Epidemiological survey of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis using ticks collected from dogs in Japan

Geographic Distribution and Seasonality of Brown Dog Tick Lineages in the United States

Two lineages of brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Latreille [Acari: Ixodidae]) have been described in North America: temperate and tropical. To characterize the distribution of these lineages across this region and evaluate seasonal activity, a 12S rRNA mitochondrial gene fragment was sequenced from R. sanguineus s.l. collected from hundreds of dogs and cats from different locations across 25 of the 50 states from 2018 to 2021. Infestations with temperate lineage predominated (78.5%) and were identified on pets from 20 states, with most (83.5%) from areas with annual mean daily average temperature <20°C. Tropical lineage submissions were less common (19.3%), submitted from 15 states, and most (80.0%) tropical lineage ticks were from areas with an annual mean daily average temperature >20°C. Although travel history was not obtained for all dogs, when tropical lineage infestations were found in colder regions, follow up conversations with veterinarians suggested some of these infestations may have resulted from recent travel of dogs. A limited number (2.2%) of dogs from Arizona and Texas were co-infested with both lineages. Both temperate and tropical lineage ticks were collected from pets in every month of the year. Temperate lineage infestations were primarily collected March through August while tropical lineage infestations were more often collected June through November. These data confirm at least two lineages of R. sanguineus s.l. are present in the United States, each predominating in distinct, overlapping geographies, and suggest that peak activity of each lineage occurs at different times of the year.

Ehrlichiosis in Dogs: A Comprehensive Review about the Pathogen and Its Vectors with Emphasis on South and East Asian Countries

Ehrlichiosis in dogs is an emerging vector borne rickettsial zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. In general, three Ehrlichial species (Ehrlichia canis, E. ewingii, and E. chaffeensis) are involved in infecting dogs. Among them, E. canis is the well-known etiological pathogen affecting platelets, monocytes, and granulocytes. Dogs act as a reservoir, while the main vector responsible for disease transmission is Rhipicephalus sanguineus. However, in east Asian countries, Haemaphysalis longicornis is considered the principal vector for disease transmission. This disease affects multiple organs and systems and has three clinical manifestations, including acute, subclinical, and chronic. Definitive diagnosis involves visualization of morulae on cytology, detection of antibodies through an indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT), and DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In canine ehrlichiosis, no predilection of age or sex is observed; however, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds are more likely to develop severe clinical manifestations. Doxycycline, rifampicin, and minocycline are proven to be effective drugs against canine ehrlichiosis. This review is intended to describe a brief overview of Ehrlichia infection in dogs, its reported prevalence in east and south Asian countries, and the latest knowledge regarding chemotherapy and associated vectors responsible for the disease transmission. This manuscript also identifies the prevailing knowledge gaps which merit further attention by the scientific community.

Genetic Variation in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Ticks across Arizona

Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (Latreille, 1806), the brown dog tick, is the most widely distributed tick species in the world. The two dominant lineages, a temperate group and a tropical group, are recognized as important disease vectors for both dogs and humans. The temperate and tropical lineages overlap in range in some regions of the world, including the southwestern United States, where recent outbreaks of Rocky Mountain spotted fever are linked to R. sanguineus s.l. While it is unclear to what extent they may differ in their capacity to transmit pathogens, finer-scale resolution of temperate and tropical lineage distribution may provide insight into the ecology of these two tick groups and the epidemiology of R. sanguineus s.l.-vectored diseases. Using diagnostic polymerase chain reaction assays, we examined the geospatial trends in R. sanguineus s.l. lineages throughout Arizona. We found the temperate and tropical lineages were well delineated, with some overlap in the eastern part of the state. In one county, tropical and temperate ticks were collected on the same dog host, demonstrating that the two lineages are living in sympatry in some instances and may co-feed on the same host.

MOLECULAR INVESTIGATION AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF ANAPLASMOSIS IN DOGS

Anaplasmosis is a widespread vector-borne disease affecting dogs, and Anaplasma platys is the major etiological agent of the disease. The study examines anaplasmosis molecular prevalence, related risk factors, and alteration of hematological variables in Anaplasma-affected dogs. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from dogs in the district of Lahore, Pakistan. The samples were screened with PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma. Sequencing of samples that were found positive after performing PCR was conducted. A questionnaire was developed to collect epidemiological data on subject dogs, and the information was analyzed with a logistic regression model using SPSS. The current study revealed an 11.34% (17/150) prevalence of anaplasmosis in dogs based on PCR detection. Tick infestation, previous tick history, house hygiene, and tick control status were major risk factors linked with disease occurrence. Red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and platelet count were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Anaplasma-infected dogs. Phylogenetically, the 2 isolates of the current study clustered together, and that cluster was very similar to A. platys isolates from India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

A checklist of the ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) of Japan

Ticks significantly affect the health of humans and animals in Japan. However, no complete checklist has been produced for the Japanese tick fauna in English, and even recent checklists in Japanese do not include all presently known tick species found on the Japanese islands. Here, a complete species list of all tick taxa known to occur within Japan is presented. The status of several controversial Japanese tick species is also discussed.

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia canis in a Philippine dog

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by a rickettsial bacterium, Ehrlichia canis, is distributed worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Transmission of E. canis is primarily mediated by the vector tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and the bacteria then infect and replicate in monocytes and macrophages. Many cases are seen in veterinary hospitals and treated routinely; however, the genetic variation of E. canis strains found in the Philippines has been poorly investigated to date. In this study, the 16S rRNA gene and the gp200 gene of E. canis were detected by polymerase chain reaction from an infected dog in the Philippines, and the deduced amino acid sequence of the gp200 gene was subjected to a phylogenetic analysis. The Philippine genotype formed a cluster with the Taiwan genotype, and was somewhat divergent from the USA and Brazil strains. This suggested that E. canis underwent evolution in East and Southeast Asia, confirming the utility of the gp200 gene for the assessment of genetic relationships among strains.

The prevalence of Anaplasma platys and a potential novel Anaplasma species exceed that of Ehrlichia canis in asymptomatic dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus in Taiwan

Canine anaplasmosis is regarded as an infection by Anaplasma platys rather than zoonotic Anaplasma phagocytophilum in subtropical areas based on the assumption that the common dog tick species is Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which transmits E. canis and presumably A. platys. We investigated asymptomatic dogs and dog ticks from 16 communities in Nantou County, Taiwan to identify common dog tick species and to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. Of total 175 canine blood samples and 315 ticks, including 306 R. sanguineus and 9 Haemaphysalis hystricis, 15 dogs and 3 R. sanguineus ticks were positive for E. canis, while 47 dogs and 71 R. sanguineus ticks were positive for A. platys, via nested PCR for 16S rDNA and DNA sequencing of selected positive amplicons. However, among the dogs and ticks that were positive to A. platys 16S rDNA, only 20 dogs and 11 ticks were positive to nested PCR for A. platys groEL gene. These results revealed the importance of searching for novel Anaplasma spp. closely related to A. platys in dogs and ticks. Seropositivity to a commercial immunochromatographic test SNAP 4Dx Anaplasma sp. was not significantly associated with PCR positivity for A. platys but with infestation by ticks carrying A. platys (P<0.05). Accordingly, R. sanguineus may be involved in transmission of A. platys but may not act as a reservoir of E. canis and PCR results for 16S rDNA could be a problematic diagnostic index for A. platys infection.

Multiple infections of Anaplasma platys variants in Philippine dogs

Aim:

Anaplasma platys, the causative agent of infectious canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, is a tick-borne pathogen that also has been implicated as potentially zoonotic. To provide molecular evidence on the multiple infections of A. platys variants in Philippine dogs.

Materials and Methods:

DNA fragments of A. platys from infected dogs in the Philippines were molecularly characterized. For screening, 25 dogs suspected to have canine anaplasmosis were tested using a 16S rRNA-based nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Infection was confirmed by sequencing of positive amplicons. Second round PCR targeting a longer 16S rRNA fragment was subsequently performed on the first round PCR amplicons of the positive samples. Further characterization using the heat-shock operon (groEL) gene was also performed on the A. platys-positive samples.

Results:

10 16S rRNA sequences were obtained and found 99.6-100% identical to each other and 99.6-99.7% identical to the closest registered A. platys sequences. On the other hand, 36 groEL clone sequences were obtained and found to be 85.1-99.8% identical with each other and 85.0-88.9% identical to the closest previously registered A. platys sequences. Four dogs were found coinfected with 2-3 groEL variant sequences. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the detected A. platys in the Philippines may represent unique variants.

Conclusion:

A. platys variants were detected in Philippine dogs. Coinfection of different A. platys variants in dogs was also demonstrated. The present study may indicate the potential genetic diversity of A. platys in the country.

Anaplasma species of veterinary importance in Japan

Anaplasma species of the family Anaplasmataceae, order Rickettsiales are tick-borne organisms that can cause disease in animals and humans. In Japan, all recognized species of Anaplasma (except for Anaplasma ovis) and a potentially novel Anaplasma sp. closely related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum have been reported. Most of these detected tick-borne pathogens are believed to be lowly pathogenic in animals in Japan although the zoonotic A. phagocytophilum has recently been reported to cause clinical signs in a dog and in humans. This review documents the studies and reports about Anaplasma spp. in Japan.

Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in captive wild felids, Zimbabwe

Background

The populations of wild felids in Africa, of especially lions (Panthera leo) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), are declining and the species are classified as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. As infections with tick-borne pathogens (TBP) can become more of a problem in wild felids, there are relatively few studies on TBP in wild felids in Africa and on how these infections might influence population numbers.

Methods

To gain further knowledge on TBP in captive wild felids in Southern Africa, we collected whole blood from captive lions, Southern African wildcats, cheetahs and servals in Zimbabwe for PCRs against the 18S rRNA gene of the piroplasmids (Babesia, Theileria, Cytauxzoon) and Hepatozoon spp., and the 16S rRNA gene of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp.

Results

Overall, 78% of the lions (67/86) and all the Southern African wildcats (6/6), cheetahs (4/4) and servals (2/2) had evidence of infection with at least one organism. The organisms most commonly detected in the lions were B. leo (59%; 51/86), B. vogeli (12%; 10/86) and H. felis (11%; 9/86) while all the Southern African wildcats and servals were positive for B. vogeli and all the cheetahs were positive for B. leo. Mixed infections were found in 22% (15/67) of the PCR positive lions, most commonly B. leo and H. felis (27%; 4/15), and in 1 (50%) of the servals (B. vogeli and A. phagocytophilum). Two lions were infected with three TBP, mainly B. leo, H. canis and T. parva, and B. leo, A. phagocytophilum and T. sinensis. Mixed infections with B. vogeli and A. phagocytophilum were seen in a serval and a Southern African wildcat. Other TBP were detected at a low prevalence (≤2%) in lions, mainly H. canis, T. sinensis, T. parva, C. manul, E. canis, and E. canis-like and B. odocoilei-like organisms.

Conclusions

Infections with tick-borne agents are common in captive wild felids in Zimbabwe.

Case report: Molecular evidence of Anaplasma platys infection in two women from Venezuela

This article presents two case reports of Anaplasma platys detection in two women from Venezuela. Both patients were exposed to Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the presumed tick vector, and experienced chronic, nonspecific clinical signs including headaches and muscle pains. Intra-platelet inclusion bodies resembling A. platys were observed in buffy coat smears and A. platys DNA was amplified and sequenced from whole blood; however, treatment with doxycycline did not alleviate their symptoms. These cases provide further support for A. platys as a zoonotic tick-borne pathogen, most likely of low pathogenicity; nonetheless, the cause of illness in humans by A. platys is yet to be confirmed.

Efficacy of an imidacloprid/flumethrin collar against fleas, ticks and tick-borne pathogens in dogs

BACKGROUND

Tick-borne diseases comprise a group of maladies that are of substantial medical and veterinary significance. A range of tick-borne pathogens, including diverse species of bacteria and protozoa, can infect both dogs and humans. Hence, the control of tick infestations is pivotal to decrease or prevent tick-borne pathogen transmission. Therefore, different commercial products with insecticidal, repellent or both properties have been developed for use on dogs. Recently, a collar containing a combination of imidacloprid 10% and flumethrin 4.5% has proven effective to prevent tick and flea infestations in dogs under field conditions and the infection by some vector-borne pathogens they transmit under laboratory-controlled conditions.

METHODS

From March 2011 to April 2012, a field study was conducted in a private shelter in southern Italy to assess the efficacy of the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar against tick and flea infestations and to determine if this strategy would decrease tick-borne pathogen transmission in young dogs. A total of 122 animals were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to group A (n = 64; collared) or group B (n = 58; untreated controls). Dogs were examined monthly for ticks and fleas and systematically tested for selected tick-borne pathogens.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, the collar provided overall efficacies of 99.7% and 100% against tick and flea infestation, respectively. The overall efficacy for the prevention of tick-borne pathogens (i.e., Anaplasma platys and Babesia vogeli) was 91.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar is efficacious against flea and tick infestation as well as tick-borne pathogen transmission to dogs under field conditions.

Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis in dogs in Malaysia

An epidemiological study of Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs in Peninsular Malaysia was carried out using molecular detection techniques. A total of 500 canine blood samples were collected from veterinary clinics and dog shelters. Molecular screening by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using genus-specific primers followed by PCR using E. canis species-specific primers. Ten out of 500 dogs were positive for E. canis. A phylogenetic analysis of the E. canis Malaysia strain showed that it was grouped tightly with other E. canis strains from different geographic regions. The present study revealed for the first time, the presence of genetically confirmed E. canis with a prevalence rate of 2.0% in naturally infected dogs in Malaysia.

Canine vector-borne diseases are a worldwide concern particularly in the tropics and sub-tropics that provide favourable climatic conditions for the vectors. Malaysia, a tropical paradise, is thus home to a wide range of vectors as well as the pathogens that they harbor. Ehrlichia canis, a ubiquitous tick-borne pathogen of dogs, is the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, the most common clinically significant tick-borne disease of dogs in Malaysia. The pet explosion coupled with the increasing number of stray dogs, has resulted in a surge in vector-borne diseases in companion animals in Southeast Asia. Despite this, there is very little published information regarding this subject in Malaysia. There are only two published studies on E.canis in Peninsular Malaysia based on traditional light microscopic detection and antibody detection techniques. This disease has been notoriously difficult to diagnose based on the traditional methods. This research investigates this important disease of canids using molecular techniques for the first time in Malaysia providing a more accurate picture of its presence and prevalence in the country.

First molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in ticks from dogs in Cebu, Philippines

Ehrlichia canis infection of dogs in the Philippines has been detected by serological and peripheral blood smear examination methods, but not by molecular means. Anaplasma platys infection in dogs has not yet been officially reported, although it is suspected to occur in the country. Thus, sensitive and specific molecular techniques were used in this study to demonstrate the presence of both E. canis and A. platys in the Philippines. A total of 164 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks was collected from 36 dogs. Seven tick samples were found positive with E. canis and one sample with A. platys. To further characterize these pathogens, molecular analyses based on citrate synthase and heat-shock operon genes were also performed. Philippine strains were found to be not divergent from strains from other countries. The present results are the first molecular detection and analyses of E. canis and A. platys in ticks from dogs in the Philippines.

Molecular survey of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma infection of domestic cats in Japan

The prevalence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma in 1764 DNA samples extracted from feline peripheral blood from all 47 prefectures in Japan was evaluated by screening real-time PCR, genus-specific PCR, and DNA nucleotide sequencing. The survey revealed that all cats were negative for Rickettsia infection. Two cats were positive for Ehrlichia or Anaplasma based on the screening PCR assay. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the partial 16S rRNA including the divergent region near the 3'-end revealed that the 2 positives were most similar to Anaplasma bovis with percent identities of 99.8% and 99.2%. This was the first detection of A. bovis DNA fragments in cats. Although these 2 cats showed stomatitis, both were also infected with feline immunodeficiency virus. The relationship between A. bovis carriage and clinical disease is not yet understood.

Neutropenia associated with osteomyelitis due to Hepatozoon canis infection in a dog

A 4-year-old, intact male Shiba dog was referred to Yamaguchi University Animal Medical Center, Yamaguchi, Japan, for the following complaints: anorexia, lethargy, intermittent fever, gingival bleeding and abdominal purpura. The dog presented with persistent neutropenia. Histopathological examination of a bone marrow sample revealed round to oval structures that resembled Hepatozoon micromerozoites and formed a "wheel-spoke" pattern. Furthermore, mature neutrophils were observed around these structures. PCR and sequencing using bone marrow aspirate confirmed Hepatozoon canis (H. canis) infection. These findings suggest that the neutropenia observed in this case was associated with osteomyelitis due to H. canis infection. This is the first report of neutropenia associated with H. canis infection. H. canis infection can be included in the differential diagnosis in canine cases of neutropenia in areas where the disease is endemic.

Molecular survey of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia infections of feral raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan

Infection by Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in feral raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan, was examined by molecular methods. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screen for Anaplasmataceae, based on 16S rRNA, showed that 38 (5.4%) of 699 raccoons examined were positive. These 38 positive samples were examined for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma bovis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Ehrlichia canis infection by species-specific nested PCR. Nested PCR results indicated that 36 of the 38 samples were positive for A. bovis. All 38 samples were PCR negative for A. phagocytophilum, E. chaffeensis, and E. canis. This is the first report of the detection of A. bovis in the peripheral blood of raccoons. A total of 124 raccoons were infested with ticks, including Ixodes ovatus, Ixodes persulcatus, and Haemaphysalis spp. The rate of A. bovis infection in raccoons infested with Haemaphysalis spp. (46.7%, 7/15) was significantly higher than that in raccoons without Haemaphysalis spp. infestation (3.7%, 4/109, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in A. bovis infection rates between raccoons infested with I. ovatus or I. persulcatus and those not so infested. A total of four ticks (two males and two nymphs) and one larval pools from four raccoons showed positive for A. bovis-specific nested PCR. This results support the correlation between the A. bovis infection of raccoons and Haemaphysalis infestation. In conclusion, raccoons could be possible reservoir animals for A. bovis, and A. bovis infection in raccoons may be related to infestation with Haemaphysalis spp.

Host surveys, ixodid tick biology and transmission scenarios as related to the tick-borne pathogen, Ehrlichia canis

The ehrlichioses have been subject to increasing interest from veterinary and public health perspectives, but experimental studies of these diseases and their etiologic agents can be challenging. Ehrlichia canis, the primary etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, is relatively well characterized and offers unique advantages and opportunities to study interactions between a monocytotropic pathogen and both its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Historically, advances in tick-borne disease control strategies have typically followed explication of tick-pathogen-vertebrate interactions, thus it is reasonable to expect novel, more sustainable approaches to control of these diseases as the transmission of their associated infections are investigated at the molecular through ecological levels. Better understanding of the interactions between E. canis and its canine and tick hosts would also elucidate similar interactions for other Ehrlichia species as well as the potential roles of canine sentinels, reservoirs and models of tick-borne zoonoses. This article summarizes natural exposure studies and experimental investigations of E. canis in the context of what is understood about biological vectors of tick-borne Anaplasmataceae.

Assessment of primers designed for the subspecies-specific discrimination among Babesia canis canis, Babesia canis vogeli and Babesia canis rossi by PCR assay

Canine babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by either Babesia gibsoni or Babesia canis protozoans. The latter is also classified under three different phylogenetic groups, referred to as subspecies B. canis canis, B. canis vogeli and B. canis rossi. The objective of the present study was to validate and standardize a PCR assay to discriminate the organisms at the subspecies level. First, the reference sequences of the 18S rRNA, 5.8S rRNA and 28S rRNA genes, including the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and 2 (ITS2) of the most common species and subspecies of the genus Babesia were retrieved from the GenBank database. Subspecies-specific primers (BAB3, BAB4 and BAB5) and one genus-specific primer were designed from the alignment of the sequences. The PCR assays were evaluated in three different combinations of primer pairs in order to assure complete specificity for each reaction. The results of the tests had demonstrated effectiveness of the novel primer pairs BAB1/BAB3, BAB1/BAB4 and BAB1/BAB5 for the amplification of the subspecies-specific target fragments of 746 bp (B. c. canis), 546 bp (B. c. vogeli) and 342 bp (B. c. rossi) by PCR. The original enzymatic amplification assays with novel primers reported in this paper were confirmed to be a reliable tool for the specific discrimination among B. canis subspecies by single-step PCR assays.

Seasonal change in habitat use by Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae): plant, litter, and soil

Habitat use of Hemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae) was observed from February 1998 to January 2000 in Boso Peninsula, central Japan. The number of ticks collected from plants (by hand) and from litter and soil (by the vinyl method) was compared seasonally. Laboratory experiments showed that the vinyl method effectively collected 97% of adults, 98% of nymphs, and 95% of larvae from soil and litter samples. Field studies showed that habitat use of all stages varied during the species' active period. Larvae were seen on plants from August to October, and the number of larvae on plants peaked in September. Nymphs were on plants from March to May in 1998 or July in 1999 and again in August and September in 1998 and 1999. The number of nymphs collected from the litter was large in October and March. Nymphs shifted from litter and soil to plants both in spring and autumn. Adults were on plants from March to July, although they were collected from litter and soil from September to July. Adults shifted from litter and soil to plants during their activity period. It was shown that all stages were uncommon (low percentages) on plants early in the active period and very abundant (high percentages) late in the active period.

Molecular evidence of a new strain of Ehrlichia canis from South America

Blood samples from dogs with clinical signs compatible with ehrlichiosis were examined for infection of Ehrlichia canis using PCR, multiplex real-time PCR, and DNA sequencing analysis. Eleven of 25 samples were positive for a new strain of E. canis. This is the first molecular identification of E. canis infection in dogs from Peru.

Epidemiological survey of Ehrlichia canis and related species infection in dogs in eastern Sudan

The infection rates of Ehrlichia canis and related species in dogs in eastern Sudan were examined using molecular methods. Among 78 dogs examined, 63 (80.8%), 19 (24.4%), and 26 (33.3%) were positive for E. canis, Anaplasma platys, Mycoplasma haemocanis, and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoparvum," respectively. Among these, 30 dogs were single-positive: 25 for E. canis, 2 for A. platys, 1 for M. hemocanis, and 2 for "C. M. haemoparvum." The rest of the dogs (48.7%) were positive for two or more pathogens.

Detection of DNA of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and Spiroplasma sp. in unfed ticks collected from vegetation in Japan

DNA fragments of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', a feline heamobartonella pathogen, were detected from unfed Ixodes ovatus collected from vegetation in Hokkaido, Fukushima and Yamaguchi Prefectures, and unfed Haemaphysalis flava in Yamaguchi Prefecture. This finding suggests that ixodid tick is a possible vector of 'C. Mycoplasma haemominutum'. Spiroplasma DNA was also detected from unfed I. ovatus in Hokkaido, Fukushima and Yamaguchi Prefectures. The analysis of nucleotides sequence suggested that this Spiroplasma was distinct from registered species.

Genetic characterization of Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) platys in dogs in Spain

This paper reports the first genetic characterization of Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) platys in Spain from a naturally infected dog. The dog presented clinical signs compatible with canine ehrlichiosis. After DNA extraction and PCR amplification, 16S rRNA gene and citrate synthase gene ( gltA) of this agent were amplified. The GenBank accession number for the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of this strain is AY530806. The A. platys strains registered in France and Japan showed the highest similarity to the 16S rRNA gene sequence obtained from the Spanish strain. In the amplification of the gltA gene, a 1443 bp fragment was obtained, and three nucleotide differences were detected in comparison with other strains sequences. These data confirm the presence of A. platys in a dog showing clinical signs compatible with ehrlichiosis in Spain.

Detection of ehrlichial DNA in Haemaphysalis ticks recovered from dogs in Japan that is closely related to a novel Ehrlichia sp. found in cattle ticks from Tibet, Thailand, and Africa

Tick DNA samples from dogs in Japan were examined for Ehrlichia infection by 16S rRNA gene-based PCR and sequencing. Three positive samples were detected from Haemaphysalis ticks, and higher levels of similarity (98.46 to 99.06%) were found to recently detected Ehrlichia spp. from cattle ticks in Tibet, Thailand, and Africa.