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Musese LJ, Kitegile AS, Kilawe CJ. Ectoparasites of wild rodents in forest sites invaded and uninvaded by Maesopsis eminii in Amani nature forest reserve, Tanzania. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100932. [PMID: 38601057 PMCID: PMC11002661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Parasites are important component of communities in a forest ecosystem with profound effects on trophic interactions such as food web. Modification of the forest structure (e.g. changes in species composition and abundance of key species) can have a strong impact on the occurrence, diversity, and abundance of parasites, with subsequent repercussions for ecosystem functioning. In this study, we compared the occurrence and abundance of wild rodents' ectoparasites from forest sites invaded and uninvaded by an invasive tree, Maesopsis eminii in Amani Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Three large plots (40 m × 100 m) were randomly established in each forest sites invaded and uninvaded by M. eminii. In each plot, 50 Sherman traps were systematically placed at 10 m interval for capturing wild rodents through a capture-mark-recapture technique. Wilcox rank sum test was used to compare for differences in the abundance of infested rodents and ectoparasites between the invaded and uninvaded forest sites. A total of 297 individual rodents were captured and screened for ectoparasites, including 174 rodents from uninvaded forest site and 123 rodents from invaded forest site. The number of infested rodents were significantly (W = 8592, P < 0.001) greater in uninvaded forest site (66.27%) than in the invaded forest site (36.2%). Furthermore, a significant greater number of Echinolaelaps echidninus (W = 1849, P < 0.01) and Dinopsyllus ellobius (W = 2800.5, P < 0.05) ectoparasites were found in uninvaded as compared to the invaded forest sites. The results of this study suggest that the invasion and dominance by, M. eminii in Amani Nature Reserve has created unfavorable conditions for rodents and ectoparasites and therefore impacting the diversity and function of the forest ecosystem. We recommend prevention of further introduction of the M. eminii outside their natural range and mitigating the impact of the established M. eminii in Amani Forest Nature Reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia J. Musese
- Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amani S. Kitegile
- Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
| | - Charles J. Kilawe
- Department of Ecosystems and Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
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Harimalala M, Rakotobe Harimanana R, Azali Hamza A, Girod R. Surveillance of Fleas and Their Small Mammal Hosts for Plague Risks in Some Main Seaports of the Islands of the Southwestern Indian Ocean. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:311-319. [PMID: 38167314 PMCID: PMC10859806 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, seaports have been the hot spots for plague introduction into free countries. Infected ship rats reached new areas, and epizootics occurred prior to human infection via flea bites. Beginning in the 1920s/1930s, rodent and flea surveillance was carried out as part of plague hazard management in seaports of the world. Nowadays, such activity is not done regularly. In the southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO) region, plague surveillance is of great importance given plague endemicity in Madagascar and thus the incurred risk for neighboring islands. This study reports animal-based surveillance aimed at identifying fleas and their small mammal hosts in SWIO seaports as well as Yersinia pestis detection. Small mammal trappings were performed in five main seaports of Madagascar (Toamasina and Mahajanga), Mauritius (Port Louis), and the Union of Comoros (Moroni and Mutsamudu). Mammals were euthanized and their fleas collected and morphologically identified before Y. pestis detection. In total, 145 mammals were trapped: the brown rat Rattus norvegicus (76.5%), the black rat Rattus rattus (8.3%), and the Asian house shrew Suncus murinus (15.2%). Fur brushing allowed collection of 1,596 fleas exclusively identified as Xenopsylla cheopis. All tested fleas were negative for Y. pestis DNA. This study shows that both well-known plague mammal hosts and flea vectors occur in SWIO seaports. It also highlights the necessity of carrying out regular animal-based surveillance for plague hazard management in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Harimalala
- Medical Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Abdou Azali Hamza
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, la Pêche et l’Environnement, Moroni, Comoros
| | - Romain Girod
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, la Pêche et l’Environnement, Moroni, Comoros
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3
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Zurita A, Rivero J, García‐Sánchez ÁM, Callejón R, Cutillas C. Morphological, molecular and phylogenetic characterization of
Leptopsylla segnis
and
Leptopsylla taschenbergi
(Siphonaptera). ZOOL SCR 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Seville Seville Spain
| | - Julia Rivero
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Seville Seville Spain
| | | | - Rocío Callejón
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Seville Seville Spain
| | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Seville Seville Spain
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4
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Describing fine spatiotemporal dynamics of rat fleas in an insular ecosystem enlightens abiotic drivers of murine typhus incidence in humans. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009029. [PMID: 33600454 PMCID: PMC7924756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine typhus is a flea-borne zoonotic disease that has been recently reported on Reunion Island, an oceanic volcanic island located in the Indian Ocean. Five years of survey implemented by the regional public health services have highlighted a strong temporal and spatial structure of the disease in humans, with cases mainly reported during the humid season and restricted to the dry southern and western portions of the island. We explored the environmental component of this zoonosis in an attempt to decipher the drivers of disease transmission. To do so, we used data from a previously published study (599 small mammals and 175 Xenopsylla fleas from 29 sampling sites) in order to model the spatial distribution of rat fleas throughout the island. In addition, we carried out a longitudinal sampling of rats and their ectoparasites over a 12 months period in six study sites (564 rats and 496 Xenopsylla fleas) in order to model the temporal dynamics of flea infestation of rats. Generalized Linear Models and Support Vector Machine classifiers were developed to model the Xenopsylla Genus Flea Index (GFI) from climatic and environmental variables. Results showed that the spatial distribution and the temporal dynamics of fleas, estimated through the GFI variations, are both strongly controlled by abiotic factors: rainfall, temperature and land cover. The models allowed linking flea abundance trends with murine typhus incidence rates. Flea infestation in rats peaked at the end of the dry season, corresponding to hot and dry conditions, before dropping sharply. This peak of maximal flea abundance preceded the annual peak of human murine typhus cases by a few weeks. Altogether, presented data raise novel questions regarding the ecology of rat fleas while developed models contribute to the design of control measures adapted to each micro region of the island with the aim of lowering the incidence of flea-borne diseases. Murine typhus is a neglected zoonotic disease, as the number of human cases is likely underestimated in the absence of specific symptoms. It is caused by Rickettsia typhi, a pathogenic bacterium transmitted by rat fleas (Xenospylla spp). The distribution and dynamics of this disease result from complex interactions involving vectors, reservoirs and humans within a shared environment. In this study, we explored the environmental drivers of rat fleas’ abundance on Reunion Island, where murine typhus has recently emerged. Results showed that i) rat fleas’ abundance is highly dynamic, characterized by a peak at the end of the dry season and ii) among the factors investigated, rainfall, temperature and land cover are the main determinants of rat fleas’ abundance. We modeled a predictive map of flea distribution that strongly correlates with the spatial distribution of human cases on the island. This study highlights the importance of accounting for environmental and climatic characteristics to better understand the spatial and temporal drivers of flea-borne diseases.
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AbouLaila M, Menshawy S. Infection rate and molecular characterization of Echidnophaga gallinacea in chickens from Matrouh Governorate, Egypt. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100457. [PMID: 33308720 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Echidnophaga gallinacea is the sticktight flea of chickens. It causes dermatitis and ulcers in the skin and carries some disease-causing agents such as Rickettsia and Bartonella. This study was conducted to detect the infection rate and elucidate the molecular characterization of E. gallinacea in chickens from El-Dabaa City, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt. The fleas were collected from infected chickens and identified morphologically. The internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) gene PCR method was used for molecular characterization. Based on the morphology, the collected fleas were confirmed as E. gallinacea. The overall infection rate was 5%, with 4.5% in female and 10% in male chickens. ITS-1 PCR revealed a specific band of 488 bp. The ITS-1 gene sequence from Egypt occurred in the same phylogenetic clade as that from Cameroon, with a percentage identity of 98.47%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud AbouLaila
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, El-Behera, Egypt.
| | - Soad Menshawy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, El-Behera, Egypt
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Grouteau G, Lancelot O, Bertolotti A, Poubeau P, Manaquin R, Foucher A, Jaubert J, Parola P, Pagès F, Camuset G. Emergence of murine typhus in La Réunion, France, 2012-2017. Med Mal Infect 2019; 50:22-27. [PMID: 31387814 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Murine typhus (MT) is an acute zoonosis caused by Rickettsia typhi, a flea-borne rickettsiosis. The first autochthonous case was reported in 2012. Once autochthonous transmission of Rickettsia typhi was proven, we performed a prospective study to describe and raise awareness of this often-misdiagnosed disease among physicians. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a prospective observational study of MT cases in La Réunion from 2012 to 2017. MT cases were defined as clinically compatible illnesses with a specific positive serology and/or PCR. RESULTS Sixty-one confirmed cases were collected. The main clinical features were prolonged fever (90%), asthenia (87%), and headaches (79%). The main biological abnormalities were elevated liver enzymes (84%) and thrombopenia (75%). Renal function was normal in 90% of cases; it was an important feature because leptospirosis is a frequent cause of acute renal failure. A seasonal factor was observed with 79% of cases reported in the warm season and most of them in the west and south of the island (i.e., the dry areas). CONCLUSION MT is an emerging disease in La Réunion, and local conditions could lead to an endemic situation. Cases of acute undifferentiated fever with headaches should guide to the diagnosis of MT especially in the warm season and dry areas. Leptospirosis is an alternative diagnosis, which differs from MT by its epidemiological characteristics and by the associated frequent renal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Grouteau
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, centre hospitalier universitaire de La Réunion, site sud, avenue Prés-Mitterrand, 97448 St-Pierre, Reunion.
| | - O Lancelot
- Service d'accueil des Urgences, centre hospitalier universitaire de La Réunion, site sud, avenue Prés-Mitterrand, 97448 St-Pierre, Reunion
| | - A Bertolotti
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, centre hospitalier universitaire de La Réunion, site sud, avenue Prés-Mitterrand, 97448 St-Pierre, Reunion
| | - P Poubeau
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, centre hospitalier universitaire de La Réunion, site sud, avenue Prés-Mitterrand, 97448 St-Pierre, Reunion
| | - R Manaquin
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, centre hospitalier universitaire de La Réunion, site sud, avenue Prés-Mitterrand, 97448 St-Pierre, Reunion
| | - A Foucher
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, centre hospitalier universitaire de La Réunion, site sud, avenue Prés-Mitterrand, 97448 St-Pierre, Reunion
| | - J Jaubert
- Service de bactériologie, virologie, parasitologie, centre hospitalier universitaire de La Réunion, site sud, avenue Prés-Mitterrand, 97448 St-Pierre, Reunion
| | - P Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - F Pagès
- Santé Publique France, 2, bis avenue Georges-Brassens, 97743 Saint-Denis cedex 9, Reunion
| | - G Camuset
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, centre hospitalier universitaire de La Réunion, site sud, avenue Prés-Mitterrand, 97448 St-Pierre, Reunion
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Moreno Salas L, Espinoza-Carniglia M, Lizama Schmeisser N, Torres LG, Silva-de la Fuente MC, Lareschi M, González-Acuña D. Fleas of black rats ( Rattus rattus) as reservoir host of Bartonella spp. in Chile. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7371. [PMID: 31396444 PMCID: PMC6679904 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rattus rattus is a widely distributed, invasive species that presents an important role in disease transmission, either directly or through vector arthropods such as fleas. These black rats can transmit a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria of the genus Bartonella, which can cause diseases in humans and animals. In Chile, no data are available identifying fleas from synanthropic rodents as Bartonella vectors. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in the fleas of R. rattus in areas with different climate conditions and featuring different human population densities. Methods In all, 174 fleas collected from 261 R. rattus captured from 30 localities with different human densities (cities, villages, and wild areas) across five hydrographic zones of Chile (hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, and hyper-humid) were examined. Bartonella spp. presence was determined through polymerase chain reaction, using gltA and rpoB genes, which were concatenated to perform a similarity analysis with BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Results Overall, 15 fleas species were identified; Bartonella gltA and rpoB fragments were detected in 21.2% (37/174) and 19.5% (34/174) of fleas, respectively. A total of 10 of the 15 fleas species found were positive for Bartonella DNA. Leptopsylla segnis was the most commonly collected flea species (n = 55), and it also presented a high prevalence of Bartonella DNA (P% = 34.5%). The highest numbers of fleas of this species were collected in villages of the arid zone. There were no seasonal differences in the prevalence of Bartonella DNA. The presence of Bartonella DNA in fleas was recorded in all hydrographic areas, and the arid zone presented the highest prevalence of this species. Regarding areas with different human densities, the highest prevalence was noted in the villages (34.8% gltA and 31.8% rpoB), followed by cities (14.8% gltA and 11.1% rpoB) and wild areas (7.4% gltA and 14.8% rpoB). The BLAST analysis showed a high similitude (>96%) with four uncharacterized Bartonella genotypes and with two species with zoonotic potential: B. mastomydis and B. tribocorum. The phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship with B. elizabethae and B. tribocorum. This is the first study to provide evidence of the presence of Bartonella in fleas of R. rattus in Chile, indicating that the villages and arid zone correspond to areas with higher infection risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Moreno Salas
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mario Espinoza-Carniglia
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicol Lizama Schmeisser
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - L Gonzalo Torres
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Facultad de Ciencias, Programa de Magíster en Ciencias mención Ecología Aplicada, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - María Carolina Silva-de la Fuente
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Parásitos y Enfermedades de Fauna Silvestre, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Marcela Lareschi
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores CEPAVE (CONICET CCT-La Plata-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Parásitos y Enfermedades de Fauna Silvestre, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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8
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Gérardin P, Zemali N, Bactora M, Camuset G, Balleydier E, Pascalis H, Guernier V, Mussard C, Bertolotti A, Koumar Y, Naze F, Picot S, Filleul L, Pages F, Tortosa P, Jaubert J. Seroprevalence of typhus group and spotted fever group Rickettsia exposures on Reunion island. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:387. [PMID: 31288833 PMCID: PMC6617902 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Murine typhus has been increasingly reported on Reunion island, Indian ocean, following documentation of eight autochthonous infections in 2012–2013. We conducted a serosurvey to assess the magnitude of the seroprevalence of rickettsioses in the population. Two hundred and forty-one stored frozen sera taken from the 2009 Copanflu-RUN cohort were analysed using an immunofluorescence assay allowing to distinguish typhus group (TGR) and spotted fever group Rickesttsiae (SFGR). Seropositivity was defined for a dilution titre of Rickettsia IgG antibodies ≥ 1:64. Seroprevalence was weighted to account for the discrepancy between the Copanflu-RUN subset and the general population, as to infer prevalence at community level. Prevalence proportion ratios (PPR) were measured using log-binomial models. Results The weighted seroprevalences of typhus group rickettsioses and spotted fever group rickettsioses were of 12.71% (95% CI 8.84–16.58%) and 17.68% (95% CI 13.25–22.11%), respectively. Pooled together, data suggested that a fifth of the population had been exposed at least to one Rickettsia group. Youths (< 20 years) were less likely seropositive than adults (adjusted PPR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01–0.91). People living in the western dryer part of the island were more exposed (adjusted PPR 2.53, 95% CI 1.07–5.97). Rickettsioses are endemic on Reunion island and circulated before their first identification as murine typhus in year 2011. Surprisingly, since isolation of Rickettsia africae from Amblyomma variegatum in year 2004 or isolation of Rickettsia felis from Amblyomma loculosum, no autochthonous cases of African tick-bite fever or flea-borne spotted fever has yet been diagnosed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4416-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Gérardin
- INSERM Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1410 Epidémiologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Groupe Hospitalier Sud Réunion, BP 350, 97448, Saint Pierre Cedex, Reunion, France. .,UM 134 PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, CYROI, Université de La Réunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion, France.
| | - Naël Zemali
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Marie Bactora
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Guillaume Camuset
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Elsa Balleydier
- Cellule d'Intervention Régionale et d'Epidémiologie, Océan Indien, Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Saint Denis, Reunion, France
| | - Hervé Pascalis
- UM 134 PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, CYROI, Université de La Réunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion, France
| | - Vanina Guernier
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Corinne Mussard
- INSERM Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1410 Epidémiologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Groupe Hospitalier Sud Réunion, BP 350, 97448, Saint Pierre Cedex, Reunion, France
| | - Antoine Bertolotti
- INSERM Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1410 Epidémiologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Groupe Hospitalier Sud Réunion, BP 350, 97448, Saint Pierre Cedex, Reunion, France.,Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Yatrika Koumar
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Florence Naze
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Sandrine Picot
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Laurent Filleul
- Cellule d'Intervention Régionale et d'Epidémiologie, Océan Indien, Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Saint Denis, Reunion, France
| | - Frédéric Pages
- Cellule d'Intervention Régionale et d'Epidémiologie, Océan Indien, Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Saint Denis, Reunion, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- UM 134 PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, CYROI, Université de La Réunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion, France
| | - Julien Jaubert
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
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Jaubert J, Naze F, Camuset G, Larrieu S, Pascalis H, Guernier V, Naty N, Bertolotti A, Manaquin R, Mboussou Y, Atiana L, Picot S, Filleul L, Tortosa P, Cardinale E, Gérardin P. Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) Exposure in Humans on Reunion Island. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz227. [PMID: 31281854 PMCID: PMC6602885 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
After the documentation of sporadic cases of Q fever endocarditis, we conducted a serosurvey to assess Coxiella burnetii exposure on Reunion Island. Two hundred forty-one stored frozen human sera were analyzed using an immunofluorescence assay. The weighted seroprevalence of Q fever was of 6.81% (95% confidence interval, 4.02%–9.59%). Despite the absence of infection in youths <20 years of age, exposure was not driven by age or by gender. There was a spatial disparity in exposure across the island, with higher prevalence being reported in regions where ruminant farms are present. The seroprevalence pattern suggests that Q fever is endemic on Reunion Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Jaubert
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Florence Naze
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Guillaume Camuset
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Sophie Larrieu
- Cellule d'Intervention Régionale et d'Epidémiologie, Océan Indien, Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Saint Denis, Reunion, France
| | - Hervé Pascalis
- UM 134 PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion, France
| | - Vanina Guernier
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nadège Naty
- INSERM Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1410 Epidémiologie Clinique, CHU Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Antoine Bertolotti
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France.,INSERM Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1410 Epidémiologie Clinique, CHU Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Rodolphe Manaquin
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Yoan Mboussou
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Laura Atiana
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Sandrine Picot
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Virologie et Parasitologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
| | - Laurent Filleul
- Cellule d'Intervention Régionale et d'Epidémiologie, Océan Indien, Santé Publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Saint Denis, Reunion, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- UM 134 PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion, France
| | - Eric Cardinale
- UMR ASTRE, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) CYROI platform, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion, France.,UMR 1309 ASTRE, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Gérardin
- UM 134 PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, Université de La Réunion, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion, France.,INSERM Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1410 Epidémiologie Clinique, CHU Réunion, Saint Pierre, Reunion, France
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10
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Hornok S, Beck R, Farkas R, Grima A, Otranto D, Kontschán J, Takács N, Horváth G, Szőke K, Szekeres S, Majoros G, Juhász A, Salant H, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Stanko M, Baneth G. High mitochondrial sequence divergence in synanthropic flea species (Insecta: Siphonaptera) from Europe and the Mediterranean. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:221. [PMID: 29609620 PMCID: PMC5879554 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2798-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adult fleas are haematophagous ectoparasites of warm-blooded vertebrates, particularly mammals. Among them, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the human flea (Pulex irritans) have high veterinary-medical significance, owing to their cosmopolitan distribution and role in the transmission of important vector-borne pathogens. While the taxonomy of Ct. felis has been investigated on a morphological basis during the past decades, its molecular-phylogenetic analyses have been only recently conducted. This study expands the knowledge on Ct. felis from hitherto less studied geographical regions, and includes representatives from additional flea families, less investigated with molecular approaches. Methods Fleas were collected in four countries of the Mediterranean Basin (Croatia, Italy, Malta and Israel), as well as in Hungary, from domestic and wild carnivores, rodents and humans. The DNA extracts of representative fleas (n = 148), belonging to ten species of eight genera, were used for PCR amplification of part of their cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1, 2 (cox1, cox2) and 18S rRNA genes, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Results The majority (65.6%) of Ct. felis felis cox2 sequences showed 99.4–100% similarity to each other (haplogroup A), whereas those from Malta and Israel had 98.1–98.7% sequence similarity (haplogroup B), and a third sequence from Israel (haplotype C) had as low as 96.3% sequence similarity in comparison with a reference sequence from group “A”. Except for the shape of the head, no consistent morphological differences (e.g. in chaetotaxy) were found between haplogroups “A” and “C”. Haplotypes of Ct. canis were genetically more homogenous, with 99.6–100% sequence similarity to each other. However, when P. irritans collected from humans was compared to those from three species of wild carnivores, these only had 96.6% cox2 similarity. The mouse flea, Leptopsylla segnis and the northern rat flea, Nosopsyllus fasciatus were both shown to have haplotypes with low intraspecific cox2 similarities (96.2 and 94.4%, respectively). Taken together, differences between mitochondrial lineages within four flea species exceeded that observed between two Chaetopsylla spp. (which had 97.3% cox2 similarity). The topologies of cox1 and cox2 phylogenetic trees were in line with relevant sequence comparisons. Conversely, 18S rRNA gene analyses only resolved differences above the species level. Conclusions Ctenocephalides felis felis, P. irritans, L. segnis and N. fasciatus were shown to have such a high level of mitochondrial gene heterogeneity, that the uniformity of these flea taxa should be reconsidered. Although the present results are limited (especially in the case of L. segnis and N. fasciatus), there appears to be no geographical or host restriction, which could explain the divergence of these genetic lineages. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2798-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Grima
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Krisztina Szőke
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Majoros
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Juhász
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michal Stanko
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
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11
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Dean KR, Krauer F, Walløe L, Lingjærde OC, Bramanti B, Stenseth NC, Schmid BV. Human ectoparasites and the spread of plague in Europe during the Second Pandemic. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:1304-1309. [PMID: 29339508 PMCID: PMC5819418 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1715640115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, can spread through human populations by multiple transmission pathways. Today, most human plague cases are bubonic, caused by spillover of infected fleas from rodent epizootics, or pneumonic, caused by inhalation of infectious droplets. However, little is known about the historical spread of plague in Europe during the Second Pandemic (14-19th centuries), including the Black Death, which led to high mortality and recurrent epidemics for hundreds of years. Several studies have suggested that human ectoparasite vectors, such as human fleas (Pulex irritans) or body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus), caused the rapidly spreading epidemics. Here, we describe a compartmental model for plague transmission by a human ectoparasite vector. Using Bayesian inference, we found that this model fits mortality curves from nine outbreaks in Europe better than models for pneumonic or rodent transmission. Our results support that human ectoparasites were primary vectors for plague during the Second Pandemic, including the Black Death (1346-1353), ultimately challenging the assumption that plague in Europe was predominantly spread by rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine R Dean
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Fabienne Krauer
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Walløe
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, N-0317 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Barbara Bramanti
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 35-441221 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nils Chr Stenseth
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Boris V Schmid
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway;
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12
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Biscornet L, Dellagi K, Pagès F, Bibi J, de Comarmond J, Mélade J, Govinden G, Tirant M, Gomard Y, Guernier V, Lagadec E, Mélanie J, Rocamora G, Le Minter G, Jaubert J, Mavingui P, Tortosa P. Human leptospirosis in Seychelles: A prospective study confirms the heavy burden of the disease but suggests that rats are not the main reservoir. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005831. [PMID: 28846678 PMCID: PMC5591009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira for which rats are considered as the main reservoir. Disease incidence is higher in tropical countries, especially in insular ecosystems. Our objectives were to determine the current burden of leptospirosis in Seychelles, a country ranking first worldwide according to historical data, to establish epidemiological links between animal reservoirs and human disease, and to identify drivers of transmission. Methods A total of 223 patients with acute febrile symptoms of unknown origin were enrolled in a 12-months prospective study and tested for leptospirosis through real-time PCR, IgM ELISA and MAT. In addition, 739 rats trapped throughout the main island were investigated for Leptospira renal carriage. All molecularly confirmed positive samples were further genotyped. Results A total of 51 patients fulfilled the biological criteria of acute leptospirosis, corresponding to an annual incidence of 54.6 (95% CI 40.7–71.8) per 100,000 inhabitants. Leptospira carriage in Rattus spp. was overall low (7.7%) but dramatically higher in Rattus norvegicus (52.9%) than in Rattus rattus (4.4%). Leptospira interrogans was the only detected species in both humans and rats, and was represented by three distinct Sequence Types (STs). Two were novel STs identified in two thirds of acute human cases while noteworthily absent from rats. Conclusions This study shows that human leptospirosis still represents a heavy disease burden in Seychelles. Genotype data suggests that rats are actually not the main reservoir for human disease. We highlight a rather limited efficacy of preventive measures so far implemented in Seychelles. This could result from ineffective control measures of excreting animal populations, possibly due to a misidentification of the main contaminating reservoir(s). Altogether, presented data stimulate the exploration of alternative reservoir animal hosts. Leptospirosis is an emerging environmental infectious disease caused by corkscrew shaped bacteria called Leptospira. Humans usually get infected during recreational or work-related outdoor activities through contact with urine excreted by animal reservoirs. As a zoonotic disease, leptospirosis is a good example of the One Health concept for it links humans, animals and ecosystems in a web of pathogen maintenance and transmission. This zoonosis is highly prevalent in the tropics and especially in tropical islands. Seychelles archipelago has been reported as the country with highest human incidence worldwide, although figures are based on dated studies and/or poorly specific tests. The presented investigation aimed at providing an updated information on human leptospirosis burden in Seychelles and exploring the transmission chains in their environmental aspects. Presented data confirms that the disease still heavily impacts the country. Genotyping of pathogenic Leptospira in human acute cases reveals that three distinct Sequence Types (STs) are involved in the disease. However, rats typically considered as the main reservoir in Seychelles, harbor only one of these STs, found only in a minority of human cases. Hence, it appears that rats are likely not the main reservoir of leptospirosis in Seychelles, which has important consequences in terms of preventive measures to be implemented for a better control of human leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Biscornet
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), CNRS 9192, INSERM U 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- CRVOI, Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l’Océan Indien, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Unit, Seychelles Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health, Mont Fleuri, Seychelles
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), CNRS 9192, INSERM U 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- CRVOI, Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l’Océan Indien, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Frédéric Pagès
- Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Santé Publique France), Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Jastin Bibi
- Disease Surveillance and Response Unit, Epidemiology and Statistics Section, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health, Mont Fleuri, Seychelles
| | - Jeanine de Comarmond
- Disease Surveillance and Response Unit, Epidemiology and Statistics Section, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health, Mont Fleuri, Seychelles
| | - Julien Mélade
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), CNRS 9192, INSERM U 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- CRVOI, Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l’Océan Indien, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Graham Govinden
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Unit, Seychelles Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health, Mont Fleuri, Seychelles
| | - Maria Tirant
- Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Santé Publique France), Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Yann Gomard
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), CNRS 9192, INSERM U 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- CRVOI, Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l’Océan Indien, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Vanina Guernier
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), CNRS 9192, INSERM U 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- CRVOI, Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l’Océan Indien, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Erwan Lagadec
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), CNRS 9192, INSERM U 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- CRVOI, Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l’Océan Indien, Ste Clotilde, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Jimmy Mélanie
- Veterinary Services Section, Seychelles Agricultural Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Gérard Rocamora
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, University of Seychelles, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Gildas Le Minter
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), CNRS 9192, INSERM U 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Julien Jaubert
- Service de Bactériologie, Parasitologie, Virologie et Hygiène, Groupe Hospitalier Sud Réunion-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (GHSR-CHU), Saint Pierre, La Réunion, France
| | - Patrick Mavingui
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), CNRS 9192, INSERM U 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), CNRS 9192, INSERM U 1187, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- * E-mail:
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13
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Kuo CC, Wardrop N, Chang CT, Wang HC, Atkinson PM. Significance of major international seaports in the distribution of murine typhus in Taiwan. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005430. [PMID: 28264003 PMCID: PMC5354449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background International seaports are hotspots for disease invasion and pathogens can persist in seaports even after ports are abandoned. Transmitted by fleas infected by Rickettsia typhi, murine typhus, a largely neglected and easily misdiagnosed disease, is known to occur primarily in large seaports. However, the significance of seaports in the occurrence of murine typhus has never been validated quantitatively. Methodology/Principal findings We studied the spatial distribution of murine typhus, a notifiable disease, in Taiwan. We investigated whether risk of infection was correlated with distance to international seaports and a collection of environmental and socioeconomic factors, using a Bayesian negative binomial conditionally autoregressive model, followed with geographically weighted regression. Seaports that are currently in use and those that operated in the 19th century for trade with China, but were later abandoned due to siltation were analyzed. A total of 476 human cases of murine typhus were reported during 2000–2014 in the main island of Taiwan, with spatial clustering in districts in southwest and central-west Taiwan. A higher incidence rate (case/population) was associated with a smaller distance to currently in-use international seaports and lower rainfall and temperature, but was uncorrelated with distance to abandoned ports. Geographically weighted regression revealed a geographic heterogeneity in the importance of distance to in-use seaports near the four international seaports of Taiwan. Conclusions/Significance Our study suggests that murine typhus is associated with international seaports, especially for those with large trading volume. Thus, one of the costs of global trade in Taiwan might be elevated risks of murine typhus. Globalization has accelerated the spread of infectious diseases, but the burden of disease varies geographically, with regions surrounding major international seaports warranting particular surveillance. Globalization has hastened the spread of infectious diseases, with seaports as hotspots for disease invasion. Transmitted by fleas infected with the rickettsia Rickettsia typhi, murine typhus occurs worldwide, but its significance as a common causative agent of illness in tropical regions remains largely neglected. Although it is recognized that murine typhus is prevalent primarily in large seaports, the significance of seaports in the occurrence of murine typhus has never been validated quantitatively. We thus investigated whether distribution of murine typhus in Taiwan was associated with international seaports. Notably, abandoned international seaports (abandoned in the 19th century due to siltation) were also studied to see whether the causative agent of murine typhus might still circulate around the ports even after being abandoned. We found that infection risk of murine typhus was negatively associated with distance to operating seaports but was uncorrelated with nearness to abandoned seaports. In addition, the importance of distance to operating seaports for risk of murine typhus infection varied spatially. Our study highlights elevated disease risk as a cost of international trade and suggests particular surveillance in regions surrounding major international seaports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chien Kuo
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicola Wardrop
- Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Chung-Te Chang
- Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Peter M. Atkinson
- Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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14
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Miarinjara A, Rogier C, Harimalala M, Ramihangihajason TR, Boyer S. Xenopsylla brasiliensis Fleas in Plague Focus Areas, Madagascar. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:2207-2208. [PMID: 27513742 PMCID: PMC5189135 DOI: 10.3201/eid2212.160318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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15
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Tessier C, Parama Atiana L, Lagadec E, Le Minter G, Denis M, Cardinale E. Wild fauna as a carrier of Salmonella in Reunion Island: Impact on pig farms. Acta Trop 2016; 158:6-12. [PMID: 26829358 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Salmonellosis is an economic burden to the livestock industry in Reunion Island. In this study, we wanted to improve our understanding of Salmonella epidemiology by studying the wild fauna of Reunion Island. We assessed Salmonella diversity in small non-flying mammals, birds and cockroaches in order to evaluate their potential role in the epidemiology of Salmonella. A total of 268 samples were collected from cockroaches, small mammals and birds. The bacteriological analyses revealed that 11.7% of non-flying mammals and 25% of cockroaches tested were Salmonella infected; two wild bird species were also detected positive. The 128 Salmonella isolates were distributed in fifteen serotypes and the most predominant were S. 4,[5],12:i:- (21.9% of positive samples) followed by S. Enteritidis (15.6%), S. Typhimurium (15.6%), S. Infantis (12.5%) and S. Weltevreden (12.5%). A total of 27 XbaI profiles were identified using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Comparison of these Salmonella strains with our collection of Salmonella isolated from pigs and pig farm environments at the same period revealed 14 strains in common between wild fauna and pigs, especially for cockroaches. Our results suggest that wild fauna of Reunion Island could be infected by strains of Salmonella also isolated from pigs or pig environment. They may play a role in both persistence and spreading of Salmonella and therefore, could be a source of infection in pig farms. Pest control against cockroaches could be a helpful tool in the reduction of Salmonella infection of pigs, limiting contacts between wild fauna and both pigs and pig environment. Special attention should be paid to S. 4,[5],12:i:- since it was predominant in Reunion Island's wild fauna and pigs and was the third most frequently reported serotype in human salmonellosis in Europe.
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16
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Guernier V, Lagadec E, Cordonin C, Le Minter G, Gomard Y, Pagès F, Jaffar-Bandjee MC, Michault A, Tortosa P, Dellagi K. Human Leptospirosis on Reunion Island, Indian Ocean: Are Rodents the (Only) Ones to Blame? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004733. [PMID: 27294677 PMCID: PMC4905629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although leptospirosis is a zoonosis of major concern on tropical islands, the molecular epidemiology of the disease aiming at linking human cases to specific animal reservoirs has been rarely explored within these peculiar ecosystems. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Five species of wild small mammals (n = 995) as well as domestic animals (n = 101) were screened for Leptospira infection on Reunion Island; positive samples were subsequently genotyped and compared to Leptospira from clinical cases diagnosed in 2012-2013 (n = 66), using MLST analysis. We identified two pathogenic species in human cases, namely Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira borgpetersenii. Leptospira interrogans was by far dominant both in clinical samples (96.6%) and in infected animal samples (95.8%), with Rattus spp and dogs being its exclusive carriers. The genetic diversity within L. interrogans was apparently limited to two sequence types (STs): ST02, identified among most clinical samples and in all rats with complete MLST, and ST34, identified in six humans, but not in rats. Noteworthy, L. interrogans detected in two stray dogs partially matched with ST02 and ST34. Leptospira borgpetersenii was identified in two clinical samples only (3.4%), as well as in cows and mice; four haplotypes were identified, of which two seemingly identical in clinical and animal samples. Leptospira borgpetersenii haplotypes detected in human cases were clearly distinct from the lineage detected so far in the endemic bat species Mormopterus francoismoutoui, thus excluding a role for this volant mammal in the local human epidemiology of the disease. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our data confirm rats as a major reservoir of Leptospira on Reunion Island, but also pinpoint a possible role of dogs, cows and mice in the local epidemiology of human leptospirosis. This study shows that a comprehensive molecular characterization of pathogenic Leptospira in both clinical and animal samples helps to gaining insight into leptospirosis epidemiology within a specific environmental setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanina Guernier
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l’Océan Indien (CRVOI), Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Erwan Lagadec
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l’Océan Indien (CRVOI), Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT "Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical", INSERM U1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Colette Cordonin
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l’Océan Indien (CRVOI), Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT "Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical", INSERM U1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Gildas Le Minter
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l’Océan Indien (CRVOI), Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT "Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical", INSERM U1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Yann Gomard
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l’Océan Indien (CRVOI), Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT "Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical", INSERM U1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Frédéric Pagès
- Regional Office (Cire) of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Institut de veille sanitaire), Reunion Island, France
| | | | - Alain Michault
- Laboratory of Biology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire/GHSR, Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l’Océan Indien (CRVOI), Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT "Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical", INSERM U1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l’Océan Indien (CRVOI), Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT "Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical", INSERM U1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249. Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
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17
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Highly Effective Soluble and Bacteriophage T4 Nanoparticle Plague Vaccines Against Yersinia pestis. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1403:499-518. [PMID: 27076150 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3387-7_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Plague caused by Yersinia pestis is an ancient disease, responsible for millions of deaths in human history. Unfortunately, there is no FDA-approved vaccine available. Recombinant subunit vaccines based on two major antigens, Caf 1 (F1) and LcrV (V), have been under investigation and showed promise. However, there are two main problems associated with these vaccines. First, the Yersinia capsular protein F1 has high propensity to aggregate, particularly when expressed in heterologous systems such as Escherichia coli, thus affecting vaccine quality and efficacy. Second, the subunit vaccines do not induce adequate cell-mediated immune responses that also appear to be essential for optimal protection against plague. We have developed two basic approaches, structure-based immunogen design and phage T4 nanoparticle delivery, to construct new plague vaccines that may overcome these problems. First, by engineering F1 protein, we generated a monomeric and soluble F1V mutant (F1mutV) which has similar immunogenicity as wild-type F1V. The NH2-terminal β-strand of F1 was transplanted to the COOH-terminus and the sequence flanking the β-strand was duplicated to retain a key CD4(+) T cell epitope. Second, we generated a nanoparticle plague vaccine that can induce balanced antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses. This was done by arraying the F1mutV on phage T4 via the small outer capsid (Soc) protein which binds to T4 capsid at nanomolar affinity. Preparation of these vaccines is described in detail and we hope that these would be considered as candidates for licensing a next-generation plague vaccine.
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18
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Balleydier E, Camuset G, Socolovschi C, Moiton MP, Kuli B, Foucher A, Poubeau P, Borgherini G, Wartel G, Audin H, Raoult D, Filleul L, Parola P, Pagès F. Murine typhus, Reunion, France, 2011-2013. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 21:316-9. [PMID: 25625653 PMCID: PMC4313641 DOI: 10.3201/eid2102.140850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine typhus case was initially identified in Reunion, France, in 2012 in a tourist. Our investigation confirmed 8 autochthonous cases that occurred during January 2011–January 2013 in Reunion. Murine typhus should be considered in local patients and in travelers returning from Reunion who have fevers of unknown origin.
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19
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Abstract
We report herein the investigation of a leptospirosis outbreak occurring in triathlon competitors on Réunion Island, Indian Ocean. All participants were contacted by phone or email and answered a questionnaire. Detection and molecular characterization of pathogenic Leptospira was conducted in inpatients and in rodents trapped at the vicinity of the event. Of the 160 athletes competing, 101 (63·1%) agreed to participate in the study. Leptospirosis was biologically confirmed for 9/10 suspected cases either by real-time PCR or serological tests (MAT or ELISA). The total attack rate, children's attack rate, swimmers' attack rate, and the attack rate in adult swimmers were respectively estimated at 8·1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4·3-14·7], 0%, 12·7% (95% CI 6·8-22·4) and 23·1% (95% CI 12·6-33·8). Leptospirosis cases reported significantly more wounds [risk ratio (RR) 4·5, 95% CI 1·6-13], wore complete neoprene suits less often (RR 4·3, 95% CI 1·3-14·5) and were most frequently unlicensed (RR 6·6, 95% CI 2·9-14·8). The epidemiological investigation supported that some measures such as the use of neoprene suits proved efficient in protecting swimmers against infection. PCR detection in rats revealed high Leptospira infection rates. Partial sequencing of the 16S gene and serology on both human and animal samples strongly suggests that rats were the main contaminators and were likely at the origin of the infection in humans.
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20
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Dieme C, Parola P, Guernier V, Lagadec E, Le Minter G, Balleydier E, Pagès F, Dellagi K, Tortosa P, Raoult D, Socolovschi C. Rickettsia and Bartonella species in fleas from Reunion Island. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 92:617-9. [PMID: 25646263 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, and Bartonella DNA was detected by molecular tools in 12% of Rattus rattus fleas (Xenopsylla species) collected from Reunion Island. One-third of the infested commensal rodents captured during 1 year carried at least one infected flea. As clinical signs of these zoonoses are non-specific, they are often misdiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constentin Dieme
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Vanina Guernier
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Erwan Lagadec
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Gildas Le Minter
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Elsa Balleydier
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Frederic Pagès
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, Marseille, WHO Coll. Centre for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, France; Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Emergentes dans l'Océan Indien, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Reunion Island, France; Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Cire OI - Institut de Veille Sanitaire), Saint Denis, Reunion Island, France; Université de La Reunion, Joint Chair CNRS-Université de La Reunion, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
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