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Bartonella Endocarditis in Spain: Case Reports of 21 Cases. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050561. [PMID: 35631082 PMCID: PMC9143151 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood culture negative endocarditis (BCNE) is frequent in infective endocarditis (IE). One of the causes of BCNE is fastidious microorganisms, such as Bartonella spp. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiologic, clinical characteristics, management and outcomes of patients with Bartonella IE from the “Spanish Collaboration on Endocarditis-Grupo de Apoyo al Manejo de la Endocarditis infecciosa en España (GAMES)”cohort. Here we presented 21 cases of Bartonella IE. This represents 0.3% of a total of 5590 cases and 2% of the BCNE from the GAMES cohort. 62% were due to Bartonella henselae and 38% to Bartonella quintana. Cardiac failure was the main presenting form (61.5% in B. hensalae, 87.5% in B. quintana IE) and the aortic valve was affected in 85% of the cases (76% in B. henselae, 100% in B. quintana IE). Typical signs such as fever were recorded in less than 40% of patients. Echocardiography showed vegetations in 92% and 100% of the patients with B. henselae and B. quintana, respectively. Culture was positive only in one patient and the remaining were diagnosed by serology and PCR. PCR was the most useful tool allowing for diagnosis in 16 patients (100% of the studied valves). Serology, at titers recommended by guidelines, only coincided with PCR in 52.4%. Antimicrobial therapy, in different combinations, was used in all cases. Surgery was performed in 76% of the patients. No in-hospital mortality was observed. One-year mortality was 9.4%. This article remarks the importance for investigating the presence of Bartonella infection as causative agent in all BCNE since the diagnosis needs specific microbiological tools and patients could benefit of a specific treatment.
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Mai BHA. Seroprevalence of Bartonella quintana infection: A systematic review. J Glob Infect Dis 2022; 14:50-56. [PMID: 35910824 PMCID: PMC9336607 DOI: 10.4103/jgid.jgid_220_21] [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: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Bartonella quintana is an anaerobic bacillus whose main target is the erythrocyte. This bacterium transmitted by the body louse notably infected the soldiers of the First World War from where the name of this disease: fever of the trenches. The 90s marked the return of this bacterial infection. B. quintana infection in the homeless was reported in the literature with a high incidence in these populations worldwide. This upsurge of cases justified this study for a better understanding of B. quintana infections. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the seroprevalence of B. quintana infection by using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to collect scientific papers from PubMed and Google Scholar based on combining keywords. Results: The review included 45 articles published from April 1996 to March 2020 with 84 subpopulations of 21 countries from 4 continents; among them, 61 subpopulations had a positive rate from 0.2% to 65%. These subpopulations were divided into four main groups: homeless people, healthy people, blood donors, and symptoms/diseases. Homeless people were the main target of this infection, and three factors related to susceptibility were homeless period, age, and alcoholism. 6/11, 12/20, and 32/41 subpopulations of healthy people, blood donors, symptoms/diseases, respectively, had a positive percentage. However, factors of exposure in these three groups were not mentioned. Other reservoirs, vectors, and transmitted routes were identified to partially explain the worldwide spread of the infection, and it is important to have more further investigations to identify potential risk factors. This will help to limit contamination and prevent effectively. Conclusions: This serological overview indicated the importance of B. quintana infection that has emerged in multiple regions, touched worldwide populations.
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Abstract
During the two World Wars, Bartonella quintana was responsible for trench fever and is now recognised as an agent of re-emerging infection. Many reports have indicated widespread B. quintana exposure since the 1990s. In order to evaluate its prevalence in ancient populations, we used real-time PCR to detect B. quintana DNA in 400 teeth collected from 145 individuals dating from the 1st to 19th centuries in nine archaeological sites, with the presence of negative controls. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the prevalence of B. quintana in civil and military populations. B. quintana DNA was confirmed in a total of 28/145 (19.3%) individuals, comprising 78 citizens and 67 soldiers, 20.1% and 17.9% of which were positive for B. quintana bacteraemia, respectively. This study analysed previous studies on these ancient samples and showed that the presence of B. quintana infection followed the course of time in human history; a total of 14/15 sites from five European countries had a positive prevalence. The positive rate in soldiers was higher than those of civilians, with 20% and 18.8%, respectively, in the 18th and 19th centuries, but the difference in frequency was not significant. These results confirmed the role of dental pulp in diagnosing B. quintana bacteraemia in ancient populations and showed the incidence of B. quintana in both civilians and soldiers.
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Tsai KH, Yen TY, Wu WJ, Carvalho R, Raoult D, Fournier PE. Investigation of Ctenocephalides felis on domestic dogs and Rickettsia felis infection in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:892-902. [PMID: 33145971 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12776] [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: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium which causes flea-borne spotted fever in humans. In the past decades, R. felis has been detected worldwide in Ctenocephalides felis fleas and various other arthropods. However, due to its shared symptoms with other common vector-borne diseases, human infection is prone to be underestimated or misdiagnosed, especially in the malaria-endemic areas including sub-Saharan Africa, where confirmatory laboratory diagnoses are not usually available. In this study, a 'One Health' approach was adopted to explore potential vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (DRSTP), an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea. By collaborating with local veterinarians, 1,187 fleas were collected from 95 domestic dogs across the country and later identified as Ct. felis using taxonomic keys. A cytochrome oxidase gene-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that all collected fleas belonged to a single haplotype and were identical to isolates from Ivory Coast and Brazil that clustered into a clade of tropical distribution. Additional samples of 14 chigoe fleas (Tunga penetrans) were collected from the surrounding environment of the dogs' resting spots. Rickettsia felis infection in fleas was examined by molecular methods targeting the citrate synthase (gltA)- and outer membrane protein A (ompA)-coding genes as well as the R. felis-specific pRF plasmid. The bacterial DNA was detected in 21.01% (146/695) of cat fleas but none of the chigoe fleas. Microimmunofluorescence assay was then performed to assess pathogen exposure of the residents. Of 240 dried blood spots from participants with dog contacts, 8 (3.33%) exhibited R. felis antibodies. Our findings demonstrated the presence of R. felis in DRSTP. Further extensive epidemiological studies regarding its prevalence and its role in causing febrile illness while the nation is entering pre-elimination stage of malaria will be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Entomology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jer Wu
- Department of Entomology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ronalg Carvalho
- Taiwanese Medical Mission, Sao Tome, Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,French Reference Center for Rickettsioses, Q fever and Bartonelloses, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,French Reference Center for Rickettsioses, Q fever and Bartonelloses, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
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Hamzaoui BE, Zurita A, Cutillas C, Parola P. Fleas and flea-borne diseases of North Africa. Acta Trop 2020; 211:105627. [PMID: 32652054 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
North Africa has an interesting and rich wildlife including hematophagous arthropods, and specifically fleas, which constitute a large part of the North African fauna, and are recognised vectors of several zoonotic bacteria. Flea-borne organisms are widely distributed throughout the world in endemic disease foci, where components of the enzootic cycle are present. Furthermore, flea-borne diseases could re-emerge in epidemic form because of changes in the vector-host ecology due to environmental and human behaviour modifications. We need to know the real incidences of flea-borne diseases in the world due to this incidence could be much greater than are generally recognized by physicians and health authorities. As a result, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed by health care professionals who are unaware of the presence of these infections and thus do not take them into consideration when attempting to determine the cause of a patient's illness. In this context, this bibliographic review aims to summarise the main species of fleas present in North Africa, their geographical distribution, flea-borne diseases, and their possible re-emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma El Hamzaoui
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME; IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME; IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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A Concise Review of the Epidemiology and Diagnostics of Rickettsioses: Rickettsia and Orientia spp. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.01728-17. [PMID: 29769278 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01728-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsioses are globally distributed and caused by the family Rickettsiaceae, which comprise a diverse and expanding list of organisms. These include two genera, Rickettsia and Orientia Serology has been traditionally the mainstay of diagnosis, although this has been limited by cross-reactions among closely related members and diminished sensitivity/utility in the acute phase of illness. Other techniques, such as nucleic acid amplification tests using blood specimens or tissue swabs/biopsy specimens, sequencing, and mass spectrometry, have emerged in recent years for both pathogen and vector identification. This paper provides a concise review of the rickettsioses and the traditional and newer technologies available for their diagnosis.
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Oguntomole O, Nwaeze U, Eremeeva ME. Tick-, Flea-, and Louse-Borne Diseases of Public Health and Veterinary Significance in Nigeria. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:E3. [PMID: 30274402 PMCID: PMC6136614 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are common high-impact diseases in tropical and subtropical areas. However, other non-mosquito vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) may share their geographic distribution, seasonality, and clinical manifestations, thereby contributing their share to the morbidity and mortality caused by febrile illnesses in these regions. The purpose of this work was to collect and review existing information and identify knowledge gaps about tick, flea-, and louse-borne diseases of veterinary and public health significance in Nigeria. Full-length articles about VBPs were reviewed and relevant information about the vectors, their hosts, geographic distribution, seasonality, and association(s) with human or veterinary diseases was extracted. Specific laboratory tools used for detection and identification of VBPs in Nigeria were also identified. A total of 62 original publications were examined. Substantial information about the prevalence and impacts of ticks and fleas on pet and service dogs (18 articles), and livestock animals (23 articles) were available; however, information about their association with and potential for causing human illnesses was largely absent despite the zoonotic nature of many of these peri-domestic veterinary diseases. Recent publications that employed molecular methods of detection demonstrated the occurrence of several classic (Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia africae, Bartonella sp.) and emerging human pathogens (R. aeschlimannii, Neoehrlichia mikurensis) in ticks and fleas. However, information about other pathogens often found in association with ticks (R. conorii) and fleas (R. typhi, R. felis) across the African continent was lacking. Records of louse-borne epidemic typhus in Nigeria date to 1947; however, its current status is not known. This review provides an essential baseline summary of the current knowledge in Nigeria of non-mosquito VBPs, and should stimulate improvements in the surveillance of the veterinary and human diseases they cause in Nigeria. Due to increasing recognition of these diseases in other African countries, veterinary and public health professionals in Nigeria should expand the list of possible diseases considered in patients presenting with fever of unknown etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Oguntomole
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458-8015, USA.
| | - Ugochukwu Nwaeze
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458-8015, USA.
| | - Marina E Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458-8015, USA.
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Essbauer S, Hofmann M, Kleinemeier C, Wölfel S, Matthee S. Rickettsia diversity in southern Africa: A small mammal perspective. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:288-301. [PMID: 29174365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, including Africa, rickettsioses are recognized as emerging or re-emerging infections. To date, little is known about the diversity of Rickettsia species that are naturally associated with small mammals in southern Africa. The aim of the study was to screen a diversity of small mammals for the presence of rickettsial DNA. Animals were trapped at 38 localities in South Africa and Namibia. In total, 1616 ear-tissue samples from 23 species representing 17 genera were tested using real-time (rt)PCR and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 1616 samples 251 (15.5%) were positive in an initial rtPCR. In 16 of the 23 investigated animal species rickettsial DNA was detected with an average prevalence of 15.7%. We herein describe for the first time four Rickettsia (R.) species known to be pathogenic for humans in rodents from South Africa, R. conorii, R. massiliae, R. felis and R. helvetica. In addition, by MLST and subsequent phylogenetic analyses so far undescribed Rickettsia species, Candidatus Rickettsia africaustralis, Candidatus Rickettsia rhabdomydis, and Candidatus Rickettsia muridii were confirmed. Further four new genotypes, genotype Rickettsia hofmannii, genotype Rickettsia stutterheimensis, genotype Rickettsia hogsbackensis and genotype Rickettsia kaalplaasensis, respectively, are described. The data indicate a surprisingly high diversity of Rickettsia in small mammals in South Africa and might indicate their possible role as reservoirs for Rickettsia. Ecological questions concerning their natural hosts such as small mammals, but also the role of livestock or pet animals, require further investigation. Particularly, data on the relevance of these rickettsiae for diseases in humans are of further interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Essbauer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Muenchen, Germany.
| | - Mirja Hofmann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinemeier
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Silke Wölfel
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Sonja Matthee
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
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Abstract
Since the reclassification of the genus Bartonella in 1993, the number of species has grown from 1 to 45 currently designated members. Likewise, the association of different Bartonella species with human disease continues to grow, as does the range of clinical presentations associated with these bacteria. Among these, blood-culture-negative endocarditis stands out as a common, often undiagnosed, clinical presentation of infection with several different Bartonella species. The limitations of laboratory tests resulting in this underdiagnosis of Bartonella endocarditis are discussed. The varied clinical picture of Bartonella infection and a review of clinical aspects of endocarditis caused by Bartonella are presented. We also summarize the current knowledge of the molecular basis of Bartonella pathogenesis, focusing on surface adhesins in the two Bartonella species that most commonly cause endocarditis, B. henselae and B. quintana. We discuss evidence that surface adhesins are important factors for autoaggregation and biofilm formation by Bartonella species. Finally, we propose that biofilm formation is a critical step in the formation of vegetative masses during Bartonella-mediated endocarditis and represents a potential reservoir for persistence by these bacteria.
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Ehounoud C, Fenollar F, Dahmani M, N’Guessan J, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Bacterial arthropod-borne diseases in West Africa. Acta Trop 2017; 171:124-137. [PMID: 28365316 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods such as ticks, lice, fleas and mites are excellent vectors for many pathogenic agents including bacteria, protozoa and viruses to animals. Moreover, many of these pathogens can also be accidentally transmitted to humans throughout the world. Bacterial vector-borne diseases seem to be numerous and very important in human pathology, however, they are often ignored and are not well known. Yet they are in a phase of geographic expansion and play an important role in the etiology of febrile episodes in regions of Africa. Since the introduction of molecular techniques, the presence of these pathogens has been confirmed in various samples from arthropods and animals, and more rarely from human samples in West Africa. In this review, the aim is to summarize the latest information about vector-borne bacteria, focusing on West Africa from 2000 until today in order to better understand the epidemiological risks associated with these arthropods. This will allow health and veterinary authorities to develop a strategy for surveillance of arthropods and bacterial disease in order to protect people and animals.
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Verhoeve VI, Jirakanwisal K, Utsuki T, Macaluso KR. Differential Rickettsial Transcription in Bloodfeeding and Non-Bloodfeeding Arthropod Hosts. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163769. [PMID: 27662479 PMCID: PMC5035074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Crucial factors influencing the epidemiology of Rickettsia felis rickettsiosis include pathogenesis and transmission. Detection of R. felis DNA in a number of arthropod species has been reported, with characterized isolates, R. felis strain LSU and strain LSU-Lb, generated from the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, and the non-hematophagous booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila, respectively. While it is realized that strain influence on host biology varies, the rickettsial response to these distinct host environments remained undefined. To identify a panel of potential rickettsial transmission determinants in the cat flea, the transcriptional profile for these two strains of R. felis were compared in their arthropod hosts using RNAseq. Rickettsial genes with increased transcription in the flea as compared to the booklouse were identified. Genes previously associated with bacterial virulence including LPS biosynthesis, Type IV secretion system, ABC transporters, and a toxin-antitoxin system were selected for further study. Transcription of putative virulence-associated genes was determined in a flea infection bioassay for both strains of R. felis. A host-dependent transcriptional profile during bloodfeeding, specifically, an increased expression of selected transcripts in newly infected cat fleas and flea feces was detected when compared to arthropod cell culture and incubation in vertebrate blood. Together, these studies have identified novel, host-dependent rickettsial factors that likely contribute to successful horizontal transmission by bloodfeeding arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria I. Verhoeve
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, United States of America
| | - Krit Jirakanwisal
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, United States of America
| | - Tadanobu Utsuki
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, United States of America
| | - Kevin R. Macaluso
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mourembou G, Lekana-Douki JB, Mediannikov O, Nzondo SM, Kouna LC, Essone JCBB, Fenollar F, Raoult D. Possible Role of Rickettsia felis in Acute Febrile Illness among Children in Gabon. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 21:1808-15. [PMID: 26402580 PMCID: PMC4593428 DOI: 10.3201/eid2110.141825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection is widespread but most prevalent among young, rural residents with fever. Rickettsia felis has been reported to be a cause of fever in sub-Saharan Africa, but this association has been poorly evaluated in Gabon. We assessed the prevalence of this bacterium among children <15 years of age in 4 areas of Gabon; the locations were in urban, semiurban, and rural areas. DNA samples from 410 febrile children and 60 afebrile children were analyzed by quantitative PCR. Overall, the prevalence of R. felis among febrile and afebrile children was 10.2% (42/410 children) and 3.3% (2/60 children), respectively. Prevalence differed among febrile children living in areas that are urban (Franceville, 1.3% [1/77]), semiurban (Koulamoutou, 2.1% [3/141]), and rural (Lastourville, 11.2% [15/134]; Fougamou, 39.7% [23/58]). Furthermore, in a rural area (Fougamou), R. felis was significantly more prevalent in febrile (39.7% [23/58]) than afebrile children (5.0% [1/20]). Additional studies are needed to better understand the pathogenic role of R. felis in this part of the world.
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Mourembou G, Fenollar F, Socolovschi C, Lemamy GJ, Nzoughe H, Kouna LC, Toure-Ndouo F, Million M, Mbiguino AN, Lekana-Douki JB, Raoult D. Molecular Detection of Fastidious and Common Bacteria as Well as Plasmodium spp. in Febrile and Afebrile Children in Franceville, Gabon. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 92:926-32. [PMID: 25802432 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria was considered as the main cause of fever in Africa. However, with the roll back malaria initiative, the causes of fever in Africa may change. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of bacteria and Plasmodium spp. in febrile and afebrile (controls) children from Franceville, Gabon. About 793 blood samples from febrile children and 100 from controls were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with sequencing. Plasmodium spp. was the microorganism most detected in febrile (74.5%, 591/793) and controls (13%, 13/100), P < 0.0001. Its coinfection with bacteria was found only in febrile children (P = 0.0001). Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent bacterium in febrile children (2.8%, 22/793) and controls (3%, 3/100). Eight cases of Salmonella spp. (including two Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi) and two of Streptococcus pneumoniae were found only among febrile children. Borrelia spp. was found in 2 controls while Rickettsia felis was detected in 10 children (in 8 febriles and 2 afebriles). No DNA of other targeted microorganisms was detected. Plasmodium spp. remains prevalent while Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were common bacteria in Gabon. Two fastidious bacteria, Rickettsia felis and Borrelia spp., were found. Inclusion of controls should improve the understanding of the causes of fever in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Mourembou
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Florence Fenollar
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Cristina Socolovschi
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Guy Joseph Lemamy
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Hermann Nzoughe
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Lady Charlene Kouna
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Fousseyni Toure-Ndouo
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Matthieu Million
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Angelique Ndjoyi Mbiguino
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Jean Bernard Lekana-Douki
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Didier Raoult
- URMITE, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie Médicale (UPARAM) CIRMF, Franceville, Gabon; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon; Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Génétique, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon; Département de Microbiologie, Laboratoire National de Référence IST/sida, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
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Kernif T, Leulmi H, Socolovschi C, Berenger JM, Lepidi H, Bitam I, Rolain JM, Raoult D, Parola P. Acquisition and excretion ofBartonella quintanaby the cat flea,Ctenocephalides felis felis. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:1204-12. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tahar Kernif
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
- Institut Pasteur d'Algérie; Algiers 16015 Algeria
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Jean-Michel Berenger
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Hubert Lepidi
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
- Département de Biologie; Faculté des sciences; Université M'hamed Bougara Boumerdes; Boumerdes 35000 Algérie
| | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Université; URMITE; UM63; CNRS 7278; IRD 198; Inserm 1095; Marseille 13005 France
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15
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Kumsa B, Parola P, Raoult D, Socolovschi C. Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis and Bartonella henselae in dog and cat fleas in Central Oromia, Ethiopia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 90:457-62. [PMID: 24445204 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Fleas are important vectors of several Rickettsia and Bartonella spp. that cause emerging zoonotic diseases worldwide. In this study, 303 fleas collected from domestic dogs and cats in Ethiopia and identified morphologically as Ctenocephalides felis felis, C. canis, Pulex irritans, and Echidnophaga gallinacea were tested for Rickettsia and Bartonella DNA by using molecular methods. Rickettsia felis was detected in 21% of fleas, primarily C. felis, with a similar prevalence in fleas from dogs and cats. A larger proportion of flea-infested dogs (69%) than cats (37%) harbored at least one C. felis infected with R. felis. Rickettsia typhi was not detected. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in 6% (2 of 34) of C. felis collected from cats. Our study highlights the likelihood of human exposure to R. felis, an emerging agent of spotted fever, and B. henselae, the agent of cat-scratch disease, in urban areas in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bersissa Kumsa
- Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
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16
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Mediannikov O, Diatta G, Kasongo K, Raoult D. Identification of Bartonellae in the soft tick species Ornithodoros sonrai in Senegal. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 14:26-32. [PMID: 24359424 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks, belonging to the soft ticks species Ornithodorus sonrai, have been collected from six sites in Senegal and were tested for the presence of Bartonella spp. Initial screening by PCR revealed the presence of these bacteria in ticks from two villages, Soulkhou Thissé (5/8, 62.5%) and Maka Gouye (1/24, 4.2%). Three bacterial strains were isolated from live ticks, and the genetic characterization of these strains suggests that they belong to two previously unknown species. The pathogenicity of these two new species of Bartonella is not yet known. The new isolates described here are the first strains of Bartonella spp. from soft ticks and the first isolates from any arthropod species in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Mediannikov
- 1 URMITE (Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes) IRD 198, CNRS 7278, Université de la Méditerranée , Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France and campus commun UCAD-IRD of Hann, BP 1386 CP 18524 Dakar, Senegal
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17
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Mediannikov O, Abdissa A, Socolovschi C, Diatta G, Trape JF, Raoult D. Detection of a new Borrelia species in ticks taken from cattle in Southwest Ethiopia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:266-9. [PMID: 23421894 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We collected 284 ticks in Ethiopia (109 Amblyomma cohaerens, 173 Rhipicephalus decoloratus, and 2 Rhipicephalus praetextatus). We found no rickettsiae and bartonellae. In 7.3% of the A. cohaerens, we found a Borrelia sp. that may represent a new species distant from both relapsing fever group and Lyme borreliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Mediannikov
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes: URMITE CNRS-IRD 198 UMR 6236; a Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
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18
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Keita AK, Socolovschi C, Ahuka-Mundeke S, Ratmanov P, Butel C, Ayouba A, Inogwabini BI, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, Mpoudi-Ngole E, Delaporte E, Peeters M, Fenollar F, Raoult D. Molecular evidence for the presence of Rickettsia Felis in the feces of wild-living African apes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54679. [PMID: 23405087 PMCID: PMC3566102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rickettsia felis is a common emerging pathogen detected in mosquitoes in sub-Saharan Africa. We hypothesized that, as with malaria, great apes may be exposed to the infectious bite of infected mosquitoes and release R. felis DNA in their feces. METHODS We conducted a study of 17 forest sites in Central Africa, testing 1,028 fecal samples from 313 chimpanzees, 430 gorillas and 285 bonobos. The presence of rickettsial DNA was investigated by specific quantitative real-time PCR. Positive results were confirmed by a second PCR using primers and a probe targeting a specific gene for R. felis. All positive samples were sequenced. RESULTS Overall, 113 samples (11%) were positive for the Rickettsia-specific gltA gene, including 25 (22%) that were positive for R. felis. The citrate synthase (gltA) sequence and outer membrane protein A (ompA) sequence analysis indicated 99% identity at the nucleotide level to R. felis. The 88 other samples (78%) were negative using R. felis-specific qPCR and were compatible with R. felis-like organisms. CONCLUSION For the first time, we detected R. felis in wild-living ape feces. This non invasive detection of human pathogens in endangered species opens up new possibilities in the molecular epidemiology and evolutionary analysis of infectious diseases, beside HIV and malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpha Kabinet Keita
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
- UMI 233, TransVIHMI, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) and University of Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Steve Ahuka-Mundeke
- UMI 233, TransVIHMI, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) and University of Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Pavel Ratmanov
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Christelle Butel
- UMI 233, TransVIHMI, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) and University of Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Ahidjo Ayouba
- UMI 233, TransVIHMI, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) and University of Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicales and Service de Microbiologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Eric Delaporte
- UMI 233, TransVIHMI, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) and University of Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Martine Peeters
- UMI 233, TransVIHMI, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) and University of Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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Socolovschi C, Pages F, Ndiath MO, Ratmanov P, Raoult D. Rickettsia species in African Anopheles mosquitoes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48254. [PMID: 23118963 PMCID: PMC3484133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is higher rate of R. felis infection among febrile patients than in healthy people in Sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly in the rainy season. Mosquitoes possess a high vectorial capacity and, because of their abundance and aggressiveness, likely play a role in rickettsial epidemiology. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Quantitative and traditional PCR assays specific for Rickettsia genes detected rickettsial DNA in 13 of 848 (1.5%) Anopheles mosquitoes collected from Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, and Senegal. R. felis was detected in one An. gambiae molecular form S mosquito collected from Kahin, Côte d'Ivoire (1/77, 1.3%). Additionally, a new Rickettsia genotype was detected in five An. gambiae molecular form S mosquitoes collected from Côte d'Ivoire (5/77, 6.5%) and one mosquito from Libreville, Gabon (1/88, 1.1%), as well as six An. melas (6/67, 9%) mosquitoes collected from Port Gentil, Gabon. A sequence analysis of the gltA, ompB, ompA and sca4 genes indicated that this new Rickettsia sp. is closely related to R. felis. No rickettsial DNA was detected from An. funestus, An. arabiensis, or An. gambiae molecular form M mosquitoes. Additionally, a BLAST analysis of the gltA sequence from the new Rickettsia sp. resulted in a 99.71% sequence similarity to a species (JQ674485) previously detected in a blood sample of a Senegalese patient with a fever from the Bandafassi village, Kedougou region. CONCLUSION R. felis was detected for the first time in An. gambiae molecular form S, which represents the major African malaria vector. The discovery of R. felis, as well as a new Rickettsia species, in mosquitoes raises new issues with respect to African rickettsial epidemiology that need to be investigated, such as bacterial isolation, the degree of the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes, the animal reservoirs, and human pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Socolovschi
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Pavel Ratmanov
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
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Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are caused by parasites, bacteria, or viruses transmitted by the bites of hematophagous arthropods. In Africa, there has been a recent emergence of new diseases and the re-emergence of existing diseases, usually with changes in disease epidemiology (e.g., geographical distribution, prevalence, and pathogenicity). In Africa, rickettsioses are recognized as important emerging vector-borne infections in humans. Rickettsial diseases are transmitted by different types of arthropods, ticks, fleas, lice, and mites. This review will examine the roles of these different arthropod vectors and their geographical distributions.
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21
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A multi-gene analysis of diversity of Bartonella detected in fleas from Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 35:71-6. [PMID: 22153359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Revised: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We report the molecular detection of several Bartonella species in 44 (21.5%) of 204 fleas from Algeria collected from 26 rodents and 7 hedgehogs. Bartonella elizabethae and B. clarridgeiae were detected in the fleas collected on hedgehogs. Bartonella tribocorum and B. elizabethae were detected in fleas collected from rats and mice, and sequences similar to an unnamed Bartonella sp. detected in rodents from China were detected in rats as well as a genotype of Bartonella closely related to Bartonella rochalimae detected in fleas collected on brown rats (Rattus norvegicus).
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22
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Parola P. Rickettsia felis: from a rare disease in the USA to a common cause of fever in sub-Saharan Africa. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 17:996-1000. [PMID: 21722253 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is a spotted fever group rickettsia that has been definitely described in 2002. Within the last 20 years, there have been a growing number of reports implicating R. felis as a human pathogen, parallel to the fast-growing reports of the worldwide detection of R. felis in arthropod hosts, mainly the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis. R. felis is now known as the agent of the so-called flea-borne spotted fever, with more than 70 cases documented in the literature. Recently, two studies respectively conducted in Senegal and Kenya, have challenged the importance of R. felis infection in patients with unexplained fever in sub-Saharan Africa. We focus here on the epidemiological and clinical aspects of R. felis infection. More studies are needed, including the study of other arthropod vectors, but it can be speculated that R. felis infection might be an important neglected agent of fever in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Parola
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UMR CNRS 6236 - IRD, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsioses and Other Arthropod Borne Bacterial Diseases, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Méditerranée, Marseille Cedex 5, France.
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Abdad MY, Stenos J, Graves S. Rickettsia felis, an emerging flea-transmitted human pathogen. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2011; 4:7168. [PMID: 24149035 PMCID: PMC3168219 DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v4i0.7168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia felis was first recognised two decades ago and has now been described as endemic to all continents except Antarctica. The rickettsiosis caused by R. felis is known as flea-borne spotted fever or cat-flea typhus. The large number of arthropod species found to harbour R. felis and that may act as potential vectors support the view that it is a pan-global microbe. The main arthropod reservoir and vector is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, yet more than 20 other species of fleas, ticks, and mites species have been reported to harbour R. felis. Few bacterial pathogens of humans have been found associated with such a diverse range of invertebrates. With the projected increase in global temperature over the next century, there is concern that changes to the ecology and distribution of R. felis vectors may adversely impact public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yazid Abdad
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Geelong Hospital, Geelong, VIC, Australia;
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24
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Bartonella species and their ectoparasites: selective host adaptation or strain selection between the vector and the mammalian host? Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 34:299-314. [PMID: 21616536 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2011.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2011] [Revised: 04/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of blood-sucking arthropods have either been confirmed or are suspected as important vectors in Bartonella transmission to mammals, including humans. Overall, it appears that the diversity of Bartonella species DNA identified in ectoparasites is much broader than the species detected in their mammalian hosts, suggesting a mechanism of adaptation of Bartonella species to their host-vector ecosystem. However, these mechanisms leading to the fitness between the vectors and their hosts still need to be investigated.
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Brouqui P. Arthropod-borne diseases associated with political and social disorder. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2011; 56:357-374. [PMID: 20822446 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120709-144739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The living conditions and the crowded situations of the homeless, war refugees, or victims of a natural disaster provide ideal conditions for the spread of lice, fleas, ticks, flies and mites. The consequence of arthropod infestation in these situations is underestimated. Along with louse-borne infections such as typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever, the relationship between Acinetobacter spp.-infected lice and bacteremia in the homeless is not clear. Murine typhus, tungiasis, and myiasis are likely underestimated, and there has been a reemergence of bed bugs. Attempted eradication of the body louse, despite specific measures, has been disappointing, and infections with Bartonella quintana continue to be reported. The efficacy of ivermectin in eradicating the human body louse, although the effect is not sustained, might provide new therapeutic approaches. Arthropod-borne diseases continue to emerge within the deprived population. Public health programs should be engaged rapidly to control these pests and reduce the incidence of these transmissible diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Brouqui
- Faculté de Médecine, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, CNRS-IRD UMR 6236/198, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France.
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Tsai YL, Chomel BB, Chang CC, Kass PH, Conrad PA, Chuang ST. Bartonella and Babesia infections in cattle and their ticks in Taiwan. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2010; 34:179-87. [PMID: 21194750 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2010.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2010] [Revised: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bartonella and Babesia infections and the association with cattle breed and age as well as tick species infesting selected cattle herds in Taiwan were investigated. Blood samples were collected from 518 dairy cows and 59 beef cattle on 14 farms and 415 ticks were collected from these animals or in a field. Bartonella and Babesia species were isolated and/or detected in the cattle blood samples and from a selected subset (n=254) of the ticks either by culture or DNA extraction, PCR testing and DNA sequence analysis. Bartonella bovis was isolated from a dairy cow and was detected in 25 (42.4%) beef cattle and 40 (15.7%) tick DNA samples. This is the first isolation of B. bovis from cattle in Asia and detection of a wide variety of Bartonella species in Rhipicephalus microplus. Babesia spp. were detected only on one farm from dairy cows either infected by Babesia bovis (n=10, 1.9%) or B. bigemina (n=3, 0.6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lun Tsai
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, 1 Shields Avenue, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Richards AL, Jiang J, Omulo S, Dare R, Abdirahman K, Ali A, Sharif SK, Feikin DR, Breiman RF, Njenga MK. Human Infection with Rickettsia felis, Kenya. Emerg Infect Dis 2010; 16:1081-6. [PMID: 20587178 PMCID: PMC3321909 DOI: 10.3201/eid1607.091885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This flea-borne pathogen was detected in febrile patients in North Eastern Province, Kenya. To determine the cause of acute febrile illnesses other than malaria in the North Eastern Province, Kenya, we investigated rickettsial infection among patients from Garissa Provincial Hospital for 23 months during 2006–2008. Nucleic acid preparations of serum from 6 (3.7%) of 163 patients were positive for rickettsial DNA as determined by a genus-specific quantitative real-time PCR and were subsequently confirmed by molecular sequencing to be positive for Rickettsia felis. The 6 febrile patients’ symptoms included headache; nausea; and muscle, back, and joint pain. None of the patients had a skin rash.
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28
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Fleas and flea-borne diseases. Int J Infect Dis 2010; 14:e667-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2009.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Revised: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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Tavassoli M, Ahmadi A, Imani A, Ahmadiara E, Javadi S, Hadian M. Survey of flea infestation in dogs in different geographical regions of Iran. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2010; 48:145-9. [PMID: 20585531 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2010.48.2.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Medically important arthropods, including fleas, play an important role in causing clinical disorders and disease in man and domestic animals. This study was conducted to determine the seasonal flea infestations for domestic dogs from different geographic regions of Iran. A total of 407 fleas, belonging to 5 different species, were recovered from 83 domestic dogs from 3 regions. There was a distinctive pattern of species distribution and infestations with the highest infestation rates observed in a temperate climate and higher rainfall. Additionally, fleas were observed over all seasons, except February and March, with the highest infestation rate observed in August (24.7%) and the lowest rate in January (1.7%). They also parasitize dogs with a different spectrum of species. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (67.5%), exhibited the highest prevalence among all flea species found on dogs. Thus, climatic conditions and seasonal patterns impact on flea infestation and must be considered in developing control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosa Tavassoli
- Department of Pathobiology, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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30
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Gabriel MW, Henn J, Foley JE, Brown RN, Kasten RW, Foley P, Chomel BB. Zoonotic Bartonella species in fleas collected on gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2010; 9:597-602. [PMID: 19125660 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2008.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are fastidious, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria and are usually vector-borne. However, the vector has not been definitively identified for many recently described species. In northern California, gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) are infected with two zoonotic Bartonella species, B. rochalimae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. Fleas (range 1-8 fleas per fox) were collected from 22 (41.5%) of 54 gray foxes from urban and backcountry zones near Hoopa, California. The flea species were determined, and DNA was individually extracted to establish the Bartonella species harbored by these fleas. Of the 108 fleas collected, 99 (92%) were identified as Pulex simulans. Overall, 39% (42/108) of the fleas were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive for Bartonella, with B. rochalimae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii identified in 34 (81%) and 8 (19%) of the PCR-positive fleas, respectively. There was no difference between the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in P. simulans for the urban and backcountry zones. Fourteen (64%) of the 22 foxes were Bartonella bacteremic at one or more of the capture dates. In 10 instances, both the foxes and the fleas collected from them at the same blood collection were Bartonella-positive. B. rochalimae was the predominant species identified in both foxes and fleas. The competency of Pulex fleas as a vector of B. rochalimae has not been confirmed and will need to be demonstrated experimentally. Pulex spp. fleas readily feed on humans and may represent a source of human exposure to zoonotic species of Bartonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad W Gabriel
- Department of Wildlife, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, USA
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31
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Abstract
It has been two decades since the first description of Rickettsia felis, and although a nearly cosmopolitan distribution is now apparent, much of the ecology of this unique microorganism remains unresolved. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is currently the only known biological vector of R. felis; however, molecular evidence of R. felis in other species of fleas as well as in ticks and mites suggests a variety of arthropod hosts. Studies examining the transmission of R. felis using colonized cat fleas have shown stable vertical transmission but not horizontal transmission. Likewise, serological and molecular tools have been used to detect R. felis in a number of vertebrate hosts, including humans, in the absence of a clear mechanism of horizontal transmission. Considered an emerging flea-borne rickettsiosis, clinical manifestation of R. felis infection in humans, including, fever, rash, and headache is similar to other rickettsial diseases. Recent advances toward further understanding the ecology of R. felis have been facilitated by stable R. felis-infected cat flea colonies, several primary flea isolates and sustained maintenance of R. felis in cell culture systems, and highly sensitive quantitative molecular assays. Here, we provide a synopsis of R. felis including the known distribution and arthropods infected; transmission mechanisms; current understanding of vertebrate infection and human disease; and the tools available to further examine R. felis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Reif
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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32
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Pérez-Osorio CE, Zavala-Velázquez JE, Arias León JJ, Zavala-Castro JE. Rickettsia felis as emergent global threat for humans. Emerg Infect Dis 2008; 14:1019-23. [PMID: 18598619 PMCID: PMC2600327 DOI: 10.3201/eid1407.071656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The reported incidences of human cases and infected vectors have increased during the past 5 years. Rickettsia felis is an emergent pathogen belonging to transitional group rickettsiae. First described in 1990, R. felis infections have been reported to occur worldwide in fleas, mammals, and humans. Because clinical signs of the illness are similar to those of murine typhus and other febrile illnesses such as dengue, the infection in humans is likely underestimated. R. felis has been found throughout the world in several types of ectoparasites; cat fleas appear to be the most common vectors. R. felis infection should be considered an emergent threat to human health.
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McCoy C, Broce AB, Dryden MW. Flea blood feeding patterns in cats treated with oral nitenpyram and the topical insecticides imidacloprid, fipronil and selamectin. Vet Parasitol 2008; 156:293-301. [PMID: 18619735 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Revised: 04/30/2008] [Accepted: 04/30/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A series of studies was conducted to determine the effect of systemically and topically active insecticides on blood consumption by fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). Infestations were conducted by placing fleas into plexi-glass chambers attached to the lateral rib cage of domestic short-hair cats. After pre-defined periods, fleas and flea feces were extracted using vacuum aspiration and spectrophotometrically analyzed for hemoglobin using Drabkin's reagent. To determine how rapidly nitenpyram kills actively feeding fleas, a single oral treatment was administered 24h after infestation. To determine the effect of nitenpyram on blood consumption of newly acquired fleas, cats were infested with fleas 1h post-treatment and fleas and flea feces from both studies were extracted at 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480min post-treatment or post-infestation. To compare the effects of topically versus systemically active insecticides, 20 cats each with 2 chambers attached, were randomly allocated among groups and were infested with fleas 1h after each of 4 nitenpyram treatments, or at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after a single application of commercial spot-on formulations of fipronil, imidacloprid or selamectin. Infestations were also completed for untreated (control) cats. Twenty-four hours after infestation, fleas and flea feces were removed for host blood quantification. If at any time, flea blood consumption in a treated group did not significantly differ from that of fleas infesting controls, that treatment group was withdrawn from the study. Nitenpyram effects on actively feeding fleas were first observed at 60min post-dosing when 38% of fleas were dead or moribund, and at 240min 100% were dead or moribund. Nitenpyram produced a significant reduction in flea blood consumption (p<0.05), which appeared to cease 15min after infestation. For the treatment comparisons, significantly more (p<0.05) blood was consumed by fleas taken from imidacloprid and fipronil-treated cats than from the nitenpyram or selamectin groups. Only on nitenpyram- or selamectin-treated cats were there significant reductions (p<0.05) in flea blood consumption on days 21 and 28, with significant difference (p>0.05) between these two groups on day 28. In this study systemically acting insecticides such as nitenpyram, and the topically applied but systemically active insecticide selamectin, were more effective in interfering with flea blood feeding than were imidacloprid and fipronil.
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Affiliation(s)
- C McCoy
- Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
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Billeter SA, Levy MG, Chomel BB, Breitschwerdt EB. Vector transmission of Bartonella species with emphasis on the potential for tick transmission. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2008; 22:1-15. [PMID: 18380649 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2008.00713.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella species are gram-negative bacteria that infect erythrocytes, endothelial cells and macrophages, often leading to persistent blood-borne infections. Because of the ability of various Bartonella species to reside within erythrocytes of a diverse number of animal hosts, there is substantial opportunity for the potential uptake of these blood-borne bacteria by a variety of arthropod vectors that feed on animals and people. Five Bartonella species are transmitted by lice, fleas or sandflies. However, Bartonella DNA has been detected or Bartonella spp. have been cultured from numerous other arthropods. This review discusses Bartonella transmission by sandflies, lice and fleas, the potential for transmission by other vectors, and data supporting transmission by ticks. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture methods have been used to detect Bartonella in ticks, either questing or host-attached, throughout the world. Case studies and serological or molecular surveys involving humans, cats and canines provide indirect evidence supporting transmission of Bartonella species by ticks. Of potential clinical relevance, many studies have proposed co-transmission of Bartonella with other known tick-borne pathogens. Currently, critically important experimental transmission studies have not been performed for Bartonella transmission by many potential arthropod vectors, including ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Billeter
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Transitional Research, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
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Mantadakis E, Spanaki AM, Psaroulaki A, Fitrolaki D, Minadakis G, Michaeloudi E, Tselentis Y, Briassoulis G. Encephalopathy complicated by Guillain-Barre syndrome and hydrocephalus and associated with acute Bartonella quintana infection. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2007; 26:860-2. [PMID: 17721391 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0b013e318124aa08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We describe a 16-month-old girl who suffered from encephalopathy leading to intensive care unit hospitalization, complicated by Guillain-Barre syndrome and hydrocephalus, and who had serologic and molecular evidence of central nervous system infection by B. quintana. The possible association of B. quintana with Guillain-Barre syndrome and hydrocephalus has not been previously described and demonstrates the growing spectrum of neurologic complications of Bartonella spp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elpis Mantadakis
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Hawley JR, Shaw SE, Lappin MR. Prevalence of Rickettsia felis DNA in the blood of cats and their fleas in the United States. J Feline Med Surg 2007; 9:258-62. [PMID: 17276123 PMCID: PMC10822615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2006.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia felis is associated with fever, headache, myalgia, and macular rash in some infected humans and has been detected in the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) in many countries around the world. While some naturally exposed cats have been assessed for antibodies against R felis, to our knowledge, no one has reported use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to attempt to amplify R felis DNA from client-owned cats and the fleas collected from them. In this study, we assayed 92 pairs of cat blood and flea extracts from Alabama, Maryland and Texas, using PCR assays that amplify a region of the citrate synthase gene (gltA) and the outer membrane protein B gene (ompB). Of the 92 pairs, 62 of 92 (67.4%) flea extracts and none of the cat blood samples were positive for R felis DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Hawley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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37
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Woolley MW, Gordon DL, Wetherall BL. Analysis of the first Australian strains of Bartonella quintana reveals unique genotypes. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45:2040-3. [PMID: 17428928 PMCID: PMC1933027 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00175-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella quintana is increasingly recognized as a cause of clinical disease in various geographical locations. We characterized three Australian strains associated with endocarditis, using established molecular-typing techniques, the 16S/23S rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS) region, and multispacer typing (MST). All strains examined demonstrated novel ITS and/or MST genotypes. Further characterization of Australian strains is required to determine whether there is an association between genotype and geographical location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Woolley
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine,Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia 5042.
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38
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Abstract
Although rickettsioses are among the oldest known vector-borne zoonoses, several species or subspecies of rickettsias have been identified in recent years as emerging pathogens throughout the world including in sub-Saharan Africa. To date, six tick-borne spotted fever group pathogenic rickettsias are known to occur in sub-Saharan Africa, including Rickettsia conorii conorii, the agent of Mediterranean spotted fever; R. conorii caspia, the agent of Astrakhan fever; R. africae, the agent of African tick-bite fever; R. aeschlimannii; R. sibirica mongolitimonae; and R. massiliae. On the other hand, fleas have long been known as vectors of the ubiquitous murine typhus, a typhus group rickettsiosis induced by R. typhi. However, a new spotted fever rickettsia, R. felis, has also been found to be associated with fleas, to be a human pathogen, and to be present in sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, R. prowazekii the agent of louse-borne epidemic typhus continues to strikes tens to hundreds of thousands of persons who live in Sub-Saharan with civil war, famine and poor conditions. We present an overview of these rickettsioses occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the epidemiological aspects of emerging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Parola
- Unité des Rickettsies, CNRS UMR 6020 IFR 48, WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsial Reference and Research, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France.
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39
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Sréter-Lancz Z, Tornyai K, Széll Z, Sréter T, Márialigeti K. Bartonella infections in fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) and lack of bartonellae in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from Hungary. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2006. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2006.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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40
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Henry KM, Jiang J, Rozmajzl PJ, Azad AF, Macaluso KR, Richards AL. Development of quantitative real-time PCR assays to detect Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis, the causative agents of murine typhus and flea-borne spotted fever. Mol Cell Probes 2006; 21:17-23. [PMID: 16893625 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2006.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2006] [Accepted: 06/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis are the etiologic agents of murine typhus and flea-borne spotted fever, respectively. We have constructed two quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays to detect these pathogenic rickettsiae. The qPCR assays were developed utilizing unique sequences of the R. typhi and R. felis outer membrane protein B genes (ompB) to design the specific primers and molecular beacon probes. The assays were found to be species-specific and did not yield false-positive reactions with nucleic acid from other rickettsiae, orientiae, neorickettsiae or unrelated bacteria. In addition, the assays were sensitive enough to detect three target sequence copies per reaction and were capable of detecting R. typhi and R. felis nucleic acid in the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. These results demonstrate that two sensitive and specific qPCR assays have been successfully developed to detect and enumerate R. typhi and R. felis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Henry
- Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910-7500, USA
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