1
|
Calchi AC, Braga LDQV, Bassini-Silva R, Castro-Santiago AC, Herrera HM, Soares JF, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, Rocha FL, André MR. Phylogenetic inferences based on distinct molecular markers reveals a novel Babesia (Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) and a Hepatozoon americanum-related genotype in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous). Exp Parasitol 2024; 262:108786. [PMID: 38762200 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. Are apicomplexan protozoa that may cause disease in several canid species. The present study aimed to expand the knowledge on the diversity of piroplasmids and Hepatozoon in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous; n = 12) sampled in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul State, central-western Brazil. PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA were used as screening. Three (25%) and 11 (91.7%) were positive for piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp., respectively. Co-infection was found in three C. thous. Phylogenetic analyses based on the near-complete 18S rRNA, cox-1 and hsp70 genes evidenced the occurrence of a novel of Babesia spp. (namely Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) closely related to Rangelia vitalii and Babesia sp. 'Coco'. This finding was supported by the genetic divergence analysis which showed (i) high divergence, ranging from 4.17 to 5.62% for 18 S rRNA, 6.16% for hps70 and 4.91-9.25% for cox-1 and (ii) the genotype network (which displayed sequences separated from the previously described Piroplasmida species by median vectors and several mutational events). Also, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. positioned the sequences obtained herein in a clade phylogenetically related to Hepatozoon sp. 'Curupira 2', Hepatozoon sp. detected in domestic and wild canids from Uruguay and Hepatozoon americanum. The present study described Babesia pantanalensis nov sp. and Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum in crab-eating foxes from Brazil. Moreover, the coinfection by piroplasmids and Hepatozoon sp. for the first time in crab-eating foxes strongly suggesting that this wild canid species potentially acts as a bio-accumulate of hemoprotozoan in wild environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Bassini-Silva
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Castro-Santiago
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of University of São Paulo (FMVZ-USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Parasitic Biology Laboratory, Interface Research Group Between Human, Animal and Environmental Health (INSANAHUNA.com), Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - João Fábio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (ProtoZooVet), Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Lopes Rocha
- Laboratório de Mamíferos, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vetter Hiebert JR, Petters Cabrera JG, Benítez del Puerto S, González Vatteone R, Florentín Morel M, Dacak Aguilera DA, Brítez Valinotti CE, Ramírez Diarte R, González González LM, Coronel Díaz C, Osorio P, Cardozo W, Bracho F, Soto CR, Domínguez Barreto NM, Sciabarrasi AA. Rescue and rehabilitation of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Paraguay: Case description. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1395. [PMID: 38459818 PMCID: PMC10924275 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus, is the largest South American canid, with a natural distribution that stretches across Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The present study reports the case of a rescued specimen of maned wolf that underwent a rehabilitation process in Paraguay, starting in October 2020 with its rescue, and finalising in May 2021 with the reintroduction. Herein, we document findings regarding the general management, biometrics, feeding and environmental enrichment; chemical immobilisation and monitoring; haematology, blood biochemistry and specific serology-relevant pathogens; skin examination and bone marrow cytology; orthopaedic, ophthalmological and dental evaluation; abdominal and cardiac ultrasonography; radiology and copro-parasitology. Main findings include the feeding habits of the individual and enrichment opportunities. The animal weighed 7 kg on arrival, with an estimated age of 5 months, and 18 kg on reintroduction, with an estimated age of 1 year. The animal tested negative to serologic tests for Brucella canis, Dirofilaria, canine distemper, Toxoplasmosis and canine parvovirus. Leptospira testing showed antibodies against L. grippotyphosa on both samplings, L. wolffi and L. ictero on the first sampling, and L. pomona on the second sampling. Abdominal organs were examined and measured through ultrasound evaluation and kidneys showed no alterations. Echocardiography showed preserved mitral, tricuspid and aortic valve flows, but turbulent pulmonary valve flow. Copro-parasitology reported the presence of Lagochilascaris sp. and Balantidium sp. All the information gathered aided in diagnosing the health status of the individual, and the response to environmental enrichment helped assess the behaviour, which led to the suggestion of reintroducing the animal. These data constitute the first published health check of a maned wolf in Paraguay, which can contribute to the species' conservation in the country. The protocol presented in this study can serve as a basis for developing an action plan for the maned wolf in Paraguay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joerg Richard Vetter Hiebert
- Departamento de Recursos Faunísticos y Medio NaturalFacultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional de AsunciónSan LorenzoParaguay
| | | | | | - Roger González Vatteone
- Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasCátedra de Técnica OperatoriaUniversidad Nacional de AsunciónSan LorenzoParaguay
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Coronel Díaz
- Ministerio del Ambiente y Desarrollo SostenibleDirección General de Protección y Conservación de la BiodiversidadDirección de Vida SilvestreAsunciónParaguay
| | | | | | - Fátima Bracho
- Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional de AsunciónSan LorenzoParaguay
| | - Claudia Raquel Soto
- Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional de AsunciónSan LorenzoParaguay
| | | | - Antonio Alejandro Sciabarrasi
- Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasUniversidad Nacional del LitoralSanta FeArgentina
- Centro de rescate e interpretación de la Fauna La EsmeraldaGobierno de Santa FeArgentina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Mancianti F. Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020165. [PMID: 36851469 PMCID: PMC9964035 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020165] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Co-infection by multiple vector-borne agents in wild ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) from Iguaçu National Park, southern Brazil. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1828. [PMID: 36725981 PMCID: PMC9892030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29090-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to detect molecularly the presence of co-infections by vector-borne agents (VBA) in ring-tailed coatis' (Nasua nasua) blood samples from Iguaçu National Park (INP), southern Brazil, and assess the phylogenetic positioning of the detected agents. DNA blood samples were submitted to molecular screening and characterization for Anaplasmataceae agents, Piroplasmids, Hepatozoon sp., hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Bartonella spp. In total, 42 (85.7%) coatis were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma sp., 12 (24.5%) for Bartonella machadoae, 7 (14.3%) for Anaplasma sp. closely related to 'Candidatus Anaplasma brasiliensis', and 3 (6%) for Hepatozoon procyonis. The most prevalent co-infections observed was from bacterial VBA: while 18.3% were co-infected by hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. and Bartonella sp., 12.2% were co-infected by Anaplasma sp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. Only two animals (4%) presented co-infections by three VBA (Bartonella sp., Anaplasma sp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp.). The coati is a wild carnivore found in INP, mainly in areas visited by tourists. These animals are frequently seen searching for food in garbage dumps or in tourists' belongings. The present study expands the host specificity range of B. machadoae, which has been isolated only from rodents until the present moment. Since the zoonotic potential and transmission routes of the detected VBA are not yet known, surveillance in this area is much needed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Perles L, de Macedo GC, Barreto WTG, Francisco GV, Herrera HM, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, André MR. Longitudinal dynamics and health impact of Hepatozoon procyonis (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) on naturally infected ring-tailed coatis Nasua nasua (Carnivora: Procyonidae) from Midwestern Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101982. [PMID: 35716428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101982] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to morphologically and molecularly detect Hepatozoon procyonis in ring-tailed coatis' (Nasua nasua) blood and associated ticks from central-western Brazil, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state and also evaluate the impact of the protozoa in blood parameters and coati´s health. Samplings were performed in a conservation area Parque Estadual do Prosa (PEP) and in a Brazilian Air Force Private Area namely Vila da Base Aérea (VBA), between March 2018 and April 2019. We collected 165 blood samples, 61 from recaptured coatis. Peripheral blood smears were stained with Romanovsky-type stain for H. procyonis parasitemia assessment. DNA extracted from blood samples and ticks (Amblyomma spp.) were submitted to a nested PCR (nPCR) assay based on the 18S rRNA gene for Hepatozoon spp. Out of 104 individuals sampled, 80 (77%) were positive for H. procyonis in at least one capture. Overall, 67/165 (40.6%) blood smears showed H. procyonis gametocytes (PEP: 41/63 - 65%; VBA: 26/102 - 25.5%). Parasitemia based on 500 assessed leucocytes ranged from 1 (0.2%) to 50 (10%) and 1 (0.2%) to 25 (5%), from animals sampled in PEP and VBA, respectively. Fluctuation on the parasitemia was observed during recaptures. nPCR results showed higher positivity when compared to blood smears, i.e. 112/165 (68%) positive blood samples [PEP: 41/63 (65%), VBA: 26/102 (25.5%)]. In total, 63/248 (25.4%) tick DNA samples were positive at nPCR for Hepatozoon sp., including 32/87 (37%) pools (1 to 10 larvae) of Amblyomma larvae, 21/105 (20%) pools (1 to 5 nymphs) of Amblyomma sculptum nymphs, 9/43 (21%) pools (1 to 5 nymphs) of Amblyomma dubitatumnymphs, and 1/12 (8%) A. sculptum adult female. The partial 18S rRNA sequence from one coati's blood sample and one representative of each positive tick species randomly selected from each area for sequencing (1,000 bp) showed 100% identity with sequences of H. procyonis from GenBank previously detected in coatis. Regarding H. procyonis infection, no statistical differences were obtained when comparing males vs. females (p-value 0.67), immature animals vs. adults (p-value 0.31), rainy vs. dry season (p-value 0.51) and sampling location (p-value 0.42). No noticeable alteration in blood parameters or heath status was observed in parasite animals. H. procyonis circulates in a high prevalence in coatis from central-western Brazil. Parasitemia fluctuates among different coatis' recaptures and apparently the infection has no influence in coatis' hematological and clinical parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Perles
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - G C de Macedo
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - W T G Barreto
- Post Graduation Program of Ecology and Conservation, Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - G V Francisco
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - H M Herrera
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 13471-410, MS, Brazil; Post Graduation Program of Ecology and Conservation, Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - D M Barros-Battesti
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - R Z Machado
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M R André
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Agents in Cats from Southeastern and Northern Brazil. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11010106. [PMID: 35056054 PMCID: PMC8781600 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though the epidemiology of tick-borne agents (TBA) in dogs has been extensively investigated around the world, the occurrence, vectors involved, and molecular identity of these agents in cats remains elusive in many regions. Among TBA, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Hepatozoon are responsible for diseases with non-specific clinical signs in cats, making essential the use of molecular techniques for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of tick-borne agents (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia/Theileria, Cytauxzoon, and Hepatozoon) in cats from southeastern (states of São Paulo (SP) and Minas Gerais (MG)) and northern (state of Rondônia (RO)) Brazil. For this purpose, 390 blood samples were collected from domiciled cats in MG (n = 155), SP (n = 151), and RO(n = 84) states, submitted to DNA extraction and PCR assays for Ehrlichia spp. (dsb gene), Anaplasma spp. (rrs gene), piroplasmids (18S rRNA gene), and Hepatozoon spp. (18S rRNA gene), sequencing, and phylogenetic inferences. The overall positivity for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Hepatozoon spp. were 7.4% (12.3% (MG) and 6.6% (SP)), 2% (4.5% (MG) and 0.6% (SP)), 0.7% (0.6% (MG), 0.6% (SP) and 1.2% (RO)), 27.2% (41.9% (MG), 24.5% (SP) and 4.8% (RO), and 0%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis grouped the obtained sequences with ‘Candidatus Anaplasma amazonensis’, A. platys, B. vogeli, and Cytauxzoon sp. previously detected in wild felids from Brazil. qPCR specific for E. canis based on the dsb gene confirmed the molecular identity of the detected ehrlichial agent. The present study expanded the list and geographical distribution of hemoparasites in cats. ‘Candidatus Anaplasma amazonensis’, recently detected in sloths from northern Brazil, was described for the first time in cats. This is the first report of piroplasmids infecting cats in northern Brazil. Coinfection by Cytauxzoon and other TBA (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and B. vogeli) reported in the present study raises the need for veterinary practitioners’ awareness of cats parasitized by multiple TBA.
Collapse
|
7
|
Carvalho L, Félix ML, Bazzano V, da Costa A, Armúa-Fernández MT, Muñoz-Leal S, Venzal JM. An Hepatozoon americanum-like protozoan in crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and grey pampean (Lycalopex gymnocercus) foxes from Uruguay. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3587-3593. [PMID: 34480202 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07305-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In South America, apicomplexan parasites of the genus Hepatozoon have been sporadically detected in mammals. Previous studies in wild canids from Brazil and Argentina demonstrated infections by species genetically related to Hepatozoon americanum. The aim of the present work was to detect the presence of Hepatozoon in road-killed foxes encountered in Uruguayan highways. Blood samples from 45 crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and 32 grey pampean (Lycalopex gymnocercus) foxes were analyzed by PCR for Hepatozoon 18S rRNA gene. Eight foxes (10.4%) were found to be infected with an H. americanum-like protozoan, an Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences obtained in this study cluster with H. americanum from the United States, and with an H. americanum-like species from dog and foxes from Brazil and Argentina. In the Unites States, H. americanum causes severe disease in dogs. In addition to this, an increasing habitat overlap between dogs and foxes makes the presence of H. americanum-like protozoan in foxes acquires veterinary relevance. This work represents the first report of L. gymnocercus infected with an H. americanum-like protozoan, and of wild canids infected with Hepatozoon in Uruguay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Carvalho
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay.
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - María L Félix
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Valentin Bazzano
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Anthony da Costa
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - María T Armúa-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Casilla 537, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - José Manuel Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Arrais RC, Paula RC, Martins TF, Nieri-Bastos FA, Marcili A, Labruna MB. Survey of ticks and tick-borne agents in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) from a natural landscape in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101639. [PMID: 33360385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated ticks and tick-borne agents in 104 captures of the maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (50 different individuals and 54 recaptures) in the Serra da Canastra National Park (SCNP), a Cerrado preserved area in southeastern Brazil, from 2005 to 2012. From the 104 capture events, a total of 1,206 ticks were collected on 94 occasions (90.4 %), and identified into five species: Amblyomma tigrinum (77.3 % of all collected ticks), Amblyomma sculptum (16.6 %), Amblyomma ovale (0.1 %), Amblyomma brasiliense (0.1 %), Rhipicephalus microplus (0.1 %), and Amblyomma spp. larvae (5.8 %). Molecular analyses of A. tigrinum adult ticks revealed the presence of 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae', Rickettsia parkeri sensu stricto, two different haplotypes of 'Ca. Midichloria sp.', and a Hepatozoon canis haplotype. Molecular analyses of maned wolf blood samples revealed two distinct haplotypes of Hepatozoon spp., one identical to the H. canis genotype that was detected in the A. tigrinum ticks, and a Hepatozoon americanum-like haplotype. None tick or blood samples yielded amplicons through PCR assays targeting the genera Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, Rangelia, Cytauxzoon, and Theileria. Maned wolf serum samples were tested by immunofluorescence assay against antigens of five Rickettsia species (R. parkeri, R. rickettsii, R. amblyommatis, R. rhipicephali, and R. bellii) and Ehrlichia canis. Among 78 serum samples (45 captures plus 33 recaptures), 74 (95 %) were reactive to at least one Rickettsia species, with R. parkeri eliciting the highest endpoint titers. Some maned wolves that were recaptured during the study were shown to seroconvert to R. parkeri. Serum-reactiveness to E. canis was detected in 36 % (16/45) maned wolves. During the study, general clinical signs of tick-borne diseases were not found in any of the captured animals, indicating that they were under a good health status in the SCNP, despite of been exposed to ticks (mostly A. tigrinum) and some tick-borne agents (Rickettsia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia). The results of the present study might represent baseline data for the conservation of the maned wolf in its natural habitat, which should be used to interpret further studies about ticks and tick-borne diseases in maned wolves within human-modified landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo C Arrais
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rogério C Paula
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Carnívoros, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Ministério do Meio Ambiente, Atibaia, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Laboratórios Especializados, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Nieri-Bastos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Arlei Marcili
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina e Bem-Estar Animal e Saúde Única, Universidade Santo Amaro, R. Prof. Enéas de Siqueira Neto, 340 - Jardim das Imbuias, São Paulo, SP, 04829-300, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Orkun Ö, Emir H. Identification of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from wild animals in Turkey. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3083-3091. [PMID: 32683558 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06812-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Many enzootic life cycles involving wild animals and non-nidicolous ixodids are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report the identified tick species collected from seven different animal species (red deer, brown bear, gray wolf, Eurasian lynx, red fox, European hare, and Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise) living in the wild in Turkey and to investigate the presence of a wide range of tick-borne microorganisms in the tick samples obtained from these animals. The collected ticks (n = 98) were identified as Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis parva, Hyalomma aegyptium, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Ixodes ricinus, and Rhipicephalus turanicus. All engorged ticks collected from the wild animals and unfed larvae (n = 30) obtained from a single Rh. turanicus female were also analyzed individually for tick-borne bacterial and protozoan agents via PCR-sequencing. The molecular analyses revealed the presence of Babesia sp. tavsan2, Theileria capreoli, four Hepatozoon spp. (Hep. ursi, Hep. canis, Hep. felis, and Hepatozoon sp.), Hemolivia mauritanica, and three SFG rickettsiae (Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, Ca. R. goldwasserii, and Rickettsia hoogstraalii) in the collected ticks. This represents the first report of Th. capreoli, Hep. ursi, and Ca. R. barbariae in ticks from Turkey. The evolutionary relationships of microbes in the different host and tick species are also discussed. Multiple novel tick-host associations in the tick life cycle were also revealed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Orkun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Hasan Emir
- General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|