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Szabó MPJ, Queiroz CL, Suzin A, Rodrigues VDS, Vieira RBK, Martins MM, Rezende LM, Sousa ACP, Ramos VDN, Muraro FM, Fernandes LK, Santos LCM, Maia RDC, Rezende AF. Density and behavior of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum with notes on Rickettsia bellii infection: Assessing human exposure risk. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102330. [PMID: 38460340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
In several urban and peri‑urban areas of Brazil, populations of Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum ticks are maintained by capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). In some of these areas, this host and these tick species are associated with Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), a lethal human disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. In this work, we evaluated the risk of human exposure to these tick species using four collection techniques to discern host-seeking behavior. The study was carried out in 10 urban sites inhabited by capybaras in Uberlândia, a BSF-free municipality in southeastern Brazil. Ticks were collected in areas of 400 m2 at each site and at three seasons. Within the same municipality, the distance and speed of A. sculptum nymphs moving towards the CO2 traps were evaluated. In a sample of ticks Rickettsia DNA was investigated. During the study period, 52,953 ticks were collected. Among these, 83.4 % were A. sculptum (1,523 adults, 10,545 nymphs and 32,104 larvae) and 16.6 % were A. dubitatum (464 adults, 2,153 nymphs and 6,164 larvae). An average annual questing tick density of 4.4/m² was observed, with the highest density recorded at one site in autumn (31.8/m²) and the lowest in summer at another site (0.03/m²). The visual search yielded the highest proportion of A. sculptum larvae, constituting 47 % of the total and 63.6 % of all A. sculptum larvae. In contrast, CO2 traps collected a greater proportion of nymphs and adults of A. sculptum ticks. In the case of A. dubitatum, the CO2 trap was the most efficient technique with 57.7 % of captures of this species, especially of nymphs (94.5 % of captures) and adults (97.8 % of captures). Ticks' ambush height on vegetation (9 to 77 cm), observed by visual search 30 times, yielded a total of 20,771 ticks. Of these, 28 (93 %) were A. sculptum ticks, with only two (7 %) identified as A. dubitatum ticks. Among A. sculptum ticks, the nymph was the most attracted stage to humans and larva in the case of A. dubitatum. Amblyomma sculptum adults and nymphs were significantly more attracted to humans than those of A. dubitatum, but A. dubitatum larvae were significantly more attracted than the same stage of A. sculptum. The maximum distance and speed of horizontal displacement for A. sculptum nymphs were five meters and 2.0 m/h, respectively. The only species of Rickettsia detected in ticks, exclusively in A. dubitatum, was R. bellii. Importantly, it was observed that the higher the proportion of A. sculptum in the community of ticks, the lower the rate of infection of A. dubitatum by R. bellii. In conclusion, host-seeking behavior differed between the two tick species, as well as between stages of the same species. A greater restriction of A. dubitatum ticks to the soil was observed, while larvae and nymphs of A. sculptum dispersed higher in the vegetation. The behavior presented by A. sculptum provides greater opportunities for contact with the hosts, while A. dubitatum depends more on an active search for a host, the hunter behavior. Taken together, these observations show that a human being crossing an area infested with A. sculptum and A. dubitatum ticks will have almost exclusive contact with A. sculptum larvae and/or nymphs. Humans in a stationary position (sitting, lying or immobile) are exposed to both tick species, but they are more attractive to adults and mainly nymphs of A. sculptum compared to the corresponding stages of the tick A. dubitatum. The negative effect of A. sculptum on A. dubitatum infection by R. bellii deserves further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias P J Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Caroline Lopes Queiroz
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriane Suzin
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Brauner Kamla Vieira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Clínica e Reprodução, Animal da Universidade Federal Fluminense. Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Marlene Martins
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lais Miguel Rezende
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina P Sousa
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vanessa do Nascimento Ramos
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Marinho Muraro
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lais Keocheguerian Fernandes
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lorena C M Santos
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Costa Maia
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Amanda Ferreira Rezende
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, CEP 38405-302, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Eberhardt AT, Manzoli DE, Fernandez C, Zurvera D, Monje LD. Anaplasma species infecting questing ticks in the Iberá wetlands ecoregion, Argentina. Exp Appl Acarol 2023; 89:485-496. [PMID: 37027054 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00788-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the presence of Anaplasma species in questing ticks from six sites with opposing land usage (i.e., protected natural areas or livestock establishments) within the Iberá wetlands ecoregion in Argentina. The ticks were determined as Amblyomma dubitatum (n = 15,096), Rhipicephalus microplus (n = 399), Amblyomma triste (n = 134), Haemaphysalis juxtakochi (n = 5), and Amblyomma tigrinum (n = 1). Using a real-time PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene, Anaplasma sp. was detected in A. dubitatum samples (one nymph, three nymph pools and one larvae pool) and one R. microplus larvae pool. The overall minimum infection rate (MIR) for Anaplasma sp. in questing A. dubitatum nymphs was 0.169% (0.175% in protected natural areas and 0% in livestock establishments). For R. microplus, overall Anaplasma sp. MIR was 0.25% (0.52% in protected natural areas and 0% in livestock establishments). Phylogenetic analysis positioned the Anaplasma sp. from A. dubitatum in the same clade as Anaplasma odocoilei, whereas the Anaplasma sp. from R. microplus was related to Anaplasma platys. In conclusion, these results support a possible role of A. dubitatum in the ecology of the Anaplasma agent reported to infect capybaras in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelen T Eberhardt
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, S3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Darío E Manzoli
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, S3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Camilo Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, S3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Daniel Zurvera
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, S3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lucas D Monje
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, S3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Perles L, Barreto WTG, de Macedo GC, Calchi AC, Bezerra-Santos M, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D, Herrera HM, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular detection of Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. in coatis (Nasua nasua) and associated ticks from midwestern Brazil. Parasitol Res 2023. [PMID: 36890298 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07815-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Procyonids are reservoirs of many zoonotic infectious diseases, including tick-borne pathogens. The role of coatis (Nasua nasua) in the epidemiology of piroplasmids and Rickettsia has not been fully addressed in Brazil. To molecularly study these agents in coatis and associated ticks, animals were sampled in two urban areas in Midwestern Brazil. Blood (n = 163) and tick (n = 248) DNA samples were screened by PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA and gltA genes of piroplasmids and Rickettsia spp., respectively. Positive samples were further molecularly tested targeting cox-1, cox-3, β-tubulin, cytB, and hsp70 (piroplasmid) and ompA, ompB, and htrA 17-kDa (Rickettsia spp.) genes, sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. All coatis' blood samples were negative for piroplasmids, whereas five pools of ticks (2%) were positive for two different sequences of Babesia spp.. The first from Amblyomma sculptum nymphs was close (i.e., ≥ 99% nucleotide identity) to a Babesia sp. previously found in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris); the second from Amblyomma dubitatum nymphs and Amblyomma spp. larvae was identical (100% nucleotide identity) to a Babesia sp. detected in opossums (Didelphis albiventris) and associated ticks. Four samples (0.8%) were positive by PCR to two different Rickettsia spp. sequences, being the first from Amblyomma sp. larva identical to Rickettsia belli and the second from A. dubitatum nymph identical to Rickettsia species from Spotted Fever Group (SFG). The detection of piroplasmids and SFG Rickettsia sp. highlights the importance of Amblyomma spp. in the maintenance of tick-borne agents in urban parks where humans and wild and domestic animals are living in sympatry.
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Neves LC, de Sousa-Paula LC, Dias SA, da Silva BBF, Paula WVDF, de Paula LGF, Pereira BG, Pádua GT, Borsanelli AC, Cardoso ERN, Krawczak FDS, Dantas-Torres F. Detection of an Undescribed Babesia sp. in Capybaras and Amblyomma Ticks in Central-Western Brazil. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010094. [PMID: 36611703 PMCID: PMC9817508 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the largest rodents on Earth. While capybaras are hosts for various tick species, there is limited information regarding the tick-borne pathogens they can carry. We investigated the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in capybaras and their associated ticks in two peri-urban areas in Goiás state, central-western Brazil. Blood samples collected from 23 capybaras were used to investigate the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in stained-blood smears and by PCR. Ticks collected from the capybaras were identified morphologically and also tested using PCR for the same pathogens. A total of 955 ticks were collected, including 822 (86.1%) Amblyomma sculptum, 132 (13.8%) Amblyomma dubitatum, and one (0.1%) unidentified larva of Amblyomma sp. Neither the capybaras nor ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp. However, a stained-blood smear examination revealed the presence of ring-stage and pyriform-shaped merozoites in the erythrocytes of one (4.4%) capybara. In the same way, 47.8% (11/23) and 19.9% (36/181) of blood samples and ticks, respectively, were positive for piroplasmids in the PCR. We successfully sequenced a partial 18S rRNA gene fragment of four samples (two capybaras, one A. sculptum, and one A. dubitatum), and the phylogenetic reconstruction disclosed that the organism reported in the present study clusters within the genus Babesia. Further research is required for a formal delineation of this species (designated as Babesia sp. strain Capybara) and to investigate the hypothesis of A. dubitatum and A. sculptum ticks being vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucianne Cardoso Neves
- Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-220, Brazil
| | - Lucas Christian de Sousa-Paula
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife 50740-465, Brazil
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Sarah Alves Dias
- Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-220, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Brenda Gomes Pereira
- Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-220, Brazil
| | - Gracielle Teles Pádua
- Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-220, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Borsanelli
- Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-220, Brazil
| | | | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife 50740-465, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Suzin A, da Silva Rodrigues V, Nascimento Ramos VD, Szabó MPJ. Comparing scapular morphology of Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum nymphs allows a fast and practical differential diagnosis of ticks in highly infested areas with dominance of these two species. Exp Appl Acarol 2022; 86:455-463. [PMID: 35235094 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00702-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsia rickettsii infection causes the highest human fatality rate among all Rickettsia species of the world and is endemic in Southeast Brazil. In this part of the country most human spotted fever cases are related to unnaturally high populations of ticks, usually a mix of two species, Amblyomma dubitatum Neumann and Amblyomma sculptum Berlese and their local host, capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). At the same time, an increase in the number of SF notifications as well as its urbanization was observed, and a better characterization of disease epidemiology is mandatory for control measures and to halt its expansion. It was recently noticed in southeast Brazil that SF endemic areas were characterized by overgrowth populations of A. sculptum and decreased populations of A. dubitatum. Hence, characterization of areas with potential to endemicity, eco-epidemiological studies and control measures may rely on the evaluation of A. sculptum/A. dubitatum rate. However, in potentially endemic scenarios, discriminating the two tick species, particularly the nymphs considered the main vector stage, is a challenge in face of several hundreds to thousands of ticks that should be examined for quantitative studies. We herein present additional morphological features to an existing identification key for Amblyomma nymphs that considerably diminishes the labor to distinguish nymphs of these two tick species. Specifically, the oval-shaped scutum of A. dubitatum and a conspicuous scapula of A. sculptum are prominent discriminating features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Suzin
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation of Natural Resources, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720 Uberlândia/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2D, CEP: 38405-320, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Applied Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas/Campus Umuarama, Bloco 4C, CEP: 38405-320, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vanessa do Nascimento Ramos
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil
- Post-Doctoral Program in Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará/Campus Umuarama, 1720, CEP: 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 6T, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, CEP 38400-902, Brazil
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Yang SGNDS, Souza DDSE, Santiago ACDS, Silva RBS, Melo MAD, Souza EARD, Labruna MB, Horta MC, Oliveira JBD. Rickettsial infection in free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and their ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) in the Caatinga and Atlantic forest biomes, Northeastern Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 26:100649. [PMID: 34879960 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Caatinga and Atlantic Forest are Brazilian biomes threatened by anthropogenic disturbances, which are a serious threat to biodiversity and favor the emergence of zoonotic pathogens. Capybara populations are increasingly present in urban and rural areas due to the loss of their natural habitats. There are no studies on the rickettsial infection in these rodents in Northeastern Brazil, although there are case records of Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) in this region. In this context, we evaluated rickettsial infection in capybaras and their ticks in four areas of the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes in Northeastern Brazil. Blood sera from 21 capybaras were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using Rickettsia rickettsii, R. parkeri, and R. amblyommatis antigens. Blood samples and ticks (Amblyomma sp., Amblyomma dubitatum and Amblyomma sculptum) were tested by PCR, targeting a fragment of the rickettsial gltA gene and R. bellii primers. Overall, 15 out of 21 capybaras (71.4%) reacted positively (titer ≥64) to at least one of the three Rickettsia antigens tested, with final titers ranging from 64 to 1024. No rickettsial DNA was found in capybara blood samples. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 22 of 31 adult tick pools using gltA gene, being all nine pools of A. sculptum and 16 of the 19 of A. dubitatum, but all samples were negative to R. bellii specific primers. All attempts to sequence the amplicon were unsuccessful, indicating a possible low rickettsial load in the tick samples. The present study reports for the first time the serological evidence of Rickettsia spp. infection in free-ranging capybaras and suggest the rickettsial infection in A. sculptum and A. dubitatum in the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes in Northeastern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dênisson da Silva E Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia da Silva Santiago
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Raizza Barros Sousa Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Semiárido, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Márcia Almeida de Melo
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Semiárido, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Eline Almeida Rodrigues de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil; Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Claudio Horta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil; Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Bianque de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil; Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil; Programa de Educação Tutorial do Bacharelado em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Vieira RFC, Santos NJR, Valente JDM, Santos LP, Lange RR, Duque JCM, Ferrari MV, Barros Filho IR, Collere FCM, Ferrari LDR, Gonçalves LR, Sanches GS, André MR, Vieira TSWJ. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematohydrochoerus', a novel hemoplasma species in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from Brazil. Infect Genet Evol 2021; 93:104988. [PMID: 34214674 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Three different species of hemoplasmas have been described in rodents, Mycoplasma coccoides, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomuris' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemosphiggurus'. Additionally, potentially novel hemoplasma species have been detected in wild rodents from Brazil, including capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Capybaras are the largest rodent in the world and are well adapted to live within close proximity to humans, which increases the risk to spread of zoonotic pathogens. Herein, we investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of hemoplasmas infecting free-ranging capybaras from southern Brazil. Blood samples and ticks from 17 capybaras were collected. Packed cell volume and total plasma protein were measured, DNA was extracted, and further screened by species-specific and pan-hemoplasma PCR assays targeting the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas. Sixteen out of 17 (94.12%; 95% CI: 73.02-98.95%) were anemic. Only one young female was hypoproteinemic. All capybaras were infested by adults and nymphs of Amblyomma dubitatum ticks. Using the PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene of M. coccoides, 13/17 (76.47%; 95% CI: 52.74-90.44%) capybaras were positive for hemoplasmas. When DNA samples were tested by the pan-hemoplasma PCR, 16/17 (94.12%; 95% CI: 73.02-98.95%) animals were positive. One out of 11 (9.09%) adult ticks salivary glands tested positive for hemoplasma by the pan-hemoplasma PCR assay. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S and 23S rRNA gene fragments confirmed that animals were infected by a novel hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. previously reported in capybaras from Brazil. Additionally, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 23S rRNA gene from three hemoplasma-positive capybaras samples from a previous study performed in midwestern Brazil also confirm our findings. Based on phylogenetic and Neighbor-Net network analysis of the 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes, the name 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematohydrochoerus' is proposed for this novel organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael F C Vieira
- Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil; Global One Health initiative (GOHi), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Nelson J R Santos
- Graduate Program in Animal Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Jessica D M Valente
- Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Leonardo P Santos
- Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Rogério R Lange
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Juan C M Duque
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marcos V Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Ivan R Barros Filho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Flávia C M Collere
- Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Larissa D R Ferrari
- Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Luiz R Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Teriogenologia e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Gustavo S Sanches
- Escola de Ciências da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marcos R André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Teriogenologia e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Thállitha S W J Vieira
- Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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Dantas-Torres F, Melo MF, Sales KGDS, Sousa-Paula LCD, da Silva FJ, Figueredo LA, Labruna MB. Seasonal dynamics and rickettsial infection in free-living Amblyomma dubitatum in the Atlantic forest biome in north-eastern Brazil. Acta Trop 2021; 217:105854. [PMID: 33561429 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The genus Amblyomma is the most representative tick genus in Brazil and some species act as vectors of pathogenic organisms to animals and humans. Information on the seasonal dynamics of Amblyomma spp. as well as on rickettsial organisms infecting these ticks in some regions in Brazil is still fragmentary. Herein, we investigated the seasonal dynamics and rickettsial infections in Amblyomma dubitatum ticks collected in the Atlantic forest biome in north-eastern Brazil. Using carbon dioxide traps, ticks were collected monthly for two consecutive years. In total, 15,789 ticks were collected: 69 females (0.4%), 116 males (0.7%), 1,067 nymphs (6.8%), and 14,537 larvae (92.1%). All nymphs, females and males were identified as A. dubitatum, whereas larvae were identified as Amblyomma spp. Larvae were more frequent in summer (77% of the larvae collected), whereas nymphs were collected with similar frequency in summer (32.8%), autumn (30.0%) and spring (28.4%). Adults were more frequent in spring (47.6%). A total of 648 ticks (485 nymphs, 60 females, and 103 males) were tested by PCR for the gltA gene of Rickettsia spp. and 87 (13.4%; 95% CI: 10.9-16.3%) were positive. A consensus sequence (size, 350 bp) of 66 gltA gene sequences indicate that the organism detected herein is similar to Rickettsia tamurae, Rickettsia monacencis and Rickettsia sp. strain Pampulha. One of these positive samples was also positive for the ompA gene of spotted fever group rickettsiae, but attempts to sequence the amplicon were not successful. We also tested this sample by a PCR targeting the rickettsial htrA gene, but no amplification product could be detected. This study indicates that A. dubitatum may be a common tick in areas where capybaras are present in north-eastern Brazil, occurring during the whole year. It also suggests the circulation of a spotted fever group rickettsia in this A. dubitatum population, whose identity has yet to be determined.
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Donalisio MR, Souza CE, Angerami RN, Samy AM. Mapping Brazilian spotted fever: Linking etiological agent, vectors, and hosts. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105496. [PMID: 32315604 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a highly lethal disease in southeastern Brazil. BSF is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted by the bites of the tick of the genus Amblyomma. The spatial distribution of BSF risk areas is not well known in the country given the complexity of the transmission cycle. This study used the ecological niche modeling (ENM) approach to anticipate the potential distribution of the etiological agent (Rickettsia rickettsii), vectors (Amblyomma sculptum and A. dubitatum), and hosts (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, Didelphis aurita, and D. marsupialis) of BSF in Brazil. We compiled occurrence records for all vectors, hosts, and BSF from our own field surveillance, online repositories, and literature. ENM identified BSF risk areas in southeastern and southern Brazil, and anticipated other dispersed suitable areas in the western, central, and northeastern coast regions of Brazil. Tick vectors and mammalian hosts were confined to these same areas; however, host species showed broader suitability in northern Brazil. All species ENMs performed significantly better than random expectations. We also tested the BSF prediction based on 253 additional independent cases identified in our surveillance; the model anticipated 251 out of 253 of these independent cases. Background similarity tests comparing the ENMs of R. rickettsii, tick vectors, and mammalian hosts were unable to reject null hypotheses of niche similarity. Finally, we observed close coincidence between independent BSF cases, and areas suitable for combinations of vectors and hosts, reflecting the ability of these model pairs to anticipate the distribution of BSF cases across Brazil.
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Passos Nunes FB, da Silva SC, Cieto AD, Labruna MB. The Dynamics of Ticks and Capybaras in a Residential Park Area in Southeastern Brazil: Implications for the Risk of Rickettsia rickettsii Infection. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:711-716. [PMID: 31135286 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii causes Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), a highly lethal disease that is transmitted by Amblyomma sculptum ticks in areas where capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the tick's major hosts. In this study, we evaluated the expansion of a capybara population in a residential park in São Paulo state, and the implications of such expansion to the occurrence of ticks and BSF. The capybara population was quantified during 2004-2013. In 2012, there was a BSF human case in the area, culminating in the complete fencing of the residential park and the official culling of all capybaras. Quantification of ticks in the environment was performed by dry ice traps from 2005 to 2018. Domestic dogs in 2006-2011 and capybaras in 2012 were serologically tested for the presence of anti-R. rickettsii antibodies. Our results show that capybara numbers increased ≈5 times from 2004 (41 capybaras) to 2012 (230 capybaras). Dry ice traps collected A. sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum. The number of A. dubitatum adult ticks was generally higher than A. sculptum adults during 2005-2006; however, during 2012-2013, A. sculptum outnumbered A. dubitatum by a large difference. During 2016-2018 (after capybara culling), the number of both species fell close to zero. The low numbers of A. sculptum adult ticks during 2005-2006 coincided with relatively low capybara numbers (<80). Thereafter, in 2012, we counted the highest numbers of both A. sculptum ticks and capybaras (230 animals). All 40 canine blood samples were seronegative to R. rickettsii, in contrast to the 48.3% seropositivity (83/172) among capybaras. Our results support that the emergence of BSF in the residential park was a consequence of the increase of the local capybara population, which in turn, provided the increment of the A. sculptum population. Culling the entire capybara population eliminated the risks of new BSF cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda B Passos Nunes
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,A Z Nunes & Cia Ltda, Itu, Brazil
| | | | - Alex Deiws Cieto
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Brites-Neto J, Brasil J, Roncato Duarte KM. Epidemiological surveillance of capybaras and ticks on warning area for Brazilian spotted fever. Vet World 2015; 8:1143-9. [PMID: 27047211 PMCID: PMC4774785 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.1143-1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The vulnerability of tropical developing countries to the emerging disease constitutes a critical phenomenon in which the invasion of wild niches by human hosts, contributes to expansion of zoonotic diseases, such as the Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). This study performed a diagnosis of species occurrence of their hosts (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and vectors (Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum) on the warning area for this reemerging disease in Brazil. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a warning area for BSF in the city of Americana, São Paulo state. The occurrence of capybaras was registered by use of binoculars and GPS equipment and 24 acarological researches were performed through 180 CO2 traps. Samples of adult ticks were dissected for salivary glands removal, DNA extraction, and evaluation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) being tested by initial gltA-PCR, ompA-PCR, and Rickettsia bellii-specific PCR, with the positive samples subjected to sequencing. Results: Eleven clusters of capybaras (total of 71 individuals), were observed along the riparian of Ribeirão Quilombo and 7,114 specimens of A. sculptum and 7,198 specimens of A. dubitatum were collected in this same area. About 568 samples of adult ticks were dissected for salivary glands removal, DNA extraction and evaluation by gltA-PCR, with results of 1.94% (11/568) of positive samples. Results for the initial gltA-PCR indicated none positive sample to Rickettsia species into A. sculptum and 11 positive samples to A. dubitatum. These samples were negative to the ompA-PCR and positive to the Rickettsia bellii-specific PCR protocol and subjected to DNA sequencing, whose result indicated 100% similarity to Rickettsia bellii. The distribution of tick species A. sculptum and A. dubitatum was configured regarding to the biotic potential of the riparian areas, measuring the risks for BSF in peri-urban areas of Americana. Conclusion: These results confirmed a status of epidemiological warning with a strong association of the amplifiers hosts of Rickettsia and tick vectors for the transmission of BSF to humans in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Brites-Neto
- Department of Epidemiological Surveillance, Secretariat of Health, Americana, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jardel Brasil
- Department of Epidemiological Surveillance, Secretariat of Health, Americana, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Keila Maria Roncato Duarte
- Department of Genetics and Animal Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Nova Odessa, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Matias J, Garcia MV, Cunha RC, Aguirre ADAR, Barros JC, Csordas BG, Andreotti R. Spotted fever group Rickettsia in Amblyomma dubitatum tick from the urban area of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 6:107-10. [PMID: 25454606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia infection of each tick was evaluated by the hemolymph test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting gltA and ompA genes. All hemolymph tests were negative and PCR of one A. dubitatum detected both Rickettsia genes. Sequence of ompA exhibited a 99% identity with Rickettsia parkeri and R. africae and a 98% identity with R. sibirica. Rickettsia of the spotted fever group in A. dubitatum is described for the first time in an urban area within the municipality of Campo Grande in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil. This finding reinforces the importance of more detailed studies to determine the role of A. dubitatum in the transmission of spotted fever agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline Matias
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Casquero Cunha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Bolsista PNPD/CAPES, Brazil
| | - André de Abreu Rangel Aguirre
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Bárbara Guimarães Csordas
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Renato Andreotti
- Embrapa Beef Cattle, Av. Radio Maia 830, Vila Popular, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
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Lado P, Castro O, Labruna MB, Venzal JM. First molecular detection of Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma tigrinum and Amblyomma dubitatum ticks from Uruguay. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:660-2. [PMID: 25108780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Rickettsia parkei is the etiological agent of spotted fever in Uruguay, where is transmitted to humans by the tick Amblyomma triste. In the present study, ticks were collected from capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and domestic dogs during 2011-2012 in different parts of Uruguay. Three out of 11 (27.3%) Amblyomma dubitatum ticks collected from capybaras, and 4 out of 6 (66.7%) Amblyomma tigrinum ticks collected from dogs were shown by molecular analyses to be infected by Rickettsia parkeri strain Maculatum 20. Until the present work, A. triste was the only tick species that was found infected by R. parkeri in Uruguay. This is the first report of R. parkeri infecting these two tick species in Uruguay, expanding the current distribution of this rickettsial pathogen in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Lado
- Departamento de Parasitología Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Av. Alberto Lasplaces 1620, CP 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Oscar Castro
- Departamento de Parasitología Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Av. Alberto Lasplaces 1620, CP 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Av. Prof. Orlando M. de Paiva 87, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José M Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y enfermedades transmitidas and Departamento de Parasitología Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Regional Norte - Sede Salto, Rivera 1350, CP 50000 Salto, Uruguay
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