1
|
Lee DAB, Fernandes Shimabukuro PH, Brilhante AF, Cadina Arantes PV, Sanches GS, Franco EO, Machado RZ, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB, André MR. Bartonella spp. in Phlebotominae Sand Flies, Brazil. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:2099-2107. [PMID: 39320166 PMCID: PMC11431920 DOI: 10.3201/eid3010.240397] [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: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are opportunistic, vectorborne bacteria that can cause disease in both animals and humans. We investigated the molecular occurrence of Bartonella spp. in 634 phlebotomine sand fly specimens, belonging to 44 different sand fly species, sampled during 2017-2021 in north and northeastern Brazil. We detected Bartonella sp. DNA in 8.7% (55/634) of the specimens by using a quantitative real-time PCR targeting the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer intergenic region. Phylogenetic analysis positioned the Lutzomyia longipalpis sand fly-associated Bartonella gltA gene sequence in the same subclade as Bartonella ancashensis sequences and revealed a Bartonella sp. sequence in a Dampfomyia beltrani sand fly from Mexico. We amplified a bat-associated Bartonella nuoG sequence from a specimen of Nyssomyia antunesi sand fly. Our findings document the presence of Bartonella DNA in sand flies from Brazil, suggesting possible involvement of these insects in the epidemiologic cycle of Bartonella species.
Collapse
|
2
|
Alabí Córdova AS, Fecchio A, Calchi AC, Dias CM, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. in tropical wild birds from the Brazilian Pantanal, the largest wetland in South America. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1631-1640. [PMID: 38443588 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10341-z] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite the worldwide occurrence of bartonellae in a broad range of mammal species, in which they usually cause a long-lasting erythrocytic bacteremia, few studies reported Bartonella spp. in avian hosts. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of Bartonella spp. infecting birds in the Pantanal wetland, central-western Brazil using a multigene approach. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from 517 individuals from 13 avian orders in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Groso do Sul. DNA was extracted from avian blood and 500/517 (96.7%) samples were positive in a conventional PCR targeting the avian β-actin gene. Nineteen (3.8%) out of 500 avian blood samples were positive in a qPCR assay for Bartonella spp. based on the nuoG gene. Among 19 avian blood DNA samples positive in the qPCR for Bartonella spp., 12 were also positive in the qPCR for Bartonella based on the 16S-23S RNA Intergenic region (ITS). In the PCR assays performed for molecular characterization, one 16S rRNA, three ribC, and one nuoG sequences were obtained. Based on BLASTn results, while 1 nuoG, 2 ribC, and 2 ITS sequences showed high identity to Bartonella henselae, one 16S rRNA and 2 ITS showed high similarity to Bartonella machadoae in the sampled birds. Bartonella spp. related to B. henselae and B. machadoae were detected, for the first time, in wild birds from the Brazilian Pantanal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Salvador Alabí Córdova
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução E Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", (FCAV/UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, S/N, Zona Rural, São Paulo, Jaboticabal, CEP: 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Alan Fecchio
- Department of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução E Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", (FCAV/UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, S/N, Zona Rural, São Paulo, Jaboticabal, CEP: 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Clara Morato Dias
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução E Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", (FCAV/UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, S/N, Zona Rural, São Paulo, Jaboticabal, CEP: 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução E Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", (FCAV/UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, S/N, Zona Rural, São Paulo, Jaboticabal, CEP: 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução E Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", (FCAV/UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, S/N, Zona Rural, São Paulo, Jaboticabal, CEP: 14884-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bai Y, Osikowicz LM, Hojgaard A, Eisen RJ. Development of a quadruplex PCR amplicon next generation sequencing assay for detection and differentiation of Bartonella spp. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1243471. [PMID: 38130946 PMCID: PMC10733521 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1243471] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Bartonella includes a group of species that are associated with a wide range of mammalian species, including human. It is challenging to detect all Bartonella species using a single molecular target due to its high genetic diversity. To solve this issue, we developed a quadruplex PCR amplicon sequencing assay using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology for the detection and differentiation of Bartonella species. Our objective was to obtain the specific sequences of a minimum of two of the four target genes as confirmation of the identity of a particular Bartonella species using the assay. Four pairs of primers targeting specific regions on gltA, groEL, rpoB, and ssrA were evaluated for their capability of differentiating Bartonella species individually and collectively by performing singular PCR amplicon sequencing and quadruplex PCR amplicon sequencing. Using the quadruplex PCR amplicon sequencing, 24 Bartonella reference species were tested, all of which were successfully differentiated by at least two targets. Bartonella species were accurately identified from the artificially mixed DNA templates developed to simulate coinfections. The limit of detection was determined to be 1 fg based on testing a series of 10-fold dilutions of DNA from the Bartonella species. Testing of high DNA concentrations of 19 non-Bartonella species showed high specificity with none of the non-Bartonella species misclassified as Bartonella. Finally, the assay was evaluated by testing DNA extracts from field-collected body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus): Bartonella quintana was detected and confirmed by three targets in the lice and Bartonella tribocorum was detected and confirmed by two targets in the rats. These results demonstrated that Bartonella species could be accurately and rapidly detected and differentiated into different tissue types using the quadruplex sequencing assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Bai
- Bacterial Disease Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Martínez-Burgos M, Lozano-Sardaneta YN, Rodríguez-Rojas JJ, Gómez-Rivera ÁS, Canto-Mis KL, Flores-Escobar E, Mis-Ávila PC, Correa-Morales F, Becker I. Species diversity and detection of pathogens in phlebotomine sand flies collected from forest management areas of Quintana Roo, Mexico. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:845-858. [PMID: 37649415 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Sand flies have expanded their areas of distribution, thereby increasing the risk of pathogen transmission in non-endemic areas. To establish efficient prevention and control strategies for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens, it is important to understand seasonal dynamics of their vectors. In Mexico, there are several areas where the contact between sand flies, hosts and reservoirs favours the transmission of the pathogen. We compared sand fly communities in a forest management area and a conserved area in Noh-Bec, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The analysis included species diversity, activity peaks and molecular detection of pathogens. Sand flies were collected from November to December 2021 and April to May 2022, during 84 night-traps. The conserved area showed higher numbers and greater species heterogeneity of sand flies as compared with the other sites. The β-diversity analysis revealed that sites disturbed by logging (S1, S2, S3) had greater similarity (90%) in their sand fly species composition than a conserved area (S4) (similarity = 36%). Although none of the specimens were infected with Leishmania, we detected Wolbachia (19.4%) in all four sites, as well as Bartonella (3.25%) only in the disturbed sites. Further studies on the dynamics of sand fly populations and their association with pathogens are necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Martínez-Burgos
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Departamento de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vector y Zoonosis, Servicios Estatales de Salud de Quintana Roo, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Yokomi N Lozano-Sardaneta
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jorge J Rodríguez-Rojas
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad de Patógenos y Vectores, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Ángel S Gómez-Rivera
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Departamento de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vector y Zoonosis, Servicios Estatales de Salud de Quintana Roo, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Karla L Canto-Mis
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Flores-Escobar
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pedro C Mis-Ávila
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Fabián Correa-Morales
- Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vector, Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades (CENAPRECE), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jin X, Gou Y, Xin Y, Li J, Sun J, Li T, Feng J. Advancements in understanding the molecular and immune mechanisms of Bartonella pathogenicity. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1196700. [PMID: 37362930 PMCID: PMC10288214 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1196700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonellae are considered to be emerging opportunistic pathogens. The bacteria are transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods, and their hosts are a wide range of mammals including humans. After a protective barrier breach in mammals, Bartonella colonizes endothelial cells (ECs), enters the bloodstream, and infects erythrocytes. Current research primarily focuses on investigating the interaction between Bartonella and ECs and erythrocytes, with recent attention also paid to immune-related aspects. Various molecules related to Bartonella's pathogenicity have been identified. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly described molecular and immune responses associated with Bartonella's pathogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Jin
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation and Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuze Gou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuxian Xin
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingwei Li
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation and Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingrong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation and Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Minnick MF, Robinson AJ, Powell RD, Rowland TE. Experimental Colonization of Sand Flies ( Lutzomyia longipalpis; Diptera: Psychodidae) by Bartonella ancashensis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:324-330. [PMID: 36939868 PMCID: PMC10278011 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0087] [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] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Bartonella ancashensis is a recently described Bartonella species endemic to Peru, where it causes verruga peruana in humans. While the arthropod vector of B. ancashensis transmission is unknown, human coinfections with Bartonella bacilliformis suggest that phlebotomine sand flies are a vector. Materials and Methods: To address the hypothesis that sand flies are involved in the bacterium's transmission, Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies were used as an infection model, together with green fluorescent protein-expressing B. ancashensis. Results: Results showed that bacterial infections were clearly established, limited to the anterior midgut of the female fly, and maintained for roughly 7 days. At 3-7 days postinfection, a prominent microcolony of aggregated bacteria was observed in the anterior midgut, immediately distal to the stomodeal valve of the esophagus. In contrast, eggs, diuretic fluid, feces, and other tissues were not infected. Conclusion: These results suggest that certain sand fly species within the endemic zone for B. ancashensis may play a role in the bacterium's maintenance and possibly in its transmission to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Minnick
- Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Autumn J. Robinson
- Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Ruby D. Powell
- Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Tobin E. Rowland
- Entomology Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
A system for transposon mutagenesis of Bartonella bacilliformis. J Microbiol Methods 2022; 203:106623. [PMID: 36400246 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2022.106623] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bartonella bacilliformis is the etiologic agent of Carrión's disease in South America. Lack of a system for random mutagenesis has significantly hampered research on the pathogen's molecular biology. Here, we describe a transposon (Tn)-based mutagenesis strategy for B. bacilliformis using pSAM_Rl; a Tn-mariner delivery vector originally constructed for members of the Rhizobiaceae family. Following electroporation of the vector, five candidate mutant strains were selected based on aberrant colony morphologies, and four mutations confirmed and identified using arbitrarily-primed PCR coupled with Sanger sequencing. One mutant strain, 4B2, was found to have a disrupted flgI gene, encoding the P-ring component of the flagellar motor. We therefore investigated the flgI strain's motility phenotype in a novel motility medium and found that insertional mutagenesis produced a non-motile mutant. Taken as a whole, the results show that: 1) pSAM_R1 is a practical Tn delivery vector for B. bacilliformis, 2) the plasmid can be used to create random Tn mariner mutants, 3) arbitrarily-primed PCR coupled with Sanger sequencing is a rapid and simple method for identifying and locating mutations generated by this Tn, and 4) in silico-predicted mutant phenotypes can be verified in vitro following mutagenesis. This system of Tn mutagenesis and mutation identification provides a novel and straightforward approach to investigate the molecular biology of B. bacilliformis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Hustedt J, Prasetyo DB, Fiorenzano JM, von Fricken ME, Hertz JC. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) and sand fly-borne pathogens in the Greater Mekong Subregion: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:355. [PMID: 36199150 PMCID: PMC9533508 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05464-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are proven or suspected vectors of several pathogens of importance, including leishmaniasis, bartonellosis and sand fly fevers. Although sand flies have a worldwide distribution, there has been limited research published on sand flies and sand fly-borne pathogens throughout the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). This review followed the PRISMA guidelines to determine the biodiversity and presence of phlebotomine sand flies and their associated pathogens in the GMS, specifically Cambodia, Thailand, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos), Malaysia and Vietnam. A total of 1472 records were identified by searching electronic databases, scanning reference lists of articles and consulting experts in the field. After screening of title and abstracts, 178 records remained and were further screened for original data (n = 34), not having regional data (n = 14), duplication of data (n = 4), records not available (n = 4) and no language translation available (n = 2). A total of 120 studies were then included for full review, with 41 studies on sand fly-related disease in humans, 33 studies on sand fly-related disease in animals and 54 entomological studies focused on sand flies (5 papers contained data on > 1 category), with a majority of the overall data from Thailand. There were relatively few studies on each country, with the exception of Thailand, and the studies applied different methods to investigate sand flies and sand fly-borne diseases, impacting the ability to conduct meaningful meta-analysis. The findings suggest that leishmaniasis in humans and the presence of sand fly vectors have been reported across several GMS countries over the past 100 years, with local transmission in humans confirmed in Thailand and Vietnam. Additionally, local Mundinia species are likely transmitted by biting midges. Findings from this study provide a framework for future investigations to determine the geographic distribution and risk profiles of leishmaniasis and other associated sand fly-borne disease throughout the GMS. It is recommended that researchers expand surveillance efforts across the GMS, with an emphasis placed on entomological surveys, syndromic and asymptomatic monitoring in both humans and animals and molecular characterization of sand flies and sand fly-borne pathogens, particularly in the understudied countries of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Hustedt
- Vysnova Partners, AXA Tower, 8 Shenton Way, Level 34-01, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Didot Budi Prasetyo
- Entomology Division, Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit Two, Sembawang, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jodi M Fiorenzano
- Entomology Division, Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit Two, Sembawang, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael E von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Hertz
- Entomology Division, Emerging Infections Department, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit Two, Sembawang, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kress L, Potts R, Pietri JE. Examination of vertical transmission of Bartonella quintana in body lice following multiple infectious blood meals. Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6634238. [PMID: 35803580 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella quintana is a re-emerging louse-borne pathogen. Horizontal transmission from the body louse vector (Pediculus humanus humanus) to a human host occurs through contact with infectious louse feces containing a high concentration of the bacteria. However, questions have remained about whether vertical transmission from infected vectors to their progeny, which could significantly influence the dynamics of transmission to humans, occurs in body lice. To address this subject, we performed a series of controlled laboratory experiments that examined the presence of B. quintana on the surface of and within eggs produced by female body lice that were provisioned multiple infectious blood meals to recapitulate the natural pathogen acquisition process. Our results demonstrate that B. quintana DNA can be detected from the surface of eggs by qPCR due to vertical transfer of infectious feces to the egg sheath during or after oviposition. However, viable B. quintana could not be cultured from the hemolymph of adult female lice or from within eggs that were surface sterilized, indicating a lack of true transovarial transmission. Based on this evidence, vertical transfer of B. quintana from infected adult lice to their eggs probably has a limited impact on the dynamics of transmission to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Kress
- University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Rashaun Potts
- University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Jose E Pietri
- University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Vermillion, SD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dichter AA, Schultze TG, Wenigmann A, Ballhorn W, Latz A, Schlüfter E, Ventosilla P, Guerra Allison H, Ugarte-Gil C, Tsukayama P, Kempf VAJ. Identification of immunodominant Bartonella bacilliformis proteins: a combined in-silico and serology approach. THE LANCET MICROBE 2021; 2:e685-e694. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00184-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
11
|
Sousa-Paula LCD, Pessoa FAC, Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F. Beyond taxonomy: species complexes in New World phlebotomine sand flies. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:267-283. [PMID: 33480064 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A species complex (= species group, species series) is an assemblage of species, which are related morphologically and phylogenetically. Recent research has revealed several arthropod vector species that were believed to be a single nominal species actually representing a group of closely related species, which are sometimes morphologically indistinguishable at one or more developmental stages. In some instances, differences in terms of vector competence, capacity, or both have been recorded. It highlights the importance of detecting and studying species complexes to improve our understanding of pathogen transmission patterns, which may be vectored more or less efficiently by different species within the complex. Considering more than 540 species, about one-third of the phlebotomine sand flies in the New World present males and/or females morphologically indistinguishable to one or more species. Remarkably, several of these species may act in transmission of pathogenic agents. In this article, we review recent research on species complexes in phlebotomine sand flies from the Americas. Possible practical implications of recently acquired knowledge and future research needs are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C de Sousa-Paula
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - F A C Pessoa
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Leônidas e Maria Deane Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - D Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - F Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Power RI, Calvani NED, Nachum-Biala Y, Salant H, Harrus S, Šlapeta J. Adaptation of gltA and ssrA assays for diversity profiling by Illumina sequencing to identify Bartonella henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. koehlerae. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70. [PMID: 34296984 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Bartonellosis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella. Mixed Bartonella infections are a well-documented phenomenon in mammals and their ectoparasites. The accurate identification of Bartonella species in single and mixed infections is valuable, as different Bartonella species have varying impacts on infected hosts.Gap Statement. Current diagnostic methods are inadequate at identifying the Bartonella species present in mixed infections.Aim. The aim of this study was to adopt a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach using Illumina sequencing technology to identify Bartonella species and demonstrate that this approach can resolve mixed Bartonella infections.Methodology. We used Illumina PCR amplicon NGS to target the ssrA and gltA genes of Bartonella in fleas collected from cats, dogs and a hedgehog in Israel. We included artificially mixed Bartonella samples to demonstrate the ability for NGS to resolve mixed infections and we compared NGS to traditional Sanger sequencing.Results. In total, we identified 74 Ctenocephalides felis, two Ctenocephalides canis, two Pulex irritans and three Archaeopsylla e. erinacei fleas. Real-time PCR of a subset of 48 fleas revealed that twelve were positive for Bartonella, all of which were cat fleas. Sanger sequencing of the ssrA and gltA genes confirmed the presence of Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella koehlerae. Illumina NGS of ssrA and gltA amplicons further confirmed the Bartonella species identity in all 12 flea samples and unambiguously resolved the artificially mixed Bartonella samples.Conclusion. The adaptation and multiplexing of existing PCR assays for diversity profiling via NGS is a feasible approach that is superior to traditional Sanger sequencing for Bartonella speciation and resolving mixed Bartonella infections. The adaptation of other PCR primers for Illumina NGS will be useful in future studies where mixed bacterial infections may be present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemonde Isabella Power
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | | | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hemotropic Mycoplasma and Bartonella Species Diversity in Free-Roaming Canine and Feline from Luanda, Angola. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060735. [PMID: 34200906 PMCID: PMC8230469 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming dogs and cats represent potential reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne pathogens shedding to the human population. Given the health impact of these pathogens, we searched free-roaming dogs and cats included in an animal population control program from Luanda, Angola, for Bartonella and hemotropic mycoplasma infection. We report the detection of Bartonella henselae (2/66; 3%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (5/66; 7.5%) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (1/66; 1.5%) in cats. One dog was found positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis (1/20; 5%). This is the first report of Bartonella henselae infections in stray cats and of hemotropic mycoplasmas in cats and dogs from Angola. Despite the relatively small sample size, our results sustain the hypothesis of uncontrolled circulation of these agents in highly mobile synanthropic animal populations of Luanda. Population and vector control could contribute to reducing the likelihood for animal-to-animal and animal-to-human transmission.
Collapse
|
14
|
Rêgo FD, Soares RP. Lutzomyia longipalpis: an update on this sand fly vector. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2021; 93:e20200254. [PMID: 33950136 DOI: 10.1590/0001-37652021xxxx] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lutzomyia longipalpis is the most important vector of Leishmania infantum, the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the New World. It is a permissive vector susceptible to infection with several Leishmania species. One of the advantages that favors the study of this sand fly is the possibility of colonization in the laboratory. For this reason, several researchers around the world use this species as a model for different subjects including biology, insecticides testing, host-parasite interaction, physiology, genetics, proteomics, molecular biology, and saliva among others. In 2003, we published our first review (Soares & Turco 2003) on this vector covering several aspects of Lu. longipalpis. This current review summarizes what has been published between 2003-2020. During this period, modern approaches were incorporated following the development of more advanced and sensitive techniques to assess this sand fly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe D Rêgo
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ/MG), Instituto René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, 30180-104 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pedro Soares
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ/MG), Instituto René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, 30180-104 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Saengsawang P, Kaewmongkol G, Inpankaew T. Molecular Detection of Bartonella spp. and Hematological Evaluation in Domestic Cats and Dogs from Bangkok, Thailand. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050503. [PMID: 33922245 PMCID: PMC8146774 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative, facultative, intracellular bacteria transmitted by hematophagous insects. Several species cause zoonotic diseases such as cat-scratch disease. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae are the main species found in Thailand, however, there have been few studies on Bartonella spp. In addition, the hematological evaluation of Bartonella-infected animals is limited in Thailand. The aims of this study were prevalence investigation and hematological evaluation of Bartonella-infected dogs and cats residing in Bangkok, Thailand. (2) Methods: In total, 295 dogs and 513 cats were molecularly evaluated to detect Bartonella spp. using PCR with primers targeting the partial gltA, rpoB, ftsZ, ribC, and groEL genes. In total, 651 domestic animals were evaluated for hematological parameters compared between Bartonella-positive and Bartonella-negative animals. (3) Results: Overall, the prevalence of Bartonella spp. was 1.61% which was found only in free-ranging cats (2.83%). Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae were confirmed from a concatenated phylogenetic tree of partial gltA and ribC genes, with 100% bootstrapping replication. For other housekeeping gene sequences, mixed infection was expected from the amplicons of rpoB, ftsZ, and groEL. Importantly, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly increased in Bartonella-positive cats. (4) Conclusions: We suggest that B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae are important species and are still circulating in domestic animals, especially cats. The evaluation of blood parameters, especially a raised MCV, should be of concern in Bartonella infection in asymptomatic cats. Additionally, the knowledge of how to prevent Bartonella-related diseases should be promoted with people in at-risk situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phirabhat Saengsawang
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand
| | - Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Correspondence: or
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Obiegala A, Pfeffer M, Kiefer D, Kiefer M, Król N, Silaghi C. Bartonella spp. in Small Mammals and Their Fleas in Differently Structured Habitats From Germany. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:625641. [PMID: 33537358 PMCID: PMC7848210 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.625641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most Bartonella spp. are transmitted by fleas and harbored by small mammals which serve as reservoirs. However, little is known about the composition of fleas and their Bartonella spp. from small mammals in Central Europe. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate flea communities on small mammals from three differently structured sites (urban, sylvatic, renatured) in Germany as well as the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in small mammals and their parasitizing fleas. In total, 623 small mammals belonging to 10 different species (the majority were Myodes glareolus and Apodemus flavicollis) were available. Fleas were removed from the small mammals' fur, morphologically identified and DNA was extracted. To detect Bartonella spp., two conventional PCRs targeting the gltA gene and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer were carried out followed by sequencing. Obtained sequences were compared to those in GenBank. In total, 1,156 fleas were collected from 456 small mammals. Altogether, 12 different flea species (the majority were Ctenophthalmus agyrtes, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, and Megabothris turbidus) were detected. At the urban site mostly Leptopsylla segnis and N. fasciatus were collected which may be vectors of zoonotic pathogens to companion animals. The overall prevalence for Bartonella in small mammals was 43.3% and in fleas 49.1%. Five different Bartonella spp. were detected in small mammals namely B. grahamii, B. taylorii, B. doshiae, Bartonella sp. N40 and uncultured Bartonella sp. whereas in fleas four Bartonella spp. were found which were with the exception of B. doshiae identical to the Bartonella species detected in their small mammal hosts. While B. grahamii was the only zoonotic Bartonella sp. most Bartonella strains found in fleas and small mammals belonged to uncultured Bartonella spp. with unknown zoonotic potential. This study showed a high diversity of flea species on small mammals from Germany. Further, high prevalence rates of Bartonella species were detected both in fleas and in their mammalian hosts. Several different Bartonella species with a high genetic variability were discovered. Especially at the urban study sites, this may pose a risk for Bartonella transmission to companion animals and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Obiegala
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Kiefer
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Infectiology (IMED), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Teodoro LM, Carvalho GMDL, Campos AM, Cerqueira RFV, Souza-Silva M, Ferreira RL, Barata RA. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) from iron ore caves in the State of Pará, Brazil. SUBTERRANEAN BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.37.57534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the distribution of sand fly species in iron ore caves in the State of Pará, Brazil and to associate the richness and abundance of these insects with the capacity of leishmaniasis transmission. Entomological captures were carried out in the years 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015, throughout active samples with brushes, along the entire caves’ extension, in dry and rainy periods. A total of 9,807 sand flies were counted during the 532 samplings events, being 4,340 in the dry period and 5,467 in the rainy period. A random sample of 802 morphologically identified specimens consisted of 8 genera and 17 species, being 369 males (46%) and 433 females (54%). The predominant species was Sciopemyia sordellii with 60.6% of the total of sand flies collected. Differences in composition and richness were observed between caves located inside of forest and anthropized areas. The mean richness and abundance were different between the wet and rainy periods, with a greater abundance of these insects in the rainy period. The phlebotomine fauna proved to be rich and abundant in the sampled caves, however, environmental degradation seems to be the main factor determining changes in the composition and richness, reinforces the importance of these places as a shelter for sand flies in degraded areas.
Collapse
|
18
|
RÊGO FELIPED, SOARES RODRIGOPEDRO. Lutzomyia longipalpis: an update on this sand fly vector. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202120200254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
|
19
|
Wachter S, Hicks LD, Raghavan R, Minnick MF. Novel small RNAs expressed by Bartonella bacilliformis under multiple conditions reveal potential mechanisms for persistence in the sand fly vector and human host. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008671. [PMID: 33216745 PMCID: PMC7717549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella bacilliformis, the etiological agent of Carrión’s disease, is a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular alphaproteobacterium. Carrión’s disease is an emerging but neglected tropical illness endemic to Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. B. bacilliformis is spread between humans through the bite of female phlebotomine sand flies. As a result, the pathogen encounters significant and repeated environmental shifts during its life cycle, including changes in pH and temperature. In most bacteria, small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) serve as effectors that may post-transcriptionally regulate the stress response to such changes. However, sRNAs have not been characterized in B. bacilliformis, to date. We therefore performed total RNA-sequencing analyses on B. bacilliformis grown in vitro then shifted to one of ten distinct conditions that simulate various environments encountered by the pathogen during its life cycle. From this, we identified 160 sRNAs significantly expressed under at least one of the conditions tested. sRNAs included the highly-conserved tmRNA, 6S RNA, RNase P RNA component, SRP RNA component, ffH leader RNA, and the alphaproteobacterial sRNAs αr45 and speF leader RNA. In addition, 153 other potential sRNAs of unknown function were discovered. Northern blot analysis was used to confirm the expression of eight novel sRNAs. We also characterized a Bartonellabacilliformisgroup I intron (BbgpI) that disrupts an un-annotated tRNACCUArg gene and determined that the intron splices in vivo and self-splices in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrated the molecular targeting of Bartonellabacilliformissmall RNA 9 (BbsR9) to transcripts of the ftsH, nuoF, and gcvT genes, in vitro. B. bacilliformis is a bacterial pathogen that is transmitted between humans by phlebotomine sand flies. Bacteria often express sRNAs to fine-tune the production of proteins involved in a wide array of biological processes. We cultured B. bacilliformis in vitro under standard conditions then shifted the pathogen for a period of time to ten distinct environments, including multiple temperatures, pH levels, and infections of human blood and human vascular endothelial cells. After RNA-sequencing, a manual transcriptome search identified 160 putative sRNAs, including seven highly-conserved sRNAs and 153 novel potential sRNAs. We then characterized two of the novel sRNAs, BbgpI and BbsR9. BbgpI is a group I intron (ribozyme) that self-splices and disrupts an unannotated gene coding for a transfer RNA (tRNACCUArg). BbsR9 is an intergenic sRNA expressed under conditions that simulate the sand fly. We found that BbsR9 targets transcripts of the ftsH, nuoF, and gcvT genes. Furthermore, we determined the specific sRNA-mRNA interactions responsible for BbsR9 binding to its target mRNAs through in vitro mutagenesis and binding assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Wachter
- Program in Cellular, Molecular & Microbial Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Linda D. Hicks
- Program in Cellular, Molecular & Microbial Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Rahul Raghavan
- Department of Biology and Center for Life in Extreme Environments, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Minnick
- Program in Cellular, Molecular & Microbial Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
DIVERSE BARTONELLA SPP. DETECTED IN WHITE-TAILED DEER ( ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS) AND ASSOCIATED KEDS ( LIPOPTENA MAZAMAE) IN THE SOUTHEASTERN USA. J Wildl Dis 2020; 56:505-511. [PMID: 31917634 DOI: 10.7589/2019-08-196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There are many known species of Bartonella, Gram-negative bacteria that can cause febrile illness and fatality in humans and animals. These pathogens are often transmitted through hematophagous arthropod vectors such as fleas and lice. Despite increasing awareness about Bartonella spp. and their zoonotic potential, as well as existing literature on Bartonella spp. in cervids, little is known about the diversity of Bartonella spp. in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and their associated keds in the southeastern US. We examined the prevalence and diversity of Bartonella spp. in an enclosed herd of white-tailed deer and their ectoparasites, deer keds (Lipoptena mazamae), in Alabama. The overall prevalence of Bartonella infection in this population of deer was 16% (10/63) and 24% (23/96) in keds associated with deer that we sampled. Three species of Bartonella were identified in both deer and their keds: Bartonella bovis, Bartonella schoenbuchensis, and Bartonella sp. 1. Additionally, Bartonella melophagi was detected in white-tailed deer but not in the sampled keds. The detection of four Bartonella species in one population of white-tailed deer, three of which have known zoonotic potential, highlights the importance of Bartonella diversity within host species.
Collapse
|
21
|
Phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) fauna in a cavern containing cave paintings and its surrounding environment, Central-West Brazil. Acta Trop 2019; 199:105151. [PMID: 31449783 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The interior of caves usually presents climate, light, soil, flora and fauna that distinguish it from the external environment. Among the sandfly species found in caves, several may act as vectors of Leishmania spp. and others are a nuisance to humans due to their painful bites. This study sought to identify the phlebotomine fauna in a cavern with cave paintings ("Gruta do Pitoco") which attract tourists in Alcinopólis municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. The sandflies were collected from March 2014 to September 2015, with automatic light traps, installed monthly, in the entrance and interior of the cave and outside it. A total of 7645 specimens belonging to 27 species were collected. Lutzomyia dispar, Martinsmyia oliverai and those of the Lu. longipalpis complex (Lu. cruzi and Lu. longipalpis) were the predominant species. Among the three environments sampled, no great difference between species richness was observed. Comparing these environments, the interior of the cave presented the lowest diversity index due to the high frequency of Lu. dispar (46%). For the first time, specimens (only females) of the genus Deanemyia were collected in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Moreover, the study revealed the sympatric occurrence of Lu. cruzi and Lu. longipalpis, both proven vectors of L. infantum, and also Lu. dispar, a highly anthropophilic species, which often causes annoyance to those who visit the cave.
Collapse
|
22
|
Lozano-Sardaneta YN, Colunga-Salas P, Sánchez-Montes S, Cáceres AG, Becker I. First Report of Bartonella SP. In Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) From Southern Mexico. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION 2019; 35:224-227. [PMID: 31647703 DOI: 10.2987/19-6854.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The genus Bartonella encompasses several zoonotic species that cause emerging infectious diseases in humans. These species are transmitted to humans by hematophagous arthropods. In South America, sand flies are the most important vectors of Bartonella bacilliformis, the etiological agent of Verruga peruana. Due to the importance of bartonellosis in public health, the aim of this study was to detect Bartonella in wild populations of phlebotomine sand flies in southern Mexico. In total, 29 sand flies belonging to 6 species were collected. Only 2 specimens were positive, representing a prevalence of 8.69% (2/23). This appears to be the first report of Bartonella sp. in phlebotomine sand flies outside the endemic area of Verruga peruana in South America. Further studies are needed to clarify the relation between this bacterium and sand flies in Mexico.
Collapse
|
23
|
Garcia-Quintanilla M, Dichter AA, Guerra H, Kempf VAJ. Carrion's disease: more than a neglected disease. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:141. [PMID: 30909982 PMCID: PMC6434794 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3390-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with Bartonella bacilliformis result in Carrion's disease in humans. In the first phase of infection, the pathogen causes a hemolytic fever ("Oroya fever") with case-fatality rates as high as ~90% in untreated patients, followed by a chronical phase resulting in angiogenic skin lesions ("verruga peruana"). Bartonella bacilliformis is endemic to South American Andean valleys and is transmitted via sand flies (Lutzomyia spp.). Humans are the only known reservoir for this old disease and therefore no animal infection model is available. In the present review, we provide the current knowledge on B. bacilliformis and its pathogenicity factors, vectors, possible unknown reservoirs, established and potential infection models and immunological aspects of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Garcia-Quintanilla
- University Hospital, Goethe-University, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alexander A Dichter
- University Hospital, Goethe-University, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Humberto Guerra
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and the Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Lima, Peru
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- University Hospital, Goethe-University, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Álvarez-Fernández A, Breitschwerdt EB, Solano-Gallego L. Bartonella infections in cats and dogs including zoonotic aspects. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:624. [PMID: 30514361 PMCID: PMC6280416 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3152-6] [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] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that can infect humans and a large number of mammals including small companion animals (cats and dogs). In recent years, an increasing number of studies from around the world have reported Bartonella infections, although publications have predominantly focused on the North American perspective. Currently, clinico-pathological data from Europe are more limited, suggesting that bartonellosis may be an infrequent or underdiagnosed infectious disease in cats and dogs. Research is needed to confirm or exclude Bartonella infection as a cause of a spectrum of feline and canine diseases. Bartonella spp. can cause acute or chronic infections in cats, dogs and humans. On a comparative medical basis, different clinical manifestations, such as periods of intermittent fever, granulomatous inflammation involving the heart, liver, lymph nodes and other tissues, endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatis, uveitis and vasoproliferative tumors have been reported in cats, dogs and humans. The purpose of this review is to provide an update and European perspective on Bartonella infections in cats and dogs, including clinical, diagnostic, epidemiological, pathological, treatment and zoonotic aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Corduneanu A, Sándor AD, Ionică AM, Hornok S, Leitner N, Bagó Z, Stefke K, Fuehrer HP, Mihalca AD. Bartonella DNA in heart tissues of bats in central and eastern Europe and a review of phylogenetic relations of bat-associated bartonellae. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:489. [PMID: 30157912 PMCID: PMC6116555 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bats are among the most widely distributed mammals worldwide and can represent hosts or reservoirs for a number of different pathogens. Bartonella spp. are opportunistic bacterial pathogens, which are transmitted by a large variety of arthropods. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and host-associations of these Gram-negative bacteria in heart tissues of bats collected in four different countries from eastern and central Europe and to analyze their phylogenetic relationship with other bat-associated bartonellae. Results The results of this study show for the first time the presence of Bartonella spp. DNA in heart tissues of bats from central and eastern Europe. The overall prevalence of the infection was 1.38%. Phylogenetic analysis identified four new Bartonella spp. sequences, which were closely related with other Bartonella previously isolated from bats in Europe and North America. Conclusions The gltA sequences of Bartonella spp. showed considerable heterogeneity in the phylogenetic analysis resulting in six different clades. Our study demonstrated the presence of Bartonella spp. only in heart tissues of bats from Romania, with two new bat species recorded as hosts (Myotis cf. alcathoe and Pipistrellus pipistrellus). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3070-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Corduneanu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Natascha Leitner
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zoltán Bagó
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | | | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
McKee CD, Osikowicz LM, Schwedhelm TR, Maes SE, Enscore RE, Gage KL, Kosoy MY. Acquisition of Bartonella elizabethae by Experimentally Exposed Oriental Rat Fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis; Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) and Excretion of Bartonella DNA in Flea Feces. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1292-1298. [PMID: 29860325 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have been able to provide experimental evidence of the ability of fleas to maintain rodent-associated Bartonella infections and excrete these bacteria. These data are important for understanding the transmission cycles and prevalence of these bacteria in hosts and vectors. We used an artificial feeding approach to expose groups of the oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis Rothschild; Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) to rat blood inoculated with varying concentrations of Bartonella elizabethae Daly (Bartonellaceae: Rhizobiales). Flea populations were maintained by membrane feeding on pathogen-free bloodmeals for up to 13 d post infection. Individual fleas and pools of flea feces were tested for the presence of Bartonella DNA using molecular methods (quantitative and conventional polymerase chain reaction [PCR]). The threshold number of Bartonellae required in the infectious bloodmeal for fleas to be detected as positive was 106 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). Individual fleas were capable of harboring infections for at least 13 d post infection and continuously excreted Bartonella DNA in their feces over the same period. This experiment demonstrated that X. cheopis are capable of acquiring and excreting B. elizabethae over several days. These results will guide future work to model and understand the role of X. cheopis in the natural transmission cycle of rodent-borne Bartonella species. Future experiments using this artificial feeding approach will be useful for examining the horizontal transmission of B. elizabethae or other rodent-associated Bartonella species to naïve hosts and for determining the viability of excreted bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clifton D McKee
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Lynn M Osikowicz
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Teresa R Schwedhelm
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Sarah E Maes
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Russell E Enscore
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Kenneth L Gage
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Michael Y Kosoy
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lydy SL, Lascano MS, Garcia-Perez JE, Williams-Newkirk AJ, Grijalva MJ. Seroprevalence and risk factors for infection with Bartonella bacilliformis in Loja province, Ecuador. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:115. [PMID: 29941982 PMCID: PMC6018114 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The seroprevalence and epidemiology of Bartonella bacilliformis infection in the Andean highlands of Ecuador is largely unknown. We conducted a sero-epidemiologic survey of 319 healthy children aged 1-15 years living in six rural, mountain communities in Loja Province, Ecuador. Blood was collected by finger stick onto filter paper and dried, and the eluted sera analyzed for antibodies to B. bacilliformis by rPap31 ELISA. Demographic, entomologic, and household variables were assessed to investigate associated risk factors for antibody seropositivity to B. bacilliformis. Seroprevalence of 28% was found among children in the study communities. Increased risk of seropositivity was associated with the presence of lumber piles near houses. Decreased risk of seropositivity was observed with the presence of animal waste and incremental 100 meter increases in elevation. Although investigation of clinical cases of Carrion's disease was not within the scope of this study, our serology data suggest that infection of children with B. bacilliformis is prevalent in this region of Ecuador and is largely unrecognized and undiagnosed. This study highlights the need to further investigate the prevalence, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and disease impact of this pathogen in Ecuador.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shari L Lydy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Mauricio S Lascano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Athens, OH, USA
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Quito, Ecuador
- Organization for Tropical Studies-North American Branch, Tropical Diseases, Environmental Change and Human Health Program, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Josselyn E Garcia-Perez
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Quito, Ecuador
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Amanda J Williams-Newkirk
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Enteric Disease Laboratory Branch, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mario J Grijalva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Athens, OH, USA
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Quito, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
In this review, we explore the state-of-the-art of sand fly relationships with microbiota, viruses and Leishmania, with particular emphasis on the vector immune responses. Insect-borne diseases are a major public health problem in the world. Phlebotomine sand flies are proven vectors of several aetiological agents including viruses, bacteria and the trypanosomatid Leishmania, which are responsible for diseases such as viral encephalitis, bartonellosis and leishmaniasis, respectively. All metazoans in nature coexist intimately with a community of commensal microorganisms known as microbiota. The microbiota has a fundamental role in the induction, maturation and function of the host immune system, which can modulate host protection from pathogens and infectious diseases. We briefly review viruses of public health importance present in sand flies and revisit studies done on bacterial and fungal gut contents of these vectors. We bring this information into the context of sand fly development and immune responses. We highlight the immunity mechanisms that the insect utilizes to survive the potential threats involved in these interactions and discuss the recently discovered complex interactions among microbiota, sand fly, Leishmania and virus. Additionally, some of the alternative control strategies that could benefit from the current knowledge are considered.
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Carrion's disease (CD) is a neglected biphasic vector-borne illness related to Bartonella bacilliformis. It is found in the Andean valleys and is transmitted mainly by members of the Lutzomyia genus but also by blood transfusions and from mother to child. The acute phase, Oroya fever, presents severe anemia and fever. The lethality is high in the absence of adequate treatment, despite the organism being susceptible to most antibiotics. Partial immunity is developed after infection by B. bacilliformis, resulting in high numbers of asymptomatic carriers. Following infection there is the chronic phase, Peruvian warts, involving abnormal proliferation of the endothelial cells. Despite potentially being eradicable, CD has been expanded due to human migration and geographical expansion of the vector. Moreover, in vitro studies have demonstrated the risk of the development of antimicrobial resistance. These findings, together with the description of new Bartonella species producing CD-like infections, the presence of undescribed potential vectors in new areas, the lack of adequate diagnostic tools and knowledge of the immunology and bacterial pathogenesis of CD, and poor international visibility, have led to the risk of increasing the potential expansion of resistant strains which will challenge current treatment schemes as well as the possible appearance of CD in areas where it is not endemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Gomes
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Ruiz
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Paul S, Minnick MF, Chattopadhyay S. Mutation-Driven Divergence and Convergence Indicate Adaptive Evolution of the Intracellular Human-Restricted Pathogen, Bartonella bacilliformis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004712. [PMID: 27167125 PMCID: PMC4864206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Among all species of Bartonella, human-restricted Bartonella bacilliformis is the most virulent but harbors one of the most reduced genomes. Carrión’s disease, the infection caused by B. bacilliformis, has been afflicting poor rural populations for centuries in the high-altitude valleys of the South American Andes, where the pathogen’s distribution is probably restricted by its sand fly vector’s range. Importantly, Carrión’s disease satisfies the criteria set by the World Health Organization for a disease amenable to elimination. However, to date, there are no genome-level studies to identify potential footprints of B. bacilliformis (patho)adaptation. Our comparative genomic approach demonstrates that the evolution of this intracellular pathogen is shaped predominantly via mutation. Analysis of strains having publicly-available genomes shows high mutational divergence of core genes leading to multiple sub-species. We infer that the sub-speciation event might have happened recently where a possible adaptive divergence was accelerated by intermediate emergence of a mutator phenotype. Also, within a sub-species the pathogen shows inter-clonal adaptive evolution evidenced by non-neutral accumulation of convergent amino acid mutations. A total of 67 non-recombinant core genes (over-representing functional categories like DNA repair, glucose metabolic process, ATP-binding and ligase) were identified as candidates evolving via adaptive mutational convergence. Such convergence, both at the level of genes and their encoded functions, indicates evolution of B. bacilliformis clones along common adaptive routes, while there was little diversity within a single clone. How host-restriction, intracellularity and genome reduction interplay to exert or maintain virulence is poorly characterized. The fact that B. bacilliformis is the most pathogenic Bartonella and has a highly reduced genome makes it an attractive model to gain insights into (patho)adaptive evolution of intracellular pathogens. Also, B. bacilliformis is known to lack many virulence genes present in other Bartonella, indicating unique strategies of (patho)adaptation. Our study reveals a prevalent nature of mutational force in B. bacilliformis evolution with two distinct outcomes: (a) mutational divergence leading to sub-speciation, possibly recently, via accelerated accumulation and fixation of favorable mutations mediated by a mutator phenotype; and (b) mutational convergence between clones of a sub-species exhibiting shared functional trajectories of adaptive evolution. Our findings highlight positions accumulating adaptive mutations in candidate genes, offering future functional studies to elucidate B. bacilliformis virulence evolution, and of broad application to intracellular pathogens with a reduced gene repertoire.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandip Paul
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Minnick
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Sujay Chattopadhyay
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|