1
|
Luo T, Patel JG, Zhang X, McBride JW. Antibody reactive immunomes of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and E. canis are diverse and defined by conformational antigenic determinants. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1321291. [PMID: 38264730 PMCID: PMC10803646 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1321291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
For decades, the defined antibody reactive proteins of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and E. canis were limited to a small group with linear antibody epitopes. Recently, our laboratory has utilized an immunomics-based approach to rapidly screen and identify undefined Ehrlichia chaffeensis and E. canis antigenic proteins and antibody epitopes. In this study, we analyzed the remaining portion (~50%) of the E. chaffeensis and E. canis proteomes (n = 444 and n = 405 proteins, respectively), that were not examined in previous studies, to define the complete immunomes of these important pathogens. Almost half of the E. chaffeensis proteins screened (196/444) reacted with antibodies in convalescent HME patient sera, while only 43 E. canis proteins reacted with CME dog sera. New major immunoreactive proteins were identified in E. chaffeensis (n = 7) and E. canis (n = 1), increasing the total number of E. chaffeensis (n = 14) and E. canis proteins (n = 18) that exhibited antibody reactivity comparable to well-defined major antigenic proteins (TRP120 and TRP19). All of the E. chaffeensis but only some E. canis major immunoreactive proteins contained major conformation-dependent antibody epitopes. The E. chaffeensis immunoreactive proteins were generally small (< 250 amino acids; ~27kDa) and the E. canis proteins were slightly larger (> 320 amino acids; ~35 kDa). The majority of these new Ehrlichia major immunoreactive proteins were predicted to be type I secreted effectors, some of which contained transmembrane domains. Characterization of the immunomes of E. chaffeensis and E. canis and understanding the host specific Ehrlichia immune responses will facilitate identification of protective antigens and define the biophysical epitope characteristics vital to effective vaccine development for the ehrlichioses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Luo
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jignesh G. Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jere W. McBride
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zorzo C, Pereira NA, Hongyu K, Aguiar DM. Correlation between canine biochemical analytes and TRP36 ELISA seropositivity for Ehrlichia canis in Brazil. Vet Clin Pathol 2023; 52:621-627. [PMID: 37488073 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic peptides of tandem repeat proteins (TRPs) have been employed in the serologic analysis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and used in epidemiological studies in Brazil. Based on molecular studies of TRPs, different genotypes of Ehrlichia canis have been described, but data on their pathogenicity remain unknown. OBJECTIVES To correlate hepatic, renal, and muscular alterations in relation to different genotypes of E. canis in naturally exposed dogs using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with TRP19 and TRP36 synthetic protein antigens. METHODS Two hundred serum samples were subjected to ELISA with the antigens of TRP19 and three genotypes (US, Br, and CR) of TRP36 of E. canis circulating in Brazil. Positive sera were evaluated through eight biochemical parameters, and the results were evaluated by principal component analysis and canonical correlation. RESULTS ELISA revealed that 47 (23.5%) serum samples reacted to the BrTRP36 peptide, 36 (18%) reacted to the TRP19 peptide, and 8 (4%) reacted to the USTRP36 and CRTRP36 peptides separately. The most frequent biochemical alterations observed were for CK (59.4%), ALB (31.8%), GLO (28.9%), TP (28.9%), ALP (26%), urea (24.6%), creatinine (14.4%), and ALT (14.4%). The most prominent diagnostic method in canonical correlation analysis was BrTRP36, followed by TRP19, which correlated with hyperglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia. CONCLUSIONS Antibodies that reacted against the Brazilian genotype of E. canis correlated positively with hyperglobulinemia and increases in serum urea and creatinine. According to our results, the Brazilian genotype of E. canis is related to the chronic phase of CME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Zorzo
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil
| | - Nathalia A Pereira
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil
| | - Kuang Hongyu
- Statistics Department, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Aguiar
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Molazadeh S, Tukmechi A, Hadian M, Dalir-Naghadeh B. Phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia species isolated from horses and dogs in Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 103:102080. [PMID: 37913628 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia spp. in horses and dogs in Iran. Blood samples were collected from 400 animals, including 200 horses and 200 dogs, from five different provinces in Iran. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Ehrlichia spp. based on amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. The semi-nested PCR method was used to amplify the dsb, TRP36, and gltA genes. The results showed that 4.5 % of the samples (3 % horses and 6 % dogs) were positive for Ehrlichia sp. The highest prevalence was observed in Kerman and Khuzestan, while the lowest was found in West Azerbaijan, Golestan, and Mazandaran. The study suggests that the populations of dogs and horses in the country should be considered important factors in the epidemiology of ehrlichiosis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the dsb and TRP36 genes revealed that the prevalent species were E. canis and E. ruminantium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siamak Molazadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran.
| | - Amir Tukmechi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Hadian
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran.
| | - Bahram Dalir-Naghadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Poolsawat N, Sangchuai S, Jaroensak T, Watthanadirek-Wijidwong A, Srionrod N, Minsakorn S, Tazawa K, Anuracpreeda P. Molecular occurrence and genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis in naturally infected dogs from Thailand. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20394. [PMID: 37989840 PMCID: PMC10663595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47784-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is cause by Ehrlichia canis resulting in hematologic disorders and severe clinical signs. The aim of this study was to scrutinize the molecular detection and genetic diversity of E. canis based on the trp36 gene in dogs from Thailand's northern and central regions. A total of 120 dogs blood samples were amplified for trp36 gene of E. canis using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Forty-seven out of 120 dog blood samples (39.16%, 47/120) were positive for E. canis the trp36 DNA with 790 bp of PCR amplicon size. The factor significantly associated with E. canis infection is animal housing status (p < 0.05). Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that E. canis trp36 gene of Thailand isolates was clustered into 1st clade with similarity ranging from 95.65 to 100% together with the US genogroup. The 14 haplotypes of the trp36 gene shown in TCS network exhibited that haplotype #1-4 was found in Thailand. The entropy analysis of the trp36 gene illustrated 751 polymorphic sites and 271 entropy peaks of nucleic and amino acid sequences, respectively. Hence, these findings are crucial for better understanding the epidemiology of Ehrlichia infection and could be helpful for implementing control measures in Thailand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Napassorn Poolsawat
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Siriphan Sangchuai
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Tassanee Jaroensak
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Amaya Watthanadirek-Wijidwong
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Nitipon Srionrod
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Sutthida Minsakorn
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Keiichiro Tazawa
- Worldwide Veterinary Service Thailand, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, 50230, Thailand
| | - Panat Anuracpreeda
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Minervino AHH, Marcili A, Moraes-Filho J, Lima JTR, Soares HS, Malheiros AF, Dias SR, Gennari SM, Labruna MB. Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Dogs from Indigenous Communities, Amazon, Brazil. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:458-464. [PMID: 37566524 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There are few reports of tick-borne pathogens infecting dogs living in indigenous communities of Brazil. Herein, we aimed to molecularly detect vector-borne pathogens in dogs from two indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon. Materials and Methods: We surveyed 327 dogs raised in Amazon region at 2 distinct indigenous ethnicities for the molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens (114 from Tapirapé and 213 from Karajá indigenous ethnicity). Whole blood samples were subjected to PCR and sequencing for Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate the factors affecting the pathogen infection patterns in dogs. Results: Among the 327 blood samples, 40 were positive for Ehrlichia canis (12.2%), 2 for Anaplasma platys (0.61%), and 204 were positive for Hepatozoon canis (66.5%). Binary Logistic Regression showed association between E. canis infection and ethnicity (p = 0.010) and tick attachment (p = 0.041). Karajá dogs were 3.4 times (95% CI 1.3-8.5) more likely to be positive for E. canis than Tapirapé dogs. Dogs with ticks were 2.5 times more likely (95% CI 1.0-7.6) to be positive for E. canis than dogs without ticks. Conclusions: Our survey expands the knowledge regarding the presence of vector-borne pathogens in dogs from indigenous communities in the Amazon region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arlei Marcili
- PhD Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University (UNISA), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jonas Moraes-Filho
- PhD Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University (UNISA), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia T R Lima
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Herbert S Soares
- PhD Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University (UNISA), São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio F Malheiros
- Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences (FACAB), State University of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
| | - Salatiel Ribeiro Dias
- Laboratory of Animal Health (LARSANA), Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Santarém, Brazil
| | - Solange M Gennari
- PhD Program in One Health, Santo Amaro University (UNISA), São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lira-Amaya JJ, Beristain-Ruiz DM, Racanco-Delgado J, Garza-Hernández JA, Vital-García C, Santamaria-Espinosa M, Martínez-García G, Alvarez-Martínez A, Quezada-Casasola A, Rojas-Martínez C, Alvarado-Robles B, Figueroa-Millán JV. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Ehrlichia canis Isolates from Three Geographic Regions in Mexico: A Retrospective Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1629. [PMID: 37629486 PMCID: PMC10456115 DOI: 10.3390/life13081629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is the most common tick-borne disease affecting domestic dogs and other wild canids. It has a worldwide distribution and is associated with the presence of the brown dog tick. Few studies have been conducted in Mexico to identify and characterize Ehrlichia canis genetic variability. In the present study, 111 dogs of different sex, breed, and age from three geographic regions in Mexico were included. All of them had a previous history of tick infestation and/or the presence of one or more clinical signs compatible with CME. All dogs were tested by a commercial ELISA and nested PCR assay for the detection of E. canis. In addition, we analyzed the E. canis genetic diversity from the 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained in this study, along with 15 additional sequences described for E. canis in Mexico and obtained from GeneBank. Serological detection by commercial ELISA results showed overall infection rates of 85.58% (95/111), including 73.1% (30/41) in samples from Guerrero state; 75% (15/20) in Morelos; and 100% (50/50) in Chihuahua. On the other hand, molecular detection (nPCR assay) showed 31.5% (35/111) overall infection rate, with 41.4% (17/41) in Guerrero state; 55% (11/20) in Morelos; and 14% (7/50) in Chihuahua. We observed a high 16S rRNA gene sequence conservancy in most of the E. canis isolates in the three geographical areas from Mexico, including those analyzed in this research, suggesting a common geographic origin among isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Juan Lira-Amaya
- CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Jiutepec 62550, Morelos, Mexico; (J.J.L.-A.); (M.S.-E.); (G.M.-G.); (A.A.-M.); (C.R.-M.)
| | - Diana M. Beristain-Ruiz
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente y Estocolmo s/n Colonia Progresista AP 1729-D Cd., Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico; (D.M.B.-R.); (C.V.-G.); (A.Q.-C.); (B.A.-R.)
| | - Jesús Racanco-Delgado
- Unidad Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Km. 3.5, de la Carretera Altamirano-Iguala, Ciudad Altamirano 39640, Guerrero, Mexico;
| | - Javier A. Garza-Hernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente y Estocolmo s/n Colonia Progresista, Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico;
| | - Cuauhcihuatl Vital-García
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente y Estocolmo s/n Colonia Progresista AP 1729-D Cd., Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico; (D.M.B.-R.); (C.V.-G.); (A.Q.-C.); (B.A.-R.)
| | - Montserrat Santamaria-Espinosa
- CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Jiutepec 62550, Morelos, Mexico; (J.J.L.-A.); (M.S.-E.); (G.M.-G.); (A.A.-M.); (C.R.-M.)
| | - Grecia Martínez-García
- CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Jiutepec 62550, Morelos, Mexico; (J.J.L.-A.); (M.S.-E.); (G.M.-G.); (A.A.-M.); (C.R.-M.)
| | - Antonio Alvarez-Martínez
- CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Jiutepec 62550, Morelos, Mexico; (J.J.L.-A.); (M.S.-E.); (G.M.-G.); (A.A.-M.); (C.R.-M.)
| | - Andrés Quezada-Casasola
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente y Estocolmo s/n Colonia Progresista AP 1729-D Cd., Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico; (D.M.B.-R.); (C.V.-G.); (A.Q.-C.); (B.A.-R.)
| | - Carmen Rojas-Martínez
- CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Jiutepec 62550, Morelos, Mexico; (J.J.L.-A.); (M.S.-E.); (G.M.-G.); (A.A.-M.); (C.R.-M.)
| | - Beatriz Alvarado-Robles
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo Envolvente y Estocolmo s/n Colonia Progresista AP 1729-D Cd., Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico; (D.M.B.-R.); (C.V.-G.); (A.Q.-C.); (B.A.-R.)
| | - Julio V. Figueroa-Millán
- CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Jiutepec 62550, Morelos, Mexico; (J.J.L.-A.); (M.S.-E.); (G.M.-G.); (A.A.-M.); (C.R.-M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Borges KIN, Pereira NDA, Aguiar DMD, Taques IIGG, Alves-Ribeiro BS, Ramos DGDS, Braga ÍA. Costa Rican Genotype of Ehrlichia canis: A Current Concern. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050316. [PMID: 37235399 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is endemic to Brazil, and studies have verified that dogs have been exposed to different genotypes of Ehrlichia canis. This genetic divergence can influence the clinical response of the animals. We aimed to describe clinical and hematological changes in 125 dogs that reacted to BrTRP36, USTRP36, and CRTRP36 genotypes through enzyme immunoassays and to highlight the current concern regarding infection by the Costa Rican genotype. The results showed that 52.0% reacted to the Brazilian genotype, 22.4% reacted to the Costa Rican genotype, and 16.0% reacted to the American genotype, and some co-reactions were observed. Dogs reactive to BrTRP36 were 1.24% more likely to present with medullary regeneration in cases of anemia and 3% less likely to manifest hyperproteinemia, while dogs reactive to CRTRP36 were 0.7% less likely to present with medullary regeneration. Febrile illness and neurological alterations were also statistically associated, with an 85.7% and 231.2% increased likelihood, respectively, to occur in dogs that reacted to USTRP36. The dogs with the American genotype developed clinical manifestations related to systemic inflammation, while those with the Brazilian genotype of E. canis were more dispersed in the region studied, showing greater adaptation to the hosts. We highlight the significant serocurrence of the Costa Rican genotype, which has already been described to have zoonotic potential and which showed less adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karla Irigaray Nogueira Borges
- Veterinary Medicine College, Basic Unit of Bioscience, Mineiros University Center, 22nd Street s/n, Mineiros 75833-130, GO, Brazil
| | - Nathalia de Assis Pereira
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue 2367, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil
| | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue 2367, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna Samara Alves-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Parasitology, Academic Unit of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil
| | - Dirceu Guilherme de Souza Ramos
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Parasitology, Academic Unit of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil
| | - Ísis Assis Braga
- Veterinary Medicine College, Basic Unit of Bioscience, Mineiros University Center, 22nd Street s/n, Mineiros 75833-130, GO, Brazil
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Parasitology, Academic Unit of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gallego MM, Triana-Chávez O, Mejia-Jaramillo AM, Jaimes-Dueñez J. Molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli reveals multiple genogroups associated with clinical traits in dogs from urban areas of Colombia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102111. [PMID: 36574738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli are vector-borne pathogens that infect blood cells and produce the diseases Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) and Babesiosis in dogs. Considering the lack of studies on these pathogens in Colombia, this study aims to determine the molecular prevalence and genetic characterization of E. canis and Babesia spp., in dogs from the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (MAB), Santander, a region with one of the greatest pet densities in Colombia. One hundred eighty-five dogs were surveyed and analyzed through molecular, clinical, and hematological approaches. The molecular detection of E. canis and Babesia spp., was performed by conventional PCR targeting the dsb and 18S rRNA genes, respectively. To identify genogroups, E. canis positive samples underwent a hemi-nested PCR of the trp36 gene, and the PCR products were subsequently sequenced. Molecular analyses showed a prevalence of 13% (24/185; CI 95%, 8.1 - 18.0%) and 1.09% (2/185; CI 95,% -0.43 - 2.6%) for E. canis and B. vogeli respectively, as well as the presence of the genogroups US (USA), BR (Brazil), and CR (Costa Rica), in 62.5, 16.6, and 16.6% of E. canis positive samples, respectively. Values of hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelets, erythrocytes, white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes, and eosinophils showed significant differences between animals infected with the different genogroups of E. canis (p< 0.05). In contrast, hematocrit values, hemoglobin, platelets, red blood cells, and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) were lower in B. vogeli positive animals. Statistical analysis indicated that E. canis infection was associated with specific socioeconomic sectors as well as with some household features (p< 0.05). In conclusion, our results present evidence of the circulation of multiple genogroups of E. canis in the MAB, which is associated with different geographical origins and clinical traits. Epidemiological analyses suggest a need to increase molecular surveillance and prevention campaigns especially in lower socioeconomic sectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Marin Gallego
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas - BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Triana-Chávez
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas - BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana Maria Mejia-Jaramillo
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas - BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Calle 30 No. 33-51, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Navarrete MG, Hodžić A, Corona-González B, Cordeiro MD, da Silva CB, Báez LC, Obregón D, de Aguiar DM, da Silva Campos AN, Taques ÍIGG, Wu-Chuang A, López ER, Piloto-Sardiñas E, Abuin-Denis L, da Fonseca AH, Cabezas-Cruz A. Novel Ehrlichia canis genogroup in dogs with canine ehrlichiosis in Cuba. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:295. [PMID: 35999566 PMCID: PMC9396871 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is caused by the tick-borne pathogen Ehrlichia canis, an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium of the family Anaplasmataceae with tropism for canine monocytes and macrophages. The trp36 gene, which encodes for the major immunoreactive protein TRP36 in E. canis, has been successfully used to characterize the genetic diversity of this pathogen in different regions of the world. Based on trp36 sequence analysis, four E. canis genogroups, United States (US), Taiwan (TWN), Brazil (BR) and Costa Rica (CR), have been identified. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of E. canis in Cuba based on the trp36 gene. Methods Whole blood samples (n = 8) were collected from dogs found to be infested with the tick vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) and/or presenting clinical signs and symptoms of CME. Total DNA was extracted from the blood samples and trp36 fragments were amplified by PCR. Nucleotide and protein sequences were compared using alignments and phylogenetic analysis. Results Four of the trp36 sequences obtained (n = 8) fall within the phylogenetic cluster grouping the US genogroup E. canis strains. The other E. canis trp36 sequences formed a separate and well-supported clade (94% bootstrap value) that is phylogenetically distant from the other major groups and thus represents a new genogroup, herein designated as the ‘Cuba (CUB) genogroup’. Notably, dogs infected with the CUB genogroup presented frequent hemorrhagic lesions. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that genetic diversification of E. canis in Cuba is associated with the emergence of E. canis strains with increased virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maylin González Navarrete
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agrarian University of Havana, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Km 23 1/2, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Belkis Corona-González
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ, 23890000, Brazil
| | - Claudia Bezerra da Silva
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ, 23890000, Brazil
| | - Liani Coronado Báez
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Dasiel Obregón
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Hospital Veterinário da Facultade de Medicina Veterinária, Federal University of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Amanda Noeli da Silva Campos
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Hospital Veterinário da Facultade de Medicina Veterinária, Federal University of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Ísis Indaiara Gonçalves Granjeiro Taques
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Hospital Veterinário da Facultade de Medicina Veterinária, Federal University of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eugenio Roque López
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agrarian University of Havana, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Km 23 1/2, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Lianet Abuin-Denis
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31 between 158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, 10600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ, 23890000, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Comparative genomic analysis of the first Ehrlichia canis detections in Australia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101909. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
11
|
Braga ÍA, Taques IIGG, Grontoski EC, de Oliveira Dias IS, Pereira NA, de Souza Ramos DG, Dantas-Torres F, de Aguiar DM. Exposure of Domestic Cats to Distinct Ehrlichia canis TRP Genotypes. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120310. [PMID: 34941837 PMCID: PMC8707923 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats naturally exposed to Ehrlichia canis have been described in different regions of the world, but little is known about the genotypes associated with infection in these animals. To detect E. canis-specific antibodies and investigate the E. canis TRP genotypes in cats, serum samples from 76 domestic cats reactive to crude E. canis antigens by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) were analyzed by ELISA, using E. canis-specific peptides (i.e., TRP19 and TRP36 /BR/US/CR). Of these, 25 (32.9%) cats reacted to at least one TRP peptide, confirming their specific exposure to E. canis. Eighteen (23.7%) cats reacted to TRP19, 15 (19.8%) to BRTRP36, and 11 (14.5%) to USTRP36, but none of them reacted to CRTRP36. Eight (10.5%) cats reacted to TRP19 but not to any TRP36 genotype, demonstrating the possible existence of a new E. canis genotype infecting felines. Nevertheless, this study provides the first report of anti-E. canis-specific antibodies in domestic cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ísis Assis Braga
- Veterinary Medicine College, Basic Unit of Bioscience, Mineiros University Center, 22nd Street s/n, Mineiros 75833-130, Goiás, Brazil;
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue 2367, Cuiabá 78060-900, Mato Grosso, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (E.C.G.); (I.S.d.O.D.); (N.A.P.)
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Parasitology, Academic Unit of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, Goiás, Brazil;
| | - Isis Indaiara Gonçalves Granjeiro Taques
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue 2367, Cuiabá 78060-900, Mato Grosso, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (E.C.G.); (I.S.d.O.D.); (N.A.P.)
| | - Estefânia Crivelatti Grontoski
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue 2367, Cuiabá 78060-900, Mato Grosso, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (E.C.G.); (I.S.d.O.D.); (N.A.P.)
| | - Ingrid Savino de Oliveira Dias
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue 2367, Cuiabá 78060-900, Mato Grosso, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (E.C.G.); (I.S.d.O.D.); (N.A.P.)
| | - Nathalia Assis Pereira
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue 2367, Cuiabá 78060-900, Mato Grosso, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (E.C.G.); (I.S.d.O.D.); (N.A.P.)
| | - Dirceu Guilherme de Souza Ramos
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Parasitology, Academic Unit of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, Goiás, Brazil;
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Professor Moraes Rego Avenue s/n, Recife 50670-420, Pernambuco, Brazil;
| | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue 2367, Cuiabá 78060-900, Mato Grosso, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (E.C.G.); (I.S.d.O.D.); (N.A.P.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Effect of GP19 Peptide Hyperimmune Antiserum on Activated Macrophage during Ehrlichia canis Infection in Canine Macrophage-like Cells. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082310. [PMID: 34438767 PMCID: PMC8388390 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In terms of its veterinary importance, vaccine development against Ehrlichia canis is needed. However, the effect of developing vaccines on humoral immune response against E. canis infection is still unknown. Novel GP194-43 was synthesized according to E. canis GP19 epitope prediction. To restrict any loss and/or illness in the host animal, rabbits were used in this study to produce GP194-43 hyperimmune sera. The effect of GP194-43 hyperimmune sera on neutralization was examined in vitro by determining the inhibition of E. canis infection of the macrophage-like cell line (DH82) in the presence of the sera. Four groups of DH82 cells received differing treatments. These included E. canis experimentally infected DH82 cells, E. canis-infected DH82 cells with control rabbit serum (untreated group), E. canis-infected DH82 cells with GP194-43 rabbit antiserum (treated group) and uninfected cells (negative control group), respectively. The treated group developed a decrease (p < 0.01) in the percentage of E. canis infected cells after 3 days post-infection at 48.57 ± 1.28. In addition, real-time PCR analyses of cytokine mRNA expression involved with the macrophage, humoral, and cellular immune responses were conducted. The findings revealed an upregulated expression of IFNG in the treated group during the infection. This study demonstrated neutralization in the GP194-43 peptide hyperimmune sera of immunized rabbits. Notably, IFN-γ production could be effectively promoted in canine macrophages in relation to the activation of macrophages and adaptive immune responses. The results of this study indicate the potential for the use of this immunogen in further investigations involving immunized and infected dogs as E. canis host species.
Collapse
|
13
|
Melo ALT, Luo T, Zhang X, Muraro LS, Pereira NA, Cabezas-Cruz A, Dantas-Torres F, McBride JW, de Aguiar DM. Serological evidence of Ehrlichia minasensis infection in Brazilian dogs. Acta Trop 2021; 219:105931. [PMID: 33901440 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Ehrlichia spp. are important tick-borne pathogens of animals in Brazil, and Ehrlichia canis is the most prevalent species infecting dogs. Moreover, Ehrlichia minasensis has also recently been identified as a novel ehrlichial agent that infects cattle in Brazil. The objective of this study was to determine whether dogs could be infected by E. minasensis. To investigate this possibility, sera (n = 429) collected from dogs in the Pantanal region were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of antibodies against E. canis and E. minasensis. Canine sera were screened by two isolates of E. canis in indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and the majority (n = 298; 69.4%) had antibodies with endpoint titers ranging from 80 to 327,680. In order to further confirm E. canis-specific antibodies, IFA positive sera were analyzed by ELISA using E. canis-specific peptides (i.e. TRP19 and TRP36 US/BR/CR), which detected E. canis antibodies in 80.2% (239/298) of the dog sera. Fifty-nine (13.7%) samples had detectable antibodies to E. canis by IFA but were negative by E. canis peptide ELISA. These sera were then tested by E. minasensis IFA (Cuiaba strain) as antigen and 67.8% (40/59) were positive (titers ranging from 80 to 20,480). Eleven sera had antibody titers against E. minasensis at least two-fold higher than observed for E. canis and suggests that these dogs were previously infected with E. minasensis. The results of the present study suggest that multiple ehrlichial agents infect dogs in Brazil, which highlights the need to consider different Ehrlichia spp. in Brazilian dogs, particularly in areas where dogs are frequently exposed to multiple tick species. This investigation is the first to provide serologic evidence of E. minasensis infection in dogs from Brazil.
Collapse
|
14
|
Forero-Becerra E, Patel J, Martínez-Díaz HC, Betancourt-Ruiz P, Benavides E, Durán S, Olaya-Másmela LA, Bolaños E, Hidalgo M, McBride JW. Seroprevalence and Genotypic Analysis of Ehrlichia canis Infection in Dogs and Humans in Cauca, Colombia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1771-1776. [PMID: 33755584 PMCID: PMC8103471 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis infections have been reported in humans in Venezuela and Costa Rica. In this study, 506 healthy residents and 114 dogs from four municipalities (Cauca, Colombia) were surveyed and blood samples collected. Antibodies to E. canis in human and canine sera were evaluated using the Tandem repeat protein 19 (TRP19) peptide ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Ehrlichia canis TRP19 antibodies were detected in only 1/506 human sera, but the single positive sample was negative by IFA. The majority (75/114; 66%) of dogs surveyed had antibodies to the E. canis TRP19 peptide by ELISA, and eight randomly selected sera were further confirmed by E. canis IFA. Genomic DNA samples obtained from 73 E. canis TRP19 ELISA-positive dog blood samples were examined by PCR targeting the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene. Ehrlichia canis 16S rRNA was amplified in 30 (41%) of the dogs, and 16 amplicons were selected for DNA sequencing, which confirmed that all were E. canis. A second PCR was performed on the 16 confirmed E. canis 16S rRNA PCR-positive samples to determine the TRP36 genotype by amplifying the trp36 gene. TRP36 PCR amplicon sequencing identified nine dogs infected with the U.S. E. canis TRP36 genotype (56%), one dog with the Brazilian genotype (6%), and six dogs with the Costa Rican genotype (38%). Moreover, these molecular genotype signatures were consistent with serologic analysis using TRP36 genotype-specific peptides. Notably, there was no serologic evidence of E. canis infection in humans, suggesting that E. canis infection in dogs in Cauca is not associated with zoonotic human infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elkin Forero-Becerra
- Research Training Program, Fogarty International Center (Code 1 D43), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas;,Address correspondence to Elkin Forero-Becerra, Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Av. Central del Norte No. 39-115, Tunja 150001, Colombia. E-mail:
| | - Jignesh Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Heidy-C Martínez-Díaz
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Paola Betancourt-Ruiz
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Efraín Benavides
- Grupo de Investigación Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Steven Durán
- Grupo de Investigación Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Luz-A Olaya-Másmela
- Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Libre - Cali, Sede Valle del Lili, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Eliana Bolaños
- Secretaría de Salud del Departamento del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Jere W. McBride
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bezerra-Santos MA, Nguyen VL, Iatta R, Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Hodžić A, Dantas-Torres F, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Genetic variability of Ehrlichia canis TRP36 in ticks, dogs, and red foxes from Eurasia. Vet Microbiol 2021; 255:109037. [PMID: 33740731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is among the most prevalent tick-borne pathogens infecting dogs worldwide, being primarily vectored by brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). The genetic variability of E. canis has been assessed by analysis of different genes (e.g., disulfide bond formation protein gene, glycoprotein 19, tandem repeat protein 36 - TRP36) in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and in a single dog sample from Europe (i.e., Spain). This study was aimed to assess the variations in the TRP36 gene of E. canis detected in naturally infected canids and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks from different countries in Asia and Europe. DNA samples from dogs (n = 644), foxes (n = 146), and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks (n = 658) from Austria, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan were included in this study. Ehrlichia canis 16S rRNA positive samples (n = 115 from the previous studies; n = 14 from Austria in this study) were selected for molecular examination by analyses of TRP36 gene. Out of 129 E. canis 16S rRNA positive samples from dogs (n = 88), foxes (n = 7), and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks (n = 34), the TRP36 gene was successfully amplified from 52. The phylogenetic analysis of the TRP36 pre-repeat, tandem repeat, and post repeat regions showed that most samples were genetically close to the United States genogroup, whereas two samples from Austria and one from Pakistan clustered within the Taiwan genogroup. TRP36 sequences from all samples presented a high conserved nucleotide sequence in the tandem repeat region (from 6 to 20 copies), encoding for nine amino acids (i.e., TEDSVSAPA). Our results confirm the US genogroup as the most frequent group in dogs and ticks tested herein, whereas the Taiwan genogroup was present in a lower frequency. Besides, this study described for the first time the US genogroup in red foxes, thus revealing that these canids share identical strains with domestic dogs and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Muraro LS, Souza ADO, Leite TNS, Cândido SL, Melo ALT, Toma HS, Carvalho MB, Dutra V, Nakazato L, Cabezas-Cruz A, de Aguiar DM. First Evidence of Ehrlichia minasensis Infection in Horses from Brazil. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030265. [PMID: 33669023 PMCID: PMC7996482 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Ehrlichia includes tick-borne bacterial pathogens affecting humans, domestic and wild mammals. Ehrlichia minasensis has been identified in different animal species and geographical locations, suggesting that this is a widely distributed and generalist Ehrlichia. In the present study, we evaluated Ehrlichial infection in 148 Equidae presented to the Medical Clinic Department of a Veterinary Hospital from a midwestern region of Brazil. Blood samples and ticks collected from the animals were tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the presence of Ehrlichia spp. A multigenic approach including Anaplasmataceae-specific (i.e., 16S rRNA, groEL, gltA) and Ehrlichia-specific (i.e., dsb and trp36) genes was used for accurate bacteria identification. Sera samples were also collected and evaluated for the detection of anti-Ehrlichia antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA). Possible associations between molecular and serological diagnostics and clinical and hematological manifestations were tested using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. Sequence analysis of the dsb fragment revealed that three horses (2.03%) were exposed to E. minasensis. Sixty-one (41.2%) Equidae (58 equines and three mules), were seropositive for Ehrlichia spp., with antibody titers ranging between 40 and 2560. Seropositivity to ehrlichial antigens was statistically associated with tick infestation, rural origin, hypoalbuminemia and hyperproteinemia (p ≤ 0.05). The present study reports the first evidence of natural infection by E. minasensis in horses from Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lívia S. Muraro
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil;
| | - Aneliza de O. Souza
- Veterinary Clinical Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinics, University of Cuiabá (UNIC), Av. Manoel José de Arruda 3100, Cuiabá 78065-900, Brazil; (A.d.O.S.); (T.N.S.L.)
| | - Tamyres N. S. Leite
- Veterinary Clinical Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinics, University of Cuiabá (UNIC), Av. Manoel José de Arruda 3100, Cuiabá 78065-900, Brazil; (A.d.O.S.); (T.N.S.L.)
| | - Stefhano L. Cândido
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (S.L.C.); (V.D.); (L.N.)
| | - Andréia L. T. Melo
- Veterinary of Clinical, Veterinary Medicine College, University of Cuiabá (UNIC), Av. Manoel José de Arruda 3100, Cuiabá 78065-900, Brazil; (A.L.T.M.); (M.B.C.)
| | - Hugo S. Toma
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Campus Universitário, Mailbox 3037, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil;
| | - Mariana B. Carvalho
- Veterinary of Clinical, Veterinary Medicine College, University of Cuiabá (UNIC), Av. Manoel José de Arruda 3100, Cuiabá 78065-900, Brazil; (A.L.T.M.); (M.B.C.)
| | - Valéria Dutra
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (S.L.C.); (V.D.); (L.N.)
| | - Luciano Nakazato
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (S.L.C.); (V.D.); (L.N.)
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Daniel M. de Aguiar
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sebastian PS, Mera Y Sierra R, Neira G, Hadid J, Flores FS, Nava S. Epidemiological link between canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis and the presence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto in Argentina. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:725-729. [PMID: 33415399 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we analyze data that support an epidemiological link between cases of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) by Ehrlichia canis and the presence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto as vector in an endemic area for this tick in Argentina. In a blood sample of a 1-year-old toy poodle with CME compatible clinical signs, which showed CME typical morulae in monocytes in Giemsa-stained blood smear, DNA of E. canis was detected by PCR. Further, DNA of E. canis was also detected in a female of R. sanguineus s.s. collected on the infected dog. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. is the only member of the R. sanguineus group that prevails in the study area. The results of this study suggest that R. sanguineus s.s. may play a more important role in the transmission of E. canis than it was assumed so far. The epidemiological link between CME cases and R. sanguineus s.s. as vector in temperate areas of Argentina described in this work contrast previous studies which found that R. sanguineus sensu lato "tropical lineage" (which is absent in the study area) is competent to transmit E. canis but not R. sanguineus s.s.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Sebastian
- Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Roberto Mera Y Sierra
- Centro de Investigación en Parasitología Regional (CIPAR), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Av. Acceso Este, Lateral Sur 2245, CP 5519, Mendoza, Argentina.,Laboratorio Mera, Paso de los Andes 416, CP 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Gisela Neira
- Centro de Investigación en Parasitología Regional (CIPAR), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Av. Acceso Este, Lateral Sur 2245, CP 5519, Mendoza, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Av. Acceso Este, Lateral Sur 2245, CP 5519, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Jaled Hadid
- Veterinaria San Ignacio, Champagnat 2038, CP 5501, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Fernando S Flores
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CP 3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Santiago Nava
- Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Taques IIGG, Koiyama MFG, Campos ANS, Costa JS, Hongyu K, Aguiar DM. Canonical correlative analyses among an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using synthetic peptides, an indirect fluorescent antibody test, and hematologic measurements in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis. Vet Clin Pathol 2020; 49:574-582. [PMID: 33135177 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoreactive tandem repeat proteins (TRPs) in amino acid sequences were identified and employed in the serologic diagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). OBJECTIVES This study evaluated using TRP19 and TRP36 synthetic protein antigens with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and compared the results with an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to diagnose CME in the serum of dogs with suspected CME. METHODS The sera of 243 dogs that exhibited clinical and hematologic signs suggestive of CME had IFATs performed. An ELISA with synthetic TRP19 and TRP36 antigens from two E canis genotypes (USTRP36 and BrTRP36) that circulate in Brazil were also performed. Canonical correlations and chi-square tests were evaluated on the results of these tests. RESULTS Among the 243 dogs, 179 (73.6%) were reactive at an IFAT ≥ 40, 167 (68.72%) reacted at the cut-off ≥160, and 149 (61.31%) reacted at ≥640. The ELISA revealed that 172 (70.8%) dogs reacted to TRP19 peptide, 163 (67.1%) reacted to USTRP36, and 114 (46.9%) reacted to BrTRP36. The canonical correlation analyses showed that the TRP19 ELISA was the most effective diagnostic method. Serum total protein levels showed strong positive correlations with the USTRP36 peptide. Qualitative analyses revealed an association between the TRP19 peptide and the presence of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hyperproteinemia. The IFAT results at titers of ≥160 and ≥640 were associated with thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicated that the TRP19 peptide was an excellent antigen and that the IFAT was diagnostically important in confirming the diagnosis of CME in serum samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isis I G G Taques
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Maíra F G Koiyama
- Small Animal Medical Clinic, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Amanda N S Campos
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Jackeliny S Costa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Kuang Hongyu
- Statistic Department, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Aguiar
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Taques IIGG, Campos ANS, Kavasaki ML, de Almeida SLH, de Aguiar DM. Geographic Distribution of Ehrlichia canis TRP Genotypes in Brazil. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7040165. [PMID: 33138252 PMCID: PMC7712067 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7040165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandem repeat proteins (TRPs) are major immunoreactive proteins of Ehrlichia canis, which have been used in the serological diagnosis of different genotypes of the microorganism. TRP19 is preserved among different E. canis isolates expressed on both reticulate and dense-core cells and observed in the extracellular matrix or associated with the morula membrane. TRP36 is differentially expressed only on the surface of the dense-core form of the bacterium and exhibits more divergence among isolates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the American (USTRP36), Brazilian (BrTRP36) and Costa Rican (CRTRP36) genotypes of E. canis in Brazil, using ELISA assays. Serum samples of 814 dogs from 49 municipalities from all over Brazil were analyzed. Our results showed that 33.9% of the samples were reactive to the USTRP36 genotype and 32.6% to the BrTRP36 genotype. The two genotypes appeared to occur equally throughout Brazil, although the frequency of seropositivity was lower in the south than in the country's other regions. Dogs that reacted to at least one of the synthetic peptides (TRP19 and TRP36) were 456 (56%). A few dogs (n = 5; 0.6%) reactive to the E. canis TRP36 genotype (CRTRP36) were also detected in the northeast and southern regions. We concluded that the American and Brazilian genotypes of E. canis are distributed evenly in Brazil, especially in the tropical region, while the temperate region in the south presented the lowest prevalence rates. This study offers the first report of dogs seropositive for the Costa Rican genotype in Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isis Indaiara Gonçalves Granjeiro Taques
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (A.N.S.C.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Amanda Noeli Silva Campos
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (A.N.S.C.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Mayara Lima Kavasaki
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (A.N.S.C.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Sayanne Luns Hatum de Almeida
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil;
| | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsial Infections, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, Cuiabá 78090-900, Brazil; (I.I.G.G.T.); (A.N.S.C.); (M.L.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-65-3615-8662
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Medeiros MÂDS, Silva MHD, Matta MADV, Ferreira EDO, Machado SL, Soares JF, Labruna MB, Toma HK, Xavier MDS, Meirelles MDNSLD, Almosny NRP. Expression and antigenic analysis of the recombinant TRP36 protein from Ehrlichia canis São Paulo strain for serologic tests. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e005820. [PMID: 32756774 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is the main etiological agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), a globally canine infectious disease. In Brazil, CME is considered to be endemic, and its prevalence can reach 65% in some states. The diagnosis of ehrlichiosis is important for treatment and epidemiological purposes. The E. canis TRP36 (Tandem Repeat Protein) protein elicits the earliest acute-phase antibody response observed during the course of the disease. This study aimed to generate the recombinant TRP36 protein from E. canis São Paulo strain and to evaluate its potential as a tool for the serologic diagnosis of CME. The E. canis São Paulo isolate was cultivated in DH82 lineage cells, and its genomic DNA was obtained. The bacterial DNA fragment encoding the entire ORF of TRP36 was cloned into the pBAD/Thio-TOPO vector and transformed into Escherichia coli DH10B competent cells with the trp36-bearing plasmid for protein expression. To evaluate the protein antigenicity, 16 canine serum samples were previously tested (by PCR and the commercial SNAP®4Dx® serological test). The results were in accordance with the SNAP®4Dx® test. Experiments using this recombinant protein as an antigen, targeting the development of a serologic test based on ELISA methodology, are the next step to produce a reliable, affordable and useful diagnostic tool for CME in Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ângelo da Silva Medeiros
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Castelo Branco - UCB, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria Helena da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Eliane de Oliveira Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Sérgio Lisboa Machado
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico Molecular e Hematologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - João Fábio Soares
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Helena Keiko Toma
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico Molecular e Hematologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Márcia de Souza Xavier
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria de Nazareth Silveira Leal de Meirelles
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Castelo Branco - UCB, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Nádia Regina Pereira Almosny
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kaewmongkol S, Suwan E, Sirinarumitr T, Jittapalapong S, Fenwick SG, Kaewmongkol G. Detection of specific IgM and IgG antibodies in acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis that recognize recombinant gp36 antigens. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04409. [PMID: 32685730 PMCID: PMC7358732 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of antibody detection tools for all stages of Ehrlichia canis infections and for various genotypes remains unclear. We produced recombinant gp36 (rgp36) antigens from different isolates of Thai E. canis to confirm the immunoreactivities to these recombinant proteins from naturally infected dogs. Sera and blood samples were taken from 21 dogs naturally infected with E. canis and in the clinical stages of acute phase ehrlichiosis. The expression vectors and competent E. coli produced two isolates of rgp36. These two major rgp36s were recognized by the dogs' sera in Western blotting, with both anti-dog IgM and IgG used as secondary antibodies. The two different genotypes of these local recombinant immunoreactive proteins were gp36 subgroup A (isolate 1055) and subgroup B (isolate 533). The Western blot analyses successfully identified both specific IgM and IgG from the dogs' sera. Of all 21 cases, five dogs presented specific IgM, twenty dogs presented specific IgG, and the commercial test used found fifteen seropositive dogs. There were four dogs that presented both specific IgM and IgG. Only one dog presented specific IgM only. This report is the first identification of a specific IgM in dogs in response to acute infections with E. canis. The recombinant gp36 isolates may be useful as potential antigenic material for subsequent serological tests that have a high possibility for differentiating between acute, chronic, primary, and nonprimary infections with E. canis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eukote Suwan
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Stanley G Fenwick
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, USA
| | - Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Steyn HC, Pretorius A. Genetic diversity of Ehrlichia ruminantium field strains from selected farms in South Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 87:e1-e12. [PMID: 32633993 PMCID: PMC7343924 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v87i1.1741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Heartwater is a tick-borne disease caused by the intracellular rickettsial parasite Ehrlichia ruminantium and transmitted by Amblyomma hebraeum ticks. Heartwater is problematic in endemic areas because it causes high mortality in ruminants and leads to economic losses that threaten productivity and food security. This may indicate that there is augmented genetic diversity in the field, which may result in isolates that are more virulent than the Ball3 and Welgevonden isolates. The genetic diversity of E. ruminantium was investigated in this study, focussing on the pCS20 gene region and four polymorphic open reading frames (ORFs) identified by subtractive hybridisation. The 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene confirmed E. ruminantium in brain, blood and tick genomic deoxyribonucleic acid samples (n = 3792) collected from 122 farms that were randomly selected from seven provinces of South Africa where heartwater is endemic. The conserved E. ruminantium pCS20 quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to scan all collected field samples. A total of 433 samples tested positive with the qPCR using the pCS20 gene region, of which 167 were sequenced. The known stocks and field samples were analysed, and phylogenetic trees were generated from consensus sequences. A total of 25 new clades were identified; of these, nine isolates from infected blood could be propagated in cell cultures. These clades were not geographically confined to a certain area but were distributed amongst heartwater-endemic areas in South Africa. Thus, the knowledge of strain diversity of E. ruminantium is essential for control of heartwater and provides a basis for further vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena C Steyn
- Vaccine Development and Diagnostics, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria.
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mengfan Q, Lixia W, Ying L, Yan R, Kuojun C, Jinsheng Z, Zaichao Z, Weiwei Y, Yelong P, Xuepeng C, Chongyang L, Jun Q, Qingling M. Molecular detection and genetic variability of Ehrlichia canis in pet dogs in Xinjiang, China. Vet World 2020; 13:916-922. [PMID: 32636588 PMCID: PMC7311875 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.916-922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim As a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen, Ehrlichia canis has already posed a threat to public health and safety. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence and molecular characteristics of E. canis in pet dogs in Xinjiang, China. Materials and Methods A total of 297 blood samples of pet dogs and 709 skin ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) were subjected to molecular detection using PCR for E. canis 16S rRNA gene, and then, positive samples were amplified, sequenced, and phylogenetically analyzed for E. canis gp36 gene. Results The PCR detection showed that the positive rate of PCR was 12.12% (36/297) in blood samples and 15.23% (108/709) in tick samples, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of E. canis gp36 protein, these E. canis strains in different geographical regions of the world can be divided into Genogroup I and Genogroup II. Among them, the Xinjiang epidemic strain XJ-6 and 533, 36, 1055, Kasur1, and Jake strains were clustered into subgroup 1.1 of Genogroup I, while the XJ-2, XJ-21, and XJ-35 strains and the TWN1, TWN4, CM180, and CM196 strains were closely related and belonged to subgroup 2.2 of Genogroup II, displaying high genetic diversity. Conclusion This is the first study focusing on the molecular epidemiology of E. canis infection in pet dogs, which revealed that E. canis infection had been occurred in Xinjiang, China. More importantly, this study confirmed that the substantial variability in immunoreactive protein gp36 from E. canis strains circulating in pet dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Mengfan
- Department of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China.,Department of Life Sciences, School of Biotechnology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China
| | - Wang Lixia
- Department of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China
| | - Lei Ying
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211189, China
| | - Ren Yan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China
| | - Cai Kuojun
- Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, China
| | - Zhang Jinsheng
- Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Tacheng, Xinjiang, 834700, China
| | - Zhang Zaichao
- Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Changji, Xinjiang, 831500, China
| | - Yu Weiwei
- Bazhou Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Korla, Xinjiang, 841000, China
| | - Peng Yelong
- Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Aksu, Xinjiang, 843000, China
| | - Cai Xuepeng
- State Key Lab of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, China
| | - Li Chongyang
- Department of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China
| | - Qiao Jun
- Department of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China
| | - Meng Qingling
- Department of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Burton W, Drake C, Ogeer J, Buch J, Mack R, McCrann D, Coyne MJ. Association Between Exposure to Ehrlichia spp. and Risk of Developing Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2020; 56:159-164. [PMID: 32182116 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-7012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis is a common vector-borne disease caused by Ehrlichia spp. This retrospective matched cohort study was performed to determine if dogs with Ehrlichia spp. antibodies had an increased incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Exposure to Ehrlichia spp. was defined as having an Ehrlichia spp. antibody-positive result recorded at any point in their available patient history. The outcome of CKD was defined as concurrent increased symmetric dimethylarginine (>14 µg/dL) and creatinine (>1.5 mg/dL) for a minimum of 25 days with inappropriate urine specific gravity (<1.030). Patients were matched using propensity score matching to control for age, geography, and breed. A total of 22,440 patients and controls in E canis-endemic regions of the United States were used in this analysis. Contingency tables were used to compare dogs with and without exposure to Ehrlichia spp.-infected ticks and CKD outcome. The relative risk of CKD for patients exposed to ticks carrying Ehrlichia spp. was found to be 2.12 (95% confidence interval [1.35-3.15], p < 0.0006). This study identified that testing positive for Ehrlichia spp. antibodies in E canis-endemic regions is associated with higher incidence of CKD in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wade Burton
- From IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, Maine
| | - Corie Drake
- From IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, Maine
| | | | - Jesse Buch
- From IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, Maine
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Arroyave E, Rodas-González JD, Zhang X, Labruna MB, González MS, Fernández-Silva JA, McBride JW. Ehrlichia canis TRP36 diversity in naturally infected-dogs from an urban area of Colombia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101367. [PMID: 31987818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is the etiologic agent of a highly prevalent tick-borne disease, canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). Four defined E. canis genotypes based on the trp36 gene sequences have been reported, three of them identified in North or South America. The diversity of E. canis has been investigated using genetic and serologic approaches based on distinct 36 kDa tandem repeat protein (trp36) gene sequences that have been reported. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of E. canis infection in dogs from Medellín, Colombia by PCR and determine the E. canis diversity using molecular and serologic approaches. Blood was collected from dogs (n = 300) with clinical signs of CME for PCR detection of E. canis 16S rRNA, dsb and trp36 DNA. Phylogenetic analysis of trp36 gene sequences was performed using MEGA. A serological evaluation was performed using immunofluorescence microscopy and ELISA with species-specific peptides from E. canis TRP19 and TRP36 (3 genotypes) and E. chaffeensis (TRP32). E. canis DNA (16S rRNA and/or dsb) was detected in 18 % (53/300) of dogs by PCR amplification. The trp36 gene was amplified and sequenced from 35/53 16S rRNA/dsb PCR positive samples revealing three genotypes: United States (US; n = 21), Costa Rica (CR; n = 11), and Brazil (BR; n = 3). Most dogs (33/35) with detectable trp36 DNA had anti-E. canis TRP19 and TRP36 peptide antibodies that corresponded to the genotype detected by PCR. Dogs that had antibodies to the TRP19 peptide (82/300; 38 %), also had antibodies to one or more genotype-specific TRP36 peptides. Based on TRP36 serology, the dogs exhibited highest frequency of infection with the US genogroup (US = 26), followed by the CR genogroup (CR = 19) and the BR genogroup (BR = 11). Notably, 26/53 trp36 PCR positive dogs had detectable antibodies to multiple E. canis genotypes (US/BR/CR = 8, BR/CR = 7, US/CR = 6 and US/BR = 5) suggesting coinfection or multiple sequential infections with different genotypes. Colombian dogs did not have antibodies to E. chaffeensis as determined by a TRP32 species-specific ELISA. Our results demonstrate the presence of three previously defined genotypes in North and South America in Colombian dogs (US, BR, CR). These results also demonstrate that TRP19 and TRP36 serology can provide valuable information regarding E. canis exposure and the potential genotype(s) involved in infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Arroyave
- Facultad de medicina veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias, Centauro, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia; Department of Pathology, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Institute for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0609, USA
| | - Juan D Rodas-González
- Facultad de medicina veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias, Centauro, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Institute for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0609, USA
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Av. Universidade de São Paulo, Prof. Orlando M. de Paiva 87, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge A Fernández-Silva
- Facultad de medicina veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias, Centauro, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jere W McBride
- Department of Pathology, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Institute for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0609, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
do Rosário CJRM, da Rocha CQ, de Aguiar DM, Lima CAA, Silveira DPB, Leite JAC, Coutinho DF, Melo FA. Anti-Ehrlichia properties of the essential oil of Ageratum conyzoides L. and its interaction with doxycycline. AMB Express 2019; 9:58. [PMID: 31037564 PMCID: PMC6488629 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-019-0780-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is an infectious disease caused by the rickettsia organism Ehrlichia canis which is transmitted mainly the ixodid brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The prevalence of E. canis infection has been increasing in recent years. The World Health Organization has been warned about antibiotics resistance and one of the way to prevent this situation is found new compound with this property. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for this tick-borne disease. Adverse effects are noted in dogs that are sensitive to this drug. Antibiotic resistance may also occur. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-Ehrlichia properties of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Ageratum conyzoides L. in infected DH82 cells, as well as its anti-Ehrlichia activity associated with doxycycline using the checkerboard assay. A. conyzoides is a native plant from northeast Brazil with many reports of ethnopharmacological applications. The essential oil of A. conyzoides was extracted from the aerial parts of the plant using the hydrodistillation method. E. canis-infected DH82 cells were cultured in DMEM (Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium), maintained at 37 °C and 5% CO2, and standardized at a 70% infection rate for the initiation of treatment protocols. The tests were first carried out with the aim of defining the IC50. The combined effect of doxycycline and A. conyzoides essential oil was then determined using the checkerboard dilution technique (checkerboard method) in which the IC50 was 200 µg/mL. The doxycycline reduction index from the combined effect was 4.90 times resulting in a synergistic effect. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first alternative treatment (alternative therapy) based on bioactive molecules that have antibacterial activity against E. canis.
Collapse
|
27
|
Aktas M, Özübek S. Genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis in dogs from Turkey inferred by TRP36 sequence analysis and phylogeny. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 64:20-24. [PMID: 31174695 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, an important tick-borne disease caused by Ehrlichia canis, is cosmopolitan but particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. In Turkey, the genetic diversity of E. canis remains undefined. The aim of this study was to characterize E. canis in naturally infected dogs from Turkey by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the Tandem Repeat Protein 36 (TRP36) encoded by the trp36 gene. A total of 167 archived blood samples randomly collected from municipal shelter dogs in three distinct geographic regions were analyzed for E. canis. Only ten samples (5.98%) were found positive by PCR assays target regions of the trp36 and 16S rRNA genes. Sequence analysis of Turkish E. canis TRP36 revealed five Tanden Repeat sequences (TRs) resulting to three TR genotypes: i) the previously reported US genotype composed exclusively from TRs of "TEDSVSAPA" sequence (14 or 8 TRs), ii) the previously Brazilian genotype composed exclusively from TRs of ASVVPEAE sequence (13 TRs), and iii) a novel genotype. In addition, phylogenetic analysis based on the entire sequences of TRP36 revealed that these genotypes correspond to four distinct genogroups (US genogroups I and II, Brazilian genogroup and Costa Rica-Turkey genogroup), all containing Turkish genotypes amongst other geographically distant E. canisgenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Munir Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119, Elazig, Turkey.
| | - Sezayi Özübek
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis from naturally infected dogs from the state of Rio de Janeiro. Braz J Microbiol 2018; 50:1-12. [PMID: 30637653 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-018-0020-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis in naturally infected dogs from six mesoregions of Rio de Janeiro state. E. canis was diagnosed with a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting a 93 base pair (bp) fragment of the 16S rDNA gene. To evaluate the genetic diversity of the parasite, we amplified a positive sample from each mesoregion by distinct conventional PCR assays with targets in the gp19 (414 bp), gp36 (814 bp), and p28 (843 bp) genes. A total of 267 samples were collected from dogs in Rio de Janeiro state. Among the samples analyzed, 42.3% (n = 113/267) were 16S rDNA-qPCR positive. When performing PCR for the gp19 and gp36 genes, 100% (n = 113/113) and 5.3% (n = 6/113) of the samples amplified fragments of 414 bp and 814 bp, respectively. The six PCR-positive samples for the gp36 gene also amplified the p28 gene fragment. The characterization based on the gp19 gene demonstrated that it is highly conserved. In protein analysis (TRP36), all samples showed a tandem repeat protein (TRP) that comprised 11 replicates. Seven high-entropy amino acid sites were distributed throughout the gp36 gene. Eleven high-entropy amino acid sites were found throughout the p28 gene. There is a positive selection pressure in both genes (p ≤ 0.05). Comparing and characterizing an organism are useful for providing important information about the host's immune response and identifying new antigenic targets, as well as essential characteristics for the development of vaccines and new diagnostic tools.
Collapse
|
29
|
André MR. Diversity of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia/Neoehrlichia Agents in Terrestrial Wild Carnivores Worldwide: Implications for Human and Domestic Animal Health and Wildlife Conservation. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:293. [PMID: 30533417 PMCID: PMC6265506 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the incidence and awareness of tick-borne diseases in humans and animals have increased due to several factors, which in association favor the chances of contact among wild animals and their ectoparasites, domestic animals and humans. Wild and domestic carnivores are considered the primary source of tick-borne zoonotic agents to humans. Among emergent tick-borne pathogens, agents belonging to family Anaplasmataceae (Order Rickettsiales) agents stand out due their worldwide distribution and zoonotic potential. In this review we aimed to review the genetic diversity of the tick-transmitted genera Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and "Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp." in wild carnivores Caniformia (Canidae, Mustelidae and Ursidae) and Feliformia (Felidae, Hyanidae, Procyonidae and Viverridae) worldwide, discussing the implications for human and domestic animal health and wildlife conservation. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been identified as hosts for Anaplasma spp. (A. phagocytophilum, Anaplasma ovis, A. platys), Ehrlichia canis and "Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp." (FU98 strain) and may contribute to the maintaenance of A. phagocytophilum in Europe. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have been reported as hosts for E. canis, A. bovis, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris" and A. phagocytophilum, and play a role in the maintenance of A. phagocytophilum in the USA. Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) may play a role as hosts for A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum. New Ehrlichia and/or Anaplasma genotypes circulate in wild canids and felids from South America and Africa. While Ehrlichia sp. closely related to E. canis has been reported in wild felids from Brazil and Japan, Anaplasma sp. closely related to A. phagocytophilum has been detected in wild felids from Brazil and Africa. Red foxes and mustelids (otters) are exposed to E. canis in countries located in the Mediaterranean basin, probably as a consequence of spillover from domestic dogs. Similarly, E. canis occurs in procyonids in North (raccoons in USA, Spain) and South (Nasua nasua in Brazil) Hemispheres, in areas where E. canis is frequent in dogs. While "Candidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris" seems to be a common and specific agent of raccoons in the USA, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp." (FU98 strain) seems to show a broader range of hosts, since it has been detected in red fox, golden jackal (Canis aureus) and badger (Meles meles) in Europe so far. Brown (Ursus arctos) and black (Ursus americanus) bears seem to play a role as hosts for A. phagocytophilum in the North Hemisphere. Anaplasma bovis has been detected in wild Procyonidae, Canidae and Felidae in Asia and Brazil. In order to assess the real identity of the involved agents, future works should benefit from the application of MLST (Multi Locus Sequence Typing), WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing) and NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technologies aiming at shedding some light on the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of Anaplasmataceae agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
31
|
Geiger J, Morton BA, Vasconcelos EJR, Tngrian M, Kachani M, Barrón EA, Gavidia CM, Gilman RH, Angulo NP, Lerner R, Scott T, Mirrashed NH, Oakley B, Diniz PPVP. Molecular Characterization of Tandem Repeat Protein 36 Gene of Ehrlichia canis Detected in Naturally Infected Dogs from Peru. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:297-302. [PMID: 29943707 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia spp. are emerging infectious pathogens, especially in the Americas. Although Ehrlichia canis is primarily a parasite of dogs, polymerase chain reaction-confirmed human infections have been reported from Mexico, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. This study reports the presence of E. canis DNA in 13.7% of 205 dogs from urban areas in Peru and of those, five were analyzed for phylogenetic variation using the Tandem Repeat Protein 36 (TRP36) gene. The use of the TRP36 gene for such analysis was validated against 16S rRNA and heat shock protein genes using Shannon's entropy bioinformatic approach. When compared with other E. canis strains previously reported, three unique and novel E. canis strains were detected. In addition, the TRP36 amino acid tandem repeat sequences of the Peruvian strains share close similarity to an E. canis strain detected from four human blood bank samples in Costa Rica. This study reports for the first time domestic dogs infected with E. canis strains closely related to a zoonotic strain, which may be of public health concern as dogs can be chronically infected with this pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Geiger
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Bridget A Morton
- Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, Orange Park, Florida.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | | | - Maryam Tngrian
- College of Agriculture, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, California
| | - Malika Kachani
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Eduardo A Barrón
- Laboratorio de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Cesar M Gavidia
- Laboratorio de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Asociación Benéfica Proyectos en Informática, Salud, Medicina y Agricultura, Lima, Peru.,Laboratorio de Investigación de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Noelia P Angulo
- Laboratorio de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Richard Lerner
- Pan American Zoonotic Research and Prevention (PAZ), Framingham, Massachusetts
| | - Tamerin Scott
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - N Hannah Mirrashed
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Brian Oakley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Pedro Paulo V P Diniz
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Occurrence of tick-borne haemoparasites in cattle in the Mungwi District, Northern Province, Zambia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:707-717. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
33
|
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] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fontalvo MC, Braga IA, Aguiar DM, Horta MC. SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF EXPOSURE TO Ehrlichia canis IN CATS. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/1089-6891v17i333845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The aim of the present study was to estimate the occurrence of Ehrlichia canis in cats from the semiarid region of Northeast of Brazil. Sera of 101 healthy cats were submitted by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA), and considered positive when antibody titers ≥ 40 were obtained. Seroprevalence of 35.6% (36/101) was found, with the following titers: 40 (15 animals); 160 (6); 320 (1); 640 (3), and 2,560 (11). No statistical differences were observed when comparing county of origin, gender, age, breed, and modus vivendi (pet and stray cats), and no ticks were observed in any of the cats. This study revealed exposure to E. canis in cats of the Semiarid Northeast of Brazil.
Collapse
|
35
|
Identification of vector-borne pathogens in dogs and cats from Southern Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:893-900. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
36
|
Melo ALT, Aguiar DMD, Spolidorio MG, Yoshinari NH, Matushima ER, Labruna MB, Horta MC. Serological evidence of exposure to tick-borne agents in opossums (Didelphis spp.) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2016; 25:348-352. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612016028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract This work involved a serological investigation of tick-borne pathogens in opossums in eight municipalities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Serum samples from 109 opossums (91 Didelphis aurita and 18 Didelphis albiventris) were tested to detect antibodies to Rickettsia rickettsii (Taiaçu strain, 1:64 cut-off) and Ehrlichia canis (São Paulo strain, 1:40 cut-off), by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA); and against Borrelia burgdorferi (strain G39/40) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The presence of antibodies to anti-R. rickettsii, anti-E. canis and anti-B. burgdorferi was detected in 32 (29.35%), 16 (14.67%) and 30 (27.52%) opossums, respectively. Opossum endpoint titers ranged from 64 to 1,024 for R. rickettsii, from 40 to 160 for E. canis, and from 400 to >51,200 for B. burgdorferi. These serological results suggest that opossums have been exposed to Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and B. burgdorferi-related agents in the state of São Paulo. Our study underscores the need for further research about these agents in this study area, in view of the occurrence of Spotted Fever and Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome disease in humans in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
Collapse
|
37
|
Cicuttin GL, De Salvo MN, Gury Dohmen FE. Molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis infecting dogs, Buenos Aires. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:954-957. [PMID: 27236582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a worldwide potentially fatal tick-borne rickettsial disease of dogs caused by Ehrlichia canis and transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. CME diagnosis includes indirect (serology) and direct (e.g. blood smears and PCR) methods. PCR is more sensitive and specific than direct microscopic examination and positive PCR results confirm infection, whereas positive serologic test results only confirm exposure. The aim of the present study was to perform a molecular characterization of E. canis from canine samples of the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. We studied 223 blood samples of dogs submitted to our institute for CME diagnoses. The samples were initially screened for Anaplasmataceae family by PCR, resulting in 30 positive dogs (13.4%). Subsequently, positive DNAs were analyzed by nested PCR 16S rRNA specific for E. canis or Anaplasma platys, resulting in 15 (6.7%) and 16 (7.2%) positive dogs, respectively. For molecular characterization, samples positive for E. canis were subjected to amplification of a fragment of the dsb and p28 genes. The nucleotide sequences obtained for the dsb fragment resulted in 100% identity with others E. canis found in dogs from different regions of worldwide. The nucleotide sequences obtained for p28 gene resulted in 100% of identity with each other and closely with E. canis str. Jaboticabal (Brazil). Identity with others sequences of E. canis ranged from 76.9 to 79.7%. The occurrence of canine cases molecularly confirmed in Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires highlights the need for more studies in order to understand epidemiological factors associated with CME, especially the disease transmission dynamic in South America given the existence of two lineages of R. sanguineus sensu lato with different vectorial capacity for transmission of E. canis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Cicuttin
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires City, Argentina.
| | - María N De Salvo
- Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires City, Argentina
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Minimum infection rate of Ehrlichia minasensis in Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma sculptum ticks in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:849-852. [PMID: 27084673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A new genotype phylogenetically close to Ehrlichia canis named as Ehrlichia minasensis was identified infecting cattle and deer in Canada, as well as Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and cattle in Brazil. Although it was detected in R. microplus, little is known about the epidemiology of this ehrlichiosis, especially in other tick species. This study evaluated the minimum infection rate of E. minasensis in Amblyomma sculptum and R. microplus ticks from locations where naturally infected cattle were previously detected. Overall, 45 engorged R. microplus ticks after molting [43 pools of adults (13.4%), and 2 pools of nymphs (4%)], and 42 engorged females post-oviposition (30.6%) (p=0.008) were positive by PCR for Ehrlichia sp. using the dsb, 16S rRNA and TRP36 genes, making a total of 87 R. microplus samples positive for Ehrlichia spp. (17.1%, IC 95% 14.01-20.75%). The partial sequences generated in the present study were 99-100% similar to the dsb DNA sequence of E. minasensis genotypes UFMG-EV and UFMT-BV, respectively, 100% similar to the 16S rRNA sequence of the E. minasensis genotype BOV2010 from Canada, and 99% similar to the TRP36 sequence of the Ehrlichia sp. UFMT-BV. The results of this study confirm the occurrence of transstadial transmission of this agent in R. microplus ticks and highlight the importance of R. microplus in the epidemiology and transmission of ehrlichiosis in cattle. No A. sculptum ticks were positive by PCR for E. minasensis.
Collapse
|
39
|
Almazán C, González-Álvarez VH, Fernández de Mera IG, Cabezas-Cruz A, Rodríguez-Martínez R, de la Fuente J. Molecular identification and characterization of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis in dogs in Mexico. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:276-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
40
|
Aguiar DM, Zhang X, Braga IA, Taques IIGG, McBride JW. Detection of genotype-specific Ehrlichia canis exposure in Brazilian dogs by TRP36 peptide ELISA. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:142-145. [PMID: 26482949 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We recently characterized a novel genotype of Ehrlichia canis based on the tandem repeat (TR) sequence of the TRP36 gene in Brazil. The TR amino acid sequence of the Brazilian (Br) genotype (ASVVPEAE) was divergent from the previously described US genotype (TEDSVSAPA) of E. canis. In this study, we developed an ELISA based on TRP36 TR synthetic peptides from both Br and US E. canis TRP36 genotypes to serologically detect and distinguish infections caused by these genotypes. Sera from 30 Brazilian dogs naturally infected with E. canis, sera from dogs experimentally infected E. canis (Jake and Cuiabá #1 strains) and E. chaffeensis (Arkansas strain) and 12 seronegative E. canis dogs were evaluated. Fifteen naturally infected Brazilian dogs had antibodies that reacted with the US TRP36 (n=9) or Br TRP36 (n=6) only, and 13 dogs had antibodies that reacted with both TPR36 peptides suggesting that these dogs were exposed to both genotypes. Most dogs (n=28) had antibodies that reacted with the highly conserved E. canis TRP19 peptide; however, two dogs had antibodies to E. canis TRP19, but did not have TRP36 antibodies, raising the possibility that another novel TRP36 genotype is circulating in Brazil. Our results demonstrate that synthetic peptides based on the TR region of E. canis TRP36 can be used to serologically distinguish infections or identify coinfections by different genotypes, and to determine the seroprevalence of various E. canis genotypes in Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Aguiar
- Department of Pathology, Center of Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Center of Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Isis A Braga
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Isis I G G Taques
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Jere W McBride
- Department of Pathology, Center of Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Moraes-Filho J, Krawczak FS, Costa FB, Soares JF, Labruna MB. Comparative Evaluation of the Vector Competence of Four South American Populations of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus Group for the Bacterium Ehrlichia canis, the Agent of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139386. [PMID: 26414283 PMCID: PMC4587558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared the vector competence of four populations of Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks for the bacterium Ehrlichia canis, the agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). Ticks (larvae and nymphs) from the four populations—one from São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil (BSP), one from Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil (BRS), one from Argentina (ARG), and one from Uruguay (URU)–were exposed to E. canis infection by feeding on dogs that were experimentally infected with E. canis. Engorged ticks (larvae and nymphs) were allowed to molt to nymphs and adults, respectively, which were tested by molecular analysis (E. canis-specific PCR assay) and used to infest naïve dogs. Through infestation of adult ticks on naïve dogs, after nymphal acquisition feeding on E. canis-infected dogs, only the BSP population was shown to be competent vectors of E. canis, i.e., only the dogs infested with BSP adult ticks developed clinical illness, seroconverted to E. canis, and yielded E. canis DNA by PCR. This result, demonstrated by two independent replications, is congruent with epidemiological data, since BSP ticks were derived from São Paulo state, Brazil, where CME is highly endemic. On the other hand, BRS, ARG, and URU ticks were derived from a geographical region (South America southern cone) where CME has never been properly documented. Molecular analysis of unfed adults at 30 days post molting support these transmission results, since none of the BRS, ARG, and URU ticks were PCR positive, whereas 1% of the BSP nymphs and 31.8% of the BSP adults contained E. canis DNA. We conclude that the absence or scarcity of cases of CME due to E. canis in the South America southern cone is a result of vector incompetence of the R. sanguineus group ticks that prevail on dogs in this part of South America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Moraes-Filho
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe S. Krawczak
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco B. Costa
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Divergence of the TRP36 protein (gp36) in Ehrlichia canis strains found in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:103-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
43
|
Cabezas-Cruz A, Valdés JJ, de la Fuente J. The glycoprotein TRP36 of Ehrlichia sp. UFMG-EV and related cattle pathogen Ehrlichia sp. UFMT-BV evolved from a highly variable clade of E. canis under adaptive diversifying selection. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:584. [PMID: 25499826 PMCID: PMC4266974 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0584-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A new species of Ehrlichia, phylogenetically distant from E. ruminantium, was found in 2010 infecting cattle in Canada. In 2012 and 2013, we reported the in vitro propagation, molecular and ultrastructural characterization of Ehrlichia sp. UFMG-EV (E. mineirensis), a new species of Ehrlichia isolated from the haemolymph of Brazilian Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks. A new organism, named Ehrlichia sp. UFMT-BV, closely related to Ehrlichia sp. UFMG-EV, was recently described in Brazil and after experimental infection it was shown to be pathogenic for cattle. This new emerging clade of cattle Ehrlichia pathogens is closely related to E. canis. The major immunogenic Tandem Repeat Protein (TRP36; also known as gp36) is extensively used to characterize the genetic diversity of E. canis. Homologs of TRP36 were found in both Ehrlichia sp. UFMG-EV and Ehrlichia sp. UFMT-BV. Findings Herein, we characterized the evolution of this new Ehrlichia clade using TRP36 sequences. Our working hypothesis is that Ehrlichia sp. UFMG-EV and related microorganisms evolved from a highly variable E. canis clade. In support of our hypothesis we found that Ehrlichia sp. UFMG-EV and Ehrlichia sp. UFMT-BV TRP36 evolved from a highly divergent and variable clade within E. canis and this clade evolved under episodic diversifying selection with a high proportion of sites under positive selection. Conclusion Our results suggest that Ehrlichia sp. UFMG-EV and Ehrlichia sp. UFMT-BV evolved from a variable clade within E. canis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-014-0584-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France. .,SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - James J Valdés
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain. .,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwatert, OK, 74078, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ferreira RF, Cerqueira ADMF, Castro TXD, Ferreira EDO, Neves FPG, Barbosa AV, Macieira DDB, Almosny NRP. Genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canisstrains from naturally infected dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2014; 23:301-8. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612014055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize Ehrlichia canis strains from naturally infected dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In addition, all the clinical and hematological findings observed in these dogs were reported. PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene was used for diagnostic purposes, and the TRP19 and TRP36 genes were sequenced to evaluate the genetic diversity. Fifteen samples were positive for E. canis. The polymerase chain reaction for the TRP19 gene resulted in 11 amplicons (11/15), which were cloned into the pGEM-T easy vector for sequencing. The complete sequence of TRP19 gene was compared to those in the GenBank, revealing high identicalness. Phylogenetic analysis on the TRP36 gene sequences demonstrated two distinct strains from two dogs, named 56C and 70C. The 56C strain was grouped with the strain Cuiaba 16, which is a hybrid strain formed by Brazilian and US genogroups; and the 70C strain was grouped with other strains of the US genogroup, thus suggesting that there are at least two genogroups of E. canis in Rio de Janeiro (US and Brazilian). Those animals, in which the 70C and 56C strains were isolated, showed distinct clinical and hematological manifestations of 1the disease. The appearance of different genotypes may express new phenotypes, thus resulting in different forms of presentation of the disease and making its diagnosis more complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eliane de Oliveira Ferreira
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Aguiar DM, Ziliani TF, Zhang X, Melo ALT, Braga IA, Witter R, Freitas LC, Rondelli ALH, Luis MA, Sorte ECB, Jaune FW, Santarém VA, Horta MC, Pescador CA, Colodel EM, Soares HS, Pacheco RC, Onuma SSM, Labruna MB, McBride JW. A novel Ehrlichia genotype strain distinguished by the TRP36 gene naturally infects cattle in Brazil and causes clinical manifestations associated with ehrlichiosis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:537-44. [PMID: 24915874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A novel Ehrlichia genotype most closely related to E. canis was reported in North American cattle in 2010, and a similar agent was subsequently identified in the hemolymph of Brazilian Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks and isolated in 2012. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this or other novel ehrlichial agents naturally infect Brazilian cattle. Using PCR targeting the genus-conserved dsb gene, DNA from this novel ehrlichial agent in Brazilian cattle was detected. Attempts to isolate the organism in vitro were performed using DH82 cells, but morulae and ehrlichial DNA could only be detected for approximately one month. In order to further molecularly characterize the organism, PCR was performed using primers specific for multiple E. canis genes (dsb, rrs, and trp36). Sequence obtained from the conserved rrs and dsb genes demonstrated that the organism was 99-100% identical to the novel Ehrlichia genotypes previously reported in North American cattle (rrs gene) and Brazilian ticks (rrs and dsb genes). However, analysis of the trp36 gene revealed substantial strain diversity between these Ehrlichia genotypes strains, including divergent tandem repeat sequences. In order to obtain preliminary information on the potential pathogenicity of this ehrlichial agent and clinical course of infection, a calf was experimentally infected. The calf showed clinical signs of ehrlichiosis, including fever, depression, lethargy, thrombocytopenia, and morulae were observed in peripheral blood monocytes. This study reports a previously unrecognized disease-causing Ehrlichia sp. in Brazilian cattle that is consistent with the genotype previously described in North America cattle and ticks from Brazil. Hence, it is likely that this is the organism previously identified as Ehrlichia bovis in Brazil in 1982. Furthermore, we have concluded that strains of these Ehrlichia genotypes can be molecularly distinguished by the trp36 gene, which has been widely utilized to define E. canis strain diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Aguiar
- Department of Pathology, Center of Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
| | - Thayza F Ziliani
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Center of Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Andreia L T Melo
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Isis A Braga
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Rute Witter
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Leodil C Freitas
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias, HOVET-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | | | - Michele A Luis
- Clinica Médica de Grandes Animais, HOVET-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Eveline C B Sorte
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, HOVET-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Felipe W Jaune
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Vamilton A Santarém
- Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva II, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Mauricio C Horta
- Colegiado do curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Edson M Colodel
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, HOVET-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Herbert S Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Richard C Pacheco
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias, HOVET-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Selma S M Onuma
- Estação Ecológica de Taiamã, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da biodiversidade (ICMBio), Cáceres, MT, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jere W McBride
- Department of Pathology, Center of Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development and Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Alves RN, Rieck SE, Ueira-Vieira C, Labruna MB, Beletti ME. Isolation, in vitro propagation, genetic analysis, and immunogenic characterization of an Ehrlichia canis strain from southeastern Brazil. J Vet Sci 2013; 15:241-8. [PMID: 24136211 PMCID: PMC4087226 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2014.15.2.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Amplification of the 16S rRNA gene from a blood sample obtained from a dog in southeastern Brazil was used to confirm a naturally acquired Ehrlichia (E.) canis infection. Following isolation and culturing of the new bacterial strain called Uberlândia, partial sequences of the dsb and p28 genes were obtained. The dsb partial sequence of the novel strain was 100% similar to dsb gene sequences of E. canis obtained from different geographic areas around the world. Conversely, the p28 partial sequence for the E. canis Uberlândia strain differed at several nucleotides from other sequences available in GenBank. To confirm the antigenic profile of the Uberlândia strain, an indirect immunofluorescence assay against E. canis antigens was performed using dog sera collected from two different areas in Brazil (Uberlândia and São Paulo). The results suggest that both antigens were able to identify animals seropositive for E. canis in Brazil since these Brazilian strains appear to be highly conserved.
Collapse
|