pasture to support the presence of bovine ehrlichiosis in Walloon herds. This is consistent with the ecology of A. phagocytophilum and current knowledge about risk factors of tick-borne diseases in cattle at the regional scale. The nature of the kernel density index, based on uncertainties over the location of cases positive to A. phagocytophilum, reflected the infectiousness profile at the landscape and not at the pasture level. Results also highlighted that the effects of some environmental variables remain, even when considering the different agro-geographic regions of Wallonia, which present contrasted landscapes and different levels of intensity of A. phagocytophilum infection. The kernel density index is a useful tool to help veterinary practitioner to quickly target areas where A. phagocytophilum infection is likely.
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McFadzean H, Johnson N, Phipps LP, Hobbs RL. High morbidity associated with an outbreak of tick‐borne disease in a dairy herd, Cornwall. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet McFadzean
- Veterinary Investigation Centre Starcross, Animal and Plant Health Agency Exeter UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Virology Department Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge) Addlestone UK
| | - L. Paul Phipps
- Virology Department Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge) Addlestone UK
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Keyte S, Abdullah S, James K, Newbury H, Helps C, Tasker S, Wall R. Prevalence and distribution of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks collected from dogs in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 2021; 188:e12. [PMID: 33818768 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the etiological agent of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis in dogs and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Tick-borne anaplasmosis has been recognised as an emerging zoonotic health concern worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in ticks collected from dogs in the UK and map its distribution. Routine surveillance of tick-borne disease is essential as part of a "One Health" approach to infectious disease management. METHODS Tick DNA samples collected in 2015 as part of a large-scale tick surveillance programme were analysed using a previously validated diagnostic quantitative PCR for A. phagocytophilum. RESULTS PCR analysis indicated that 138 out of 2994 tick DNA samples analysed were positive for A. phagocytophilum, a prevalence of 4.6% (95% CI: 3.89-5.42). Among these 138 tick DNA samples, 131 were from Ixodes ricinus, six were from Ixodes hexagonus and one was from Ixodes canisuga. Three of the I. ricinus tick DNA samples positive for A. phagocytophilum DNA were also positive for Borrelia spp. DNA and one was positive for Babesia spp. DNA, indicating co-infection. The ticks positive for the pathogen DNA were found widely distributed throughout the UK. CONCLUSIONS These data provide important information on the prevalence and wide distribution of A. phagocytophilum in ticks infesting dogs within the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Keyte
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Swaid Abdullah
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate James
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Chris Helps
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Knoll S, Springer A, Hauck D, Schunack B, Pachnicke S, Strube C. Regional, seasonal, biennial and landscape-associated distribution of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. infections in Ixodes ticks in northern Germany and implications for risk assessment at larger spatial scales. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101657. [PMID: 33524939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Tick-associated Rickettsiales are important pathogens with relevance for public and animal health; therefore, knowledge regarding their distribution is essential for risk assessment and disease prevention. To investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. in northern Germany, Ixodes ticks were flagged monthly from April to October in 2018 and 2019 at three collection sites each in the regions of Bremen, Emsland, Hanover, Kassel and Uelzen. A total of 3150 ticks (1052 females, 1048 males and 1050 nymphs) were individually examined for rickettsial infections using probe-based quantitative real-time PCR. Overall prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was 6.4 % (202/3150; 6.7 % [71/1052] in females, 7.5 % [79/1048] in males and 5.0 % [52/1050] in nymphs). For Rickettsia spp., the overall prevalence was 29.6 % (931/3150; 33.4 % [351/1052] in females, 28.3 % [297/1048] in males and 27.0 % [283/1050] in nymphs). Rickettsia species identification by real-time pyrosequencing on a subset of 409 positive samples was successful in 407 cases (99.5 %). Rickettsia helvetica was the predominant species with a detection rate of 99.8 % (406/407). Additionally, Rickettsia monacensis was detected in one tick (0.2 %). Generalized linear mixed models showed significant regional as well as monthly differences regarding the prevalence of both pathogens. In addition, the prevalence of both pathogens was significantly higher in 2018 (A. phagocytophilum: 8.0 % [126/1575], Rickettsia spp.: 35.4 % [558/1575]) than in 2019 (A. phagocytophilum: 4.8 % [76/1575], Rickettsia spp.: 23.9 % [373/1575]). In contrast, no effect of landscape type on pathogen prevalence was found. As Rickettsia spp.-detection was based on the single-copy gene gltA, it was possible to calculate the individual pathogen load per tick, which was significantly higher in female ticks than in nymphs (mean values: 8.19 × 104 vs. 9.58 × 103). Regional, seasonal and biennial prevalence differences of tick-transmitted Rickettsiales show the necessity to investigate ticks from multiple locations, over several months and in more than one year to reliably assess the infection risk on a larger geographical scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Knoll
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Daniela Hauck
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Bettina Schunack
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH (Part of Elanco Animal Health), 51373, Leverkusen, Germany
| | | | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
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Torina A, Blanda V, Villari S, Piazza A, La Russa F, Grippi F, La Manna MP, Di Liberto D, de la Fuente J, Sireci G. Immune Response to Tick-Borne Hemoparasites: Host Adaptive Immune Response Mechanisms as Potential Targets for Therapies and Vaccines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228813. [PMID: 33233869 PMCID: PMC7699928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-transmitted pathogens cause infectious diseases in both humans and animals. Different types of adaptive immune mechanisms could be induced in hosts by these microorganisms, triggered either directly by pathogen antigens or indirectly through soluble factors, such as cytokines and/or chemokines, secreted by host cells as response. Adaptive immunity effectors, such as antibody secretion and cytotoxic and/or T helper cell responses, are mainly involved in the late and long-lasting protective immune response. Proteins and/or epitopes derived from pathogens and tick vectors have been isolated and characterized for the immune response induced in different hosts. This review was focused on the interactions between tick-borne pathogenic hemoparasites and different host effector mechanisms of T- and/or B cell-mediated adaptive immunity, describing the efforts to define immunodominant proteins or epitopes for vaccine development and/or immunotherapeutic purposes. A better understanding of these mechanisms of host immunity could lead to the assessment of possible new immunotherapies for these pathogens as well as to the prediction of possible new candidate vaccine antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Torina
- Area Diagnostica Sierologica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (A.T.); (F.G.)
- Laboratorio di Riferimento OIE Theileriosi, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Laboratorio di Riferimento OIE Theileriosi, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
- Laboratorio di Entomologia e Controllo Vettori Ambientali, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (S.V.); (A.P.); (F.L.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara Villari
- Laboratorio di Entomologia e Controllo Vettori Ambientali, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (S.V.); (A.P.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Antonio Piazza
- Laboratorio di Entomologia e Controllo Vettori Ambientali, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (S.V.); (A.P.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Laboratorio di Entomologia e Controllo Vettori Ambientali, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (S.V.); (A.P.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Francesca Grippi
- Area Diagnostica Sierologica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (A.T.); (F.G.)
| | - Marco Pio La Manna
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnostic and Biological Research (CLADIBIOR), BIND, University Hospital “Paolo Giaccone”, Università degli studi di Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.P.L.M.); (D.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Diana Di Liberto
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnostic and Biological Research (CLADIBIOR), BIND, University Hospital “Paolo Giaccone”, Università degli studi di Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.P.L.M.); (D.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Guido Sireci
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnostic and Biological Research (CLADIBIOR), BIND, University Hospital “Paolo Giaccone”, Università degli studi di Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.P.L.M.); (D.D.L.); (G.S.)
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Gillingham EL, Cull B, Pietzsch ME, Phipps LP, Medlock JM, Hansford K. The Unexpected Holiday Souvenir: The Public Health Risk to UK Travellers from Ticks Acquired Overseas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7957. [PMID: 33138220 PMCID: PMC7663673 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Overseas travel to regions where ticks are found can increase travellers' exposure to ticks and pathogens that may be unfamiliar to medical professionals in their home countries. Previous studies have detailed non-native tick species removed from recently returned travellers, occasionally leading to travel-associated human cases of exotic tick-borne disease. There are 20 species of tick endemic to the UK, yet UK travellers can be exposed to many other non-native species whilst overseas. Here, we report ticks received by Public Health England's Tick Surveillance Scheme from humans with recent travel history between January 2006 and December 2018. Altogether, 16 tick species were received from people who had recently travelled overseas. Confirmed imports (acquired outside of the UK) were received from people who recently travelled to 22 countries. Possible imports (acquired abroad or within the UK) were received from people who had recently travelled to eight European countries. Species-specific literature reviews highlighted nine of the sixteen tick species are known to vector at least one tick-borne pathogen to humans in the country of acquisition, suggesting travellers exposed to ticks may be at risk of being bitten by a species that is a known vector, with implications for novel tick-borne disease transmission to travellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Gillingham
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Maaike E. Pietzsch
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - L. Paul Phipps
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Research Group, Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK;
| | - Jolyon M. Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Kayleigh Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
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Barradas PF, Mesquita JR, Ferreira P, Gärtner F, Carvalho M, Inácio E, Chivinda E, Katimba A, Amorim I. Molecular identification and characterization of Rickettsia spp. and other tick-borne pathogens in cattle and their ticks from Huambo, Angola. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101583. [PMID: 33160189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are one of the most common vectors of a broad variety of pathogenic agents that significantly affects cattle production causing reduced productivity and important economic losses, while simultaneously having an impact on human health due to the zoonotic risk. In much of the territory of Angola urban population has grown rapidly in recent decades, sharing today close contact with large farms that are generally owned by city residents, providing the ideal conditions for vector-borne pathogens (VBP) transmission between animals and humans. Here we studied the occurrence of Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia and Theileria in domestic cattle (n = 98) from Huambo, Angola, and their ticks (n = 116) to obtain a more detailed knowledge into the spectrum of tick-borne agents circulating in this population. We morphologically identified Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus decoloratus and R. evertsi mimeticus ticks, further confirmed by molecular analysis of the 12S rDNA and 16S rDNA genes. Although none of the bovine blood showed to be positive for R. africae by the ompB, ompA and gltA assays, five ticks showed to be positive for R. africae by the ompB, ompA and the gltA PCRs. Two 18S rRNA sequences were retrieved from bovine blood and one sequence from A. variegatum tick, showing 100% identity with Theileria mutans. By using a PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplama spp. we have also obtained six bovine blood samples showing 99-100 % nucleotide sequence identity with A. capra, two showing 98 % nucleotide sequence identity with A. phagocytophilum and three showing 98-100 % nucleotide sequence identity with A. platys. None of the ticks were positive. The present study shows the presence of a wide range of vector-borne diseases in domestic cattle and their ticks in Huambo province, Angola. Given the lack of both animal and human health infrastructures in this rural region, swift diagnosis and treatment is hampered which could produce a more severe impact on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia F Barradas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Ferreira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Madalena Carvalho
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University José Eduardo dos Santos, Huambo, Angola
| | - Esmeralda Inácio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University José Eduardo dos Santos, Huambo, Angola
| | - Eduardo Chivinda
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University José Eduardo dos Santos, Huambo, Angola
| | - António Katimba
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University José Eduardo dos Santos, Huambo, Angola
| | - Irina Amorim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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The co-infection with Ehrlichia minasensis, Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma platys is not associated with anemia in beef cattle in the Brazilian Pantanal. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100437. [PMID: 32862907 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Anaplasmataceae family is composed of obligatory intracellular Gram-negative bacteria transmitted by arthropod vectors. In Brazil, with the exception of Anaplasma marginale, little is known about the occurrence of other Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species infecting cattle. The present study aimed at investigating the occurrence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in beef cattle (Bos indicus) sampled in the Brazilian Pantanal, an area prone to periodic flooding and endemic for bovine trypanosomiasis. Blood samples from 400 cattle were collected and screened by PCR assays based on rrs and dsb genes from Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp., respectively. Positive samples for Anaplasma spp. were subjected to qPCR assays based on the msp-2 gene and nPCR based on the groEL gene. As a result, 4.75% (19/400) and 48.12% (167/347) were positive for Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia minasensis, respectively. Besides, positivity of 56.75% (227/400) for A. marginale and seropositivity of 90.75% (363/400) for Trypanosoma vivax were found. A high rate of co-infection was observed (67.25%), from which the co-infection by A. marginale and E. minasensis was more frequently found in calves than cows. Interestingly, none of the animals presenting co-infection showed anemia or other clinical signs. The present study showed, for the first time, the occurrence of A. platys and E. minasensis in beef cattle in the southern Pantanal, as well as a high rate of co-infection by A. marginale, E. minasensis and T. vivax in the sampled animals.
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Johansson M, Mysterud A, Flykt A. Livestock owners' worry and fear of tick-borne diseases. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:331. [PMID: 32605620 PMCID: PMC7328277 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04162-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent global changes have led to an increase in distribution of ticks towards higher elevation and latitude in Europe and livestock are at increasing risk of contracting tick-borne diseases, but psychological aspects of how this affects human well-being are rarely assessed. Departing from the theory on emotional appraisal coming from psychology, this study investigates which factors that modulate worry and fear associated with the presence of ticks among livestock owners of sheep and/or cattle. Methods Survey data from 775 livestock owners in Norway were analysed by hierarchical multiple regression analysis with an index of fear of tick-borne diseases among livestock as the outcome variable. Results Twenty-nine per cent of the livestock owners reported worry and fear of tick-borne diseases among their livestock. The model explained 35% of the variance in worry and fear. There was a weak association between estimated incidences of tick-borne diseases in livestock and livestock owners’ worry and fear. Whereas previous personal experience of ticks and tick-borne diseases in livestock, and the livestock owners’ appraisals of the situation were more strongly associated with relatively stronger feelings of worry and fear. Conclusions Livestock owners’ worry and fear of tick-borne diseases in livestock can partly be understood as their appraisals of perceived personal relevance of the presence of ticks, its potential negative implications for their daily life at large, and what potential they have to cope by different strategies to adapt or adjust to the situation.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Johansson
- Environmental Psychology, Department of Architecture and the Built Environment, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders Flykt
- Department of Psychology, Mid Sweden University, 831 25, Östersund, Sweden
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Aguilar-Tipacamu G, Carvajal-Gamez BI, García-Rejon J, Machain-Willians C, Mosqueda J. Immuno-molecular prospecting for vector-borne diseases in central Mexico. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67 Suppl 2:185-192. [PMID: 32090486 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Climatic changes have influenced the temporal and spatial distribution of diseases. In livestock-grazing areas, rodents are reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens; therefore, they play an important role in the transmission of diseases affecting domestic animals and humans. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of the zoonotic agents: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia rickettsii, as well as the presence of viral RNA from the Bunyaviridae, Togaviridae and Flaviviridae families, in wild rodents from animal production units in central Mexico. The samples were obtained from wild rodents that had access and contact with animal production units. A total of 92 rodents were captured, and samples of blood, serum and organs, such as spleen, kidney, heart and liver, were obtained. The serum was used to detect antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia rickettsii by an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT); the blood was used for PCR analysis; and the organs were used to obtain RNA (cDNA) to perform RT-PCR. By IFAT, all samples were positive to A. phagocytophilum and E. canis, and negative to B. burgdorferi and R. rickettsii. The samples that were positive to IFAT were used to confirm the presence of pathogen by PCR analysis. The results from the PCR were as follows: 34 samples were positive to A. phagocytophilum, and 59 to E. canis. There was no amplification of genetic material from the Bunyaviridae, Flaviviridae and Togaviridae virus families from the organs that were sampled, which suggests that the samples obtained did not contain RNA specific to these families. This is the first immuno-molecular prospecting study on vector-borne diseases in central Mexico demonstrating the presence of A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in wild rodents living in cattle grazing areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Aguilar-Tipacamu
- C. A. Salud Animal y Microbiologia Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Bertha I Carvajal-Gamez
- Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, C. A. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Julian García-Rejon
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán, Merida, Mexico
| | - Carlos Machain-Willians
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán, Merida, Mexico
| | - Juan Mosqueda
- C. A. Salud Animal y Microbiologia Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico.,Immunology and Vaccines Laboratory, C. A. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Queretaro, Mexico
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Moretta I, Veronesi F, Diaferia M, Morganti G, Giusepponi V, Sechi P, Ciampelli A, Cenci-Goga B. Epidemiological survey on the occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in sheep reared in central Italy. Small Rumin Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Hamzah KJ, Hasso SA. Molecular prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in sheep from Iraq. Open Vet J 2019; 9:238-245. [PMID: 31998617 PMCID: PMC6794391 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v9i3.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tick-borne diseases are widely distributed among animal populations and are responsible for significant economic losses. However, little attention has been offered for screening such infections world widely. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is among those neglected tick-borne pathogens, particularly in the developing countries. Aim: This study was conducted to detect A. phagocytophilum infection among sheep in three governorates of Iraq (Babylon, Wasit, and Missan) and try to identify the potential tick vector responsible for A. phagocytophilum transmission among sheep in these analyzed regions. Methods: A total of 297 blood samples and 103 ticks were collected and examined for A. phagocytophilum by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers amplifying partial sequence for msp4 gene. Results: The results showed that about 14 out of 297 tested sheep were positive for A. phagocytophilum. There was no difference between A. phygocytophilum prevalence according to animal gender, age, and sampling period. Furthermore, our analysis showed that the main vectors of A. phagocytophilum: Ixodes scapularis, I. pacificus, or I. ricinus were not identified in three regions of Iraq (Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma anatolicum, and Hyalomma turanicum were identified). Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of the survey of the tick-borne bacterial infections in Iraq and in the Middle East region in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karrar Jasim Hamzah
- Department of Veterinary Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Al-Qasim Green University, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Saleem Amin Hasso
- Department of Veterinary Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum evolves in geographical and biotic niches of vertebrates and ticks. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:328. [PMID: 31253201 PMCID: PMC6599317 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3583-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is currently regarded as a single species. However, molecular studies indicate that it can be subdivided into ecotypes, each with distinct but overlapping transmission cycle. Here, we evaluate the interactions between and within clusters of haplotypes of the bacterium isolated from vertebrates and ticks, using phylogenetic and network-based methods. Methods The presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA was determined in ticks and vertebrate tissue samples. A fragment of the groEl gene was amplified and sequenced from qPCR-positive lysates. Additional groEl sequences from ticks and vertebrate reservoirs were obtained from GenBank and through literature searches, resulting in a dataset consisting of 1623 A. phagocytophilum field isolates. Phylogenetic analyses were used to infer clusters of haplotypes and to assess phylogenetic clustering of A. phagocytophilum in vertebrates or ticks. Network-based methods were used to resolve host-vector interactions and their relative importance in the segregating communities of haplotypes. Results Phylogenetic analyses resulted in 199 haplotypes within eight network-derived clusters, which were allocated to four ecotypes. The interactions of haplotypes between ticks, vertebrates and geographical origin, were visualized and quantified from networks. A high number of haplotypes were recorded in the tick Ixodes ricinus. Communities of A. phagocytophilum recorded from Korea, Japan, Far Eastern Russia, as well as those associated with rodents had no links with the larger set of isolates associated with I. ricinus, suggesting different evolutionary pressures. Rodents appeared to have a range of haplotypes associated with either Ixodes trianguliceps or Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes pavlovskyi. Haplotypes found in rodents in Russia had low similarities with those recorded in rodents in other regions and shaped separate communities. Conclusions The groEl gene fragment of A. phagocytophilum provides information about spatial segregation and associations of haplotypes to particular vector-host interactions. Further research is needed to understand the circulation of this bacterium in the gap between Europe and Asia before the overview of the speciation features of this bacterium is complete. Environmental traits may also play a role in the evolution of A. phagocytophilum in ecotypes through yet unknown relationships. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3583-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Fernandes SDJ, Matos CA, Freschi CR, de Souza Ramos IA, Machado RZ, André MR. Diversity of Anaplasma species in cattle in Mozambique. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:651-664. [PMID: 30833198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Although species of Anaplasma are highly prevalent Rickettsiales agents in domestic and wild ruminants with a wide distribution worldwide, few studies have been conducted so far to detect and/or investigate the diversity of these agentsin cattle in Mozambique. In the present study, serological and molecular assays were used to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasma spp. in 219 bovines sampled in the districts of Boane, Magude, Matutuíne, Moamba and Namaacha in Maputo, Mozambique. In the iELISA test for detection ofIgG antibodies to A. marginale, 86.3% (189/219) of the samples were positive. In qPCR assays for the gene msp1β for A. marginale and msp2 for A. phagocytophilum, 97.3% (213/219) and 2.7% (6/219) of the animals were positive, respectively. Two different cPCR protocols based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that 100% of the samples were positive for Anaplasma spp. The DNA sequences obtained were phylogenetically related to A. platys, A. phagocytophilum, Candidatus Anaplasma boleense, A. centrale, A. marginale and A. ovis. Phylogenetic inference based on the msp4 and msp5 genes positioned the obtained sequences in the clade of A. marginale, with evidence of occurrence of 8 and 5 different haplotypes for each gene, respectively. Anaplasma sp. phylogenetically associated with A. platys was evidenced in phylogenetic analyzes based on 16S rRNA and groEL genes. It is concluded that a high diversity of species of Anaplasma spp. occurs in cattle in Mozambique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone de Jesus Fernandes
- Paulista State University (Unesp)Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos António Matos
- Paulista State University (Unesp)Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Directorate of Animal Sciences, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Inalda Angélica de Souza Ramos
- Paulista State University (Unesp)Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Paulista State University (Unesp)Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Paulista State University (Unesp)Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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Ojeda-Chi MM, Rodriguez-Vivas RI, Esteve-Gasent MD, Pérez de León A, Modarelli JJ, Villegas-Perez S. Molecular detection of rickettsial tick-borne agents in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus yucatanensis), mazama deer (Mazama temama), and the ticks they host in Yucatan, Mexico. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:365-370. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Stigum VM, Jaarsma RI, Sprong H, Rolandsen CM, Mysterud A. Infection prevalence and ecotypes of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in moose Alces alces, red deer Cervus elaphus, roe deer Capreolus capreolus and Ixodes ricinus ticks from Norway. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:1. [PMID: 30606222 PMCID: PMC6318929 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3256-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The geographical expansion of the tick Ixodes ricinus in northern Europe is a serious concern for animal and human health. The pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum is transmitted by ticks and causes emergences of tick-borne fever (anaplasmosis) in livestock. The transmission dynamics of the different ecotypes of A. phagocytophilum in the ecosystems is only partly determined. Red deer and roe deer contribute to circulation of different ecotypes of A. phagocytophilum in continental Europe, while the role of moose for circulation of different ecotypes is not fully established but an important issue in northern Europe. Methods We determined infection prevalence and ecotypes of A. phagocytophilum in moose (n = 111), red deer (n = 141), roe deer (n = 28) and questing ticks (n = 9241) in Norway. Results As previously described, red deer was exclusively linked to circulation of ecotype I, while roe deer was exclusively linked to circulation of ecotype II. Surprisingly, we found 58% ecotype I (n = 19) and 42% of ecotype II (n = 14) in moose. Both ecotypes were found in questing ticks in areas with multiple cervid species present, while only ecotype I was found in ticks in a region with only red deer present. Hence, the geographical distribution of ecotypes in ticks followed the distribution of cervid species present in a given region and their link to ecotype I and II. Conclusions Moose probably function as reservoirs for both ecotype I and II, indicating that the ecotypes of A. phagocytophilum are not entirely host-specific and have overlapping niches. The disease hazard depends also on both host abundance and the number of immature ticks fed by each host. Our study provides novel insights in the northern distribution and expansion of tick-borne fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vetle M Stigum
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ryanne I Jaarsma
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Christer M Rolandsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, PO Box 5685, Sluppen, NO-7485, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway. .,Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Mysterud A, Stigum VM, Seland IV, Herland A, Easterday WR, Jore S, Østerås O, Viljugrein H. Tick abundance, pathogen prevalence, and disease incidence in two contrasting regions at the northern distribution range of Europe. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:309. [PMID: 29788994 PMCID: PMC5964723 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergence of tick-borne diseases is impacting humans and livestock across the Northern Hemisphere. There are, however, large regional variations in number of cases of tick-borne diseases. Some areas have surprisingly few cases of disease compared to other regions. The aim here is to provide a first step towards a better understanding of such contrasting regional patterns of disease emergences at the northern distribution range of Ixodes ricinus in Europe. Methods We compare disease incidence, vector abundance and pathogen prevalence in eastern and western Norway differing in the number of tick-borne disease cases. First, we analysed the incidence of Lyme borreliosis in humans, tick-borne fever (anaplasmosis) in sheep and anaplasmosis and babesiosis in cattle to verify if incidence differed. Secondly, we analysed extensive field data on questing tick density, pathogen prevalence, as well as the broad spatial pattern of human and livestock distribution as it may relate to tick exposure. Results The incidences of all diseases were lower in eastern, compared to western, Norway, but this was most marked for the livestock diseases. While the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) in ticks was similar in the two regions, the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was markedly lower in eastern, compared to western, Norway. We found overall a lower abundance of questing nymphs in the east. In the east, there were cases of babesiosis in cattle where anaplasmosis was absent, suggesting absence of the pathogen rather than differences in exposure to ticks as part of the explanation for the much lower incidence of anaplasmosis in eastern Norway. Conclusions Many factors contribute to different disease incidence across ecosystems. We found that regional variation in tick-borne disease incidence may be partly linked to vector abundance and pathogen prevalence, but differently for human and livestock diseases. Further studies are needed to determine if there is also regional variation in specific genospecies and strain frequencies differing in pathogenicity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2890-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Vetle Malmer Stigum
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Vikingsdal Seland
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders Herland
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - W Ryan Easterday
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Solveig Jore
- Department of Food, Water, Zoonotic & Vector-borne Infections, The Norwegian Public Health Institute, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Østerås
- Department of the Norwegian Cattle Health Services, TINE Norwegian Dairies BA, NO-1431, Ås, Norway
| | - Hildegunn Viljugrein
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, NO-0316, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, NO-0106, Oslo, Norway
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Seo MG, Ouh IO, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum-like Anaplasma spp. and pathogenic A. Phagocytophilum in cattle from South Korea. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2018; 126:23-30. [PMID: 29653174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever in domestic ruminants. Differential diagnosis of zoonotic and pathogenic tick-borne diseases like granulocytic anaplasmosis is important for the efficient implementation of control programs. Thus, the differentiation of pathogenic A. phagocytophilum from non-pathogenic A. phagocytophilum-like (APL) Anaplasma spp. is essential. Recent molecular analyses of APL revealed its distinct phylogenetic position from A. phagocytophilum. This study was conducted to detect A. phagocytophilum and genetically related strains in 764 cattle in South Korea using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism assays. APL clade A and A. phagocytophilum were identified in 20 (2.6%) and 16 (2.1%) cattle, respectively, with 16 cattle (2.1%) displaying co-infection. The 16S rRNA sequences of APL clade A were similar (98.3-99.9%) to those clustered in the APL clade A from eastern Asia. The A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA sequence shared 98.6-100% identity to those of the A. phagocytophilum group. We used PCR to amplify the groEL and msp2 genes from the 20 samples positive for the 16S rRNA gene and found that 16 were positive for the groEL sequences in the APL clade A, which showed identity (82.8-84.4%) to those clustered in the APL clade A from Japan. Amplification of msp2 was unsuccessful. The co-infection results suggested sequence diversity in Anaplasma spp. Till date, both A. phagocytophilum and APL have been reported to be distributed separately in several animals throughout South Korea. This report is the first co-detection of A. phagocytophilum and APL in Korean cattle using molecular methods. Further studies are needed to provide additional molecular background and trace the evolutionary tree of Anaplasma species in animals and ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk 39660, South Korea; College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - In-Ohk Ouh
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk 39660, South Korea
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, South Korea.
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Lagrée AC, Rouxel C, Kevin M, Dugat T, Girault G, Durand B, Pfeffer M, Silaghi C, Nieder M, Boulouis HJ, Haddad N. Co-circulation of different A. phagocytophilum variants within cattle herds and possible reservoir role for cattle. Parasit Vectors 2018. [PMID: 29523202 PMCID: PMC5845262 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2661-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a zoonotic tick-borne intracellular alpha-proteobacterium causing tick-borne fever, which leads to significant economic losses in domestic ruminants in Europe. Its epidemiological cycles are complex and reservoir host species of bovine strains have not yet been identified. Given that little genetic information is available on strains circulating within a defined bovine environment, our objective was to assess the genetic diversity of A. phagocytophilum obtained from the same farms over time. Methods Blood samplings were performed several times in two European herds. In the French herd, 169 EDTA-blood samples were obtained from 115 cows (32 were sampled two to four times). In the German herd, 20 cows were sampled six times (120 EDTA-blood samples). The presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA was assessed using a qPCR targeting msp2. The positive DNA samples underwent MLST at nine genetic markers (typA, ctrA, msp4, pleD, recG, polA, groEL, gyrA, and ankA). For each locus, sequences were aligned with available bacterial sequences derived from cattle, horse, dog, and roe deer hosts, and concatenated neighbor joining trees were constructed using three to six loci. Results Around 20% (57/289) of samples were positive. Forty positive samples from 23 French and six German cows (11 of them being positive at two time points) were sequenced. Six loci (typA, ctrA, msp4, pleD, recG, and polA) allowed to build concatenated phylogenetic trees, which led to two distinct groups of bovine variants in the French herd (hereafter called A and B), whereas only group A was detected in the German herd. In 42% of French samples, double chromatogram peaks were encountered in up to four loci. Eleven cows were found infected three weeks to 17 months after first sampling and harboured a new variant belonging to one or the other group. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the occurrence of two major bovine strain groups and the simultaneous infection of single cows by more than one A. phagocytophilum strain. This challenges the role of cattle as reservoirs for A. phagocytophilum. This role may be facilitated via long-term bacterial persistence in individual cows and active circulation at the herd scale. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2661-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Claire Lagrée
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Clotilde Rouxel
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maëllys Kevin
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France.,Unité Zoonoses Bactériennes, Anses, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Thibaud Dugat
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Guillaume Girault
- Unité Zoonoses Bactériennes, Anses, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Benoît Durand
- Unité d'Epidémiologie, Anses, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Marion Nieder
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nadia Haddad
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Silaghi C, Nieder M, Sauter-Louis C, Knubben-Schweizer G, Pfister K, Pfeffer M. Epidemiology, genetic variants and clinical course of natural infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a dairy cattle herd. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:20. [PMID: 29310697 PMCID: PMC5759301 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2570-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular, tick-transmitted bacterium that causes granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans and several mammalian species including domestic ruminants where it is called tick-borne fever (TBF). Different genetic variants exist but their impact with regard to putative differences in host associations and pathogenicity are not yet completely understood. Methods Natural infections with A. phagocytophilum in a dairy cattle herd in Germany were investigated over one pasture season by using serology, haematology, blood chemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis of partial 16S rRNA, groEL, msp2 and msp4 genes of A. phagocytophilum was carried out in order to trace possible genetic variants and their relations between cattle, roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and ticks (Ixodes ricinus) in this area. Results In total 533 samples from 58 cattle, 310 ticks, three roe deer and one wild boar were examined. Our results show (i) typical clinical symptoms of TBF in first-time infected heifers, such as high fever, reduced milk yield, lower limb oedema and typical haematological and biochemical findings such as severe leukopenia, erythropenia, neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, monocytopenia, a significant increase in creatinine and bilirubin and a significant decrease in serum albumin, γ-GT, GLDH, magnesium and calcium; (ii) a high overall prevalence of A. phagocytophilum infections in this herd as 78.9% (15/19) of the naïve heifers were real-time PCR-positive and 75.9% (44/58) of the entire herd seroconverted; and (iii) a high level of sequence variation in the analysed genes with five variants of the 16S rRNA gene, two variants of the groEL gene, three variants of the msp2 gene and four variants in the msp4 gene with certain combinations of these variants. Conclusions In cattle particular combinations of the genetic variants of A. phagocytophilum occurred, whereas three roe deer showed different variants altogether. This is indicative for a sympatric circulation of variants in this small geographical region (< 1 km2). Both re- and superinfections with A. phagocytophilum were observed in five cattle showing that infection does not result in sterile immunity. For prevention of clinical cases we suggest pasturing of young, not pregnant heifers to reduce economical losses. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2570-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Present Address: Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Riems, Germany
| | - Marion Nieder
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Riems, Germany
| | - Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kurt Pfister
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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44
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Scherler A, Jacquier N, Greub G. Chlamydiales, Anaplasma and Bartonella: persistence and immune escape of intracellular bacteria. Microbes Infect 2017; 20:416-423. [PMID: 29162422 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular bacteria, such as Chlamydiales, Anaplasma or Bartonella, need to persist inside their host in order to complete their developmental cycle and to infect new hosts. In order to escape from the host immune system, intracellular bacteria have developed diverse mechanisms of persistence, which can directly impact the health of their host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Scherler
- Centre for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Centre and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Jacquier
- Centre for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Centre and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Centre for Research on Intracellular Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Centre and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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45
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Honig V, Carolan HE, Vavruskova Z, Massire C, Mosel MR, Crowder CD, Rounds MA, Ecker DJ, Ruzek D, Grubhoffer L, Luft BJ, Eshoo MW. Broad-range survey of vector-borne pathogens and tick host identification of Ixodes ricinus from Southern Czech Republic. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2017; 93:4331634. [PMID: 29029144 PMCID: PMC5812510 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fix129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus ticks are vectors of numerous human and animal pathogens. They are host generalists able to feed on more than 300 vertebrate species. The prevalence of tick-borne pathogens is influenced by host-vector-pathogen interactions that results in spatial distribution of infection risk. Broad-range polymerase chain reaction electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) was used to analyze 435 I. ricinus nymphs from four localities in the south of the Czech Republic for the species identification of tick-borne pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes were the most common pathogen detected in the ticks; 21% of ticks were positive for a single genospecies and 2% were co-infected with two genospecies. Other tick-borne pathogens detected included Rickettsia helvetica (3.9%), R. monacensis (0.2%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (2.8%), Babesia venatorum (0.9%), and Ba. microti (0.5%). The vertebrate host of the ticks was determined using PCR followed by reverse line blot hybridization from the tick's blood-meal remnants. The host was identified for 61% of ticks. DNA of two hosts was detected in 16% of samples with successful host identification. The majority of ticks had fed on artiodactyls (50.7%) followed by rodents (28.6%) and birds (7.8%). Other host species were wild boar, deer, squirrels, field mice and voles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaclav Honig
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Heather E. Carolan
- Ibis Biosciences Inc., Abbott Laboratories, 2251 Faraday Ave, Ste 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Zuzana Vavruskova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Christian Massire
- Ibis Biosciences Inc., Abbott Laboratories, 2251 Faraday Ave, Ste 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Michael R. Mosel
- Ibis Biosciences Inc., Abbott Laboratories, 2251 Faraday Ave, Ste 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Christopher D. Crowder
- Ibis Biosciences Inc., Abbott Laboratories, 2251 Faraday Ave, Ste 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Megan A. Rounds
- Ibis Biosciences Inc., Abbott Laboratories, 2251 Faraday Ave, Ste 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - David J. Ecker
- Ibis Biosciences Inc., Abbott Laboratories, 2251 Faraday Ave, Ste 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Daniel Ruzek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Benjamin J. Luft
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8166, USA
| | - Mark W. Eshoo
- Ibis Biosciences Inc., Abbott Laboratories, 2251 Faraday Ave, Ste 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
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46
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Andersson MO, Víchová B, Tolf C, Krzyzanowska S, Waldenström J, Karlsson ME. Co-infection with Babesia divergens and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cattle ( Bos taurus ), Sweden. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:933-935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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47
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Contreras M, Alberdi P, Mateos-Hernández L, Fernández de Mera IG, García-Pérez AL, Vancová M, Villar M, Ayllón N, Cabezas-Cruz A, Valdés JJ, Stuen S, Gortazar C, de la Fuente J. Anaplasma phagocytophilum MSP4 and HSP70 Proteins Are Involved in Interactions with Host Cells during Pathogen Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:307. [PMID: 28725639 PMCID: PMC5496961 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum transmembrane and surface proteins play a role during infection and multiplication in host neutrophils and tick vector cells. Recently, A. phagocytophilum Major surface protein 4 (MSP4) and Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were shown to be localized on the bacterial membrane, with a possible role during pathogen infection in ticks. In this study, we hypothesized that A. phagocytophilum MSP4 and HSP70 have similar functions in tick-pathogen and host-pathogen interactions. To address this hypothesis, herein we characterized the role of these bacterial proteins in interaction and infection of vertebrate host cells. The results showed that A. phagocytophilum MSP4 and HSP70 are involved in host-pathogen interactions, with a role for HSP70 during pathogen infection. The analysis of the potential protective capacity of MSP4 and MSP4-HSP70 antigens in immunized sheep showed that MSP4-HSP70 was only partially protective against pathogen infection. This limited protection may be associated with several factors, including the recognition of non-protective epitopes by IgG in immunized lambs. Nevertheless, these antigens may be combined with other candidate protective antigens for the development of vaccines for the control of human and animal granulocytic anaplasmosis. Focusing on the characterization of host protective immune mechanisms and protein-protein interactions at the host-pathogen interface may lead to the discovery and design of new effective protective antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinela Contreras
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Isabel G Fernández de Mera
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario (NEIKER)Derio, Spain
| | - Marie Vancová
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of ParasitologyČeské Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South BohemiaČeské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Nieves Ayllón
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of ParasitologyČeské Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South BohemiaČeské Budějovice, Czechia.,UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, ENVAMaisons Alfort, France
| | - James J Valdés
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of ParasitologyČeské Budějovice, Czechia.,Department of Virology, Veterinary Research InstituteBrno, Czechia
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life SciencesSandnes, Norway
| | - Christian Gortazar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State UniversityStillwater, OK, United States
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48
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Rar V, Livanova N, Tkachev S, Kaverina G, Tikunov A, Sabitova Y, Igolkina Y, Panov V, Livanov S, Fomenko N, Babkin I, Tikunova N. Detection and genetic characterization of a wide range of infectious agents in Ixodes pavlovskyi ticks in Western Siberia, Russia. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:258. [PMID: 28545549 PMCID: PMC5445278 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Ixodes pavlovskyi tick species, a member of the I. persulcatus/I. ricinus group, was discovered in the middle of the 20th century in the Russian Far East. Limited data have been reported on the detection of infectious agents in this tick species. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genetic variability of a wide range of infectious agents in I. pavlovskyi ticks collected in their traditional and recently invaded habitats, the Altai Mountains and Novosibirsk Province, respectively, which are both located within the Western Siberian part of the I. pavlovskyi distribution area. RESULTS This study reports the novel discovery of Borrelia bavariensis, Rickettsia helvetica, R. heilongjiangensis, R. raoultii, "Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae", Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia muris, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis" and Babesia microti in I. pavlovskyi ticks. In addition, we confirmed the previous identification of B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. miyamotoi, as well as tick-borne encephalitis and Kemerovo viruses in this tick species. The prevalence and some genetic characteristics of all of the tested agents were compared with those found in I. persulcatus ticks that were collected at the same time in the same locations, where these tick species occur in sympatry. It was shown that the prevalence and genotypes of many of the identified pathogens did not significantly differ between I. pavlovskyi and I. persulcatus ticks. However, I. pavlovskyi ticks were significantly more often infected by B. garinii and less often by B. bavariensis, B. afzelii, "Ca. R. tarasevichiae", and E. muris than I. persulcatus ticks in both studied regions. Moreover, new genetic variants of B. burgdorferi (sensu lato) and Rickettsia spp. as well as tick-borne encephalitis and Kemerovo viruses were found in both I. pavlovskyi and I. persulcatus ticks. CONCLUSION Almost all pathogens that were previously detected in I. persulcatus ticks were identified in I. pavlovskyi ticks; however, the distribution of species belonging to the B. burgdorferi (sensu lato) complex, the genus Rickettsia, and the family Anaplasmataceae was different between the two tick species. Several new genetic variants of viral and bacterial agents were identified in I. pavlovskyi and I. persulcatus ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Rar
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia Livanova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey Tkachev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Galina Kaverina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Artem Tikunov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Yuliya Sabitova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Yana Igolkina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Victor Panov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Stanislav Livanov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Nataliya Fomenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Igor Babkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Nina Tikunova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
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49
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Elfving K, Malmsten J, Dalin AM, Nilsson K. Serologic and Molecular Prevalence of Rickettsia helvetica and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Wild Cervids and Domestic Mammals in the Central Parts of Sweden. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 15:529-34. [PMID: 26378972 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Both Rickettsia helvetica and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are common in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Sweden. Knowledge is limited regarding different animal species' competence to act as reservoirs for these organism. For this reason, blood samples were collected from wild cervids (roe deer, moose) and domestic mammals (horse, cat, dog) in central Sweden, and sera were tested using immunofluorescence assay to detect antibodies against spotted fever rickettsiae using Rickettsia helvetica as antigen. Sera with a titer ≥1:64 were considered as positive, and 23.1% (104/450) of the animals scored positive. The prevalence of seropositivity was 21.5% (23/107) in roe deer, 23.3% (21/90) in moose, 36.5% (23/63) in horses, 22.1% (19/90) in cats, and 17.0% (17/100) in dogs. PCR analysis of 113 spleen samples from moose and sheep from the corresponding areas were all negative for rickettsial DNA. In roe deer, 85% (91/107) also tested seropositive for A. phagocytophilum with a titer cutoff of 1:128. The findings indicate that the surveyed animal species are commonly exposed to rickettsiae and roe deer also to A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Elfving
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Clinical Bacteriology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden .,5 Center of Clinical Research , Dalarna, Falun, Sweden
| | - Jonas Malmsten
- 3 Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , Uppsala, Sweden .,4 Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne-Marie Dalin
- 4 Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kenneth Nilsson
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Clinical Bacteriology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden .,2 Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden .,5 Center of Clinical Research , Dalarna, Falun, Sweden
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50
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Battilani M, De Arcangeli S, Balboni A, Dondi F. Genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of Anaplasma. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 49:195-211. [PMID: 28122249 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma are obligate intracellular bacteria of cells of haematopoietic origin and are aetiological agents of tick-borne diseases of both veterinary and medical interest common in both tropical and temperate regions. The recent disclosure of their zoonotic potential has greatly increased interest in the study of these bacteria, leading to the recent reorganisation of Rickettsia taxonomy and to the possible discovery of new species belonging to the genus Anaplasma. This review is particularly focused on the common and unique characteristics of Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, with an emphasis on genetic diversity and evolution, and the main distinguishing features of the diseases caused by the different Anaplasma spp. are described as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Battilani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bo, Italy.
| | - Stefano De Arcangeli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bo, Italy
| | - Andrea Balboni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bo, Italy
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