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Selmi R, Belkahia H, Tayh G, Mezzi A, Chibani S, Ben Said M, Messadi L. First detection of Rickettsia felis and Ehrlichia canis in the common bed bug Cimex lectularius. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 110:102200. [PMID: 38788400 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102200] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Bed bugs, common blood-feeding pests, have received limited attention regarding their potential involvement in emerging pathogen transmission. This study aimed to investigate the main vector-borne bacteria within bed bugs collected from Tunisian governorates and to genetically characterize the identified species. Molecular screening was conducted on field-collected bed bug samples, targeting zoonotic vector-borne bacteria from the Anaplasmataceae family, as well as the genera Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, and Borrelia. A total of 119 Cimex lectularius specimens were collected and grouped into 14 pools based on sampling Tunisian sites. Using genus-specific PCR assays, DNA of Rickettsia and Ehrlichia spp. was detected in a single pool. Sequencing and BLAST analysis of the obtained partial ompB and dsb sequences from positive samples revealed 100% similarity with those of Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia felis available in GenBank. Obtained partial sequences showed phylogenetic similarity to R. felis and E. canis isolates found in dogs and ticks from American and European countries. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate bed bugs in Tunisia and to report the worldwide identification of R. felis and E. canis DNA in the common bed bug, C. lectularius. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore the potential role of bed bugs in the epidemiology of these vector-borne bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Selmi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia; Military Center of Veterinary Medicine, General Directorate of Military Health, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Hanène Belkahia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Ghassan Tayh
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Abderrahmene Mezzi
- Military Center of Veterinary Medicine, General Directorate of Military Health, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sarra Chibani
- Military Center of Veterinary Medicine, General Directorate of Military Health, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia; Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
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Judy L, David K, Peter K, Dhaval S. Canine ehrlichiosis seropositivity and associated factors in Kenya and Tanzania: a retrospective study. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:175. [PMID: 37770863 PMCID: PMC10537813 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03746-6] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine ehrlichiosis is an important tick-borne disease caused by bacteria in the Ehrlichia genus with species such as E. canis, E. ewingii and E. chaffeensis resulting in a severe dog illness. This study determined the occurrence of canine ehrlichiosis antibodies and its associated factors in Kenya and Tanzania. This was a retrospective study that evaluated laboratory records of 400 samples from Kenya and Tanzania submitted to Pathologists Lancet Kenya for the IDEXX SNAP 4Dx™ Plus test between the years 2016 and 2021. Records of all samples submitted to the Pathologists Lancet Kenya veterinary laboratory for the diagnostic tests were retrieved, examined, and compiled. Descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable logistic regression were considered during analysis. The overall proportion of samples that tested positive for canine ehrlichiosis was 23% (92/400). Samples from Kenya accounted for 61% (245/400) of samples, and the percent positive was 31% (29/245). The samples from Tanzania accounted for 39% (155/400), and the percent positive was 69% (63/155). In the final model, the odds of a sample testing positive was 1.7 times for those submitted from July to December compared with those submitted from January to June. Blood samples of dogs from Tanzania had 5.31 times the odds of testing positive on the SNAP test when compared with those from Kenya. This study reports high percent positive in samples originating from Tanzania and those received during the year's second half.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laboso Judy
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box, Nairobi, 29053- 00625, Kenya
| | - Kihurani David
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box, Nairobi, 29053- 00625, Kenya.
| | - Kimeli Peter
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box, Nairobi, 29053- 00625, Kenya
| | - Shah Dhaval
- Pathologists Lancet Kenya, P. O. BOX, Nairobi, 117-00202, Kenya
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Muguiro DH, Nekouei O, Lee KY, Hill F, Barrs VR. Prevalence of Babesia and Ehrlichia in owned dogs with suspected tick-borne infection in Hong Kong, and risk factors associated with Babesia gibsoni. Prev Vet Med 2023; 214:105908. [PMID: 37004500 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are the most clinically significant tick-borne infections in dogs. Although epidemiological investigations of these diseases have been performed in some Asian regions, little data is available in Hong Kong, where competent vector tick species are endemic. The objectives of this study were to determine the molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia species (B. canis, B. gibsoni, B. vogeli) in owned dogs suspected of tick-borne infection in Hong Kong and to identify risk factors associated with B. gibsoni infection. Electronic records from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of City University of Hong Kong were searched to identify canine blood samples submitted for molecular testing of these pathogens by real time PCR between March 2018 and May 2021. Electronic patient records from the affiliated veterinary hospital were searched to identify a subset of tested dogs to investigate the potential risk factors for B. gibsoni infection using logistic regression models. Among 1508 tested dogs for all four pathogens of interest, Babesia spp. were detected in 435 (28.8%) and E. canis in 112 (7.4%). Babesia gibsoni was detected in 408 dogs while B. vogeli was detected in 27 dogs. Babesia canis was not detected in any dog. Co-infections of different combinations of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli and E. canis were present in 25 dogs. In multivariable logistic regression, mixed breed dogs were more likely to be infected with B. gibsoni than purebreds (P = 0.005), while dogs > 10 years of age were less likely to be infected than younger dogs (P = 0.019). Hematological abnormalities significantly associated with B. gibsoni infection included thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, or pancytopenia. Babesiosis caused by B. gibsoni is a common infection in owned dogs suspected of tick-borne infection in Hong Kong. The risk factors reported should be considered in diagnosing dogs suspected of infection with this agent. Furthermore, consideration for testing for B. gibsoni infection should be given if the results of a complete blood count show thrombocytopenia even in the absence of anemia, neutropenia or pancytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Hernandez Muguiro
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Omid Nekouei
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Kei Ying Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Fraser Hill
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Vanessa R Barrs
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, and Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
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Chalco-Torres LE, Guerrero-López AE, Sánchez-Prado RG, Pérez Rodríguez JE, Oliveira C, Gómez JA, Lenin-Aguilar F, Nirchio-Tursellino M. Detección molecular de coinfección por Ehrlichia canis y Ehrlichia ewingii en un perro en Ecuador. RC FCV-LUZ 2023. [DOI: 10.52973/rcfcv-e33219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Se presenta el estudio de un perro con sintomatología de Parvovirosis que resultó positivo a los test de inmunocromatografìa para Parvovirus y Ehrlichia canis el cual fue confirmado, a nivel molecular, como positivo para E. canis y E. ewingii. Además del interés que representa este caso desde el punto de vista clínico, la detección mediante PCR de E. ewingii sugiere la presencia de este patógeno fuera de su rango de distribución geográfica natural (México, Guatemala, Guyana, Guayana Francesa y Estados Unidos) y destaca la necesidad de realizar estudios moleculares en garrapatas locales a fin de verificar si éste es un caso aislado en Ecuador o si, por el contrario, existe colonización de E. ewingii en vectores locales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Claudio Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional. Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juan Antonio Gómez
- Universidad de Panamá, Departamento de Biología Marina y Limnología, Panamá
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Nkosi NF, Oosthuizen MC, Quan M. Development and validation of a TaqMan® probe- based real-time PCR assay for detection of Ehrlichia canis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102055. [PMID: 36270114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102055] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis is a potentially fatal zoonotic tick-borne disease, caused by a pleomorphic Gram-negative bacterium. It occurs worldwide and affects humans, domestic and wild animals. Dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis develop canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), a significant infectious disease of canines. TaqMan® based real-time PCR assays to detect Ehrlichia spp. affecting dogs were developed and a real-time PCR assay specific for E. canis validated. The efficiency of the assay was 93% and the 95% limit of detection was 33 E. canis plasmid copies/µl of blood (95% confidence interval: 23 - 58). The assay was specific for E. canis when tested against other haemoparasites. Consistent repeatability was observed, with an inter-run standard deviation (SD) range between 0.33 and 1.29 and an intra-run SD range between 0.04 and 1.14. Field samples were tested in parallel by both the E. canis real-time PCR assay and a reverse line blot hybridization assay. The results were in agreement for the two assays, with an exception of two out of 121 samples. Bayesian latent class analysis was used to calculate a diagnostic sensitivity of the E. canis real-time PCR assay of 90% and a specificity of 92%. This assay is a sensitive and reliable molecular detection method for E. canis and will be a useful tool for early diagnosis and timely treatment for this haemoparasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nokuzola F Nkosi
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marinda C Oosthuizen
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Melvyn Quan
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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Dasch GA, Eremeeva ME, Zambrano ML, Premaratna R, Kularatne SAM, Jayanthe Rajapakse RPV. Molecular Characterization of Rickettsial Agents in Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from Sri Lanka. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:tpmd210995. [PMID: 35405644 PMCID: PMC9209928 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Because the majority of spotted fever group rickettsiae are transmitted to humans by tick bites, it is important to understand which ticks might play a role in transmission of rickettsial pathogens in Sri Lanka. The purpose of our study was to conduct molecular surveillance of 847 ticks collected in different locations in central Sri Lanka to determine which were infected with Rickettsia and Anaplasmataceae. Molecular methods were used to identify the ticks and the agents detected. Most ticks (Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, and Rhipicephalus) were collected by flagging, and lower number was collected from dogs, cattle, pigs, a pangolin, and tortoises. Five spotted fever genotypes were identified: a Rickettsia africae-like agent in Amblyomma larvae, Rhipicephalus massiliae and a related genotype identified in association with the tropical type of Rhipicephalus sanguineus from dogs and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides from dogs and cattle, and Candidatus R. kellyi and another novel genotype (SL94) in R. haemaphysaloides. Twenty-three ticks were positive for Anaplasmataceae, including one Anaplasma and two Ehrlichia genotypes. Because the sequence database for both ticks and rickettsial agents from Sri Lanka and southern India is not extensive, additional molecular characterization of the tick species of Sri Lanka and their rickettsial agents is required to understand their pathogenic potential more completely. However, several of the agents we identified in this survey may well be pathogenic for humans and domestic animals, and should be considered as a part of epidemiological surveillance and patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A. Dasch
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Marina E. Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
| | - Maria L. Zambrano
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Kennedy MA, Thompson RE, McRee Bakker A, Fung C, Dawson J, Parry R, Foggin C, Odoi A. Detection and analysis of tick-borne infections in communal dogs of northwest Zimbabwe. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2021; 92:e1-e4. [PMID: 33970003 PMCID: PMC8111609 DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v92i0.2096] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) may serve as a reservoir or a sentinel for infectious disease pathogens that can affect human and wildlife health. To understand the role of tick-borne diseases in rural and lesser developed regions, we investigated the prevalence of several tick-borne pathogens in communal dogs of Zimbabwe. Blood samples from 225 dogs in northwest Zimbabwe were assessed by serology for Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi, and 241 samples were assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Ehrlichia. There was a high seroprevalence (73%) of E. canis-specific antibodies in domestic dogs in northwest Zimbabwe, but follow up analyses via PCR and genetic sequencing indicated only 7.5% of the canines were actively infected with the organism. Whilst indicating that an organism serologically related to E. canis is likely present in the region, this data also shows that the organism is currently present in a relative minority of the domestic dogs in the region. Its presence as evidenced by both serologic and PCR analysis is significant because of the ‘one health’ paradigm, where humans and wildlife may be affected by the exposure to this pathogen in domestic dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Kennedy
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America.
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Nchoutpouen E, Talipouo A, Djiappi-Tchamen B, Djamouko-Djonkam L, Kopya E, Ngadjeu CS, Doumbe-Belisse P, Awono-Ambene P, Kekeunou S, Wondji CS, Antonio-Nkondjio C. Culex species diversity, susceptibility to insecticides and role as potential vector of Lymphatic filariasis in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007229. [PMID: 30943198 PMCID: PMC6464241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Culex species are widespread across Cameroon and responsible for high burden of nuisance in most urban settings. However, despite their high nuisance, they remain less studied compared to anophelines. The present study aimed to assess Culex species distribution, susceptibility to insecticide, bionomics and role in Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) transmission in the city of Yaoundé. METHODS Mosquito collections were conducted from March to December 2017 using Centre for Disease Control light traps (CDC-LT), human landing catches (HLC) and larval collections. Mosquitoes were identified using morphological identification keys. Mosquitoes from the Culex pipiens complex were further identified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to assess the presence of sibling species. Bioassays were conducted with 2-5 day-old unfed females to assess mosquito susceptibility to DDT, permethrin, deltamethrin and bendiocarb following WHO guidelines. Dead, control and surviving mosquitoes from bioassays were screened by PCR to detect the presence of knockdown resistance (kdr) alleles. Pools of mosquitoes were examined by PCR to detect the presence of Wuchereria bancrofti. RESULTS A total of 197,956 mosquitoes belonging to thirteen species were collected. The density of mosquito collected varied according to the collection methods, districts and seasons. Culex quinquefasciatus emerged as the most abundant and the only species of the Culex pipiens complex in Yaoundé. Culex species were found breeding in different types of breeding sites including polluted and unpolluted sites. All Culex species including Cx antennatus, Cx duttoni, Cx perfuscus and Cx tigripes were found to be highly resistant to permethrin, deltamethrin and DDT. Culex quinquefasciatus was also found to be resistant to bendiocarb. A high frequency of the West Africa kdr allele was recorded in resistant Cx. quinquefasciatus. Out of the 247 pooled samples of 25 Culex spp. examined for the presence of Wuchereria bancrofti, none was found infected. CONCLUSION The study confirms the high adaptation of Culex species particularly Culex quinquefasciatus to the urban environment and no implication of this species in the transmission of LF in Yaoundé Cameroon. Culex species predominance in urban settings highlight potential transmission risk of West Nile and rift valley fever in Yaoundé.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysee Nchoutpouen
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contreles Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Abdou Talipouo
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contreles Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Borel Djiappi-Tchamen
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contreles Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Vector Borne Infectious Disease Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Biology and Ecology (VBID-LABEA), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Landre Djamouko-Djonkam
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contreles Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Vector Borne Infectious Disease Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Biology and Ecology (VBID-LABEA), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Edmond Kopya
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contreles Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Carmene Sandra Ngadjeu
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contreles Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Patricia Doumbe-Belisse
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contreles Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Parfait Awono-Ambene
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contreles Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Charles Sinclair Wondji
- Vector Biology Liverpool School of Tropical medicine Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Christophe Antonio-Nkondjio
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte Contreles Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Vector Biology Liverpool School of Tropical medicine Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Kamani J, Baneth G, Harrus S. An annotated checklist of tick-borne pathogens of dogs in Nigeria. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2019; 15:100255. [PMID: 30929932 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens are transmitted by the bite of a tick vector or the ingestion therein by a susceptible host. Conventionally, the diagnosis of tick-borne parasites in Nigeria is achieved through the demonstration of their developmental stages in the host's blood or tissues. These classical methods are limited in their capability to detect chronic cases or healthy carriers and to differentiate between pathogens of similar morphological features. Molecular diagnostic techniques of high sensitivity have been developed to overcome these shortfalls by detecting the pathogen's DNA, elucidating their genetic makeup and comparing their phylogenetic relationship to other pathogens, sometimes necessitating taxonomic changes. Detection of DNA of canine tick-borne pathogens (CTBPs) such as Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and Mycoplasma haemocanis has been reported in Nigerian dogs corroborating earlier microscopic findings. Furthermore, DNA of Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia ewingii, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' and Theileria sp. hitherto considered to be absent in Nigeria has been detected, thereby expanding the spectrum of CTBPs in the country. However, in some cases, diagnoses based on the detection of single short DNA fragments from pathogens can cause considerable confusion. This occurred in the case of the large canine Babesia, previously referred to as Babesia canis which has been reported in Nigerian dogs. There appears to be confusion regarding the accurate status of this pathogen in Nigeria due to the subsequent classification into Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli and Babesia rossi. Moreover, several molecular studies failed to detect the DNA of Babesia gibsoni previously reported in Nigerian dogs by light microscope. These findings necessitate regular update of the list of CTBPs of veterinary and medical importance, in order to keep practitioners abreast with these changes. Herein, an annotated checklist of tick-borne pathogens of dogs in Nigeria, based on available data from both classical and molecular studies, with notes explaining any discrepancies between the methods and probable explanations thereof, is presented.
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Navarrete MG, Cordeiro MD, Silva CB, Massard CL, López ER, Rodríguez JCA, Ribeiro CCDU, Rodríguez OF, Fonseca AH. Serological and molecular diagnosis of Ehrlichia canis and associated risk factors in dogs domiciled in western Cuba. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2018; 14:170-5. [PMID: 31014724 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is a rickettsia transmitted by the tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and is the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). In Cuba, the first diagnosis of CME was made in 2001, but few studies have since investigated this disease locally. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of E. canis in dogs domiciled in four municipalities within the western region of Cuba and determine the associated risk factors. Blood was drawn from 378 selected dogs living in four municipalities in two provinces of western Cuba. From the total number of samples, 206 plasma samples were selected to perform an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against E. canis. Using the original 378 samples of extracted DNA, a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was performed to amplify a specific fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of E. canis. Analysis of the 206 plasma samples revealed a total of 162 animals that were seropositive for E. canis (78.64%) with a density index between 109.5 and 970.7. In contrast, 179 samples were positive based on the nPCR assay (47.35%). As well, there was a high concordance (kappa = 0.7), calculated through the Kappa index, between the animals found to be positive based on nPCR and those determined based on ELISA. The analysis of risk factors showed that residing in the municipality of Boyeros in addition to having a history of infestation by ticks increases the probability of having a positive result based on nPCR.
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Nambooppha B, Rittipornlertrak A, Tattiyapong M, Tangtrongsup S, Tiwananthagorn S, Chung YT, Sthitmatee N. Two different genogroups of Ehrlichia canis from dogs in Thailand using immunodominant protein genes. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2018; 63:116-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Khamesipour F, Dida GO, Anyona DN, Razavi SM, Rakhshandehroo E. Tick-borne zoonoses in the Order Rickettsiales and Legionellales in Iran: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006722. [PMID: 30204754 PMCID: PMC6181433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne zoonoses in the Order Rickettsiales and Legionellales cause infections that often manifest as undifferentiated fevers that are not easy to distinguish from other causes of acute febrile illnesses clinically. This is partly attributed to difficulty in laboratory confirmation since convalescent sera, specific diagnostic reagents, and the required expertise may not be readily available. As a result, a number of tick-borne zoonoses are underappreciated resulting in unnecessary morbidity, mortality and huge economic loses. In Iran, a significant proportion of human infectious diseases are tick-borne, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that tick-borne zoonoses are widespread but underreported in the country. Epidemiological review is therefore necessary to aid in the effective control and prevention of tick-borne zonooses in Iran. The aim of this review is to provide an in-depth and comprehensive overview of anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, spotted fever group rickettsioses and coxiellosis in Iran. METHODS Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, all relevant publications on tick-borne zoonoses in the Order Rickettsiales and Legionellales in Iran were searched using a number of search terms. The search was confined to authentic resources from repositories of popular data bases among them PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, SpringerLink and SCOPUS. The search items included peer reviewed journals, books and book chapters published between 1996 and 2017. RESULTS A total of 1 205 scientific publications and reports were sourced, of which 63 met the search criteria and were reviewed. Of the 63 articles reviewed, 36 (57.1%) reported on coxiellosis, 15 (23.8%) on anaplasmosis, 11 (17.5%) on ehrlichiosis and 1(1.6%) on spotted fever group rickettsiae in a large scale study involving four countries, among them Iran. The existence of tick-borne pathogens in the Order Rickettsiales and Legionellales was confirmed by molecular, serological and microscopic techniques conducted on samples obtained from sheep, cattle, goats, camels, poultry, animal products (milk and eggs), dogs, ticks and even human subjects in different parts of the country; pointing to a countrywide distribution. DISCUSSION Based on the review, coxiellosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and SFG rickettsiae can be categorized as emerging tick-borne zoonotic diseases in Iran given the presence of their causiative agents (C. burnetii, A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. central, E. canis, E. ewingii, E. chaffeensis and R. conorii) collectively reported in a variety of domestic animals, animal products, arthropods and human beings drawn from 22 provinces in Iran. CONCLUSION Given the asymptomatic nature of some of these zoonoses, there is a high likelihood of silent transmission to humans in many parts of the country, which should be considered a public health concern. Presently, information on the transmission intensity of tick-borne zoonoses caused by pathogens in the Order Rickettsiales and Legionellales to humans and its public health impact in Iran is scanty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faham Khamesipour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gabriel O. Dida
- School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
- Department of Community and Public Health, Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Douglas N. Anyona
- School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - S. Mostafa Razavi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Rakhshandehroo
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Bogićević N, Radovanović ME, Vasić A, Manić M, Marić J, Vojinović D, Rogožarski D, Gligić A, Valčić M. Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia Canis Infection in Stray Dogs from Serbia. Macedonian Veterinary Review 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/macvetrev-2016-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease with worldwide distribution. With regards to the population of stray dogs, the disease is facilitated due to their lifestyle and the lack of anti-parasitic protection. The aim of this study was to provide serological data on the presence of a specific Ehrlichia canis IgG antibodies in stray dogs, originating from 7 municipalities in Serbia. During the period from April 2013 to June 2014, 217 canine sera were submitted to the laboratory of the Department of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Belgrade. An immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was performed to detect antibodies to Ehrlichia canis (cut off, 1:50). Seropositive dogs were found in 5 out of 7 counties with a seroprevalence varying from 3.57% to 20% and an overall seroprevalence of 11.06% (24/217). There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of infection and the host age or gender. Results showed that stray dogs contribute to maintaining and spreading of Ehrlichia canis in Serbia. Due to the close relationship between people and dogs, it is of great importance to constantly monitor and improve prevention of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Bogićević
- Department of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Bees , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Belgrade , Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Milica Elezović Radovanović
- Department of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Bees , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Belgrade , Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Ana Vasić
- Department of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Bees , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Belgrade , Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Marija Manić
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology , Specialized Veterinary Institute “Niš” , Milke Protić 66, 18106 Niš , Serbia
| | - Jovan Marić
- Department of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Bees , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Belgrade , Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Dragica Vojinović
- Department of Immunology, Scientific Veterinary Institute of Serbia , Vojvode Toze 14, Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Dragan Rogožarski
- Department for Animal Health Care, Specialized Veterinary Institute – Požarevac Dunavska 89, 12000 Požarevac , Serbia
| | - Ana Gligić
- Institute of Virology , Vaccines and Sera „Torlak“, Vojvode Stepe 458, 11152 Belgrade , Serbia
| | - Miroslav Valčić
- Department of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Bees , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Belgrade , Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade , Serbia
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Iweriebor BC, Mmbaga EJ, Adegborioye A, Igwaran A, Obi LC, Okoh AI. Genetic profiling for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species in ticks collected in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:45. [PMID: 28241784 PMCID: PMC5327538 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-0955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma and Ehrlichia are emerging tick-borne pathogens that cause anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in humans and other animals worldwide. Infections caused by these pathogens are deadly if left untreated. There has been relatively no systematic survey of these pathogens among ticks in South Africa, thus necessitating this study. The presence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species were demonstrated by PCR in ticks collected from domestic ruminants at some selected communities in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The ticks were identified by morphological characteristics and thereafter processed to extract bacterial DNA, which was analyzed for the presence of genetic materials of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. Results Three genera of ticks comprising five species were identified. The screening yielded 16 positive genetic materials that were phylogenetically related to Ehrlichia sequences obtained from GenBank, while no positive result was obtained for Anaplasma. The obtained Ehrlichia sequences were closely related to E. chaffeensis, E. canis, E. muris and the incompletely described Ehrlichia sp. UFMG-EV and Ehrlichia sp. UFMT. Conclusion The findings showed that ticks in the studied areas were infected with Ehrlichia spp. and that the possibility of transmission to humans who might be tick infested is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson C Iweriebor
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa. .,Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
| | - Elia J Mmbaga
- The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Abiodun Adegborioye
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa.,Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Aboi Igwaran
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa.,Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Larry C Obi
- Academic and Research Division, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Anthony I Okoh
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa.,Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
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Bouza-Mora L, Dolz G, Solórzano-Morales A, Romero-Zuñiga JJ, Salazar-Sánchez L, Labruna MB, Aguiar DM. Novel genotype of Ehrlichia canis detected in samples of human blood bank donors in Costa Rica. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 8:36-40. [PMID: 27682202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study focuses on the detection and identification of DNA and antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. in samples of blood bank donors in Costa Rica using molecular and serological techniques. Presence of Ehrlichia canis was determined in 10 (3.6%) out of 280 blood samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the ehrlichial dsb conserved gene. Analysis of the ehrlichial trp36 polymorphic gene in these 10 samples revealed substantial polymorphism among the E. canis genotypes, including divergent tandem repeat sequences. Nucleotide sequences of dsb and trp36 amplicons revealed a novel genotype of E. canis in blood bank donors from Costa Rica. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) detected antibodies in 35 (35%) of 100 serum samples evaluated. Thirty samples showed low endpoint titers (64-256) to E. canis, whereas five sera yielded high endpoint titers (1024-8192); these five samples were also E. canis-PCR positive. These findings represent the first report of the presence of E. canis in humans in Central America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bouza-Mora
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Campus Benjamín Nuñez, Barreal de Heredia, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Gaby Dolz
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Campus Benjamín Nuñez, Barreal de Heredia, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Antony Solórzano-Morales
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Campus Benjamín Nuñez, Barreal de Heredia, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Juan José Romero-Zuñiga
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Campus Benjamín Nuñez, Barreal de Heredia, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | | | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Daniel M Aguiar
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Mato Grosso, Brazil.
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Cardoso L, Oliveira AC, Granada S, Nachum-Biala Y, Gilad M, Lopes AP, Sousa SR, Vilhena H, Baneth G. Molecular investigation of tick-borne pathogens in dogs from Luanda, Angola. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:252. [PMID: 27160839 PMCID: PMC4862159 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1536-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No molecular data have been available on tick-borne pathogens that infect dogs from Angola. The occurrence of agents from the genera Anaplasma, Babesia, Ehrlichia and Hepatozoon was assessed in 103 domestic dogs from Luanda, by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequence analysis. RESULTS Forty-six dogs (44.7 %) were positive for at least one pathogen. Twenty-one animals (20.4 %) were found infected with Anaplasma platys, 18 (17.5 %) with Hepatozoon canis, six (5.8 %) with Ehrlichia canis, six (5.8 %) with Babesia vogeli, one (1.0 %) with Babesia gibsoni and one (1.0 %) with an unnamed Babesia sp. The molecular frequency of single infections taken together was 37.9 % and that of co-infections with several combinations of two pathogens accounted for 6.8 % of the animals. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of A. platys, B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, E. canis and H. canis infections diagnosed by PCR in domestic dogs from Angola. The present study provides evidence that dogs in Luanda are widely exposed to, and at risk of becoming infected with, tick-borne pathogens. Further investigation is needed, including a larger number of animals, canine populations from other cities and provinces of the country, as well as potential vector ticks, aiming at better characterizing and controlling canine vector-borne diseases in Angola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Matan Gilad
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Ramalho Sousa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Hugo Vilhena
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal.,Hospital Veterinário do Baixo Vouga, Águeda, Portugal
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Luo L, Sun J, Yan J, Wang C, Zhang Z, Zhao L, Han H, Tong Z, Liu M, Wu Y, Wen H, Zhang R, Xue Z, Sun X, Li K, Ma D, Liu J, Huang Y, Ye L, Li W, Jiang J, Yu XJ. Detection of a Novel Ehrlichia Species in Haemaphysalis longicornis Tick from China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:363-7. [PMID: 27135624 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We collected 2460 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks from vegetation in Jiaonan County, Shandong Province, in June of 2013 and Daishan County, Zhejiang Province, China, in May of 2015. The tick DNA was subsequently amplified with nested polymerase chain reaction using Ehrlichia common 16S rRNA gene primers and Ehrlichia ewingii species-specific groEL and gltA primers. We found 0.4% (3/780) of the ticks from Zhejiang Province contained Ehrlichia DNA that was different from all known Ehrlichia species, but most closely related to E. ewingii. We concluded that a novel Ehrlichia species exists in H. longicornis ticks in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Luo
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jimin Sun
- 2 Zhejiang Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianbo Yan
- 3 Zhoushan City Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengwei Wang
- 4 Daishan County Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Daishan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhentang Zhang
- 5 Huangdao District Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Li Zhao
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huiju Han
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhendong Tong
- 3 Zhoushan City Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuyan Wu
- 2 Zhejiang Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongling Wen
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- 2 Zhejiang Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zaifeng Xue
- 5 Huangdao District Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xifeng Sun
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kefeng Li
- 3 Zhoushan City Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongqiang Ma
- 5 Huangdao District Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jianwei Liu
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuting Huang
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ling Ye
- 4 Daishan County Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Daishan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenqian Li
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianmin Jiang
- 2 Zhejiang Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- 1 School of Public Health, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China .,6 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
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Abstract
Background Canine vector-borne diseases have a worldwide distribution, but to the best of our knowledge, no research has been carried out to evaluate their presence on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. An investigation into canine vector-borne infections was conducted in dogs (n = 78) resident at an animal shelter in Port Louis, Mauritius using a combination of traditional microscopy and serological methods. Methods Ticks were manually collected from the stray dog population for identification as well as for quantifying tick burdens. Blood was also collected from each dog via either the jugular vein or the cephalic vein, and was stored in EDTA tubes. The stored blood was then used to measure PCV values, make blood smears for the identification of parasites, and used for serological testing of vector-borne disease. Results A total of 178 ticks were collected from 52 dogs and identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus (175/178) or Amblyomma variegatum (3/178). Twenty-six (33%; 95% CI 23, 45) dogs were seropositive for Ehrlichia spp., and 12 (15%; 95% CI 8, 25) for Anaplasma spp., Dirofilaria antigen was detected in 14 (18%; 95% CI 10, 28), and nine (12%; 95% CI 5, 21) dogs had Hepatozoon canis gamonts observed in blood films during microscopic examination. Eleven (14%; 95% CI 7, 24) dogs were co-infected with two pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies were not detected in any dogs. Conclusions Infection with these pathogens had no significant effect on the packed cell volume (PCV), but high tick burdens were significantly associated with the presence of a tick-borne pathogen. This is the first study of its kind on the dog population in Mauritius and demonstrates the presence of previously undocumented canine vector-borne infections on the island. The relatively high proportion of infected dogs within the study should alert clinicians to the presence of canine vector-borne diseases on the island of Mauritius.
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Pat-Nah H, Rodriguez-Vivas RI, Bolio-Gonzalez ME, Villegas-Perez SL, Reyes-Novelo E. Molecular Diagnosis of Ehrlichia canis in Dogs and Ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Yucatan, Mexico. J Med Entomol 2015; 52:101-104. [PMID: 26336286 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tju010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is the etiological agent behind canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, and the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) is its main vector. Blood smear and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to identify E. canis infection in dogs and R. sanguineus, and explore factors possibly associated with infection in dogs in Yucatan, Mexico. Blood samples were taken and ticks R. sanguineus collected from 50 dogs (10 house dogs and 40 in an animal control center). Data were collected on dog age, sex, body condition, and signs associated with platelet deficiencies (epistaxis). Blood smears were analyzed to identify E. canis morulae and generate platelet counts. Nested PCR analysis was done on blood samples and 200 ticks. A χ(2) test was done to identify factors associated with the E. canis infection in the tested dogs. The overall prevalence for infection, as determined by PCR, was 36% (18 out of 50). All positive dogs were from samples collected from the animal shelter, representing prevalence, for this sampling site, of 45% (18 out of 40). Morulae in monocytes were identified in only 4% of samples. Dog origin (i.e. animal control center) was the only variable associated with E. canis infection (P < 0.01). Male ticks had a higher (P < 0.05) infection rate than female ticks (24.5 vs 13.5%). It is concluded that E. canis infection is present in both dogs and the brown dog ticks R. sanguineus in Yucatan, Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Pat-Nah
- Cuerpo Académico de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Roger Ivan Rodriguez-Vivas
- Cuerpo Académico de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100, Mérida, Yucatán, México.
| | - Manuel Emilio Bolio-Gonzalez
- Cuerpo Académico de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Sandra Luz Villegas-Perez
- Cuerpo Académico de Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Enrique Reyes-Novelo
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales ''Dr. Hideyo Noguchi. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Av. Itzaes por 59 Col. Centro, C.P. 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, México
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20
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Stoffel RT, McClure JC, Butcher MM, Johnson GC, Roland W, Cheng C, Sirigireddy KR, Ganta R, Boughan K, Ewing SA, Stich RW. Experimental infection of Rhipicephalus sanguineus with Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Vet Microbiol 2014; 172:334-8. [PMID: 24894131 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the etiologic agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis, is a tick-borne rickettsial pathogen that is infective to a wide range of mammals, including dogs and people. Amblyomma americanum, the lone star tick, is considered the primary vector of E. chaffeensis, but this pathogen has been detected in other tick species, including the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. We hypothesized that the Arkansas strain of E. chaffeensis is infective to R. sanguineus, and used a novel PCR assay to test for acquisition of this pathogen by R. sanguineus and A. americanum ticks that were simultaneously fed on experimentally infected dogs. Although E. chaffeensis was not frequently detected in peripheral blood of these dogs, the pathogen was detected in both tick species and in canine lung, kidney, lymph node, bone marrow and frontal lobe samples. One dog (AFL) was maintained for several years, and ticks again acquired E. chaffeensis from this dog 566 days after intradermal inoculation with E. chaffeensis, but the pathogen was not detected in ticks fed on the same dog at 764 or 1086 days after the intradermal inoculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Stoffel
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jennifer C McClure
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Marion M Butcher
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Gayle C Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Will Roland
- Department of Internal Medicine Infectious Disease Division, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Chuanmin Cheng
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Kamesh R Sirigireddy
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Roman Ganta
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Kirstin Boughan
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - S A Ewing
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Roger W Stich
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Williams BM, Berentsen A, Shock BC, Teixiera M, Dunbar MR, Becker MS, Yabsley MJ. Prevalence and diversity of Babesia, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella in wild and domestic carnivores from Zambia, Africa. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:911-8. [PMID: 24363181 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3722-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A molecular survey was conducted for several hemoparasites of domestic dogs and three species of wild carnivores from two sites in Zambia. Three Babesia spp. were detected including Babesia felis and Babesia leo in lions (Panthera leo) and a Babesia sp. (similar to Babesia lengau) in spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) and a single lion. All wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and domestic dogs were negative for Babesia. High prevalences for Hepatozoon were noted in all three wild carnivores (38-61%) and in domestic dogs (13%). Significantly higher prevalences were noted in hyenas and wild dogs compared with domestic dogs and lions. All carnivores were PCR negative for Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Bartonella spp. Overall, high prevalences and diversity of Babesia and Hepatozoon were noted in wild carnivores from Zambia. This study is the first molecular characterization of Babesia from any hyena species and is the first report of a Babesia sp. closely related to B. lengau, a parasite previously only reported from cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), in lions and hyenas. Although usually benign in wild carnivores, these hemoparasites can be pathogenic under certain circumstances. Importantly, data on vectors for these parasites are lacking, so studies are needed to identify vectors as well as determine transmission routes, infection dynamics, and host specificity of these hemoparasites in wildlife in Africa and also the risk of transmission between domestic animals and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna M Williams
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Davoust B, Parzy D, Demoncheaux JP, Tine R, Diarra M, Marié JL, Mediannikov O. Usefulness of a rapid immuno-migration test for the detection of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in Africa. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 37:31-7. [PMID: 24252768 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A rapid immuno-migration test for the serological detection of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, Witness® Ehrlichia (WE) (Zoetis, France), was evaluated in 528 serum samples from dogs living in endemic areas of West and East Africa: Senegal (N=208), Ivory Coast (N=7), Sudan (N=27), and Djibouti (N=286). Of these dogs, 200 were French military working dogs (MWD) temporarily residing in Africa. The WE test results were compared with those obtained by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). The sensitivity of WE was 97% [94.2, 98.7] with a specificity of 100% [98.6, 100]. In MWD, the seroprevalence (IFA) was 7%; in native dogs, it reached 77.1%. This significant difference can be explained by prophylactic measures from which MWD benefit. The WE test represents a simple, fast and reliable test for the detection of anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies. Its implementation for the diagnosis of clinical cases has been validated in the field, and its use allows easy detection of asymptomatic dogs that may be carriers of E. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Davoust
- Research Unit of Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases (URMITE), UMR CNRS 7278 IRD 198, Aix-Marseille-Université, Marseille, France; Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the Military Health Service, Toulon, France.
| | - Daniel Parzy
- UMR - MD3, Faculté de pharmacie, Aix-Marseille-Université, Marseille, France; Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Brétigny, France
| | | | - Raphaël Tine
- Veterinary Services of the National Gendarmerie, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mamadou Diarra
- Veterinary Services of the National Gendarmerie, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Jean-Lou Marié
- Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the Military Health Service, Toulon, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Research Unit of Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases (URMITE), UMR CNRS 7278 IRD 198, Institute of Research for the Development, Dakar, Senegal
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Davoust B, Mediannikov O, Chene J, Massot R, Tine R, Diarra M, Demoncheaux JP, Scandola P, Beugnet F, Chabanne L. Study of ehrlichiosis in kennel dogs under treatment and prevention during seven months in Dakar (Senegal). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 36:613-7. [PMID: 24018180 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In Dakar kennels where morbidity and mortality attributed to diseases transmitted by ticks were high, we conducted a field study to assess the prevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia spp. infections in two kennels (n = 34 dogs) and to study the impact of tick protection. The first day of the study, the E. canis PCR were positive in 18 dogs (53%). A. platys was found in one dog and all dogs were negative for Babesia spp. After one month of doxycycline treatment, the number of PCR positive dogs decreased significantly to 2 (5.9%). During seven months, all dogs were treated monthly topically with a novel combination (Certifect(®), Merial) delivering at least 6.7 mg fipronil/kg body weight, 8.0mg amitraz/kg and 6 mg (S)-methoprene/kg. The number of PCR positive dogs remained stable all over the seven months, with 4 dogs being positive at Day 90 and 2 at Day 210. The combination of treatment and monthly prevention had a significant effect in the two kennels. All dogs remained healthy, which was not the case in previous years.
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Abstract
Many viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens have been associated with tick transmission, including several recently identified pathogens in both humans and domestic animals, especially dogs. The emergence in dogs of these tick-borne infections has a multi factorial origin. Better animal care, better diagnostic tools, and a broader distribution of the vectors in favorable habitats through population migrations including travel with owned pets, translocation or commercial trade of pet dogs, are some of the factors contributing to the emergence and recognition of these new pathogens. The present review focuses on the recent epidemiological studies which support the emergence or re-emergence of tick-borne pathogens in dogs around the world, as well as give some insight on newly recognized potentially tick-borne pathogens, such as Bartonella infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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26
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Nazari M, Lim SY, Watanabe M, Sharma RSK, Cheng NABY, Watanabe M. Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis in dogs in Malaysia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e1982. [PMID: 23301114 PMCID: PMC3536791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An epidemiological study of Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs in Peninsular Malaysia was carried out using molecular detection techniques. A total of 500 canine blood samples were collected from veterinary clinics and dog shelters. Molecular screening by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using genus-specific primers followed by PCR using E. canis species-specific primers. Ten out of 500 dogs were positive for E. canis. A phylogenetic analysis of the E. canis Malaysia strain showed that it was grouped tightly with other E. canis strains from different geographic regions. The present study revealed for the first time, the presence of genetically confirmed E. canis with a prevalence rate of 2.0% in naturally infected dogs in Malaysia. Canine vector-borne diseases are a worldwide concern particularly in the tropics and sub-tropics that provide favourable climatic conditions for the vectors. Malaysia, a tropical paradise, is thus home to a wide range of vectors as well as the pathogens that they harbor. Ehrlichia canis, a ubiquitous tick-borne pathogen of dogs, is the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, the most common clinically significant tick-borne disease of dogs in Malaysia. The pet explosion coupled with the increasing number of stray dogs, has resulted in a surge in vector-borne diseases in companion animals in Southeast Asia. Despite this, there is very little published information regarding this subject in Malaysia. There are only two published studies on E.canis in Peninsular Malaysia based on traditional light microscopic detection and antibody detection techniques. This disease has been notoriously difficult to diagnose based on the traditional methods. This research investigates this important disease of canids using molecular techniques for the first time in Malaysia providing a more accurate picture of its presence and prevalence in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Nazari
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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27
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Reye AL, Arinola OG, Hübschen JM, Muller CP. Pathogen prevalence in ticks collected from the vegetation and livestock in Nigeria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:2562-8. [PMID: 22327584 DOI: 10.1128/AEM.06686-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are important disease vectors that can cause considerable economic losses by affecting animal health and productivity, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and diversity of bacterial and protozoan tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from the vegetation and cattle in Nigeria by PCR. The infection rates of questing ticks were 3.1% for Rickettsia species, 0.1% for Coxiella burnetii and 0.4% for Borrelia species. Other pathogens, such as Babesia, Theileria, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia species, were not detected in ticks from the vegetation. Feeding ticks collected from cattle displayed infection rates of 12.5% for Rickettsia species, 14% for Coxiella burnetii, 5.9% for Anaplasma species, 5.1% for Ehrlichia species, and 2.9% for Theileria mutans. Babesia and Borrelia species were not detected in ticks collected from cattle. Mixed infections were found only in feeding ticks and mainly Rickettsia species and Coxiella burnetii were involved. The diversity of tick-borne pathogens in Nigeria was higher in feeding than in questing ticks, suggesting that cattle serve as reservoirs for at least some of the pathogens studied, in particular C. burnetii. The total estimated herd infection rates of 20.6% for a Rickettsia africae-like species, 27% for Coxiella burnetii, and 8.5% for Anaplasma marginale/centrale suggest that these pathogens may have considerable implications for human and animal health.
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Abstract
In the time since canine ehrlichiosis due to Ehrlichia canis was first described in 1935 and first recognized in the United States in 1962, many key advances have been made in our understanding of the diversity of the rickettsial organisms responsible for ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in dogs and, occasionally, cats, the vectors capable of transmitting these agents, and the role these organisms play as both important veterinary pathogens and zoonotic disease agents. Despite considerable progress in the field, much remains to be learned regarding mechanisms contributing to pathogenesis, effective treatment modalities, and prevention strategies that best protect pet health. This article highlights current understanding of the transmission, diagnosis, and management of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2007, USA.
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Esemu SN, Ndip LM, Ndip RN. Ehrlichia species, probable emerging human pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa: environmental exacerbation. Rev Environ Health 2011; 26:269-279. [PMID: 22435325 DOI: 10.1515/reveh.2011.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ehrlichiae are obligate intracellular Gram-negative tick-borne bacteria that are responsible for life-threatening emerging human zoonoses and diseases of veterinary importance worldwide, collectively called ehrlichioses. The genus Ehrlichia consists of five recognized species, including E. canis, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, E. muris, and E. ruminantium. The recent discoveries of Ehrlichia species in new areas and of tick species that were previously thought to be uninfected by these agents have suggested that these agents may have wider distribution than originally thought. Environmental factors like temperature, migration, control failure, and host population have been known to exacerbate the spread of Ehrlichia species. Human cases of moderate to severe disease caused by E. chaffeensis have been reported mainly in North America. In this article, we present an overview of ehrlichiae as emerging pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa, where E. ruminantium, the causative agent of heartwater, a disease of domestic and wild ruminants, is most established. Molecular evidence indicates that E. ruminantium may be an emerging pathogen of a life-threatening human disease. Ehrlichia ruminantium is considered an agricultural biothreat, with several strains reported throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where the infection is considered endemic. Understanding the diversity of E. ruminantium and other Ehrlichia species from all geographically distinct areas of sub-Saharan Africa may enhance our knowledge of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seraphine N Esemu
- Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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30
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Romero LE, Meneses AI, Salazar L, Jiménez M, Romero JJ, Aguiar DM, Labruna MB, Dolz G. First isolation and molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis in Costa Rica, Central America. Res Vet Sci 2010; 91:95-97. [PMID: 20723954 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2009] [Revised: 04/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated Ehrlichia species in blood samples from dogs suspected of clinical ehrlichiosis, using molecular and isolation techniques in cell culture. From a total of 310 canine blood samples analyzed by 16S rRNA nested PCR, 148 (47.7%) were positive for Ehrlichia canis. DNA from Ehrlichia chaffeensis or Ehrlichia ewingii was not detected in any sample using species-specific primers in separated reactions. Leukocytes from five PCR-positive dogs were inoculated into DH82 cells; successful isolation of E. canis was obtained in four samples. Partial sequence of the dsb gene of eight canine blood samples (including the five samples for in vitro isolation) was obtained by PCR and their analyses through BLAST showed 100% of identity with the corresponding sequence of E. canis in GenBank. This study represents the first molecular diagnosis, isolation, and molecular characterization of E. canis in dogs from Costa Rica.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Romero
- Laboratorio Central de Diagnóstico Veterinario, Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG), San Salvador, El Salvador.
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31
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Ndip LM, Labruna M, Ndip RN, Walker DH, McBride JW. Molecular and clinical evidence of Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection in Cameroonian patients with undifferentiated febrile illness. Ann Trop Med Parasitol 2010; 103:719-25. [PMID: 20030996 DOI: 10.1179/000349809x12554106963753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
In the U.S.A., human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME) caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis is an emerging tick-transmitted zoonosis. In Cameroon, where E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii have recently been detected in dogs and/or ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), the potential exists for human infections. Patients from the coastal region of Cameroon who had acute fevers of unknown aetiology were therefore checked for ehrlichial infection, using a real-time PCR that amplifies part of a genus-specific gene (dsb) that codes for a disulphide-bond formation protein. Ehrlichial blood was detected in the peripheral blood from 12 (10%) of the 118 patients investigated by PCR. When the 12 amplicons from the positive cases were sequenced, they were found to be identical to each other and to the corresponding dsb sequence of an Arkansas strain of E. chaffeensis. The 12 patients who were PCR-positive for E. chaffeensis suffered from fever (100%), headache (67%), myalgia (42%), arthralgia (58%), pulmonary involvement (17%) and/or a diffuse rash (17%).
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Ndip
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
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32
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Nicholson WL, Allen KE, McQuiston JH, Breitschwerdt EB, Little SE. The increasing recognition of rickettsial pathogens in dogs and people. Trends Parasitol 2010; 26:205-12. [PMID: 20207197 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Revised: 01/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Ndip LM, Ndip RN, Esemu SN, Walker DH, McBride JW. Predominance of Ehrlichia chaffeensis in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks from kennel-confined dogs in Limbe, Cameroon. Exp Appl Acarol 2010; 50:163-168. [PMID: 19693681 PMCID: PMC2797824 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-009-9293-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (n = 63) collected from five dogs (two adults and three puppies) housed in a kennel were screened for Ehrlichial agents (Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis, and E. ewingii) using a species-specific multicolor real-time TaqMan PCR amplification of the disulphide bond formation protein (dsb) gene. Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA was detected in 33 (56%) ticks, E. canis DNA was detected in four (6%) ticks, and one tick was coinfected. The E. chaffeensis and E. canis nucleotide sequences of the amplified dsb gene (374 bp) obtained from the Cameroonian R. sanguineus ticks were identical to the North American genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy M Ndip
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon.
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Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the recently designated name replacing three species of granulocytic bacteria, Ehrlichia phagocytophila, Ehrlichia equi and the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, after the recent reorganization of the families Rickettsiaceae and Anaplasmataceae in the order Rickettsiales. Tick-borne fever (TBF), which is caused by the prototype of A. phagocytophilum, was first described in 1932 in Scotland. A similar disease caused by a related granulocytic agent was first described in horses in the USA in 1969; this was followed by the description of two distinct granulocytic agents causing similar diseases in dogs in the USA in 1971 and 1982. Until the discovery of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) in the USA in 1994, these organisms were thought to be distinct species of bacteria infecting specific domestic animals and free-living reservoirs. It is now widely accepted that the agents affecting different animal hosts are variants of the same Gram-negative obligatory intracellular bacterium, which is transmitted by hard ticks belonging to the Ixodes persulcatus complex. One of its fascinating features is that it infects and actively grows in neutrophils by employing an array of mechanisms to subvert their bactericidal activity. It is also able to survive within an apparently immune host by employing a complex mechanism of antigenic variation. Ruminants with TBF and humans with HGA develop severe febrile reaction, bacteraemia and leukopenia due to neutropenia, lymphocytopenia and thrombocytopenia within a week of exposure to a tick bite. Because of the severe haematological disorders lasting for several days and other adverse effects on the host's immune functions, infected animals and humans are more susceptible to other infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerai Woldehiwet
- University of Liverpool, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Leahurst, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UK.
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Stich RW, Schaefer JJ, Bremer WG, Needham GR, Jittapalapong S. Host surveys, ixodid tick biology and transmission scenarios as related to the tick-borne pathogen, Ehrlichia canis. Vet Parasitol 2008; 158:256-73. [PMID: 18963493 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2008] [Revised: 08/20/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The ehrlichioses have been subject to increasing interest from veterinary and public health perspectives, but experimental studies of these diseases and their etiologic agents can be challenging. Ehrlichia canis, the primary etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, is relatively well characterized and offers unique advantages and opportunities to study interactions between a monocytotropic pathogen and both its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Historically, advances in tick-borne disease control strategies have typically followed explication of tick-pathogen-vertebrate interactions, thus it is reasonable to expect novel, more sustainable approaches to control of these diseases as the transmission of their associated infections are investigated at the molecular through ecological levels. Better understanding of the interactions between E. canis and its canine and tick hosts would also elucidate similar interactions for other Ehrlichia species as well as the potential roles of canine sentinels, reservoirs and models of tick-borne zoonoses. This article summarizes natural exposure studies and experimental investigations of E. canis in the context of what is understood about biological vectors of tick-borne Anaplasmataceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Stich
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Aguiar DM, Hagiwara MK, Labruna MB. In vitro isolation and molecular characterization of an Ehrlichia canis strain from São Paulo, Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2008; 39:489-93. [PMID: 24031251 PMCID: PMC3768425 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-838220080003000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2007] [Accepted: 07/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An Ehrlichia canis isolate was obtained from an naturally infected dog exhibiting clinical signs of ehrlichiosis in São Paulo Municipality, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The isolate was characterized by PCR and DNA sequencing of portions of the ehrlichial genes dsb, 16SrRNA, and p28. Partial dsb and 16S rRNA sequences were identical to three and five other E. canis strains, respectively, from different countries and continents (including North America, Africa, Asia and Europe). Conversely, the p28 partial sequence for this E. canis (São Paulo) differed by 1, 2, and 2 nucleotides from the corresponding sequences of the E. canis strains Jake (from USA), Oklahoma (USA), and VHE (Venezuela), respectively. The results in this study indicate that E. canis is the only recognized Ehrlichia species infecting dogs in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Aguiar
- Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso , Cuiabá, MT , Brasil ; Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP , Brasil
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Xiong Q, Bao W, Ge Y, Rikihisa Y. Ehrlichia ewingii infection delays spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis through stabilization of mitochondria. J Infect Dis 2008; 197:1110-8. [PMID: 18462160 DOI: 10.1086/533457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The uncultivable obligate intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia ewingii, previously known only as a canine pathogen, is the most recently recognized agent of human ehrlichiosis. E. ewingii is the only Ehrlichia species known to infect neutrophils. In the blood or in ex vivo culture, neutrophils generally have a short life span. In the present study, we investigated the effect of E. ewingii infection on spontaneous apoptosis of neutrophils. E. ewingii infection significantly delayed dog neutrophil apoptosis during ex vivo culture. The inhibitory effect on neutrophil apoptosis by E. ewingii was reversible on clearance of the organism. By using the fluorescent mitochondrial dyes Mitotracker Red 580 and JC-1, we found that E. ewingii infection stabilized mitochondrial integrity by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential in neutrophils. These results suggest that E. ewingii delays spontaneous apoptosis of neutrophils via stabilization of host cell mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Xiong
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
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38
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Zhang X, Luo T, Keysary A, Baneth G, Miyashiro S, Strenger C, Waner T, McBride JW. Genetic and antigenic diversities of major immunoreactive proteins in globally distributed Ehrlichia canis strains. Clin Vaccine Immunol 2008; 15:1080-8. [PMID: 18480237 DOI: 10.1128/CVI.00482-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The extent of knowledge regarding the diversity of globally distributed Ehrlichia canis strains has been limited to information gained from a few evolutionarily conserved genes. In this study, E. canis strains from the United States (strain Jake [US]), Brazil (strain São Paulo [BR]), and Israel (strain 611 [IS] and Ranana [IS-R]) were used to examine the antigenic and genetic diversities of four well-characterized major immunoreactive protein genes/proteins. gp36 and gp200 were the most divergent genes, and nucleotide substitutions in the gp36 tandem repeat region of the IS strain, but not the IS-R strain, resulted in two amino acid differences (S-->P and P-->T) in each nine-amino-acid repeat (epitope-containing region). DNA sequences of gp19 and gp140 were completely conserved in the US and BR strains, but differences were found in the Israeli strains, including two fewer tandem repeats in gp140 and a single amino acid substitution in gp19 from the IS strain. E. canis whole-cell lysates from each isolate were examined by Western immunoblotting using sera from naturally infected dogs from each country, and four major immunoreactive proteins (gp19, gp36, gp140, and gp200) were identified in each strain using protein-specific antisera. The US and BR strains exhibited highly conserved immunoreactive protein profiles, while some differences were identified in the IS strain. Sera from naturally infected Israeli dogs confirmed gene sequencing information, which demonstrated two distinct E. canis strains, defined by the gp36 gene. Conversely, gp19 was strongly reactive and present in all E. canis isolates. gp140 and gp200 were also present in all strains, although gp140 in the IS strain had two fewer tandem repeats and exhibited a smaller mass.
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Zhang C, Xiong Q, Kikuchi T, Rikihisa Y. Identification of 19 polymorphic major outer membrane protein genes and their immunogenic peptides in Ehrlichia ewingii for use in a serodiagnostic assay. Clin Vaccine Immunol 2008; 15:402-11. [PMID: 18094116 DOI: 10.1128/CVI.00366-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia ewingii, a tick-transmitted rickettsia previously known only as a canine pathogen, was recently recognized as a human pathogen. E. ewingii has yet to be cultivated, and there is no serologic test available to diagnose E. ewingii infection. Previously, a fragment (505 bp) of a single E. ewingii gene homologous to 1 of 22 genes encoding Ehrlichia chaffeensis immunodominant major outer membrane proteins 1 (OMP-1s)/P28s was identified. The purposes of the present study were to (i) determine the E. ewingii omp-1 gene family, (ii) determine each OMP-1-specific peptide, and (iii) analyze all OMP-1 synthesized peptides for antigenicity. Using nested touchdown PCR and a primer walking strategy, we found 19 omp-1 paralogs in E. ewingii. These genes are arranged in tandem downstream of tr1 and upstream of secA in a 24-kb genomic region. Predicted molecular masses of the 19 mature E. ewingii OMP-1s range from 25.1 to 31.3 kDa, with isoelectric points of 5.03 to 9.80. Based on comparative sequence analyses among OMP-1s from E. ewingii and three other Ehrlichia spp., each E. ewingii OMP-1 oligopeptide that was predicted to be antigenic, bacterial surface exposed, unique in comparison to the other E. ewingii OMP-1s, and distinct from those of other Ehrlichia spp. was synthesized for use in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasmas from experimentally E. ewingii-infected dogs reacted significantly with most of the OMP-1-specific peptides, indicating that multiple OMP-1s were expressed and immunogenic in infected dogs. The results support the utility of the tailored OMP-1 peptides as E. ewingii serologic test antigens.
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Yabsley MJ, McKibben J, Macpherson CN, Cattan PF, Cherry NA, Hegarty BC, Breitschwerdt EB, O'Connor T, Chandrashekar R, Paterson T, Perea ML, Ball G, Friesen S, Goedde J, Henderson B, Sylvester W. Prevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Babesia canis vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffii, and Rickettsia spp. in dogs from Grenada. Vet Parasitol 2007; 151:279-85. [PMID: 18160223 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2007] [Revised: 10/31/2007] [Accepted: 11/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To identify the tick-borne pathogens in dogs from Grenada, we conducted a serologic survey for Ehrlichia canis in 2004 (104 dogs) and a comprehensive serologic and molecular survey for a variety of tick-borne pathogens in 2006 (73 dogs). In 2004 and 2006, 44 and 32 dogs (42.3% and 43.8%) were seropositive for E. canis, respectively. In 2006, several tick-borne pathogens were identified by serology and PCR. DNA of E. canis, Anaplasma platys, Babesia canis vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, and Bartonella sp. were identified in 18 (24.7%), 14 (19.2%), 5 (7%), 5 (7%), and 1 (1.4%) dogs, respectively. Six (8.2%) dogs were seropositive for Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. All dogs were seronegative and PCR-negative for Rickettsia spp. Coinfection with two or three pathogens was observed in eight dogs. Partial 16S rRNA E. canis and A. platys sequences were identical to sequences in GenBank. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences from the Grenadian H. canis were identical to each other and had one possible mismatch (ambiguous base) from H. canis detected from Spain and Brazil. Grenadian B. c. vogeli sequences were identical to B. c. vogeli from Brazil and Japan. All of the detected pathogens are transmitted, or suspected to be transmitted, by Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Results of this study indicate that dogs from Grenada are infected with multiple tick-borne pathogens; therefore, tick-borne diseases should be included as differentials for dogs exhibiting thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, fever, or lethargy. One pathogen, E. canis, is also of potential public health significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Yabsley
- D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States.
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Abstract
Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species are tick-transmitted obligately intracellular bacteria that commonly cause disease in dogs worldwide. In addition to causing disease in canines, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are responsible for emerging and life-threatening human zoonoses in the United States. We previously reported a high prevalence of E. canis infection in Cameroonian dogs based on serologic and molecular evidence. This study was undertaken to determine the Ehrlichia species (E. canis, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii) present in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (n = 92) collected from those dogs (n = 51). Ehrlichial DNA was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 28 (30%) unengorged R. sanguineus ticks attached to dogs. E. canis, the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, was detected in 19 (21%) ticks from 15 dogs, E. ewingii was detected in six (6%) ticks from 6 dogs, and E. chaffeensis, the etiologic agent of human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis, was detected in 4 (4%) ticks. Notably, 2 ticks were coinfected with E. chaffeensis and E. canis, one tick with E. canis and E. ewingii, and one tick with E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii. These findings further support our previous conclusion that multiple Ehrlichia species are present in Cameroon and identify R. sanguineus ticks primarily infected with E. canis, but suggest that they may be infected with and transmit other ehrlichial agents in Cameroon, potentially to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy M Ndip
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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McBride JW, Doyle CK, Zhang X, Cardenas AM, Popov VL, Nethery KA, Woods ME. Identification of a glycosylated Ehrlichia canis 19-kilodalton major immunoreactive protein with a species-specific serine-rich glycopeptide epitope. Infect Immun 2006; 75:74-82. [PMID: 17088359 PMCID: PMC1828430 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01494-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis has a small subset of major immunoreactive proteins that includes a 19-kDa protein that elicits an early Ehrlichia-specific antibody response in infected dogs. We report herein the identification and molecular characterization of this highly conserved 19-kDa major immunoreactive glycoprotein (gp19) ortholog of the Ehrlichia chaffeensis variable-length PCR target (VLPT) protein. E. canis gp19 has substantial carboxyl-terminal amino acid homology (59%) with E. chaffeensis VLPT and the same chromosomal location; however, the E. chaffeensis VLPT gene (594 bp) has tandem repeats that are not present in the E. canis gp19 gene (414 bp). Consistent with other ehrlichial glycoproteins, the gp19 protein exhibited a larger-than-predicted mass (approximately 3 kDa), O-linked glycosylation sites were predicted in an amino-terminal serine/threonine/glutamate (STE)-rich patch (26 amino acids), carbohydrate was detected on the recombinant gp19 protein, and the neutral sugars glucose and galactose were detected on the recombinant amino-terminal polypeptide. E. canis gp19 composition consists of five predominant amino acids, cysteine, glutamate, tyrosine, serine, and threonine, concentrated in the STE-rich patch and a carboxyl-terminal domain predominated by cysteine and tyrosine (55%). The amino-terminal STE-rich patch contained a major species-specific antibody epitope strongly recognized by serum from an E. canis-infected dog. The recombinant glycopeptide epitope was substantially more reactive with antibody than the synthetic (nonglycosylated) peptide, and periodate treatment of the recombinant glycopeptide epitope reduced its immunoreactivity, demonstrating the importance of a carbohydrate immunodeterminant(s). The gp19 protein was present on reticulate and dense-cored cells, and it was found extracellularly in the fibrillar matrix and associated with the morula membrane, the host cell cytoplasm, and the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jere W McBride
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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