1
|
Li F, Zhao S, Li E, Xie S, Wang N, Tan W, Wang Y. Detection of Rickettsia raoultii in Vermipsylla alakurt-Like Fleas of Sheep in Northwestern China. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:776-784. [PMID: 38418764 PMCID: PMC11001666 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To date, a total of 2574 validated flea species have been discovered. Vermipsyllidae is a family of fleas that comprises at least eight species. Vermipsylla is a genus of the family Vermipsyllidae within the order Siphonaptera of fleas. Here a novel Vermipsylla species was described, and rickettsial agent was also detected in it. METHODS A total of 128 fleas were collected directly from 260 pastured sheep in China. Of these, eight representative fleas (four males and four females) were identified by key morphological features. Meanwhile, 120 flea DNAs, including six flea samples for molecular taxonomy, were subjected to Rickettsia spp. DNA detection. The molecular identity of fleas was determined by amplification and sequenmce analysis of four genetic markers (the 28S rDNA genes, the 18S rDNA genes, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and subunit II). In addition, five Rickettsia-specific gene fragments were used to identify the species of the rickettsial agents. The amplified products were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. RESULTS The morphological characteristics of the flea species identified in this study were similar to Vermipsylla alakurt, but presented difference in hair number of the metepimeron, the third tergum, the genitals and the tibiae of hind leg. The 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and COII genetic markers from fleas showed the highest identity to those of V. alakurt, shared 98.45% (954/969), 95.81% (892/931) and 85.86% (571/665) similarities, respectively. However, the COI sequence showed the highest identity to that of Dorcadia ioffi with 88.48% (576/651) similarity. Rickettsia raoutii tested positive in 14.17% (17/120) flea DNA samples. CONCLUSION Our study reports the detection of R. raoultii in V. alakurt-like fleas infesting sheep in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengshi Li
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ente Li
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Songsong Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical School, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Tan
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Su S, Hong M, Cui MY, Gui Z, Ma SF, Wu L, Xing LL, Mu L, Yu JF, Fu SY, Gao RJ, Qi DD. Microbial diversity of ticks and a novel typhus group Rickettsia species (Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b) in Inner Mongolia, China. Parasite 2023; 30:58. [PMID: 38084939 PMCID: PMC10714680 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks can carry multiple pathogens, and Inner Mongolia's animal husbandry provides excellent environmental conditions for ticks. This study characterized the microbiome of ticks from different geographical locations in Inner Mongolia; 905 Dermacentor nuttalli and 36 Ixodes persulcatus were collected from sheep in three main pasture areas and from bushes within the forested area. Mixed DNA samples were prepared from three specimens from each region and tick species. Microbial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and α and β diversity were determined. The predominant bacterial genera were Rickettsia (54.60%), including Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b (19.33%) and other Rickettsia (35.27%), Arsenophonus (11.21%), Candidatus Lariskella (10.84%), and Acinetobacter (7.17%). Rickettsia bellii was identified in I. persulcatus, while Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b was found in D. nuttalli from Ordos and Chifeng. Potential Rickettsia and Anaplasma coinfections were observed in the Ordos region. Tick microbial diversity analysis in Inner Mongolia suggests that sheep at the sampling sites were exposed to multiple pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Su
-
Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010059 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Mei Hong
-
School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Meng-Yu Cui
-
Graduate School, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010059 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Zheng Gui
- First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun 130021 China
| | - Shi-Fa Ma
-
Hulunbuir Mental Health Center Hulunbuir 022150 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Lin Wu
-
Beijing Guoke Biotechnology Co., Ltd 102200 Beijing China
| | - Li-Li Xing
-
Department of Infection Control, Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010000 China
| | - Lan Mu
-
School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Jing-Feng Yu
-
School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Shao-Yin Fu
-
Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Science Hohhot 010031 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Rui-Juan Gao
-
School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010110 Inner Mongolia China
| | - Dong-Dong Qi
-
Hulunbuir Mental Health Center Hulunbuir 022150 Inner Mongolia China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tian J, Liu J, Zhao H, Chen X, Geng X, Lu M, Li K. Molecular surveillance reveals a potential hotspot of tick-borne disease in Yakeshi City, Inner Mongolia. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:359. [PMID: 37986042 PMCID: PMC10662550 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A molecular surveillance of tick-borne diseases was performed in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. A total of 149 ticks including three species (Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and Dermacentor silvarum) were collected. As many as 11 tick-borne bacterial pathogens were identified in them. Some of them have high positive rates. For example, Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae was detected with a high prevalence of 72.48%, while Candidatus Lariskella sp. was detected in 31.54% of ticks. For both Rickettsia raoultii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, two distinct genotypes were identified based on their phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL sequences. Remarkable genetic diversity was also observed for 16S and flaB genes of Borreliella garinii, an agent of Lyme disease. Rickettsia heilongjiangensis causing Far-Eastern spotted fever (2.68%, 4/149), Ehrlichia muris causing human ehrlichiosis (4.70%, 7/149), Borrelia miyamotoi causing relapsing fever (2.01%, 3/149), and Borreliella afzelii causing Lyme disease (2.01%, 3/149) were also detected. Additionally, a previously uncharacterized Anaplasma species closely related to Anaplasma ovis was identified. Herein we name it "Candidatus Anaplasma mongolica". Based on these results, we propose that Yakeshi City might be a potential hotspot of tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Tian
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430024, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430024, China
| | - Hongqing Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City, 102206, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430024, China
| | - Xueqin Geng
- Caidian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430100, China
| | - Miao Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City, 102206, China.
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Kun Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City, 102206, China.
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5, Beijing, 102206, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shehla S, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Tanaka T, Chang SC, Chen CC, Ali A. Molecular Survey of Rickettsia raoultii in Ticks Infesting Livestock from Pakistan with Notes on Pathogen Distribution in Palearctic and Oriental Regions. Vet Sci 2023; 10:636. [PMID: 37999459 PMCID: PMC10675567 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit different pathogens such as Rickettsia spp. to domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Genetic characterizations of Rickettsia spp. from different regions of Pakistan are mostly based on one or two genetic markers and are confined to small sampling areas and limited host ranges. Therefore, this study aimed to molecularly screen and genetically characterize Rickettsia spp. in various tick species infesting camels, sheep, and goats. All the collected tick specimens were morphologically identified, and randomly selected tick species (148) were screened molecularly for the detection of Rickettsia spp. by amplifying three rickettsial DNA fragments, namely, the citrate-synthase gene (gltA), outer-membrane protein A (ompA), and outer-membrane protein B (ompB). After examining 261 hosts, 161 (61.7%) hosts were found infested by 564 ticks, including 287 (50.9%) nymphs, 171 (30.3%) females, and 106 (18.8%) males in five districts (Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Lower Dir, Bajaur, and Mansehra). The highest occurrence was noted for Hyalomma dromedarii (number = 72, 12.8%), followed by Haemaphysalis sulcata (n = 70, 12.4%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 64, 11.3%), Rhipicephalus microplus (n = 55, 9.7%), Haemaphysalis cornupunctata (n = 49, 8.7%), Hyalomma turanicum (n = 48, 8.5%), Hyalomma isaaci (n = 45, 8.0%), Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (n = 44, 7.8%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 42, 7.5%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (n = 38, 6.7%), and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (n = 37, 6.6%). A subset of 148 ticks were tested, in which eight (5.4%) ticks, including four Hy. turanicum, two Ha. cornupunctata, one Ha. montgomeryi, and one Ha. bispinosa, were found positive for Rickettsia sp. The gltA, ompA, and ompB sequences revealed 100% identity and were phylogenetically clustered with Rickettsia raoultii reported in China, Russia, USA, Turkey, Denmark, Austria, Italy, and France. Additionally, various reports on R. raoultii from Palearctic and Oriental regions were summarized in this study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of R. raoultii from Pakistan. Further studies to investigate the association between Rickettsia spp. and ticks should be encouraged to apprise effective management of zoonotic consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shehla Shehla
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Shun-Chung Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
- Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ma R, Li C, Tian H, Zhang Y, Feng X, Li J, Hu W. The current distribution of tick species in Inner Mongolia and inferring potential suitability areas for dominant tick species based on the MaxEnt model. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:286. [PMID: 37587525 PMCID: PMC10428659 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are known to transmit a wide range of diseases, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The expansion of tick habitats has been intensified in recent years due to various factors such as global warming, alterations in microclimate, and human activities. Consequently, the probability of human exposure to diseases transmitted by ticks has increased, leading to a higher degree of risk associated with such diseases. METHODS In this study, we conducted a comprehensive review of domestic and international literature databases to determine the current distribution of tick species in Inner Mongolia. Next, we employed the MaxEnt model to analyze vital climatic and environmental factors influencing dominant tick distribution. Subsequently, we predicted the potential suitability areas of these dominant tick species under the near current conditions and the BCC-CSM2.MR model SSP245 scenario for the future periods of 2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100. RESULTS Our study revealed the presence of 23 tick species from six genera in Inner Mongolia, including four dominant tick species (Dermacentor nuttalli, Ixodes persulcatus, Dermacentor silvarum, and Hyalomma asiaticum). Dermacentor nuttalli, D. silvarum, and I. persulcatus are predominantly found in regions such as Xilin Gol and Hulunbuir. Temperature seasonality (Bio4), elevation (elev), and precipitation seasonality (Bio15) were the primary variables impacting the distribution of three tick species. In contrast, H. asiaticum is mainly distributed in Alxa and Bayannur and demonstrates heightened sensitivity to precipitation and other climatic factors. Our modeling results suggested that the potential suitability areas of these tick species would experience fluctuations over the four future periods (2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100). Specifically, by 2081-2100, the centroid of suitable habitat for D. nuttalli, H. asiaticum, and I. persulcatus was predicted to shift westward, with new suitability areas emerging in regions such as Chifeng and Xilin Gol. The centroid of suitable habitat for H. asiaticum will move northeastward, and new suitability areas are likely to appear in areas such as Ordos and Bayannur. CONCLUSIONS This study provided a comprehensive overview of the tick species distribution patterns in Inner Mongolia. Our research has revealed a significant diversity of tick species in the region, exhibiting a wide distribution but with notable regional disparities. Our modeling results suggested that the dominant tick species' suitable habitats will significantly expand in the future compared to their existing distribution under the near current conditions. Temperature and precipitation are the primary variables influencing these shifts in distribution. These findings can provide a valuable reference for future research on tick distribution and the surveillance of tick-borne diseases in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Chunfu Li
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Haoqiang Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Xinyu Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of China Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, China.
- One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 20025, China.
| | - Jian Li
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- Basic Medical College, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, 530005, Guangxi, China.
| | - Wei Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of China Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Joint Research Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology on Parasite-Host Interaction, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu D, Wulantuya, Fan H, Li X, Li F, Gao T, Yin X, Zhang Z, Cao M, Kawabata H, Sato K, Ohashi N, Ando S, Gaowa. Co-infection of tick-borne bacterial pathogens in ticks in Inner Mongolia, China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011121. [PMID: 36893172 PMCID: PMC10030021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne infectious diseases pose a serious health threat in certain regions of the world. Emerging infectious diseases caused by novel tick-borne pathogens have been reported that are causing particular concern. Several tick-borne diseases often coexist in the same foci, and a single vector tick can transmit two or more pathogens at the same time, which greatly increases the probability of co-infection in host animals and humans and can lead to an epidemic of tick-borne disease. The lack of epidemiological data and information on the specific clinical symptoms related to co-infection with tick-borne pathogens means that it is not currently possible to accurately and rapidly distinguish between a single pathogen infection and co-infection with multiple pathogens, which can have serious consequences. Inner Mongolia in the north of China is endemic for tick-borne infectious diseases, especially in the eastern forest region. Previous studies have found that more than 10% of co-infections were in host-seeking ticks. However, the lack of data on the specific types of co-infection with pathogens makes clinical treatment difficult. In our study, we present data on the co-infection types and the differences in co-infection among different ecological regions through genetic analysis of tick samples collected throughout Inner Mongolia. Our findings may aid clinicians in the diagnosis of concomitant tick-borne infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wulantuya
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hongxia Fan
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fangchao Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xuhong Yin
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zitong Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Minzhi Cao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hiroki Kawabata
- Department of Bacteriology-I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kozue Sato
- Department of Bacteriology-I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Ohashi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shuji Ando
- Department of Virology-I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gaowa
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Tick-borne Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, College of Hetao, Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ma H, Ai J, Kang M, Li J, Sun Y. The life cycle of Dermacentor nuttalli from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under laboratory conditions and detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1126266. [PMID: 36908514 PMCID: PMC9998488 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1126266] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor nuttalli has been a focus of study because tick-borne pathogens have been widely identified in this tick from northern and southwestern China. The aim of this study was to characterize the life cycle of D. nuttalli under laboratory conditions and to detect spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia in the midgut and salivary glands of both field-collected and first laboratory generation adults. D. nuttalli ticks were collected in the field on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from March to April 2021 and their life cycle was studied under laboratory conditions. Tick identify was molecularly confirmed, and SFG Rickettsia were detected in the midgut and salivary glands of males and females by PCR targeting different rickettsial genes. The results showed that the life cycle of D. nuttalli under laboratory conditions was completed in an average of 86.1 days. High positivity of Rickettsia spp. was detected in the midgut and salivary glands of both males (92.0%) and females (93.0%) of field-collected D. nuttalli ticks. However, a relatively lower positivity (4.0-6.0%) was detected in first laboratory generation adults. Furthermore, sequencing analysis showed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained in this study shared 98.6 to 100% nucleotide identity with Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii isolated from Dermacentor spp. in China. Phylogenetic analysis of Rickettsia spp. based on the gltA, ompA, ompB and sca4 genes revealed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained could be classified as belonging to R. slovaca and R. raoultii clades. This study described for the first time the life cycle of D. nuttalli from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under laboratory conditions. Two species of SFG Rickettsia were detected in the midgut and salivary glands of males and females in both field-collected and first laboratory-generation adults of D. nuttalli. Our study provides new insights into pathogen detection in ticks in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the relationships among hosts, ticks, and pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hejia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jingkai Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jin X, Liao J, Chen Q, Ding J, Chang H, Lyu Y, Yu L, Wen B, Sun Y, Qin T. Diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in five species of ticks collected from Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, China in 2021-2022. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1141217. [PMID: 37187539 PMCID: PMC10175684 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1141217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The order Rickettsiales in the class Alphaproteobacteria comprises vector-borne pathogens of both medical and veterinary importance. Ticks, as a group, are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of pathogens to humans, playing a critical role in the transmission of rickettsiosis. In the present study, 880 ticks collected from Jinzhai County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, China in 2021-2022 were identified as belonging to five species from three genera. DNA extracted from individual ticks was examined using nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene (rrs), and the gene fragments amplified were sequenced to detect and identify Rickettsiales bacteria in the ticks. For further identification, the rrs-positive tick samples were further amplified by PCR targeting the gltA and groEL gene and sequenced. As a result, 13 Rickettsiales species belonging to the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia were detected, including three tentative species of Ehrlichia. Our results reveal the extensive diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in ticks from Jinzhai County, Anhui Province. There, emerging rickettsial species may be pathogenic and cause under-recognized diseases. Detection of several pathogens in ticks that are closely related to human diseases may indicate a potential risk of infection in humans. Therefore, additional studies to assess the potential public health risks of the Rickettsiales pathogens identified in the present study are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jiasheng Liao
- Jinzhai County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhai, Anhui, China
| | - Qingqing Chen
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Research Institute of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Junfei Ding
- Jinzhai County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhai, Anhui, China
| | - Hongwei Chang
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Lyu
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Liang Yu
- Jinzhai County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhai, Anhui, China
| | - Bohai Wen
- Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- Bohai Wen
| | - Yong Sun
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Research Institute of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Yong Sun
| | - Tian Qin
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Tian Qin
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhao L, Ma YM, Yang B, Han WX, Zhao WH, Chai HL, Zhang ZS, Zhan YJ, Wang LF, Xing Y, Yu LF, Wang JL, Ding YL, Liu YH. Comparative analysis of microbial communities in different growth stages of Dermacentor nuttalli. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1021426. [PMID: 36311671 PMCID: PMC9614212 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1021426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks were identified as arthropods that are pathogenic vectors. Dermacentor nuttalli is one of the dominant tick species in Inner Mongolia, and it carries and transmits a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. However, at present, only the detection of D. nuttalli adult ticks and D. nuttalli different developmental stages carrying one specific pathogen, or the next-generation sequencing of D. nuttalli adult ticks were available. In this study, we investigated the microbial community structures of D. nuttalli in different growth stages under laboratory artificial feeding conditions. Total DNA was extracted from seven growth stages (female adult ticks, eggs, larval ticks, engorged larval ticks, nymphal ticks, engorged nymphal ticks, and second-generation adult ticks) obtained from laboratory artificial feeding of engorged D. nuttalli female ticks in Inner Mongolia. Then, the 16S rDNA V3-V4 hypervariable region was amplified to construct an Illumina PE250 library. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform. The sequencing data were analyzed using molecular biology software and platforms. The Illumina PE250 sequencing results showed that the egg stage had the highest diversity and number of species (28.74%, 98/341), while the engorged nymph stage had the lowest diversity and number of species (9.72%, 21/216). A total of 387 genera of 22 phyla were annotated in D. nuttalli, with 9 phyla and 57 genera found throughout all 7 growth stages. The dominant phylum was Proteobacteria; the dominant genera were Arsenophonus and Rickettsia; and the genera with the highest relative abundance in the 7 growth stages were Pseudomonas, Paenalcaligenes, Arsenophonus, Arsenophonus, Pseudomonas, Arsenophonus, and Rickettsia, respectively. Among the 23 exact species annotated, Brucella melitensis exhibits pathogeny that poses a serious threat to humans and animals. In this study, the microbial community composition at different growth stages of D. nuttalli was comprehensively analyzed for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Yi-Min Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Animal Disease Control Center of Ordos, Ordos City, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Han
- Inner Mongolia Saikexing Reproductive Biotechnology (Group) Co., Ltd., Hohhot, China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hai-Liang Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhan-Sheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yong-Jie Zhan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Li-Feng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yu Xing
- Shanghai Origingene Bio-pharm Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Lu-Fei Yu
- Shanghai Origingene Bio-pharm Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Ling Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Yu-Lin Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Yong-Hong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China,*Correspondence: Yong-Hong Liu
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Altantogtokh D, Lilak AA, Takhampunya R, Sakolvaree J, Chanarat N, Matulis G, Poole-Smith BK, Boldbaatar B, Davidson S, Hertz J, Bolorchimeg B, Tsogbadrakh N, Fiorenzano JM, Lindroth EJ, von Fricken ME. Metagenomic profiles of Dermacentor tick pathogens from across Mongolia, using next generation sequencing. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:946631. [PMID: 36033893 PMCID: PMC9399792 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.946631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are a major public health concern in Mongolia. Nomadic pastoralists, which make up ~ 26% of Mongolia’s population, are at an increased risk of both tick bite exposure and economic loss associated with clinical disease in herds. This study sought to further characterize tick-borne pathogens present in Dermacentor ticks (n = 1,773) sampled in 2019 from 15 of Mongolia’s 21 aimags (provinces). The ticks were morphologically identified and sorted into 377 pools which were then screened using Next-Generation Sequencing paired with confirmatory PCR and DNA sequence analysis. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 88.33% of pools, while Anaplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. were detected in 3.18 and 0.79% of pools, respectively. Khentii had the highest infection rate for Rickettsia spp. (76.61%; CI: 34.65–94.79%), while Arkhangai had the highest infection rate for Anaplasma spp. (7.79%; CI:4.04–13.72%). The exclusive detection of Anaplasma spp. in tick pools collected from livestock supports previous work in this area that suggests livestock play a significant role in disease maintenance. The detection of Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Rickettsia demonstrates a heightened risk for infection throughout Mongolia, with this study, to our knowledge, documenting the first detection of Bartonella melophagi in ticks collected in Mongolia. Further research deploying NGS methods is needed to characterize tick-borne pathogens in other endemic tick species found in Mongolia, including Hyalomma asiaticum and Ixodes persulcatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Abigail A. Lilak
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Ratree Takhampunya
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jira Sakolvaree
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nitima Chanarat
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Graham Matulis
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Betty Katherine Poole-Smith
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bazartseren Boldbaatar
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Silas Davidson
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, US Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Jeffrey Hertz
- Naval Medical Research Unit TWO (NAMRU-2), Sembawang, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Erica J. Lindroth
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (USAMD-AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael E. von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael E. von Fricken,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gui Z, Cai H, Qi DD, Zhang S, Fu SY, Yu JF, Si XY, Cai T, Mao R. Identification and genetic diversity analysis of Rickettsia in Dermacentor nuttalli within inner Mongolia, China. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:286. [PMID: 35934699 PMCID: PMC9358909 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The genus Rickettsia contains the lineages spotted fever group (SFG), typhus group (TG), and transitional group (TRG). The spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) is transmitted by ticks. The tick species Dermacentor nuttalli is considered the main vector carrying SFGR in Inner Mongolia. Studying the genetic diversity and population structure of Rickettsia is essential for developing effective control strategies and predicting evolutionary trends of Rickettsia.
Methods
In 2019 we collected 408 D. nuttalli in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, detected the percentage of Rickettsia-positive specimens, and characterized the haplotypes. From the Rickettsia-positive ticks, the gltA and ompA genes were extracted, amplified, and sequenced.
Results
Ten haplotypes of the gltA gene and 22 haplotypes of the ompA gene were obtained. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the haplotypes G1–G7 and G9 of the gltA gene cluster with Rickettsia raoultii, while G8 and G10 cluster with Rickettsia sibirica. Haplotypes O1–O15, O18 and O20–O22 of the ompA gene cluster with R. raoultii, while O16 and O19 cluster with R. sibirica. The average haplotype diversity was 0.3 for gltA and 0.7 for ompA. The average nucleotide diversity was greater than 0.05. Neutrality tests were nonsignificant for Tajima’s D results and Fu’s Fs results. The fixation index values (FST) showed that the degree of genetic differentiation between most sampled populations was small (FST < 0.05), whereas some populations showed a medium (FST > 0.05) or large (FST > 0.15) degree of differentiation. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the variation within populations was greater than that between populations. The mismatch analysis of Rickettsia showed double peaks.
Conclusions
We found two Rickettsia spp. (R. raoultii and R. sibirica). The high genetic disparity of Rickettsia allows for easy adaption to different environments. Genetic differentiation between populations is small, and Rickettsia populations do not show a geographically differentiated structure. The high rates of retention and infection of Rickettsia in D. nuttalli together with the animal husbandry exchange in Inner Mongolia gradually led to the harmonization of genetic characteristics of Rickettsia across various regions. Overall, the significant genetic diversity and geographical structure of Rickettsia in D. nuttalli are critical for SFGR control.
Graphical Abstract
Collapse
|
12
|
Lin B, Ta Y, Hao L. High prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from yaks (Bos grunniens) in Shiqu county, eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:968793. [PMID: 35966652 PMCID: PMC9366146 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.968793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases have become a global health concern in recent decades. Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae have been recognized as important pathogens of human tick-borne diseases worldwide. In this study, Dermacentor everestianus (n = 646) and Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis (n = 172) ticks were collected from yaks (Bos grunniens) in Shiqu county, eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. SFG rickettsiae were identified and characterized in these ticks. A total of 49.9% (408/818) ticks were infected by Rickettsia spp. with infection rates of 58.1% (100/172) and 46.7% (308/646) detected in H. qinghaiensis and D. everestianus ticks, respectively. Furthermore, 95% of Rickettsia spp. were Rickettsia raoultii-like bacteria, and 5% were related to Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that SFG rickettsiae infections were firstly reported in Shiqu county for these tick species. Our results indicated that H. qinghaiensis and D. everestianus ticks from Shiqu county became highly infected with a R. raoultii-like bacteria during their feeding process. This observation is alarming because of the zoonotic potentiality of these species. Overall, the present study detected a widespread of R. raoultii-like bacteria in ticks that are considered a serious threat to domestic animals and humans in Shiqu county. The prevalence of R. raoultii-like bacteria in human and wildlife hosts should be further investigated in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoshan Lin
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Markang, China
| | - Yin Ta
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
| | - Lili Hao
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Hao,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mazhetese E, Lukanji Z, Byaruhanga C, Neves L, Morar-Leather D. Rickettsia africae infection rates and transovarial transmission in Amblyomma hebraeum ticks in Mnisi, Bushbuckridge, South Africa. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 86:407-418. [PMID: 35212871 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00696-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsia africae is a gram-negative bacterium, which causes African tick bite fever (ATBF) in humans. ATBF is a febrile disease mainly affecting travellers to southern Africa. This bacterium is known to be transmitted by Amblyomma hebraeum and Amblyomma variegatum ticks. In southern Africa, the principal vector is A. hebraeum. Febrile disease is a serious issue in the study area. There is a high prevalence of non-malaria illness caused by Rickettsia, so there is a need to have more knowledge on these species. Infection rates and transovarial transmission efficiency of R. africae in A. hebraeum ticks were investigated in a rural area of Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Adult and engorged A. hebraeum female ticks were collected from cattle. Larvae were collected by dragging a cloth at ground level using 100 steps, equivalent to an area of 100 m2. Tick identification was performed according to standard taxonomic keys using a microscope. Engorged ticks were incubated to oviposit and egg masses were collected. DNA was extracted from the ticks, larvae and egg masses, and screened for gltA and ompA genes, using quantitative real-time PCR and conventional PCR, respectively. Positive ompA amplicons were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis showed 99.8-100% identity with R. africae. Infection rates were 13.7 and 12.7% for adults and larvae, respectively. Transovarial transmission of R. africae in A. hebraeum from this study was 85.7%. The results provide a clear indication that people living in the study area and travellers that visit the area are at risk of contracting ATBF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estere Mazhetese
- Vector and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Zinathi Lukanji
- Vector and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Charles Byaruhanga
- Vector and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Luis Neves
- Vector and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Darshana Morar-Leather
- Vector and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang Y, Jiang L, Yang Y, Xie S, Yuan W, Wang Y. A tick bite patient with fever and meningitis co-infected with Rickettsia raoultii and Tacheng tick virus 1: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1187. [PMID: 34823477 PMCID: PMC8620164 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06877-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing numbers of tick-borne pathogens are being discovered, including those that infect humans. However, reports on co-infections caused by two or more tick-borne pathogens are scarce. CASE PRESENTATION A 38-year-old male farmer was bitten by a hard tick, presented with fever (37.7 °C), severe headache and ejection vomiting. Lumbar puncture was performed in the lateral decubitus. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was clear, and analysis showed severe increased pressure (320 mm H2O), mild leukocytosis (126.0 × 106/L, mononuclear cells accounting for 73%) and elevated total protein concentration (0.92 g/L). Bacterial cultures of CSF and blood were negative. The diagnosis of Rickettsia raoultii and Tacheng tick virus 1 (TcTV-1) co-infection was confirmed by amplifying four rickettsial genetic markers and the partial small (S) RNA segment of TcTV-1 from the patient's blood. The patient gradually recovered after treatment with levofloxacin and ribavirin. CONCLUSIONS This is the first reported co-infection case with fever and meningitis caused by R. raoultii and TcTV-1. It is vital to screen for multiple pathogens in tick-bitten patients, especially in those with severe complex symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Liang Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yicheng Yang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Songsong Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wumei Yuan
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jiao J, Lu Z, Yu Y, Ou Y, Fu M, Zhao Y, Wu N, Zhao M, Liu Y, Sun Y, Wen B, Zhou D, Yuan Q, Xiong X. Identification of tick-borne pathogens by metagenomic next-generation sequencing in Dermacentor nuttalli and Ixodes persulcatus in Inner Mongolia, China. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:287. [PMID: 34044867 PMCID: PMC8161991 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04740-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hard ticks act as arthropod vectors in the transmission of human and animal pathogens and are widely distributed in northern China. The aim of this study is to screen the important tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) carried by hard ticks in Inner Mongolia using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and to estimate the risk of human infection imposed by tick bites. Methods The adult Dermacentor nuttalli (n = 203) and Ixodes persulcatus (n = 36) ticks feeding on cattle were collected. The pooled DNA samples prepared from these ticks were sequenced as the templates for mNGS to survey the presence of TBPs at the genus level. Individual tick DNA samples were detected by genus--specific or group-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of these TBPs and combined with DNA sequencing assay to confirm the results of mNGS. Results R. raoultii (45.32%, 92/203), Candidatus R. tarasevichiae (5.42%, 11/203), Anaplasma sp. Mongolia (26.60%, 54/203), Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) (53.69%, 109/203), and Babesia venatorum (7.88%, 16/203) were detected in D. nuttalli, while R. raoultii (30.56%, 11/36), Anaplasma sp. Mongolia (27.80%, 10/36), and CLE (27.80%, 10/36) were detected in I. persulcatus. The double- and triple-pathogen/endosymbiont co-infections were detected in 40.39% of D. nuttalli and 13.89% of I. persulcatus, respectively. The dual co-infection with R. raoultii and CLE (14.29%, 29/203) and triple co-infection with R. raoultii, Anaplasma sp. Mongolia, and CLE (13.79%, 28/203) were most frequent in D. nuttalli. Conclusions This study provides insight into the microbial diversity of D. nuttalli and I. persulcatus in Inner Mongolia, China, reporting for the first time that Candidatus R. tarasevichiae had been found in D. nuttalli in China, and for the first time in the world that Anaplasma sp. Mongolia has been detected in I. persulcatus. This study proves that various vertically transmitted pathogens co-inhabit D. nuttalli and I. persulcatus, and indicates that cattle in Inner Mongolia are exposed to several TBPs. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04740-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yonghui Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yangxuan Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mengjiao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuee Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Nier Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Bohai Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qinghong Yuan
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Focal Disease Control and Prevention, Yunnan, PR China.
| | - Xiaolu Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Seo MG, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Molecular detection of Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia tamurae, and associated pathogens from ticks parasitizing water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) in South Korea. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101712. [PMID: 33819743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Most defined Rickettsiales, which can be transmitted by ticks, are known to be important zoonotic pathogens. Some of these pathogens can cause severe diseases in humans, including anaplasmosis, rickettsioses, and ehrlichiosis. Previous studies in South Korea have investigated tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) residing in ticks found on grassy vegetation and animals. However, there is limited phylogenetic information on TBPs in ticks parasitizing Korean water deer (KWD; Hydropotes inermis argyropus). This study evaluated the prevalence, risk factors (regions, tick stages, and tick species), and coinfections of TBPs in ticks parasitizing KWD. Were collected a total of 283 hard ticks, including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis flava, and Ixodes nipponensis from KWD in South Korea from 2013 to 2017. In 173 tested tick pools, genes for seven TBPs, namely Rickettsia raoultii (20 %), Rickettsia tamurae (1 %), Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (31 %), Ehrlichia canis (3 %), Anaplasma capra (3 %), Anaplasma bovis (2 %), and Anaplasma sp. (1 %), were detected. The unidentified Anaplasma sp. isolates revealed a 98.4 %-99.3 % sequence identity with Anaplasma sp. in GenBank sequences obtained from ticks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the presence of the emerging human pathogen R. tamurae in South Korea. These results should increase awareness about the need for continued development of epidemiological control measures, and medical and veterinary communities must be informed of their high infection potential and clinical complexity in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, 39660, South Korea
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, South Korea; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Junggu, Daegu, 41944, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fang LZ, Lei SC, Yan ZJ, Xiao X, Liu JW, Gong XQ, Yu H, Yu XJ. Detection of Multiple Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens in Haemaphysalis flava Ticks Collected from Hedgehogs in Central China. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020115. [PMID: 33498714 PMCID: PMC7911675 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tickborne intracellular bacterial pathogens including Anaplasma, Coxiella burnetti, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia cause emerging infectious diseases worldwide. PCR was used to amplify the genes of these pathogens in Haemaphysalis flava ticks collected from hedgehogs in Central China. Among 125 samples including 20 egg batches, 24 engorged females, and 81 molted male and female adult ticks, the DNA sequences and phylogenetic analysis showed that the minimum infection rate of the ticks was 4% (5/125) for A. bovis, 3.2% (4/125) for C. burnetti, 9.6%, (12/125) for E. ewingii, and 5.6% for Rickettsia including R.japonica (3.2%, 4/125) and R. raoultii (2.4%, 3/125), respectively. The prevalence of these pathogens was significantly higher in dead engorged females (83.3%, 20/24) than in eggs (5%, 1/20) and molted ticks (8.6%, 7/81). Our study indicated that H. flava ticks could be infected with multiple species of tickborne pathogens including Anaplasma, C. burnetti, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia in Central China, and the prevalence of these pathogens was reduced during transovarial and transstadial transmission in ticks, suggesting that ticks may not be real reservoirs but only vectors for these tickborne pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhu Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Si-Cong Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | | | - Xiao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
- Lab Animal Research Center, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Jian-Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Xiao-Qing Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.-Z.F.); (S.-C.L.); (X.X.); (J.-W.L.); (X.-Q.G.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Piotrowski M, Rymaszewska A. Expansion of Tick-Borne Rickettsioses in the World. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1906. [PMID: 33266186 PMCID: PMC7760173 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group of the genus Rickettsia. These infections are among the oldest known diseases transmitted by vectors. In the last three decades there has been a rapid increase in the recognition of this disease complex. This unusual expansion of information was mainly caused by the development of molecular diagnostic techniques that have facilitated the identification of new and previously recognized rickettsiae. A lot of currently known bacteria of the genus Rickettsia have been considered nonpathogenic for years, and moreover, many new species have been identified with unknown pathogenicity. The genus Rickettsia is distributed all over the world. Many Rickettsia species are present on several continents. The geographical distribution of rickettsiae is related to their vectors. New cases of rickettsioses and new locations, where the presence of these bacteria is recognized, are still being identified. The variety and rapid evolution of the distribution and density of ticks and diseases which they transmit shows us the scale of the problem. This review article presents a comparison of the current understanding of the geographic distribution of pathogenic Rickettsia species to that of the beginning of the century.
Collapse
|
19
|
Batu N, Wang Y, Liu Z, Huang T, Bao W, He H, Geri L. Molecular epidemiology of Rickettsia sp. and Coxiella burnetii collected from Hyalomma asiaticum in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in inner Mongolia of China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101548. [PMID: 32993954 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to determine the presence of Rickettsia sp. and Coxiella burnetii in Hyalomma asiaticum collected from Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in Inner Mongolia of China. A total of 385 H. asiaticum adults collected from Bactrian camels from Alxa in Inner Mongolia from 2017 to 2018 were examined using PCR combined with sequencing. The results indicated that 18 (4.7 %) and 5 (1.3 %) samples tested positive for Rickettsia and C. burnetii, respectively. The corresponding nucleotide identities among detected genes ranged between 99.7 % and 100 % for the sequences of 17 kD and ompB from Rickettsia and 16S rRNA and FtsX from C. burnetii. Two representative strains-Rickettsia IMA-1 strain and C. burnetii IMA-1 strain-were used for subsequent analysis. NCBI BLAST and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the detected strain Rickettsia IMA-1 may represent a novel species of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. The C. burnetii IMA-1 strain was grouped with Coxiella burnetii str. RSA439 (GenBank: CP040059.1). In addition, the Rickettsia sp. was successfully isolated from the ticks in Vero cells incubated at 28 °C. These findings indicate that the H. asiaticum collected off Bactrian camels in Inner Mongolia carried SFG Rickettsia species and C. burnetii and could contribute to the etiology of febrile illness in animals and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naren Batu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Yunchong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Tianpeng Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Weidong Bao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Haiyan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China
| | - Letu Geri
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, No. 306 Zhaowuda Road, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia 010018, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Distribution and molecular characterization of rickettsiae in ticks in Harbin area of Northeastern China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008342. [PMID: 32497120 PMCID: PMC7272007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses are world-spreading infectious zoonoses. Ticks serve as reservoirs and vectors for Rickettsia and play a key role in transmission of rickettsioses. Most of the Chinese rickettsiosis patients are reported from Northeastern China but the distribution of tick and tick-borne Rickettsia species in Northeastern China remain poorly studied. In this study, a total of 1,286 ticks were captured from the seven counties of Harbin, an area in Northeastern China, and the tick-borne Rickettsia species were identified by PCR and sequencing of rrs, gltA, groEL, ompA and 17-kDa antigen-encoding genes. Of the 5 identified tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis and Ixodes persulcatus were the predominant tick species in the livestock and vegetation, respectively. Rickettsia raoultii and “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae” were the two detectable Rickettsia species in the ticks with a 28.8% positive rate but no rickettsiae were found in ticks of Haemaphysalis concinna. R. raoultii detected in 37.6% of the Dermacentor nuttalli, Dermacentor silvarum and H. longicornis ticks while “Ca. R. tarasevichiae” was only present in 22.8% of the I. persulcatus ticks. In particular, the positive rate of both R. raoultii and “Ca. R. tarasevichiae” in ticks from the livestock (40.7%) was significantly higher than that from the vegetation (19.5%). The results indicate that the tick and tick-borne Rickettsia species are diverse in different regions of Harbin due to geographic difference and the ticks from livestock may play a more important role in transmission of rickettsioses to human. Rickettsiosis is a tick-borne infectious disease of global importance. The disease has been prevailing in Northeastern China but the distribution of tick and tick-borne Rickettsia species from different areas of Northeastern China remain poorly studied. We collected a total of 1,286 ticks in the seven counties with different geographic environments of Harbin, an area of Northeastern China, and all the ticks were classified as Dermacentor nuttalli, Dermacentor silvarum, Haemaphysalis concinna, Haemaphysalis longicornis or Ixodes persulcatus. A total of 28.8% of the ticks tested positive for either Rickettsia raoultii or “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae”, in which 37.6% of the D. nuttalli, D. silvarum and H. longicornis ticks were positive for R. raoultii while 22.8% of the I. persulcatus ticks were positive for “Ca. R. tarasevichiae”. The positive rate of both R. raoultii and “Ca. R. tarasevichiae” in ticks from the livestock (40.7%) was significantly higher than that from the vegetation (19.5%). All the data indicate that ticks in the Harbin area have a high infection rate with Rickettsia species and domestic animals may have a tick-livestock rickettsial circulation that may play an important role in transmission of rickettsioses.
Collapse
|
21
|
Human Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia Infecting Yaks ( Bos grunniens) in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9040249. [PMID: 32231020 PMCID: PMC7238049 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) is a plateau with the highest average altitude, located in Northwestern China. There is a risk for interspecies disease transmission, such as spotted fever rickettsioses. However, information on the molecular characteristics of the spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. in the area is limited. This study performed screenings, and detected the DNA of human pathogen, SFG Rickettsia spp., with 11.3% (25/222) infection rates in yaks (Bosgrunniens). BLASTn analysis revealed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained shared 94.3–100% identity with isolates of Rickettsia spp. from ticks in China. One Rickettsia sequence (MN536161) had 100% nucleotide identity to two R. raoultii isolates from Chinese Homo sapiens, and one isolate from Qinghai Dermacentorsilvarum. Meanwhile, another Rickettsia sequence (MN536157) shared 99.1–99.5% identity to one isolate from Dermacentor spp. in China. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis of SFG Rickettsia spp. ompA gene revealed that these two sequences obtained from yaks in the present study grouped with the R. slovaca and R. raoultii clades with isolates identified from Dermacentor spp. and Homo sapiens. Our findings showed the first evidence of human pathogen DNA, SFG Rickettsia spp., from animals, in the QTPA.
Collapse
|
22
|
Dong Z, Yang Y, Wang Q, Xie S, Zhao S, Tan W, Yuan W, Wang Y. A case with neurological abnormalities caused by Rickettsia raoultii in northwestern China. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:796. [PMID: 31510926 PMCID: PMC6737699 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4414-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The number of new rickettsial species are rapidly increasing, and increasing numbers of Rickettsia raoultii (R. raoultii) infection cases have been detected in humans. However, neurological abnormalities caused by R. raoultii are rarely reported, especially in northwestern China. Case presentation A 36-year-old Kazakh shepherd with an attached tick on part temporalis, presented with right eyelid droop, lethargy, fever, headache, fever (38.0–41.0 °C) and erythematous rash. The examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed cerebrospinal pressure of 200 mm H2O, leukocyte count of 300.0 × 106/L, adenosine deaminase of 2.15 U/L, and total protein concentration of 0.93 g/L. The diagnosis of R. raoultii infection was confirmed by six genetic markers, and semi-quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rickettsial antigen. The patient gradually recovered after treatment with doxycycline and ceftriaxone. R. raoultii DNA was found both in a tick detached from this patient and in 0.18% (2/1107) of blood samples collected from local shepherds. Conclusions This is the first reported case with neurological abnormalities caused by R. raoultii in northwestern China. It is vital to detect rickettsial agents both in blood and CSF for tick bite patients with neurological abnormalities. Public health workers and physicians should pay attention to neurological abnormalities caused by Rickettsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Dong
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yicheng Yang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Kaifeng Central Hospital, Henan, 475000, China
| | - Songsong Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832002, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wenbo Tan
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wumei Yuan
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Guo WP, Wang YH, Lu Q, Xu G, Luo Y, Ni X, Zhou EM. Molecular detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae in hard ticks, northern China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1587-1596. [PMID: 30920159 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae are important causative agents of (re)emerging tick-borne infectious diseases in humans, and ticks play a key role in their maintenance and transmission. In this study, hard ticks were collected from five sampling sites in North China in 2017 and 2018. Of them, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nuttalli were collected from livestock (sheep and goats) and the vegetation, Hyalomma asiaticum from sheep, goats and camels, and Hyalomma marginatum from sheep and goats. The SFG rickettsiae were identified in these ticks by amplifying the partial rrs and complete 17-kDa genes, with an overall infection rate of 52.9%. In addition, the nearly full-length rrs and gltA and partial ompA genes were recovered to classify the species of SFG rickettsiae further. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of three human pathogenic species in Hy. asiaticum, Hy. marginatum, Ha. longicornis and De. nuttalli, including two cultured ones (Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia aeschlimannii) and one uncultured (Candidatus R. jingxinensis). Furthermore, partial groEL gene was also obtained, and phylogenetic trees were also reconstructed to better understand the genetic relationship with known sequences in each SFG rickettsiae species detected in the current study. Notably, the R. aeschlimannii sequences described in this study were closely related to those from abroad rather than from another part of China, indicating their different origin. However, the R. raoultii and Ca. R. jingxinensis sequences presented close relationship with variants from other parts of China. In sum, our data revealed SFG rickettsiae species in northern China, highlighting the need for surveillance of their infection in local humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Guo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi-Han Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qizhong Lu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuhang Luo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuebing Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Disease, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|