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Tian J, Liu J, Liu J, Lu M, Chen X, Li K. Survey of Rickettsia species in hematophagous arthropods from endemic areas for Japanese spotted fever in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1384284. [PMID: 38725451 PMCID: PMC11079133 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1384284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese spotted fever (JSF) is caused by Rickettsia japonica, mainly vectored by hard ticks. However, whether R. japonica can be transmitted by other arthropods remains unknown. Moreover, it is of interest to investigate whether other Rickettsia species cause spotted fever in endemic areas. In this study, a survey of Rickettsia species was performed in hematophagous arthropods (mosquitoes, tabanids, and ticks) from endemic areas for JSF in Hubei Province, central China. The results showed that the diversity and prevalence of Rickettsia species in mosquitoes are low, suggesting that mosquitoes may not be the vector of zoonotic Rickettsia species. A novel Rickettsia species showed a high prevalence (16.31%, 23/141) in tabanids and was named "Candidatus Rickettsia tabanidii." It is closely related to Rickettsia from fleas and mosquitoes; however, its pathogenicity in humans needs further investigation. Five Rickettsia species were identified in ticks. Rickettsia japonica, the agent of JSF, was detected only in Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haemaphysalis hystricis, suggesting that they may be the major vectors of R. japonica. Notably, two novel species were identified in H. hystricis ticks, one belonging to the spotted fever group and the other potentially belonging to the ancestral group. The latter one named "Candidatus Rickettsia hubeiensis" may provide valuable insight into the evolutionary history of Rickettsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Tian
- Affiliation of Disinfection and Vector Control, Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Affiliation of Disinfection and Vector Control, Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, Jiangxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Affiliation of Disinfection and Vector Control, Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Yang Z, Shi Z, Fang K, Ren D. Atypical Rickettsia japonica Infection Involving Critical Illness Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing: A Case Report. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:963-967. [PMID: 38495624 PMCID: PMC10944173 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s451404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rickettsia japonica infection is a rare disease, it is rare to report critical and severe case caused by this disease in Zhejiang Province, China. Patient Concerns We report a patient who initially sought medical attention due to fever and developed coma and convulsions during treatment. The patient did not develop typical eschar and rash. Eventually, the patient needed to be treated in the intensive care unit due to acute respiratory failure. Diagnoses The patient was diagnosed with Rickettsia japonica bloodstream infection by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Outcomes Due to the critical illness, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, received doxycycline and other treatments, and rapidly recovered and discharged. Conclusion The patient developed a critical illness after being infected with Rickettsia, when the medical history is unclear and clinical symptoms and signs are atypical, it is necessary to use mNGS examination for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanli Shi
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Fang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Danhong Ren
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China
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Lu Z, Han J, Wang Y, He Z, Song S, Liu K, Shao Z. Diagnosing and reintegrating traceability of infectious diseases via metagenomic next-generation sequencing: Study of a severe case of Rickettsia japonica infection. INFECTIOUS MEDICINE 2024; 3:100094. [PMID: 38444746 PMCID: PMC10912839 DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Background In this study, we present a case of Japanese spotted fever (JSF) caused by Rickettsia japonica and use this case to investigate the process of diagnosing and reintegrating traceability of infectious diseases via metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Methods From data relating to epidemiological history, clinical and laboratory examinations, and mNGS sequencing, a diagnosis of severe JSF was concluded. Results A detailed field epidemiological investigation discovered parasitic Haemaphysalis longicornis from a host animal (dog) in the domicile of the patient, within which R. japonica was detected, along with a diverse array of other potentially pathogenic microorganisms that could cause other infectious diseases. Conclusion The mNGS provided an efficient method to diagnose JSF infection. This methodology could also be applied to field epidemiological investigations to establish the traceability of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Zhen He
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Shuxuan Song
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zhongjun Shao
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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Xu N, Liu H, Qu C, Wen S, Zou W, Chang C, Wang G. The presence of foci of Rickettsia conorii infection in China. INFECTIOUS MEDICINE 2023; 2:334-337. [PMID: 38205175 PMCID: PMC10774659 DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
China is not considered as an endemic area of Rickettsia conorii, so there is no routine clinical way to diagnose this infection. This study aims to determine whether 2 febrile patients who had a tick bite in East China were indeed infected with R. conorii. The citrate synthase gene (gltA) was amplified with universal rickettsial primers by real-time fluorescent PCR from the patients' blood samples. Nested PCR was used to amplify the outer membrane protein A gene (ompA) for positive specimens. PCR products were further identified and analyzed through nucleic acid sequencing. Positive amplification of the gltA and ompA genes was found in both patients. The nucleotide sequences (303 bp) of the ompA gene of the 2 patients had high homology (99%) with the R. conorii Indian tick typhus strain in GenBank. A more than 4-fold increase in IgG against R. conorii provided supportive evidence of SFG Rickettsia infection. And the rapid recovery after doxycycline treatment also supported a rickettsial cause for the disease. Physicians in East China should be aware of human infections with R. conorii. PCR-based diagnostic methods offer a rapid and precise way to diagnose rickettsiosis, improving patient identification and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute of Bacterial Disease, Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Chunmei Qu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Sai Wen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wenlu Zou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Caiyun Chang
- Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Deng YP, Fu YT, Yao C, Shao R, Zhang XL, Duan DY, Liu GH. Emerging bacterial infectious diseases/pathogens vectored by human lice. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 55:102630. [PMID: 37567429 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Human lice have always been a major public health concern due to their vector capacity for louse-borne infectious diseases, like trench fever, louse-borne relapsing fever, and epidemic fever, which are caused by Bartonella quintana, Borrelia recurrentis, and Rickettsia prowazekii, respectively. Those diseases are currently re-emerging in the regions of poor hygiene, social poverty, or wars with life-threatening consequences. These louse-borne diseases have also caused outbreaks among populations in jails and refugee camps. In addition, antibodies and DNAs to those pathogens have been steadily detected in homeless populations. Importantly, more bacterial pathogens have been detected in human lice, and some have been transmitted by human lice in laboratories. Here, we provide a comprehensive review and update on louse-borne infectious diseases/bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ping Deng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Tian Fu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Renfu Shao
- Centre for Bioinnovation, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Xue-Ling Zhang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - De-Yong Duan
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Zhou Y, Wang Q, Shen Y, Shen B, Zhang Y, Wang W, Li X. A Case of Critical Japanese Spotted Fever in Zhejiang, China. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:3425-3430. [PMID: 37283937 PMCID: PMC10241177 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s408499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Japanese spotted fever (JSF) is a rare disease, caused by Rickettsia japonica; no case has been reported in Zhejiang Province, China. Case Presentation An elderly woman presented to the hospital with abdominal pain and fever. Her condition rapidly worsened with severe complications, such as multiple organ failure and central nervous system damage. The presence of R. japonica was quickly detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. On the basis of combined clinical manifestations and laboratory results, critical JSF was diagnosed and treated with doxycycline. The patient showed good prognosis. Typical symptoms (eschar and rash) were not observed in the early stage, consequently increasing the difficulty of clinical diagnosis. Conclusion The delay of treatment caused by non-specific symptoms is an important factor affecting the progression of JSF. As an emerging pathogen detection method, mNGS has been successfully applied for disease diagnosis and treatment, and can be an important complement for the diagnosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yani Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weihong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Teng Z, Shi Y, Zhao N, Zhang X, Jin X, He J, Xu B, Qin T. Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Bacterial and Protozoan Pathogens in Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks from Free-Ranging Domestic Sheep in Hebei Province, China. Pathogens 2023; 12:763. [PMID: 37375453 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens significantly threaten human and animal health worldwide. Haemaphysalis longicornis is one of the dominant tick species in East Asia, including China. In the present study, 646 Ha. longicornis ticks were collected from free-ranging domestic sheep in the southern region of Hebei Province, China. Tick-borne pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance (i.e., Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon spp.) were detected in the ticks using PCR assays and sequence analysis. The prevalence rates of these pathogens were 5.1% (33/646), 15.9% (103/646), 1.2% (8/646), 17.0% (110/646), 0.15% (1/646), and 0.15% (1/646), respectively. For Rickettsia spp., R. japonica (n = 13), R. raoultii (n = 6), and Candidatus R. jingxinensis (n = 14) were detected for the first time in the province, while several Anaplasma spp. were also detected in the ticks, including A. bovis (n = 52), A. ovis (n = 31), A. phagocytophilum (n = 10), and A. capra (n = 10). A putative novel Ehrlichia spp. was also found with a prevalence of 1.2% in the area. The present study provides important data for effectively controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Hebei Province region of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Teng
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Na 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiaojing Jin
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jia He
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baohong Xu
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Tian Qin
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
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Teng Z, Gong P, Wang W, Zhao N, Jin X, Sun X, Zhou H, Lu J, Lin X, Wen B, Kan B, Xu J, Qin T. Clinical Forms of Japanese Spotted Fever from Case-Series Study, Zigui County, Hubei Province, China, 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:202-206. [PMID: 36573633 PMCID: PMC9796216 DOI: 10.3201/eid2901.220639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case-series study of 5 patients with Japanese spotted fever from the Three Gorges Area in China, including 1 fatal case. Seroprevalence of Rickettsia japonica was ≈21% among the local population. Our report highlights the emerging potential threat to human health of Japanese spotted fever in the area.
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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.
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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
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Gao S, Li L, Zhou X, Dai X, Lu L, Chen Y, Han J, Huang X, Xiao Q, He H, Liu Q. Fatal Rickettsia Japonica Infection Complicating Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Yichang, China. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:6613-6623. [DOI: 10.2147/idr.s383917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Wild Hedgehogs and Their Parasitic Ticks Coinfected with Multiple Tick-Borne Pathogens in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0213822. [PMID: 36000911 PMCID: PMC9602733 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02138-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing awareness of emerging tickborne pathogens (TBPs) has inspired much research. In the present study, the coinfections of TBPs both in ticks and their wild hedgehog hosts in Jiangsu province, Eastern China were determined by metagenome next-generation sequencing and nested PCR. As a result, Rickettsia japonica (81.1%), novel Rickettsia sp. SFGR-1 (5.1%), Anaplasma bovis (12%), A. platys (6.3%), novel Ehrlichia spp. Ehr-1 (16%) and Ehr-2 (0.6%), E. ewingii-like strain (0.6%), Coxiella burnetii (10.9%), and a novel Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) strain (61.1%) were detected in Haemaphysalis flava ticks. A. bovis (43.8%), Ehrlichia sp. Ehr-1 (83.3%), and C. burnetii (80%) were detected in Erinaceus amurensis hedgehogs. Coinfection rates with various TBPs were 71.5% and 83.3% in ticks and hedgehogs, respectively, both with double-pathogen/endosymbiont coinfection rates over 50%. We found the following. (i) Er. amurensis hedgehogs seem to contribute to the natural cycles of R. japonica, A. bovis, Ehrlichia sp., and C. burnetii and may be reservoirs of them except for R. japonica, and A. bovis is proved to infect hedgehogs for the first time. (ii) H. flava is proved to harbor various TBPs as a reservoir host, including CLE identified for the first time, which could inhibit coinfection of C. burnetii while promoting that of Rickettsia spp. in H. flava. (iii) Four novel TBP species were identified. This study provides useful epidemiological information crucial for assessing the potential infection risks to humans, thus benefiting the development of strategies to prevent and control tick-borne diseases. IMPORTANCE In the present study, we found the following. (i) Er. amurensis hedgehogs seem to contribute to the natural cycles of R. japonica, A. bovis, Ehrlichia sp., and C. burnetii and may be reservoirs of them except for R. japonica, and A. bovis is proved to infect hedgehogs for the first time. (ii) H. flava is proved to harbor various tickborne pathogens (TBPs) as a reservoir host, including Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) identified for the first time, which could inhibit coinfection of C. burnetii while promoting that of Rickettsia spp. in H. flava. (iii) Four novel TBP species were identified. This study provides useful epidemiological information on TBPs harbored and transmitted by ticks and their hosts, for assessing the potential infection risks to humans, thus benefiting the developing strategies for tick-borne diseases prevention and control.
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Hu H, Liu Z, Fu R, Liu Y, Ma H, Zheng W. Detection and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne bacterial and protozoan pathogens in a forest province of eastern China. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106634. [PMID: 35932842 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106634] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Ticks, as obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites, feed on a broad range of vertebrates and transmit a great diversity of pathogenic microorganisms. Some tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are endemic in China, whereas epidemiological studies are limited in Jiangxi, a forest province located in eastern China. Here, we have determined the positivity rates of TBPs in humans, rodents, dogs, goats and ticks, and performed the molecular characterization of TBPs in Jiangxi province. We found a high positivity rate of TBPs in the collected samples, demonstrating 23 (12.92%) samples positive for more than one TBPs. Of those, 11 (6.18%) samples were positive for Rickettsia spp., six (3.37%) Ehrlichia spp./Anaplasma spp., one (0.56%) Bartonella spp., two (1.12%) Borrelia spp., and five (2.81%) Babesia spp. The positivity rates of TBPs varied among ticks, animals, and humans as follow: goats (14/37, 37.84%), ticks (8/35, 22.86%), and dogs (1/11, 9.09%). Humans and rodents were negative for TBP presence. Phylogenetic analyses of these TBP sequences revealed the presence of Rickettsia japonica, Ehrlichia minasensis, and an unclassified Babesia spp. in goats, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia valaisiana, and an unclassified Bartonella spp. in ticks. Furthermore, R. japonica infection was exclusively found in goats with the positivity rate of 29.73%. Our study is the first report of R. japonica in goats around the world. These findings suggest high TBP positivity rates among goats, ticks, and dogs, and diverse TBPs in goats and ticks in the studied sites. Therefore, our results underscore the urgent need to assess TBP-tick-vertebrate-environment interactions and the risk of tick borne disease exposure in humans in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Hu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Zhanbin Liu
- Nanchang Police Dog Base of the Ministry of Public Security, Xinjian Dsitrict, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330100, China
| | - Renlong Fu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Yangqing Liu
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Hongmei Ma
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China
| | - Weiqing Zheng
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-origin and Vector-borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330038, China.
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Detection of Tick-Borne Bacterial and Protozoan Pathogens in Ticks from the Zambia–Angola Border. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050566. [PMID: 35631087 PMCID: PMC9144998 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050566] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, are of public health importance worldwide; however, TBDs tend to be overlooked, especially in countries with fewer resources, such as Zambia and Angola. Here, we investigated Rickettsia, Anaplasmataceae, and Apicomplexan pathogens in 59 and 96 adult ticks collected from dogs and cattle, respectively, in Shangombo, a town at the Zambia–Angola border. We detected Richkettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschilimannii in 15.6% of Amblyomma variegatum and 41.7% of Hyalomma truncatum ticks, respectively. Ehrlichia minasensis was detected in 18.8% of H. truncatum, and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii was determined in Hyalomma marginatum. We also detected Babesia caballi and Theileria velifera in A. variegatum ticks with a 4.4% and 6.7% prevalence, respectively. In addition, Hepatozoon canis was detected in 6.5% of Rhipicephalus lunulatus and 4.3% of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Coinfection of R. aeshilimannii and E. minasensis were observed in 4.2% of H. truncatum. This is the first report of Ca. M. mitochondrii and E. minasensis, and the second report of B. caballi, in the country. Rickettsia africae and R. aeschlimannii are pathogenic to humans, and E. minasensis, B. caballi, T. velifera, and H. canis are pathogenic to animals. Therefore, individuals, clinicians, veterinarians, and pet owners should be aware of the distribution of these pathogens in the area.
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Rickettsia japonica infections in Huanggang, China, in 2021. IDCases 2021; 26:e01309. [PMID: 34712573 PMCID: PMC8529084 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2021.e01309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Two patients from Huanggang, China, were diagnosed with spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiosis—caused by spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR)—in 2021. This study aimed to investigate the clinical symptoms, laboratory examinations, epidemiological factors, and therapeutic responses in patients with SFG rickettsiosis—an emerging disease in this region. The patients showed a variety of clinical signs and symptoms, such as acute febrile illness with severe headache, myalgia, asthenia, anorexia, eschar, lymphadenopathy, and rash on the trunk and extremities. They exhibited increased neutrophil ratio, mild thrombocytopenia, liver dysfunction, and increased C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels. Following treatment with doxycycline, the patients recovered completely. This is the first report of Rickettsia japonica infection in Huanggang City, Hubei Province, China. SFGR infection is a tick-borne disease, which can be effectively treated with doxycycline; however, it has a mortality rate of approximately 10% with delays in treatment. The Huanggang area is also a high-risk area for tick-borne severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). Therefore, SFTS and SFG rickettsiosis should be carefully diagnosed in this area and clinicians should be alert with respect to the possibility of infections with both SFTS and SFG rickettsiosis. This is the first report on the prevalence of this tick-borne disease in Hubei. If spotted fever is misdiagnosed as SFTS, adverse outcomes may occur. In the early stages of epidemic, mNGS is used to detect those infected,which is rapid and sensitive.
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Sakabe S, Tanaka H, Nakanishi Y, Toyoshima H. The clinical course of 239 cases of Japanese spotted fever in Ise Red Cross Hospital, 2006-2019. J Infect Chemother 2021; 28:211-216. [PMID: 34711506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the mortality rates associated with Japanese spotted fever (JSF) are unknown, advances in testing technology have led to an increase in JSF-induced mortality reported in clinical practice. Up-to-date clinical information is essential for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of JSF. METHODS This retrospective descriptive study included patients with JSF who were treated at the Ise Red Cross Hospital between 2006 and 2019. Diagnostic criteria included positive results of molecular-based tests during the acute phase and/or increased serum-specific antibody titers. This study was performed based on the clinical findings, clinical course, treatment, and prognosis in confirmed cases of JSF. RESULTS We investigated 239 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of JSF (48.1% men, mean age 69.2 years). Notably, 237 patients received tetracycline antibiotics, and eight patients died (one patient was misdiagnosed and died without adequate treatment). Four of the remaining patients had a multi-organ failure at the time of admission. However, among the 155 consecutive patients who received effective antibiotic therapy after 2012, we observed two deaths; one patient died of hemorrhage secondary to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced duodenal ulcer. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a case fatality rate of 3.3%, which indicates that JSF is a severe illness. Although a few cases of the fulminant disease are reported, early initiation of therapy was shown to improve JSF-induced mortality by approximately 1%. Prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy (even in the absence of genetic test results) is warranted in cases of suspected JSF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakanishi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Japan
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Wang Q, Guo WB, Pan YS, Jiang BG, Du CH, Que TC, Zhan L, Wu JH, Yu MH, Cui XM, Zhao L, Xu DL, Xia LY, Ye RZ, Li J, Li LF, Wei W, Zhou YH, Jiang JF, Jia N, Cao WC. Detection of Novel Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Southwestern China. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1363-1369. [PMID: 33399212 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Spotted fever group rickettsiae, mainly maintained and transmitted by ticks, are important etiological agents of (re)emerging zoonotic diseases worldwide. It is of great significance to investigate spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks in different areas for the prevention and control of rickettsioses. In this study, a total of 305 ticks were collected from wild and domestic animals in Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi provinces of southwestern China during 2017-2019 and examined for the presence of spotted fever group rickettsiae by PCR with primers targeting the partial gltA, ompA, rrs, and htrA genes. Results showed that two spotted fever group rickettsiae species, including the pathogenic Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) and a potential novel species Rickettsia sp. sw (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), were identified. The Ca. R. jingxinensis sequences were recovered from Rhipicephalus microplus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks and phylogenetically clustered with previous Ca. R. jingxinensis, Ca. R. longicornii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), and Rickettsia sp. XY118 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) strains. Rickettsia sp. sw was detected in Amblyomma geoemydae (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and Rh. microplus. Interestingly, as far as we know, this was the first report of Rickettsia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in A. geoemydae. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that this potential novel species was closely related to R. aeschlimannii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) with gltA and ompA genes and grouped in a cluster composed of R. montanensis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), R. raoultii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), R. aeschlimannii, R. massiliae (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), and R. rhipicephali (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) with htrA, while formed a separate clade with rrs. The pathogenicity of Rickettsia sp. sw should be further confirmed. These results expand the knowledge of the geographical distribution and vector distribution of spotted fever group rickettsiae in China and are useful for assessing the potential public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Sheng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Hong Du
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Teng-Cheng Que
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Terrestrial Wildlife Medical-Aid and Monitoring Epidemic Diseases Research Center, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhan
- Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Hong Wu
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China
| | - Ming-Hui Yu
- Wulong County Animal Husbandry Bureau, Wulong, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhao
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Da-Li Xu
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Luo-Yuan Xia
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Run-Ze Ye
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lian-Feng Li
- Shanghai Institute for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- Center for Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
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Kinoshita H, Arima Y, Shigematsu M, Sunagawa T, Saijo M, Oishi K, Ando S. Descriptive epidemiology of rickettsial infections in Japan: Scrub typhus and Japanese spotted fever, 2007-2016. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 105:560-566. [PMID: 33610785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of endemics of two rickettsial diseases, scrub typhus (ST) and Japanese spotted fever (JSF), in Japan. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, descriptive epidemiological assessment of cases notified via national surveillance from 2007-2016. RESULTS Over the 10-year period, 4185 ST and 1765 JSF cases were notified; of these, 20 (0.48%) cases of ST and 16 (0.91%) cases of JSF were fatal at the time of reporting. The elderly had higher notification rates and fatalities. While the annual number of ST notifications was stable and cases were reported from a broad geographic range, the number of JSF reports increased three-fold, expanding from the southwest to the east. The seasonality of ST varied by region and was more common during spring/summer in the north and autumn/winter in the south; 78% of cases occurred during autumn/winter, mainly in the southern region. Most of the fatal ST cases occurred in the spring/summer and occurred in the northern region. CONCLUSION Our analysis identified seasonal and regional variations in the distribution of rickettsiosis. These variations were most likely to be related to the ecology of the vectors and etiological agents. Knowing the recent epidemiological and clinical features of ST and JSF can support clinical diagnosis and guide preventative activities against these vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuzo Arima
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Shuji Ando
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
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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.
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Cutaneous Immunoprofiles of Three Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia Cases. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00686-19. [PMID: 31907196 PMCID: PMC7093127 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00686-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotted fever group rickettsia (SFGR) can cause mild to fatal illness. The early interaction between the host and rickettsia in skin is largely unknown, and the pathogenesis of severe rickettsiosis remains an important topic. A surveillance of SFGR infection by PCR of blood and skin biopsy specimens followed by sequencing and immunohistochemical (IHC) detection was performed on patients with a recent tick bite between 2013 and 2016. Humoral and cutaneous immunoprofiles were evaluated in different SFGR cases by serum cytokine and chemokine detection, skin IHC staining, and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). Spotted fever group rickettsia (SFGR) can cause mild to fatal illness. The early interaction between the host and rickettsia in skin is largely unknown, and the pathogenesis of severe rickettsiosis remains an important topic. A surveillance of SFGR infection by PCR of blood and skin biopsy specimens followed by sequencing and immunohistochemical (IHC) detection was performed on patients with a recent tick bite between 2013 and 2016. Humoral and cutaneous immunoprofiles were evaluated in different SFGR cases by serum cytokine and chemokine detection, skin IHC staining, and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). A total of 111 SFGR cases were identified, including 79 “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae,” 22 Rickettsia raoultii, 8 Rickettsia sibirica, and 2 Rickettsia heilongjiangensis cases. The sensitivity to detect SFGR in skin biopsy specimens (9/24, 37.5%) was significantly higher than that in blood samples (105/2,671, 3.9%) (P < 0.05). As early as 1 day after the tick bite, rickettsiae could be detected in the skin. R. sibirica infection was more severe than “Ca. Rickettsia” and R. raoultii infections. Increased levels of serum interleukin-18 (IL-18), IP10, and monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG) and decreased levels of IL-2 were observed in febrile patients infected with R. sibirica compared to those infected with “Ca. Rickettsia.” RNA-seq and IHC staining could not discriminate between SFGR-infected and uninfected tick bite skin lesions. However, the type I interferon (IFN) response was differently expressed between R. sibirica and R. raoultii infections at the cutaneous interface. It is concluded that skin biopsy specimens were more reliable for the detection of SFGR infection in human patients although the immunoprofile may be complicated by immunomodulators induced by the tick bite.
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Li H, Zhang PH, Du J, Yang ZD, Cui N, Xing B, Zhang XA, Liu W. Rickettsia japonica Infections in Humans, Xinyang, China, 2014-2017. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 25:1719-1722. [PMID: 31441748 PMCID: PMC6711240 DOI: 10.3201/eid2509.171421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
During 2014–2017, we screened for Rickettsia japonica infection in Xinyang, China, and identified 20 cases. The major clinical manifestations of monoinfection were fever, asthenia, myalgia, rash, and anorexia; laboratory findings included thrombocytopenia and elevated hepatic aminotransferase concentrations. Physicians in China should consider R. japonica infection in at-risk patients.
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Sando E, Suzuki M, Katayama M, Taira M, Fujita H, Ariyoshi K. Rickettsia japonica Infection after Land Leech Bite, Japan. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1243-1245. [PMID: 31107234 PMCID: PMC6537741 DOI: 10.3201/eid2506.181985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of Rickettsia japonica infection in an 81-year-old man in central Japan. The patient had fever, rash, and an eschar but no evidence of a tick bite. His symptoms began 8 days after a land leech bite. The land leech is a potential vector of R. japonica.
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Li J, Hu W, Wu T, Li HB, Hu W, Sun Y, Chen Z, Shi Y, Zong J, Latif A, Wang L, Yu L, Yu XJ, Liu BY, Liu Y. Japanese Spotted Fever in Eastern China, 2013. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:2107-2109. [PMID: 30334711 PMCID: PMC6199993 DOI: 10.3201/eid2411.170264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We isolated Rickettsia japonica from a febrile patient in Lu'an City, China, in 2013. Subsequently, we found an R. japonica seroprevalence of 54.8% (494/902) in the rural population of Anhui Province and an R. japonica prevalence in Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks of 0.5% (5/935). R. japonica and its tick vector exist in China.
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