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Marwaha S, Ranjan R, Nath K, Singh M, Sawal RK, Sahoo A. Molecular epidemiology of anaplasmosis in Indian dromedary camels. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:2099-2108. [PMID: 38589771 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10373-5] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology, risk factors, and haemato-biochemical changes in anaplasmosis in Indian dromedary camels. Blood samples collected from 103 camels were analysed using blood smear examination and semi-nested PCR based on the 16s rRNA gene to diagnose anaplasmosis. The prevalence of anaplasmosis was estimated to be 42.72% (95% CI: 33.59-52.37) by PCR assay and 16.5% (95% CI: 10.47-24.95%) by blood smear examination. Phylogenetic analysis of six partial sequences of 16s rRNA gene obtained in the present study indicated the involvement of multiple Anaplasma species, including A. marginale and A. platys, showing genetic similarity with cattle strains. A novel genotype related to A. camelii/A. cinensis/A. platys group was also identified. Hemato-biochemical examination revealed mild anaemia, increased serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, and decreased total protein and albumin levels in Anaplasma-positive animals. The infections were largely subclinical in nature, except in one camel that revealed fever, inappetence, and pale mucous membrane and responded well to treatment with oxytetracycline. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular study on camel anaplasmosis in India, indicating a high prevalence of infection and involvement of multiple Anaplasma species with potential risk for interspecies transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumnil Marwaha
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - Rakesh Ranjan
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India.
| | - Kashi Nath
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - Meetpal Singh
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - R K Sawal
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
| | - Artabandhu Sahoo
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334001, India
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Murdock BK, Bach JF, Qurollo BA, Lashnits EW, Friedrichs KR. Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in an inflammatory pericardial effusion of a dog. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:2339-2343. [PMID: 38703185 PMCID: PMC11256139 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17090] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
An 11-year-old female spayed German Wirehaired Pointer with a 1-week history of lethargy, hyporexia, diarrhea, and coughing presented with pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade. An echocardiogram revealed no structural cause for pericardial effusion. The pericardial effusion was an exudate with mixed macrophagic and neutrophilic inflammation. Morulae occasionally were found within neutrophils. The pericardial fluid and blood were qPCR and cPCR positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (NC State University, Vector-borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Raleigh, NC). The dog's blood was negative by ELISA (Vetscan Flex4 Rapid Test, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) for A. phagocytophilum antibodies at initial presentation and subsequently positive (SNAP4DxPlus, IDEXX, Westbrook, ME) 7 days later. After pericardiocentesis and administration of doxycycline (5 mg/kg PO q12h for 14 days), a repeat echocardiogram performed 1 month later showed no recurrence of pericardial effusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy K. Murdock
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiological SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Jonathan F. Bach
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Barbara A. Qurollo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Erin W. Lashnits
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Kristen R. Friedrichs
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiological SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
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Facile V, Sabetti MC, Balboni A, Urbani L, Tirolo A, Magliocca M, Lunetta F, Dondi F, Battilani M. Detection of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in dogs from a veterinary teaching hospital in Italy: a retrospective study 2012-2020. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1727-1740. [PMID: 38536514 PMCID: PMC11147850 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10358-4] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis, responsible of diseases in dogs, are tick-borne pathogens with a proven or potential zoonotic role that have shown increasing prevalence worldwide. The aims of this retrospective study were to assess the frequency of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. exposure in dogs tested in a veterinary teaching hospital in Italy over a 9-year period, to compare the performance of the diagnostic tests used, to evaluate correlations with clinical data, and to genetically analyse the identified bacteria. During the study period, 1322 dogs tested by at least one of the rapid immunoenzymatic test, indirect immunofluorescent antibody test or end-point PCR assay for Anaplasmataceae detection were included. Dogs were tested if they had clinical signs or clinicopathological alteration or risk factors related to infection, and if they were potential blood-donor animals. Ninety-four of 1322 (7.1%) dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen: 53 (4.3%) for A. phagocytophilum, one (0.1%) for A. platys and 63 (4.6%) for E. canis. The number of dogs tested increased and the positivity rate progressively declined over the years. Comparison of tests showed a near-perfect agreement between serological tests and a poor agreement between PCR and indirect assays. A breed predisposition has been highlighted for A. phagocytophilum infection in hunting breed dogs and for E. canis infection in mixed breed dogs. Phylogeny confirmed potential zoonotic implications for A. phagocytophilum and showed no correlation of the identified bacteria with the geographical origin. Our study provides new insights into possible risk factors in dogs and evidenced discordant results between different tests, suggesting that a combination of serological and molecular assays is preferable for a correct diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Facile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Sabetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Andrea Balboni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Lorenza Urbani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tirolo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Martina Magliocca
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Francesco Lunetta
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy.
| | - Mara Battilani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
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Barradas PF, Marques J, Tavares C, Brito NV, Mesquita JR. Detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from the autochthonous Garrano breed of horses in Portugal. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101033. [PMID: 38772649 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101033] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The Garrano is a semi-feral horse breed native to several mountains in the northern Iberian Peninsula. Despite being endangered, this unique breed of pony has managed to survive in the wild and continues to be selectively bred, highlighting their remarkable resilience and adaptability to harsh environments. Wildlife plays a critical role in the survival of tick vectors in their natural habitats and the transfer of tick-borne pathogens, as they can serve as reservoir hosts for many agents and amplifiers for these vectors. The semi-feral lifestyle of the Garrano horses makes them particularly vulnerable to exposure to numerous tick species throughout the year. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, and spotted fever rickettsiae in the Garrano horse ticks to obtain a knowledge of circulating agents in this host population. The collected ticks (n = 455) were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa. DNA specimens were organized in pools of 5 ticks, for molecular screening. Pools PCR results confirmed the presence of Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae (n = 12 for the ompB gene, n = 11 for the ompA gene and n = 6 for the gltA gene), Babesia bigemina (n = 1), Babesia caballi (n = 3), Theileria equi (n = 15) and Theileria haneyi (n = 1).These results confirm the circulation of an emerging rickettsial spotted fever group member, Candidatus R. barbariae, in R. bursa ticks. Our findings demonstrated that Candidatus R. barbariae co-circulates with B. bigemina and T. equi, which are vectored by R. bursa. We are reporting for the first time, the detection of T. haneyi among R. bursa ticks feeding in the Garrano horses in Portugal. Surveillance studies for tick-borne infections are essential to provide information that can facilitate the implementation of preventive and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia F Barradas
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal.
| | - João Marques
- Nanta Portugal, 2615-180 Alverca do Ribatejo, Portugal
| | - Catarina Tavares
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vieira Brito
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
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Probst J, Springer A, Fingerle V, Strube C. Frequency of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp., and coinfections in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from dogs and cats in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:87. [PMID: 38395915 PMCID: PMC10893606 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06193-w] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changing geographical and seasonal activity patterns of ticks may increase the risk of tick infestation and tick-borne pathogen (TBP) transmission for both humans and animals. METHODS To estimate TBP exposure of dogs and cats, 3000 female I. ricinus from these hosts were investigated for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia species. RESULTS qPCR inhibition, which was observed for ticks of all engorgement stages but not questing ticks, was eliminated at a template volume of 2 µl. In ticks from dogs, A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp. prevalence amounted to 19.0% (285/1500) and 28.5% (427/1500), respectively, while ticks from cats showed significantly higher values of 30.9% (464/1500) and 55.1% (827/1500). Accordingly, the coinfection rate with both A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp. was significantly higher in ticks from cats (17.5%, 262/1500) than dogs (6.9%, 104/1500). Borrelia prevalence significantly decreased with increasing engorgement duration in ticks from both host species, whereas A. phagocytophilum prevalence decreased only in ticks from dogs. While A. phagocytophilum copy numbers in positive ticks did not change significantly over the time of engorgement, those of Borrelia decreased initially in dog ticks. In ticks from cats, copy numbers of neither A. phagocytophilum nor Borrelia spp. were affected by engorgement. Borrelia species differentiation was successful in 29.1% (365/1254) of qPCR-positive ticks. The most frequently detected species in ticks from dogs were B. afzelii (39.3% of successfully differentiated infections; 70/178), B. miyamotoi (16.3%; 29/178), and B. valaisiana (15.7%; 28/178), while B. afzelii (40.1%; 91/227), B. spielmanii (21.6%; 49/227), and B. miyamotoi (14.1%; 32/227) occurred most frequently in ticks from cats. CONCLUSIONS The differences in pathogen prevalence and Borrelia species distribution between ticks collected from dogs and cats may result from differences in habitat overlap with TBP reservoir hosts. The declining prevalence of A. phagocytophilum with increasing engorgement duration, without a decrease in copy numbers, could indicate transmission to dogs over the time of attachment. The fact that this was not observed in ticks from cats may indicate less efficient transmission. In conclusion, the high prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp. in ticks collected from dogs and cats underlines the need for effective acaricide tick control to protect both animals and humans from associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Probst
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Volker Fingerle
- National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinärstraße 2, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
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Martinescu GV, Ivănescu L, Ștefănescu R, Andronic L, Mătiuț S, Mîndru R, Solcan G, Miron L. Strategies for the Diagnosis of Granulocytic Anaplasmosis in Two Naturally Infected Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:49. [PMID: 38200780 PMCID: PMC10778014 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010049] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study describes granulocytic anaplasmosis in two dogs naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The 3-year-old dogs (male and female) came from the same household and were referred to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Iasi for blood donation. They were subject to standard routine tests: haematology blood test, blood smear, and serological tests (VETSCAN® FLEX4 and IDEXX SNAP 4Dx Plus). The female dog had no medical problems, while the male dog experienced joint pain. The blood smear was negative for tick-borne pathogens, and the haematology findings indicated thrombocytopenia in both dogs, with the male dog also displaying eosinophilia. The two dogs were mildly positive in the ELISA tests for the detection of Anaplasma spp. antibodies; therefore, the blood samples were tested using the qRT-PCR method for Anaplasma platys and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The qRT-PCR result was negative for A. platys, but it was positive for A. phagocytophilum. The treatment consisted of the administration of doxycycline for 28 days. In conclusion, the high number of cases with non-specific clinical signs, the different sensitivity and specificity of the immunochromatographic serological tests, as well as the possibility of confusing the morula during the cytological examination, make the molecular test mandatory for precise diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela-Victoria Martinescu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 8 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (G.-V.M.); (R.Ș.); (L.A.); (R.M.); (G.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Larisa Ivănescu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 8 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (G.-V.M.); (R.Ș.); (L.A.); (R.M.); (G.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Raluca Ștefănescu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 8 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (G.-V.M.); (R.Ș.); (L.A.); (R.M.); (G.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Lavinia Andronic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 8 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (G.-V.M.); (R.Ș.); (L.A.); (R.M.); (G.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Simona Mătiuț
- Praxis Medical Laboratory, 33 Independentei Boulevard, 700102 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Raluca Mîndru
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 8 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (G.-V.M.); (R.Ș.); (L.A.); (R.M.); (G.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Gheorghe Solcan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 8 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (G.-V.M.); (R.Ș.); (L.A.); (R.M.); (G.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Liviu Miron
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 8 Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania; (G.-V.M.); (R.Ș.); (L.A.); (R.M.); (G.S.); (L.M.)
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Lin ZT, Ye RZ, Liu JY, Wang XY, Zhu WJ, Li YY, Cui XM, Cao WC. Epidemiological and phylogenetic characteristics of emerging Anaplasma capra: A systematic review with modeling analysis. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 115:105510. [PMID: 37778674 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Anaplasma capra, an emerging tick-borne pathogen, has caused a lot of concern since initially recognized in goats and patients in China in 2015, and has been reported in a wide range of domestic and wild animals as well as ticks worldwide, posing a threat to public health. In this systematic review, we established a comprehensive database to acquire the distribution and prevalence status of this pathogen, and collected all sequences of A. capra to summarize the details of genetic diversity by phylogenetic analysis. We also predicted the possible global distribution of A. capra by using ecological niche model. A. capra has been known to distribute in 18 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa. A total of 19 species of mammals from seven families have been reported as hosts, and domestic ruminants including goats, sheep and cattle were the major hosts. At least 8 tick species of 4 genera have been reported to carry A. capra, and Haemaphysalis longicornis was most commonly infected. Sheep and Rhipicephalus microplus had the highest positive rates among animals and ticks. Phylogenetic analysis based on gltA and groEL genes revealed that A. capra could primarily be divided into two clusters related to geographic location and animal hosts. The predictive model showed that the most suitable habitats for presence of A. capra were mainly located in Asia and eastern Europe. These cumulative data regarding A. capra of our study lay a foundation for the subsequent exploration of this emerging tick-borne pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Tao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Run-Ze Ye
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jin-Yue Liu
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yang Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, PR China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Yu-Yu Li
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, PR China; Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Street, Jinan 250012, Shandong, PR China.
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Kruppenbacher AS, Müller E, Aardema ML, Schäfer I, von Loewenich FD. Granulocytic anaplasmosis in cats from central Europe and molecular characterization of feline Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains by ankA gene, groEL gene and multilocus sequence typing. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:348. [PMID: 37803346 PMCID: PMC10557162 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05954-3] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that replicates in neutrophil granulocytes. It is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex and causes febrile illness called granulocytic anaplasmosis primarily in humans, horses, dogs, sheep, cattle and goats. In comparison, clinically apparent disease has been described rarely in cats especially compared to dogs and horses. It is currently unknown whether cats are less susceptible to A. phagocytophilum or whether granulocytic anaplasmosis might be underdiagnosed in cats. METHODS To address this question, we examined clinical signs and laboratory findings in seven A. phagocytophilum infected cats from Germany and Switzerland. We then genetically characterized feline A. phagocytophilum strains and compared them to those from other hosts showing clinically apparent disease. For this purpose, ankA-based, groEL-based and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were applied. Furthermore, the concordance between these typing methods was assessed. RESULTS Fever, lethargy and anorexia were the most common clinical signs in cats suffering from granulocytic anaplasmosis. The most frequent laboratory finding was thrombocytopenia. All three typing methods consistently indicated that the A. phagocytophilum strains found infecting cats are the same as those that cause disease in humans, dogs and horses. In general, the three typing methods applied exhibited high concordance. CONCLUSIONS The genetic characterization of the feline A. phagocytophilum strains indicates that strain divergence is not the explanation for the fact that granulocytic anaplasmosis is much less frequently diagnosed in cats than in dogs and horses. Otherwise, it may be possible that cats are less susceptible to the same strains than dogs and horse are. However, due to the unspecific clinical signs, it should be considered that granulocytic anaplasmosis may be under-diagnosed in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew L. Aardema
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ USA
- Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY USA
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Bad Kissingen, Germany
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Graham M, Ewing P, Whelan M. Acute Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in a pediatric domestic cat. JFMS Open Rep 2023; 9:20551169231213505. [PMID: 38144712 PMCID: PMC10748583 DOI: 10.1177/20551169231213505] [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] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Case summary A domestic shorthair cat estimated to be 4-6 weeks old was presented to a referral center for evaluation of lethargy, anorexia and diarrhea for a duration of 24 h. A feline vector-borne PCR panel, as well as a blood smear, examined by a board-certified pathologist, confirmed an Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection. Morulae were identified in both feline neutrophils and eosinophils. Treatment consisted of a 21-day course of liquid doxycycline. Clinical signs rapidly resolved and were not noted to recur. Relevance and novel information This case demonstrates that A phagocytophilum can infect cats as young as 4-6 weeks old. Doxycycline, as the antibiotic of choice for the treatment of A phagocytophilum infections, was used. Consistent with the literature, a rapid clinical improvement was detected. Anaplasmosis should be listed as a differential diagnosis in pediatric cats suffering from acute febrile illness with potential previous tick exposure (history of living outdoors) in order to provide proper treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patty Ewing
- Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Seroexposure to Zoonotic Anaplasma and Borrelia in Dogs and Horses That Are in Contact with Vulnerable People in Italy. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030470. [PMID: 36986392 PMCID: PMC10054474 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine and canine anaplasmosis and borreliosis are major tick-borne zoonotic diseases caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and various species of Borrelia (the most important being Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.), respectively. This study evaluated the seroexposure to Anaplasma and Borrelia in dogs and horses used in Animal-Assisted Interventions or living in contact with children, elderly people or immunocompromised persons. A total of 150 horses and 150 dogs living in Italy were equally divided into clinically healthy animals and animals with at least one clinical sign compatible with borreliosis and/or anaplasmosis (present at clinical examination or reported in the medical history). Serum samples were tested with ELISA and immunoblot for the presence of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l., and the association between seropositivity and possible risk factors was analyzed using multivariate and univariate tests. Overall, 13 dogs (8.7%) and 19 horses (12.7%) were positive for at least one of the two pathogens. In addition, 1 dog (0.7%) and 12 horses (8%) were positive for antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, while 12 dogs (8.0%) and 10 horses (6.7%) had antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. Tick infestation in the medical history of the dogs was significantly associated with seropositivity to at least one pathogen (p = 0.027; OR 7.398). These results indicate that, in Italy, ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum and/or B. burgdorferi circulate in places where horses and dogs are in contact with people at risk of developing severe diseases. Awareness should be increased, and adequate control plans need to be developed to protect human and animal health, especially where vulnerable, at-risk individuals are concerned.
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Epidemiological Survey on Tick-Borne Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Dog Populations of Southern Ethiopia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020102. [PMID: 36828518 PMCID: PMC9962431 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs are known to host several tick-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential; however, scant information is available on the epidemiology of these pathogens in low-income tropical countries and in particular in sub-Saharan Africa. With the aim of investigating a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (i.e., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Erhlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Babesia spp.), 273 blood samples were collected from dogs in selected districts of Ethiopia and analyzed by real-time and/or end-point PCR. The results of the study showed that Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent pathogen (53.8%), followed by Anaplasma phagocythophilum (7.0%), Babesia canis rossi (3.3%), Ehrlichia canis (2.6%) and Anaplasma platys (2.2%). Furthermore, five samples tested positive for Borrelia spp., identified as Borrelia afzelii (n = 3) and Borrelia burgdorferi (n = 2), and two samples for Rickettsia spp., identified as Rickettsia conorii (n = 1) and Rickettsia monacensis (n = 1). The finding of Anaplasma phagocythophilum and different species of the genera Borrelia and Rickettsia with zoonotic potential was unexpected and alarming, and calls for further investigation on the roles of dogs and on the tick, species acting as vector in this specific context. Other pathogens (Hepatozoon canis, Babaesia canis rossi, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis) are already known to have an important impact on the dogs' health but have minor zoonotic potential as they were rarely or never reported in humans. Dogs from rural areas were found to be at higher risk for different pathogens, probably due to the presence of other wild canids in the same environment. The findings of the present study contribute to a better knowledge of the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens, which is relevant to human and animal health.
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Yessinou RE, Cazan CD, Panait LC, Mollong E, Biguezoton AS, Bonnet SI, Farougou S, Groschup MH, Mihalca AD. New geographical records for tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo. Vet Med Sci 2022; 9:345-352. [PMID: 36508582 PMCID: PMC9856996 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods capable of transmitting a great variety of endemic and emerging pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo. METHODS Overall, 396 (148 males, 205 females and 43 nymphs) ticks were collected from cattle in 17 districts (Benin and Togo) between 2019 and 2020. Ticks were pooled into groups of 2-6 ticks per pool according to individual host, location, species and developmental stage. The DNA of each pool was extracted for molecular screening. RESULTS PCR results revealed that 20 tick pools were positive for Bartonella spp. (Benin and Togo) and 23 tick pools positive for Rickettsia spp. (Benin), while all pools were negative for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. Sequence analysis of positive Rickettsia samples revealed the presence of Rickettsia aeschlimannii. CONCLUSIONS The present study highlights the presence of zoonotic agents in ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo. This information will raise awareness of tick-borne diseases among physicians and veterinarians, stimulate further studies to monitor these pathogens, and advise on necessary measures to control the spread of these zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Eric Yessinou
- Communicable Disease Research Unit (URMaT)University of Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic DiseasesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj‐NapocaCluj‐NapocaRomania,CDS‐9, Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology UnitFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj‐NapocaCluj‐NapocaRomania
| | - Luciana Cătălina Panait
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic DiseasesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj‐NapocaCluj‐NapocaRomania
| | - Eyabana Mollong
- Laboratory of Applied EntomologySection: Agro‐Resources Protection, Faculty of SciencesUniversity of LomeLomeTogo
| | - Abel S. Biguezoton
- Unité Maladies à Vecteurs et Biodiversité (UMaVeB)Centre International de Recherche‐Développement sur l'Elevage en zone Subhumide (CIRDES)Bobo‐DioulassoBurkina Faso
| | - Sarah Irène Bonnet
- Functional Genetics of Infectious Diseases UnitInstitut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000Université de Paris, Paris 7France,Animal Health DepartmentNouzillyFrance
| | - Souaïbou Farougou
- Communicable Disease Research Unit (URMaT)University of Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Friedrich‐Loeffler‐Insitut (FLI)Federal Research Institute for Animal HealthInstitute of Novel and Emerging Infectious DiseasesGreifswald‐Insel RiemsGermany
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic DiseasesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj‐NapocaCluj‐NapocaRomania
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Diniz PPV, Moura de Aguiar D. Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1225-1266. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Verant ML, Wolf TM, Romanski MC, Moore S, Mayer T, Munderloh UG, Price LD, Lejeune M, Patterson BR, Beyer DE. Practical application of disease risk analysis for reintroducing gray wolves (
Canis lupus
) to Isle Royale National Park,
USA. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Verant
- National Park Service, Biological Resources Division Wildlife Health Branch Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Tiffany M. Wolf
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Mark C. Romanski
- National Park Service, Isle Royal National Park Houghton Michigan USA
| | - Seth Moore
- Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Grand Portage Minnesota USA
| | - Treana Mayer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Ulrike G. Munderloh
- Department of Entomology College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Lisa D. Price
- Department of Entomology College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Mandigandan Lejeune
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca New York USA
| | - Brent R. Patterson
- Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada
| | - Dean E. Beyer
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
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Laatamna A, Strube C, Bakkes DK, Schaper S, Aziza FZ, Ben Chelef H, Amrane NEH, Bedraoui R, Dobler G, Chitimia-Dobler L. Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto collected from dogs in the steppe and high plateau regions of Algeria. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106582. [PMID: 35787416 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106582] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiology and distributions of canine tick-borne diseases as well as their veterinary and zoonotic significance are poorly understood in Algeria. The present study describes a molecular investigation of important tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto collected from domestic dogs in steppe and high plateau areas of central and eastern Algeria. In total, 1,043 ticks were collected from 147 domestic dogs, including 756 ticks from 124 dogs in the steppe region of Djelfa, and 287 ticks from 23 dogs in the high plateau area of Bordj Bou Arreridj. Ticks were divided into 384 pools (309 pools from Djelfa and 75 pools from Bordj Bou Arreridj) and tested for genomic materials of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) as well as DNA for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp. using PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Hepatozoon spp. was most prevalent, with 160 positive pools (41.70%), and 12 of these were sequenced and identified as Hepatozoon canis. Babesia spp. was detected in 50 samples (13.0%), of which 11 were sequenced and identified as Babesia vogeli. A. platys and E. canis were detected in 92 (24.0%) and 15 (3.9%) of tested samples, respectively. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 24 (6.3%) samples, including 11 samples identified as R. massiliae, 6 samples identified as R. conorii conorii, and 7 samples could not be identified to species level. All 384 pools tested negative for CCHFV and A. phagocytophilum. In addition to detection of R. conorii conorii, R. massiliae, and E. canis, the present study provides the first molecular data for occurrence of A. platys, B. vogeli, and H. canis in Rh. sanguineus s.s. infesting dogs in Algeria. Further large scale studies should be conducted to better understand the epidemiology, distributions and importance of canine tick-borne pathogens in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdElkarim Laatamna
- Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria.
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Deon K Bakkes
- Gertrud Theiler Tick Museum, Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Fatima Zohra Aziza
- Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Hanan Ben Chelef
- Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Nour El Houda Amrane
- Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Ramlia Bedraoui
- Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria
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Moonlighting in Rickettsiales: Expanding Virulence Landscape. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7020032. [PMID: 35202227 PMCID: PMC8877226 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The order Rickettsiales includes species that cause a range of human diseases such as human granulocytic anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), human monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia chaffeensis), scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi), epidemic typhus (Rickettsia prowazekii), murine typhus (R. typhi), Mediterranean spotted fever (R. conorii), or Rocky Mountain spotted fever (R. rickettsii). These diseases are gaining a new momentum given their resurgence patterns and geographical expansion due to the overall rise in temperature and other human-induced pressure, thereby remaining a major public health concern. As obligate intracellular bacteria, Rickettsiales are characterized by their small genome sizes due to reductive evolution. Many pathogens employ moonlighting/multitasking proteins as virulence factors to interfere with multiple cellular processes, in different compartments, at different times during infection, augmenting their virulence. The utilization of this multitasking phenomenon by Rickettsiales as a strategy to maximize the use of their reduced protein repertoire is an emerging theme. Here, we provide an overview of the role of various moonlighting proteins in the pathogenicity of these species. Despite the challenges that lie ahead to determine the multiple potential faces of every single protein in Rickettsiales, the available examples anticipate this multifunctionality as an essential and intrinsic feature of these obligates and should be integrated into available moonlighting repositories.
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Gospodinova K, Koev K, Petrov V. Performance of laboratory ELISA and rapid ELISA tests for Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. antibody detection in dogs. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the performance of two diagnostic approaches for the detection of antibodies against Ehrlichia canis (E. canis) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophylum). Two types of tests were used. Anti-E. canis ELISA Dog (IgG) and Anti-A. phagocytophilum ELISA Dog (IgG) are ELISA kits for the detection of relevant antibodies in laboratory conditions, and SNAP® 4Dx Plus is a pet-side ELISA-based serological screening test for simultaneous detection of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum/A. platys, E. canis/E. ewingii, B. burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis antigens. A total of 61 blood samples obtained from dogs with clinical signs and haematological changes suspect for granulocytic anaplasmosis or monocytic ehrlichiosis were analysed. Antibodies against E. canis were found out in 29 (47.54%) and A. phagocytophilum in 7 (11.48%) of the samples tested by laboratory ELISA. When using the SNAP test, the results were 35 (57.38%) and 11 (18.03%), respectively. Using the laboratory ELISA kit, 18 samples (29.50%) were positive for antibodies against both pathogens vs 9 (14.75%) samples tested by SNAP. The comparison of the two tests showed a greater agreement of the results in the detection of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. (52 samples) than against Anaplasma spp. (44 samples). This difference was attributed to possible cross-reactions
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Gospodinova
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - K. Koev
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - V. Petrov
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
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