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Zhang J, Wang J, Kelly PJ, Zhang Y, Li M, Li J, Zhang R, Wang Y, Huang K, You J, Qiu H, Zheng X, Wang X, Li J, Dong J, Yang Y, Wang C. Experimental infection and co-infection with Chinese strains of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli in intact and splenectomized dogs: Insights on clinical, hematologic and treatment responses. Vet Parasitol 2023; 323:110032. [PMID: 37783174 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Animal infection models are crucial for studying various aspects of Ehrlichia canis infections. To understand the pathogenesis of the first Chinese isolate of E. canis and simulate the natural progression of canine ehrlichiosis, we developed a model with 18 Beagle dogs that consisted of E. canis initial infection (days 0-17), treatment with doxycycline or rifampicin (days 18-32), recovery (days 33-66), E. canis reinfection (days 67-91), and Babesia vogeli superinfection (days 92-116). We measured body weight and rectal temperature every other day, drew blood every 4 days for routine hematology and biochemistry tests, and for quantification of E. canis and B. vogeli by quantitative PCRs. In this study, the first isolate of E. canis from China was used to experimentally infect dogs, and the infected dogs exhibited clinical signs of acute severe ehrlichiosis, including high fever, loss of appetite, dehydration, and body weight loss, confirming the similar pathogenicity of E. canis in China as compared to isolates from other regions. Infection with E. canis and B. vogeli led to reduced body weight and fever in dogs. Doxycycline treatment led to absence of E. canis DNA in infected dogs, while rifampicin treatment lowered the blood E. canis copy number up to 1.5 folds. E. canis-free infected dogs after doxycycline treatment were successfully re-infected with E. canis, indicating dogs with antibodies are still at risk of re-infection. Super-infection with B. vogeli resulted in higher fever, more severe anemia, and a reduced number of platelets. Splenectomized dogs showed significantly higher E. canis numbers during recovery and re-infection than intact dogs. The histological changes were observed in brain, lung, kidney, liver and spleen of the infected dogs. The findings in this study provide insights into clinical and hematologic responses, as well as effective treatment options, for dogs infected with the first Chinese isolate of E. canis, and may contribute to our understanding of the diagnosis and prevention of tick-borne diseases in dogs, including canine monocytic ehrlichiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Huang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinfeng You
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haixiang Qiu
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianji Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junsheng Dong
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Yin F, Guo C, Li D, Tian Z, Li F. Molecular Survey and Genetic Characteristics of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Dogs from Four Regions of China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1867. [PMID: 37889788 PMCID: PMC10251890 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases are widely distributed around the world. They are transmitted by arthropods, and many seriously threaten the health of animals and humans. In China, our knowledge of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma species circulating in dogs is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and genetic characteristics of canine Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in Chongqing (southwest), Fujian (southeast), Shandong (southeast), and Hubei (central) Provinces of China. Blood samples from healthy pet dogs were processed to detect Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma DNA with PCR. Haplotype and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 18S rRNA sequences. Among 306 dogs, no Ehrlichia spp. or Mycoplasma spp. were detected, whereas one Hepatozoon sp. was detected in 10 (3.27%) of the animals. Only Hepatozoon canis was identified and was endemic to Chongqing (2.46%) and Hubei (8.77%). A haplotype analysis identified eight haplotypes among the H. canis isolates. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the H. canis isolates in this study clustered into four clades, together with isolates from different countries and hosts, forming a large group that was clearly separate from other Hepatozoon species. These findings provided new information on the epidemiological characteristics of canine vector-borne diseases in China and will be helpful in the development of efficient measures to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals and their owners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Facai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Ehrlichiosis in Dogs: A Comprehensive Review about the Pathogen and Its Vectors with Emphasis on South and East Asian Countries. Vet Sci 2022; 10:vetsci10010021. [PMID: 36669021 PMCID: PMC9863373 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis in dogs is an emerging vector borne rickettsial zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. In general, three Ehrlichial species (Ehrlichia canis, E. ewingii, and E. chaffeensis) are involved in infecting dogs. Among them, E. canis is the well-known etiological pathogen affecting platelets, monocytes, and granulocytes. Dogs act as a reservoir, while the main vector responsible for disease transmission is Rhipicephalus sanguineus. However, in east Asian countries, Haemaphysalis longicornis is considered the principal vector for disease transmission. This disease affects multiple organs and systems and has three clinical manifestations, including acute, subclinical, and chronic. Definitive diagnosis involves visualization of morulae on cytology, detection of antibodies through an indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT), and DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In canine ehrlichiosis, no predilection of age or sex is observed; however, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds are more likely to develop severe clinical manifestations. Doxycycline, rifampicin, and minocycline are proven to be effective drugs against canine ehrlichiosis. This review is intended to describe a brief overview of Ehrlichia infection in dogs, its reported prevalence in east and south Asian countries, and the latest knowledge regarding chemotherapy and associated vectors responsible for the disease transmission. This manuscript also identifies the prevailing knowledge gaps which merit further attention by the scientific community.
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Purisarn A, Wichianchot S, Maneeruttanarungroj C, Mangkit B, Raksajit W, Kaewmongkol S, Jarudecha T, Sricharern W, Rucksaken R. Molecular detection and phylogeny of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in naturally infected dogs in Central and Northeast Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:2877-2889. [PMID: 36718324 PMCID: PMC9880828 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2877-2889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys are tick-borne, Gram-negative bacteria that cause canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, respectively. These diseases are of great importance and are distributed globally. This study aimed to create new primers for the identification of E. canis and A. platys in naturally infected dogs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis using the 16S rDNA and gltA genes. Materials and Methods In total, 120 blood samples were collected from dogs in three different locations (Saraburi, Buriram, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces) in Central and Northeast Thailand. The molecular prevalence of E. canis and A. platys was assessed using PCR targeting the 16S rDNA and gltA genes. All positive PCR amplicons were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the maximum likelihood method. Results Ehrlichia canis had an overall molecular prevalence of 15.8% based on the 16S rDNA gene, compared to 8.3% based on the gltA gene. In addition, the overall molecular prevalence of A. platys using the 16S rDNA gene was 10.8%, while the prevalence rate was 5.8% using the gltA gene. Coinfection was 0.8% in Saraburi province. The partial sequences of the 16S rDNA and gltA genes of E. canis and A. platys in dogs in Central and Northeast Thailand showed 96.75%-100% identity to reference sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA and gltA genes revealed that E. canis and A. platys sequences were clearly grouped into their own clades. Conclusion This study demonstrated the molecular prevalence of E. canis and A. platys in Central and Northeast Thailand. The 16S rDNA and gltA genes were useful for the diagnosis of E. canis and A. platys. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the partial sequences of the 16S rDNA and gltA genes in E. canis and A. platys were related to prior Thai strains and those from other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andaman Purisarn
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Sakulchit Wichianchot
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Cherdsak Maneeruttanarungroj
- Department of Biology, School of Science, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand,Bioenergy Research Unit, School of Science, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand
| | - Bandid Mangkit
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Wuttinun Raksajit
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Sarawan Kaewmongkol
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Thitichai Jarudecha
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Wanat Sricharern
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Rucksak Rucksaken
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand,Corresponding author: Rucksak Rucksaken, e-mail: Co-authors: AP: , SW: , CM: , BM: , WR: , SK: , TJ: , WS:
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5
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Guo J, Song S, Cao S, Sun Z, Zhou Q, Deng X, Zhao T, Chai Y, Zhu D, Chen C, Baryshnikov PI, Blair HT, Wang Z, Wang Y, Zhang H. Molecular Detection of Zoonotic and Veterinary Pathogenic Bacteria in Pet Dogs and Their Parasitizing Ticks in Junggar Basin, North-Western China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:895140. [PMID: 35898544 PMCID: PMC9311330 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.895140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recognized epidemiological importance of ticks as vectors for pathogens that cause numerous zoonotic and veterinary diseases, data regarding the pathogens of pet dogs and their parasitic ticks in the Junggar Basin are scarce. In this study, a total of 178 blood samples and 436 parasitic ticks were collected from pet dogs in Junggar Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), north-western China. All ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus turanicus sensu stricto (s.s.) according to morphological and molecular characteristics. Rh. turanicus s.s. ticks were collected from pet dogs in China for the first time. Seven tick-borne pathogens, such as Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia massiliae, Candidatus R. barbariae, Brucella spp., Rickettsia sibirica, and Anaplasma ovis, were detected from ticks, whereas the first five bacteria were detected from blood samples of dogs. Brucella spp. was the most predominant pathogen in both blood samples and ticks of pet dogs, with the detection rates of 16.29 and 16.74%, respectively. Moreover, 17 ticks and 1 blood sample were co-infected with two pathogens, and 1 tick was co-infected with three pathogens. This study provided molecular evidence for the occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Brucella spp. circulating in pet dogs and their parasitic ticks in Junggar Basin, north-western China. These findings extend our knowledge of the tick-borne pathogens in pet dogs and their parasitic ticks in Central Asia; therefore, further research on these pathogens and their role in human and animal diseases is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Guo
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Shengnan Song
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Shuzhu Cao
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhihua Sun
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Qiyue Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Xingmei Deng
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Tianyi Zhao
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yingjin Chai
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Dexin Zhu
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Chuangfu Chen
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - P. I. Baryshnikov
- College of Veterinary, Altai National Agricultural University, Barnaul, Russia
| | - Hugh T. Blair
- International Sheep Research Center, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Zhen Wang
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- *Correspondence: Zhen Wang
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Yuanzhi Wang
| | - Hui Zhang
- State International Joint Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Hui Zhang
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Poolsawat N, Tazawa K, Junsiri W, Watthanadirek A, Srionrod N, Chawengkirttikul R, Anuracpreeda P. Molecular discrimination and genetic diversity of three common tick-borne pathogens in dogs in Thailand. Parasitology 2022; 149:65-75. [PMID: 35184783 PMCID: PMC11010516 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
There was little information regarding the occurrence of canine vector-borne disease (CVBDs) in shelter dogs in Thailand. This work is the first report regarding a molecular method used to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of three canine tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) (Hepatozoon canis, Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis) in blood samples from 275 shelter dogs in the north and central areas of Thailand. The PCR results based on the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes showed that 71 (25.82%) dogs were positive for at least a TBP. The overall occurrence rates of H. canis, A. platys and E. canis infections were 1.81, 16.36 and 7.64%, respectively. For the phylogenetic analysis, A. platys 16S rRNA gene was genetically diverse, while H. canis 18S rRNA and E. canis 16S rRNA genes were conserved. The haplotype diversity exhibited 12 and 2 haplotypes as well as 78 and 178 polymorphic sites of A. platys and E. canis 16S rRNA genes, respectively. Our findings could be used to improve the understanding of phylogeny and genetic diversity of TBP rRNA genes and used to ameliorate the diagnosis and control programmes for the diseases in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Napassorn Poolsawat
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom73170, Thailand
| | - Keiichiro Tazawa
- Worldwide Veterinary Service Thailand, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai50230, Thailand
| | - Witchuta Junsiri
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom73170, Thailand
| | - Amaya Watthanadirek
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom73170, Thailand
| | - Nitipon Srionrod
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom73170, Thailand
| | | | - Panat Anuracpreeda
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom73170, Thailand
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7
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Comparative genomic analysis of the first Ehrlichia canis detections in Australia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101909. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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8
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Wang Y, Zhang Q, Han S, Li Y, Wang B, Yuan G, Zhang P, Yang Z, Zhang H, Sun Y, Chen J, Han X, He H. Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Four Anaplasma Species With Veterinary and Public Health Significance Identified in Tibetan Sheep ( Ovis aries) and Yaks ( Bos grunniens) in Qinghai, China. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:727166. [PMID: 34660764 PMCID: PMC8514825 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.727166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) can cause serious economic losses and are very important to animal and public health. To date, research on TBDs has been limited in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. This epidemiological investigation was conducted to evaluate the distribution and risk factors of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in livestock in Qinghai. A total of 566 blood samples, including 330 yaks (Bos grunniens) and 236 Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) were screened. Results showed that A. bovis (33.3%, 110/330) and A. phagocytophilum (29.4%, 97/330) were most prevalent in yaks, followed by A. ovis (1.2%, 4/330), A. capra (0.6%, 2/330), and E. chaffeensis (0.6%, 2/330). While A. ovis (80.9%, 191/236) and A. bovis (5.1%, 12/236) infection was identified in Tibetan sheep. To our knowledge, it is the first time that A. capra and E. chaffeensis have been detected in yaks in China. Apart from that, we also found that co-infection of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum is common in yaks (28.2%, 93/330). For triple co-infection, two yaks were infected with A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and A. capra, and two yaks were infected with A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and E. chaffeensis. Risk analysis shows that infection with A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and A. ovis was related to region and altitude. This study provides new data on the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. and E. chaffeensis in Qinghai, China, which may help to develop new strategies for active responding to these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Wang
- National Research Center for Wildlife Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qingxun Zhang
- National Research Center for Wildlife Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyi Han
- National Research Center for Wildlife Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Bo Wang
- National Research Center for Wildlife Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guohui Yuan
- National Research Center for Wildlife Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyang Zhang
- National Research Center for Wildlife Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwen Yang
- National Research Center for Wildlife Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jiyong Chen
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Yushu, Yushu, China
| | - Xueqing Han
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxuan He
- National Research Center for Wildlife Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Nguyen VL, Iatta R, Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Hodžić A, Dantas-Torres F, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Genetic variability of Ehrlichia canis TRP36 in ticks, dogs, and red foxes from Eurasia. Vet Microbiol 2021; 255:109037. [PMID: 33740731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109037] [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] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is among the most prevalent tick-borne pathogens infecting dogs worldwide, being primarily vectored by brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). The genetic variability of E. canis has been assessed by analysis of different genes (e.g., disulfide bond formation protein gene, glycoprotein 19, tandem repeat protein 36 - TRP36) in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and in a single dog sample from Europe (i.e., Spain). This study was aimed to assess the variations in the TRP36 gene of E. canis detected in naturally infected canids and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks from different countries in Asia and Europe. DNA samples from dogs (n = 644), foxes (n = 146), and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks (n = 658) from Austria, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan were included in this study. Ehrlichia canis 16S rRNA positive samples (n = 115 from the previous studies; n = 14 from Austria in this study) were selected for molecular examination by analyses of TRP36 gene. Out of 129 E. canis 16S rRNA positive samples from dogs (n = 88), foxes (n = 7), and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks (n = 34), the TRP36 gene was successfully amplified from 52. The phylogenetic analysis of the TRP36 pre-repeat, tandem repeat, and post repeat regions showed that most samples were genetically close to the United States genogroup, whereas two samples from Austria and one from Pakistan clustered within the Taiwan genogroup. TRP36 sequences from all samples presented a high conserved nucleotide sequence in the tandem repeat region (from 6 to 20 copies), encoding for nine amino acids (i.e., TEDSVSAPA). Our results confirm the US genogroup as the most frequent group in dogs and ticks tested herein, whereas the Taiwan genogroup was present in a lower frequency. Besides, this study described for the first time the US genogroup in red foxes, thus revealing that these canids share identical strains with domestic dogs and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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